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Point Defense Systems » Roleplay & Fluff » Chronicles of War

Fiction Archive - Kings by Norsehound
TelQuessir	#1 Posted on 05-09-2005 09:46
Posts: 2598 Joined: August 30 2005	CHAPTER ONE: Wine and honor In the aftermath of the great crusade of the Vaygr, there were few heroes. With the fall of Makaan and the disappearance of Karen Sjet, it let the galaxy a very hollow place in the din of a war that seemed to drag on without a purpose. The cores were gone and Makaan was dead. Yet in their pride the Vaygr refused to disseminate back into the regions from whence they came- and prepared to renew their invasion on Hiigara to avenge their dead leader. On the other side there were the Hiigarans- a defensive race that stood strong in the face of the invaders from the east. Although their planet was struck by the horrors of war they stood firm- defiant in defending their homeworld to the last. For once the Hiigarans had returned to their world, an unspoken vow was taken never to allow another exile to happen again. Caught between two sides of the storm were the Taiidan. Once a proud and noble people, their history of late recalled the fall from a corrupt empire and the scattering into a republic and shards of an empire. In this day and age both were gone, but only a scant fragment remains of each. Yet they, like their counters in the Hiigaran and Vaygr navies, had important roles to play in the years ahead. For like all wars, the outcome was the sum of its participants? and the Taiidan were hardly spectators now or ever in their history. ---- It was rare to see combat on this span of the border these days. But conflict between peoples were becoming increasingly common in this area of space. Since nearly everybody wanted a piece of the Taiidan after their subsequent fall of power, empires bordering the former imperial states seemed to take turns attacking the Taiidan whenever they could. This time it was one of the few neighboring empires to Hiigara that had not fallen in the Vaygr invasion. The Assembly of Itaar didn?t have many ships of it?s own, but did use licensed Hiigaran designs with frightening efficiency. Itaar commanders were known for two things: Their brutality to those they hated, and their ingenious battle tactics. They also had the notorious reputation of appearing in places where opposing commanders didn?t want them. And right now, for Commander Tarbitan Khaneem, it was bad timing on the part of their adversaries. He was, of course, Taiidani, and his ship was flying imperial colors. It was strange and somewhat mystical to see an old Taiidani destroyer blasting away while it?s engines were on full power, but it was only testimony to the Khaneem dynasty in shaping their family line of commanders. The destroyer had seen much wear and tear, as apparent by it?s patched hull and retrofitted armaments, but the Sessazu like many times before fought with increasing vigor now. Very few destroyers in this day and age mounted substantial ion weaponry, and Tarbitan made sure the Itaar regretted it by charging into the Itaar ranks with guns blazing. The two 120mm cannon turned and rapid-fired into the audience of incomng corvette craft. Several shots hit, and as the hot yellow and red destroyer rode past a pair of makeshift gun turrets snapped bullets into the passing formations- scoring a direct hit on a pulsar corvette and blowing the turret clear off it?s mounting. Tarbitan himself was out of his command seat and holding onto the bridge?s internal structral railing. He hardly ever used the chair after his own father broke a bone in it during combat maneuvers. Like all the times before he stood now, and held on with a firm grasp to the structural beams as he shouted orders in Taiidani to his officers. The destroyer wheeled on it?s side and turned the turrets to fire at the next generation of space warfare in destroyer form. Hiigaran destroyers had become a little more domesticated since the homeworld wars- and this Hiigaran adversary showing the Itaar badge had torpedos instead of ion mounts. However- it did outclass the Taiidan in the number of guns. Four turrets leveled and fired in rapid succession at the high-speed Destroyer. Tarbitan leaned on a hand and shouted through the back of the command cabin to some retrofitted consoles. Taking lessons from the Vaygr, active and thinking Taiidan commanders had done field refits on their ships and gave them missile weapons. Like the vaygr frigates pretty much every Taiidan capital ship higher than a frigate carried at least one form of missile launcher, and the Sessazu was no exception. Mounted in the ?armpits? of the wings at the back edge of each side were a pair of ?confiscated? missile launchers borrowed from a pair of vaygr frigates. The underside of the Destroyer had also been dug out to add a pair of heavy missile launchers at the cost of structural reinforcement and redundant cargo bays. The destroyer dumped out a pair of heavy missiles as Tarbitan ordered the ship to speed into a dust cloud. Behind it were a pair of assault frigates and a ?loaned? vaygr assault frigate. These disappeared into the clouds as a Bloodhound and a pair of ion frigates chased them into the dust. Waiting for them there was a neglected friend to space warfare. Mines rained down on the frigates as they charged headlong into an ambush, and crews were frantic to escape the cloud as Taiidan fighters rained into the formation with guns blazing. From a distance the flashes and tracers seen suddenly exploding into motion gave the idea that the frigates just entered battle with conceivably a super capital ship. The Itaar ships turned and prepared to make way for hyperspace as this raid was obviously a failure. With only two destroyers, how could they stand up to that much capital fire? As the frigates emerged from the dust cloud and sped for safety, a wall of Red and yellow ships pursued them with a vengeance. Mounting the Imperial sigil Thiis-Asar on their sides, the fragment of imperial power came at the fleeing Itaar with a relentless fever of bloodlust. Blue ion beams ripped into power chased by missiles and strike craft, but all were too late as the Itaar raiding party vanished in a flurry of hyperspace windows. The Taiidan broke off and continued to swarm in a circle for a while- knowing fully the tactic of hyperspacing behind the enemy. When it was clear they were gone the formation descended from battlestations and made their way into the battlefield to recover the dead and disabled. As repairs were underway on the ship Tarbitan released himself from the ship?s strucureal beams and wiped his face of sweat- only to be greeted by hands already drenched in saturation. He looked up and asked, ?Anyone have a towel?? He was tossed one already warm, and looked up to see one of the many female officers giving him a wink. He smiled pearl white teeth from his tanned skin and wiped his face off. Since high-pitched battles usually overloaded the air cycling equipment this kind of scene wasn?t unusual on Taiidani ships. Men and women were allowed to strip down to keep cool within the limits of decency, but as a whole it would be a while before the Taiidan ship was back to comfortable levels even in the non-combat areas. For now the bridge was humid and warm. But it was also warm in the satisfaction that they had finally stalled the annoying Itaar raiding party famous for knocking out one of the border bases. Tarbitan liked to think that he had made it an insult to the commander of that force by flying his destroyer in plain sight and not receiving so much as a dent. At least the new armor held on this hundred thirty-year-old destroyer. And the retrofits worked smoothly this time. He walked down the hallway out of the bridge and exchanged talk with some of the crew on his way back through the ship. He knew just about everyone on the destroyer already, since many of the crew were descendants from the Sessazu?s original one hundred and twenty compliment. Tarbitan was obviously enough the descendant of the son of the Sessazu?s original captain. By his performance today he had once again shown that he was more than capable of keeping the position. He decided to make his way back to his quarters to rest up before joining the crew in repair efforts. They had also earned a well-deserved break after their victory today- maybe Tarbitan could finally call on that favor for some frozen goods from the Tal?84 Defense formation. He could do at least that much for allowing them to sit on their collective butts guarding the bureaucracy. Ah well, it was that same bureaucracy that effectively eliminated the Vaygr front of the war. He reached his door and slammed on the circular Thiis-Asar of the empire. It was known by many names in various places- the Hiigarans knew it incorrectly as the Taii-dek. Still, had anyone other than the crew of the Sessazu seen him he might have been nailed for court-marshal at disrespecting the imperial symbol. He didn?t care, as Tarbitan was not in it so much for imperial glory. The reason for his soldiering in this army hung together on the wall of his quarters. Passed down from the generations even before they venture into space, the twin blades of the Khaneem clan had served the family in battle and in duty. He looked up at these blades and stopped in the doorway to look at them for a moment. Then he took off his shirt and decided to lay down for a while. The Taiidani were not always brutial conquorers following a mad Emperor. Once, long ago, they had come together as a solid empire based on honor and performance in battle and in daily life. When the Hiigarans were upstarts in the old days the Taiidan saw it as a challenge then, and went into it with that mindset. But when the Hiigarans used their trick toy of a hyperspace core to wipe out the emperor and his entire dynasty, the crazed and honorless pig known as Riesstiu IV took power. If it wasn?t bad enough that modern times then were forcing the Taiidan to assassination and blackmail, Riesstiu became the black stain on the name Taiidan that would forever change the image of the people from the planet of the same name. Now they were no longer noble warriors. They were ruthless, unrelenting dictators that were bent on destroying Hiigara and avenging their ?emperor.? Tarbitan laughe a little as he reflected on this, and wondered just how many of the old guard of the Taiidan remained out there. Oh, right he reasoned, they had become the Taiidan republic. Wearing white and green as a symbol of non-hostility to the Hiigarans, the Republic was in many ways the salt to the wound of the Taiidani people. From what he had been told by his father the republic, although noble and true in it?s purpose, disregarded many of the old ways and traditions as being too ?imperialistic? and ?reminders of a terrible age of Taiidan.? The republic had taken the homeworld Taiidan and turned many of the Imperial palaces and other significant places into landmarks and museums. They had even retired the old swordsmiths that still, after a hundred generations of work, made swords for the imperial army and navy to display and wear in times of battle. For this reason the republic failed in the family of Khaneem, and did not have their service. With nowhere else to go The Sessazu remained in the imperial navy not because the crew did necessarily desired it, but because there was nowhere else for them to go. If they went to the Hiigarans, they would be demilitarized and placed under arrest. If they went to the vaygr, they would be forced to surrender their names and become part of the Golden Horde. So in the end, rather than become pirates and rebels they remained in the fleet to save their names and their heritage to the race once called Taiidani. Now, they were ?imperials.? Tarbitan was considering about drifting off to sleep when there was a knock on his door. It was a particular knock, two high, one low, one left and one center. Only one person knew this knock. He was on his back, but tensed and swung his torso up and rolled onto his feet on the bed before climbing off of it to the door. Metket was a beautiful woman, slim and thin from her upbringing in space. Her hair was almost a platinum and shone like the sun against her orange skin. Her paper-tan eyes looked up at him with a smile that could melt metal. Her eyes thin while she smiled and asked, ?I wanted to see if you were still awake. And you managed to get your shirt off already.? Tarbitan smiled and said in a voice horse from combat, ?You expected me to be pampered and sleeping? That?s a Hiigaran, and I?m not Hiigaran.? She smiled and slipped around him to walk into his humid quarters. The joke here was that in the Taiidan army it was assumed people actually worked. Taiidan officers (at least in the general fleet of the Sessazu) joked that much of the Hiigaran navy liked to command their forces from large, plush seats and proper air conditioning. The most perfect example of this had been Karen Sjet- who had her own liquid suspension tank to bask in while she issued orders to the fleet. ?So,? She said, ?We won. Does this mean I get to share your brandy now?? The Taiidan made a crooked smile, ?With you? It wouldn?t have to be a victory even. We finally nailed the bastards though, so at least I can write something positive to command for once.? ?Let me guess,? She said as she opened one of his closets and snaked a hand through it, ?You?re gonna forget ?on the honor of the emperor? again?? ?We don?t have an emperor.? Frowned Tarbitan, ?The last one was a joke. The Hiigarans killed our last emperor, but I guess it wasn?t their fault. They were probably just as war crazy as the Vaygr are now.? ?Speaking of the Vaygr,? she said as she extracted a glass bottle filled with a burgundy liquid, ?How did you like our new toys?? ?They work splendidly as escorts,? He replied as he closed the door and walked for his bed, ?Dunno if I?d trust them on the front line though.? Metket smiled and spun the bottle, ?Oh, this is Hiigaran.? She observed and rested a finger on the 15 on the label. The Taiidan man smiled and reached out to pluck the bottle from her hands and smiled as he held it, ?The Hiigarans might be the most pompous fleet commanders around, but they make terribly good wine. Better than the imperial brands, that?s for sure.? She laughed as he uncorked the bottle and took a swig, then handed it to her. She gave him a look above her smile as she took it, then asked, ?Don?t you have a glass?? He smiled in reply and said, ?You?re a big girl, you can drink it without one.? She shook her head and took a swig while the Taiidan commander sighed and opened up a locker beside his desk. He pulled out a notebook filled with loose leafs of paper and slapped it hard on the desk. Since the Taiidan weren?t as technologically advanced as the Hiigarans they couldn?t afford fancy screens and report pads. Besides, Tarbitan actually liked it this way. He pulled out the chair and sat down, then reached out to grab a stylus with one hand while he flipped the book open with the other. Metket smiled and set the glass bottle down with sound on his desk while her hands moved to his back and started to rub it. He smiled as she pressed into the knotted muscles of his naked back and started to sketch the report down. Unlike most languages of the western areas of the galaxy the Taiidan language was based on calligraphy. Most Taiidan nowadays didn?t use it, and used standard Hiigaran typesets instead since they were so popular, but Tarbitan was one for tradition and still wrote in the old writing much to the annoyance of the command staff at base. He managed to laugh while he got away with this, since formal Taiidani was never repealed as an official language of the empire. Tarbitan could raise his own mayhem if one of the commanders deviated from this and tried to change it to the Hiigaran set. He sketched the letters and felt Metket lean closer to his ear and asked, ?Can that wait?? ?Why?? He smiled at her. She reached over and kissed the side of his ear, ?I?d like some time with you alone later.? ?With me? I?m honored,? He smiled. ?Stop that or I won?t rub your back.? She said. Tarbitan set down the stylus and turned the seat around to face her. She smiled at him, then gave him a formal kiss on the lips. When they parted she knelt down and rested her elbows on his legs to smile up at his face. ?Y?know, there?s two more reasons for Yakin?s wonderful list of why the Hiigarans should defect to our side.? ?What?? She asked. ?One,? He said and took her arms by the sides with his hands, ?Women aren?t allowed to be seeing their commanders without a full uniform.? ?And second?? She asked. He pulled her up and leaned forward in his seat to give her a full kiss, then pulled back to finish, ?Hiigaran officers can?t have favorites, or affairs with their fellow officers.? ?But I?m not just your fellow officer,? she smiled. ?That?s why I?m not in the Hiigaran navy,? He said and moved his hands down her arms to her side, ?Wives and wedded-to-be aren?t allowed on the same ship, let alone in service together.? CHAPTER TWO The Golden Horde The Sessazu was one of eight combat ships hovering in space as resource operations were guarded. Present here was not only a sample of the might of the Taiidan Empire, but a show off of just how advanced they were also. The new analog miners were out among the rock fields tilling away at the great asteroids where, almost a century earlier, they had been wielding magical harvesting beams to vacuum asteroids from afar. Long gone were those days now, but the Taiidan didn?t mind. They had to do much by hand anyway, so why should their harvesting operations be any different? But there was something special in mind that the Sessazu didn?t have planned. It showed up almost two hours after the Taiidan arrived to harvest the rocks, and when it did there was pause before Tarbitan had to extract himself from his room and Metket?s affections to say that they weren?t hostile. And if they were, they would put up one heck of a fight. For bearing down on them was a reborn memory of the Nalthorians in Vaygr flavor. One of the much-rumored J5 expeditionary cruisers was bearing down on this patch of minerals with escorts abound. Rather than contest the patch however, the commander of the fleet had extended greetings and welcome to the Taiidani and offered to compromise?on his ship. So within the hour the Taiidan delegation was aboard the J5 cruiser of the Independent Vaygr Federation. Tarbitan was certainly impressed when he was escorted to the main room and the door opened. Metket was beside him and the first thing said from the Taiidan was, ?Wow?even we were never this excessive.? For starters a giant rug had been laid out on the floor that stretched at least a good ten yards. It was all ornately decorated also, and dotting the room were people sitting on large cushions and chairs, talking with one another. Here and there a pipe was seen and music was heard at the back of the room that sounded pleasing to their Taiidan ears. Tapestries of Vaygr aboriginal art were hung on the wall, and it seemed as if a great party was going on instead of a delegation meeting. Metket looked at her commander who simply raised his eyebrows and said, ?The Vaygr seem to know how to party?? He was escorted in and walked behind the large and formidable looking guard all the way to the back to meet the leader. When he did, Tarbitan was impressed. The man looked thirty years of age or so, with an ornate garb and a lengthy beard on his chin. He smiled up at the newcomers and offered them seats as he was surrounded by his council of commanding officers and their wives. ?Welcome,? said the leader of the Vaygr ship, ?I am Saladin- warlord and leader of this band of the Dhasyus-Vaygr. We have come a long way and decided to stop here for some supplies while we try to find our bearings- I hope we are not interrupting anything.? The assembled Vaygr seemed to stare into the souls of the Taiidani as they awaited an answer. Startled, Tarbitan hesitated and jumped a little, ?Uhm no, no we don?t mind? as long as you don?t try to blast us for it.? Saladin laughed at this and replied, ?In a time of war, we both need allies you and I. I hear the Taiidani are not quite comfortable in their little corner of the universe either.? ?No, to be honest.? Said Tarbitan, ?Though I don?t think I can truly represent the whole of the Taiidan Empire?? ?This is so.? Nodded Saladin, ?But for the time being it will be accepted as fact. In the meantime, also, we would like to extend our hospitalities to you and your crew. Please, enjoy our vessel. It is not often we have visitors aboard.? ?Thank you,? Nodded the Taiidan and looked about. ?What are you names?? asked Saladin. ?I am Tarbitan Khaneem? this is Metket Adiel.? Said Tarbitan. ?And are you two married?? Saladin added. The two looked at one another, and Tarbitan answered, ?Almost.? ?Well,? said the jovial Saladin, ?In that case, make yourselves at home! Newlyweds are welcome here, bring them some wine!? Called Saladin into the crowd. In moments they were brought a brew that when tasted, seemed both incredibly sweet and a tinge bitter on their taste buds. Mixed with the memory of the Hiigaran wine last night made for an interesting emotion indeed. While they were in Saladin?s company they strangely talked about many things, from the Vaygr to the Taiidan to their family?s lineage. Tarbitan talked about his own family and even brought up the sword and the family honor. From there Saladin talked about the Vaygr culture and talked of the myths of old. At the end of three hours aboard Saladin?s ship the Taiidan vessels pulled up alongside for something close to shore leave. As these huge Vaygr ships were a sort of floating city, the Taiidan group was given the closest they could to off-time on a planet. There was plenty of things to do there, shops, parties, bars, you could name it. All was there on the small sample of a Vaygr mobile home. It got some to think that maybe life in the Vaygr fleet wasn?t so bad, and Tarbitan wasn?t surprised that reports of resignation requests were starting to fill in. He dealt with them one at a time, saying they had a job to do in the Taiidan empire, and had to sway several by trading in some handy pounds of salt the group could spare to make away with some of that exquisite Vaygr brandy. But this was only a fraction of the prizes that some claimed to have returned to the fleet with- rumor had it some of the Vaygr ?prizes? included some of the more exotic things the Vaygr had to offer. He didn?t ask for details, but assumed everyone had a good time with the Vaygr. ----------------------------------------------------- Come the next ship day however, they discovered they weren?t alone. A scouting party on patrol had heard whispers on a Hiigaran frequency, and soon everyone was brought to battle stations. It was one of the many times that Tarbitan wished he wasn?t so unpopular with the local imperials in the area- at least he?d be having firepower on the order of Qwaar-Jets and the new heavy capital ships. But the Vaygr more than made up for it, and as their scouts cut into the dust clouds the might of the Vaygr was brought to bear in the shape of hundreds of fighters and multitudes of frigates and destroyers. The Sessazu itself pulled up beside one of the double-hulled wonders and Tarbitan waited for intelligence to filter through. He stood on the bridge, cooled in the shadow of the Vaygr destroyer, and waited for the news. ?Bridge, Scout one reports contacts!? Called out the officer at the communications station, ?Scout one reports contacts listing as one Carrier, two battlecruisers?five- no?fif?.twenty frigates, numerous fighters, and a harvesting party. No solid identification on the configuration of the battlecruisers, just their type.? ?Wonderful,? Muttered Tarbitan and looked out the forward view ports. Then he looked over at a large monitor that was now displaying the sensors manager. He reached a hand up around his chin and tapped his lower lip absently while he examined the picture. Vaygr formations were moving in around the dust clouds, while Taiidan ships were also joining their ranks. ?Tarbitan,? said Saladan?s voice over the command frequency, ?I will let my cavalry attack first. We are greater in number, and can throw off the Hiigarans while you move in for the kill. I suggest going after the carrier- it is usually the center of their operations.? The Taiidan nodded and shouted orders in his native language and waited. The Taiidan ships moved in the clouds and mists, like submarines coasting underwater through the murky depths. The Taiidan waited, and then a scout reported in: ?Contact confirmation! Targets not Hiigaran- they?re using the Itaar banner.? The Taiidan leader reached up to an overhead panel and removed a microphone with one hand and depressed a switch from the other. He clicked the microphone on and asked, ?Combat observation, analysis?? ?Combat observation report,? Said the disembodied voice from deeper in the ship, ?We read the carrier as the CVS Doneller, and one of the BCs is a lend-lease Teir I BC by the name of Cita. We observe what looks like a harvesting party of about fifteen collectors, and four resource controller vessels. Our analysis says they are here to do some mineral gathering.? ?And snowballing their fleet.? Added Tarbitan and winced, ?I think they might be hunting us?? ?Sir, Contacts closing. They?ve hit the 130km mark.? Notified helm. ?Got it,? Said the Taiidan and winced, then nodded, ?Put us in front of the J5. If they break the line, we?ll rush in. Otherwise, everyone on your toes.? The ships drifted in space. Somewhere ahead was advancing the Hiigaran ships under the Itaar banner. This was likely one of their heaviest fleets, as the Itaar didn?t normally deploy large ships in remote areas like this. For this reason Tarbitan also thought that they were here for a reason- either the J5, or to hunt down the successful squadron to defeat a raiding party only days before. Of course, Tarbitan was feeling a little uneasy. Why were the Itaar boldly charging into the nebula without a recon force? Unless? In a string of Taiidan, Tarbitan used the name of Sajuuk and made new deployment orders. Fortunate for him that he did, for a pair of destroyers with a modest number of frigates materialized around the J5 suddenly. The Taiidan destroyer turned and fired its twin guns while the ship maneuvered into a position behind the Hiigaran-make destroyer. The big boat of a ship turned it?s massive turrets and started to spin, but the faster, older Taiidan destroyer was too quick for the ship to get a good bearing and let loose ion cannon fury into the unprotected aft end of the destroyer. Fortunate also that the Sessazu was approaching from the back and right side of the Destroyer- as one lucky ion beam hit scored on the exposed cockpit module of the destroyer and blew it up with a satisfying plume of yellow-white. The Sessazu soon wasn?t alone. Vaygr destroyers unleashed a furious swarm of missiles into the destroyer, combined with kinetic bursts and shortly put the destroyer out of commission. As the Sessazu rode the shock wave from the explosion they flew high enough to see what was going on at the other side of the J5. It had turned some and was pummeling the other destroyer relentlessly with gunfire. Things became bad for the destroyer when the nose of the J5 erupted in a storm of heavy missiles that turned and sped for the destroyers like starved fish to bait. The destroyer?s primitive PDS grid opened fire but could not stop that many missiles determined to destroy it, and lit up the surrounding space with a satisfactory explosion. The Sessazu continued it?s carting around the J5?s back end and Tarbitan held on to the structure as he heard Saladin?s voice, ?Not so wounded as we let them to believe? so much the better?.? The J5?s engines powered to turn the craft. Although it was combat capable there were many civilians aboard and Saladin did not want to risk them. He needed to get out of here and fast. So as the huge ship started to turn Saladin?s ships formed a screen for him that hardened just as the last of the intruding frigates was destroyed. ?Sah!? Shouted a voice from the back of the Sessazu?s command cabin, ?Front-liners report that a BC and friends have broken through the formation. Carrier?s coming after them.? Again Tarbitan evoked the name of Sajuuk and looked out the front view screen into space to see the dark shape of the Battlecruiser on approach. Fortunate for them that it was a Teir I and lacked many of the trick armaments of the newer Hiigaran ships. Even so, a battlecruiser was nothing to sneeze at. As the Taiidan ships formed up with the Vaygr defenders he could see the engine trails of an angry mob of Vaygr fighters doing their best to shoot out the BC?s turrets. Hindering their efforts was a flak frigate firing away burst clouds of death. The Taiidan shouted an order and held on as the engines erupted. Following the Taiidan Destroyer were refitted Kudaark frigates- each with a missile pod and corresponding armaments as they charged the unwelcome. The BC?s turret turned and fired but missed at this range- probably offset by the unnoticed jamming probes nested in the dust clouds. The Taiidan ship on the other hand closed to significant range and turned its hull to aim the faithful twin turrets at the BC and let fly a quartet of white-hot rounds into the hull. Taiidan munitions exploded against the casing, followed by missiles and other rounds before the mount exploded and drifted to a stop. Turning and elevating up the Sessazu creaked as it fought inertia and it?s own structure to make a flip in space and bring it?s twin Ions to bear. Missiles flew out of the underside as the mass drivers fired again and the ions lit in brilliant blue beams to play along the top of the Battlecruiser. It left a jagged scar across the battlecruiser?s side and right along the sigil of Itaar. The battlecruiser fired a scattered shot at the destroyer but the Taiidan ship was already gone in a wave of yellow and red. Frigates pulled up alongside the battlecruiser and opened their bellies. By now everyone recognized these as boarding craft and carefully chose different targets to shoot at now that Saladin had his eye on this ship. In fact, the swarm of attack craft that had been harrying the Cruiser now turned to a torpedo frigate intent on stopping the Vaygr from making off with a borrowed Hiigaran ship. In seconds explosion rattled the frigate?s sides and it was dead. The Sessazu made an S turn in space and came back to speed just as the battlecruiser had stopped in space and the fourth wave of pods crashed against it?s side and bore into the hull. Tarbitan held on as the whole ship leaned sideways and fired its thrusters up to look for the carrier. It was there, moving behind the battlecruiser with an increasing speed to stop the Vaygr operation. However, Tarbitan noticed a group of corvettes inbound and turned his attention to watch them. He had heard many things about the Vaygr laser corvette, but this was the first time he actually saw them in action. Flanked by lance fighters cutting down the pulsar corvettes, these flying brick formations of four opened up with their side guns and showered the carrier with spheres of red death. The hyperspace module subsystem promptly exploded with an exclamation, and on their second pass the main engines were down. As the Sessazu passed behind the carrier with it?s guns firing into a marine frigate he saw the same pair of infiltrator ships pull up to the carrier and carry out the same procedure. The battlecruiser, with new colors, started to turn and bring its lone surviving ion turret to bear on a nearby damaged frigate. With one blast that frigate was no more. By now the Itaar seemed to realize that things were going increasingly bad for them, for word of mass hyperspace escapes were being heard. After ten minutes since the carrier?s reluctant capture the battle was over, as none of the assailants bothered to return to attempt to reclaim their ships. Thus at the end of the evening the J5 had two new companions- a Teir-I Hiigaran BC and a moderately damaged and slightly used CVS. --------------------- Before parting Tarbitan and Metket were invited aboard the J5 again. This time they met with Saladin in the top of one of the tall observation towers as he overlooked his new prize. ?You know,? He said, ?For a time I did once consider entering the profession of starship engineering. Imagine the possibilities I could do with a ship such as this!" ?You could sell it back to the Hiigarans and see if they notice.? Suggested Tarbitan with a wide grin. ?That I could, and what fun that would be,? Replied Saladin, ?But why deprive my fleet of such a trophy? If anything I think I will be returning the carrier to the Hiigarans- after all there is only so much one can do with a carrier that uses a different method of construction. Ah well? I am however informed that the ship has already been stripped of its luxuries. I made certain that in the ensuing chaos that this be delivered to you.? He handed the Taiidan a large bottle of Hiigaran ale. The Taiidan took it and examined the label. He nearly coughed, then held up the bottle and pointed at it, ?This bottle is older than the empire! How did they get it?? ?I do not know,? Replied Saladin, ?But I was informed that the commander of that particular carrier was something of a wine connoisseur. Pity, as I now posses his entire collection. That, however, is for you- as a wedding gift and token of my well-wishing.? ??Thank you,? said Tarbitan and handed it to Metket, who considered it thoughtfully. Saladin put a hand on the Taiidan?s back and said, ?For a time I thought of you as one of my sons. You are skilled and talented Tarbitan, and I am wondering if you would not consider joining my caravan.? Tarbitan considered it for a moment, then said, ?I?m tempted, but I have to refuse. As fantastic as this world is, and as generous as you are sir, I do not want to surrender my heritage.? ?As you wish,? Replied Saladin, ?And I can understand completely. But let it be known that you have a friend in the IVF- and if one needs allies we shall consider you in the future.? ?Assuming the IVF and the Taiidan aren?t enemies by then.? Said Tarbitan. ?This is so,? answered Saladin, ?However, I know that you will make the right choices if fate forces you to do so.? Tarbitan nodded and then looked at the carrier, ?What are you going to do about the prisoners? Keep them here?? ?My ship is full already with unruly citizens, we don?t need to import any more from other places. I shall stop a freighter convoy and replace their load with these prisoners bound for their land. Their own shame shall be their punishment, as I think there has been enough bloodshed.? Tarbitan nodded in approval and considered the Hiigaran ship for one last time. Then he and Metket bid themselves farewell before returning to their ship to begin the journey back to Taiidan space. CHAPTER THREE Sullen Sword When Tarbitan had taken the mission he thought it would be a simple skirmish border conflict with the Hiigarans. He was wrong from the start, and was beginning to think command wanted him to die on a suicide mission rather than kill himself outright. The Taiidani warrior was instructed to capture a facility that had been abandoned years before. Apparently there was some material left behind that was forgotten during the pull out and had to be retrieved. Unfortunately the Hiigarans had taken the property already and weren?t willing to surrender it. Tarbitan thought that the exact enemy composition must have been deliberately fudged to get him into trouble. He did have one benefit on his side though; for many of his unit had elected to trade in some of their loot (and some confiscated goods from a passing ?freighter?.) to allow the purchase of one outdated, overworked, and obsolete starship. It was good to know that the Qwaar-Jet heavy cruiser was still effective after all these years- especially since the only thing known to the Taiidan that could match it was the Hiigaran Battlecruiser. As the Qwaar-Jet cruiser called Shaad-Asim bore down on the AMC, the crew was taking their targets carefully as they sought to salvage some of the AMC?s armaments to bolt onto the Qwaar Jet. Beside it and behind the Shaad-Asim was the Sessazu, guns blazing as they tracked and destroyed an ion cannon frigate. A borrowed Kaghan carrier was with them and launched a formation of corvettes. As a gesture of their alliance with the Vaygr, the Taiidan co-developed with the Golden Horde one of the most fantastic corvettes in known space. The Banat-eh-rih corvettes were distinctly Taiidan despite the gigantic maw in their noses. These ships, like the cavalry on the ancient plains of Taiidan, came down and swept into the opposing frigate formation. With some purchased laser corvettes following them nothing stood in their path. Tarbitan watched with pride as the Shaad-Asim?s mighty ion beams opened fire and raked the AMC?s hull. Mass driver rounds followed and penetrated the ship?s hanger and hull to leave gaping holes in the structure. Boarding craft were soon approaching the craft and with them was an old salvage corvette. Its mission was simple: pull off some of the turrets and bring them to the Kaghan for storage. Immediately the corvette dove for one of the heavier plasma turrets, which had become something of a commodity ever since they were first sighted long ago. If they even got part of the turret there was the chance that it could be reverse engineered and finished when they mounted it on the Qwaar-Jet. Unfortunately just as Tarbitan was about to order the second wave to advance on the asteroid base, a hitch arrived in the shape and form of a Hiigaran battlecruiser- Tier IV. With it were a number of 3g starships ready to happily pummel the Taiidan into nothing. At this Tarbitan hesitated for a second before turning and screaming, ?EVERYONE INTO HYPERPSACE!? Fighters flew about as the capital ships started jumping on random vectors. Fortunately while the Hiigarans seemed to forget how to mount dedicated hyperspace engines in their ships, the Taiidan never lost this art and escaped with ease. As for the fighters, well, they left for a predestined location where the Kaghan was waiting to pick them up. Once the fighters docked the carrier disappeared along with the escort force there to protect it. ----------------------------------------------- Hours later the assembly under Tarbitan had come to their destination in the Asheer Dust cloud. Here sparks lit up the dust up in the brown swirls as worker pods slaved to repair the damages to the capital craft. The Kaghan sat idly as more resourcers plunged into the sands to look for something to mine. Aboard the Sezzasu Tarbitan had called session with the leaders of his formation. They were all seated on the ground, on large cushions doubtlessly acquired from the Vaygr, or on rugs or pillows. For the time being nobody spoke, each in his or her own silence as they stared into space at this atrocity. It was as if the Taiidani had been ambushed, and from all people by the bureaucracy at home. Finally Tarbitan raised his head and asked, ?Does anyone have any thoughts on this?? With that everyone broke out into laughter. It was another crack at Hiigaran commanders- for it was well known that the odd Hiigaran fleet captain would stop and waste hours on just discussing the situation. Tacticians on the blue side were even worse- as spies in the Hiigaran navy swore that the Hiigarans regularly tested the patience of their crews by seeing how long they could sit comfortably at a tactical briefing. Yakin raised a hand, ?I have a thought! Let?s tromp back home and kick some ass for this betrayal! You agree?? ?Aye!? Answered some voices of the commanders. ?No,? Said Tarbitan and shook his head, ?We can?t get in trouble with command no matter how stuck up they are.? ?What about trying again? Better planning this time,? Said Teleem the frigate captain. Tarbitan shook his head again, ?Against a full battle group it?s suicide.? ?Then we go back and tell them what happened,? Said Yakin, ?Let command chew on the fact that we have an assault force to deal with. And what did they want back from that base anyway?? Tarbitan held up a sheet of paper and winced, then said, ?Something on the order of spare parts, materials, and the treasury of Imperial Regional Commander Sohmet Nehm-Ser.? At this groans were audible in the room and Oriela the Missile Destroyer captain with the flowing rich red hair spoke up, ?So we had to return to find the wallet of one of our ?glorious leaders?? He lost it- he should be the one to go get it if he?s such an impressive officer.? Murmurs of agreement followed the woman?s statement and Tarbitan could only nod and say, ?I assume it?s agreed then that our command staff consists of a collection of assorted mule?s asses. But until such a time when they are all dead and Sajuuk himself returns to give back the true honor of the Taiidani people, we have to listen and do what they tell us.? ?And if they tell us to kill ourselves, do we go with it?? Asked Oriela. Tarbitan shook his head slowly but Yakin pointed, ?Are you mad!? Even if this were the Dynasty eras we wouldn?t submit to such command. No sane one would!? ?We also had competent commanders back then,? Murmured Chidron from the destroyer Thabaar-Set. Yakin continued, ?I for one have had enough of this insult. Remember the 41 Ronin? Why don?t we do the same thing?? ?Because if we turn ourselves in we would have to commit suicide.? Said Oriela as she drew her legs up to her chest and hugged them, ?I don?t want to commit suicide.? ?We don?t have to follow the legend to the letter, but? you all agree, this is the last straw.? Said Yakin. Tarbitan could only nod his head and say, ?Something needs to be done. We?re one of the most traditional elements in the fleet-? ?And with good memories.? Said another. Yakin raised a hand, ?And with untainted Honor!? ?Huzzah!? Everyone in the room proclaimed at once. Chirdon suggested, ?We could try a coup and install Tarbitan as the new emperor.? They all looked at Tarbitan and small discussion broke out. Tarbitan answered louder than the rest, ?I could never fill the void of our emperor. The entire lineage is dead, the bloodlines are long since gone. And we have Hiigara of all people to thank for it.? Metket finally spoke, ?They died and paid for it with their own blood though.? ?This is so.? Nodded Tarbitan. ?This is so.? Said Yakin with some of the others. None of them liked to think of the harsh punishment their ?emperor? gave thousands of years ago, but it was something the Taiidan back then had all demanded. After all, the death of their beloved emperor was just as devastating to the Taiidan as when the imperial fleets opened fire on the exile?s cryo trays opened fire and burned Kharak. The Emperor then had been seen as a tie to all that was Taiidani- and when Riesstiu IV took the throne that tie was seemingly lost forever. ---------------------------------------------- Eventually it was decided to head home, as the situation was getting impossibly worse. A quick hyperspace in the area and probe deployment had shown that not only were the Hiigaran ships still there, but a fleet shipyard had arrived and was likely manufacturing reinforcements. One comment from one of the commanders suggested that the Hiigarans had already found- and spent- the savings of the Taiidani abandoned at the outpost. Tarbitan felt it was better to return to Taiidan space with the news that the Hiigarans were taking up operations in the area instead of wasting his capable ships in a suicide attempt. He knew though at least one of the high command would try to pin the ?disloyalty to the empire? claim on him yet again for this deliberate act of failing to complete his mission. ---------------------------------------------- In the Keshira system were the former remains of the great and mighty fleet of the Thesauh kingdom. Long ago they had once been the rivals of the early Taiidan Empire, and in those early days the fledgling Taiidani had proven itself in battle over this very space by defeating the mighty Thesuah kingdom and becoming a star empire. Now the system was remote and eerily abandoned, as Riesstiu IV had exterminated the Thesauh in the second century of his dominance. It was a sad sight to see the beautiful architecture of Thesuah ships and structures littering both the planet surface and the surrounding space. This was yet another sin that bore heavily on the Taiidani name, and it would be a sin that would he hard to erase. Tarbitan?s force arrived here to take rest and refuge from the likely Hiigaran scouts seeking to find the attack force. Having a Qwaar-Jet in the vicinity was a comfort to the Taiidan but a bane to the Hiigarans. And the Hiigarans were, annoyingly enough, very prompt in dealing with problems. Here amongst the memory of a race not unlike the Taiidani the group slowly ploughed through the debris field scanning for salvage. Over the centuries looters and graverobbers must have passed this place over hundreds of times, as long before the Imperials had taken everything when they sacked Thesauh. Even so, as the formation drifted in the shadow of the former castle Ika-Ikera of the Thesuah Tarbitan was considering his options. He clasped the family sward as he sat on his bed and slowly pulled the shimmering blade out of its sheath. Gently, tenderly, he opened the ancient sword kit and started to dampen a cloth with cleaning oil. The knock came again, and Metket was the only person welcome at this moment. He said, ?Come in,? Before bowing down and wiping the cloth gently across the sword. ?I thought I might-? Metket said with a bottle and glass in her hand but stopped as she saw the naked blade, ?Oh?? Tarbitan looked up sharply, ?Close the door.? She turned around and did so as he continued to rub the cloth over the blade. Metket turned around and looked at him as she walked across the room to sit down on the desk?s chair and watch him work. Tarbitan was a different person now. He was calm and methodological as he performed the almost ritualistic cleaning of a blade well over a millennia old. His eyes were half closed, as he carefully polished off the blade that shimmered in the cold, white light in the room. Metket asked softly, ?That?s the family blade isn?t it?? Tarbitan nodded softly and said in a quiet voice, ?This blade has been in my family for generations. The last time it was here was when my great ancestors lead the 409-Sah?tet cavalry into the Thesuah formation. That day he killed boarders with this sword. And they say guns are the new thing of the modern day and age? Stupid Hiigarans.? She watched his face contorted by a repressed anger, but it softened as he considered the blade and finished cleaning it. He put away the cloth and picked up another one as the blade sat in his lap, and put oil into this cloth. Then he held up the sword and gave a light coating of oil to the blade, saying, ?Of all the things in the universe there are two enemies to this sword: Misuse by handling, or rust.? Metket laughed at the second one and Tarbitan smiled as he tenderly washed the blade in a light spread of oil. ?This oil is an older concoction, but it?s always worked.? Said Tarbitan as the cloth gently sailed up and down the lengths of the metal. Then he held up the sword and said again in a soft voice, ?It has kept this blade? and my family?alive for all these generations.? Metket stared at him and then the sword, then asked, ?Do you know how to use it?? Tarbitan responded by setting down the cloth and reaching over to pick up a sheet of paper. He folded it into a square, stood, tossed it into the air and in one swipe cut the square clean in half. Both cards of paper landed on the ground and left Metket impressed. Tarbitan sat back down and explained, ?My father taught me everything I knew about how to use this blade. Just as his father taught him, and just as I will teach my son. I only pray Sajuuk gives my first son the attention that he will need.? Metket winced and asked, ?You?re afraid your son wouldn?t want to carry on the legacy?? ?Yes, exactly,? Replied Tarbitan as his Taiidan eyes stared at the woman. He smiled a bit and looked at the sword, ?With all the new age things coming from Hiigara, all the old ways are slowly being forgotten. With Imperialists as leaders harping for the age of Riesstiu instead of the old way, it seems the true name Taiidan is turning into a horrible, horrible shadow. I want my son to carry on the memory of this,? He said and grasped the sword harder, ?A heritage that should have prevailed.? He sighed and started to polish the sword again, ?Now instead of honor and wisdom we have tempers and judgement. We have Hiigaran strobe lights and undefeatable glamour more and more people are becoming citizens of a new age- especially in the imperial reaches. The old stories are just stories?? He took the blade and looked it over before nodding once and slipping it slowly into the sheath of crimson copper and red- the old clan colors of Khaneem. He took the scabbard in both hands and hugged it to himself as he closed his eyes and breathed with the memory of his father and the ancestral line. ?The Hiigarans, the Vaygr?our own laughable emperor?? He said with a sadness in his voice, ?There?s nothing left of our people anymore. All this honor is dead? and I am sad.? Metket could see the tear slowly roll down the Taiidan?s cheek and she was compelled to come off the chair and come onto her knees before the bed to reach up with a hand and stroke away the tear. He released a hand that found hers, and said, ?Of all the people I?ve ever trusted in my life, I can only trust you. Nobody else seems to understand the old way outside of our unit? they?re all imperialists to a new era.? Metket smiled to say, ?Perhaps then we should make the old way known again.? ?How?? said Tarbitan and shook his head sadly. He leaned back on the bed and avoided the cleaning kit and two other swords as he lay down with the family blade pulled tight to his chest. Metket walked on her knees to kneel beside Tarbitan and stroked a slender hand through his hair. Then he said, ?The Imperials have banned anything like that. Swords, honor, piety? its all hogwash to them. They would rather melt my blade and sell off all that I have just to buy themselves material for a new carrier of heavy cruiser. They?re all blind- they just want to quash the insult left behind from nearly a century ago. All they care for is land and power now? where once we used to fight for pride and morality.? Metket couldn?t find anything to say, so she rubbed his scalp harder. Then she eased forward and rested her head on his chest, her other hand resting on Tarbitan?s own as they clasped the blade together. Then a beep sounded in the cabin with the voice of the officer of the watch- ?This is the bridge: All personnel to battle stations. This is not a drill, I repeat?? --------------------------------------------- Tarbitan arrived on the bridge attaching something to his side. Several faces looked up to see a long, slender sword at his belt in the color of rusted copper. He finished and looked up as he stood at the front of the room, ?What am I looking at?? Earlier they had seeded the area with numerous probes courtesy of the Kaghan. Now these proximity sensors and standard probes revealed the shape of a Hiigaran Battlecruiser complete with a phalanx force of Frigates, corvettes, and a number of fighters. The number of strike craft told him that a carrier was somewhere nearby. He frowned. No good could come of this, and why did the Hiigarans insist on pursuing him this far into empty space just to get him? Here there was no reason to bring conflict once again to the memory of Thesuah, and for this trespass the Hiigarans had to pay somehow. The task facing Tarbitan was getting rid of the battlecruiser, and already his mind was in motion. He turned and walked to the communications panel as a hand rested on the hilt of the sword and asked, ?Do you have the Kaghan on the line?? ?Sah.? Nodded the officer. Tarbitan nodded and said, ?Inform them to start putting a salvage team on the castle and see if the old ramparts are still online. Tell them to hurry, the Hiigarans could be anywhere nearby in minutes.? ?Sah,? Nodded the comm. officer. The Taiidan turned and called, ?Helm! Put us in the debris and power down the nonessentials. Tell the rest of the fleet to do this also.? ?Sir!? Replied voices in the Command Bridge. The lights of thruster fighter dotted the formation as ships slipped into natural formations and debris clusters. The Kaghan hid behind a large plate, while the Qwaar-Jet hid inside a derelict?s gully and turned off its engines. The Sessazu went idle and started to drift, while Oriela?s Missile destroyer and the frigates flew up and behind the massive castle remains and hid within wide decking and abandoned docking bays. As the Sessazu drifted it started a slow spin, and Tarbitan held on to the overhead railing. as the low-power artificial gravity allowed the slow rotation of the destroyer. He winced as he stared out among the debris to look for the shape of the incoming Hiigaran battle group. Then he saw them, just passing over the hulk of what was once a cruiser of the Thesuah. ?Contact closing,? Said the sensor officer quietly and turned his head, as his ears were half covered by the headphones to the sensory interface. Tarbitan nodded a little at this and just waited with his eyes staring out into the distance. Then an unfamiliar shape came to his eyes. Wincing he approached the glass and asked, ?What is that?? The combat observation team just one story beneath him probably already saw it and were busy at work trying to decipher what it was. It was smaller than the battlecruisers and flatter than any of the normal Hiigaran ships. It had small stubby fins and a broad profile as it made it?s way through space with the angel moon logo prominently on its top. Tarbitan gawked only for a moment before walking back to the intership comm and pulling the microphone off its hook. He depressed the trigger and asked, ?ComOb this is Conn. What?s your say on that new ship?? The voice replied through the intercom, ?Unidentified ship is not registered in the Imperial annex. Our guess is that it?s some kind of new cruiser. The intelligence officer here says this might be the LiirHra light cruiser.? ?At that size? Impossible,? said one of the bridge crew and pointed out the window, ?It?s gotta be a destroyer at least- look how tiny it is!? ?Look how flat it is.? Someone else pointed out, ?One hull hit and it?s through.? Some of the crew laughed at that but Tarbitan didn?t entertain them. The LiirHra?s reputation preceded it a good many months, and already the notoriety of the ship was well known in Taiidan circles. The Vaygr hated it, as explained by the sparse accounts of instances where this ship did show up in their lines. Until today it was not a problem in Taiidani space, but now Tarbitan had to figure out how he was going to take his ancient destroyer and heavy cruiser with friends against an assault force just as this. One thing did show in his favor though: it took the Hiigarans third generation technology and a new experimental ship just to hunt him down. Then again this was most likely the new fleet that was preparing to take a swipe at the Taiidan Imperialists as punishment for starting to win in this front of the war. ?Sir,? Whispered the comm. officer, ?Khadgan reports borders are in the castle and looking for battlements to get back online. No luck so far.? ?Sajuuk?s word,? Muttered a bridge officer at gun control, ?Look at all those fighters?? ?Gotta wonder where their mother is-? The sensor officer slapped off his headphones and clasped his ears in pain. ?What!?? Shouted someone. The officer had his eyes squeezed shut and muttered between his teeth, ?Sensor ping?high frequency?they?ve spotted-? That?s as far as he got as bullets flew into the general area to shattered debris. Tarbitan grabbed a pair of handholds and shouted orders for the fleet to start moving. Taiidan fighters spilled out of the Kaghan and swept into battle while frigates and destroyers peeked out of cover to lay out return fire. The Qwaar-Jet emerged from its crevice of hiding and turned its massive turrets to thunder a response to the distant Hiigaran battlecruiser. Advancing before the Hiigaran line were corvettes and fighters, and accompanying them was the LiirHra in its simple form. Frigates flanked the stubby wings of the cruiser as it sped into battle and let fly its barrage of hate. A Taiidan frigate burned and exploded into nothing while the missile destroyer peeked its nose out from cover and dumped it?s entire allotment of missiles into the fray. The independent warheads streaked forth and tracked different targets. The missiles flew in and many of them dodged while others smacked strike craft formations as the darts intermingled with their Taiidan counterparts in a reenactment of the old Homeworld wars- only the Kushan ships were now Hiigaran vessels with marked space superiority. The Sessazu had been brought back to power and motored out of the debris field to charge forward with a pair of Kudaark attendants and a Vaygr frigate. The destroyer challenged the heavy cruiser with double bursts of fire that sailed over the top of the LiirHra and into space. The giant pancake of a vessel turned on it?s side and did a banking maneuver, which gave the Taiidan gunners something bigger to shoot at and did so. But as they did the new ship had just brought more of its guns to bear and opened fire on the Sessazu. One of the Taiidan frigates maneuvered into the way and absorbed the damage. It titled under the barrage and then exploded. The bridge crew on the Sessazu recoiled from the explosion and one of them leaned up from his station to curse in Taiidan and ask, ?Was that Aneem?s ship!?? ?That was the Parthian, yes,? Replied another. They said no more about it as they focused on the safety of own lives. Tarbitan spoke out a string of words and the helm operators nodded and ducked their heads to their consoles. The Sessazu, now clear with most of the battle with the LiirHra giving chase, turned at its high speed and dumped a pair of fission missiles at the LiirHra. The LiirHra smoothly glided into battle on a sleek trail of blue and fired pulsar beams at the destroyer. So began the ballet of combat vessels and the two ships began their flight profiles. Both of them were high speed, and both of them were prominent representatives of their sides. As Icons of their age they began the battle with a fever and intensity not seen since the last battle over Hiigara. Unaware to the Hiigarans was the fact that they were fighting the last remnant of an ancient Taiidani that was nearly extinct. But in retrospect, not many of the Hiigarnas would have cared much. Regardless, the battle began as the Sessazu and LiirHra started their dance of death as both sides exchanged munitions and laser blasts. The Sessazu rocked under direct hits and Tarbitan could only wonder what the experience was like on the LiirHra. Every now and then one of the attendants to both sides would take a snapshot at the leading ship, but for the most part the escorts themselves were engaged with a battle against one another that only encompassed the dual between their masters. Tarbitan could guess the outcome though. He was outclassed and out-teched, and knew this battle wouldn?t go well. He reached a hand down to run it along the length of the sword, wishing now that he could have done better in the memory of his great ancestors. Suddenly a distant explosion rocked the ship and the helm officers looked up from their stations in bewilderment and anger. ?What!?? Demanded Tarbitan. ?Helm is gone! Engines disabled!? They shouted and looked back. Tarbitan?s face reflected his mood as he shouted with rage and fear, ?GET THOSE ENGINES OPERATIONAL!? But the LiirHra didn?t finish them off. If anything it glided to a stop beside the Sessazu and took shots at the escorts while another frigate pulled up alongside the Taiidan ship. Everybody knew that this was a marine frigate, and the bane of all capital craft. For aboard were marines trained in the art of combat? and against naval personnel the difference would be noticeable in the count of blood. ?Where are they headed?? Asked Tarbitan. ?Mid section, module C outer areas.? Said the tactical officer. The shadow of the marine frigate fell through thew windows followed by the jolt of a hard docking. Tarbitan evoked the name of Sajuuk and decided to move. He whirled and said, ?Zudiya, you are in command. If we get engines operational use all possible speed to return us to the formation.? Without a further word he took a hand on the sword and bolted back through the hallway for the center of the ship. Some officers stood and ran after him with weapons of their own, ancient or no, to defend their home. ---------------------------------------- Tarbitan met Yabir just inside the hallway as the later man pulled back the latch on a pistol. At his side however was a foot-long machete that he often liked to use in combat. He smirked at the commander and then took the few marines with him ahead of the group and into where the uninvited guests were starting to come aboard. Yabir kicked the hatch open and fired several rounds of shot with his squad before charging in to close-quarters. Behind him was Tarbitan and the other fanatics armed with blades. In this day and age, with such close-quarters combat between ships, gun and shot hadn?t been as popular on space vehicles since any stray shot might put out a window and effectively put out the dueling parties. The Taiidan had long since learned this and now armed everyone on naval vessels with a bladed weapon of sorts. The Hiigarans didn?t, but felt that training their officers in advanced hand-to-hand combat would be sufficient. The black-suited marines of the Hiigaran navy turned with their rifles but couldn?t even get a shot off in the room as the marines under Yabir attacked with a blood fervor not seen in Taiidan for ages. Yabir himself stabbed a Hiigaran as the latter was about to nail him with an automatic rifle. He turned and slashed his machete across the chest of another marine before getting tackled by two of the black-suited invaders. Then Tarbitan entered, and when he pulled the sword every Taiidan recognized the blade?s voice. Tarbitan charged forth and slashed the long blade into the Hiigaran line to cause fear and splash blood. The effect was almost immediate, as the Hiigarans turned and fled from the bladed man. Tarbitan guessed in that instant that the Hiigarans had never seen a bladed officer deal death so effectively before- especially at close quarters. He came in again and started hacking away at the Hiigaran resistance. More of them poured through the hole only to be countered by more Taiidani armed with weapons, but the toll was starting to rise, and the marines on the Hiigaran ship were plentiful. Machete sung as Yabir managed to extract himself from the Hiigaran horde and stood to shout orders in Taiidan to his fellows. He turned and received the butt-end of a rifle in the face, and recoiled too late to save the machete knocked from his hands. Instead Yabir drew a dagger and tossed it at the Hiigaran. His aim was perfect and scored a hit between a crack in the armor that made the Hiigrarn go down. Tarbitan finished off a Hiigaran commanding officer and turned with the sword in hand to see more hiigaran marines pouring through the violation. Things were getting worse and worse, and he wished he had self-destructed his ship rather than have it become some war-trophy to some dictatorial Hiigaran command officer. But then suddenly the ship shook and everyone fell to the deck. --------------------------------------------- As Oriela?s missile destroyer reeled from an ion hit to one of the missile bays a cloud fell over the battlefield. The Hiigarans turned to face a new enemy, and when they did the balance of power changed. Charging the Hiigarans were swarms upon swarms of the new fighter Banat-eh-rih. Following behind them were an assemblage of Kaghan carriers and a destroyer or two of Vaygr make. Worse for the Hiigarans, th


Felstorm	#2 Posted on 08-09-2005 22:25
Posts: 3 Joined: September 08 2005	Very good but what happened to the end? Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam ->> I have a catapult. Give me all of your money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head.


TelQuessir	#3 Posted on 09-09-2005 06:40
Posts: 2598 Joined: August 30 2005	Here is the rest: Charging the Hiigarans were swarms upon swarms of the new fighter Banat-eh-rih. Following behind them were an assemblage of Kaghan carriers and a destroyer or two of Vaygr make. Worse for the Hiigarans, the castle?s battlements had been lit and were firing huge shells into the vicinity from a pair of organized 400mm anti-ship cannons. These dark shapes hustled into formation and like the cavalry of old rammed into the Hiigaran line and made the blue ships stagger backwards. Following their assault the initial wave continued onward to hammer into the boarding frigate that almost claimed the Sessazu as prize. The frigate had exploded, sending the Sessazu adrift and panicking the Hiigarans. As the Hiigarans were turning in their confusion to face the new enemy the sigil of the new force was revealed: A sweeping eagle bowing into a nonexistent wind. Taiidan characters also adorned the icon, which could only mean this unit must be part Taiidan. But when that sigil was revealed it became known just who the saviors of the Taiidan were. They announced themselves in a wide broadcast in the area: ?We are the 849-Thuur?Sea, Jin Vaygr as Vaygr-Shelshillit.? The female voice proclaimed. As the capital ships drew closer she continued, ?I am Lady Ayhe Cixmex. These Taiidan are under our protection. Withdraw at once and no further harm will come to your forces.? The Hiigaran response came, ?This is Fleet Commander Runan Manaan of the 458 assault force. We do not recognize your authority Vaygr- these Taiidan are ours. It is you who will withdraw at once or be destroyed.? ?We?ll see about that.? Replied Ayhe?s voice. The swarming heavy corvettes turned as one and focused completely on the battlecruiser. The massive wings of strike craft tore into the battlecruiser?s sides as its PDS grid was suddenly overloaded by the sheer mass of avenging squadrons. Like the Kadeshi before them the Vaygr crowded the attention of the Hiigarans so much that they didn?t notice a lethal asset approaching. Laser corvettes had been the favored standard of the Shelshillit even before they made the transition to the Banat-eh-rih, along with every corvette in general. Now they accompanied the FFKs inbound with CWS systems bleeding energy and eager to fire. Explosions rattled the battlecruiser as its fire control tower exploded in fury, followed by the detonation of a number of turrets. The burning Qwaar-Jet did its best to contribute and fired into the formation when shots were clear to strike the Battlecruiser amidships. A blue-white explosion masked the area as a primary system went up and the battlecruiser?s engines detonated in their housing. The great ship started to list with the logo on its flank burned to a crisp. Then without warning hyperspace windows opened all over the formation and the Hiigaran ships started to withdraw one by one. The last ship to pull out was the LiirHra, which had been trying to swat the horde of strike craft to get to the Sessazu. Aboard that destroyer Tarbitan sighed and looked about himself at the scene. Many dead littered the deck, and more in the hallways where they tried to charge into a pair of musketeers that had come up from engineering. But there were also many Taiidan dead, and he was grateful not to see Metket among them. Moments later the girl arrived from her station at the missile launch port and ran to her lover to embrace the man in a huge hug. She cried, and Tarbitan only exchanged glances with Yabir before taking the lady out of the room. The sword Khaneem was bloody once again in this field of battle as Tarbitan carried it with him from the room. --------------- After all was settled the Taiidan and Vaygr assembled in the clearing of the debris. The castle had been abandoned once again, but many of the old battlements were being picked over for salvage as the field refit of the Qwaar-Jet Shaad-Asim was in full swing. The welcome Shelshillit had come bearing gifts and safety as their five Kaghan carriers hung in space, crowned only by the Hand of Winter carrier at the lead of their formation. An hour later Tarbitan found himself boarding the Vaygr-Shelshillit carrier from being invited. The tired Taiidan was escorted alone into a long, grand hall reminiscent of Saladin?s great hall on the J5. He hesitated in the entry, then caught sight of his host. She was a little shorter than Metket, with dull orange hair pulled into a braid so long it ran down her rear and almost to her knees. She turned at a whirl, flailing her braid and her smile out for the Taiidan to see before she approached him with her ornate garments. ?The Taiidan Commander?? She said and reached him, ?You are Tarbitan Khaneem, are you not?? ?Yes, I am Tarbitan.? Replied Tarbitan. The woman smiled and reached forward to hug him around his arms. It was a heavy hug, but not a personal one, as she withdrew a moment later and said, ?Saladin was right- you are a handsome man. And a courageous one too, to take on the Hiigarans like that.? ?I had no choice.? Said Tarbitan. ?Ah,? She replied and her hand brushed past the sword Khaneem. She smiled and said, ?A sword? a Taiidani sword. Can I see it?? He withdrew from her and pulled the blade out. He had cleaned it from its blood, but it started to shine in the red clan colors of the Khaneem from the recent battle. ?It?s a fantastic weapon?? Mused the Vaygr woman and smiled, ?Forgive me, I am too eccentric. Ayhe Cixmex, of Vaygr-Shelshillit. This is my vessel The Bakaan-Soreiia, from the northern wastes of the Golden Horde.? ?Magnificent vessel.? Said Tarbitan and sheathed his sword and stepped onto the rug, ?I didn?t know women commanded crusades.? ?It?s becoming a frequent thing now that our mates were killed in battle,? She said half-sadly, ?My beloved died in the crusade on Hiigara, over the same skies in fact when Sajuuk came with his wrath.? ?I?m sorry for your loss,? Offered Tarbitan. She smiled warmly at him and said, ?He was a fine man who did his duty well. He would have wanted nothing more for me to succeed, and succeed I have. Traditionally, anyway, the Shelshillit have always been led by women and it?s only when Makaan called for the war-lords of the realm did we elect my beloved. Now he is gone, and I have taken his place.? Tarbitan nodded and half-followed the lady into her majestic throne chamber. This must have been one of the rec halls once, only the floor above it had been cut out to give the space taller room to hang tapestries and banners from. They were all decorated in heavy Vaygr art though, and Tarbitan was once again impressed by the amount of wealth the nobility had to decorate their command spaces with. She took a seat on a chair meant for four people and patted the cushions beside her. Tarbitan hesitated and said, ?Uhm?Lady Cixmex, I don?t know how much Saladin has told you but I am already taken by my love on my ship.? ?I know,? She said as she took hold of large bottle and poured the contents into a glass, ?I wanted to offer you a drink.? ?No, thank you.? Replied Tarbitan and smiled, ?It?s welcome though- but I?d like to drink with my crew if I had to today. They?ve suffered much.? ?We all have,? She replied and poured another glass and held it out for Tarbitan. He took it anyway and sipped at it. It tasted different, and he pulled back the glass and examined the liquid, ?What is this?? ?Milk, mixed with cocoa.? She said with a warm smile. Her grin grew louder as she saw the expression on Tarbitan?s face and said, ?Liquor and brandy aren?t the only commodities in space Taiidan. Here among our people milk is almost as rare as salt. Cocoa is also loved by our people- especially among our tribe.? ?Impressive,? said Tarbitan and sipped at the cold brown liquid once again, ?I know Metket loves chocolate milk. I guess I?ll have to accept that drink after all?? Ayhe took the large golden bottle of it and handed it to Tarbitan. The startled commander took it and handled it, then asked, ?For me?? ?For your beloved as MY wedding present.? She smiled and reclined in her seat. She offered him to sit down again and Tarbitan took one of the large, lavish cushions instead. She shrugged and smiled at him again. ?So tell me, lady Ayhe,? Said Tarbitan, ?You are also part of the IVF?? ?Part of, yes.? Replied Ayhe, ?We had much to do with the Armada De Makaan until our leaders were killed by the Hiigaran. We were also the tribe that helped your people develop the Banat-eh-rih, and it was our people that tested it.? ?That would explain the numbers of those ships in your possession.? Nodded Tarbitan. ?Yes,? she nodded and smiled, ?I?m sure you would love to have some. Or,? She tilted her head, ?As a man fond of antiquity, is this false?? Tarbitan laughed and responded to this, ?The Sessazu, my ship, has been in my family for generations. Even if I were offered the command of a mothership I would never relinquish my destroyer. And in a time where Vaygr designs are becoming more common on the border areas of our empire, I become saddened that we are loosing our identity. I don?t have much to fear though- Taiidan designs are incredibly old but they are catching up with the times. The Sessazu is proof of that- I had intended on installing a laser defense system on it only a month ago but could not afford it.? Ayhe spoke, ?Saladin and I have connections among the Vayr- we could allow for it if you wish.? The Taiidan frowned, ?I wish I could take up your offer, but the Taiidan to my knowledge didn?t approve of unauthorized free-hand trading with other empires- even though our leaders do it all the time- even to the Hiigarans if they know they can get away with it.? He sipped again at the rich drink. Then he winced and asked, ?By the way- how come you know Saladin so well?? She smiled wide again and said, ?We are related. He is my uncle and I am his favorite niece.? ?Ah,? Nodded Tarbitan and smiled, ?A nice with a fleet capable of making the Hiigarans turn tail and run.? She laughed and nodded twice, ?True, true. Our clans have been close in the past years, cemented together by this failure of a Crusade. But as you wish to keep your Taiidan identity so do we- and we have agreed to keep our clans separate unless in times of desperation. We are all Vaygr, but like you Taiidan we have our own internal battles.? ?Yes,? Sighed Tarbitan. She smirked and said, ?You seemed so sad when you talked about your people. For some in the IVF they are too sad that the Armada De Makaan has become the symbol of our people. We are warlike, this we admit, but before Makaan we brought our squabbles to nobody except our neighbors and ourselves. I think it is the same way with the Taiidan and the failed republic.? Tarbitan looked away, ?The republic was never Taiidan.? He glanced back at her and explained as her face demanded it, ?The Republic of Taiidan was only Taiidan in name- they didn't uphold the old way. This,? He said and held his sword to his chest, ?Would not have been allowed on a republican ship. Such things are ?barbaric? and ?imperialistic.? Fah, swords and honor are a root of our heritage and it was travesty to discard them. Now, because of the Vaygr invasion, there is nothing left of our culture.? Ayhe thought a moment and then set down her glass to crawl off of her seat and across the cushions to lie before the Taiidan on her belly. She rested her head on her arms and bent her legs so they remained in the air. She spoke to him in a softer voice, ?If it pleases you I can arrange to have you and your fellows brought to Taiidan.? ?You know of it?? Asked Tarbitan. She nodded and said in a serious tone, ?The IVF is mostly in the former Nalthorian clusters, but there are routes into what used to be republican territory. The Armada holds that space now, but they don?t guard many areas. I think Taiidan is viable, if you wish to go.? The Taiidan hesitated at this. The opportunity to return to the homeworld and see for himself the old sights, perhaps go to the palace where his father said that a hundred dynasties had existed before the bombardment by the Hiigarans. His very soul burned to see it. ?Yes, this I wish.? Said the Taiidan and drunk deep again from the relaxing glass of cocoa.


TelQuessir	#4 Posted on 09-09-2005 06:40
Posts: 2598 Joined: August 30 2005	CHAPTER FOUR Boarders --------------------- Khedar held tightly on the restraints as the jolt hammered through the floor. A euphoric feeling of weightlessness gripped him as the pod drifted free of the mothership, followed with the irregular kicks as the thrusters fired. The soldier gripped with both hands on the restraints and looked at his fellows under the light as the pod approached its uncertain destination. Khedar waited with an impatient fear for what was to come on the other side of the huge hatch beneath him. He squeezed his eyes shut as eerie silence filled him. He was a marine half by choice, half by force. His reasons didn?t matter anymore as his life could very well end moments after this thought. But one memory burned in his head as the pod continued its drift through space. Leneea. Suddenly the pod jolted heavily as the pod made contact with the hull. Men grunted and cried out at the sudden jolt, and Khedar could hear and feel the grinding of the metal torch underneath his feet. He swallowed and reached a hand down to grab the gladius at his side. After mere seconds of cutting the floor opened up and the group commander shouted to them. Khedar pulled on the release tab and his restraints came undone as he and five others fell through the hole and into the ship. The interior of the Hiigaran starship was cool and inviting- the wide corridors and blue/white lights were a harsh contrast to the cramped interior of the pod he had just visited. He charged ahead of the rest in the hallway as he moved both hands to swing the rifle into position. A door opened and out of it came a flood of black-suited officers who opened fire with their automatic weapons. Khedar had hit the deck as soon as the marines showed up, and in his prone position he fired into the Hiigarans. After the fifth shot the rifle jammed on him and he stood up and pulled out the gladius. The unchallenged blade sliced into the fifth marine to come out of the door, and a few words beside him made Khedar roll back to the doorframe with his back against the wall as a metal pineapple sailed by and into the doorway. A flash-bang reverberated in the hallway before Khedar charged forth with his sword angled downward in his grip. The footsteps of others around him made him feel only slightly more at ease. As he and his fellow ran down the narrow hallway the lights beside them flickered as the hull rocked. Khedar only managed a slight smile in the comfort that a door wouldn?t be shutting down on him anytime soon. He emerged from the small maintenance corridor and into another main hall where another band of boarders ran by with their swords drawn. One of them had even turned his rifle into a club and was running with the stock in both hands. He turned and followed them, guessing that they were headed for the front of the ship. They ran for about a minute before a blast door started to close. ?Noh! Noh!? Shouted some of the boarders as they hurried for the door. Khedar was one of them until a loud slam was heard from overhead and the lights flickered. The blast door ground to a halt and Khedar smiled as he went on all fours to crawl underneath the half-closed door. He stood and ran as more Vaygr poured down the hatch to the ground behind him. They continued running until they came to a series of important doors. Khedar scanned the bright labels above them and tried to read the Hiigaran. It had been a while since training and his Hiigaran was a little rusty, but he was the one to read out the ceiling label saying BRIDGE. They turned and ran into a stiff wall of Hiigaran resistance. Khedar ducked as the auto guns opened fire and sprayed pullets into his fellows. Boarders died and fell while Kehdar clasped his sword tighter. Another slam and the lights flickered before the grinding metal sound was heard from somewhere. Khedar guessed another frigate had pulled alongside and was pumping more marines in. Khedar sighed and plucked a grenade from his side. He took a breath and swallowed his fear about using such a weapon and pulled the pin. In a suicidal move he broke cover and tossed the rock into the Hiigaran formation. The guns couldn?t turn fast enough and the grenade exploded. Vaygr cheered as they stared down the connection hall to the isolated bridge and were thankful it hadn?t been shot away by fire. Khedar picked himself up and started down the hall and stopped for the first time to see the damage. Hiigarans littered the ground behind the two machine guns, and he was shocked to learn that almost all of them wore the blue jumpsuits of Hiigaran naval officers. He stopped particularly as he heard a sighing from one of them. His eyes scanned the assembled until he saw a woman turning. She had been hit the least by the shrapnel and taken it in the side, but she was still bleeding. Khedar eased forward with the knife ready to plunge, and reached out with a hand to turn her over. The blood from her leg and side didn?t taint her fair face and blond hair, and sharp pain was on her face. Khedar?s orders were to kill Hiigarans on sight be they injured or no, but in this instance he couldn?t bring himself to do it. The gladius hesitated above her in his hand, but no matter how much he pressured himself he could not bring the dagger down to stab her. His fist shook so much the sword clattered to the ground and he collapsed on his knees in the blood of another Hiigaran. He panted to catch his breath, unaware that he was exhausted from so much running. In the distance the thundering sounds of more fighting was heard, coupled with the sounds of more pods hitting the hull. The Hiigaran woman continued to struggle and Khedar found himself frightened at the aspect that she would die. He stared at her as she breathed, then tried to turn on her side. Her arm moved with only the modest attempts of life. Khedar couldn?t take it anymore. He picked up the Gladius and sheathed the weapon, then reached forward with bloodied hands. The metal of his armor scraped against the deck as his generous arms came around the woman?s back and legs. A high-pitched squeal of pain escaped her lips as he touched injured skin. He braced himself, then picked up the blue-and-red Hiigaran. With one glance down the hallway to where the action was taking place, he turned and walked out of the entry to the corridor and down the hall to where a gigantic Red Cross was painted on the wall. Unknown to Khedar at the time, he had just rescued the Destroyer?s second in command. When he found out, he was rewarded handsomely.


TelQuessir	#5 Posted on 09-09-2005 06:40
Posts: 2598 Joined: August 30 2005	CHAPTER FIVE The past Land Tarbitan winced as he walked over a coolant line and said aloud, ?There you are.? Seated together underneath a corvette were Ayhe and Metket, with lunch and what was likely a bottle of cocoa. Ayhe?s shining blond hair was tied up while Mektet?s was put into a ponytail, and both turned to look at the Taiidan as he strode across the cramped hanger cell towards them. Ayhe smiled, ?Metket has been telling me all you family secrets.? ?Did she?? Asked Tarbitan and took a seat, then reached for a cup and the canister of cocoa, ?I suppose she told you all about my family then.? ?Not entirely,? Replied Ayhe, ?But she did say you were a Taiidan? clansman?? Tarbitan looked up at her with wide eyes over his cup of cocoa then put it down and said, ?I didn?t expect you to know anything about the Taiidan clans- most people don?t outside of native Taiidani.? ?Saladin told me some things about the Taiidans,? She said and pulled her legs into a cross-legged position, ?Taiidan was once an empire of Clans, wasn?t it?? ?Yes,? Said Taheer and adjusted his seating to hold the sword in his hands, ?Clan Khaneem was one of the first and loudest voices in the republic opposing the dissolution of the clans. When the republic was formed, it was decided to destroy all symbols of the empire. Well, in their zeal they decided to destroy everything- including our heritage. They didn?t stop to discriminate between what made the Taiidan people Taiidan and Riesstiu?s corrupted influence. ?So they ordered the clans to dissolve, and abolished many clan practices that have been in the Taiidan for generations. Even ones practiced underground during Riesstiu?s reign weren?t saved from the Republic?s laws. So, when the republic finally approached the clans and threatened them to dissolve, or face breakup by armed force, it was the last straw and the Clans that did not wish to become the republic abandoned Taiidani space and set out on our own. ?Originally we had intended on going to another galaxy altogether, but when this wasn?t possible we settled in an area of space long abandoned from a war between Riesstiu and several smaller nations. ?It didn?t take long for the imperials bearing Riesstiu?s banner to come, argue for rights as Riesstiu?s clan, and began using the same tactics the former emperor used. In the end, the Riesstiu Empire gained control of the Clans by rigging the vote to become first the Suur-Clan, and then becoming the next Dynasty. Like their former bastard king, they abolished the clans and used the same methods as their emperor to repress us. The clans today are scattered and few, and as far as I know I?m the only one of Clan Khaneem left.? Ayhe hesitated for a moment, then said, ?That?s sad?? ?Our history is sad.? Scoffed the Taiidan, ?All thanks to that ?emperor? Riesstiu.? He silenced himself by drinking from his cup. Ayhe nodded slolwy and then said, ?Is that why you want to go to Taiidan? To see if there?s anything left of the Clans?? ?yes.? Replied Tarbitan and looked up from his cup, ?I hope? and pray? that there is. Although knowing the republic, and knowing the ruthlessness of vaygr raiders, I doubt there?s much left.? Ayhe looked away and Metket said, ?well, at least Ayhe is getting us to Taiidan.? ?Yes,? Nodded Tarbitan, ?And for that I?m greatful.? He finished his cup and looked up, ?What?s this?? ?What?? Ayhe asked and tilted her head around and up at the command module of the large corvette, ?What about it? It?s a corvette.? Tarbitan tilted his head and said, ?I don?t recognize the configuration. Is that a turret over there?? ?Huh? Oh!? Replied an exited Ayhe and clapped her hands together, ?Tarbitan, meet the Thanaar!? ?New corvette type?? Asked the Taiidan. She nodded and went on, ?After hearing reports about the Hiigaran?s Kopesh we decided to build something to match it. This is the prototype, but we already have a Mark 2 version being designed.? Tarbitan?s eyebrows jumped and he said, ?Impressive? when can we use ?em.? She laughed, tilted her head and said, ?Can I trust you?? ?I think so.? Replied Tarbitan and the three laughed. Ayhe went on, ?There are some new ships being developed? Intelligence network says the Hiigarans are working on a star castle in Hiigaran orbit.? Tarbitan turned his head sharply to her and asked, ?Are you serious?? Ayhe nodded slowly while she rocked on her rear, ?That?s what I heard. Saladin doesn?t know any details either, but according to broadcasts from the Armada it doesn?t look good.? ?Maybe Sajuuk will make an appearance?? said Tarbitan, ?Never found out where it went. But a star castle? Nobody?s made those since?? ?I know,? Said Ayhe and turned her head away as she fingered the clasp on her cup with her thumb, ?That?s why I think it?s something else.? ?Do you think we should be worried?? Asked Tarbitan. ?It?s not us I?m worried about-? Said Ayhe and turned her head to look at Tarbitan, ?It?s you. You?re part of the empire Tarbitan- you?d be a prime candidate for the Hiigarans to attack. We?re just pirates who don?t want anything to do with this war anymore.? Tarbitan dipped his head and stared at the deck while Ayhe and Metket stared at him. Metket set her cup down and eased her body to rest on all fours, ?Tarbitan, you could join us and leave the Taiidan empire. If honor is that important to you then just say the Imperials are a false government!? ?I can?t do that,? Said Tarbitan and closed his eyes to hug the sword, ?As much as I want to?? ?But you?re in great risk! At least with Saladin and I you?d be safe,? She said with a hint of sadness in her voice, ?I care for you, both of you,? She said as her eyes jittered to Metket and back to Tarbitan, ?I don?t want you killed. Please Tarbitan think about it.? Tarbitan didn?t reply, but a tone rang through the cell followed by, ?Lady Ayhe, we have reached Taiidan.? Ayhe?s eyes turned from the speaker to Tarbitan, who had his eyes closed. ------------------------------------ Multiple hyperspace windows broke in space. As they moved back, they exposed the shapes of Taiidan and Vaygr vessels. Leading them was the Taiidan Destroyer Sessazu, and the Vaygr carrier Bakaan-Soreiia. Beneath them was a blasted out planet. After a half-hour of maneuvers and intense scans for any enemy patrols, the fleet stood down and the carrier launched two vehicles. It had been years since this particular design dove into the skies of Taiidan. After clearing the bay the Taiidan light corvette?s wings snapped open as behind it a Vaygr command corvette left the hanger behind the Taiidan design and fell behind the other ship. Customized to his personal tastes, this obsolete Taiidan light corvette had been upgraded with a faster engine and a fully automatic cannon in the nose in place of the lighter guns that served this series during the Homeworld war. His was the last Taiidan light corvette flying anywhere in the galaxy. The two corvettes continued to dive into the atmosphere as flights of Vaygr fighters escorted them down. Riding in Tarbitan?s corvette was Tarbitan himself and Metket, while Ayhe was taking her personal command staff and archivists down with her in her corvette. When the heat started to build up around the corvette Tarbitan pulled a lever and heat diffusion balloons exploded open around the corvette?s nose. The Vaygr craft started weaving through the atmosphere to slow down, while Ayhe?s corvette blew open it?s own diffusion balloons. After moments of riding down the two ships broke into the atmosphere of Taiidan and passed through thick clouds. The strike craft shook as they continued their descent, and Tarbitan held his breath as they waited to clear the weather over what should have been the Imperial capital. When the corvette broke the clouds Metket gasped, and Tarbitan?s eyes flinched, then winced in sadness. There were no lights in the imperial city as the rain fell all over what used to be a population center of well over two thousand people. Craters from bombs and missiles were scattered her and there among the city, and giant once ornate buildings had toppled into the streets. As they continued to fly over the remains Tarbitan angled his ship and said through the Comm., ?There?s what?s left of the palace.? Metket turned and looked out the dark slit of a window at the highly ornate palace structure- marred with holes and craters from obvious direct attack. Tarbitan looked forward and said, ?That must be the Senate. I?m not surprised.? ?THAT?S the senate!?? cried Ayhe?s voice, ?There?s nothing left!? The formation of craft flew over a large hole and the structure of what probably was once a cylindrical building capped by a tremendous dome. Only shards remained of the dome now, as most of it had collapsed inward from a direct hit. Blackened debris could have either been structure left over from the devastation, or remains of optimistic lives at the wrong place and wrong time. The rain continued to fall as the ships started to circle the city. Tarbitan nodded and said, ?I?m going to land near the palace. I hope there?s a place for the records?? ?We?ll follow you in.? Said Ayhe?s voice. As the corvettes slowed down and angled in to land in the devastated street the fighters continued to fly on for air cover and scour the ground for survivors. When the craft were settled Tarbitan depressurized and popped open the canopy. He stood, turned around and helped Metket open her hatch. By the time they were out and Tarbitan had the corvette sealed Ayhe had come out of her corvette with her ground crew already securing the perimeter. She walked to stand beside the Taiidani and stared with them at the front of what was once the grand imperial palace. Tarbitan winced and stepped forward to reach into some foilage and extract a sign. He scoffed audibly as the sign read in Hiigaran THE IMPERIAL PALACE GRAND MUSEIUM. OPEN 6:00am? Tarbitan tossed the sign to the ground with clear contempt on his face as he approached the gate. Ayhe started, ?I?ll get my-? but she was cut off as Tarbitan kicked the iron gate, reeled, then kicked again and again until the iron gate broke. He rammed the gate open and hesitated on the first large step of the palace, then started forward. Ayhe and Metket looked at one another and slowly followed the Taiidan traditionalist while the Vaygr survey team in tow. Tarbitan reached the grand door to the palace to find it ajar. The rain fell all around the interior of the complex as he stepped into the grand courtyard. The Taiidan looked up, expecting to see the monument in Taiidan to the Dynasty and spirit of the Taiidan race. Instead he found the remains of a statue, with the plaque dedicating the figure to the founding of the Republic. He pressed off the stone with anger and annoyance and hurried away from it as if it was a bad omen. ?Wait up! Tarbitan!? Called Ayhe as the women followed him into the complex. Tarbitan walked swiftly through the remains, trying to find something of value amidst the wreckage of a museum and its efforts at display. The Taiidan walked down an intact hall after minutes of searching and stopped to examine the display. The women found the Taiidan reading a large scroll mounted behind a still-standing glass display. ?What?? Asked Ayhe, ?What is it?? Tarbitan rasped three Taiidani curses and smashed his fist through the glass, making both women jump. He used his shoulder to widen the hole and reached in with both hands to pull out the fasteners to the mounted Taiidani scroll and gently pulled it from it?s mount. He read over the script and murmured half to himself, ?These imbeciles can?t or won?t read Taiidani. This is a manifest of Clans, not a list of heroes. This count was taken in the Taiidan year 3147? Here,? His finger gently laid on a line of script, ?Khaneem. Clan Lord was Thoriss Khaneem at the time of this document? population well over four thousand souls. And they call this a list of famous names in Taiidan history?. Here, the district Ishawata, Northern Hemisphere. We?re going there next.? ?I don?t think we should be here for long,? said Ayhe as Tarbitan gently rolled up the scroll and looked for a case while Ayhe went on, ?The Armada might have detected our hyperspace signature and could be here at any minute.? ?We?re not leaving until we?ve found what we need to.? Said Tarbitan and scanned the other texts, then said to Ayhe, ?All of these, take them down and find some way to store them.? ?What?! We? Tarbitan what are you doing?? She asked as he raised his fist to smash another window. She took it and lowered it, saying, ?They?ll be taken, what are you doing?? Tarbitan blinked and said to her, ?I?m trying to preserve what?s left of my culture before it?s destroyed by your people and mine. I only hope the damage done here is reversible.? He slowly removed himself from her and she sighed in anger. Metket snickered and said, ?Don?t try- when he?s on clan business he?s dedicated to no end.? ?If I knew this was a full-blown historical excavation I would have brought a cargo ship,? Muttered Ayhe, ?Not a corvette?? The Taiidan continued walking down the hallway as Ayhe motioned to her officers to start taking down and storing the documents Tarbitan wanted. The Taiidan himself had stopped at the end of the script display at a large door. Ayhe and Metket noticed, and Ayhe asked, ?What is it?? Tarbitan slowly reached forward without a sound and stroked the ornate door guardian at the seal of the huge red doorway. He took a breath, then pushed with both hands on the door as hard as he could. The door creaked open with a heavy groan and Tarbitan waited to open his eyes. When he opened them disappointment was already on his face, for he heard the rain coming down long before the door finished opening. He stepped into the room and the rain from the huge hole in the roof, while Ayhe and Metket watched from the doorway. Tarbitan stopped and collapsed on his knees, then bent down and closed his eyes as he rested on his knees. Metket remained in the rain while Ayhe ventured out into it and asked, ?Tarbitan?? Tarbitan parted his lips and spoke above the rattle on the stone floor, ?This used to be a great hall?dedicated to the ancient Taiidani warriors?when we lived only on our planet. Here, when the palace was functional, this used to be an armory stocked with armors and weapons from the greatest of Taiidani warriors. In ancient times, this armory was legendary in it?s fine sword arts and armor making?? he raised his head with a look of pain on his face, ?And now it?s all gone? all gone?? The huge hole in the roof had been the detonation of a strike missile, and blew away not only a large hole in the roof but one entire wall. Metal fragments were everywhere, as well as shards of weapons and armor as old as the Taiidan race. Ornate paintings and script were nothing now but shreds and ruined paint and only the sparse dust-covered remains of armor and the decorated floor tiling could hint at its purpose. ----------------------------------------- Moments after Tarbitan collected himself he dove again into the remains of the palace. Most of the structure had been destroyed, like the armory and the throne room. However, Tarbitan was eternally grateful that Sajuuk had spared a directory from destruction, which held every location in the entire complex. After comparing this to a flyby he started for locations most important to him and his efforts here. His first venture was straight into the archives which were thankfully stored underground. He argued with Ayhe to save every single file cabinet and artifact in that complex, and after two minutes of Taiidani dedicated speaking she gave in and ordered a resource collector to land for cargo hauling duty. He rewarded her by hitting the surprisingly intact tea house building on the premises, which held perfectly preserved teas and cookbooks behind sterlized display cases. In the name of preserving the Taiidan culture he vandalized the display and took everything for Ayhe and the Vaygr to copy. Tarbitan visited other areas of the complex, but not all that he wanted. After Ayhe?s constant nagging he agreed to leave the palace behind even though there was still much to investigate. At the foot of the steps into the palace he stopped and turned around to stare up at the sad palace remains with a depressed look on his face. ?I wonder if anyone will come here ever again,? He said slowly. Metket put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze, and the Taiidan nodded, then turned to the corvette waiting for him. Moments later the group was aloft again and headed for another destination on Taiidan. --------------------------------------------------- The province of Ishawata was a sizeable one on the coast, and Tarbitan had little trouble locating it. After a half-hour flight they arrived at what used to be the capital city before the exodus of the clans. This city was much more intact than the capital, as silenced anti-aircraft batteries were overgrown with foliage and decay. The group circled around until Tarbitan could identify the Clan lord?s estate, in which he put his corvette down beside the castle keep while Ayhe landed at the outskirts because of the size of her corvette. As Tarbitan helped Metket out of her cockpit he smiled weakly and said to her, ?I told you someday I?d let you meet my parents. I think this is the closest you?ll ever get.? She laughed at that and Tarbitan sealed the ship, then turned and started for the nearest entry. This place was much more intact than the imperial palace, and Tarbitan had to use more draconian measures to force his way inside. A radio at his side beeped and he answered it, ?Yes?? ?This is Ayhe, I?m at the entrance. Could you let us in?? ?Certainly. Hang on.? Said Tarbitan and took Metket with him to find the front entrance. But when he did and when he opened the door he saw Ayhe and her officers looking around. ?What?s wrong?? He asked. ?My men thought they heard movement.? Ayhe said and turned to face him, ?Are you sure this place is abandoned?? ?No,? said Tarbitan and walked forward and announced in Taiidani, ?Hello!? Is anyone here!? I am Tarbitan Khaneem, clan Khaneem! We have come to find remains of my clan!? Silence in the light raining mist. ?Let?s just-? Ayhe started, but Tarbitan stopped her with a hand and pointed. A lone figure emerged from one of the distant, misshapen buildings. Clearly Taiidani, the youth had a semiautomatic rifle hanging around his neck and resting across his chest. He held it and called out to Tarbitan in Taiidan. ?What did he say?? Asked Ayhe. Metket answered for him, ?he asked Tarbitan why the invaders are here.? Tarbitan answered the youth and the two started in a conversation, which Metket had to translate for Ayhe. Eventually Tarbitan assured the boy that these Vaygr weren?t here to blow up the city, and told the boy he lead them here to recover what could be found. The boy disappeared for a while, and just before the group decided to give up more of the city population arrived. Men, women, and children all clothed in what they could came out of the ruins and approached the stranger. Tarbitan advaced ahead of the group, and waited for the leader of the Taiidan survivors to come. An old, wizened man was carted in on a wheelbarrow. Barely able to see, the old man waved his hands about to try to touch the Taiidan claiming to be Khaneem. Tarbitan knelt beside the blind man and let the elder feel his face, his cloths, and then the hilt of his sword. The old sage gasped as he felt the hilt and said, ?I know this? this?Khaneem.? ?Yes,? Said Tarbitan and untied the sword from his belt and let the old man touch it- but did not recall his grip on the blade. The old man felt around the hilt, nodding and shaking with tears of joy. ?The sword of the Clan?? Sobbed the old man, ?I was so blind?so?? Tarbitan blinked and asked, ?Sage, I am the descendant of the Clan leader who lead the exodus from Taiidan to save the clans. They are no more in space? I have returned to Taiidan to find and save what I could about our people.? ?So much destroyed when?.when?when the invaders came.? Shook the old man, ?Ww-we did our b-best to do what we could? to save what we could before it was lost? I was such a fool?a fool?? Tarbitan hesitated and asked, ?What?? The old man clasped the blade handle hard and said, ?Khaneem? I was Khaneem once? I turned my back on my clan?my lord? I? I did this willingly? and n-now? I?. My honor, is gone.? Tarbitan shuddered and stood suddenly as he realized who he was addressing. ?YOU?RE a Kahverii?? The old man shook, ?Long, long time ago?Kahverii honor? I needed it? lost it? But there is no way to get it back?? Tarbitan knelt again beside the old warrior and said, ?Kahverii? restore to me what was the Khaneem, and you will have your honor restored. By Bukuuda or not.? The old warrior reached out and touched Tarbitan?s face again, feeling the man?s face, nose, cheek, and chin. Nodding, he said, ?Yes?yes?.Yes?Yes? I see.? Tarbitan?s face was confusion as the old man recalled his hands and sighed all his years, then said, ?You are indeed the son of the Clan Lord? you have all his features. You- YOU! Yes, you?you are the Clan Lord for Khaneem, now. My life is in your hands master.? Tarbitan hesitated, then looked over with confusion at Metket and Ayhe, then back at the sage. ?Y-You don?t believe me, but it is true. We all know it,? Said the old man, ?You are our Clan Lord and master, Khaneem-Saar. We are humbled by your return.? The old man attempted a bow in his wheelbarrow, and much to Tarbitan?s surprise other members of the city started to bow one at a time until the entire populace was down on their knees. Tarbitan looked at them all, and then at Ayhe. ?This gets better and better doesn?t it?? Asked Ayhe, ?Next thing you know he?ll want me to move the planet? Oi, Tabaan, contact the ship and prepare to evacuate survivors, and get food and supplies ready for their entry.? The Vaygr officer saluted, glanced at the Taiidani refugees, then hurried off to the Corvette to signal the ship. A distant boom of thunder sounded in the distance and scared a flock of birds into the sky. A storm was coming. Tarbitan looked around and then down at the old man and knelt beside him again, ?Kahverii? as? As Clan Lord of Clan Khaneem, I recognize your dishonor by abandoning the Clan in its time of need. But I will restore your honor to you if you will bring to me every artifact in this place that can be found belonging to Clan Khaneem.? The old man rasped, coughed, then chuckled and said, ?As if prophecy recalled your coming, my lord, all that was of Clan Khaneem has been gathered and housed here at the citadel. It is all here, intact, and ready for return to the right hands. I have guarded it with my life ever since the Clan departed without them.? ?Thank you, Kahverii.? Said Tarbitan, ?Your honor has been restored.? ?B-Buhrt,? Coughed the old man and reached out to clutch Tarbitan?s arm, ?Take-Take us with you? away from this place. If the Clan no longer exists in the stars, then we will gladly return to the Clan if you will accept us.? Tarbitan looked around at the survivors once again, then at Ayhe, ?Ayhe-? ?Don?t worry, I already took care of it,? She said with her arms raised, then crossed them, ?you?re welcome, by the way.? ?I?m grateful beyond words,? Replied Tarbitan and looked down at the old man, ?Thank you, Kahver?? But he stopped suddenly as he realized the old man had died. ------------------------------------------------- Closing in to the system were a number of ships bearing the 707-Aher Vaygr Armada assembly banner. Two of them were destroyers, and between them was a Titan of Fire. Ringing the three was a number of frigates. The commander stared at the pathetic assembly of carriers and Taiidan vessels, scoffed, then leaned down to call, ?Communications, give me a signal-? ?M?lord, we are being hailed by the Ronin.? The commander was a little startled, but then said, ?Let me hear it.? A string of defiant words in a language incomprehensible to the Vaygr blasted over the comm. The commander winced, then asked, ?What is that!? Where is it coming from?? ?It?s Taiidani sir, no source,? Said the communications officer. Then the tactical officer shouted, ?Missiles inbound! Incoming enemy projectiles from planetary surface!? Before he could react a large warhead slammed into a frigate and blew it aside. The frigate drifted into the Titan of fire and collided with the hull. The momentum of the aft end of the frigate descended and crushed the bridge module under it?s weight. Ancient missiles continued to fly into the Vaygr formation, and at least one of them resulted in a nuclear detonation that consumed a Destroyer. --------------------------------------------------------- Tarbitan heard from another station, ?Missile activation successful? Enemy Vaygr fleet under attack.? Tarbitan nodded softly as he stared down at the homeworld of the Taiidani. Sadly he recalled his hand and turned away from the scene. As noble as the idea was, there would be no homecoming for the Taiidani. What was left of a culture that could do this was here, in the fleet, and this had been the Taiidan version of the homeworld war. And of their efforts, all Tarbitan could recover were memories and documents of a people nearly extinct. He made an order and walked back to one of the central support pillars in the command bridge. He stopped for a moment to admire the Khaneem banner hung up in the bridge, smiled, and then turned out to stare into the stars.


mrWHO	#6 Posted on 13-09-2005 13:59
Posts: 485 Joined: September 02 2005	A question to Norsehound: any chance for the next chapter??


Norsehound	#7 Posted on 04-10-2005 06:46
Posts: 26 Joined: September 07 2005	Hmm.... Red and Yellow, Black and White... takes place after Kings. It Might or might not involve Boats. Resigned.

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