RP [OPEN] The Other Side of Hope - More refugees for Yamatai

[Andrew]

RP Date

YE 46.8

RP Location

Akina System

Outer Akina System, Yamatai Star Empire

A cascade of bright, consecutive flashes rippled through the void as residual plasma danced across the edges of their shielding, heralding the fleet’s emergence from transuniversal breach. Unlike the fractured arrivals of U.N.N vessels, the Free Commonwealth’s fleet exited the tear in space with seamless precision. The six Kicacysa-Class Cruisers, their sleek hulls adorned with intricate white niranium plating, formed two flawless parallel lines of three. Hot pink aether-plasma blazed from their sublight drives, streaking the darkness with a vivid glow as they came to rest just shy of the system's boundary. Blackened scorch marks marred the cruisers’ armor ~ telltale scars of recent battles. Despite the damage, the proud symbol of the Free Commonwealth of Vespa shone defiantly on their hulls. Once the ships were stationary, the lead cruiser transmitted a transuniversal signal, a call across space and dimension.

Moments later, a bluish horizontal rift tore through the void, as though a horizon had split the fabric of reality. A second surge of searing plasma erupted from the newly arrived FCS A’aenalin, its massive form dominating the center of the formation. The Inyanthaes-Class Battleship bore a familial resemblance to the cruisers, but its size and design radiated authority. Its hull displayed the triple-ring sigil of Aerum Eitan’s house alongside the Commonwealth insignia, identifying it as the fleet’s flagship. Beneath the shadow of the battleship, a ragtag convoy of approximately three hundred civilian ships trailed like a protective flock, their mismatched designs and varying states of repair revealing the desperation of those who had fled with them.

On the A’aenalin’s bridge, Crown Prince Esari stood at the illuminated table, his features carved with quiet determination. A map of the system flickered to life above him as LUMEN scanned and relayed its findings. "Hold position and let the civilian ships advance further into the system," he commanded, his voice steady yet firm. His gaze flicked between the map and the comms officer. "Let’s see who answers the call."

The officer nodded and activated the transmission. "City of Asarthortar, this is Prince Esari of the Free Commonwealth," the Prince announced. "We are escorting several hundred civilian vessels that cannot be accommodated in Vespa Lakara or Lorenz. We’ve heard you’re taking refugees. We request permission to proceed."

As the transmission crackled into the void, Esari's attention returned to LUMEN’s projection and the mindhive’s steady dictation of information about the Tsenlan State of the Yamatai Star Empire. He studied the planet below ~ a world shrouded in cool temperatures and thick cloud cover, almost idyllic compared to the chaos of the Free Commonwealth's fragmented territories. His mind, however, lingered on the risks: the balance between diplomacy and the tension of bringing warships into a foreign system unbidden.

The convoy of civilian vessels halted midway between the Commonwealth battlegroup and the planet. Esari had made it clear caution above all else. The last thing he wanted was to cause alarm or provoke unintended conflict. Rin’s words echoed in his mind from their last conversation before she and Artemesia had departed for the Yirune arm to rally more rebels. She had reassured him of Akina’s potential ~ a sanctuary where their overflow of displaced civilians could find respite. Yet, the situation across the Imperium had grown ever murkier. U.N.N commanders defected with their ships, resistance pockets flared in unexpected places, and Vaelaris' iron grip tightened as whispers of his transgressions spread like wildfire. Friend and foe alike had become increasingly difficult to discern.

Esari leaned into the command table, the weight of his role pressing against him like the gravity of the void outside. This place could be their haven, he thought, though his instincts urged vigilance. For now, the fleet would wait ~ an envoy of hope and desperation ~ while the answer to their call lingered in the silence of the stars. It was almost sad to him that there was no reprieve for him or his crew, within a day they would be back on the front lines with this oasis behind them.

 

[GingerGlitch]

Asarthortar Palace - Quorum Offices [SECURED]

Aelya's eyes shot wide open when she heard the transmission. Call it a little overkill, but she always stayed tuned in to certain things so that she herself would get the information first hand. Not even two days after the meeting with Unya had rearranged her emotions this kicked off, it really was shaping up to be an interesting couple of years. Though their were more pressing matters at hand, so she turned her emotions off.

It seemed that once more they people of Tsenlan would need the same teamwork that had saved their people just a couple years ago. Would she be able to count on Yamatai to help save their kind once more? With a flurry of messages to be sent she summoned in Kytas, Vasati, and Xythen. While waiting for them to arrive she sent an emergency message to Yui.

Immediately after sending a message to Yui she sent a message to E'stlhond, a starbase that had been built out of the two leviathans formely known as MERN E'stlhualas and MERN Ithond. "E'stlhond Control, Aester of Tsenlan. We have an emergent influx of refugees incoming, prepare to help facilitate them in accordance with the Emergency Management Plan. The Star Army of Yamatai has been notified and may send additional support. Xythen and Othari will be assisting with coordination for on ground efforts with the Akina-Tsenlan Emergency Management response." "Aester, E'stlhond Control, we stand ready to receive refugees." The station's crew flurried about preparing to receive an influx of arrivals who may stay or end up going to Tsenlan.

"Prince Esari of the Free Commonwealth, this is Aester of Tsenlan Aelya Eitan. Permission granted to proceed, E'stlhond and Tsenlan stand ready to receive refugees. The Star Army of Yamatai has been notified and may send additional aid as well. Communication channels for coordination efforts will remain available here as teams in space and on the surface prepare to receive those in your care. Kytas will coordinate any security concerns or requests you might have, Xythen will be coordinating Emergency Management response on ground, and Vasati will be handling any diplomatic needs you may have. However, if you need anything at all do not hesitate to contact me directly. I will remain involved every step of the way to ensure the safest possible transition." Aelya also sent corresponding information for the three parties so Prince Esari would know who on the Tsenlan side would be handling things. She hoped no one would try to weasel in for nefarious purposes, but one could never be to safe. Additionally she sent coordinates for E'stlhond and the area of Tsenlan outside the city of Asarthortar where those in his care could gather to receive welcome and whatever they may need from there.

As Aelya stood she looked to the group gathered in front of her. Kytas nodded, she knew exactly what she needed to do. Without further delay she summoned all guards under her to their posts in accordance with the emergency management plan. After that was complete she left the Aester's office to over see that they had in fact followed her orders before she would turn palace security to Inthara, her second in command. Any quorum offices, residence and sensitive spaces were locked down. Only Aelya, Cheol, ysi members, or members of security would be able to access these areas without being escorted. Anyone that tried to conduct nefarious business would be met with staunch resistance, as peacefully as possible. Xythen sent a message to those who worked for Akina-Tsenlan Emergency Management activating all resources to be on standby for providing aid and shelter. He then also left to make preparations for arrivals.

That left only three people in the room as Vulre stepped forward from the shadows. Aelya looked between the two coldy, there was no time for her to have a breakdown no matter how much she needed to scream. Her brain ran on thin strands of keeping her personal feelings together as she focused solely on the care of her people. As for her heart, well, it was deeply injured with no telling how things would end. The constant punches drove her closer to oblivion, especially after her meeting with Unya. What was she if not there to ensure their well being? As she had come to find out rather recently, that was all she was. She despised that this was the future that might await Ihari and after her meeting with Unya had offered Ihari a release from it should she choose to. Ihari had not decided either way, there was no one connecting her to either side of things other than her mother strongly suggesting her to seek a life she chose. "Vulre bring the full team, we are going to establish a basecamp here in the palace. However, if for some reason if it is needed I will be needing men to escort me directly to where the refugees gather."

Asarthortar Palace - Basecamp [Open to the Public]

The three arrived with extra security in tow to secure the area designated to receive those who may need direct access for communication or coordination purposes. It was a large conference room with a long table at the end, additional arrangements had been made to bring in extra equipment or furniture dependent on who would need to attend. Access to this one area and this area alone was open to the public. However those who were a distraction to the coordination effort or unruly would be removed if they did not need to be there. Aelya sat at one side of the table with Vasati sitting next to her. Shadowguard stood behind Aelya in a protective formation and some were scattered throughout those that gathered. A message was sent to all those who wished to coordinate various efforts were welcome to do so at the basecamp if they so chose. However, communication centers were set up at basecamp for those who wished to coordinate aide efforts, but could not physically attend.

Outside Asarthortar - Aid Zone [Open to the Public]

Crew of the Emergency Management scattered about throwing up various portable aid facilities. They had no clue what they would be encountering and had brought out the full gambit. The first that arrivals on the ground would encounter were several medical aid trailers. Medical staff stood by to triage for wounds both mental and physical. The next are that they would encounter were several shelters to recover in. In this area there were coordinators for integration, temporary shelter, family reconnection and more. Additionally, Tsenlanese diplomats were scattered throughout at each area to aid wherever they could offer assistance. Lo'ken has also set up several stations to offer assistance with food and water provided by their various culinary business ventures. Xythen had a group of coordinators at the front to help arrivals and those rendering aid find their way to where they needed to go.

E'stlhond [Open to the Public]

Staff onboard the E'stlhond ran around frantically preparing for an influx they had never seen before. They additionally were ready to put their training to work in accommodating what ever other entities came to render assistance. All areas were staffed with coordinators, medical staff, and food for those who arrived. Should they chose to remain onboard temporary lodging was also in the midst of being prepared. Ship bays stood ready to receive crew and ships that needed docking. They hoped others would come to their aid, the star base could only accommodate so many.

 

[Andrew]

FCS A’aenalin​

The air aboard the A’aenalin was tense but steady as Esari nodded to their communications officer. “Thank you, tia 'Aest. We appreciate the assistance during these trying times. I look forward to meeting your Star Army, and with you,” he said, his tone diplomatic but firm. The officer redirected the civilian ships toward their designated landing zones on the surface, the holographic display above the operations table glowing softly as the convoy shifted course.

Esari leaned heavily on the edge of the Ops table, his gaze lifting momentarily to LUMEN’s projection, its serene form observing the situation with detached precision. Despite the relief of guiding the civilians to safety, Esari’s mind churned with questions. His great-aunt, his extended family, their allies ~ there was so much he didn’t know. “Mission clock: 48 hours,” he ordered abruptly. The countdown appeared on the mission board, ticking down with grim finality. It was time he hoped would be enough to establish order and figure out what was happening back in their home universe. The lack of information gnawed at him, a constant thorn in his focus.

“Your Highness,” the tactical officer called, breaking the momentary calm. “Detecting multiple breach drive entries forming.”

Esari’s brow furrowed. The thought struck him—had they been followed to Tsenlan? He straightened, his voice firm. “All ships to standby. If required—” The ship shuddered violently, the vibration resonating through the deck as friction ignited along the outer edges of the A’aenalin’s Combined Field System (CFS). “Report?” Esari snapped, his irritation clear.

“Multiple UNN signatures… hundreds of them,” the tactical officer said, a trace of unease breaking through his professional tone. Before Esari could respond, the officer continued, “Wait. They’re transmitting surrender messages.”

The tension in the room thickened. A massive, battle-worn Yunaesa-Class Dreadnought breached dangerously close to the A’aenalin, its entire bow sheared off. It lumbered forward like a wounded beast, trailing debris and venting plasma. One by one, nearly four hundred more UNN ships of various classes followed. Each bore the scars of battle~ hulls riddled with craters, entire sections missing, plasma trails shimmering faintly as they drifted into realspace. The sight was staggering, an armada held together by sheer willpower.

“What is going on out there?” Esari demanded. His voice cut through the bridge as the communications officer struggled to manage the influx of desperate transmissions.

“Focus on capital vessels. Filter the rest to our escorts,” Esari ordered.

A fragmented transmission crackled through the speakers, garbled and frantic. “ZZZRRRTTT… Kryso… ZZZ… 8th Fleet out of Noria… civilians… require…” The signal cut off abruptly as the Yunaesa-Class Dreadnought erupted in a catastrophic explosion just off their starboard bow.

Shockwaves of dimensional energy rolled across space, rattling the A’aenalin’s shielding. Esari shielded his eyes against the flash, watching in grim silence as the dreadnought broke apart. Secondary explosions rippled through its remains, scattering debris in a slow, deadly drift toward the coreward region of the system.

Esari’s voice was firm, but a hint of shock slipped through. “Aester, this is the A’aenalin. We’ve run into a massive complication. Hundreds of heavily damaged UNN vessels have breached into our space. We need your Star Army’s assistance ~ immediately.” His gaze snapped back to the tactical scan, his jaw tightening as he processed the chaos.

“Helm, stay vigilant,” he commanded. “Watch for more uncontrolled breach entries. I don’t want any more surprises.”

The communications officer hesitated, her voice trembling slightly. “One of the ships reports they’re packed with civilians… They’re escaping Noria…” She barely paused for breath before continuing. “A communication is coming in from Vespa ~ text only. I’m patching it through now.”

Esari turned back to the Ops table, his eyes scanning the data pouring in. The scope of the unfolding crisis was unlike anything he’d encountered. Around him, the bridge crew worked with grim efficiency, but the weight of their collective fear was palpable. They had a mission to complete, but the scale of this tragedy had shifted everything.

Message from Jol'Aester Aerum Eitan​

As some of you know, six hours ago the announcement was made that Jol'Aester Sylix Lunari was marrying Morggho. This crude violation to our people is something that we can no longer ignore. What was a civil war is no longer. The Free Commonwealth of Vespan is now the Government of the United Norian Imperium in exile. Our plans to move to the Kosuke Sector, must be accelerated. We must also consider the lives and well being of those trapped on Noria, from which no communication has been received since the announcement was made.

Aetlantia, I address your citizens specifically. Your world is under contest now, the fight you had a week ago is no longer the fight you have before you today. The war you are fighting is not with each other but with an enemy that has wanted us exterminated. Forces across the Yirune Arm, are with you.

If you are a UNN officer or soldier and you have found yourself on the wrong side. Surrender, and do not for any reason attempt to return to Noria. We will have places for you to go including other UNN ships that had already made it to safe harbor. If you find yourself in need of shelter and have the ability to reach Tsenlan, the last we knew they are still taking refugees.

To those on Lorenz in the Kosuke Sector, stay vigilant in our new home. The soldiers we have sent to fortify your position will defend you. We will be with you as soon as we can be.

Esari’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere on the bridge. “Have all our escorts assist whatever ships we have the resources to help!” His command was resolute, though the enormity of the situation weighed heavily on his tone.

 

[Charaa]

MG.S.S. Constellation-a Polaris-class Ultra Carrier Starship
Iago Expedition Fleet

“Captain, Ma’am! We’re detecting a lot of strange activity near the Akina System. looks like FTL but nothing like we’ve seen before!’ Said the Sensor Operator. And the Communications Operator agreed “I’m detecting messages, this might be Norian related.” They said,
The captain, a fierce Cyborg woman leaned back on her captain’s seat. “Very well, contact the other ships in our fleet, we will be suspending our expedition, and instead our mission is to give aid.” She said as she stood up. “Helm, set a course for the system, Comms, send a message, let them know that our intentions are to provide aid and support. We are also willing to provide materials for ship repair should they need it.”

“Aye captain!” Said both the Communications Operative, and Helm’s Officer as both of them began to follow her orders. The captain turned to her First Officer “see if some of the crew can be awakened, especially Pax, and Branch Head Kurosaki, we need some people who are cute and non-threatening as a first line of meet ups too.” Their first Officer nodded her head in agreement and sent a message.

---

Quarters and Airlocks
Pax groaned as she heard the alert for receiving message, and got up from her bed and went to check. “oh, I see ok” she said as she pondered how she might be able to act as someone to interact with Norians. She especially wondered what she should wear and asked her temporary roommate. “Why not without clothes? you’d be non-threatening and honest, plus I know for a fact there’s a Norian that likes being without so might be acceptable culturally.” Her roommate said, and so Pax stepped out without nothing but a communications device.

She encountered Sora, who was giving orders mainly to prepare areas for Norians should the need arise. Including the environment. “Norian’s are vegetarians I heard, so our cooks might need to be aware of that” Pax said to Sora, and Sora nodded her head. “Good point, have the cooks do that” she said to her staff, and walked to the airlocks.

 

[Andrew]

FCS A’aenalin​

The A'aenalin and her battlegroup, were capable, it was just there was only the six Kicacysa-Class Cruisers and the A'aenalin herself. The amount of busted up UNN vessels loaded with civilians along with the two hundred civilian ships they had escorted into the Akina System was an over whelming amount of work to do. Some of the cruisers began to dock with some of the UNN ships, but they were quickly filled. By the time, the second wave of ships made breach into the Akina System, they were just unable to keep up with the number of distress signals.

Esari your mother, private priority communication. A'aenalin whispered through vesper, the mindhive then connected him to his mother. Esari's eyes closed momentarily as it was confirmed that Vespa Lakara had successfully made the jump into the Kosuke Sector. He already was aware of what the next step in the plan was, he felt his chest tighten and he took a deep breath as the communication terminated.

Aeyla had promised she had contacted their Star Army, apart from what he had studied in school he didn't know much about them. Regardless, in the minutes it would take for them to come, the A'aenalin and it's escorts would do as much as they could to help the breaking up ships. He glanced up at LUMEN's overlay of the system, he still was hesitant to enter the system fully, he didn't know how it would be translated. "We need to figure out some kind of triage strategy. Every ship in the group should be constantly scanning, priority will go to ships that are the most damaged or are resource stricken and cannot support their populations," he ordered.

The ship shuddered as one of the smaller UNN ships exploded as debris from their fallen dreadnaught smashed into them. The situation looked pretty dire, they needed to scan and move faster, while they also needed to make sure they didn't get to close any of the ships going critical. It didn't take him long looking at the readouts to figure out the biggest problem with the incoming ships, their weakened systems had made the breach into this universe, but found themselves unable to switch from asune to aether, their essentially stuck 'open' dimensional taps were going critical. "Once again, something Vaelaris chose is killing...That is the price of his greed," he said, quietly but loud enough that his communications and tactical officers heard him. The Constellation's message was received but not answered due to the flood of distress calls coming from the UNN vessels.

There was only one thing that could move at the speed and accuracy that they needed. //"Oshatai..wake up."// Esari's voice echoed through vesper to the Sylph Bay, as he backed up from the Ops table.

Spoiler: OOC Situation Brief

Current Situation

• The FCS A'aenalin and her six escorts arrived, to see 200 civilian ships to safety on Tsenlan since Lorenz and Vespa are unable to take more.
• During the operation a group of UNN ships that had been in the fleet yard at Noria when the Craethel attack jumped in, severely damaged. Some of the ships are very unstable and are exploding, due to the transuniversal transit was too much for their already damaged systems.
• The FCS A'aenalin is attempting to assist but they are overwhelmed and waiting for the Star Army to show up as Aelya had informed them.
• Tip: The FCS A'aenalin's commander was just named one of the two soon to be new rulers of the UNI, so everything he sees and experiences in this will kind of set the tone of relations etc.

@Wes and Anyone coming in, So you have a bit of a compass of what is going on for planning

 

[Damaske]

**Akina System**
*Space near the flotilla*

Suddenly, in the darkness, some distance away from the main force, a thin blue line appeared, growing wider and wider. Then it started to expand into a blue window. The window was some sort of hyperspace drive; it stretched out until it measured 40 meters by 60 meters, and then the blue window swept backward, revealing the shape of a ship. It was clearly a warship of some sort, but the FoF identified it as a transport belonging to an independent faction. As that window slowly moved back, the ship hung there in space, gradually becoming visible from the blue energy. Once the entire 150-meter ship was visible, the window stopped and closed behind the craft. Lights flashed on, and power readings from the newly arrived ship grew. The ships reported that all weapons of the warship/transport were active and ready. The ship’s turrets did not move.

---

**ISS Sobek**
*Combat bridge*

Zeck looked up from the console and nodded, looking to Lenna. "We are here in the Akina system, and this is the source of the distress calls."

Lenna nodded and then looked at the mass of ships before her: two separate-looking fleets of warships, some badly damaged and some pristine. She frowned as one ship, a capital vessel of some sort, exploded, starting a chain reaction of explosions. "Nikicon, get up here right away! I'm sure that engineering can spare you. I need you in the combat bridge. We have found the source of the distress signals. We have a massive gathering of ships. I need you on comms to find out what is going on here."

"Coming, coming!" Nikicon said, and then she started talking as she walked away from the comms, leaving it on. Lenna sighed and then turned it off on her end.

"Zech, can you see if there was a battle here or not? Can you try to identify who this is?"

Zech shook her head as she said, "I don't know, but they have seen us. And unless they are frozen in time..." Another ship blew up from the larger one’s wreckage, slamming into it and causing it to detonate. "Nope, not frozen in time." Zech looked at the screens and then said, "I think they may have fled a battle. I am reading massive power drains across all the darker ships, some weird ones also."

Lenna nodded as Nikicon rushed into the battle bridge and sat down at the weapons station.

"Gunners, check in! Moma Hare is in the den!" Nikicon nodded a few times and then said, "The sisters are all ready, and they have the turrets assigned and ready to go, as with all the main cannon turret crews. Forward launch tubes are manned and ready also! I am awaiting a few of the smaller turret gunners to report in." There was a pause as she moved to listen in. "We are at combat readiness, and the remaining turrets that have not reported are manned and ready under Sobek's control."

Lenna nodded and then said, "Okay, then let's send out the standard greeting and let them know that we are here for aid if needed, but we will remain at full alert. Do we happen to have that seating rack we used for the cargo hold the last time we had to help a large fleet?"

Nikicon tilted her head and nodded. "Okay, get a hold of the cargo master and tell him to set it up. We may have to use the remaining cargo hold for people."

---

"Greetings, unidentified ships. This is the ISS Sobek, an armed transport. We picked up a ton of distress calls and are here to render aid in any fashion we can. Our cargo holds are being set up so that we may be able to accommodate a couple hundred people for a short flight to a nearby ship, station, or even a planet in-system. I am Captain Lenna Fuji. I await your response."

---

"Nikicon, get the sunlight drives going and start at 0.25 normal speed toward the damaged grey and teal ships, but be ready to back up if things get hairy." Nikicon nodded and punched in the commands from her seat, and the ISS Sobek began to move.

 

[HarperMadi]

Akina
3 light-months solar North Pole

Reality seemed to bubble, roiling under the surface as comms channels began to pick up... Song?

Alien, constant, folding over and under and into itself until the signal grew into screaming static that heralded the boiling reality as millions of synchronized drives rended their holes in space and time simultaneously, cascading, interfering walls of hyperspace bubbles creating a foam that spewed radiation and deposited its cargo. Massive as a moon, broad as a continent, the aggregate disc of golden steel and rotten space hulk was crowned with the glistening white of a Zodiac fortress like a comically small crown. But there was no grand display, here.

Shurista sat silent, and any near her glimmering hull could see the creeping corrosion and scorched metal, the sallow fields in her agriculture domes and the fleet of ships disembarking at less than a quarter of her strength to maneuver and assist the refugees. This was the quarter not sick, dealing with a blight of crop and metal that they would scarcely admit to the Star Army. But still, they fought for it.

Among this quarter was something not seen flying under its own power for half a million years. Gyntyc Esurista, an ancient battlecruiser of the last war of the Senti, sent to offer it's four mighty beam cutters, its FTL torpedos, and its swarm of drone fighters to pull security as a shakedown cruise.

But she was one of many, for even at only a quarter of her normal strength, Shurista's dedication to the YEMA pact was as fierce as her governor, and as strong willed as her Senator. Already, tugboats and barges streaked towards the damaged vessels, their engines throwing white hot plumes of exhaust and her Civil Service ready to aid.

Message reads:
We apologize for our tardiness. Minor engine difficulty reduced speed by 10%. Shurista Main is under quarantine due to a crop blight. However. Tow services and refugee assistance are still operating. The vessel translated as Sword of Shurista will join the standby combat forces. All others will begin towing and rescue operations. We will assist as directed. We regret that we cannot do more. Yamataian forces on Capricorn Module under command of Isaac Kilborn will be deployed at his recommendation.

 

[Charaa]

ISS Sobek
Gunner Position
“Fox in the HenHouse Checking in! Moma Hare!” Mileena said as she took her seat at one of the gunners, and got it ready for when she needs to fire. At the meres second that she saw the Mining Guild ship’s Mileena froze her ears reacted as she felt nervous. She knew that the Mining Guild was coming to the aid of the ships, but she thought if they saw her, and recognize her. They might try persuading Leena to let them take her. Mileena allowed herself to breath. “they cant see me in here, come on girl focus” she said and with that she was back to focusing. Though the sight of the Senti ships gave her pause, especially as she saw the damage on Shurista’s hull. “whooa.” she said to herself.

 

[Sosina]

ISS Sobek
Shuttle bay
D3 had been working on a project for the ship, more as she thought it would be helpful for the ship at large then it would be for her personally, such was the mind set of the D3. Though as they exited into real space she perked up as she had her comms on at all times in case her aid for anything was needed, and it seemed there was a situation going on. putting her tools down D3 blinked a bit as a second communication came through from another ship, a Senti ship and she immediately got up.
To anyone else the message she received was silent, nothing said, no text sent. But Being a D3 she could understand the message spoken in their silent language perfectly. listening to the report given about the situation, and nodding and sending her reply back to the source of the senti message, the message if traced would leave back to the Shurista but not to any of the smaller ships within but to their archives.

With this done she opened a video comm to the bridge sent the text "Captain I am ready for tug duties, and can help with moving ships if required to prevent any further collisions" she never texted how she knew what was going on simply that as always she was ready to get to work as her over powered Wayfinder started up from a sleeping state to a ready state quickly, the powerful engine and powerplants would be quite useful in a situation like this.

 

[GingerGlitch]

Asarthortar Palace - Basecamp [Open to the Public]

Basecamp was a buzz of activity as personnel zipped about continuing to finalize preparations. The news of leadership change for the newly declared United Norian Imperium after Craethel made a move on Noria was received over broadcast by those who had access to such. When it hit the entire room went dead silent for several moments. There were several whom had family that were now stuck on Noria under Morg'go's rule. An entire emotional atmosphere shifted in that room, this conflict was no longer civil. These were not their fellow norians seeking sanctuary during a civil issue. This was war.

Everything shifted to providing a safe haven for their own, in spite of what Craethel had tried to do to them. Their determination levels spiked to get as many as they could to safety. Messages flurried back and forth between communications as help began to arrive. Aelya received Esari's communication shortly after she learned of her great nephew's ascension. "Tia 'Aest, it is in these trying times that the bond between our people remains strong. We look forward to meeting with you." she responded through mindhive routed vesper in the same diplomatic tone he had.

Shortly after E'sthlond reported additional signatures noting in the hundreds arriving. There was a wave of panic as their nature had yet to be established. A rush of reports came in to basecamp, noting shockwaves of dimensional energy following an explosion. It seemed that more of their people had arrived, some more scarred than the first. Aelya could only pray that support was swift to arrive as she had trust the Star Army would save them once more as they had before. "Aest, Star Army forces are enroute to assist. Other civilian entities assisted Tsenlan in the past as well, it is likely that they may also answer the call. We standby to assist with any issues that arise." she responded in measured tone through mindhive routed vesper. Communications crew then relayed information from MG.S.S. Constellation to FCS A'aenalin. "FCS A'aenalin, Tsenlan Basecamp. Mining Guild is enroute to provide aid and support. They also offer materials for emergent ship repair should it be needed. A direct route of communications may be established at your request."

Communications then reached out to the MG.S.S. Constellation via mindhive routing, "MG.S.S. Constellation, Tsenlan. Your message has been passed to FCS A'aenalin along with an offer to establish direct communications. Your aid is much appreciated."

E'stlhond [Open to the Public]

Crew buzzed about hoping that those arriving were friendly parties. As some looked out various view ports they were able to watch in awestruck horror as the events unfolded. This was coupled with the hope that these new arrivals would be yielding aid, as it appeared they were. They stood by to coordinate with vessels.

Outside Asarthortar - Aid Zone [Open to the Public]

Emergency management crews on remained in contact with basecamp and were able to receive some signals for ships of survivors that were able to start making their way into designated spaces. Crew readied for the unknown as there was much to see how things would unfold.

Asarthortar Palace - Security [SECURED]

Kytas had completed her walkthrough, everyone had in fact done as they were ordered. This for her was of little shock as they were innately aware of their duties. Not only that, but recently ten children had moved in to the palace after being adopted. These children were beloved by the staff and if something were to happen to them, Kytas might pop. "Act as if you were me," she said to curtly to Inthara before turning to head towards basecamp.

 

[Andrew]

FCS A’aenalin​

Lead United Norian Imperium Ship
Commander: Prince (soon-to-be Emperor) Esari Eitan
"A'aenalin, manifest please." he requested that the ship produce an avatar that could assist with bridge coordination and functionality. The majority of communications coming in were distress calls from the 11th Generation UNN ships. "I wish we knew which ones have been given the refit. Last thing we need is those ships exploding like the other one did," he stated as he worked through possible solutions, the Sylph launch was still the best idea.

Oshatai you and your kin need to get your packs on. Make sure you have equipped a transponder, I don't think the Star Army has seen much of your kind and I'd rather be safe than sorry. I want you to fly from ship to ship, scanning for signs if they have been refit, and have successfully switched to aether. Any ship with the dimensional taps stuck open and escalating toward critical. Have them pulled out of the OA, or tag them so we can keep everyone away from them.

Next problem Esari thought to himself. "Lets get these comms sorted out, sortie a comm team and have them posted in the SCIC to commit to answering distress calls and relaying with the cruisers. Let's keep our focus up here on Tsenlan, and any vessels here to support us." Although Esari had won the Battle of Celunithar’s Gate, this was much more his element,, his sister was the one that excelled in combat, and his interests had been humanitarian. "Let's go, line 'em up," he ordered.

"ISS Sobek, this is Esari Eitan commander of the A’aenalin, Captain Lenna Fuji thank you for your assistance. Our Sylphs, the I suppose to you monster looking creatures are conducting scans to help sort out the ships in danger of going critical. Some of these vessels had not completed their outfitting for..." he paused, quick to remember about Yamatai's policy regarding transuniversal drives, and he said, "...this region of space. If you can start ferrying civilians from ships that do not appear to be venting plasma from their aft sections. Avoid those ships at all costs, it is likely the unconverted energy systems are on a build up to critical." Esari transferred the comm to the mindhive, and then opened the next one. A'aenalin would take over the call.

" Sword of Shurista, thank you for your assistance, please standby for information from our mindhive about hazards in the OA." he then transferred them as well, the mindhive would then broadcast the same information he had given the Sobek.

A few moments later, he also returned the communication to the MG.S.S. Constellation, "Constellation, this is Esari Eitan commander of the A’aenalin. Thank you for your assistance." he said as he glanced at the scans of the Polaris-Class vessel. It was massive and Esari intended to take full advantage of that, "Can our cruisers dock with you to unload civilians? If you could begin ferrying them to the designated areas as my cruisers bring them, this will greatly assist until the Star Army arrives." he paused and waited for an answer on that one. Things were still moving fast, his seven cruisers switched between towing critical ships out of the OA, and taking on as many civilians as they could."

He didn't have time for everything the communications officer Sela re-established communication with Aester Aeyla, "Aester, do you have a preference of what order refugees are brought into the designated areas? Do you wish to fill E'stlhond, or one of the other sites first? You should probably be aware, both Lorenz and Vespa have taken almost all the refugees they can take. They are working overtime to get the remaining fleets processed and over. It looks like colonies are going to be something a little earlier than intended. Thank you though Aester, we all appreciate what you are doing. " At least in terms of communications and logistics they had managed to make some headway. The situation among the older military ships that had come without refits was tire. Escape pods blasted from their positions to fleet the ships as they began to detonate because their dimensional taps hadn't been modified yet.

At least things were moving, the sylphs moved from ship to ship, scanning and tagging. They had at least managed to pull some of them out of range so they didn't start a chain reaction. Esari had merely intended to deliver those two hundred civilian ships he had arrived with, now they had another two hundred busted up ships to worry about, most of them were small Migothi-Class Cruisers, so at least they didn't carry too many people. Esari's heart ached for all of them, he couldn't help but think of the ones that had not escaped from Noria before the Craethel took it.

Esari had not even had time to process the news from his mother, and the planned ascension of he and his twin to the throne by the celestial mandate. Those things could wait, so long as there was a single civilian in need, even if they were stretched to their logistical limits he would still try to assist. He regretted not bringing his entire fleet. It would be too late now even if he called.

 

[GingerGlitch]

Asarthortar Palace - Basecamp [Open to the Public]

When Aelya did not receive a response from her message routed via mindhive, she thought something might have been amiss. "Get a technician in here," she said in a calm manner. It seemed that their message with the FCS A'aenalin was the only one that had been cut short. Perhaps it was simply a problem on that end. One of the technicians had a conversation with mindhive and after gathering sufficient data had been able to determine it was not something on Tsenlan's end. They would however continue to monitor for future issues.

Another communication came through addressing the Aester, though they did not openly identify themselves. Aelya vespered the palace's mindhive, the mindhive informed her that the incoming communication was from the FCS A'aenalin. "It seems like our last mindhive message did not make it to them. Hopefully they are able to communicate with the other vessels, otherwise this could get really hairy." she thought to herself. "There is no preference, whichever gets the most to safety in the safest efficient possible manner. Jol'Aestaesys Esari had informed Tsenlan of the situation before our communications were briefly severed. It is in these trying times that the bond between our people must remain strong." Aelya responded.

The choice of wording in the A'aenalin's message struck up a curiousity. She pointedly made an effort to not call them refugees, she remembered how it had made her sister Rin feel. If anything those that had been able to escape what was going on in Noria were not refugees, they were survivors. At least that's how Aelya saw it.

 

[HarperMadi]

"Gyntyc, here. Our interim Captain pair is a little off their ballast, and they've been running some numbers since Operation Fireplace. Specifically your dimensional tap technology and its base physics. We have an idea. We may be able to rescue the vessels going critical, assuming your engines use the same form of magnetic lensing as our beam cutters. Mostly by choking the rifts with enough back pressure of degenerate plasma as to equalize flow rates and collapse the rifts." The old Senti warship seemed a great shark, easily mcatching the sheer mass of one of the greater Norian mindhive colony ships, without the armament one would think smuch a thing would carry. The beam cutter seemed to be the basis of their weapons technology and near luminal uranium plasma as a polarized ablative beam only went so far. But it was scalable. Not like lasers which got comparatively weaker with decreasing returns of energy density as the scale went up, or kinetic, which took exponentially more energy to increase velocity or projectile mass. In fact, the physics were most similar to Yamataian Aether weapons.

"Strongly recommend this is attempted on evacuated vessels towed to position. We will coordinate with the salvage fleet and direct Shuristan tugboat traffic to assist your sylphs with the less stable cargo. Also. This vessel is under orders that we are to be under the command of the Aestys to train under his fleet."

 

[Andrew]

Asarthortar Palace - Basecamp

As volunteers gathered at basecamp in preparation it attracted people from all over Akina that had come to assist. Nearby in one of the cities back alleys, a series of quick little flashes of light flickered off the husk walls of the nearby building. It was likely dismissed as the winter sun catching the transparent panes of the Sanctuary city around them. Wearing sholar robes, the robe of the commoner people of Noria, and aezysaes sandals, the four Norians stepped from the alley and walked toward the basecamp to join the volunteers. The leader of the four, had his hood down, his silver hair tied back in an old norian warrior's clip; beside him walked a woman with blue-kissed silver hair. Behind them a male with platinum-snow white hair and a younger woman with blue hair followed them.

//"Keep watch on the time, twenty-four hours. Help with anything and everything you can. Get your hands dirty. If you get exhausted because of the transit, veil it with the amount of work you do. This is the least we can do, everyone stay safe."// the leader said as he and the woman joined hands as they moved through the gates of the base camp together, to the area where food and drink were being prepared and jumped in to assist. //"As you wish sire, be safe yourselves and call us if you need us"// the blue-haired girl replied. She tugged the sleeve of her robe down to better cover the armband.

The other two headed toward the area where tents were being set up, they each went their separate ways and joined the work crews. //"Stay safe Haeun, I will be close by if you need me."// Sorle said through vesper. It was not a lot, but it was something they could do.

 

[Cowboy]

YSS Wakaba

The Wakaba's MEGAMI avatar appeared in the Captain's suite. Thomas and Setsunu were playing music together. By Wakaba's logs, this was the first time since their daughters had disappeared that they had played anything together. That was 4 months ago. Wakaba didn't want to intrude, knowing how much the two enjoyed their music, but it was her responsibility to keep the Captain apprised of things. Wakaba avatar, an armored samurai, laid it's holographic katana in front of it and knelt down on its knees, waiting for its presence to be acknowledged.

Thomas finished playing till the end of the song. It was a very heavy piece, one that matched the sadness and loss in his own heart. He let the last note linger in the air a moment before turning to Wakaba. "Report." Wakaba stood. "Communications are picking up a destress signal." Setsunu jumped up from the couch she had been sitting on letting her beloved cello fall to the floor. Thomas had already started moving towards the door. With a motion of her hand Kuronosu, Setsunu's spear, flew from the table where she had laid it earlier and into her grasp. Wakaba felt a stab of pain, knowing what they were longing to hear yet unable to give them that which they hoped for.

Bridge

Thomas and Setsunu entered the bridge at a dead run. "Report!" Thomas ordered, cutting off any other idol chit chat. "We are receiving many distress signals. Norian in origin." Taii Yukiko reported. The whole mood of the bridge fell as the disappointment on Thomas' face showed. He began buttoning up his jacket as a moment to distract himself. "Apparently a large group of refugees as entered the Kikyo sector again. This was apparently planned and seemed to go off without any problems. However, it seems like another group has jumped in almost right on top of the first. Reports are unclear but it seems that their ships have been heavily damaged and are filled with more refugees than they can deal with. Mistress Taisho has ordered 1st Fleet, 5th XF, plus cadre on Pisces International Station, the Reserve, Personnel, Logistics Mass Evacuation Division, and others to assist the Norians with all speed."

Thomas closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He wanted to hit something, preferably something that had lots of tentacles. The Mishhu had taken his beloved daughters and had seemingly vanished without a trace. The last thing he wanted to do was go and aid some refuges from another dimension. But an order was an order. "Navigation. Plot a course for wherever these Norians are. Bring the ship to Condition 3. Prepare for an influx of Norians. Check and see if we have any on the ship and have them share if there are any special needs that they might need." Thomas turned to Setsunu. "Prepare away teams. We'll have a better idea of what's going on when we arrive but I want to be prepared for anything."

Setsunu nodded. "If the second group came damaged, they might have been attacked by someone from wherever they came from. They might follow to finish the job. I hope so. Kuronosu thirsts for blood and if he can't have Mishhu blood I hope Norian will do." Thomas nodded his agreement. Under normal circumstances he would have been concerned, even appalled at her words. But they echoed his own feelings. Ryoko and Hotaru had been taken from them, there was no about of enemy blood that could spill that would make up for them. Thomas turned back to the bridge crew. Navigation had plotted a course. 6 hours to destination. "Lets go."

 

[Andrew]

FCS A’aenalin​

Lead United Norian Imperium Ship
Commander: Prince (soon-to-be Emperor) Esari Eitan
"Star Army Vessel has entered the OA; checking now." the tactical officer scanned the newly arrived ship, "Sharie-Class Battleship, according to the markings on her hull, YSS Wakaba to be exact." Esari was somewhat relieved to know that the Star Army had arrived, even with the other three ships that had now added to their seven was still not enough. Meanwhile he had to consider the Senti message in regards to a possible venue for stopping the flaws of the 11th Generation vessels that had not went through refits from causing more unneeded deaths. "Ok , Sword of Shurista, give it a try our escorts have already towed some of the ships in question to a position outside of the OA. Our escorts will be notified of your plan." Normally, he would of had to consult the particular ships involved, their mindhives still had rights yet this certainly was covered under life and death situations.

As he spoke, their six cruisers continued to ferry civilians off the ships, alternating between that and snagging critical ships with their graviton beams and dragging them out of the OA and then punching it to get back into position for the next move. Sylphs equipped with transponder and sensor packs jetted between ships as they continued to tag which the tugs would need to pull out when they arrived.

Next, he thought to himself. he had A'aenalin whose avatar now stood at the other side of the table, her blue hair and outwardly norian appearance beautiful and feminine with glossy black eyes, and the usual lack of clothing. She still dropped with synth fluid, having just formed at his previous order. Esari nodded to Sela, "Lets get that Star Army ship next, " he said before she opened the channel, "Star Army Vessel this is Esari Eitan, I am the commander of the FCS A'aenalin, we are grateful for your presence. Our ship along with our escorting cruisers are assisting where we can, there is just too many of them for us. Please avoid ships that are showing signs of going critical, we don't want to have any of your people injured or killed," the future Jol'Aestaesys explained. He knew he should have probably informed them not to use their teleportation technology on the ships, but things were past that now. They just needed to get people off them, and A'aenalin agreed with him, and gave consent in lieu of their input. Even in such a dire situation, the accord required adherence. "The ships you see being towed out, are in risk of going critical but the Senti have a plan they intend to try, we will keep you updated." He said, then awaited their return communication.

"Utaru Khestal, have a welcoming message and warnings logged onto a communications buoy, that way it will transmit to the ships that enter the system, and we don't have to keep repeating ourselves," he issued to the tactical officer as he awaited the YSS Wakaba's return message. The Vespan Norian glanced at LUMEN's overlay, and had the mindhive color code the IFFs for the Star Army ships as allied. He still wished he had brought his entire fleet, and a Yaducath advisor, but hindsight was always perfect.

 

[Damaske]

**Akina System**
*Space near the flotilla*
*ISS Sobek*
*Combat bridge*

After receiving the reply from FCS A’aenalin, Lenna nods and responds, "Roger that, FCS A’aenalin. I will be advised and let the gun crews know. Do they have any FoF tags that we might be able to add to our targeting systems so accidents don't happen if things get messy?"

Lenna looks around and then says, "Send me to the worst-off ships that are not going critical first. I want to get as many of your people as possible to safety. I am also sending out a tug ship that will be pushing ships as needed to safety; it's a highly modified Wayfinder-class vessel. D3 is the pilot. Included is her contact info; she does not speak but communicates via text."

After getting off the comms with FCS A’aenalin, Lenna flips over to D3's message and says, "You are free to go. Watch out for those venting plasma from the aft of the ship. There are others out there taking care of it. Also, there will be monsters, for lack of a better word, that are being used to scan the ships, and they are friendly. Once I get the FoF tags for them, I will pass them over to you. Be safe out there, D3!"

"Nikicon, light the fires and let's get the Sobek moving. We have people to save!"

"Aye, aye, Captain—thrust to 125%!"

Nikicon punches the throttle deep into the red as she wants to get the ship moving. There is a deep rumble felt throughout the ship as the lights dim, the strain of the power being pushed into the drives causing a brownout in the rest of the ship. Nikicon pulls back the throttle as the power levels return to normal, but now the Sobek is rocketing forward. The crew is kept safe from the sudden g-loads only by the overpowered grav plating, which was fixed with help from D3.

"Captain, this is the cargo bay. The passage rack is deployed and ready to receive passengers," Sa'Dor responds from the cargo bay.

"Thank you, Sa'Dor. Get ready to have passengers soon; we will be docking here in less than five minutes."

Sa'Dor nods and says, "We are ready, Captain!"

**Akina System**
*Space near the flotilla*
*ISS Sobek*

The viewers from outside observe four massive flames erupting from the aft drives of the Sobek as it suddenly picks up speed, moving closer to the first of the damaged ships while avoiding those venting plasma from the aft. If anyone were scanning the ship, they would also spot an intense red heat signature as the ship's reactor heats up due to the sudden demand for its newly after-burning drives and the power conduits leading to each of the main drive units.

The heat then cools off suddenly as the craft slows its acceleration. Many of the floors are glowing from the overpowered grav plating doing its job, and their power feeds glow from the surge of electricity flowing through them.

**ISS Sobek**
*Combat bridge*

Lenna opens comms to the approaching ship. "Unknown ship, this is the ISS Sobek approaching from your port bow. We need clearance to dock and take on passengers." The Sobek performs a braking maneuver and slows to approach, with puffs of monopropellant venting angrily as Nikicon works to dock and get the people from the ship in a hurry.

 

[Sosina]

D3 Had gotten the okay to help and she gave a salute to the captain aiding in the acceleration before she launched from the Sobek, the Small ship would have energy readings equal and nearly greater then it's parent ship as it flew into the mess of ships, keeping their comms open and monitoring the communications to see what would be more important to help with. It was the silent of their kind that caught her attention as she got the information from the Shurista and she nodded as her Wayfinder suddenly pulled a hard turn and flew towards one of the ones that needed to be moved to aid in evacuation, according to her captain she didn't need to worry about the ones venting plasma as they were already being moved away, however D3 noticed that some of them where surrounded by other ships, so making a faster path out of the swarm of ships would be a priority.

So she moved to one of the larger ones, her ship at full burn far faster then it had any right to be thanks to the larger engines, and she attached to the massive ship, sending a Text message to the ships around "This is D3 I am beginning Tug operations, I will begin by clearing the path for the plasma leaking ships to allow for faster relocation of those ships, and at the same time the ships I move will be placed in more advantageous positions for evacuation" After sending this message she powered up the engine and her lone Wayfinder started to move the massive Leviathan all on its own.

The power readings of the little ship skyrocketed as it moved the larger ship out of the quickest path the plasma leakers could take, and it was repositioned to a location that would make it easier to make return trips for any ship that was going to begin evacuation procedures for the ship she just moved. After making sure to stop the movement of the ship in it's new location D3 would Detach her ship and fly back to repeat the process. the small ship clearly outputting more power then a normal ship of it's class and size should be able to.

 

[HarperMadi]

The Shuristan battlecruiser's engines lit with the haphazard grace of any other Senti vessel, already burning hard as it selected its test target vessel. The four particle accelerators forming overlapping rings began to build their charges, the magnetic shielding warping light around the hull as it seemed to glow an angry red.

The mindhive aboard was old, frail, but still aware, still clever, receiving and verifying the math in real time. It was to open any reactor vents and dump all available power into shields as it threw the engine baffles wide as to enter full burn, despite the fact that the rift load was being shunted into the reactor shielding. The Sword took up position directly aft of the mindhive, grappling and binding it with her docking webs, the grip of directed graviton pulses acting like a crushing strap to bolster the aging vessel's shielding before all four beam cutter cannon arrays fired.

Normally, a beam cutter delivers a near fusile beam of uranium ions at a +92 charge, condensed and lensed through high power electromagnetic fields, and accelerated through the same physics until it took on mass more than velocity, until it had gained half again its own mass. Normally, this would cause each atom to undergo a sabot effect to effectively stabilize its velocity irrespective of its collision with other matter. As it lost velocity, it would lose mass, restoring some of that velocity until it finally lost enough mass and velocity to fuse with whatever atom it hit, instantly degenerating in a fissile event through quirks of nuclear physics. This is scalable from the pistol sized nanometer beam width cutters that most Senti miners would carry to the rifle sized cutters used for scrap work and fighting to the battery sized arrays found on mining cruisers and processing vessels. Through the lensing process and its laminar flow, it also happens to be amiable from the muzzle relatively irrespective of the initial output direction.

These facts become useful when the Sword's beams crossed just ahead of the engine outlets of the mindhive, crashing together and diffusing as a turbulent wave of degenerate plasma that hammered the rift with enough of its own material to force a reversal of its flow, triggering safeties and producing a net negative of energy from the rift. Not much. But just enough for the laws of Kikyo's reality to reassert themselves in the reaction chamber, and seal the rift in the reactor as net positive energy became net negative and self sustainment failed.

The weapons fire was short, and power immediately turned down to continue forcing just enough plasma into the mindhive"s reactor core for it to continue to draw power. Possibly enough to open a new rift to the Aether universe that Yamataian vessels would draw power from.

"Gyntyc to all available vessels. Uploading runaway reactor shutdown procedures to the net. Test vessel, you are clear to begin reactor restart. Coordinate with Capricorn Module for reactor settings to maintain cohesion."

 

[Charaa]

MG.S.S. Constellation-a Polaris-class Ultra Carrier Starship
Iago Expedition Fleet

The Cyborg didn’t allow herself to smile, instead when she received the reply from the commander of the A’aenalin she replied calmly, and in a serious tone. “Certainly, Commander, The Constellation will be available to offload your civilians, our facilities may also be used, should you wish, untill the Star Army arrives. But to alay national security concerns, our AI will be programmed to remove memory of the work. “ She sent back, as the docking bays opened to allow the Norians to enter the ship. Meanwhile, Sora, Pax and Rocko greeted the survivors, along with the rest of their Synthetic asiistance force, and other personnel, to the mess halls, medical bays, and quarters. The ships that came with the Mining Guild, began moving towards ships to ain in towing them so that the passengers and crew could get to safety, either the Carrier, the Norian’s working vessels, The Sobek’s ship or the Star Army once they arrived. The Arrival of the Wakaba was noticed by some of the Mining Guild crew, and its fame included. But the crew were focused on the task at hand.