The Chiron Chronicle 6: 2182

[Argonaut]

OOC: Sorry I've been absent, it's the end of my school year so things have been crazy. The Sprawl coordinates:(68,24). Out of curiosity, what is the general consensus on a shared secret project (built together, providing the same benefit idea).

Approaching the Combined Pirate-Peacekeeper Fleet

The four Impact Foils of the Data Angel Task force which had brought the rovers to the U.N. now approached the massive Pirate-Peacekeeper Formation. It was still unclear how long the Spartans would remain in hiding, but the Data Angels would be there waiting too. The followed the Pirate Commanders instructions and joined the formation.
[This message has been edited by Argonaut (edited April 20, 2001).]

[Sprayber]

To: Chairman Yang
From: Colonel Santiago

My good chairman. I trust that your Hive society is proceeding according to your plans. My apologies for not getting back sooner but pressing business within the Spartan Federation has kept me busy. I have received a message from our old colleague Lal. He is not responsive to the offer of peace. While the Spartan Federation is quite capable of maintaining our war effort. We are still interested in peace and will show restraint in the coming days in order to foster an atmosphere more conducive to peace. As for our future relations. I am concerned that Lal is too dependent on the Pirates to truely act independently. Also he appears to be have some kind of relationship to the so called "Planet Mind". With the existence of the Planet Cult and even the weak Gians, this may lead to bad consequeces for our two factions. Close cooperation may prove to be in our best interests once again.


To: Commissioner Lal
From: Colonel Santiago

I am somewhat perplexed by your unwillingness to enter into peace talks. While it was not us that suggested talks to begin with, we have had a shift in thinking as of late. Do not think for a minute that this is a sign of weakness. It is merely a sign of enlightenment on the part of the Spartan Federation. My people wish only to maintain our way of life. For a time your people represented a threat to our vision of our future. You are one of the leading factions in a global alliance that wants to bend us to a new way of thinking. So Instead of wasting the lives of young men and women on the battlefield. We can confront each other across a table or in the council room. Do not let radicals in your government lead your faction down the road to a continued brutal war. Because have no doubt, the Spartan Federation is going no where. We can sustain a very brutal war. Think about it Commissioner. Can you survive as a Peacekeeping faction if you allow the war hawks to persuade your thinking. And a further note on your allies. While your soldiers have performed quite admirably in the face of superior Spartan forces, some of your allies have used this as an opportunity to solidify their position of supremacy. Now far be it from me to pick and choose your allies. But perhaps you should not totally turn your back on them. At least one faction may prove to be quite treacherous.

Sparta Command. The Command Center:

As Colonel Santiago walked back to her office after sending the two messages she was still steaming from having to send them at all. She did not like appearing weak. She had seen the report about General Helzburg entering War Outpost at the invitation of Governor Wilcox. If things had been carried out as planned, none of this would have been necessary. The southern army would have been hers and not that bastard Helzburg's. She might be able to depend on the Combine army. But what good were they if they could not break free of the line without significant casualties. She needed the army intact. If Helzburg contacted Weiss, he may be able to persuade him to join his side. Not a pleasant scenario either way. And another problem was General Kessel. If he was allowed to contact the other governors, they might back him. Without an army to maintain order, the governors will jump at a chance to switch. The only bases she could be certain about were Janissary Rock and Sparta Command. For the first time in a hundred years, she was doubting her judgement. She should not have used General Kell. She should have approached Helzburg or Kessel. But she purged those thoughts from her mind. She could not allow herself to be distracted at such a crucial time. Tomorrow would be a new day. And even the great Santiago needed sleep once and a while to remain sharp. As Santiago walked into her office and heard the automatic locks activate she didn't bother taking her uniform off. She just laid down on the large couch and preceded to fall asleep. Soon her dreams took her back to a time when she commanded nothing. Back to a far away place called Mexico City.

[OOC: Just a quick clarification. When we talk about units. Am I correct in assumming that rovers and jets are groups and not just a single unit? If I have made a mistake in my assumption than I will change the wording of the post. Santiago is sending these planes down to keep an eye on both the PKs and War Outpost.]

Sparta Command. Aerospace Complex:

Air Commander Halen almost jumped out of his chair when he got the word that his two 2 needlejets groups that he commanded were to get ready to move out. He and his crews had stayed in Sparta Command for most of the war. Only once able to leave command airspace. Sure they weren't going to engage the enemy but any chance to get out of the ever prying eyes of the intelligence bureau was one to be lept at. His two needlejet groups and two of Commander Todd's interceptor groups were to fly to Assassins Redoubt and await further instructions. He had silently wondered why they just didn't go to War Outpost. The rumors of trouble in the command structure must be true. His own boss, General Maltz, had just disappeared one day. His office cleaned out and nothing else was said except that Maltz had been reassigned. He and Todd reported directly to General Kell now. But that didn't matter. He and his crew were going to Assassin's Redoubt. That ment far away from Kell and Sparta Command. After Hale and his planes had left the runway and formed up in the standard flying formation, Hale asked permission from Sparta Control to leave command airspace. The resulting affirmative brought a small amout of joy to Hale and indeed most of his pilots. They were finally going somewhere other than "just around the Mesa" like usual. Hale signaled his pilots to put in the proper coordinates and they all turned south for the trek down to Assassin's Redoubt. Hale was concerned about one thing. Redoubt had no Aerospace Complex. It would not be as easy to support his planes like in Sparta Command. But he had overcome far greater challengers before. This one would be just another reason to stay alert and ready. When Commander Todd and his planes joined him tomorrow, they would have to work out a supply plan with the local garrison commander. Dealing with grunts and administrators would be far more difficult that dealing with PK planes.

Near PK lines:

Captain Drake had ordered a full stop of his rovers. Sargent Knop was busy with the radar screens. "Sir. There's no doubt. Seven batteries of PK artillery. Most likely more units coming up from behind. Drake had accepted his fate and the fate of his men. There was no rage. Only anticipation. His last professor at the Spartan War College had told him that when the time came to die he would either accept it and go on with his duty or loose faith in the Spartan way and die without honor. By now he had a pretty good idea why he and his unit had been picked to go on this mission. His father's close ties with Santiago and Helzsburg's last minute dash to War Outpost spoke of trouble with the command structure. He choose not to let inform the men. Master Sergent Knop most likly knew. Knop like most of his rover group had been trained in Sparta Command. But Sparta Command might as well be on another planet. There would be no help from them or anyone else. Besides, this might prove helpful after all. Give the PKs something to keep their attentions toward until the command could get their sh@t together. Drake decided to honor his former teacher at the War College, General Kessel, with a quote heard often before battle exercises. "Well Sergeant, it is a good day to die" "Yes Sir, it is indeed. Request permission to make some Peacekeeper widows." Drake smiled for the first time in months. "Permission granted, Seargent. Permission granted." The rover group lurched forward and began an assault towards the nearest PK battery. "Captain Drake to all rovers. Lets show them what Spartan elites can do. Today we bring back honor to our unit and to Sparta.

Many klicks to the north:

Commander Hale was still feeling guilty about leaving the two rover units back there to die, but there was no other alternative. The situation with command was a mess and to be honest he had wanted to go with Captain Drake. But there were battles to be fought in Sparta herself. General Helzburg had counted on him to escort the Sparta Command units and then to get back to War Outpost as soon as possible. This business with watching the engagement was puzzling. He knew Drake would do his duty no matter what. Now his concern was to get back to War Outpost without getting involved in any skirmishes. How crazy was that. A Spartan avoiding combat. These were unsettling times indeed.
[This message has been edited by Sprayber (edited April 21, 2001).]

[Natan]

To: Commisioner Pravin Lal
From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive

Your behavior is despicable. The Spartans are in the process of changing their government and have asked for a cease fire, yet you refuse them, simply because you desire to make yourself the only "legitimate" authority on Planet! Shame on you! I demand that you abide by an armstice and participate in peace negotiations, or I will void our diplomatic agreements!

To: The council
From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
I would like to make a proposal for an immediate armstice agreement between the Spartans and the Peacekeepers, by which a peacekeeping force made up of members of neutral factions, specifically troops from the Hive, Believers, and The Morgans, be sent to the cease fire line to keep the peace while a settlement is negotiated. We must end this horrible war which has claimed so many lives. Was unity not one of the goals of this very expedition, indeed, was it not its very name? I submit this measure to a vote before the council: A binding armstice, and the violators of it will be punished, whichever side they may come from.

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang
To:The central Committee
All cooperation with the peacekeepers is to cease immediately. Continue preparing the rovers, but do not equip any with deep radar just yet. Put our forces at the Planetneck on alert, and put our forces in general on alert for mindworm activity. Work on the Human Genome Project may be frozen pursuant to these goals.

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: Colonel Santiago of the Spartans
**encrypted**
My society is progressing very well on its journey towards perfection, my good Colonel. I am informed that our high population growth has reached the carrying capacity of our territory until new technological discoveries are made, and therefore it has been possible to eliminate all ideologically impure elements and have them replaced with a new generation of pure citizens who would otherwise have lacked the necessities of survival.
Do you need any help in your quest towards a heavily armed Utopia, Colonel Santiago? We should co-ordinate our plans.
[This message has been edited by Natan (edited April 22, 2001).]

[Guardian]

[OOC: Sprayber... Assault the nearest artillery unit?? Those are behind the rovers, not out in front! The first units your rovers will bump into are Commander Cooke's Assault Rovers. These are 5 regiments of elite missile rovers with plasma steel armor and soporific gas pods. 5 of the artillery regiments also have soporific gas, and this will be used in the engagement. The artillery will blast your units with high explosive + some gas for a couple of hours while the assault rovers charge in. Feel free to write your side of the story if you wish... as for the air strike on commander Hale's two groups, the PKs are sending two groups of ground attack aircraft escorted by three groups of interceptors. The latter might try a few "strafing runs" against Spartan ground troops if no enemy aircraft show up, but they're less effective in that role...]


From: Commissioner Pravin Lal
To: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive

Yes, it was a terrible and wicked decision, but we were not the ones who made it. The Spartans made the decision when they set themselves up as judge, jury and executioners, declared us "too worthless to deserve life" and set out to destroy us in order to prove it. So, we are fighting a terrible and wicked war against a terrible and wicked enemy, and until we have reason to believe that they are no longer terrible and wicked, we see no way out of it short of destroying their ability to make war. You may call it a "cop out", but even Peacekeepers do not believe in peace with the devil. Also, I would choose my words a bit more carefully if I were you, as there are already those who question your neutrality in this matter.


From: Commissioner Pravin Lal
To: Colonel Santiago

Colonel, I'm impressed. That was quite a speech you made back there.
Just too bad that I have no reason to believe a single word of it.
Enlightenment has never been a sign of weakness in my book, but refusal to accept reality is. And before you ask me what that's supposed to mean, ask yourself. If you think about it, I believe you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you want peace, prove it! I am waiting...


From: Planetary Governor Pravin Lal
To: The Planetary Council

We have received a motion from Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive. The council is not in session at the moment, but we can still discuss this measure. Comments anyone?

[This message has been edited by Guardian (edited April 22, 2001).]

To: Planetary Council
From: Captain Svensgaard

Hive troops to peacekeep the peacekeepers? Funny. The Nautilus Pirates do not like the idea of the Hive, who was allied to the spartans, to peacekeep. Neither do we like the idea of the Morganites to do so, if they could afford maintening a peacekeeping force. Anyway, the Spartans have committed various atrocities towards the Peacekeepers from committing genocide, the use of nerve gas to nuking SeaQuest. They are also into Nerve Stapling their own civilians aswell. Those are serious charges. In the matter of fact, the Hive have use nerve gas aswell.

The best way I could see that the Spartans are serious about having peace with the Peacekeepers is that they are willing to pay the Sanctions and to limit the size of their military.


Captain Svensgaard


NAUTILUS SAILOR NEWS


War against University...

Our three Battle Dragon units currently fighting University are faring well. Neither the Chiron Alliance Forces or University have suffered any serious losses, but skirmishs continues. University doesn't seem to be interested in going on the offensive.

War against the Spartans...

The Spartan Navy are still hiding in their channel, avoiding our ships. The Spartans don't seem to be interested in going on the offensive either, navaly anyhow. The bulk of their Main Army as retreated to War Outpost while only two of their Rover units attack the PK Defence Lines. Quite odd indeed. Atleast their Infantry Units are still suprisingly continuing to give the PK and Cult units a hard time at the defence line north of U.N. Haven City. As to wether the war will end soon is still questionable, but things continue stale out it seems, like the agressors losing their energy to continue their agression.


The Gaians are now sending reinforcements...

After taking a year to prepare for the war, the Gaians are now loading their Task Force on their Isle of the Deeps and transports. It is still not sure yet where they will be landing their troops, but they will arrive to the eastern continent in under a month.

***************************

Major Kurita's Units, now at 100%, are now joining up with the PK units getting ready to retake Data Acquistion while General Kane sends the two newly upgraded Hive Plasma Msl Rovers to join up with the Data Angel units.


***************************

[Guardian]

U.N. Headquarters

Commissioner Lal was talking to General Braddock again...

Braddock: Hive, Believers and Morgans?? "Neutral peacekeepers", eh? What planet did he say he came from??
Lal: -Or which one does he think we're from? Anyway, that part of it doesn't matter all that much. The Council won't buy it.
Braddock: But Yang sure has some nerve...
Lal: He threatens to void our diplomatic agreements if we don't go along with it...
Braddock: (*smirk*) Well, there goes his "amnesty for the use of nerve gas"...
Lal: True, but...
(There is a short pause as an aide runs up to general Braddock with an urgent message. When he comes back, he appears a bit more serious...)
Braddock: Sir, I have just received word that the Hive forces at Planetneck have gone on alert.
(Shocked silence from Lal...)
Braddock: Don't worry about it, sir. We have it covered...


Planetneck

The Cyborgs were the last to know. By the time they got the word, even the formers that had been out in the open planting fungus were moving for cover. Sergeant Jacob Iota-9 was about to have a little "chat" with his liaison officer when another platoon of PK soldiers in full battle gear came running by his position, headed for their bunkers. He noticed that they had a new song...

I don't know but I've been told
I don't know but I've been told
Yang is getting pretty bold
Yang is getting pretty bold
...


He didn't get the rest of it, as he was distracted by an incoming message on his comm link. The seal of the Peacekeepers appeared momentarily on the screen, followed by a short text message of unspecified origin.

It simply said... How do you like your "friends" now?


Further south...

"Orders acknowledged: Return to station."
The six missile foils were leaving their patrol patterns, picking up speed and heading back up north...


South of Data Acquisition

Kyla felt a jolt of pride as her rover pulled up alongside one belonging to the Data Angels.
There was quite an army gathering up here... -And Kyla Johnson was part of it!


North of the Defense Line...

The artillery was still blasting away as the rovers began their charge.
Assault Rovers moving in from the front and sides, with a few regular missile rovers trying to come around and hit the Spartans from behind... Commander Cooke noticed that the Spartans appeared to be attempting a charge of their own, directed against his own unit. He clenched his fists in anticipation as the first Spartan rovers emerged from under the artillery barrage up ahead. As his forces closed with the enemy, the artillery lifted, and for a few seconds, it was just two armies of rovers racing towards each other... The Spartans were in some disarray after taking almost two full hours worth of constant pounding by the PK artillery. Many of their rovers were gone and the ones that remained were outnumbered, outgunned and out of luck. But they would still fight. For a moment, as he watched them come charging towards him, he couldn't help but admire their courage and fighting spirit... Then he forced himself to snap out of it. It was time to act... "Here they come, you bastards! Let's get ready for it!" Almost there... any time now...

NOW!

"Fire!"


Further north...

Captain Cilia Anderson was out here again. Only, this time she wasn't flying a recon mission. This was the real thing. There they were! Dozens of Spartan rovers kicking up dust clouds as they sped towards War Outpost. Some of them would eventually get there, but others would not... As she watched, the ground pounders began their attack runs. Forcing herself to stay focused on her own role, she banked away and kept scanning for hostile aircraft...

[This message has been edited by Guardian (edited April 23, 2001).]

[Sprayber]

Near PK Units

Captain Drake was living out what every Spartan dreamt of. He was fighting against impossible odds with everyone betting against him. He glanced over at Sargent Knop who was busy relaying the ever changing situation to Drake. Knop was of course being very exact with positions and casualty reports. "Another rover has been lost sir. Rover 2. Lieutenant Gia Sir." "Order Lieutenant Silo to make corrections to cover the space Sargent." "Acknowledged Sir. Sir, we are approaching the first rover waive. " "Sargent, any new information as to where the command rovers are?" "Sir I can only tell you where the main signals are coming from. This close to the enemy rovers there can be all kinds of transmissions flying back and forth. I can only make a guess with the information available." "Sargent, a guess from you is worth a million facts from most of the people I know. As you told me an hour ago, we are being surrounded. We cannot fight them all. If we are to die then I want to take out as many quality targets as we can. I want us to get in close and let the missiles fly. If our rovers are disabled they are to continue firing until they are destroyed. If firing systems are damaged, then they are to dismount and fight with antitank weapons." Sargent Knop hurriedly relayed the orders to each of the rover crews. In turn each answered back with an acknowledgment. Captain Drake answered with a text only message to rovers of both groups. The message simply read. IT IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE........SO DIE WELL MY COMRADES. Moments later the pride of the Spartan Federation was upon the PK rovers. As Captain Drake gave the order to open fire, Knop announced with no particular sense of urgency that the PK line had opened fire.

The volley tore open the rover on the immediate left of Drake's. Even through the thick hull, Drake could feel the energy of the blast. There was nothing for him to do now. He had given the order to commit everything to this unit. He still didn't know if this was a unit with command personal or just another PK rover unit. He silently laughed at the thought of the pride of Sparta attacking a rookie unit of PKs. He would most likely never know of course what unit he was attacking. Knop had provided a guess and he had acted. Only history would judge him now. One of his rovers had been hit in the front section of the wheel drive. He could see some of his men pile out of the rover with an antitank weapon. He knew the life expectancy of a flesh and bone human in the middle of this metal nightmare was horribly low. But this was what all Spartans expected to happen at some point. Dying in battle was an honor. He just wished that someone would be around to testify on their behalf. Drake turned around to look at the PK rovers. To his satisfaction he saw that they were receiving their fair share of punishment. Of course he knew that there were plenty more of those behind them. And behind his own rovers now. The urge to order the use of nerve gas was almost overwhelming. But to use it now would somehow take away from what his men had accomplished. General Kessel would have been proud of his restraint. Since that was what he had labeled as Drake's number one problem. Just then Sargent Knop broke his reflections. "Sir there are only a few rovers left. I cannot say exactly how many since that last glancing blow has damaged part of our sensor equipment." "Do not waiver Sargent. There is no time to come up with another strat----Just as he was about to complete his sentence the front end of his rover exploded taking three of the crew, including Knop, with the rest of the metal and plastic. Drake, still strapped in his seat, was thrown off to the side of the flaming hulk that used to be a missile rover. For a moment Drake sat there in his seat as rovers passed him by paying no attention to him. He struggled to get free of his seat and finally realized that he no longer had his left arm. Stunned at the sight of his missing arm past the elbow, Drake just stared as more rovers passed back and forth. Finally he dug into his left cargo pocket and pulled out a syringe loaded with pain killers. Why, he didn't really know cause he felt no pain. It was just training he thought. After he had finished, he threw the needle on the ground and pulled out his personal sidearm and proceeded to fire upon the nearest PK rover. He took three steps and fell to the ground. Two more crew members of the rover stumbled out and were immediately cut down by crossfire. Drake managed to get to his knees and crawl back to his seat. Might as well sit and relax a bit before I die he thought. Drake noticed that he still had his sidearem with him. A thought of suicide drifted through his mind. He quickly suppressed the thought. Besides he had a pretty good seat to the battle now. Soon Drake had passed out from the painkillers. Little did he know that the shot had released microbes designed to close wounds quickly before infection sat in. Drake was close to death, but not dead yet.

[OOC. PKs wouldn't shoot wounded men would they? Just be careful not to let him wake up. He might be pissed after loosing his men and his arm. ]
[This message has been edited by Sprayber (edited April 23, 2001).]

[Natan]

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: The council

Since there have been objections raised to my proposal, and since I have a great interest in seeing peace come to this part of Planet, allow me to make a new proposal: A peacekeeping force made up of forces from the Believers, Morgans, and Free Drones. The composition is not the important thing. The important thing is an end to the violence. Let me also note that this peacekeeping force is just a preliminary move while both sides send ambassadors to the council for arbitrartion of issues like compensation, borders, and extradition of war criminals. I hereby call on the Spartans to turn over at least some war criminals to the council immediately for trial, as a show of good will. I also call again on both parties to stop the violence. The peacekeeping force will be strong, and both sides will be monitored for compliance with these accords. I should also state that no one should blame the people of Sparta for the actions of their military Junta, which is now being replaced.
[This message has been edited by Natan (edited April 23, 2001).]

[DarkCloud]

OOC: Only Spartans know about University Hidden Bases.

Antimind broadcasts to all

Question... Do you 'humans' truly know how this planet works or the
benefits it offers one whom asks?

Antimind to University

Question... Do you truly know the benefits and dangers of 'cloning'
and what It can do to both you and the planet?

[DarkCloud]

CEO Nwandbike Morgan Writes to Head Datajack Sinder Roze

I demand that you respect my borders and keep a two hundred mile radius away
from my cities or my people may have to temporarily postpone trade with your
country.

The reason for this is my people fear that you may grow bold and attempt to
'pay us back' for our agressions against the University.

[DarkCloud]

CEO Nwandbike Morgan Writes to Head Datajack Sinder Roze

I demand that you respect my borders and keep a two hundred mile radius away
from my cities or my people may have to temporarily postpone trade with your
country.

The reason for this is my people fear that you may grow bold and attempt to
'pay us back' for our agressions against the University.

[DarkCloud]

Zakharov to Data Angels

Dear Roze,
Our factions have been at odds for much too long- considering how we started
as allies and quickly moved to odds and fought each other.

The opportunites for research and technological advance are just to great to risk
the advancement of the human race at the hands of some petty war.

The University is on to something big and it will be avaliable in just a few years
to all, you will be able to have some of the first prototypes of this discovery if you
but make peace with my country.

All we ask is to be left alone after this peace agreement. In this peace agreement we
claim a 500-mile border no-military-go-zone around our lands as well as universal
disarmament. We shall disable two of our dangerous probe teams weapons, reducing our forces to
contain few probe teams, we ask that you disable two of your probe teams in the interests
of Universal Research Security.

-APZ

Zakharov to Data Angels

Dear Ulrik,
This war is pointless to both of us, we Universitites have no need for a war and were merely
supporting our misguided Spartan allies in the war against the Chiron Alliance.

Please accept this offer of peace. My forces will disable one particle rover if your forces
do likewise. Thus, war will be harder to wage between our countries and peace will thus be
easier to accomplish

-APZ

The University Sun-Governor
7-3-2182

Zakharov offers Peace

Head Academican Prokhor Zakharov made a historic move earlier this week when he offered
peace to the Data Angels and the Nautilus Pirates, however a response remains to come from either party- hopefully the response will
be positive and our two factions will once again enjoy a time of peace, research, and
prosperity.

[Argonaut]

***Private Message : Standard Encryption***
To: CEO Nwabudike Morgan
From: Datajack Roze

What are you blabbing on about Morgan? The only forces I'm maintaining near your positions are the ones defending my bases from your own backstabbing forces. Do not seek to push me around further Morgan. We are at peace, let it rest at that.

Roze

***Private Message : Standard Encryption***
To: Head Academician Zakharov
From: Datajack Roze

There is one problem with your proposal Zakharov: It would leave my Pact-Sister Aki Zeta-Five out in the cold. What could you possibly give me that would be worth turning a blind eye to the one faction who has constantly been a friend an ally?

Roze

***General Message : No Encryption***
To: The Planetary Council
From: Datajack Roze

I would be willing to support a motion of Believing and Free Drone peacekeepers to monitor a neutral zone, but not Hive. The Hive has too much personal interest in the region, although I do appreciate Chairman Yang's attempts to broker peace. With that ammendment, and the assent of Sister Miriam and Foreman Domai, I would hole-heartedly support Chairman Yang's proposal.

Roze

[Sprayber]

From: Colonel Santiago
To: The Planetary Council

I approve of the moves by the good and honorable Chairman Yang in his efforts to establish a peace. The Spartan Federation will abide by such a peace force. But I must ask that Chairman Yang be allowed to have some kind of presence in this force. The size is of no importance. But since this was his idea, it is only right the he have some further role in developments.


From: Colonel Santiago
To: Provost Zakharov

So the good Academican is wanting peace? That is a worthy goal for the moment, I guess. Do be careful as not to do any harm to Sparta's chances for an honorable solution to our current problems. Please remember that Sparta's eye's see far. We shall remain friendly to you and your faction. Good luck on your pursuit of research, and remember us when you discover some new wonder. Your.........Friend, Colonel Santiago.

Sparta Command - The Command Center:

Colonel Santiago leaned back in her chair after sending the messages to take stock of the situation. The University was suing for peace. Not totally unexpected of course. Zak was in somewhat the same situation she was in except that he did not have a possible civil war on his hands. At least not that she was aware of. The Data Angels had endorsed the placement of a peacekeeping force without Hive forces. Santiago did not want any foreign army on her border, not even a peaceful one. But she had to deal with reality. And the reality was that the Hive represented the closest thing to an alley that Sparta had. The Hive would have a vested interest in watching the other faction forces along the southern border. Santiago knew that Yang was sensitive about his boundary. Especially at the Planet Neck. A nagging feeling kept tugging at Santiago. She had underestimated the PKs. If only the Pirates had not backed up the PKs this war would have ended by now with the PK's destruction. Perhaps Kessel had be right when he had warned her that the Pirates were the true power behind the Alliance. She had dismissed them as cowards for hiding in the oceans. She had expended so much energy on building up the army when Kessel was pleading for a stronger naval presence. So many mistakes in the past couple of years. Getting rid of the Junta had been the right thing to do. Helzburg had gotten way too powerful as commander of the Southern Army. There had been excess that on further reflection should have been avoided. But it was a simple matter of survival. The Junta would have eventually pushed her out. She had installed Kessel for precisely that reason. But after the war had started he had opposed her when the issue of nerve gas was brought up. Yes she had ordered it's use if the tactical situation demanded it. Kessel had rambled on about creating fanatics from enemies. She thought back to the day the decision was made.

"Don't give the PKs a reason to resist. Defeat them convincingly and they will soon fall apart. Gas them and they will turn into fanatics and never surrender." After Kessel had finished his statement. Santiago staired off in the distance. She soon turned to General Helzburg. "What is your assessment Helzburg?" "The Peacekeepers are week and internally divided. If we show them how powerful we are as soon as possible they will realize how outclassed they really are. Use gas on them immediately and they will give us whatever we want. Their continental army is already preparing for a war anyway. I say we give them what they want. Lal will abandon Braddock and his forces as soon as he sees the full power of the Spartan arsenal. "And what do you propose to do about the Pirate fleet General?" asked Kessel who had gotten up to walk to the other side of the room. Helzburg just looked smug and answered, "I am quite certain that Admiral Hobbes can handle the Pirate fleet until we defeat the PKs on land. by the time the Pirates comes to the rescue, the PKs will have suied for peace. And we will be in full control of the PK continental territory. Besides I have full confindence that when our deal with the University goes through, they will make enough troubles to keep the Pirates streatched thin." Kessel just rolled his eyes. "I think you over estimate the University" "General Kessel we all know that you have certain sympathies towards the Peacekeepers." "I would advise you to leave my departed wife out of this Helzburg. Just because she was born in an ex PK base does not make her a Peacekeeper. If you remember, she died in the service of Sparta." "Gentlemen, enough of this petty bickering. I have come to a decision. Our forces will be outfitted with Nerve Gas. And they will be used if it is called for. I will not have an international document dictate the way we run our Military. " With that Santiago got up and walked out of the meeting. The members of the Junta sat and calculated how this would affect them as a group and individuals. Some seemed pleased, while others looked concerned and at least one looked greatly disappointed.

On reflection Santiago knew this to be the turning point. Helzburg had used her authority to outfit his units with nerve gas. And of course she had allowed her frustration at the lack of progress with the war to interfere with her judgement. Data Acquisition was one of those moments. The aftermath of that incident propelled Kessel farther away from her side. It was his refusal to allocate the necessary resources to follow through on the "solution" to the civilian problem that had put him on Santiago's list of those that must go. He didn't officially refuse of course. He just delayed and in at least one instance interfered with allocation of funds under the cover of procedural mistakes. Weiss had done his job though, regardless of Kessel's noncompliance. If only he had not done this, Kessel would be with her right now instead of on the run. Santiago got up and went to check on the readiness of the her air forces at Assassin's Redoubt. She would have preferred to go herself but she must remain at Sparta Command.

[Argonaut]

***General Message : No Encryption***
To: Planetary Council
From: Datajack Roze

I find Chairman Yang's proposal absolutely ridiculous. To refer to either the Hive or the Morganites as neutral parties in this war is absoluetly preposterous when both at one point fought on the Spartan side. I will not support such a course of action, that is quite clearly so one sided. Chairman Yang must take us for fools to agree to such a decision.

Roze


Trojan Source

The wing of Missile bombers landed safely within between the perimeter defence and the main structures of the base. Plans were underway to eventually create an Aerospace facility at the base, but resources could not be commited at this time. Not far away, the bulk of the Data Angel invasion force had amassed near the border, where skirmishes still continued with University forces. Soon the invasion force would be ready to hopefully strike a blow that could end the war, as diplomacy seemed out of the question.


****Private Message : Advanced Encryption***
To: Prime Function Aki Zeta-Five
From: Datajack Roze

Aki,

My researchers have completed their work into pre-sentient algorithms, which we would like to share with you. Pay special attention to the theories by Doctor Hastings. Some of my computer analysts have begun work on a Hunter-Seeker Algorithm that could protect our bases from probe attacks. With my peoples' computer skills and your peoples' inherint affinity with algorithms, we could combine our efforts and protect both our networks with our device, what do you say?

As well, I'm pulling one of the Battle Ogres out of Inspiration Point, as defence there seems more that sufficient. The other one will remain there with the two Impact rover groups though. Once the Battle Ogre reaches the front, my offensive will be prepared, and they will attempt to move against Cosmograd. Whatever support you might be able to lend would be appreciated, but I understand your military is already stretched.

Your friend always,
Roze

[Sprayber]

War Outpost - Sometime in the past

Major Kessel was standing in the base command center at War Outpost. The local garrison Commander had just returned from the last of the executions. "What are you still doing here Major? I was lead to believe that you and your family left yesterday." " I sent them on ahead. I had a few details to work out here before I my reassignment was to become official." "I see. So you saw the unpleasantness this morning then?" "And last night , and the night before" Kessel added before the commander could finish. The commander only smiled. "Yes the local population was not in the mood to cooperate. Of course I was only following Helzburg's orders." "Oh really. From what I am hearing from Sparta Command, Helzburg was a little too zealous in his handling of the circumstances. And while we are at it, he isn't even in the area. So basically you took orders from him and not the people directly responsible for the situation?" "Listen Kessel, I know you have an interest in the topic at hand, your wife being a PK kid and all. But Officially, your responsibilities for War Outpost ended last week. You are the Political Officer for Commanders Keep now. I suggest that you concern yourself about those duties. Besides your lucky, your getting out of this hell hole of a base. Count yourself lucky that it's someone elses's problem."

Commander's Keep

Decades later, General Kessel was back at Commanders Keep after unsuccessfully trying to get to Blast Rifle Crag. He had turned back after a number of Spartan Security Service had been see at a road block leading to the besieged base. There would have been no chance to get past them and then proceed to the base. Just too many hurdles. Kessel had grown tired of running back and forth. He only had one more destination left. One of Kessel's men walked over and stood in front of him. "Sir, what do we do now?" Kessel thought for a moment. "Well there are many places we could try and get to. But I have decided that you and the rest should try to get down to Assassin's Redoubt." "What about you sir?" Kessel forced a smile to spread across his face. "I shall go to Sparta Command." The look on the young Lieutenant's face was priceless. "But sir, you will be executed on sight." "Maybe, but I think that Santiago would like to ask some questions before she puts a bullet in my head." The attempt at dark humor was totally lost on the young man's face. "Don't worry lieutenant, I don't plan on dying just yet. Make your way down to Redoubt. I will have use of you when you reach there." With that Kessel got up and picked up a pack on the floor. He gave some last minute instructions on what to do in case things didn't go as planned. He said goodby to each of his men and walked out the door. Later as Kessel had got into a work gang on it's way to Sparta Command, he thought about everything that could go wrong. Including having to trust a member of Sparta Command's top probe team. Kessel didn't like probe teams. You just could never trust them. But then again that is what they do.

[Guardian]

U.N. Headquarters

Commissioner Lal had to admit that he was impressed.
Appearantly, Chairman Yang had chosen to ignore Braddock's sabre rattling and submitted a relatively wise and reasonable amendment to his Council measure... It looked like Yang might be sincere about wanting peace after all. Yesterday, they hadn't been so sure...


From: Commmissioner Pravin Lal
To: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive

You have my attention, Chairman. Now if the Spartans show their "approval" with action and not just words, we may have something to work with here...


From: Commissioner Pravin Lal
To: Planetary Council

The Peacekeeping Forces would not violate a peace agreement!
There would be no need for anyone to send forces, but neutral observers would be fine.
We could even allow the Hive to send a few of those if that would make anyone feel better.


U.N. Enforcement Base

General Braddock received the message just as he was finishing lunch.
Upon returning to his office, he immediately activated the comm-link.
Time for another chat with the Commissioner...


Planetneck, Hive side...

Sergeant Sung had been called to the observation post as soon as the PK ships had re-appeared on the horizon, just in case they might try to "talk" to the Hive soldiers with morse code again.

Nothing much had happened though, and Sung had spent the night there uneventfully. Now he was getting tired, but he kept watching the ships. It wouldn't do at all to get sloppy and miss something cruicial. The lieutenant wouldn't approve that, and the lieutenant was one of those people he'd better keep happy...

Even as this thought was going through his mind, blinking lights appeared on the horizon...
He felt a rush of excitement as he started to read the message.
What was the crazy plonkers up to this time?
He knew he was about to find out... or at least get a clue...

HELLO AGAIN HIVERS... NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN... ARE WE HAVING FUN YET...

They had a weird sense of humor, these Peacekeepers...

WELL IT HAS BEEN A NICE PICNIC... WOULD HAVE LOVED TO STAY AND CHAT BUT THIS IS IT FOR NOW... WE ARE OUT OF HERE... YOU BE GOOD NOW OR WE WILL COME BACK... TELL YANG WE SAID HELLO... BYE FOR NOW...


The blinking stopped, whereupon the foils turned away and headed back out to sea...
Chairman Yang had made them leave again.


On the other side of Planetneck...

The alert had been called off. Some of the soldiers were leaving the bunkers and the formers were heading back out to resume their fungus planting. Sergeant Jacob Iota-9 was checking in with the rest of his unit when a Peacekeeper came running up the communications trench. The insignia on his uniform marked him as a lieutenant of the Special Forces. The man said he came to apologize for what had happened the day before, when the Cyborgs had been the last to know of the alert and somebody had sent them anonymous messages asking how they felt about their "friends" now... He explained that some of the Peacekeepers had been suspicious towards the Cyborgs ever since Aki Zeta-5 signed a treaty of friendship with Yang. The problem, he said, was not that the Cyborgs had signed this treaty, but that they had done so at a time when the Hive was technically still at war with the Peacekeepers... There had been a cease fire, but no actual peace agreement at the time. Sure, this agreement had come, but the Cyborgs, being allied to the Peacekeepers, should have waited until it was in place. They had not. Lal had chosen to ignore this breach of protocol, saying that the Cyborgs were merely trying to ensure a lasting peace with the Hive, but to the military it had been something of a betrayal...


North of the Defense Line

They found the Spartan captain while "mopping up" after the battle. The man was unconscious, and his left arm was severed at the elbow. Enemy or not, this one was no longer a threat to anyone and the Peacekeepers were still the humanitarians. A medical team was called up and quickly came running over. As they gently lifted the wounded Spartan onto a stretcher, Commander Cooke relived the brief but intense battle... The Spartans hadn't used their nerve gas... at first, the Peacekeepers hadn't even noticed it, they had been so... so eager to kill Spartans... He felt a slight twitch of guilt at the thought, but there it was. These Spartans had been different though... they had been brave and... honorable... and pretty damned good at their stuff! They had been pounded and blasted by the artillery, outnumbered and surrounded, hunted like animals... and yet they had managed this, even with their heads befuddled by the soporific gas... His unit had taken more of a pounding than he would have expected under the circumstances. Some Spartan gunner had even punched a few holes in his command rover. It would still run, but repairs would be needed before he could fight again...

As his medics carried the wounded Spartan officer away, Cooke decided that this incident would have to reported back to HQ immediately. Santiago's word wasn't worth a lot these days. But Spartan XMsl Rovers charging into battle against overwhelming odds and not using their nerve gas... Now that was something real...


South of Data Acquisition

Commander Grafton had arrived at the front to take command of the allied forces that were getting ready to attack the Spartans at Data Acquisition. With him was a new Special Forces regiment, who had just completed their training. During the last couple of months, their training had been focused on urban assault missions, with intensive and brutal house-to-house fighting. The troops must have drawn their conclusions, and they had been right. Now they were here and they were as ready as they could be. Still... Grafton knew that if they went in, many would not come back out. The soldiers knew that too, but they didn't seem to mind all that much. In a way, that made sense... After all, many of them were U.N. SeaQuest survivors, who had already been through Hell...

[This message has been edited by Guardian (edited April 24, 2001).]

[DarkCloud]

OOC:

SMAC: Could you please post something since Anastasius was caught with the nuke device and committed suicide and Daniel Jakhobs-Howell was apprehended in a war with the nerve gas pods.


Sister Miriam of the Believers
Writing to: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive

Dear Yang,

I admire you for your humanitarian ideals of ending the war in the Promised Land.

I also admire your suggestion of my appointance of a peacekeeping person, with this
new position I shall be able to spread the Gospel to all factions everywhere in the
Promised Land.

I also praise you for your communist ideals, however you must make certain that
everyone is equal in your country and that religion is allowed to proliferate. If this
is not allowed then your country will fail.

As a suggestion I state that the Peacekeeping forces should have one rover unit to quiet
rebellions and mediate peace in each capital city on Chiron.

From: Head Academican Prokhor Zakharov
To: The Chiron Alliance Council

I am disgusted at Yang's proposal of a regulatory "Peacekeeping-Force" to be appointed to
each faction. This force will merely limit the liberties of each country and destroy the
countries freedoms. When the rights of each country are taken away by these so-called
"Peacekeepers", who are nothing but spies, then the country is not a country at all, but
is an instrument in the hands of the "Peacekeepers."

My suggestion is this- merely appoint twenty diplomats from each faction to each other
faction's capital cities so they may quell dissention and keep the peace.
There is no need for excessive spying

-APZ

From: CEO Nwandbike Morgan
To: The Chiron Alliance Council

Dear Chiron Council,
I am most disturbed at this new proposal of a "Peacekeeping Force", if there is to be
a force as such in each of my cities then trade may well suffer. Also, I do not have
the troops to support sending out peacekeepers to other parts of Chiron; however since
I do not have the troops to contribute, I feel that I do not have to receive troops
garrisoning my bases.

Perhaps if you make the units up of 50 Morganite Laser Rovers, 50 University Laser Rovers,
50 Cyborg Particle Rovers, 50 Spartan Rovers, etc. Then I may be able to comply with your plan, however, as it is now, it is impossible to
comply with.

-CEO Nwandbike Morgan

From: Kommadant Reya Hollis-Keyson
To: Head Academican Prokhor Zakharov

Zakharov,
I have news from my 'informants' that your council has decided to move the University
underground to an easier defensible and more concealed location... If this information was
to fall into the hands of the... let us say, Cyborgs, and they rejected your ideas-
you would not like it, would you?

(I.P. Untraceable)
(Citizen Number Untraceable)
(Citizen Identifaction Implantation Number Untraceable)

From: Head Academican Prokhor Zakharov
To: Kommadant Reya Hollis-Keyson

What do you want?

From: Kommadant Reya Hollis-Keyson
To: Head Academican Prokhor Zakharov

I want you to give my political group, "The Perfect Society", political positions and
political clout in your next government. Our society is a large one, yet is not well
known so far... We are against petty Isolationism and for Defense, Knowledge, Alliances,
and Trade.

I look forward to dealing with you in the future...

-Reya

(I.P. Untraceable)
(Citizen Number Untraceable)
(Citizen Identifaction Implantation Number Untraceable)

[Natan]

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: The council

Dear friends, I beleive you have misunderstood. I did not propose a peacekeeping force in every base, or even in every capital, or even in any capital on Chiron. I proposed a small peacekeeping force, which will now be downgraded to an observor force at Lal's request, to patrol a DMZ in the area between his force's and those of Colonel Santiago.

OOC: Darkcloud, where'd you get this idea of a peacekeeping force in every capital? It's just in the buffer zone between the PKs and the Spartans.

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: Pravin Lal of the Peacekeepers
**Encrypted**
Since your vendetta against the Spartans has been concluded satisfactorily, I am delivering the next two rovers. They will be crossing the planetneck tonight.

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: Colonel Corazon Santiago of the Spartans
Now that we have an understanding, I would like to set up cooperation between our two factions. If it is acceptable to you, I would like you to send some of your military officers to help train my forces and practice some joint operations, and in return, I will send some of my infrastructure managers to your Faction's territory to help its lagging Industry. What do you say to this proposal?

The planetneck: The rovers crossed over the planetneck in barges, under tarpaulins. When they reached the peacekeeper side, the barges pulled closer to shore. The rovers were dumped into shallow water for the anxiously waiting PK forces to pick up. In the storage compartment of one of the rovers was a message, written in broken, ungrammatical esperanto on a slip of fine paper:

peacekeepers: What you write so much nonsense for?

[Clear Skies]

Private message to Datatech Sinder Roze - Standard Encryption

From: Prime Function Aki Zeta-5

My ally,
I am so thankful for your generous gift of this new technology. My experts would be delighted to work in harmony with your engineers to produce this new algorithm. It will truly be an incredible step forward for both our peoples.
Another thing - how are your covert operations against Zakharov progressing? Are his networks still to be read as easily as an open book? I find his dedication to free information somewhat out of sync with his normal character - is this the same man whose aggressive posturing has alienated himself from us for so long?

I remain deeply in your debt. Is there anything which I can do in return?

Yours in friendship,
Aki Zeta-5

[Sprayber]

To: Planetary Council
From: Colonel Santiago

On behalf of the Spartan Federation, I officially accept the proposal by Chairman Yang of the Hive.

To: Chairman Yang
From: Colonel Santiago

My good Chairman, the exchange program of which you talk about is a most excellent idea. Sharing our expertise in the arts of war in exchange for your industrial techniques is a step forward for both of our factions. The selection of our experts will have to wait until after the final negotiations of the truce. Also our command structure is currently under going some "minor" adjustments. We will of course pick top candidates from the Spartan War College to send to your faction. May this be the foundation of a new partnership between our two factions. When the advisors arrive, they will have with them certain technical information that is necessary to make our arrangement practical. I will get back to you with a list of names that will be coming to your faction.
-------------------------------------------------------------

War Outpost

General Von Helzburg had just finished his private lunch when Lt. Hopper walked in with a datapad. "Sir, you have received a message from an unknown source in Sparta Command." Hopper waits for Helzburg to wipe his hands with a towel. Helzburg reaches out and takes the pad from him. "You are dismissed Lieutenant." Hopper salutes spins around and walks out the door seemingly all in one motion. Helzburg keys his password into the datapad and skims through the report. The pad contained several reports but the last one catches his eye and causes him to sit up and read more carefully.

-----Sanitago has accepted a cease fire agreement. An observer force consisting of Believers, Morgans, and Free Drones with a small contingent of Hive observers will be placed in a DMZ between the Spartan Federation and the Continental PKs. PKs have not officially accepted but are expected to do so at any time.----

"Damn it to hell." Helzburg said in a harsh tone. I cannot allow Santiago to be the one handling the negotiations. I have to get my army up there immediately. Commander Hale is due in today. If he doesn't make it, I will have to go on without him. Helzburg, reached over and pushed his intercom button. "Lieutenant Hopper, locate and have all company commanders in my office in 20 minutes." "Yes Sir, right away." Helzburg turned around to his comm system and punched in the code for Ruby Ridge [Data Ac.]. There would be no time for face to face talks.

To: General Weiss
From: General Von Helzburg

Weiss, time is short. I have just received word that some kind of peacekeeping force from various factions are to be placed at the border between Sparta and the PK boundaries. You are not to surrender your post to anyone. Do you understand? Stay within the confines of the base. Santiago may try to bargain away your position but you do not follow her orders. In a few days time I will be the legitimate leader in the Spartan Federation. Just stay put.


Helzburg pushed the button to send the message out and only got a two word reply. TRANSMISSION ERROR. For a couple of seconds Helzburg just stared at the screen. "Hopper get your ass in here now" Helzburg was heard clear down the hall where base governor Wilcox was preparing his afternoon briefing. On the other side of the base a nondescript worker in base maintenance clothing was walking out from the comm tower building minding his own business and whistling a lively tune.


Sparta Command ---- Soldiers Inn Bar

Kessel had been in this place many times as a young officer. It was the kind of place where military officers could come and unwind before going back to the barracks. At this time of night not many were in since it was mid duty watch. Most soldiers and garrison personal were either on duty or still sleeping. At one point Kessel and spend many hours here before and after classes. Even when he taught at the War College, he would still come in to relax after a day out in the nearby terrain for combat courses. Most of his students had been stunned to find out that one of their instructors would go to the same place to unwind. They were still finding out that officers were entitled to more liberties than the lower ranking enlisted soldiers. Tonight Kessel was not here to relax. He was here to meet someone that he had not seen in many years. Spartan Probe Teams were not in the habit of socializing, so the choice of this bar was just a bit unsettling. Kessel noticed a somewhat tall man walk in the front door. He said something to the server and walked slowly towards Kessel. As soon as Kessel got a good look at the mans face he recognized him as the man he was looking for. The man sat down as the server brought what passed for a drink in Sparta. Kessel was the first to speak. "So Poulos, it's been a long time. I hope time has treated you well." "Like most people I suppose. I'm still alive anyway. I see that death hasn't caught up with yet." A small smile appeared on his face. "So far, death has managed to find those around me. Maybe she just has bad aim." "It's funny that you should mentioned she" Poulos said out of the blue. "Listen Poulos, I don't want to be rude but the longer I am here, the less likely I will make it out of here." Poulos nodded. "I understand." "In your message you said that you could get me the new comm codes that will allow me to talk outside the Spartan Net. I have come here at great risk. What do you have for me?" " Take it easy old chum. I don't have the codes on me. But the person that does is in the next room. She just wanted to make sure that it wasn't a security sweep by intelligence." Kessel did not like this backroom stuff but he really had no choice. From what he remembered about this place the backroom in question was really the office. "Ok, lets go get this over with." As they got up he gently checked to see that his weapon was still at the ready. "Exactly what are you getting out of the Poulos?" "Redemption for past mistakes" As they walked back to the door that lead into the office, Poulos opened the door and walked through. Kessel stepped through and immediately saw the figure of woman in the corner. Her face was covered by a shadow. "I hear you have something that I need." "You are correct dear General, and you have something that I need as well." She didn't need to say her name, because Kessel could identify her even before she stepped up into the light. Before he could draw his weapon, he felt a blow to the back of his head. "I told you to be careful Poulos" "Relax Colonel, he has had far worse injuries than the one that I gave him." Colonel Santiago walked over and knelt over the unconscious form of Kessel. She sighed and said, "Perhaps he has, but we need to have answers. Pick him up and bring him to the Command Center."
[This message has been edited by Sprayber (edited April 25, 2001).]

[Guardian]

[OOC: The war IS about to end, but the closing scene will be exciting too, you know! Will it all end in time to prevent a massive battle at Data Acquisition?? Nobody knows yet... in fact, nobody except the military knows that the attack is about to begin...]


North of the defense line...

A great moving carpet of rovers was laid out across the desert, heading south-east. Commander Cooke was bringing his army back towards the defense line, but they were not going back the same way they had come out. With their current heading, they would re-enter the line smack-bam on top of the last remaining Cult of War forces...


In Data Acquisition...

They were almost done. It hadn't been easy to sidestep all these Spartan sentries and patrols and snipers and whatnot... but they had done it. The PK probe team had managed to get a pretty good overview of the various Spartan forces and defenses in the captured base. Now they were getting ready to leave, but first... a quick look around in the invaders' datalinks...

John Murdock was hard at work at a computer console. Just a few more security interlocks to bypass, and... voila! He now had access to General Weiss' personal files! Perhaps the general had some defense plans or something lying around... or something that could be used as evidence in the trials that would be held after the war... Best to have a look while they were at it...

Hmmm... here were a bunch of classified memos...

He quickly scanned through some of them as they were downloaded, trying to determine the value of his catch... let's see... Helzburg... Santiago... Helzburg... supplies... nerve gas... and... What the Hell??

He paused for a moment, frowning... had he just seen what he thought he had seen?
He selected four memos that he thought looked especially interesting and hopped back to read them a bit more carefully...

The first one was from Helzburg...


Classified**************************************** **

To: Commander Weiss
From: General Von Helzburg

Subject---
Disposition of civilian trouble makers within the confines of newly won Data Acqusition.

Colonel Santiago has ordered that the base not be allowed to fall into enemy hands. If the civilian population continues to resist your command I am authorizing you the use of extreme force up to and including the use of nerve gas. I do ask that you limit the use of nerve gas to extreme cases since you may need to use existing stockpiles for further use on PK troops that try to retake the base. When possible the use of conventional means of executions is preferred since it provides less of a strain on the military supply situation.

On the subject of native life forms the following rules should be applied. All native life within your area of command is to be destroyed as they generally support PK troop movements.

---

No surprises here, really.
They already knew what the Spartans had been doing here...
The only news was that the orders had come from Helzburg, not Santiago.
Not that it mattered much, as they had enough on Santiago already...
Enough to put her away for a very long time...

-Unless...

He read on...


Classified**************************************** **

To: Commander Weiss
From: General Von Helzburg

Subject---
Support

Commander Weiss. You cannot count on the support of General Kessel in his capacity as Military Commander of Inner Sparta. General Kessel has refused and impeded efforts of the supply office to transport stockpiles of nerve gas to your area of operation. Use your stockpiles carefully. This problem will be taken care of in short order. Even though the Colonel has authorized Spartan units to carry nerve agent she has repeated the stipulation that it be used sparingly. Do not worry about this stipulation as you will be covered by me and my command. You are encouraged to use the remaining civilian population as slave labor as this too has been interfered with by General Kessel.

---

So... this General Kessel evidently opposed the use of nerve gas, and the use of civillians as slave labor... He whistled softly. Looks like we may have just found the first "not guilty" here...

The next memo was from Santiago herself...


Classified**************************************** **

To: Commander Weiss
From: Colonel Santiago

Subject---
Treatment of Civilian Population

Commander. I have heard of your treatment of the civilian population in the newly conquered base. In public I have been forced to support you against your critics. But your actions were over zealous to say the least. In the future, you will contact me regarding the punishment of prisoners and civilians. This is a different war than it was 60 years ago. Do not repeat your actions of the past few months. In the upcoming months some changes will be taking place. Do not put yourself on that list of changes.

---

What the...?!?
Santiago didn't do it!
Santiago didn't order the executions, the torture, the atrocities that had been committed here.
Hell, it looked like she was trying to say that she actually opposed these things, but that something or someone was keeping her from dealing with it openly...

He frowned...

This could change a whole hell of a lot of things if it was true...
-But was it?
Well, it kind of made sense, actually.
Santiago had grown to be a great soldier because of her outstanding ability to control and channel her anger! She knew who her enemies were. She was an expert at finding out exactly where to strike, when and how... in order to maximize the effect of her efforts. Stuff like mass executions and indiscriminate slaughter just... wasn't her style! She wouldn't be running around killing civillians when there were real live enemies out there who wanted to blow her guts out and had the means to do so... Besides, she had a strong sense of honor...

-Or at least that was what she had been like at one point...

Could it still be so?? Could it be that she was somehow forced...

Now, wait a minute... that didn't quite make sense either...
How could anyone or anything possibly force Santiago's hand in any way at all?? She was the Iron Lady, the Queen of Defiance, the one person in the world that NOBODY in their right mind would ever try to push around...

-Unless...

...unless, of course, somebody REALLY had a grip on her...
He nodded slowly... that could not be totally ruled out...
Santiago might be strong and proud and defiant... but she was a survivor first and foremost...
Anyway, enough of that. She would still be guilty, of course, but maybe we shouldn't hate her quite so much...
Helzburg was the one who ordered it, not Santi...
The one big question now would be: Could the same be true for the executions at War Outpost more than 60 years ago?

They would have to find out somehow, but it would have to wait. Now it was time to leave.

The last memo from Helzburg also looked kind of interesting...


Classified**************************************** **

To: Commander Weiss
From: General Von Helzburg

Subject---
Your loyalty

In recent days there has been a shift of power inside the Spartan Federation. Santiago has eliminated several members of the Junta. I am proceeding back to War Outpost in an attempt to ascertain exactly what those changes are. So far these members have been eliminated from the Junta. General Maltz, Admiral Hobbes and General Howards. General Kessel has apparently fled Sparta Command and is at large. He will attempt to contact his friends in various governor's posts. There may be a slim possibility that he will go to War Outpost. With his contacts, it may prove possible to depose Santiago. After such time he will have a convenient accident. Under no circumstances should he be allowed to contact foreign governments about this. If that time comes it will be me that offers peace. Peace may be on the horizon soon. If we can concentrate on the north we will be able to crush Santiago. You should act according to her commands for the time being.

---

Right, that's it for now.
Time's up and we'd better get out of here if we don't want to get blasted by our own people!

"All right, you guys! Pack it up! It's time to get the hell out of Dodge!"

He would transmit his report once they were safely outside...

[This message has been edited by Guardian (edited April 26, 2001).]

[DarkCloud]

OOC: ... will post later; Good, you didn't kill him, I can still do something with this great character- 'get one of his followers to go in save him, unbrainwash him- perhaps start another war- the Perfect society breaks off, University breaks into fringe groups- perfect... thanks SMAC!

[DarkCloud]

OOC: Oh... well, perhaps we could change it to spice up the story so there could be more inter-factional intrigue, Natan?
What does everyone think about this? Should we have peacekeeping forces in every capital?

[Natan]

From: Chairman Sheng-ji Yang of the Hive
To: Colonel Corazon Santiago of the Spartans

I have organized the group which I will send to your faction, Colonel. The list of names is attached. There are 84 in all, 27 military officers who have come to learn of your tactics, 54 industrialists, factory managers, and efficiency experts, and a 3-man cultural attache. They are ready to move to your shores by boat at your command, but I have one request, which is that you provide them with some measure of cultural information about my faction. Enclosed in this comm-link is also a video-clip on Hive culture, for any personell of yours who may come to the Hive as advisors.

OOC: If you could write up or tell me something about how the Spartans work, that would be great. I don't want to have to make up things about your faction which you might not agree with. Its up to you to decide if its worth the time. I have already written a short summary of Hive societal and military structure, you can find it on the second page of the Chiron Chronicle admin2 page.

Darkcloud: Why not make the peacekeeping force a believing proposal, so as not to interfere with my cease fire? Then we could have a good debate in council, with Miriam trying to enhance her power and enlist the peaceful factions onto her side, while the nefarious factions try to fight it.

[Clear Skies]

OOC: DarkCloud, if I must I must. I never really agreed with that storyline anyway, and I think it was a bit irresponsible of you to introduce it without everyone else's approval, but here goes anyway.
Oh, and check your faction leader names. He's called Nwabudike Morgan, not Nwandbike Morgan.

(A cell, deep in the depths of Alpha Prime)
David Jakhobs-Howell knew he hadn't long to live. Anastasius had already committed suicide, or so he heard. and the Cyborgs took a pretty dim view of those who were caught with intent to commit atrocities.
On reflection, his life had been one big mistake from the start. Maybe he could convince the Cyborgs to let him go far, far away and start a new life on some distant corner of Chiron...

Every single hope was dispelled when three Cyborg guards entered his cell, armed with a nerve-stapler. He fought them, but they had grips like steel and were stronger than he'd ever imagined.
The nerve staple stung, a sharp stabbing pain at the base of his skull, and then all conscious volition left him.
"Walk."
His legs began moving of their own accord. He couldn't fight it. Every vein on his forehead stood out as he tried desperately to stop himself moving, but he couldn't.
"Take a left here."
Again his legs moved him with no input from his brain. He could still think, blink and breathe in and out, but beyond that his life was entirely in the hands of his captors. A simple nerve staple shouldn't do this - they must have injected him with some sort of drug too.
He scanned the walls of the corridor. nothing. No distinguishing features, no doors, no windows, nothing. He must really be deep under Alpha Prime.
At the end of the corridor there loomed a door. This was his obvious destination, and for that precise reason it was also the place where he least wanted to go.
Unfortunately, he had very little choice. One of his guards went ahead and opened the door, and his body marched him through it.
The fear would've stopped him dead if he stil had any control over his limbs. In front of him lay an induction chair, an ancient remnant left over from the early days of the Consciousness. before the modern procedures, initiates were placed in this chair and had all their memories, their personality, everything downloaded and merged with a subroutine of the Consciousness, then uploaded back into their brains.
However, he knew what lay in store for him. His personality, memories and so on would be downloaded and then erased. A new personality would be uploaded from backing storage, melded with an algorithm and placed inside his defenceless brain - in effect, he would become entirely another person. Whether or not his consciousness would remain present was unknown - but it would be a vastly changed consciousness if it did.

And he was powerless to stop it.

"Sit."
Still he couldn't disobey. His treacherous body lowered him into the chair, the helmet was placed on his head and the lever thrown...

...and Werner Delta-Four opened his eyes on a brand new life...
[This message has been edited by SMAC Fanatic (edited April 25, 2001).]

[Sprayber]

To: Chairman Yang
From: Colonel Santiago

We will welcome your delegation with open arms, my good Chairman. We will be happy to instruct your officers at our Spartan War College. When our delegation arrives you will be presented with an introduction to Spartan society. I will contact you as to the composition of our delegation and when we would be able to receive your delegation.

[OOC- Natan I am off today so I can write something up for you. ]

Ruby Ridge Memorial {Data Acq}

General Weiss was busy interpreting incoming intel reports of the PK army that was building up outside his city. To be honest, he had no idea who he was holding it for. He received a few supplies from air drops, but nothing significant. The few remaining civilian population was growing more and more restless. He may have to order a fresh round of executions. But this presented a problem. He could not justify using supplies meant for defense on meaningless civilian trouble makers. He had entertained the idea of tying various PKs at strategic points around the base and in his command room. He would then let the PKs know about this. Put that on the damn evening news. But he did not know who he would have to answer to. Helzburg was no longer in a place to cover him if Santiago called the shots. And if he somehow lost, not likely in his view, the PKs would not be gracious hosts if they got a hold of him. He needed to contact both Santiago and Helzburg to see which one was in the best position.

To: Colonel Santiago
From: General Weiss

My supreme commander. Ma'am, I need instruction as to what to do with certain civilian elements that continue to make trouble. They represent a risk to the security of this base as they may assist the PK army in an attempt to take over this base. I await your instructions.

***Encrypted On Secure Code 131

To: General Helzburg
From: General Weiss

Sir, where are you? I have not received any messages from you in some time. I am in a desparate situation here. If I cannot count on you to aid in the defense of this base then I will be forced to take orders from Colonel Santiago.

Weiss sends the message and dictates an order for a certain unit in his army.

---To Captain Gunther. Captain you are to prepare a list of civilians that still reside inside the base area and select individuals for the purpose of placing them in strategic location around the base and inside command areas. You are then to take a copy of that list and transmit it to the nearest PK unit. The list is to be competed as early as this evening. I will get back to you as to a go or no go on those orders.---
Gen. Weiss

[OOC- I'm going to create a little chaos inside the Combine Army. I assume that there are still some civilians left]

Captain Gunther was busy seeing to the preparation of the rovers under his command when his sergeant came running up to him. "Sir, you have received signed orders from General Weiss." Gunther was not pleased at being disturbed. "What the hell does he want now? To take Haven City. The bloody fool is too caught up in his own glory." The sarcasm did not phase he sergeant who just handed the pad and saluted. "Yes sir." "Don't worry sergeant, he won't hear you. He is too busy with his head up someone's @ss." The sergeant merely smiled and turned to walk away. Gunther got half way through the message and knew exactly were this was headed. "Not no, but hell no" was all he was heard to say. He turned around and stormed off to convene an unofficial meeting with some of his fellow officers.

[OOC- Who wants to see what happens with Spartan officers mutiny? ]
[This message has been edited by Sprayber (edited April 26, 2001).]

To: Planetary Council
From: Captain Svensgaard

Nautilus Pirates official oppose having the Hive or/and the Morganite units as "peacekeepers". But we do approve the idea of the peacekeeping task force to be comprised of Believer and Free Drone units.

Captain Svensgaard


To: Academician Zhakarov
From: Captain Svensgaard

The war between our two factions will end when the Universities war with the Cyborgs and Data Angels is over. And I don't agree to the idea of disbanding probe teams or units, except Universities.

Captain Svensgaard


Blast Rifle Crag

The Battle Dragon units continue to siege the base with minimal losses and having succeeded damaging the base's garrison to the red status thought. While Colonel Rohrer was planning with her fellow commanding officers the full charge into the base, they received a message from Governor Pontas of Blast Rifle Crag. He of course address it to the commander of the "Unknown" rovers in all comm-bands. The Governor pretty much asks for a cease fire, to avoid further useless losses, and to possibly meat each other in person for further negociations, restricted to Governor to Her... Was odd that the Governor would call for negociations behind Sparta Command back... but not surprise that he rather ask for cease-fire instead of surrendering. typically spartan. She replied, voice only, and agreed to a cease-fire and to meet the Governor, at the base's perimeter thought. The next day, she and some escorting rovers move towards the rendezvous point with the Governor. there was of course several squads of Spartan soldiers guarding him. She, and some of her own bodyguards, entered a tent. She saw the governor and the commander of the base's garrisons. The Governor looked a bit surprised when he saw her, but it quickly faded. she was wearing her unmarked, except for rank, nautilus blue jumpsuit. after the introductions, the negociations started....

OOC: Spray, you play the governor as to what he wants like maybe defend the base against the rogue spartans and other things :P


University Base

LMP and his probe team entered University Base about a month ago from Library of Planet. Personally, LMP succeeded in finding some limited information about the Project Alpha, and he also happened finding out about the plan to move University Base underground, which he keeps to himself for now... Project Alpha has started over 60 years ago, where they establish some hidden base which would be dedicated to advanced research. He had trouble finding the coordinates of the base, but succeeded to atleast find out in what area it is at thought...in a Mountain near Port Beta, in cyborg territory. how interesting. After compressing and encrypt the acquired information in some data disk, he ordered the probe team, who haven't got much success as LMP in finding some info on the Project, to prepare leaving the base and to move back in Cyborg territory.

OOC: LMP is not a Nautilus Pirate person...he is just a wanderer, part of a hidden, quiet, and so on, group of people... The Macky, who are not known to the majority of people. to some who knows, they keep quiet, worried that the Macky may do something to them.

*******************************

To: General Braddock and Commissioner Lal
From: General Kane of Hive

I and our units volunteer to be part of the group of units that would patrol an establish De-Militarized Zone. Yang may oppose this, but we are quite willing to help, as there is not much of a future for us back in Hive terrtitory. Do consider it.

General Kane of Hive

************


OOC: will make official response tommorrow, has i need to go to bed now....



[This message has been edited by [LordLMP] (edited April 27, 2001).]

[Guardian]

South of Data Acquisition, that same afternoon...

Things were starting to settle down now, as the preparations were mostly all done. Briefings had been held, orders had been given... the latest intelligence data had been distributed, including the report from a PK probe team that had just come out of Data Acq this morning... everybody knew what their role would be, and they couldn't get any more ready than they already were... So, as they waited for the final order, things were sort of settling down into a calm before the storm...

Something was still happening though, as the suns were beginning to set and the afternoon was turning into evening... With Data Angels and Hive troops watching curiously from their own positions, the Peacekeepers started their own little ceremony... some kind of ritual to get themselves psyched up for what lay ahead. It didn't look very military at all, but it did seem to have the desired effect on the Peacekeepers. All along the line, squads, teams and rover crews were forming up, not in rows or lines, but in small, tight circles. In complete silence, the squad leader or vehicle commander inspected the crew, then spoke a few words to them from the center of the circle.
What happened next caused the jaws of a few Hive soldiers to drop wide open in surprise and amazement: The leaders stepped back to form part of the circles, then they all proceeded to take each other's hands! For a while, the Peacekeepers just stood in absolute silence, many with their eyes closed, holding hands in small circles... then, a soft murmur rose as those who wished to say something to their comrades proceeded to do so... one by one, they addressed their nearest companions, receiving their full attention for whatever it was they had to say... this went on for some time, then the murmur slowly fell away as people got done talking. Still they all stood there in silent vigil, holding hands... until the last word had been spoken and complete silence filled the air once more... then, as if on some unseen cue, they all snapped out of it and came to attention, being soldiers once again.

In almost complete unison came the cry...

WE ARE PEACEKEEPERS!!!

Proud and tall they stood there for yet another moment, appearently unafraid of death and disembowelment and whatever else the Spartans could possibly throw at them... then they saluted each other and broke it up, returning to their posts.

They were ready...


U.N. Haven City

Cilia didn't like this one at all. They had just been briefed on their role in the upcoming attack on Data Acquisition. This one would be even bigger than the attack on the two Spartan rover regiments a few days ago, which had been the largest air strike in Planet history. And this time, since they would be operating in their own airspace behind friendly lines the whole way, even some of the interceptors were being equipped for ground attack. She didn't mind taking part in the attack, but... in her opinion, even the Spartans couldn't possibly deserve being hit with white phosporus...


[OOC note: White Phosporus: Incendiary agent used in grenades, bombs, or by artillery for "incendiary smoke missions" (burn and maim the enemy while creating a blinding smoke screen)... This stuff burns when it gets into contact with oxygen. Meaning any oxygen, including the oxygen found in water. Or in... blood... The temperature of this stuff burning is so high that there are no flames... just gazillions of bright white stars flying all over the place... If you get hit by one of these things, it will burn right through to the bone... A side effect is that the stuff also creates a lot of thick, white smoke...
Using this kind of stuff against anyone is certainly NOT PK policy, but it is not explicitely forbidden by the U.N. Charter. General Braddock has found a loophole, and he pretty much reckons that the Spartans deserve anything that can be laid on them... ]


South of Data Acquisition

Commander Grafton had just gotten the word from Braddock: Go...

Taking a deep breath, he silently ran through the overall battle plan in his mind... The mindworms would move in under cover of the darkness, and would begin their attack one hour before dawn, striking from the east and west. Then, as the Spartans were still trying to deal with this massive worm attack, the artillery would open up and the rovers would move in and engage with missile fire from the north and south... then the air force would show up.. they would lay down everything they had along the defensive perimeter in the north and south, hitting the defenders with a mixture of high explosive and... white phosphorus... then the rovers would charge and the Special Forces would follow...

He sighed. This one would hurt everybody... and bad... Was it worth it? What if the war was really ending? Shouldn't they hold back and see if the Spartans were serious about wanting peace before going off to let all Hell loose like they were about to??

Ah well! Orders were orders... and besides, the Spartans were probably up to no good anyway...

He went to give the order...


U.N. News Network

They were doing another "special broadcast" for the Spartans... not really telling much news, but basically just engaging in psychological warfare, annoying the Spartans and telling them over and over that unless they came up with something pretty darned fast, they were all gonna die out here in this hellhole that none of them wanted anyway... and for what? Sure, they would be remembered, but not as heroes...

Another song was played. Hell, what was it with the PKs and Def Leppard anyway??
This time, the song was... Kings of Oblivion...


South of Data Acquisition

They were moving out! Kyla felt relieved, excited and scared speechless all at the same time. Swallowing hard, she took a deep breath and returned to her station, picking up her ABC suit. It was well known that the Spartans planned to use nerve gas against them. From this point on, they would be in full protective gear at all times, until...

until it was all over...

Shaking off a mental image of her body ripped apart by armor piercing rounds slicing through the rover, the started putting the mask on... fumbling... her hands were shaking as she thought about the invisible poison sneaking up on her... cursing under her breath, she ordered herself to Stop it! That's not doing any good...
You knew the risk when you joined up...

After a few more deep breaths, she managed to regain control and finish putting her protective mask on. With her gunner's helmet on top of this again, Kyla looked kind of like a cross breed between Darth Vader and the bounty hunter Boba Fett from Star Wars. Of course, she wasn't aware of this herself. She went back up to close the top hatch, and as she did so, a member of the support crew still on the ground came to attention and saluted.

Slowly... deliberately... and just a little bit clumsily... the eerie death mask turned his way and returned the salute, possibly for the last time...


[This message has been edited by Guardian (edited April 26, 2001).]

[Sprayber]

[OOC--I have a reference to the rejuvenation tanks. Is it assumed that faction leaders and important people recieve this? I can't remember if a certain tech allows this or if it just that the process is made easier to use on a mass scale. It is kind of important in the context that it is used. If anyone disagrees, I can use a different approach.]

Sparta Command---The Command Center

Kessel had been awake for an hour now but still no one had come to see him. This didn't bother him especially. He had been given this treatment by Santiago before. But of course, this as different. By the looks of things he had been brought to the Command Center. Before the Command Nexus had been completed this was the most advanced Building in the entire Spartan Federation. Now it was merely an extension of the Command Nexus that was constructed below. What puzzled him most was that he was being kept in a briefing room and not a cell like he had expected. While the possible reasons were being ran through his head, he heard the sound of the door lock being turned off. As he looked around the door slid open and Poulos walked through wearing a Spartan Security uniform. "Whats the matter? Santiago too busy to come herself." Poulos just laughed. "She is busy right now with reports from the front. You aren't holding a grudge are you?" "Me, hold a grudge. All you did was hand me over to Santiago" "Actually, I prefer to think that I merely brought you two back together. You see General, Santiago has a proposal for you." "And just what is this proposal?" Poulos smiles and moves towards the door. "Why don't you follow me and you can ask her that very question." Kessel got up and the two men walked down the hall. They turned a corner and entered an elevator. After descending six stories they exited the elevator and entered a long hallway. Kessel knew where he was going. It was one of the Colonel's many offices. This one was her office in the Command Nexus. They had passed many guards on the way to this particular office. But this time Kessel knew these four were different. They were members of the Santiago Guard. Little was officially known about them , but what people did know was not to cross them. They were scanned and allowed to enter the outer office. As Kessel and Poulos made their way through the outer office Santiago's assistant, Voki, walked out from a side room. "Ah, General Kessel. The Colonel is expecting you. Wait right here." Voki walked over to the desk and pushed a button. "Colonel, General Kessel is here." "Good, send him in." "You may enter" Kessel walked to the door and entered into the inner office of Colonel Santiago. He had been in the office before, but this time it felt different. "Good afternoon, I trust that you feel no ill effects from our last meeting? " Besides my pride, not a thing." Saniago smiled. "Always the one to inject humor into a tense situation. One day that may backfire on you." "What's the worst that can happen to me. Die a little?" "In Sparta, my dear Kessel, no one dies a little. But enough of the small talk. You are here for a reason." "And that is?' Kessel asked before Sanitago could finish. Ignoring the interruption, Santiago continued. "We have had our differences as of late General. You have even gone as far as disrupt several policies that were implemented. In hindsight, they may prove to serve Sparta well. Let me bring you up to speed. Our neighbor, the good Chairman, has presented a plan for a cease fire. Considering our situation with the Combine Army surrounded at former Data Acquisition by a PK and allied army. And with unknown rovers sieging Blast Rifle Crag. And our former colleague General Helzburg with the Main Army in War Outpost. I have decided that a change is in order." "What kind of change are you thinking about?" Kessel had no idea what to expect. "I have decided that it is time for me to take a leave of absence." That last statement leveled Kessel. "I have made some serious mistakes in recent years. I have looked at the overall situation and determined that what is best for Sparta is for me to be out of the spotlight, for a while anyway. After looking around at possible leaders for the Sparta, I have come to only one conclusion. You General Kessel are the only one in a leadership position that has taken responsibility for our actions. You have questioned me when you felt that Sparta's interests were at stake and you have backed me when few else would." Kessel wanted to ask so many questions but only one came out of his mouth. "Then why this purge and hunting me and my men down like animals for the past few months?" "At the time you went against my orders to support the army with what it needed. Which is ironically why I am offering this position to you now." "What exactly are you going to be up to while I am running things?" "It has been a long time since I was in the rejuvenation tanks. I shall take this occasion to catch up on the treatments. Now, as I see it the main threat as of this moment is Helzburg. He is currently at War Outpost with the entire Southern Army. Most of which would desert his position if they had an alternative. There is also the matter of Blast Rifle Crag. I have sent General Kell to Janissary Rock to take command of his Blockade Guardians. He has orders to proceed to Blast Rifle Crag and to wait further orders. Because of the pending cease fire he will not engage just identify and maintain contact." Santiago paused for a couple of seconds. "What are you thinking General Kessel?" "How and when will you explain this to the Spartan people and to the other factions?" "I will announce this when we negotiate a treaty. I must inform you that we are in the middle of rebuilding ties with the Hive. They are our best allies to counter the growing Alliance." "As much as the Hive have never been my favorite people, I must admit that Yang is as distrustful of the Alliance as we are." Sanitago sits down in her chair and motions towards the comm equipment. "Tomorrow, you will introduce yourself to Lal and the good Chairman. And Kessel, it might not be a bad idea to mention that you were once married to a woman of PK background. To Lal that is." Kessel let out a small chuckle "What, you don't think the good Chairman wouldn't like that piece of information?" Despite the situation, Kessel had to say it. It was just his way.

That had been the scene just a few hours ago. It was currently almost midnight Kessel hadn't got any sleep at all and he felt it. Then again he hadn't got that much sleep for the past two months. But the difference with today was that he was waking up in his old post. Kessel was always slightly amused at the name of his position. Commander of the Military District of Inner Sparta seemed like a long title to him. But that was what Sparta was all about. Long titles and even longer responsibilities. The whole point to the position was to protect against the possibility of the army turning itself on the population of Sparta itself and to provide a link between Sparta Command and the other bases. A primitive form of civilian government if you will. During the war, Kessel had failed to protect Spartan citizens from the ravages of the Army and from Santiago's temper. Kessel vowed to never let that happen again. Santiago had boarded a needlejet and had departed for Assassin's Redoubt barley half an hour ago. There she would prepare for the eventual fight with General Helzburg. This would be her last duty as a Spartan officer before she stepped out of public life. Kessel's duty was just beginning. No use in trying to sleep anymore so Kessel got up and made his way over to the Command Center where he would start trying to put the Spartan Federation back together again.

Ruby Ridge Memorial {Data Acq.} earlier in the evening

General Weiss had not received a reply from Sparta Command or from Helzburg. It was like the world outside Ruby Ridge had ceased to exist. Except for those ever present Pks that were stationed outside the base perimeter. In his paranoia, Weiss began to imagine that the rest of Sparta had indeed been crippled. Maybe he was the last Spartan authority. He punched in his password to validate the order he had given to Captain Gunther earlier that very morning. He then took out his sidearm to check to see if it was ready for action. He didn't seem to care that he had done that very thing at lest five times that day. On the other side of the compound Captain Gunther and two other rover group commanders were busy rounding up civilians. Not to use as human shields, but to sneak out of the base. "How are we going to do this Sir" The Sergeant asked. "Simple sergeant, we are going to let them walk out the two base perimeter gates." "But sir that is over four thousand people. How are we going to get over four thousand people out those gates?" "You know what Sergeant, we may not be able to let them all out. But we are going to let as many out as we can. Do you remember what we did at Janissary Rock? To our own people no less." The sergeant lowered his head. He remembered. Everyone in the three rover regiments remembered what happened at Janissary Rock. Sure the Blockade Guardians had done most of the killings. But they were the ones that went in afterwards to clean up the mess. Captain Gunther walked up to one of the PK citizens that had been singled out to be a leader. "Listen to me and listen closely. We will be evacuating the citizens on a block by block basis. If anyone does not have a mask you must have them form a line in front of this building" Gunther pointed at the supply building near the first set of gates. "There are ten personal rovers that were captured in the first days of the takeover. I suggest that you use them to transport the old and sick. I want you to get them together now since the rovers need to go out first. Third. Take some of the former PK soldiers, and I know that there are at least a handful of them in the city, and appoint them as organizers. You have until first light to complete the evacuation. By then the ruse will be up and I won't be able to guarantee your safety. My advice is for the group in the first rover make a lot of noise on the PK radios. Let them know your coming and let them know who you are." As Gunther turned to walk away the PK woman grabbed him by the arm before he could get to far. "Why are you doing this? Why are you risking your position and life for us. Why now?" Gunther stared at her for a moment. "For redemption. For honor" The woman let go and Gunther went to pay a visit to General Weiss.

[This message has been edited by Sprayber (edited April 26, 2001).]