Dedicated Roleplay Area

The Zeguthian Remnant had never liked Hexalan, and recently that hatred has shown a spark of life in new and unusual ways. The freighters with troop supplies take a route to the Middle Space  that directly heads past the Remnant. The convince of such close proximity to an old enemy seemed to be to much for the Zeguth, as soon gorilla warefare started up in the region, and the Hexalani government seems to regret making such fragile ships. In retaliation a fleet arrives in the territory, to find it mostly evacuated, and Zeguthian cloaking and other hiding techniques ensure an uneasy search. Also Penguin and Roman cities suddenly have massive rises in the population of Zeguthian citizens. Penguins remain silent on these issues, and the UPA says that that is a tell tale sign that the Penguins trigger it, while still emptying their pockets to the the many re-awoken loans they hadn't payed off to the Penguin banks.

Mobilization quietly starts up in the Hatsun as well, probably due to long lasting hatred towards the Taln. The Fleet onlooking the Hexalani border is also growing steadily, and Roman troops appear ready to strike, and the Jem-Hadar are mobilized with their fleets pointed at the Garm threats. The Leptons annoyingly still are either silent or are remaining disgustingly neutral. Strange activity is arising in the newly established mercenary group, but no one really knows what is going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhrbK254yRE


The UPA, stricken by Penguin debts, are taking out loans with Hexalan, considering that they are the controller of the UPA's most popular consumer currency, the Galactic Credit. It is the opinion of those elected to lead the UPA that Hexalani loans are preferable to the Penguins seizing them like they did Mexico. (Also mostly because they'd really really really like to not be under communist control.) Several political groups in the UPA that are pro-Hexalan/share their ideals are supporting these actions.

Speech Delivered By UPA President:

As the Zuguthian raid group dropped out of FTL at the Hexalani freight transport fleet, they were met with heavy fire from the guardian fleet. Shipments of troops and cargoes have become synonymous.

The Mobilization in Taln is getting to be to much for their Tien neighbors. In their panic it seems that one of the primary Taln leaders was assassinated near the Neo Tielis Border. The outrage within the rank of the Taln is evident, and their super ship seems to be thinking about moving in that direction. Meanwhile, Convastid fleets show up along the De'gon border calling out a "white flag". Penguin, Convastid and De'gon officials meet to discuss minor negotiations as they soon realize they might be at war. The Penguins constantly try to use the honor system of the De'gon to make them quit the war, though it doesn't seem to be working. Jem Hadder arrive in masses along their upper border as well, reporting strange activities from the areas no one is capable of entering. Vigilantes claiming to be able to transgress that space, are hired to scout out the region before any decisions are made. A brave ship of Hirians under no banner fly over the the Northern Garm state as well. Charging straight to the capital the march their way to the leader of the Northern Garm. There his leadership was challenged to a one on one duel with the tiny little insects. Thinking this to be an easy challenge the Garm lord agreed to the duel, or his honor would be destroyed. Both beings layed down their weapons and suddenly a battle started that would not be finished all that quickly...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQR-n6Z7Kxk



The navy has grown a rather considerable amount since full production began, by an approximate 1.5x factor. As a result, more fleets are escorting transports heading into the Middle Space. There are also several hundred vessels equipped with technologies never mounted on active warships, namely combat-grade shielding, but also more advanced FTL drives and more energy-efficient reactors. While Hexalan has had access to these techs for some time already, and are really nothing new, they've refrained from retrofitting their fleets due to constraints on time and minimum active units. It is expected that more ships will be armed with these systems in the future, especially if they prove to be more worthwhile than existing designs. However, these new ships have forced command and technical personnel to become acquainted with the systems and the tactics they entail. Relatedly, Tens of millions of personnel who would otherwise be on protective detail, where they would only be forced to combat in the event of being invaded, are joining active service.

Several new galactic nations have arisen in the Earthosphere. Reichsland and the Post-European Enclave, supported by Hexalan, as well as the New Indian Republic and a unified Jewish state, under partial support from the Penguins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n9OgPVggN8



"Command, this is SCC-78890, requesting launch, over."

"SCC-78890, you are clear for launch, over." The shuttle sped out of the carrier's hangar deck, speeding off into the space beyond, carrying in it an A5 team. Captain Fesken clambered over to the cockpit, stopping next to the pilot.

"The 'drive will take a while to spool, I'd hang back with my men if I were you," The pilot said to Fesken, turning towards him slightly. Fesken gave a nod as he returned back to the hold.

"We've got a bit of time, so let's go over the plan once again," Fesken announced, holding out his palm as a hologram sprang from it. "HIGHCOM has deemed it necessary to send us as well as several other teams into Penguin territory. However, since they've been massing their vessels along the border, entry's a bit harder than usual. This shuttle is our ticket in, it's been masked against conventional scanners, so unless they're looking real hard out a window, they won't even know we're there. Once we're in, our objective is to be eyes and ears as well as do a few acts of terrorism here and there..."

"Engaging FTL drive, hold onto your seats!" The pilot's voice came over comms as the vessel jumped.

(Out of Character Note: A5's are like ARC troopers, but Hexalani.)

After the destruction of a couple of important and non aggressive infrastructure, the Penguins and Canadians had enough. Leading the citizens to believe this terrorism was lead by the Taln and set a deep strike with a small (in penguin terms) reserve fleet, smashing through the unsuspecting Taln fleets. Even as the border patrol tried to open fire (which was mostly lost in the radiation shielding) the broadside of the penguin vessels tore through all shielding and armor in a matter of minutes. But as the supership and the rest of the more organized Taln fleet go up to meet this threat, the Hatsun jump from the south, seeing the oppertunity to destroy their long enemy, and the desperate Neo Teilis strike from the east to help neutralize the area as well, but keep a large fleet shielding their flank to make sure other threats don't just walk in.

Neo Romanus also got tired of watching the Zeguthians trying to do all the terrorism alone. With a fleet of impressive size appearing around the planet of New Istanbul, Hexalan finally has found an actual threat to it's resources. An orbit to surface bombardment battle quickly breaks out as the Romans target key mining facilities.

Over in the Leptoshere, things are looking strange. The battle between the Hirians and the Garm Lord still rages, with off and on rest and food periods, but neither seems to win. Hexalani citizens have been banned from the grand palace, being caught trying to influence the outcome of this event several times. The Garm Lord does not wish to be shamed so and any harm dealt to the Hirians would probably end good terms with the nation the Garm blame and the Garm themselves, both nations. These events also help give leverage to the penguin dealing with the southern Garm, as the honor of Hexalan is now in question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b1gSztTH2A



Several improvised thermonuclear devices were detonated in major Canadian population centers immediately following the messages of the invasion against the Taln. (A5 teams have entered into hiding.)

The Roman assault was quickly retaliated against by ships pulled from nearby unimportant systems and escorts of unladen transports. Hexalan has accentuated in their reports the heavy presence of local civilians in the mining facilities, primarily citing their high employment rates on New Istanbul and similar worlds, outraged by the Romans' brazen attack.

With the invasion of the Taln, an ally, albeit a distant one, Hexalan has declared war on the Penguin Canadian Union. All border fleets have been mobilized into Penguin territory, the heavier ones focusing on directly engaging their defensive forces while the lighter ones attempt to use the heavies as cover to push onto their worlds. As per standard war procedures, all Volunteer Defense Forces have been asked to defend their home if (read: when) the Penguins counterattack. 76% have already agreed. Arbiters have been elevated to soldier status and are being garrisoned. Noncombatants have been warned that Penguins are likely to be indiscriminate and are being asked to head to the core worlds, where defenses are strongest. And in order to further strengthen them, all defense fleets not defending critical locations (active shipyards and the like) are being sent to the core. Hexalan is also calling on Reichsland the Post-European Enclave to be annexed by Hexalan in accordance with related clauses in their agreements.

Communique from Vigilants of Destruction to Penguin-Canadian Union:

A report from one of our elite commanders:
"After we went through the barrier, we were instantly hit by an electronic brain wave. It shut off our sensors, but none of my men were mind controlled, so far anyways. A few broken transport ships were hovering over a little dead dwarf-planet. We cracked one open, found some hair balls with ion rifles and acidic throwers. Our ship took heavy damage, but my men were able to survive the battle. The brain/electronic waves are getting stronger. It may crack through our helmets soon. We were forced to come back for repairs. But whatever odd things live there, I have a feeling we just sent it down the wrong road."
We expect the full pay by tomorrow, before we send the boys back out again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQRH6kLMa1k



The darkness in the sky clouded the waters as Captain Fesken scouted their target: a minor but crucial supply relay. The relay made sure that shipments of supplies made it to the surrounding Penguin settlement. There weren't many Penguins that lived out in the Canadian North East, due to the relatively high density of the humans. Though there were a few choice regions where they could set up the way they liked, spread fart apart. There was a near-silent crunch of snow behind Fesken, he turned around to see Lieutenant Hepse.

"Kapten, Se'Nesvar famtowrol jezan siltolunj. Jues feltananzol na petrole notosilunj tofa tina." Fesken nodded. It was only barely dusk, not dark enough for stealth. If the patrol got close they'd have to rely on their cover as off-world Canadian hikers.
("Captain, we should get moving. Jues spotted a patrol coming this way.")

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgkcYz11LLo

The penguin looked out of the ship at the line of flying mach guns unflinchingly. There were many many ships in the distant Hexalani line. There was nothing to fear in the attack. Not for long that is...
"Kaptajn Frej!" one of the shield officers in the hull cried out from his seat at a terminal. The printouts were flying like crazy and the radiation pulsar screen showed hundreds of decently sized projectiles coming towards the fleet. "De er lancere mange af deres Macer på os! Vi kan kun holde en runde af dette."
(Captain! They are firing many of their Macs at us! We can only hold one round of this.)
The Penguin stared intently out the window. He knew that to his crew mates his orders did not yet make sense, but they would all to soon. As the wave of macs reached their broadside there was a visible shake in the fleets, even though the dense radiation shielding had taken most of the blow.
"Alle enheder Thor manøvrere nu!" The voice rein on the intercom loud and clear. The penguin pilot chuckled as the massive ships turned with surprising speed to face the enemy. It wasn't every day you got to do a Thor maneuver. With their ships pointed at the slower firing Hexalani fleet the pilot kicked the engine into full throttle. The Hexalani ships realized what was happening far to later to be able to turn effectively, so kept their fronts forward as not to create a larger target for the giant rams. But now the surprise was on the Hexalani, as many dozens of massive ships came in from behind the ram to support the charge, they were large, bulky, and had low hanger doors in order to... and before the Hexalani could call in the siege ships were approaching the ram had reached them, shattering most of the heavy fleet to pieces. Only a small portion of the fleet was left, and as they called in the invasion, both sides realized how devastating of a war this would become.
(All units Thor maneuver now!)

The invasion of the IPCE continues as the Hexalani push was broken through and the Penguins pushed with two thirds of their fleet towards the Hexalan. The lighter fleets of the Hexalani remain relatively untouched as they approach the first of the Canadian homeworlds, but find them emptied rather recently. Soon spec ops is noting that all of the planets are getting their populations taken away but to where they aren't sure. It is the classic Russian tactic, and a reminder to the Hexalan that the largest even Napoleon fell throughout the tides of history.
Also Mexico peacefully starts to open talks with the UPA on cutting their ties with Hexalan, bringing up some of the very controversial ideas and philosophies of the pale skinned race. Their encouragement is mostly blacked out, but some of the more traditional Americans start to realize, was this what my ancestors faught so hard to keep, was this the future envisioned for America? To be swallowed by a military state. The negotiations with the Garm continue to go well, and the fight with the Hirian is held at a draw, making the Hirian, though not the leader of the Garm, but a very highly respected figure in all of the Garm world indeed.
Even with the claims of Hexalan, the Romans continue their assault and orbital bombardment of the Middle Space planets. It is war after all, but in respect to the people, a signal is given secretly to the next planet that would be assaulted, Hexalan doesn't know it, but all the children of Aberham do. So hopefully the next time a mine is bombarded it will be empty, if not that is Hexalan's genocide, not Rome's.
The Penguins are very impressed by the works of the new mercenary group, and intend to pay them in full, as well as fund the process of making better equipment to penetrate further into the territory that is unknown to the rest of the universe. And yes, full pay has been sent to your Penguin's Choice banking account.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTsD2FjmLsw



"All fleets report ready. Operation is go, Admiral."

"Very good. Let's show those flightless bastards what it means to be a soldier."

The familiar FTL vortex engulfed them as they sped towards the edge of Penguin space. Their battlegroup (a battlegroup is 5 fleets) dropped out just outside the system.

"Sir, picking up multiple Penguin IFF's. It's them. We're currently within MAC range."

"Fire at will, leave none alive."

"Aye, sir."

The heavily armored behemoths began to unleash the full force of their cannons, loading up the hardest hitting rounds first. They'd managed to break one or two smaller ship's shields, but the whole rest still remained intact.

"Bring us closer, get our railguns fir- What in the blazes are they doing?"

"They're preparing to ram us, sir!"

"All hands, brace for impact! I want all guns firing, pick your targets. Keep the subcapitals out of the way and support the supers." A round of "aye"s resounded around the CIC, embedded deep within the vessel. He leaned in close to the pilot, "See if we can't outmaneuver them."

"Sir, I think our best bet is to counter-ram."

"Very well. All ships, full power to engines! We're going in."

As the Penguin vessels closed, the space between was lit up by streaks of light and smoketrails as autocannons, railguns, and missiles launched. The vessels shuddered once more as the second round of MACs went off, this time at effectively point-blank range. Several Penguin vessels lost their shields, quickly being shredded by the indiscriminate fire. The Hexalani vessels were for the most part able to sustain the incoming fire from the Penguins, but they wouldn't last a direct ramming. The faster capitals broke from the rough line, speeding towards groups of Penguin vessels. Brilliant blue flashes engulfed them as their power systems were detonated, also setting of any ordnance.

While the battles across the systems of the Penguin's border raged, light fleets skirted the battlefields, circumventing the combat. The battles were bloody and messy, and while the Hexalani's forces there were effectively obliterated, they managed to take a deal of the Penguin's forces with them.

"Sir, preparations are complete, we're ready to engage."

"Punch it." The Admiral stood in the center of his CIC as the secondary attack group's FTL drives made final preparations. They wouldn't escape our grasp...

With the border planets mostly void of any sort of resistance, the troops begin to dig in. With the light fleets effectively untouched, they have their full supplies at hand. Bunker networks are under construction with anti-orbital guns being installed along with other standard defensive fair, as well as any cities or towns being razed, easily done with no one around, (and, secretly, executing any stragglers). They'll  make the Penguins regret giving them the beachhead.

Hexalani garrisons have noticed the residents of a mine planet in the Middle Space making preparations to move. Of course, that is strictly prohibited behavior, and they are being cordoned to the various mining facilities so as to get what they can out of their resource advantage before the Romans utterly cripple the system. The garrisons on other planets are being notified that the other populations may also attempt to flee.

After the penguins had entered the Hexalani outskirts there finally was a breather of a moment. Not yet in range to engage any of the enemy vessels. The penguins stretch a bit before they get ready to take the orbits of the outer planets. The Thor maneuver had gone well, even in the light of losing several Penguin Vessels. But the penguins don't have much time to take a breather, as another Hexalani fleet is approaching quickly to engage, probably the reinforcement for the other fleet. The Penguins swiftly show the Hexalani their broadside, as they quickly charge the shields with the emergency energy. "Let them come." the admiral said from his Titan class, and at his signal several ships come up to just behind the front line. Their massive ion pulses start charging, "Bahamut class will be ready in T minus 3 minutes." It's time to really get this war going.

The Romans reached another mining world with it's population still near the mines. The Romans curse the Hexalani for not letting the Arabs move. But they were not about to leave the planets unscathed. The bombardment projectiles are loaded and shot, trying only to destroy important facilities on the planet, such as space ports and anti ship cannons. It was not all successful, but the Romans did not feel like being the bad guys today. Once the planet was mostly neutralized, the Romans continue on their way, posting hidden warning scouts in case the area is tried to be revitalized.

The Taln invasion is swiftly coming to an end. The heavy penguin fleet has stopped its assault after dealing heavy damage, and rondevoued through Neo Telis to support the border fleet entering Hexalan. After an agreement with the Penguins the Hatsun quickly move in to take revenge on their long time foe, this time with very superior fire power.

The Convastid Islands, and Jem'Haddar deserts also seem to be finding new residents. Canadian citizens are reported by scouts in the area to be flooding in on massive transports of Convastid origins. It seems that most of the nation's noncombat readied woman and children is being relocated temporarily. There the fit among them are already being trained in combat in case of invasion. The Convastid fleet is also reaching a very large size, and the Jem'Haddar fleet is also being expanded, the shield brother program has also been discovered. This means every squad of troopers has on Haddar present, and that Hadder is equipped with their sonic and ion field weaponry, used to disable machines and stop bullets. They also are equipped with their own "laser" weaponry, which it's actual substance is unknown at the time being. The origin is probably sonic, considering the race's love for that energy source.

Relations with the Garm continue to increase, and the Penguins wonder where their report from the Mercenary scouts is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2AxpaH56WY



"Sir! The Penguins dropped out right in front of us!"

"Cut off the FTL! We're engaging here. All ships, fire whatever you've got as soon as you're in range, if you're not, close in. Subcaps, keep close, support each other."

The battlegroup fired their MAC volley, streaking through the stars right into the Penguin fleet.

Fighters and bombers poured from the carriers, which had not been at the earlier battle, instead being used to increase the carrying capacity of the light fleets. The strikecraft began engaging the Penguin vessels first, most bombers letting loose their nuke first.

(Further content pending on knowledge regarding what a nuke will do to a Penguin ship)

The swarm of fighters hit the ships more quickly than the Penguins had anticipated, and the nukes rained down on the frontlines. With the radiation shielding being absolutely pointless, the blow is entirely taken by the hard photon shielding. A blast that massive has a nasty impact on the shields, pulling them down at least to 40%, but more than likely far closer to 80 or 90 % on most ships. The Admiral was shaken by such a blow, but his resolve was not hindered. "Apply the pest repellent Bahamuts, we want the swiftwings to have a clear shot."

"Applying the pest repellent," The Bahamuts rein in, and then, ion pulse. The capital ships being farther off only get a flicker in their lights as they pull into firing range. But the fighters are knocked out for at least a few moments, just enough time for the Penguin swiftwings to pull out of the carriers and engage the hostile fighters.

"While their busy recharge the Bahamuts and send them backwards in the ranks, frontlines we gonna do a Loki maneuver (see diagram)." The first round of Macs are volleyed at the Penguin vessels, "And send a response blast, now!" Quickly there was a flash all along the broadside of the Stalwart wall of ships. Flinging the cannonballs directly at the Hexalani figures. The Macs hit, blasting several of the small ships to splinters and putting capital ship shields into critical conditions, as the switching of the lines continues on its way.

The Loki Maneuver:


[OOU](when I say smaller ships, I mean anything smaller than a capital)[/OOU]

The Admiral was looking into his viewing port when the edges of the ion field reached them.

"What in the name of Pleth was that?!"

Sparks flew about the CIC, lights flickering.

"Seems to be some sort of electromagnetic weapon! It's knocked out most of our strikecraft, most of them will be mopped up before they come back online."

"Damn it!" A hard thump sounded as his fist slammed the holotank.

"Sir, the Penguins are pulling back! They might be retreating."

"Hold position. Launch the rest of the strikecraft we've got (see Google Doc) into Guardian Stance (just hang out near the fleet). ETA on MACs?"

"Uh, looks to be about 6 or so minutes, the... the felnasezso freaked out the loading bots."

The Admiral nodded slightly. "Let's take some potshots with the railguns then, I suppose."

Across the battlegroup, intrepid gunners linked up to their most precise railguns and did their best manual firings (the targeting system is useless at these ranges).

(OOC: That's ~400 total ships, with ~80 per fleet.)

The rail shots could be seen flashing from all the way across the battlefield. The Loki Maneuver was about two thirds complete before the rounds started pelting the ships. On the damaged ships that were mostly covered hull breaches started to become a problem, but the fresh ships coming in place had little problem with them, since the fire wasn't nearly focused enough. The Macs hadn't fired since their last volley, but the penguins were ready to send out another round of cannon fire. The broadsides of the new frontlines flashed as more ammo was sent the enemy's way.

"Sir, we aren't going to win this battle sitting here. We need to get the Bahumuts close enough to really do some damage, Admiral." One of the advising Penguins suggested to the large Penguin watching the display.

"Yes we must start the charge, just remind the captains that this is not a Thor maneuver, we keep our broadsides at them. And make sure the overhead cannons (heavy MAC) are ready for their larger ships. Keep their fighters busy with ours if they try to get closer." And the penguins started their steady charge, their heavy gatlers ready for if anything got in range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6eMBvMuZ6A



Fifteen years.

Fifteen long years.

That's how long it took for us to fall.

At first, it was going well. We'd though we'd win it.

The initial battles were bloody, sure, but we came out on top of those.

Then setback, after setback... loss after loss...

We were winning the battles, but... with our numbers falling faster than theirs...

Made what was going to be a quick and decisive victory...

Into fifteen years of hell.