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.