Galactic Void: To fill the power vacuum

[BrotherhoodUK]

"Admiral, here are the plans for the newest battleship in the fleet..." The technician drew up a hologram of the ship's designs, whilst Admiral Yuri Pavlov looked on in wonder. "This classic dagger-shape is integral to the effective use of the battleship, you see, Admiral. Now, the main battery is 8 Ultra-Heavy Antimatter Beam Weapons facing the bow-"

"Frontal-firing weapons - good to see."

"Admiral, please, do not interrupt or I'll lose my chain of thought! As you can see, the main battery is primed to the bow and all cannon must be fully jacketed, as always. Failure of the containment fields will be catastrophic to the ship, as you can no doubt tell. The secondary armament-"

"Secondary armament? Secondary guns aren't common on Kislevite ships, Mr Kreissner." Admiral Pavlov's voice had a hint of concern

"I know, but on a ship of this size it is necessary for broadside guns to be present to deal with smaller ships. There are 24 plasma cannons each side, all of which can fire to the front in addition." Kreissner continued.

"So they are turreted?" The Admiral scratched his chin.

"Yes, Admiral. There are also something of the order of 4500-4600 anti-fighter and anti-ordnance turrets that are scattered along the ship's hull - this enables the ship to bring a lot of fire to bear on small targets, although not quite as much as the Achenaran Heaven-class..."

"Never mind the Heaven-class, we'll not be fighting Achenar any time soon. Besides, our main armament is superior to the Heaven, anyway. Best not to think of IGF-3, though. That ship is simply beastly, and only when we attain similar power to Achenar and Suria can we build ships that rival Achenar's finest. However, for now, this new battleship will suffice."

"Suffice? Suffice, Admiral, it will do more than suffice! It will crush any ship that dares oppose it!"

Pavlov sighed. "Fighter complement?"

"About 300-or-so for close-in defence." Kreissner smiled.

"Drones?"

"250 of them are AI-controlled, Admiral. They are the Interceptor-class."

Pavlov chuckled. "Those things were the Navy's greatest gift to pilots, eh? Don't have to waste lives any more on suicide runs; just get drones to do it now!"

"Quite right, Admiral!"

"Have we a name?"

Kreissner shook his head. "That job we left for you, Admiral."

"We shall call it in honour of the greatest Emperor Kislev has ever known... Tsar Andrei II."

[Cosmic Fury]

"Yes, indeed. I know full well of Achenar's independence. However, I'm wise enough not to compete with it. Instead, my predecessors for years have used the same economy that you're proud of, to bolster their own assets. I've no intentions of fighting you or your economy. It's a foolish move, and the both of us know it. And, as you wisely said, what's good for you, is good for me." He took a bite out of the fruit, savored it, and continued.

"As for citizenship, I know there are a few perks, but there's the obvious downside of not being able to do as much of what I want. We Furians hold onto our independence with a firm grip. What's there to make us let go of some of it?"

[Holeypaladin]

"Rationally?" The Achenaran emperor shrugged at Adrian's question. "To be honest, the concept of a Nation is an artificial construct. An illusion. There is no physical embodiment of any nation... it exists solely in the hearts and minds of Nationalists. This analysis is... difficult to make of your own nation, but easy to make of someone else's. Let us use an example that neither of us are particularly attached to, an example of the early stages of Nationalism as observed, without interfering of course, on an underdeveloped planet in the Sol system, some hundred-some Galactic Standard years ago. The phenomenon of Nationalism arose in this country during a period known by the locals as the French Revolution. But the example I'm going to use is a place that was known as the Ottoman Empire... a nation much like any other Empire, and, admittedly, the namesake of my Janissary Program, which you are no doubt familiar with. Anyway, there was a region in the Ottoman Empire known as Greece... a fully integrated, assimilated society, that happened to have a different religion than the mainstream Ottoman religion, but absolutely no desire for independent government for a period of some five hundred years, until the concept of Nationalism spread into Greek culture. You see, there had been a Greek civilization some couple millennia prior to the Ottomans that had been a source of global culture, however, the Greeks of the time had absolutely no connection to this ancient culture... until they invented one in their heads, by using a falisified version of history. What followed was a nationalistic Civil War in Greece, followed by other civil wars and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, all because people identified themselves with an ancient, dead culture that was suddenly revived out of nowhere."

The Emperor shrugged. "I guess I went off on a tangent, there. Anyway, the Achenaran view of the galaxy is pretty simple... Independence is overrated, Nations are illusions. The only reality of the universe is that the strongest military wins, and unification provides a stronger military than factionalism."

He paused, and added, "Oh, and just to be clear, there is a difference between a nation and a state. The Nationalistic principle says that ideally a nation and a state should coincide, but really... a state can exist just fine without the illusion of a nation behind it."

[urukhai9]

The atmosphere of the second fleet was volatile to say the least, if anger and outrage could be given form this was it. Stationed above the planet the entire fleet was waiting for that one order to charge into the fray, to invade and burn a Clanner planet. Instead they got a different order as the captain explained over the PA system "We are to go into the no mans space between Clan Wolf's territory and our own. We are to hold there as an ambassador meets with the Clanners. At the first sign of trouble we are to launch an attack against one of their out worlds, as hey did our's. Now compose yourselves and act according with your station!"

Ian's second in command 'Jester' walked up to him as the fleet once more transferred itself into FTL flight "Sir this is bull, we should take the fight straight to them. Make em' bleed you know?"

looking up from specs on the attack Ian shook his head "I isn't that easy Jester, an act like that would provoke war. A war that would drag on, and on, and on."

"I know sir but-"
"obviously you don't, you are angry and are being irrational. Get some sleep and get something to eat and cool down"
"But-"

"That is an order Jester." Ian said in a lower voice

Snapping a salute Jester left the room. As he did Ian couldn't help but wonder what his father's end game to this whole scenario was.

[paingodsson]

Charles had just got done washing himself when he heard bickering outside, "You stupid freebirth!" he heard as he walked out seeing a young women crying, he knew this women as one of his servants she usually either brought him food, drink or other services from cleaning to making his bed had he not done it. "Filthy freebirth dropping the Khans tea?!" He looked it was one of his commanders who was now grabbing the girl by the shirt. The girl had tears streaming down her face now.

Charles grabbed the Commander from the back the commander's instinct went to throw Charles, as the commander grabbed his arm charles grabbed the commnders arm now that he had let go of the freebirth girl, Charles flipped The commander over and slamming him on the ground. "What the- oh" the commander said as he opened his eyes seeing Charles letting go and standing up from crouching.

The commander stood up as he wiped his suit off, "Good morning Khan Charles." he said as he watched in awe at charles' compassion toward the women on the ground helping her up. "Worry not about it young one everyone make's mistakes go get one of the other servants tell them i need them to clean this up you go ahead take the day off you seem to have had a rough morning and seems like theres some issues right now relax and you will get 2 full days pay for today." he said as the women nodded wiping her tears away and running to get a servant.

"Sir is that a good id-" the commander started, "Commander when you run our great nation you can then yell at my servants like that and when you run this nation you can choose how much they get but until that day you will not." Charles said calmly as he picked up the broken cup and putting the pieces in a pile. "What did you come here for?" Charles asked turning to the now very humbled commander.

"Um sir its about the Federated commonwealth they have accepted you offer and have sent an ambassador that should be here at some time today. Also they lay in wait to attack a planet they are in a neutral space between our two empires. "So the place we were going to control?" Charles asked. "Yes sir." The commander replied.

"Ok prepare the council and the guards as for their fleet keep an eye on it i want a counter attack force far away from any radar scans but close enough to where if they hit us we can hit them back." The commander nodded as he started to walk away before charles spoke up "But commander you seemed rather angry at the freebirths today.... perhaps you woke up wrong why don't you have the day off once you get done with what i just told you without pay in fact you can have the next week off without pay it sounds like you need it." Charles said as he calmly seemed to be examining a plant.

"Yes sir." The commander said sounding rather upset.

--------


The radar suddenly had multiple purple readings on it, "Sir we have multiple neutral readings on the radar, radio signatures are unkown!" one of the members said, There was a man with short black hair in a chair looking out at a large group of ships. "Hail them and get weapons, shields and all attack and defense systems active, we need to get this Convoy to the Kislev empire, Khan Charles is graciously giving money and resources as well as some of our newest weapons to them..." the man said, "Why are we giving them so much?" One of the shipmates said as he activated shields to full power.

"Because Khan Charles is giving to them to almost soften them up he will be wanting trade and/or interest economically or militarily with Kislev. He's smart now that we are big enough to hold our own again Kislev will probably at least consider making us an interest." The man said as the guy who was at the radar spoke up, "Yeah well if these ships don't attack it and take it out first." He said as he started to hail the ships

[urukhai9]

The envoy shuttle coasted out of FTL travel inside the Clan home world's gravity well. Inside the diplomat, Admiral Karith, sat with an aid reading a holo tablet showing the report on fleet 2. "Sir, as you can see the fleet is in position and has in fact been detected. The clanners most likely have a response waiting outside of sensor range" The Aid reported

Clearing his throat Karith scanned through the document, everything seemed to be going well but he had to make sure of one thing "The..experiment is with the fleet correct?"

"Yes sir it is"

A small grin crossed the Admrals face "Good very, good"

The PA on the shuttle came to life as the pilot reported that they were approaching the planet, rising Karith got himself one last glass of water before docking, raising the glass he said quietly "Here is hoping" then he quickly drained it and erased the data on the tablet

[paingodsson]

The minute that Clan wolf detected the ambassadors ship they sent 5 mech's that changed into aerospace fighters, a Carrier and 9 regular Aerial fighters to escort the ambassador.

"Sir isn't that overkill?" A commander asked watching the ambassadors ship now being escorted by their own. Charles patted the man on the back, "Star commander one of these days you will learn that overkill is highly under rated." Charles said as he started to walk to where he would meet the ambassador.

A scientist ran up to him, "Sir do you want to see the new weapon and an update on the new mech?" The scientist asked. "Yes after my meeting i will come to you." Charles said as he kept walking and the scientist nodded and walked off.

Natasha Kerensky met Charles in the hall as she saluted him and started to follow him a with a Particle pulse laser assault rifle in her hand. "Are you excited Kerensky?" Charles asked, "You get to meet your fathers former bretheren." he said

Natasha spit on the ground "My father was a warrior these are savages, the way they fought was almost sickening it was like having to shoot a puppy." she said with an all but serious face now. "We were bred for battle in the iron womb, these fed rats.. you must just have to pass a written test to pilot a mech for them." Natasha said again

"You seem rather upset Natasha are you angry at these freebirths for something?" Charles asked

"These freebirths Khan Charles are the reason my father Alexander Kerensky had to take the defense force and leave." She said "Those frrebirths are also the reason your alive right now had they not done that chances are you wouldnt have been born." Charles said with a smile. "Yes sir" Natasha said almost chuckling.

They entered the room as Charles sat down a servant came up with a hologram, "Sir they just entered the atmosphere the escort is bringing them to the landing sight."

Charles nodded "Good."

[urukhai9]

The Admiral took a deep breath to compose himself as the ramp fell stepping out with his aid and an escort of four commandos, he ran his fingers over a button on the cuff of his uniform, the button that would start a war. He walked with an air of quiet confidence, the gait of a long time diplomat. As he saw Charles he bowed "It is kind of you to allow us to be here Khan, hopefully we may stave off a war that would leave us both weakened, and pray to others"

[paingodsson]

"Yes ambassador and leaving us both weakened would take a very long war that which would cost many lives. So that being said let it be known that if that is needed my nation and empire have the ability to do so as we have gone from the pit of hell and back before." Charles took a breath as he looked over and could see natasha had her gun's safety and her finger ready on the trigger. "As you can tell some of my associates aren't to thrilled about you federates. I however am a peaceful man, so let us first listen to me for a second."

Charles cleared his throat and his voice raised a little bit, "Who do you people think you are trying to tell us not to expand any further we do not simply take orders from another nation so willingly." he said "Now then ambassador let your frustrations out so we can get along with this talk." CHarles said with a small smirk

[Holeypaladin]

"What is that annoying beeping sound?" growled Gortag Skullsmasher.

"I... think they're trying to parlay," said the Voice, "But I can't understand a word they're saying."

"Bah," said Gortag. "We've come too far for parlay, it is time for Glory. Tell the Firelancers to attack at will."

Rather than responding to the hailing frequency of their prey, the Firelancers locked on to the largest target and fired their weapons at will.

Several beam weapons lit the target up, firing some exotic meson particle weapon that seemed to completely ignore the defenses of their opponent, exploding inside the largest of the Wolf clan ships.