Chiron Chronicles: 2200

OOC: Prez, why is morgan trade minister coming to Safe Haven? He will be inspected for bombs :P Pirates are paranoid about bombs in their seabases, especially since U.N. SeaQuest :P


To: Cha Dawn
From: Captain Svensgaard

Then your Isle of the Deeps have the permission to cross Nautilus waters, but must stay from our bases which the escorts will make sure.

Captain Svensgaard


To: Datajack Sinder Roze
From: Captain Svensgaard

Provide the energy and you'll get your Cruisers, but may take 5 to 20 months before you get all of them. You may also send some of your engineers to surpervise their contruction.

I also sent one of our few cruise liners to Data DeCentral, which should get there in a week or so. And no, its not one of Morgan's which we privateered.

Captain Svensgaard

[Guardian]

U.N. News Network

Chiron Alliance crisis

No official word yet, but the situation is still very tense and there still seems to be much confusion surrounding recent arguments between Chiron Alliance leaders. Sources indicate that the future of the entire alliance could be at stake here. Officials all either refuse to comment or are "not available at this time".


Who will be Planetary Governor??

The question is still out in the blue... Our own Commissioner Lal is supposedly still running, but we have seen very little resembling a campaign so far... What is he waiting for?


Spartan naval buildup

The Spartan Federation appears to be continuing their naval buildup. In an official ceremony at the opening of the new term of the Spartan War College this morning, Colonel Santiago commented on the naval buildup by quoting the Spartan Survival Guide.

"It is altogether fitting that we who have sailed the deeps of
space now return again to the sea. This is in many ways a water
planet, and it can be ruled from the waves. With sea power, rugged
terrain can be bypassed and enemy strongholds isolated. Once
naval superiority is achieved, Planet is ours for the taking."

In spite of this new "aggressive" posturing by the Spartans, U.N. officials are not alarmed. Admiral Evans commented that "The Spartans are mainly concerned with the Pirates, and even if this was not the case, the U.N. Navy remains stronger than the Spartan Navy. However, we may need to take some action soon if we wish to keep things that way."


Forces on alert on the Central Continent

Reports from several independent sources indicate increased readiness and activity by Morganite forces on the Central Continent. Datatech Defense Forces are also reported to have gone on alert. So far, no move has been made and no official word has been spoken in support of our Data Angel allies. There have been some speculations about a possible link between the lack of support for the Angels and the ongoing crisis within the Chiron Alliance. Once again, officials have refused to comment.

[Natan]

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: Colonel Corazon Santiago of the Spartans and Sister Miriam of the Believers.


Your operational proposal may be acceptable, however, I require further information. My faction does not possess adequtae map data of the target area. If this could be secured, I would be most grateful. (OOC: if you can't tell, I need a map!) I believe that it will be possible to deploy Hive choppers for air support and a small contingent of Hive groundtroops and artillery. Specifically, the third and fifth Hive chopper squadrons, the fourth Hive artillery regiment, and the first and ninth Hive infantry battalions are available for offensive operations on the western continent, and a transport foil for the ground forces is already available.

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: CEO Morgan of the Morganites

I am contacting you in regards to the upcoming planetary elections. If you could find it in your heart to drop out of the race and support Santiago, I am willing to allow your faction access to the Ascetic Virtues secret project which is in my possession. I believe that this could be quite of great use to you.

[Cyber]

(OOC: Spray, a good attack plan, but as you know Nest of Fear is mainly an airbase, and that means lot of Locust patrols( most of the Cult airforces are located there) around it, so it will be very hard to get any transports near the peninsula, even with the help of air support. The forces in the base are in a constant alert, as they are so near enemy territory. And the Cult army isn´t exactly a massed army, but they spread all amongst of the fungus on the war zone. They rely not on stopping the enemy with forces, but to literally chew the enemy piece by piece
Also, the PK New Hope should be near the place.)


From: Prophet Cha Dawn
To: Lady Deidre Skye

Deidre,

I am once again urging you to help us in some way. Please, your neutral stance is turning into foolishness, no offense. You know that you will be next on the Believer heretic list after us.

Atleast grant us the use of your Pholus Mutagen for the duration of this war, which I´m trying to shorten constantly. We have neither time nor resources for developing our own version, and it would benefit our forces greatly, and you would never have to see the day when Believer forces are oyur new neighbors.

Prophet Cha Dawn

[Cyber]

Cult FungalNet


The mindworm hunters are off...

Today, four Isle of Deep departured home waters, two heading for the central continent, and other two to Free Drone territory.
Each Isle is carrying dozen specialist mindworm hunter teams, with the task of capturing as many as possible wild mindworms, and bringing them here to safety.
New mindworms should be arriving soon, as the mindworm hunters destinations are one of the most polluted in Chiron.

Heavy fungus bloom near Virgin Planet: Military experiment

Today, military officials apologised and calmed down the population of Virgin Planet, by announcing that the fungus bloom nearby that had caused panic in base, was a controlled military experiment, and there is nothing to worry about. Official information about the experiment indicates that the bloom turned out bigger than expected but still within confined limits.

The people of Virgin Planet had a quick wakeup as klaxons all over the base started wailing, warning about a fungus bloom.

[Argonaut]

Angel's Herald

Data Angels To Withdraw From Chiron Alliance!

In an unprecedented and unexpected move, it was announced today that the Data Angels would be withdrawing from the Chiron Alliance. Official statements cited ideological concerns and "trust issues" in regards to certain Alliance leaders. While not confirmed, it is probable that this is all in connection to the continued disagreements between Datajack Roze and Comissoner Lal.

Some raised concerns that certain factions might try to take advantage of this opportunity, seeing the Data Angels in a vulnerable position. To quell those fears, the Department of Defence issued this statement.

"The Datatech military is stronger than it has ever been, and we hold no doubts that our forces will be more than adequate to defend our territory. Far from it, for we will no longer have to commit our self to defending Alliance holdings abroad."

Speculations abound now how this will affect Roze's chances for Planetary Governor, although analysts anticipate a sure win for Comissoner Lal with Alliance support.

Forces Being Recalled

Moments after the announcement that the Data Angels would be leaving the Chiron Alliance, orders were recieved by Datatech forces abroad to return home. Forces stationed in Cybernetic territory, as well as ships patrolling Allied shipping lanes will be returning home for shore leave before being reassigned. Not all patrols have been cancelled, as long range scouting of interfactional waters is to continue.

[DarkCloud]

The University Sun-Governor

Forces go on Alert

"In order to protect our interests on the Central Continent- it is my sad duty to announce a heightened state of awareness for our troops.

The 'interesting' developments in the Chiron Alliance and Planetary Council have forced us to attempt to maintain our presence on the planet."

Zakharov was later quoted as saying that it is good that "the Alliance is breaking up... They had too much power... If all could agree on one alliance, it would be good, but the Alliance's rules were too strictured and it did not deserve to exist."

[Natan]

From: Tsen-ji Huang, Hive minister of Defense
To: General Sawar, commander, Hive forces, southern command.
*encrypted*
By order of the Central Committee, your forces are to be placed on yellow alert. You are therefore authorized to undertake reconaissance and other preparatory operations against enemy forces in your area of operations. The use of air and naval forces in this mission is authorized, and the foremost goal is to ascertain the intentions of Peacekeeper and other enemy forces in the area.

From: Tsen-ji Huang
To: General Naland, commander, Hive forces, northern command
*encrypted*

By order of the Central Committee, your forces are to be placed on blue alert. Reconaissance and anti-infiltration operations against Drone forces in the area are permitted, however Free Drone airspace is not to be violated.

From: Minister of Infrastructure Qin-ji Weng
To: All Hive bases
*encrypted*
All bases are to make preparations for Type II (wartime) production models and schedules. Border areas, however, should make civil defense preparations the first priority. Preparations should be completed two weeks before the Council election of the next Planetary Governor.

(OOC: The Hive doesn't want to be caught off-guard by surprise attack, and it will be doing some "agressive reconaissance" to make sure it's neighbors aren't planning an attack. In case your wondering why everyone has "ji" in their name, I've decided it signifies membership in the Hive Central Committee.

NAUTILUS SAILOR NEWS

The Central Continent is mobilizing...

Due to increase military activity by the Morganites, the Data Angels prepares their forces followed by the University of Planet. It as recently been confirmed that the Cybernetic Consciousness is doing the same, by reinforcing their borders with University. Tensions may increase and eventually spark a war.

Data Angels breaking off from the Chiron Alliance...

The Data Angels as recently withdrawn from the Alliance after some disputes with Commissioner Lal of the Peacekeepers. So they have recalled their all of their Units. Because of this, our Navy have to replace the Data Angel ships doing escort duty along some major shipping lanes.

TO: Datajack Sinder Roze
FROM: Captain Svensgaard

Sorry for what I before, but are you going as far as cancelling Pact with the Pirates? Do realize, I will have to cancel our recent deal if you do so.

Captain Svensgaard

[Argonaut]

Private Message : Enhanced Encryption
From: Datajack Roze
To: Captain Svensgaard

Captain,

I have withdrawn from the Chiron Alliance, because all of our pacts were agreed as "an attack against one of us, is an attack against us all". As I will no longer risk my people's lives to protect Lal's interests, I have left the Alliance entirely.

However, I do wish to still work with you, as well as Prime Function Aki-Zeta Five and Lady Deirdre. It just means we would have to come to our own arrangements, an Alliance outside of the Chiron Alliance. Is that agreeable to you?

As well, I do still have a need for those cruisers, if not more so.

Roze

To: Datajack Sinder Roze
From: Captain Svensgaard

It is agreeable, but suggest that your Navy still take care of some of the trade routes after its shore leave. Nautilus Pirates may have big enough Navy to take care of them, but my its Patrols in some areas would suffer.

As for the deal, the first Cruiser should be completed sometime this year.

Captain Svensgaard

OOC: Naval Yards are always building cruiser type ships, so it is pretty change the plans a bit :P

[Mr. President]

OOC: LMP, you and Svensgaard can inspect the Minister for anything you want. Just remember, full body cavity searches are against the Geneva Convention.
---
MorganNet Daily

Main story: Chiron Alliance dissolved!: The Data Angels announced their withdrawal from the powerful Chiron Alliance. It is believed that disagreements between Datajack Sinder Roze and Brother Lal of the Peacekeepers prompted the move. Analysts are uncertain as to how this may affect the race for Planetary Governor...

Developments in University gas sabotage: University of Planet authorities report that Cyborg and Believing tokens were found at the scene of the disaster. With several groups claiming responsibility, the plot seems to be thickening...

[Guardian]

U.N. News Network

Peacekeepers do not recognize Chiron Alliance breakup!

Confusion reigns supreme as the Chiron Alliance appears to have broken up within the last few hours. However, U.N. officials are not prepared to bury the alliance just yet, or even recognize the withdrawal of the Data Angels. It is believed that... Hold on! Wait a second... Our team in U.N. Enforcement Base has managed to get hold of General Braddock! Now let's hear what he has to say about all this...

*New scene: General Braddock and a young female reporter standing outside a gate / military checkpoint. There is a sign saying "U.N. Central Command" and armed guards pacing back and forth.*

Reporter: -General, we're all somewhat perplexed here... It was believed that you were among the people who were angry with the Data Angels, and now you're standing here saying you won't recognize their withdrawal from the alliance??

Braddock: -Well, I'm not saying I won't recognize it, I'm just saying I won't recognize it yet. Such decisions are not taken lightly and I'm far from convinced yet that this is really what they want. I suggest we give everybody a little time to think and then come back to talk things through. If the outcome is still the same, I will accept it.

Reporter: -So, what you're saying is that Roze is overreacting and needs to calm down before making any final decisions?

Braddock: -No, what I'm saying is that we're all overreacting and should go back and think this through one more time before we speak again. If we're really the responsible adults that we all claim to be, then we should be able to sort this out without tearing ourselves apart in the process. If the alliance is to be dissolved, fine. But then let's at least do it properly and not just run out in a huff like this just because somebody said something we didn't like. And I'm not just blaming Roze for what has happend. This applies to our own people as well. Yes, there are those of us who have been pretty pissed off, but it was never our intention to push anyone out of the alliance. As for the Data Angels... (*pause*)

Reporter: -As for the Data Angels...?

Braddock: -Well, basically, what I'm saying is that the Data Angels may think they have withdrawn from the alliance, but as far as I'm concerned this is not over yet. I'm not gonna slam the door on them if they decide they want to come back in.

Reporter: Thank you, General.

(End of interview - return to news desk)


U.N. Forces still support Data Angels

On a related subject, it was officially announced today that the U.N. Peacekeeping Forces will continue to honor their alliance with the Data Angels. Some selected forces have been put on alert for possible transfer overseas while officials warn that any aggressive move against the Data Angels will be considered an act of hostility against U.N. Peacekeepers as well.


General Assembly to meet within the hour

Officials confirm that the U.N. General Assembly has been called together and will meet within the hour. There are reports of some pretty major disagreements within the U.N. system on how this whole alliance crisis should be handled. It is believed that Commissioner Lal seeks to settle these matters in today's meetings. More information to follow as it becomes available.

[Kassiopeia]

Voice of God News Network

Top story:

Internal turmoil in Chiron Alliance

The Data Angels have announced their withdrawal from the Chiron Alliance. Reasons are believed to be continued disagreement with Commissioner Lal, and the internal friction brought up after Sinder Roze announced she would run as Planetary Governor.

University of Planet hints Believer involvement in Gas Incident

According to MorganNet Daily, University has discovered Believer-related items in the investigation of the recent Gas accident.

Sister Miriam informed just twenty minutes ago that a press conference regarding these and other important interfactional matters will be held in the Planetary Council Base in a few hours.

OCC: Hmm.. Maybe the Believer Special Forces have been doing mayhem on their own But shouldn't DarkCloud have a say in this also? I'm ok with it...

[Guardian]

[OOC: Time for some action, huh? I've got a couple of little somethings brewing... ]


Cruiser U.N.S. Unity, somewhere southeast of Peace Anchorage

There was a storm coming.
Dark clouds loomed on the horizon and the waves were growing higher by the minute. The Unity was taking them head on, and with little to no difficulty at that. She was a well-built ship. Instead of fighting the waves, she was riding them. Easing up, sliding over and then gently dropping back down on the other side, just in time to meet the next wave. So far, it was all going along very smoothly.
It would get worse than this. Much worse, probably.
But the Unity and her crew would handle it, as would the rest of their task force. After all, they weren't out here to play. They had a job to do, and going around this storm would have delayed them at least 4 - 6 days. They didn't have that long. So, they had opted to go through it and lose 6 - 12 hours instead.
-Which meant that they'd still arrive behind schedule, but that couldn't be helped.
And it shouldn't be a problem either.

-Not unless someone else was already there...


Armed Merchant Cruiser U.N.S. Apollon II, half a mile behind the Unity

Captain Iris Withfield was standing on the bridge, watching the oncoming storm and the silhouette of the Unity leading her straight into it. Her mind was drifting. The storm she didn't mind. She knew they could handle that. And the mission? Iris didn't know all the details, but she felt confident that they could handle that too.
-Except perhaps one small part of it...
She didn't want to admit it, but there was this one small part of it all that really bothered her. One small, but crucial part. And that was the possibility of meeting Spartans. Even as she was standing there thinking about it, she involuntarily clenched her fists and tensed inwardly. She wondered what it would be like to meet them. She wondered how she would handle it. For one brief, secret moment, she wondered IF she would handle it. Things have changed, she told herself. It is ancient history now. We can't change the past... She knew it was true... And besides... You're a Peacekeeper. You can't be thinking like this. You've got to let her go. Tears welled up in her eyes and she bit her lip as she stood there facing the oncoming storm, watching the sea... She loved the sea...
-And so had Susan...
Lightning flashed in the distance somewhere off to port, momentarily illuminating another dark silhouette riding the waves out there in the distance. She knew that would be the Guardian, watching her flank. And if she walked over to the starboard side and scanned the horizon in that direction, she knew she would see the Liberty, doing the same thing on that side. And there were others behind her as well, although some of them had been forced to go around the storm. The foils couldn't handle this rough weather as well as the cruisers. But they were coming. They'd all be there eventually, and a lot sooner than anybody would have thought. Iris knew she should be feeling proud right now. She was a Peacekeeper. They all were. The U.N. Navy was out in force on this one. They would handle their mission, and they would handle it well. There would be no screw-ups, and there would be no screwing around by anyone else once they'd taken up station and began their screening operation. We're gonna show them what we're made of. We're really going to show them... It didn't work. She was thinking all the right thoughts, but they had none of the comforting effect they were supposed to be having. She was supposed to be feeling strong, proud and confident. But right now she just felt alone... and ashamed... and... -and bitter... The one emotion that a Peacekeeper was not supposed to feel, ever.
-Oh God, no! Now she was crying.
The captain of a ship doesn't cry! The thought only added to her misery. Then she was in motion. Without a word, and trying not to face any of her bridge crew, she walked stiffly over to the port side of the bridge, opened the door and stepped outside to meet the storm face to face...


U.N. Enforcement Base, central command facility, at the beginning of the evening shift

General Braddock walked into the situation room and immediately knew that there was nothing major going down tonight - at least not at the moment. No units were in contact. The Spartan and Hive borders were all quiet, although there were indications of something brewing in the Planetneck area. Nothing unusual had been reported by the navy or air force and the situation on the Western Continent seemed to be more or less under control for the time being. His eyes slid across the various map displays, taking in the information they showed in mere seconds. After checking the strategic map of the Western Continent and the surrounding seas, he concentrated on the tactical map display of the area around the Unity wreckage, centered around the PK outpost called New Hope. Looked like they were having a fairly quiet night over there...


New Hope, outer perimeter, south side, that same night

Another night at the graveyard shift. Now, wasn't it just their luck! It was the third time in less than two weeks! Geez! Wasn't it someone else's turn soon? Ah well! Orders were orders. Just one thing to do about it and that was to keep watch when they were told to. It wouldn't do at all to have the Believers or the Hive or whomever show up in the middle of the base all of a sudden. Especially not tonight. Especially not any night. Tonight was their night though, and so it was their responsibility. And tonight the major was out there with them. In some units, the men might not have liked to have their CO with them on a night watch like this. In this unit, however, having the major with you was a pleasant turn of events, even for the enlisted men. She was that kind of major. She'd be 40 years old later this year, and she had spent half that time in the military. Her reputation probably exceeded her actual abilities, at least a little bit... -but she WAS pretty darned good! Also, she had this special effect on people that he couldn't quite explain, except by using the ancient phrase that "To know her is to love her." He nodded lightly to himself. Yeah. That was it. That was just how she was. -At least as long as you weren't one of the bad guys, and some times even then... He hadn't known her that long, but supposedly, it had always been that way. Ever since she was a cute little corporal outside Data Acquisition, and even before that. To the original landers, she was still just a kid, but for someone her age, she had come a long way.
"Lieutenant!"
There she was right now, coming towards him. Looked like she'd just been over by Bravo company's positions. He straightened just a little and looked up as she came to him. Wow! She still looked pretty darn hot! She was just a few months from 40, but in very good shape. She looked like she could be in her early to mid 30's. -Which was probably how she'd stay for quite some time yet, as High Command had recently put her up for longevity treatment. When she learned, she had laughed a bitter laugh and remarked dryly that the day after her first treatment was done would probably be the day before someone decided to drop a few high explosive shells in her head. He still wasn't sure if she had been joking or not. Johnson was weird that way. Just as you thought you were starting to know her, she would turn around and say something that just... wasn't like her at all! Some times he almost wondered if even she knew what was going on inside her head at times. -But he trusted her with his life and he'd follow her straight into the fiery pits of Hell if she asked him to.
"Lieutenant Nelson."
He stopped his musings and started paying attention as she came up alongside him, holding out a datapad. "Lieutenant, we're clear. No movement reported anywhere. As far as we can tell at the moment, we should be in for another quiet night. However, the air people reported seeing Believers moving through their patrol area earlier this evening. That was southeast of here, about 250 klicks out. When the Believers discovered our flyers eyeballing them, they immediately changed their heading repeatedly and kept doing so as long as our eyes stayed with them, seemingly just trolling around at random. So, we technically don't know where they're headed, but our best guess is that they're gonna pass well south of here some time within the next couple of days. They had some rovers with them that could theoretically be here and giving us trouble within the night, but I can't see why on Chiron they'd want to pull something like that. If they wanted to hit us here, they would have sent a force 10 times bigger. -Or at least that's what we think, but I guess we really don't know for sure, so let's stay sharp anyway, shall we?" Her large dark brown eyes held his gaze for a moment, then smiled as he nodded his agreement. "Any questions lieutenant?" He thought for a moment, then decided to go ahead and ask her. "Well, yes, ma'am, there is one question." She raised an eyebrow, indicating for him to go ahead and ask his question. The look in her eyes was friendly... curious... almost a little amused. "Well, I was wondering what we're going to do if they do show up here. Any new rules of engagement?" The look of amusement quickly faded from her face and her expression momentarily went blank as if she was lost in thought. Then she immediately snapped out of it and quickly shook her head. "No, I haven't heard anything new about that. If something does happen, we will handle things the way we're used to. Anything else?" He cleared his throat, paused for one moment, then decided to go ahead... "What do you make of this mess with the Data Angels?" She frowned, took a deep breath and opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, bit her lip and let out a soft sigh. When she tried again, her voice was strangely flat. "I don't know what to make of it yet." The look on her face made it clear that she'd rather not say more about it, at least not tonight. That was it then. They said their good byes and he watched her go, continuing on her round.

So...
If something does happen...
...we will handle things the way we're used to.

That means we do not fire first...

-unless...


U.N.S. Apollon II

She turned to face forward, letting the wind and the rain whip her face for a few moments. There. Now no one could see her cry. She turned back to look north, off to her ship's port side. Through her tears and the stormy night, she could no longer see the Guardian, so she found herself just staring blankly at the spot where it ought to be. She closed her eyes and sighed inwardly. -Good how pathetic I must look! She groaned. If that elegant Pirate captain she had met just a few weeks ago had seen her now, he'd probably be embarrassed about ever speaking to such a pusillanimous wimp. -And to think that she had the nerve to call herself a captain...
She couldn't help it though. Some times it was just too much. She had worked so hard to get over it, and she had almost succeeded... Almost, but never quite... Every once in a while, she would have days like this. Still sobbing, she took a deep breath and tried to calm down. It was time to get back inside. Her crew would be wondering what she was up to out here... "I'm sorry Susan", she whispered to the wind.

Her older sister Susan had been the captain on the original Apollon.


[OOC: In case somebody needs to be filled in on the historical details, the Apollon was the ship involved in the U.N. SeaQuest incident. The PK merchant cruiser found a Unity pod and fished it out of the sea. The captain moved to open the pod, and... well, it was the last thing she ever did. A Spartan probe team was hidden inside. They killed everyone on board and took over the ship, loaded it with explosives and sailed it to U.N. SeaQuest, where they eventually blew it up. Now then, it turns out that the captain of the Apollon had a sister who has somehow managed to wiggle her way into commanding an armed merchant cruiser named after her sister's ship... Could get interesting, don't you think? ]

[Guardian]

Cruiser U.N.S. Fearless, off the east coast of the Western Continent

The "unidentified" contact they had been tracking turned out to be a Data Angel cruiser, apparently heading home at best speed. The Fearless was headed in the opposite direction and the two ships were closing fast. Normally, they would have acknowledged each other's presence some time ago and exchanged friendly greetings. Alas, it seemed things weren't exactly "normal" at the moment. Both ships had altered course ever so slightly to give each other some extra leeway, but they would still pass well within weapon range of each other. The atmosphere was getting a little tense as the distance between them shrunk, but neither ship did anything out of the ordinary. For a while, it looked as though they just might pass each other by without even saying hello, but then the "silence" was broken by the following transmission...

Ship ohoy, Angels!

Got to love politics, eh? What a mess! Any idea how it happened??
Ah well! Not much we can do about it from out here...
We shall hope to meet again some time under more pleasant circumstances.
Have a safe trip home.

[Natan]

Hive encampment, Planetneck

"Greetings, major Gelden," General Sawar began as the Major stepped into his office. "I have brought you here for a special mission. Sit down." The Major sat. "As you are aware, tensions between our faction and the Chiron alliance have been increasing. The Central Committee has ordered us to determine if the Peacekeepers are planning an attack on us to coincide with Colonel Santiago's expected ascent to the post of Planetary Governor. I have called you here because I want you to pick thirty men for a reconaissance mission accross the Planetneck." The Major was clearly getting nervous, but the General continued. A map appeared on the computer display imbedded in the table which both men were sitting at. The General pointed at part of the display and spoke "You are to attack here, between bunkers 13 and 16. Infiltrate through the Islands without being detected, and failing that, do not allow your forces to be identified. I have decided not to jam PK communications equipment, so your task will not be easy. We are however," the General said, pointing to other parts of the map, "going to send two patrols like yours out, so watch out and try not to shoot them. Once you have ascertained this information, report it back to us, preferably by un-interceptable means and then move west to link up with Kurita in the mountains. Do you have any questions?" "Yes," the Major said, "what level of force is permitted and what procedure should we follow if fired upon." "Conventional weapons only, and use them sparingly. If fired upon or questioned, identify yourselves as survivors from Kane's army. You will recieve special training and equipment to make that claim believable, and the attack will take place in three days time. Major, you are dismissed."
The General then turned, and issued the orders for the arial overflight which would proceed the infiltration, and prepared his missile batteries for a worst-case artillery duel.

[Cyber]

[OOC: Argo, I´m not exactly sure what the Peacekeepers were doing on the western continent, as Guardian wrote mostly about the global impact of the operation, but here is my opinion…]

From: Prophet Cha Dawn
To: Datajack Sinder Roze

Greetings again Datajack,

So you are willing to help us? Almost one third of our population lives in or near the war zone, so believe me, most of our annual budget goes to relieving the victims of war, and not humans only, but mindworms also. Though we are a police state, we do care about our people, both human and indigenous lifeform. So, no offence, but I think your economy would be too strained if you started helping the way you stated.

I meant with the sentence “Spitting on us and pampering the Believers” not your faction only, but all the rest of them, with exception being maybe the pirates. Please, do not take that sentence too literally, but our foreign relations seem to be that we have many enemies, but none true friends, though we have do nothing to anger anybody. Except in the Second Spartan War, which was pure business from our side, we not even tried to attack anyone, but still everybody keeps their distance with us. We even parted peacefully ways with our mother faction, the Gaians.

The peacekeepers were helping us, but only in the form of escorting civilians, Believer and Cult, from the war zones. Of course, some food and medical care was distributed, but not much. Later on, when the situation got tougher, the peacekeepers started sending more forces here, and so they turned their presence into a peacekeeping force, as you described them. I do not wish to sound ungrateful, the peacekeepers have done much here, but most of it resulted in pissing off the Believers, and so it all went to hell. Now they have taken to correct the situation, and are bunkered up in New Hope, trying to be neutral.

We are proud and sovereign people, Roze, and wish no charity, no offense again. So if you are willing to help us in the form of medical, food and other supplies, we are obligated to repay. We are willing to send our experts there and help in any way possible concerning the native life and indigenous lifeforms, though your already excellent economy doesn’t need much improvement I must say. If you need help in training any mindworm units you have, our people are perfect for the job. Or if you have problems with wild mindworms, our experts can capture them and, if you wish, give them to you.

Hmm… maybe you are worthy of our trust, after all. I´d again like to apologize for my rudeness in our previous conversations, and I hope that someday our two factions can be friends.

Prophet Cha Dawn



Cult FungalNet

Chiron alliance breaking!

The future of the Chiron Alliance is on question, as the Data Angels announced their withdrawal from the alliance.
This all is rumored to have started because of an argument between the Data Angels and the Peacekeepers, of who should support whom in the Planetary Governor elections.
This whole situation might give a chance to the enemies of the weakened alliance to ruthlessly exploit the situation, and to start their nefarious schemes on bringing the world under their rule.

Tensions rising in the central continent

News from the central continent has confirmed the mobilization of Morganite, Data Angel and University forces. Fortunately, so far no aggressive moves have been made, but the situation remains tense.
This situation has the potential of turning into another disastrous war on the central continent, no matter who will win the Elections.
Furthermore, war anywhere on the planet might drag whole blocs of factions against each other again. Our own faction is already deep in one, brutal and useless war, but soon we might have to fight against several other opponents.


Somewhere near Invictus…

The experiment was going as planned. A small group of mortars were shooting down on a small and barren valley, covering the whole place with gas.

In a few minutes, the valley started teeming with life. The unbelievably fast growing fungus quickly devoured a few scrap rovers and some other structures that had been put there on purpose. It was a full-scale fungus bloom.
The Cult forces near the bloom quickly readied themselves for leaving, before the bloom devoured them also, but the Cultist scientists that had been watching the happening, were satisfied. This was all they had worked for, and even more…

[Argonaut]

Private Messager : Standard Encryption
From: Datajack Roze
To: Prophet Cha Dawn

I do appologize, I did mean to add that I would equal your contributions up to a certain point. I have no doubts for your commitment to your people, simply having talked to you I can tell you do care for their well being. But, we will certainly do what we can to help those who are suffering.

As for some form of return payment, I do not feel this is necessary. It is not charity, so much as support. However, if you feel something is necessary in return, how about sending people over to help us breed a few mindworms? We have had some minor success, but it is not an exact science for us yet.

Yet, at least let this wait until your current conflict is resolved. You have enough on your plate at the moment, and we trust that you will hold true to the bargain, as you put it on the table.

I look forward to the Ecological Summit, it looks like I might be attending in person. As long as things have calmed down enough here and my Governor's stop nagging me.

Roze

Private Message
From: Datajack Roze
To: Captain Svensgaard

I'm glad we will still be able to work together, despite my leaving the Alliance. And it is confirmed, whatever Braddock says. We will not be rejoining the Chiron Alliance at any point in the forseeable future.

We will gladly patrol shipping lanes that we share with you Captain, but we will not be patrolling Chiron Alliance routes to other factions. I have not heard from Lady Deirdre (which I'm not too surprised about) nor Aki (which does worry me) so I cannot justify committing forces to protection of their shipping. As well, it would be best if my forces stayed away from the U.N. for a while. Public opinion has dropped considerably for the U.N. after some of the reports coming out of U.N. broadcasts.

As for the cruisers, the money should be in your account and we look forward to celebrating their christening. I'm personally looking forward to the arrival of your cruise ship. I need that vacation more than ever!

Your grateful friend,
Roze

Angel's Herald

Data Angels Announce Withdrawl From Chiron Alliance...Again!

Despite reports from U.N. channels to the contrary, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Data Angels would no longer be apart of the Chiron Alliance.

"We have worked out our own agreement with the Nautalis Pirates, whom we will continue to support, and we hope to work out similar deals with the Stepdaughters of Gaia and the Cybernetic Conciousness. As for U.N. claims that they don't "recognize" our withdrawl, we could frankly care less. It is not the U.N.'s place to "recognize" our decisions, we are a soveriegn faction and capable of making our own decisions without General Braddock's or U.N. Command's approval."

This statement, released earlier by the Datatech Ministry of Defence is the first confirmation that Data Angel withdrawl from the Alliance is due to conflict with the U.N.

Incoming Transmission
From: D.A.S. Code-Breaker
To: U.N. Patrol

Right. And maybe we could work the Spartans and Hive to! We'll all just be one big happy family.

Get Bent.

[Guardian]

Incoming transmission
From: U.N.S. Fearless
To: D.A.S. Code-Breaker

See, that's where you got us all wrong.
We don't bend just because somebody gets a little mad at us once or twice.
If you want us to change, you'll need to come up with something better than that.
Tell Roze she has two lives left.
Have a nice day.

U.N. News Network

Data Angels confirm withdrawal

Data Angel officials confirm the decision to leave the Chiron Alliance, apparently annoyed with the Peacekeepers' questioning their judgement. The Datatech Ministry of Defense stated that

It is not the U.N.'s place to "recognize" our decisions, we are a soveriegn faction and capable of making our own decisions without General Braddock's or U.N. Command's approval.

The official response from U.N. Central Command is that

We never said they needed our approval. We simply didn't see this as a very good idea and wanted to leave the door open in case they should have second thoughts. This is still our policy and we do not hold grudges against anyone.

U.N. Headquarters approved and confirmed the statement with no amendments.

[Guardian]

U.N. Defense Line, Planetneck

It was quiet. Very quiet.
The Peacekeepers still honored their agreement with Yang from the end of the last war. There wasn't a single offensive unit anywhere within 500 kilometers of the Planetneck. Artillery would be considered offensive if it was placed so that it could reach the Hive encampments on the other side. It was not. The 3 artillery regiments were all stationed in the rear areas, from where they could not bombard the Hive's positions, but they could blast anything approaching their own lines. If another conflict was to break out, the PK artillery units would have to be moved before they could counter-fire any Hive artillery. Also, the U.N. Navy still lurked nearby, but they too would have to move into position before they could touch anything on the Hive side. In other words, the PK force deployments were all defensive in nature. But they had a strong defense with sensor arrays, bunkers and overlapping fields of fire. It would not be easy for any kind of creature to slip through unnoticed...


[OOC: As you may recall, General Braddock once offered the Hive an opportunity to send observers across the Planetneck to see for themselves that there were no offensive units in the area. Technically, this offer still stands...]

[Natan]

Planetneck
Six small landing craft navigated the night-time waters around Planetneck. They were small craft, very low to the water, so low that they needed a clear plastic covering to keep the water out. They would move, slowly and silently, between the islands, pausing frequently to watch the PK positions through night-vision binoculars. There were no signs of military preparations. Troops were dropped off in some of the marshses and on some of the Islands, where they moved slowly, trying to avoid detection.

Back on the Hive side, General Sawar was awaiting the results of the reconaisance. If its results were inconclusive, then he would order the aircraft currently on ground stanby to overfly the PK positions. That, of course, would create an international incident, but it would be neccessary to make sure no sudden assault was planned.

The PFC glared out of the firing port of the bunker. There was something moving. A man? He did not know. "Hey, sarge!" he called, "there's something moving out there!" The Sergeant rose from his desk, where he had been finishing paperwork, and pushing the Private aside, he looked out the firing port as he gripped the private's machine gun. "Yup, someone's definitely out there. Good work, son. Keep an eye on him." The Sergeant then rose from the firing port and sounded the bunker's alarm, awaking the sleeping soldiers. They grumbled, but got dressed, and put on their pressure helmets as the sergeant exlained the situation. "Now that you're up, I'm going to ask corporal Johnson to lead his section up from the bunker to catch the intruder. He should be south-west of our position at this time." The section rounded up their weapons and exited the bunker, as the Sergeant got onto the communications system to inform his commander and his comrades in other bunkers of the situation.
The Hive soldier fell to the ground as the PKs shouted through the bullhorn. "We know you're out there. You're not fooling us!" the voice called out. "Okay, fine, be that way! See if we care!" The voice shouted again over the bullhorn. There were a few moments of silence, and then the PKs fired a flare, but the Hive soldier had managed to dig himself into the muddy ground and was concealed.
By now, the Peacekeepers were becoming aware of other infiltrators in the Planetneck vicinity, and were sending out more patrols to catch this one. They finally located him, face down in the dirt. Three soldiers stood over him as he lay face down in the mud, and their commander spoke, "game's over." The infiltrator detonated a small supply of grenades beneath his chest. The PK soldiers were uninjured, but dazed by the explosion and the determination of the man who set it off.

General Sawar was relieved. It was almost dawn, and the reports from the infiltrators had come back: The PKs were not planning an attack. He wrote out the report to the Central Committee.

(OOC: If the PKs want to make this an incident, they can, but they could also cover it up, because the Hive soldiers didn't shoot back. If they make an incident, they won't have "smoking gun" evidence, but it will definitely be a propaganda victory)

[Kassiopeia]

Voice of God News Network

Special report

SISTER MIRIAM'S PRESS CONFERENCE CANCELLED!

One hour ago, after a long wait, the press reps gathered at the assembly room of the Believing Embassy at the Planetary Council Base were informed by the Believing Press Secretary that the planned announcement by Sister Miriam herself would be cancelled. Voice of God sources report that Sister Miriam has never left New Jerusalem at all, and is now suspected not to attend the Governor Election herself at all.
Fortunately the reporters were not forced to leave with empty hands; Father Theodore Deacon, Believing Council rep, issued a written statement of the Believing Diplomatic Corps.

Public statement
Of the Believing Diplomatic Corps, Planetary Council Base Embassy
Subject: Recent events

First of all, Sister Miriam has not been able to attend to the press conference herself; a circumstance we all are sorry for. The BDC has been authorized, however, to give this official statement in her behalf regarding recent interfactional events.

1. The University of Planet Gas Accident
The Believers do not wish to comment so far the accusations of Believing involvment.

2. The Election of Planetary Governor
Sister Miriam Godwinson will support Colonel Corazon Santiago of the Spartan Federation. Sister does not wish to run herself.

3. Relations of the Chiron Alliance
The Lord's Believers recognize the withdrawal of the Data Angels and will support Datajack Sinder Roze in this decision. If the faction is planned on attacking suspecting their weakness after withdrawal, the offenders might find themselves retaliated by the Holy Crusaders. Of course, the Crusade Committee does not believe that the Data Angels would at any situation be in need of military support, as their military is a force to be reckoned with.
Sister Miriam Godwinson has personally commented, that:
I find it strange that Commissioner Lal does not "allow" Roze to withdraw. The Chiron Alliance is, as far as I know, meant to be a democratic coalition. If Lal does not wish this, he must not use force to subjugate the Data Angels.

Maximum encryption
From: Sister Miriam Godwinson
To: Datajack Sinder Roze

What is going on, Datajack? Are you serious about this? Are you trying to scare Lal to leave the "leader" position of the Alliance? Is this bluff?

Sister Miriam

Maximum encryption
From: General Jacob Peterson
To: The Crusade Committee and Sister Miriam Godwinson

Dear Sister, and Committee,

I think that we should place the whole Special Forces to full alert. I trust your expertise on the situation, Benedicte, but I have my suspicions regarding those Data Angels trying to get west from Lord's Gift.
I assume all of you are familiar with the Spartan suggestion of a marine assault on Nest of Fear. I ask you to seriously consider this, and also that you appoint some datatechnical crew at the Headquarters for a trip to Sparta Command to utilize their obviously superior processing equipment.

General Peterson

OOC: Mr. Prez, cavity search? Pirates rather useful high tech scanners anyway, wondering what morgan minister wants to talk about with my chief of economy.


Planetary Council Base

The NPS Nautilus and its escorts arrived at PCB, but Captain Svensgaard waited a bit to make sure the area is secured by his ships. When it was, a personel chopper launched from the Nautilus to the Nautilus Pirate Embassy in the base to drop off Svensgaard and some of his people. The ships continue to keep the area secured, getting ready for the arrival of Spartan ships due in two weeks according to Third Fleet. It seems Captain Svensgaard is the first faction Leader to arrive to PCB.


Captain Svensgaard

[Argonaut]

OOC: Ah, Kass...I've got the Hunter Seeker Algorithm. While I'm willing to allow spy operations to go on within Data Angel bases (sabatoge etc.) the HSA makes my networks entirely secure. No hacking, and no downloading of government files. I've got it covered though, just thought I should give you the heads up.

Private Message : Standard Encryption
From: Datajack Roze
To: Sister Miriam

This is no bluff, I seek no further involvement with the Chiron Alliance, in praticular the U.N. Peacekeepers. It seems to me that Lal is bent on establishing himself as the sole authority on Planet, and I will not support that.

And Sister, kindly refrain from sending your spies here to hack into my networks. Your lucky, for the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm was about to fry your operatives brains. However, I stopped the Algorithim as the data your man was accessing was of little importance. Datatech security forces are currently seeing to it that he has passage home to New Jeruselum. If there is something you wish to know, in future ask me. I will not stop the Algorithim next time, it has been created for a reason.

Roze

Incoming Transmission
From: DAS Code-Breaker
To: U.N. Fearless

"Two lives left"? Is that a threat? Oh, no...we're really scared. Oh, and to clarify for you fogies, "get bent" means "piss off" or "got to hell" or "get lost". We would never push you around and tell you to change. We could care less what you do these days. Now, you have a nice day.

Target has now moved out of range

[Guardian]

Incoming transmission
From: U.N.S. Fearless
To: D.A.S. Code-Breaker

No, it's not a threat, you plonker, I was trying to be funny! Geez, what's the matter with you people all of a sudden?! Ah well! Have it your way then... It really seems you're the ones getting lost though... Fearless out.

[OOC: OK, I gotta get some More tomorrow. ]

[Argonaut]

Angel's Herald

Roze Sets Sail for Planetary Council Base

Our good Datajack has finally decided to take a vacation. With the arrival of a Pirate cruiser liner in Data DeCentral, Roze announced today that she would be taking the opportunity to have a little holiday while making her way down to the Planetary Council Base for the impending elections.

The cruise liner will take a nice lesiurely route south to the Council base, arriving in time for the elections. The ship will be escorted by two Pirate foils (who arrived with the liner) and the Datatech flagship, the D.A.S. Independence.

In the meantime, the Council of Governor's, headed by Assistant Datajack Michael Omega-Nine, will be managing the affairs of state, although Datajack Roze will remain in communication with them. Minister of Defence David Harrington has also taken his holidays, and is believed to be travelling on the cruise ship with Roze. Rumours have spread like a nasty computer virus, speculating at a possible relationship between the Datajack and one of the Data Angel's most eligible bachelors.

Demonstration Held Outside U.N. Embassy in Data DeCentral

Protestors met peacably outside of the U.N. Embassy in Data DeCentral earlier today. The Protestors were apparently angry due to some statements made in the U.N. media. Penelope Winters, the organizer of the small group of demonstrators had this to say:

"We already had to fight to win our Independence from Morgan Industries! Now we've got the U.N. Peacekeepers pushing us around! Someone should tell Comissoner Lal that the U.N. that existed on Earth, isn't what he's leading now. He doesn't represent all the people of Planet and we have a right to do what we want, including allying with whom ever we want."

Assistant Datajack Michael Omega-Nine issued his own statement, following the protest:

"While we respect the right to peacefully protest, there really is no need in this situation. The Data Angels and the U.N. Peacekeeprs have had a difference in opinion, and we have chosen to go our seperate ways. There's no need to add fuel to the fire."

[Mr. President]

OOC: My guess, LMP, is that they want to talk about the economy. No seriously, is it that we don't have trade relations? Just say so and we can forget about it. There's plenty of stuff they could talk about. Trade agreements, tariffs, conferences, free ports, trade with third parties, the Council...whatever you like.
---
The room was well-lit, spacious, and high-ceilinged, but somehow the air was still stifling, and a cloud hung over the Executive Board.

Nwabudike Morgan adjusted his collar and folded his hands on the table. "How is our military readiness?"

The Defense Minister paused momentarily. "Our readiness is good, CEO." Sharon Mansourian spoke confidently and clearly. "Morale is at an all-time high. The scouts are watching the borders with everything. Nothing's going in or out of Morgan Industries that we won't know about."

Michael Johansen the Industrial Co-Ordinator spoke up. "The new needlejet wing is almost completed. We're working rotating triple shifts, and we'll have an air force by the time our vote for Governor is cast. I have also begun modifying the Unity choppers and some civilian helicopters for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle use."

"And the, er, armor division?"

"All that's left is for the Spartans to sign the contract and the tanks are in the mail," Johansen replied.

"Perfect." Morgan sighed and clenched his fists. He hoped the situation would blow over, but then again he had never known politics to be predictable. Morgan had learned long ago that you couldn't build a fort out of money.

"Other news?" he asked.

"Mostly quiet, CEO." Morgan's Senior Executive, Jeneba Franco, the most powerful person in the company save the Namibian himself. "Rumors, mostly from civilian anecdotes, about mobilizations on the Eastern Continent. They're staring each other down on the Cult-Believer border; trained worms, Crusaders, Spartans, blue berets, Angel-devils, everyone. As to the election, we're not going to be sure of anything until we get to the Council."

Morgan nodded. He knew the chances of his retention diminished by the minute. He still, however, had a plan up his sleeve. "Any word from Thomas?"

"He's en route to Safe Haven," said Franco. "No problems there."

"And what about the University and their worm gas?"

Mansourian flicked her blonde hair out of her eyes. "It's possible some members of the Morganic Perfect Society may have escaped to the University during the purge. We're checking on that. The Jacobites and the True Howellians we know, but the Greens are news to us. Intelligence is talking to someone from the University side to share information on known terrorist groups. It's going to be difficult seeing as everyone and their uncle claims to have done it.

"There is another option, which I almost hesitate to put forward, CEO." Morgan raised his eyebrows; all eyes were fixed on Mansourian. "We had a . . . thought, that the Data Angels, or someone acting on their behalf, may have planted the tokens and spread false claims of responsibility to cause interfactional strife."

The CEO almost chuckled. "Isn't that a little extravagant, even for Roze?"

"Perhaps, but I wouldn't put anything past her." Mansourian frowned. "I recommend we start inconspicuously calling up the reserves."
***
Morganic Defense Line
1407 Central Continent Time

Matt Svensson, Sergeant, Special Forces, surveyed the no-man's-land of the Defense Line. His squad was part of the garrison at one of the narrowest and most tense points on the border. A nine-foot fence topped with barbed wire formed the official border between the Morganites and the Data Angels, an imposing physical and psychological boundary. Just beyond the barrier was little more than a hundred yards of broken terrain dotted with piles of jagged, rusting metal and pools of dirty water, a legacy of wars past. At the opposite edge of the empty land was a large complex of Angel bunkers. The barrels of machine guns, particle impactors, and tanks stared each other down across the forbidding field. On a clear summer day, the Morganic forces could see the shadow of Data Bank in the distance.

Svensson smiled. His father had lived in Data Bank when it had still been called Morgan Bank. Some right-wing political figures still talked of "liberating" the "occupied cities" of the east, but it was little more than a pipe dream. Svensson knew that better than anyone. Since the High Command ordered increased readiness and patrolling, his men had spied Angel anti-aircraft batteries moving into place, tanks sitting atop small rises, and, most psychologically troubling, the eyes and binoculars of soldiers like themselves in the hard grey bunkers across from them, watching, spying, following their every move.

He cared little for the international politics of his day. Svensson's mind was focused on one task: protect the border at all costs. The Angel army and covert ops were huge; but at the Academy they had been taught defensive and counter-offensive tactics from the playbooks of such figures as Moshe Dayan, Ho Chi Minh, and Charlie Santos. Since the cession of Morgan Bank, Morgan Industries' military policy had centered on defense; Sergeant Svensson had not been born, but had read about the "national humiliation" and the mistakes the board had made. The CEO had even apologized to the nation for the loss of one of the conglomerate's richest cities. Since then, large sections of Morganite society had been strongly opposed to any form of armed conflict.

The Morganite soldier sipped from his canteen and lifted a pair of binoculars to his eyes. A Data Angel tank, preceded and followed by armed infantrymen, clanked silently across an open space behind lines. He nodded. Posturing was nothing new in this part of the world. If the movement ever stopped and the sounds ever ceased, though, he would summon his men and reach for his rifle.
---
OOC: Charlie Santos is a fictional figure, whose role is to illustrate that there have been wars between our time and Alpha Centauri's, so don't try to look him up in a history book. References to "tanks" "and "personnel carriers" mean the machines we know on Earth, tracked assault/transport vehicles with medium or heavy weaponry, and not hovertanks (which haven't been invented yet). I just happen to like them, and I think they would still be useful even at this distant future stage. All right, so our friend here's name is similar to Ulrik's. What can I say? Scandinavian names are useful.

[DarkCloud]

The University Sun-Governor

New Chiron Alliance

From Zakharov:

... Not that I wish to join this 'alliance', all know of my objections to its restrictions. However... I do wish for there to be some agreement on this planet- and, in return for my proposal to save the alliance- I wish to be allowed to alter some rules.
Here is my process:

A. Powers of the Alliance

I. All are Equal
i. this translates into saying that if Lal thinks Roze is doing something wrong- he must receive a 2/3 vote from the alliance to be able to do anything about it... And even then he must accomodate Roze
ii. All, regardless of size have an equal say in the discussion of materials.
iii. In the event that one alliance member has alliances with others outside of the alliance, all must approve the alliances.
iv. There will be no backdealing

II. If any of the above rules are broken, a compromise or forefeit must be reached.

Nerve Gas Investigation Proceeds

The Howellites have been deemed not to have been involved after a thorough investigation about the bomb placements... However the Jacobites, Greens, Perfect Society and other extrafactional interest groups have not yet been cleared of possibility of wrongdoing.

As the plot thickens the chief investigator proposes that the Jakobites were being sponsored by the Data Angels and that the Perfect Society may have been Sponsored by the Believers. The Greens may have been framed by the Perfect Society- "Or there may be another reason and other people behind this destruction... we just dont know."

An alternative explanation is that the Greens framed all of the polluting factions while the Perfect Society and Jakobites had hitchhiked aboard the gas transporters and attempted to frame the ecological factions for sabatouge.

[Argonaut]

OOC: I thought I'd clarify some of the descriptive words for my faction, cause I've recently incorporated a new one. They are the "Data Angels" led by "Datajack" Roze. "Datatech" is the descriptive adjective, like "Morganite" or "Cybernetic". Just trying to avoid confusion. By the way Darkcloud, I wouldn't mind some minor Data Angel involvement in the bombing (which Mr. President kindly implied. Those paranoid Morganites ) We could support someone if that was the route you took, although we weren't there. We'd never do something so outrageous and let it be actually traceable! What would Lal say? Oh! Wait a minute, we don't care anymore! Just kidding Guardian

Datatech Defence Line
Morgan Industries - Data Angel Border, Near Data Bank
14:11 Chiron Continent Time

Datatech Private Vladamir Ravinski looked through his binoculors, across the border to his counter-parts on the Morganite side. A tank rolled by behind him, one of the heavier batteries used as infantry support on the defence lines. While impractical on Chiron, they packed a severe punch. Rovers still dominated on the mobile front, but several tanks supported infantry units, sporting larger batteries than could be carried by hand.

As he scanned along the bunkers and sensor arrays, he was surprised by the sight of a Morganite soldier staring right back at him. Not that this was an unusual sight, and they certainly knew the Morganites were there. It was just that the psuedo-eye contact suddenly made everything all that more real and human.

On a whim, he decided to try something. It would have to be in secret. His commanding officers would have him court-martialed in a heart beat if they knew what he was doing. But his father had been one of the original Data Angels who left Morgan Industries so long ago, and he knew that not all that was said about Morganites in the media was true.

He took a small mirror out of his sanitation kit, and began flashing a message across to the sentry on the other side of the border. It was something he had picked up on vacation in Atlantisville from a Nautalis Marine. Known as morse code, it was rarely used these days. But some people still knew it for when transmitters were down, and the Pirate had shown him the whole series. Perhaps, if the Morganite knew his history he would understand.

He started with something simple, non-comittal.

Anybody there? Can't wait for this heatwave to let up.

Angel's Herald
Editorial Page

Data Angel's Business is Everyone's Business

Well, it's official. Whether for good or for bad, the Data Angels have left the Chiron Alliance, and that's that. Or is it?

Since the announcement that the Data Angels had withdrawn, there have been constant "comments" and "articles" and "press-conferences" surrounding the event. One side says one thing, the other side says another thing, and everyone from the Head Academician of the University of Planet to the drone who shines Chairman Yang's boots seems to have something to say about the issue.

Our government has stated that we will have nothing further to do with the Chiron Alliance and will only make Alliances with individual factions. The U.N. seems to be waiting for us to come running back at there "oh-so-generous and benevolant" offer to take us back into the fold.

Now, in the University Sun Governor, Head Academician Zakharov has released a new set of "rules" for the Chiron Alliance in order to "help save it". But who said it needed saving?

The Chiron Alliance will continue to function without Data Angel involvement. Just as the Data Angels will manage just fine without the Chiron Alliance. It serves to raise the question, however: what do all these advice givers have to gain by the situation?

It is obvious what the Data Angels stand to gain. By leaving the Alliance, they will no longer be grouped into the bloc that everyone seeks to beat. The Chiron Alliance has made many enemies, just by the shear power it wields. As well, Datatech forces won't have to defend Alliance territory, and military spending has been a large drain on the Data Angel economy.

The U.N. wants the Angels to stay for obvious reasons as well. To consolidate the power of the Alliance and disseminate rumours that it's falling apart from within due to bickering amongst leaders. To gain a powerful ally with a large navy, and extensive sea territory (through which a great deal of U.N. trade has past en route to both Data Angel and Northern Pirate sea bases).

But, the most perplexing of all is Zakharov's proposal. What can he gain? Zakharov has been no friend to either the Alliance, or the Data Angels in particular for decades. Zakharov himself faced trial in Data DeCentral and was imprisoned there. The University has gone to war with the Alliance on two seperate occasions, the only conflict the University seeing in both those wars being primarily with Data Angel forces. So why would Zakharov want to keep the Angels in the Alliance?

Without Angel support, the border between the University and Alliance factions shrinks considerably. The University's north would be secured, leaving his forces to concentrate on the weaker defences of the Cyborgs to the South-West. Even most of his coast would be safe, because the Alliance would surely not be permitted to launch an invasion of University soil from Data Angel waters.

What does Zakharov hope to gain? Frankly, this has more than confused me. The only thing I can come up with: He wants Roze to rejoin the Chiron Alliance so she doesn't try and cozy up with him.

Editorialist Lao Min