Denarian Continuum faction page: https://crossroadsgalaxy.freeflarum.com/d/17-denarian-continuum

BGB News, breaking

A well-dressed man holding cards appears. In the background is a galactic map. highlighting a stretch of the Celeritas Asterism.
“Welcome to BGB News, I am your host, Arrehf Asterra. We have recently received an update from our Denarian branch on the situation in the Denarian Continuum. The House of Denaria has provided reports confirming that a full-scale civil war has broken out in the Denarian Continuum. The firefights on Tertraj have resulted in the military being split into liberalists who are loyal to the democratically elected parliament and loyalists who maintain allegiance to the executive branch led by the dictator Achal Kuhen. Our reporter on the scene will provide further details on the carnage on Tetraj. How has the conflict escalated?”
A box appears on a screen with a woman standing on the rooftop. Her hair and jacket flutter in a strong wind, pushing the smoke pillars around her to the side.
“It’s eerily reminiscent of imperial forces on Anrillia.” she says, “The battle has reached orbit.” She points to the sky where thousands of individual embers shimmer. She continues, “That’s debris from the State Guard loyalists firing on the Liberalist navy in orbit. It’s a full-scale war down here. Artillery was falling just three clicks away an hour ago.”
“Have the corporate forces engaged in any of the firefights?”
“From what we can tell they have not. However, they have deployed multiple battalions and warships to secure their assets. We have reports from the parliament media group that they’ve set up defensive positions at banks and higgs-figgron storage depositories.”
The programme moves to an interview with a Bastonian navy admiral. He looked to be in his 70’s with loose cheeks that reminded one of a bulldog.
“How will this affect Bastonia and will we intervene?” the host asks.
“I’m not an economist but we’re looking at a repeat of the Musavian civil war.”
“As severe?”
The admiral shakes his head. “No, no. Not even close. What I mean is that we need to act with force and we need to act swiftly. We have a democratic parliament defending itself against a tyrant. It by all means triggers our constitutional duty for intervention.”
“Most diplomats align with the prosperats and pacifists on this issue. They predict constant intervention from Bastonia will eventually lead to disaster.” the host mentions in order to add perspective.
“Tyranny can only be destroyed at a price. The public agrees with the empocrats: it’s worth it.”

.

HMS Payback, Hermedian gateway blockade

Admiral Phoenix was a plump man in his 60’s. Stantine called him an old man but that fact remained he had more experience than all the far too young commanders in high command. Now he was promoted to fleet admiral and commanded the battlecruiser battlegroup responsible for the Bastonian blockade, or rather defensive fleet over Gateway in the Hermedian gate. ”There was nothing in the mission briefing about embargos and enforcing tulls against third parties. This is an occupation to restore democracy, not engage in petty political economic disputes.”
”Fleet admiral, with all due respect, you answer to the directorate and the ministry of war and they have concluded your blockade will now enforce taxes on Vaiaelon goods. You have the blacklist. Let the Revenue and Customs Authority engage in their practices and you just have to provide your presence and in the worst case, firepower.”
Phoenix thought for a while. ”In that case, my fleet will only be able to sustain itself if I receive the supplies I requested.”
”I will bring it to the fleet logistics command. Consider it done.”
The call ended and a list came attached. Phoenix projected roughly half a meter in front of his head as he exited his quarters and started the long walk towards the closest medical wing. ”Let’s see,” he whispered to himself, ”Computer hardware, ship parts, physically stored software, banking devices, cybernetics…” Phoenix thought it was peculiar. These were all goods that Vaiaelon and Bastonian companies were competing about. Generally speaking, the Vaiaelons had superior computing technology. Could it be that Bastonian politicians felt threatened? Politicians rarely cared about the success of specific exports. Bastonia was bound to be inferior to some other nation in general electronics. Could it be lobbying, even corruption from new major businesses? Was this intervention a fraud?

When he arrived at the medical wing he almost bumped into a panicked medical worker. He looked away from his holoscreen and saw wounded Bastonian soldiers covering every corner of the room. The ones in the worst condition were on the beds. The luckier servicemen sat on the floor or rested against the wall. Some were screaming for immediate attention as the staff did their best to treat them. Phoenix called for the head doctor and Dr. Interra was brought to him with seriousness of the situation reflecting in his eyes.
“I think the situation speaks for itself, Fleet Admiral. The landing route is too turbulent with higgs-figrons. Almost everyone on the last transport came back with tachyonic poisoning or cancer.” Interra said, breathing heavily.
“How many can you treat before the next medical shipment? It should arrive in a few days.”
Dr. Interra took a step forward and whispered to Pheonix, “None, admiral. We’re dry on treatments for cancer and radiation sickness, Admiral. We’re using placebos.” He took a syringe from his uniform’s utility belt and sprayed it into his own hand. ”Water.”
Phoenix put his hand to his forehead as if he had a headache. ”We’re out of medical supplies across the fleet,” he said, ”How can we hope to explain to their parents and their children that they died because we sent them right through a sea of heavy radiation?” Interra just shrugged in response and stood there for a couple of awkward seconds. “Oh, right. You’re dismissed, Doctor.”

The Hermidian gate was now brimming with defensive bastonian formations. Warships ranging from attack corvettes to immense battlecruisers. The fleet was somewhat larger than the attack fleet deployed in the Musavian civil war, indicating a large increase in bastonian military resources. Now they were locking down the most important choke point in G-S16 and imposing their own trading customs and choke out Vaiaelon exports. Additionally, other than Denarian domestic corporate warships, no large-scale military vessels had attempted to pass through the Hermidian Gate. Nothing indicated that the GBE would allow military fleets to pass through without their approval. Publicly, this was to maintain the stability of the flow of trade and secure Denarian assets for the parliamentary forces. However, this move is a swift military action to hold down significant areas of the galaxy without consulting other nations first. Diplomatically it could be a disaster.

    a month later

    KrankysFirebrand48
    “Oh, Alpha… what have you done…”

    When the first cargo vessels returned from the Gate with holds still full of exports, it was met with outrage from the Chibutian market worlds. Financial projections plummeted to fractions of their original targets, marking the largest upset in stock prices since the Musavian Schism. While still not at full strength, reeling from the aftermath of the local conflicts that resulted from that crisis, privately owned fleets and mercenary assets were mobilising almost immediately, long before the VWP itself took action.

    They weren’t fast enough however, as a “routine patrol” through the militarising systems by VSA warships reminded everyone that there was one and only one Leviathan force allowed to act beyond the VWP’s borders. And act they would, the VWP council voting unanimously to act on this flagrant violation of international trade.

    Before the blockade was even a month old, the VSA arrived, and in far more force than any party would have liked. The first hints of their presence were detected a little over two thirds the way into the interdiction field projected around the area, a clear display of their advancing stealth technology, which was lowered not long after. The battlegroup consisted entirely of their newest warships; 12 Klen’Frae class Cruisers, 32 Has’Banoi class Destroyers, a wider assortment of smaller vessels including landing craft, and at the center of it all a gargantuan Makanii class Battleship, the VSA Loukar. The amassed fleet sat facing the central formation of the Bastonian force, guns unfolded and at the ready, though didn’t act beyond that for the time being; the real frontline was elsewhere…

    An emergency meeting of the Embassy’s member states was called by the VWP’s representatives on the planet, the matter unsurprisingly being the Bastonian blockade. A troubled Kotaii made his way into the chamber, flanked by an extremely irate looking Gienaac Rolka, the CEO of the largest family of corporations on Chibute, and the closest thing it had to a president. When all were assembled, it was her who made the opening remarks.

    GR: “Assembled representatives, rulers, and council members, welcome. If you remain unaware, allow me to inform you of the injustice currently unfolding at the Hermedian Gate. The Denarian Continuum has regrettably fallen into a state of civil war, split between those loyal to the state, and those who support an emerging authoritarian rulership. Of course, while intervening in local politics is not the business nor the goal of the Embassy, the actions the Bastonian Empocracy have taken in relation are.”

    “As part of their own intervention into the conflict, they have overextended their authority by enacting a military blockade over the region, preventing the movement of goods through the vital transit route. Not only does this threaten to cripple the galactic economy, it is a clear violation of multiple trade treaties, and a completely unwarranted action devoid of justification. As a representative of the Vaiaelon War Pact, whom I might add have been specifically targeted by the blockade, I formally propose an immediate and enforced withdrawal of Bastonian forces from the region, under threat of unanimous Embassy member intervention.”

    Her piece said, she retook her seat, awaiting response, rebuttal, or reconciliation.

        8 days later

        KrankysFirebrand48

        The Borealian trade markets had taken a hit, the outer worlds and colonies were affected the most, with their ports empty due to the lack of cargo ships behing able to head through the gateway, now they have to use more dangerous and unmonitored routes.

        The first course of action, would be a message from the the Prime Minister, backed up by the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Diplomatic staff working with Bastonia, urging the GBE to lift the blockade or at least allow for cargo ships to pass through the gate without issue.

        The courier HMBS Runner would be sent in secret to deliver the message to the Bastonians, urging them to stop their illegal blockade, before the embassy had called its final vote have the blockade removed.

        The Embassy - Hermedian Gate Discussion

        Sadilla McArther, the Borealian ambassador took a short breathe and stood up. She began to speak to the crowd of fellow members of the representatives. “Thank you to the VWP envoy for their words on the blockade.”, she had a short pause to think before she continued to speak. "Borealia agrees that the nature of the blockade is unjust and the economic consequences that have begun can all but be avoided.

            a month later

            Darkstar Fawx
            The Bastonian representative pair stood. ”Honoured representatives, there has been a misunderstanding in the galactic community on the purpose of self-defence-force Payback in the Hermidian Gateway. The Great Bastonian Empocracy hold no real jurisdiction over the freeway. High command and the Denarian parliament have assured us that the freeway will be open shortly. Security concerns were at the forefront as neighbouring powers were supplying the loyalists with supplies through the gateway. Allow our guests to elaborate.” he gestured to a Hermidian appearing on the view screen of the chamber, likely not able to be present due to the war. His skin was grey and loose. His horns extended in multiple directions and were 14 cm at the longest branch, decorated heavily with hanging platinum charms and parliamentary military symbols.
            ”Honoured representatives,” he said, as a formality, ”As the Denarian Continuum is not able to be represented today, I, minister of reform, am here to provide the Denarian perspective temporarily. The Bastonian warships are there to enforce Denarian parliamentary control of the trade route. All sanctions, customs and limitations have been provided by the parliament, security agencies or our temporary new ministry of trade. The parliament promises the blockade will be lifted within the next week, however customs will continue as normal. The Denarian Continuum has always given favourable circumstances to nations that provide security, and less favourable circumstances to nations with which it has weaker relations. Furthermore, the Bastonian fleet will remain to prevent other powers from exploiting the vulnerable position that our nation lies in. I hope this addresses your concerns.”
            ”Minister, is the Bastonian defence fleet illegal and undermining your sovereignty?”
            ”Not at all. The Denarian people are grateful for your intervention. Many Bastonians have perished in the liberation of Tertraj.”
            “How about the Vaiaelon military fleet that advanced into your interdiction field?”
            “They approached us in stealth and arrived with their weapons prepared. The parliament found it unprovoked and threatening.”
            “Thank you, Minister.”

                  2 months later

                  KrankysFirebrand48
                  Gienaac spent barely a moment considering her response. Her largely augmented cognitive faculties afforded her ample time to think through her options, a trick she had no qualms in displaying, unlike her contemporaries.

                  GR: “While it is undeniably the right of the Denarian people to regulate what does and does not pass through their borders, and this body has continually demonstrated deference to said right, the lengths undertaken now go well and above excessive. Entire fleets of cargo vessels, not just those hailing from the VWP, have been turned away, shattering galactic supply chains. Even whence the blockade is lifted, the new tariffs and sanctions emplaced would throttle any efforts to return to normalcy.”

                  “With reference to the mentioned rights of the Denarian people, any right only goes as far as to not encroach on the rights of others. Such powerful governmental restrictions essentially grant them agency to determine the economic fortunes of any body dependent on the Gateway for trade. Even if this is to the end of supporting Denarian sovereignty, it restricts the sovereignty of others, thus is an unacceptable overstep.”

                  “And on a personal note, I find it rather ironic that, upon inviting the Bastonians to supposedly support your sovereignty, you then grant them means to steer your interactions with the wider galactic community. Furthermore, if this new Ministry of Trade is recently established, then I question its legitimacy, given how readily you invite the Bastonians into matters of state.”

                  Admiral Sa’Baaul stretched as she made her way back to the bridge of the VSA Loukar. Another (shipside) night had passed without the sirens blaring, so the shooting hadn’t started yet, making this the third day of their intervention into the blockade. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as he took the command seat, the gunnery officer patting her shoulder as he followed.

                  “Sleep well sir?”
                  “Hardly, how could I? Anything to report?”
                  “Fair enough sir. Nothing much, they’re sitting there same as us.”
                  Sa’Baaul let out an exasperated growl.
                  “In Hal’Therii’s name… What does the council expect us to do here? They tell me to intervene in the blockade, but not to cause more of an incident…”
                  “Well… I believe that’s above my pay grade, sir.”
                  “How helpful… right, may as well do something. Hologrid on. Sensors to full sweep, non-damaging only. Let’s get a better idea of what’s happening.”

                  The powerful sensor arrays of best vessels the VSA had on offer began to interrogate every cubic inch of the system, and beyond, searching for anything worth reporting back.

                      6 days later

                      Fawx
                      ”Honoured representatives,” he said again, “Must the Vaiaelon War Pact’s representative be reminded that the personal thoughts and opinions of the representatives should be kept out of matters of state. This is a forum for the negotiations of nations. Furthermore, there is no right for all nationstates or parties to pass through the Hermidian Gate unrestricted or without following the laws of the holder of the gate, There is neither any legitimate proof that the post-blockade customs are beyond the standard Denarian policy. On the topic of excessive regulation, as admitted by the Vaiaelon War Pact, the Continuum has the right to regulate by any means they see fit, as they have done. It is not the duty nor the responsibility of other nations to decide what is excessive and what is reasonable.”

                      .

                      Phoenix tiredness had made him sort of numb to his surroundings. The Vaiaelon fleet hanging in sight from his bridge only bothered him slightly. It wasn’t his responsability anyways, apparently. He was told that the customs placed were from Denaria and that the VWP had an issue with the decisions of the Denarians, supposedly. He was only here to bring firepower and project influence.
                      “Sir? Sir?”
                      “Yes?”
                      “General Milthorne has informed his that a significant amount orbital defenses of Tetraj have been seized and that they’re ready to land for forces there. Luheysia Financial Group has endorsed the parliament as a result.”
                      “Great… Dismissed.” At least they were going somewhere. But he was stuck here in orbit waiting for medical supplies. Sometimes he wished the Vaiaelons would just start shooting.

                      • Fawx replied to this.
                          4 months later

                          KrankysFirebrand48
                          A smile crossed the lips of the Chibutian.
                          GR: “I am glad the topic of proof was brought up. If I may have the projector a moment…?”
                          With a nod from the chairman, the gigantic hologrid taking up the center of the senate switched away from a display of the Gateway itself, instead displaying a wide variety of charts and graphs. They displayed all manner of data, from stock values to taxation rates, some rising, some falling, some fluctuating.
                          GR: “All of these display data gathered over the last year, up to the outbreak of the civil war. Now observe the changes over the last few weeks…”
                          The alteration is clear, stocks plummeting, tariffs rising, taxes similarly so. Curiously, the only stocks to rise are those hailing from the GBE or their sphere of influence.
                          GR: “Even those with a passing understanding of statistics can see the clear and dramatic changes the supposed ‘standard’ economic policies the Continuum now enforce have caused. Were I not speaking officially, I would call this nothing short of a flagrant attack on galactic trade, one that cannot by any right be allowed to stand.”

                          Sa’Baaul watched on as the Bastonian marines seized the last significant orbital defence satellite, the ship’s computers generating a simulated real-time view of the inside based on the sensor returns. She grumbled to herself… then stood up.
                          “Sir?”
                          “I’m heading to my quarters. I’m not to be disturbed.”
                          “But sir I-”
                          She’d already sealed the door behind her.

                          Phoenix’s PDA buzzed with a notification of an incoming video call, supposedly hailing from within elsewhere on his ship. He was instead greeted by the face of his Vaiaelon counterpart, speaking her best approximation of Standard.
                          “Hello, Bastonian admiral… Suggest you go somewhere private to talk.”

                              2 months later

                              Fawx
                              “This is merely speculative. Cultural and historical analysis clearly shows that the Great Bastonian Empocracy has become accustomed to galactic wartime as per the political shift from social democracy to… extended empocracy. Additionally, there is no proof to the claim that it is the Denarians tariffs that are at fault for the Vaiaelon War Pact and other aligned nation’s inability to manage their own economy. Though, the concerns of each affected nation are not to be ignored. The freeway will open. Security concerns are just the priority at this moment. That includes the Vaiaelon War Pact war fleet that has threateningly entered the warzone.”

                              .

                              Pheonix glanced around and made his way to his quarters. “Is this some sort of threat? As I’m certain you’re aware, I uphold transparency with my crew and high command. Blackmail is of no use.”

                              • Fawx replied to this.

                                  • Fawx

                                  • Post #9

                                  KrankysFirebrand48
                                  Gienaac was about to retort, but a mere wave of a paw from Kotaii silenced her as he rose to speak.
                                  K: “The Vaiaelon Space Armada battlegroup has as much reason to be present as their Bastonian counterparts. If you yourselves have no qualms with deploying military assets to the region to oversee the conflict and offer support where deemed necessary, then I fail to see a valid reason we cannot do the same.”
                                  He sat back down and Gienaac retook the podium.
                                  GR: “As for the lack of proof… denial in the face of such is bold. If you require specific causality, then as example may I draw your attention to the faring of Smirano Shipping Inc.'s share index. There is a notable drop present mere minutes after their first freighter returned to port …”
                                  Many such cases were presented in kind, Rolka going so far as to bring up live data of markets beyond the VWP’s sphere of influence.

                                  The VSA Admiral’s ears flicked.
                                  “No. No ‘black mail’ is present. I come with… offer, of sorts. Plea, even. I am sure you have realised; we are at an important point in history. What we do next decides the lives of billions. So… suggest we do nothing. Neither of our nations will leave this place alone if the other does not, the only way we can stop this… this silliness, is for us both to leave. Please, consider.”

                                      2 months later

                                      Fawx
                                      The representative waited a moment for confirmation before making his next argument. “It is no secret that the Denarian Continuum’s stability is a vital part of galactic commerce and the data you are presenting reflects this. It is for that reason, as well as the justice for the Denarian people, which makes the Bastonian Navy is so committed to bringing an end so decisive that all nations will benefit from centuries of future stable trade.”

                                      .

                                      At the uttering of the last sentence Phoenix received a notification. “Hold the gate” it said. He waved it away and fixated on the Vaiaelon. “It’s hard to find reasonable war leaders like you nowadays. As you are reasonable, I know you understand I have duties. Tetraj is the hammer and anvil of Denaria. As such, this war will drag on unless it’s seized and I’ve already lost thousands of people in the orbital operations. In bastonia millions volunteer into the armed forces knowing they put their lives on the line to at least achieve something. I have not a care in the universe for the Hermidian Gate, but the planet must be taken.”

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