Saga of an Empire

Saga of an Empire

In the Shadows of Angels

James Verrett

Copyright 2016 James Verrett

Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Prologue.

The Sword.

The 6th Fleet.

Children of the Delta.

Her Imperial Majesty.

Clouds Gather.

Hidden in Shadows.

Fight Shadows with a Shadow.

Fractures and Lies.

The Dead and the end of Peace.

A Witness.

Nothing quite as it seems.

Betrayal.

Approaching the point of no return.

The Die is Cast.

Empire in Chaos.

A House Divided.

Shadows Linger.

Fading Light.

Third Year.

Much to do before the end.

There will be blood.

Misguided Men.

In Defense of Family.

End Game.

Amongst the Ashes of Victory.

Prologue.

Amongst a dimly lit room, filled with only various paintings of cities and mountains on the walls, black curtains across every window, and hooded and dark blue robed figures standing with their heads bowed, a man of similar robes is on his knees in the center. Muttering various words in multiple languages his hand movements are just visible in the darkness of the room before he stops. Lowering his hand the next sound heard is a old-fashion flint and steel lighter followed by the room illuminated by a small fire. Now bathed in light the gray haired elderly man in the center lowers his hood and looks past the fire to a group of children sitting on the floor. While his eyes glance over each their eyes remain fixed on a mark: A gold colored diamond shape seemingly resting on an outline of a rectangle stitched into the dark blue robe. Shifting their eyes down the group finds a more impressive golden dragon on a patch, the words Dragon I under it.

With the silence of the room starting to get to them the children are slowly starting to whisper amongst themselves. Well aware of the annoyance the whispers are no doubt causing his followers the man in the center continues scanning the children before studying the last one with a smile. Abruptly standing has the room silent and all eyes on him. Continuing to smile he bows his head

Welcome my children, welcome to the Mt. Lena observatory. To the point where Corinth's path began, to the point that allowed us all to be united here, thousands and thousands of years later.

Knowing all too well most, if any, would understand what he meant the man takes a few steps back.

From this point here the people of this world turned their attention to the skies above in their search for the truth. Slowly they began to observe, to map, and eventually, began to go to those points. Once in the stars they found their local area barren, the garden worlds they went to always having little to no life even close to their levels but they continued. For the Angels said the men and women here were only part of a greater whole and so the explorers kept in their duty until they found them.

Shifting his eyes to various children

They found those of you not of this world, those of you whose families held none of our blood and yet, your ancestors were still our brothers and sisters. A prophecy of the Angels once called absurd" was vindicated before our very eyes! A union to be formed that quickly bridged the troubled waters of our first contacts. An alliance of four years gave way to a thousand year empire which gave way to a nearly two thousand year republic. Now, now we sit once again under imperial rule, our path no different than before.

With every generation we’ve continued along this path of the Angels, to seek to better ourselves and grow our people. To ensure that we leave behind a world worthy of them, a world that allows us to be elevated in our next life.

Have we done wrong? Yes. Have we stumbled? Yes. Have we fallen? Yes. But we endure because we need to. We continue because we have to. We live because we were told to.

And now, now you sit here. Sit in this room where it all began, a collection of those blessed by the Angels themselves."

Hearing the surrounding figures mumble a response the elder nods.

As the Angels wish.

Hearing a collective As the Angel's command from the others the elder steps back towards the group and the fire.

You here, you have been called to take up swords in defense of our homes. To join our ranks and help ensure our people remain on the path.

While most seem impressed there are few of the faces staring back at him unsure or even on the point of laughter. Eying one of these faces

You. You disagree?

Instead of arguing though the boy starts to whispers to his neighbor prompting the elder to storm towards them, the figures around the room whispering.

You will answer when spoken to child, that rule is no different than in your home.

Looking from his friend to the elder the boy just shakes his head

My dad is in the navy, I’ve seen the ships they have. Huge warships, lots of guns and men! What could you do against that? My dad defends our home while you’re just, just stuck in the past!

Simply nodding the elder turns and eyes his companions. Just as the boy starts to whisper again a snapping of a finger brings a sword down between him and his friends, another to his throat.

You see child, we need men and women like you father to man those huge ships with lots of guns to take care of the more common issues, more annoying threats we face. I for one enjoy my meetings with the military, those of this order who are there often providing great service in defense of the empire. However, there are still some threats, some concerns that require more than just intel. For those threats even the military, men like your dad, turn to us. For the price of allowing us to train those like yourselves in our own way we offer the best to their black ops", the Special Forces. Our best become weapons of war, the very swords of angels. Though, one can only wonder if this is approved of.

No matter though. The citizens pretend not to notice us, the military makes deals with us, and even the imperial throne sees us at times. Besides, do you really think so little of yourself already that you’d believe your dad would send you all the way from Dark Star just to hear an old man ramble?"

Glancing back to see the children more afraid of the swords than listening the elder just snaps his finger again, both of his companions removing their weapons and retreating back to their spots. As soon as the last one does he lowers his hand and taps a spot on the wall. Moments later the room grows dark as a metal shell encloses the fire. Before fear can take hold in the children however the room is once again alight, this time in the soft blue glow of a hologram. Emitted from a device just lowered from the ceiling the children watch as a planet is shown, various lines and markers for stations and ships moving to and from.

Children, we are not as stuck in the past as you think. We have existed on Corinth since the days of the unification wars, and we continue to exist because of our refusal to remain grounded in ancient beliefs. As the Angels would adapt, so should we.

Motioning for a trio of figures to approach the elder waits as they line up before the children and remove their robes: A man in a dark blue naval uniform adorned with various medals and insignias, a second in an all-black uniform with only an insignia similar to the elder man, and a female in a rather plain set of clothes. Watching each bow their heads the elder continues.

"Now. Honored guests. You stand in the presence of the Angelic Knight Order, nay, you are welcomed into the Angelic Knight Order. For these next twenty years you will stay with us, you will learn and you will grow. At the end you leave your training grounds to both join our vaunted military, to join us here and help preach the Angel's words to our order, or, if needed, you may leave as well educated and gifted imperial.

These three before you represent what choices await you. Captain Navoln here is a proud member of our order and is even prouder of his uniform and fleet. Knight Dena is one of our newest members given to our military, a mind made sharp under our careful direction. And lastly, children, you are staring at the lower senate leader, Lord Venila Feroes of the Star Light clan. A dampened yet productive member of our order, she has never let our teachings conflict with her duties, a path most benefiting her desire to spread the truth that we are of no threat to the empire or its people."

Hearing the three offer a prayer the elder claps his hands, the hologram fading away as the shield over the fire is pulled back letting its light fill the room once more. After a few minutes the doors to the room open and more robed individuals enter and take spots around the group. Motioning them to stand the elder pulls his hood back up with a smile.

Go now, children of Angels, your training begins today. As you train keep one ear here and the other to the stars. In the stars our destiny is being written as we speak, let the tales of our people fill your hearts and minds.

Simply watching as the group is broken up and led out the man turns back to the fire and kneels down, two pairs of feet stepping beside him.

What news do you bring?

Nothing good Master.

Very well. Tell me what you know.

I. The Sword.

In its orbit around the large yellow sun sits the ringed world of Corinth. As the sun casts light across the major landmass a pair of stations orbit above. In a geostationary orbit just ahead of the capital in rotation float Corinth-Beta: A massive two tiered ring station with two large antennas on top. Extending out nearly as wide as the rings themselves are two giant sets of solar panels. A holdover from the days before the current reactor designs, the panels have become the unofficial standard of U.S.D stations, their power generation ability just enough to justify the beauty and elegance they allow in popular photos. However, Corinth-Beta’s purpose is not for pictures, nor for tours. Across the station are panels and hatches, under each a battery or weapon system a needed part of the capital's defense. Equipped with enough fire-power to shred all but the most determined of attackers the station is the hallmark of Corinth, every man and woman coming to the throne world having to pass through the sights of deployed weapons tracking them.

One of these ships sails past with little caring, its target the second station in the lower orbit now coming up from the night side. Nearly twice as large with a third tiered ring Corinth-Alpha is both the trade-port for those ships cleared to enter at Corinth itself (rather than the outer system Scorpion station) and housing for nearly a quarter of the systems population. With streams of ships moving towards the the planet below, the slowly rising warp-gate, and to the largest moon slowly dipping behind the planet, Corinth-Alpha is a scene of controlled chaos as one of the shuttles slips into the atmosphere.

Passing by the largest of the stations is a lone shuttle which aims down and enters the atmosphere moments later. After a brief fiery trip the craft drops through the clouds to find the small imperial city of New Arbor, a huge military complex at its heart. Surrounded by large walls and populated with 10 buildings the largest of which stands a huge 60 story tower, a massive imperial crest showing. Banking towards the tower, the shuttle swoops by the large antennas on top and lands on the lone landing pad.

As the engines shut down and the passengers prepare to leave a lone man in a military uniform finds himself stepping out of the central elevator onto the 55th floor. Glancing down the hall he finds the normal route to his office requiring passing the floors central office and its imposing front: An archway. This particular archway has served as the High Commander's door: Jet black with insignias of the major military units, the few windows normally tinted so you can’t see in but they can see out. No matter who has occupied the office no one ever seems to want to go in. However General Thomas knew he had to, the imperial third commander insignias on his uniform leaving him no other option. Knowing he had ignored a personal request from the commander he hoped that the reports in his hand were vastly more important than the silly assignment he had failed to do. Taking a breath, he runs his hands through graying hair and tells himself that after his lifetime of the army, a mere grand admiral of the navy should be no problem. Finding his own words not very helpful he opens the door and steps through. Entering the room he finds the high commander's desk surprisingly empty. Quickly scanning the room he finds his superior staring out a window at the city below. Having noticed his arrival the equal height figure gives him a passing glance then returns to the window as she runs a hand through her black hair. Where Thomas continues to where his gray army uniform with the high command ranks simply stuck where the army ones went the high commander stands in her dark red command uniform. Where a naval or army insignia would go on the shoulders she has the imperial crest, the sole medal on the right front being her grand admiral rank, the left carrying her imperial high commander rank and name. Staring at the city and compound below her eyes tell the tale of a woman whose aged and experienced eyes do not match her young look, the hands sometimes compared to a ensign by her detractors running along the rare five admiral pins on her collar, far more than average detractor can ever hope for.

General Thomas. In the calm voice that belies her irritation at interruptions. It's rare that you ever visit me here without being requested, I trust you bring good news?

High Commander. He responded nervously. He had always been warned by everyone not to upset his superior and his news was not going to be what she wanted to hear. I’ve been reviewing the latest tactical reports and... Before he could finish she turned from the window quickly interrupting him

Did you look at what I asked you to review? Feeling her blood pressure slightly rising Milan tries to remain calm but knows her overall annoyance is high and her left green eye is starting to turn. Noticing the red tint appearing Thomas felt the sweat forming on his forehead.

No ma'am, I'm not very familiar with the naval forces, let alone the 6th fleet or the missing 25th.

With her eye growing ever redder Milan attempted to remain calm with Thomas,

"Thomas, I asked you to review that information so you would be familiar with them."

But the reports from the expeditions...

Are not what I asked from you. I asked you to review those files and give me an outside opinion, leave the reports on my desk and do what I told you to. Milan replied clearly irritated.

With all due respect ma’am, the 25th is gone, even the 6th fleet has given up on them. Why should we waste time researching the dead?

Closing her eyes as she takes a breath Milan’s overall annoyance once again is focused on the general.

General. In the army, reported divisional destructions are rare but are always accurate. In the navy, entire fleets can be wiped out if only to mask their true intentions. Those 57 ships didn’t all die because their commander did. Review the reports and give me an outside opinion, now.

But...

Seeing her eyes narrow Thomas bites his tongue and bows his head.

Yes ma'am.

Quickly placing the pad on her desk and leaving the former general just wipes the sweat from his head as he makes his way back towards the elevator

Why the hell should I care about them he thought, I'm in the damn army, not the navy. What possible opinion could I have on these so called shadow fleets of ours?

Having calmed herself down Milan returns to staring out her window, her reflection showing an eye returning to normal. Fixing her lengthy black hair she begins adjusting the high command insignia on her uniform when a sudden guest draws her attention, the balcony door opened. Before she can think a cold female voice fills the silence.

You were a little hard on him, he is from that army remember? I believe you said once they pride themselves on not being part of the navy.

Startled, Milan turned to find a familiar and similar dark haired woman standing in the corner. At home in her jet black and blue uniform with a sword at her side, the dark hair parted just enough for the eyes to say there is much more than what you see at first glance, much more than anyone should ever need to know.

High guardian. You are a long way from the imperial palace, allow me to get some marines to escort you to entrance. Milan snapped as she quickly heads for her door. The trip is short however as an arm across her chest bring her to a quick stop.

High Commander, issues are arising in the palace. Your advice is needed.

My advice? What could the High Guardian of the Empress need from the military?

Unappreciative of the mocking tone the guardian shoves the commander back towards her desk

"Your advice is needed commander, and your advice will be given. The empress has been more and more depressed in the last 2 years, your accidental killing of her father figure weighing heavily on her. Now, with civilian issues rising I feel her long grief needs to end, and her blunt commander should speed it along."

Forced to remember herself delivering the news of the loss of her former Vice-Commander and 6th fleet turned 25th fleet commander Admiral James Chan to her own flagship and the disappearance of his 25th fleet Milan ignores the last part as she straightens herself.

Why is she depressed? He ignored my orders and as such placed her in this situation to begin with! Not to mention he's that one that has been the cause of all our recent problems, all the Intel we lost surely would have pointed out the I.P.R rebel threat, this Dark Fleet and its latest movements into virtual obscurity, our own stupid issues added to the fire! She should be happy he's gone after the good Imperial Guard’s aggressive takeover of his network.

Even though the admiral’s death disrupted the intelligence it wasn’t the source of Milan’s apparent anger. The man betrayed the trust she'd given him over the doubts of who and what he was. Gone with him were the notions that she was bridging the troubled waters of the military as he took elements of her military with him. His still vacant office down the hall a reminder that she wasn’t prepared, General Thomas and those behind him far too unknown to her. The only one she thought she trusted enough to take his spot an ever bigger source of personal pain as he sits in a pseudo-exile at the Lapland border station by her orders.

Simply cold and uncaring at whatever is troubling the commander the guardian snaps her fingers to get Milan's attention.

"You have to remember that it was him and his 6th fleet that got her to the throne. It was him that secured her place and it was him whose opinions she's valued, especially his views on you as she watched your progress as her military commander. She always knew that he had ulterior motives but never thought that he would simply wander off to die over some distant rock. She is at a loss as to the simple question of Why?, as it seems you are too."

The guardian's last words struck Milan deep in her chest, mixture of embarrassment and anger at her conflicted thoughts seemingly visible to the guardian.

What are you implying? she asked, her red eye in full display.

The great war-hero Admiral Star and feared butcher Admiral Tiger were perfect examples of the navy's Alpha fleet/Delta fleet rivalry. To have him personally recommend you for this post must have had an effect on you, the now admiral Milan going as far as to even keep the man as her second. I would hazard a guess that your past is screaming that this is all a trap somehow, but conflicting emotions sometimes blind us to the focus we need.

Walking towards the door she quickly pushed the lock button before turning to face Milan

We know the balance of power in the empire is shifting. The empress needs to be addressing the rise of Vienna but she stays locked in her throne room leaving her ministers to deal with the matter. They are good and loyal men and women, but they are simply attempting to keep the status quo, it will lead to unrest.

Thinking as she rubs her chin Milan eventually shrugs

What could I do? Civilian politics are not my concern. she spoke while turning back to her window She has her supposedly loyal chambermaids, tell them.

She keeps them secluded, out of the trouble being seen close to her would cause them" she says. You need to help."

I will not bring the military into the situation if that's what you're asking.

No, that's not what is needed. responded the guardian, walking to stand by her side The empress trusts her military commander, it’s time the military commander trusts her high lord. You yourself are having similar issues, just tell her how you are dealing with them.

I don't have these problems right now.

With momentary clenched fist the guardian spins Milan to face her and leans close

Don’t you ever try and lie to me like I’m a damned minister. I know all about the vaunted Delta fleet. They are growing more powerful with each victory in the I.P.R and home while your precious and stable Gamma and Alpha fleets float around in space chasing pirates, their own expeditions causing more harm than good. Even your new Epsilon fleet just sits around drilling while the Beta fleet and border guards are busy playing cops and robbers with the civilian sectors. The naval balance of power is shifting to favor Admiral Fisher and his Delta fleet, something you know little about. That's why you want Thomas's opinion on them along with the 25th. You can't see past your early hatred of them to deal with...

Before she could finish she felt Milan's hand quickly across her face as Milan snaps.

"Don't you try and tell me how I feel about anything!"

Pushing herself away from the Guardian Milan is soon back at her desk in a rage

Every damn day I have to wake up and deal with these ever changing political nonsense my commanders keep forcing upon me. Admiral Fisher and whatever power he might be gaining is no problem, he will put his boots on the line or I’ll have my Alpha fleet burn him from the stars.

Turning to face her unwelcomed guest the commander quickly notices the feared guardian wiping her face before glaring. Before Milan can react the guardian has closed the distance, kicked her legs out and is now holding her on the ground with a sword to her throat and a foot on her chest.

Don't ever strike me again, ever. Only because the high lord trusts you do I not remind you in a more effective way. The empress needs advice, you will give it.

Having been reaching for her sidearm the sword pressing harder into her throat bring her hand to a halt. Looking up glaring

And why would she listen to me?!

I believe there was a moment in the last pro-Republic attempt to force her from the throne in which the military was summoned. Before the high commander, her second, and the naval/army commanders the leaders of this attempt listed all the reasons why the empress did not deserve your loyalty and that they, the senate, had learned enough to bargain properly with the military in the future. They even demanded a military vote on the empress’s position to which you barred your subordinates from voting before storming to the throne and kneeling before her, the military simply going with you. You never liked her at first commander, but you clearly understood she was worthy of being followed.

The empire was on course to grow, my personal feelings are irrelevant.

Exactly. Since you have yet to let your personal feelings impact your dealings with her, I expect your presence at the palace soon. Don’t make me come looking for you.

Don’t you…

Am I disturbing something?

Quickly looking back Milan saw the upside down figure of her aide trying her best to appear threatening. Easily overshadowed by the two male guards, Specialist Mela Alure's young appearance (even compared to the guards) has the woman shifting nervously as the guardian locks eyes with her before looking past them and at the door with a growl.

I thought the door to this important office would at least have an effective lock.

It does lock and you did a poor job of it, now, am I disturbing something or not.

Helping Milan to her feet the Guardian stars at her for a few seconds before

No, we were just discussing a favor. If you will excuse me I need to return to my duties. High Commander.

Slightly bowing to Milan the Guardian is slow to exist, a passing glare to the starting Mela as she goes. Herself brushing her uniform off before trying to straighten it Milan sighs and turns back to her window

Guards, see my guest out.

Quickly left alone with the commander Mela clears her throat to which Milan glances back towards her.

You never like to knock. What are you doing here?

I was gathering the reports for you, like you requested, when I overheard Commander Thomas and his aides from the briefing room. Sounded like they were discussing the 6th and 25th fleets, something I thought was odd. When I asked him why he just looked at me and snapped that you had told him to before shutting his door.

Without even a pause the commanders lets out a light laugh as she fixes her hair.

"You came up here just because someone slammed a door in your face? Please Mela, I appreciate your concern but shouldn't you be aboard the Relentless? I'm sure they are still trying to figure out how to turn the damn ship on. Incompetent morons out there on Scorpion, can't even figure out how to run a frame I A-Class."

Irritated at the day's events and the failures aboard the recently returned and abandoned 25th fleet flagship Milan pays no attention when Mela begins to walk towards her.

I already showed them that and it still is refusing to cooperate. Besides you can't blame them, Admiral Armen didn't exactly send the ship back as a gift nor with an instruction manual. Plus I've done my duty for the day and wanted to do something other than stare at computers. Now standing next to Milan she slowly puts her head on her shoulder and stares out at the sky. Tensing up for a moment Milan sighs

You know I don't like it when you do this.

Am I not allowed time with my mother?

1. I don't like it when you call me that. 2. If someone were to see they might get the wrong idea.

No one will enter your office mother, I am very good at locking doors.

Turning to say something Milan stops when she finds Mela staring at her smiling, whatever worries she's having melting away. Smiling herself she laughs and turns back to the city

II. The 6th Fleet.

United Star-Dark Imperial 6th Fleet Delta Expeditionary Force

Command Division Combat Patrol

Fero VII, New Antioch Sector, I.P.R (Independent Planets Republic)

Easily doubling the size of the U.S.D and filling its borders towards the galactic center is the Independent Planets Republic, a home of hundreds of worlds and thousands of colonies seeking both protection and escape from the trials and dangers facing the larger powers. Open to any who wishes to join the I.P.R's chief success has been the ability to create and run such a large amount of territory while offering all a voice. The chief downside has been the sheer size of the I.P.R's senate and the simple fact that political blocs and unions are needed for smaller members to equalize their voices with the larger members. The most famous failure of the I.P.R was the 7-year long war with the U.S.D 60 years ago.

In what was thought impossible a large portion of the I.P.R was hurled to war after a government under a political party which came to be known as Warlords rose to power. Nearly victorious the I.P.R's chief participants ended up watching contributions, or worlds in the case of the Gamma sector, be burned by a vengeful U.S.D Republic. Faced with the loss of many of the old powers and fracturing of the smaller power blocs the I.P.R was left wrestling with internal issues and fallout. Those issues exploded recently after all contact was lost with the capital world of Solace following a U.S.D battle group entering the system in pursuit of a stolen I.S.F warship. What was discovered in the days afterwards was a devastated capital world and nearly 88% of the documented citizens there dead, the few survivors able to be evacuated before a reported stolen U.S.D terraforming weapon consumed the planet’s surface leaving the famed continent wide-capital of Livonia a burning and dead city.

Following the fall of its capital world the I.P.R has shifted its government to their naval forces, the I.S.F (Independent Space Fleet), headquarters world of New Antioch. Set in the heart of the sector named for it, New Antioch represented the second most invested system in the I.P.R, both militarily and economically. While the location made sense due to the sectors economic power and the fact that the largest concentration of I.S.F ships were also located there, the move still irritated members of the outer sectors.

Having grown to exert a far greater influence over its sector than normally would be allowed the fall of Solace destroyed much of the economy and trade within the Solace sector. Even though the sector proved able to weather the storm and rebuilt, many worlds of the outer sectors suffered greatly as their carefully made and groomed trade routes vanished overnight. Left with mining worlds with no ships to move their supplies and trade ports practically begging the few trade ships to dock the promised wealth of joining the I.P.R was stripped, political leaders left to face angry populations with little to no hope of quick fixes. The overall irritation from those worlds became hatred following the breaking up of several protests outside the hastily acquired New Antioch senate building demanding the before mentioned issues to be rectified.. While such protests were previously allowed on Solace, the military status of New Antioch prevented no such rights and I.S.F police were forced to break up the protests with reported brute force. Immediately following the deadly encounter between protesters and police the outer sector worlds began withdrawing themselves from the I.P.R. They, however, stopped short of heeding the calls for warfare when many realized the I.P.R leadership still controlled the U.S.D built warp-highway shipping and transportation network. The realization only delayed the fighting until it became obvious that the I.P.R wasn’t going to destroy any part of the network. Bolstered by this several outer worlds completed their secession and promptly launch raids to drive back the few I.S.F ships in the outer sectors and secure them for their own uses.

Within weeks the I.P.R, a union made to help avoid warfare, found itself dealing with severe internal issues. Seeing opportunities themselves. It wasn’t long for the sectors on the opposite side from New Antioch to vote to leave, the I.P.R fracturing from too many issues.

At the start of the recent conflicts New Antioch founds itself the target of a rebel operation to remove the I.P.R leadership before they could react to the sudden crisis. The I.S.F was able to repulse the attackers but the act itself was surprising due to the seemingly supportive attitude of the sector and the near lack of warning of the fleet's approach.

Alarmed by the act I.P.R leadership called for the honoring of a clause in a treaty signed with the U.S.D, that they would send a protectorate fleet to help restore order should the I.P.R be on the brink of anarchy. When the treaty honoring U.S.D entered the I.P.R they dispatched Admiral Fisher's 6th fleet forces to assist local I.S.F forces in throwing back any rebel forces and secure the capital sector. Initial success has given way to a stalemate as Fisher underestimated the amount of the ships needed to both destroy the rebels and protect the key words.

Watching from the other side of the I.P.R, the secluded and silent NIN Imperium made a rare and unwelcome gesture of deploying on their entire 4th battle fleet to the border of New Antioch, the 6th fleet expedition now left to drive rebels out without drawing fire from NIN and igniting a far larger conflict.

From aboard the 6th fleet command ship, Gerishnaw, the CIC crew tries to fight yet another boring day spent patrolling one of the many rebel holding systems that always turn up empty. Staring up at the tactical screen a sudden recurring dot soon catches the captain's eye. Turning towards his commander

Admiral, a NIN ship just appeared on DRADIS again, extreme range. Looks like they are peeking out from behind that moon at 098.12.

Looking up as he speaks, the captain finds the older and slightly gray Admiral Fisher mid cleaning his glasses. With an annoyed sigh, he finishes his task while pondering if his confidence from age in his abilities is still warranted. Walking over to his station the admiral watches for a moment before the dot reappears again. Simply sighing in a heavy and slightly annoyed tone

If you wants to talk why not just come out and say it. Helm, come to course 098.12. Captain, signal the fleet to assume battle stance and launch the alert fighters. That should get their attention.

Within seconds the 24 ship task force turned towards the moon in question. Accelerating to battle speed the fighters swarmed around to get into screening positions as the flagship turns. A massive, long hulled, alligator bowed, two flight pods mounted and, six now fully powered engines, the Absolution-Class battle-carrier sails as the pride of the imperial navy.

Built during the Warlord war over 60 years ago the class has seen numerous updates and upgrades to keep them more than a match for all but the larger navies. Having been designed for intimidation as well as fighting the class was initially designed to carry the high-energy weapons being developed, to punch clean through the hulls of I.P.R ships. The war's direction at the time of their actual building however prevented the weapons from being installed, all slated units being sent to the various stations along the battle lines. Unable to to override the veto the ships were eventually launched into their baptism by fire battle armed with the weapons their weapons replaced on the station: Rail guns. While considered old fashion the weapons proved capable counters for their opposing I.P.R warships, the class going on to earn its place in the fleet.

As feared and respected as the warships were though their very existence became the death of the U.S.D Republic following the war's conclusion. Widely seen as symbols of the Republic's butchery after pictures and videos were circulated of A-Class's bombing worlds during the 6ths unauthorized attack on civilian targets in the I.P.R Gamma sectors, the warships were ordered decommissioned by the senate as a gesture of peace to their neighbors. Much to the outrage of the military the order robbed the navy of its expected flagships just as conflict stuck again in the form of the 1st Omega incursions and border war with the Alpha Union. Where the Alpha navy was well known and countered the Omega's simply appeared out of nowhere.. Slamming into the initial responders with what appeared to be rail-guns as well the initial salvos quickly showed that the Omega had an edge, their shots overloading the shields of the Republics warships before tearing into their hulls. Thrown into a nine month fight the Republic was eventually able to use sheer numbers to drive the Omega back at a cost of 138 older warships and a cost of 78% of the men and women aboard.

Blaming the losses on the senate's idiotic order the navy endured another 5 months of fighting with the Alpha Union, another 46 ships being lost. At the end the military demanded the return of their flagships, the A-Class's decommissioning have been slowed to allow Omega weapon technology and new hull armor technology to be fitted aboard. Even going as far as to have the AC-01 Absolution herself towed over Star Light for the senate to see the, the military threw their energy weapon armed and shielded senate approved flagship against it. The results were as expected according to the navy, the weapons only lightly damaging the hull. Allowing the crew aboard the Absolution to fire a test shot the resulting another expected result: The first three rounds were blocked by the shields, the fourth breaching the shields before sailing harmless over. With a sense of finally proven their argument the military commanders brought the issue of the A-Classes back before the senate, only for a majority to vote against keeping the ships yet again. This proved to be the final meeting between the military and the republic.

Seizing the moment granted by this division were members of an anti-Republic group, a bomb detonated in the senate building on Star Light. While causing no deaths the bomb destroyed a wing of the building and the resulting fires taking nearly 12 hours to be put out. Forced to relocate back to the old imperial throne world of Corinth the Republic had only a moments