Fwurg

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

The senate went dark as the Union State Secrets Act went into effect.

The Minister of Defence, Ardios Eldrilith, stepped forward.

"Senators, we have received disturbing news from our Intelligence network."

Ardios Eldrilith shares the disturbing message with the senators.

"The Mandalorians have moved two fleets outside their own teritories and are moving towards Union. I have already moved one of the reserve fleets to sector 7 -5 to partrol the border next .

Furthermore I am coordinating with the Sundarian Federation about the use of their new improved scanning fleet. The scanning fleet will continue scanning in sector 7 -5 to make sure that we have eyes on the direct routes to the Stellarian Triad Federation homeworld and Hiocan Society homeworld.

If and when the Mandalorian fleets continue moving towards Union we will be in scanning range and get more intelligence about their fleets.

Are there any questions?"

[Senator Shahkra of the Federal Republic of Bisidn]

"This is most disturbing news indeed," the senator of Bisidn said, "Are the jedi asked to help defend? They might increase our chances a lot if the Mandalorians indeed decide to attack."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" The Sundarian Federation is more then happy to provide assistance in this matter,"

Peinaili responded to the briefing done by the Minister of Defence,

"I would however like the opinion of the Senate on the following issue. Our fleet is currently stationed at 7 -5 as was requested by the minister of Defence. While we have no problems with this positioning, the Sundarian Federation and the Ministry are aware that this poses a certain risk for the Hiocan Society, as our fleet cannot monitor any activity in 6 -5.

This could be remedied by moving our fleet to 6 -6, directly outside the Union border, and would result in a full coverage of the entire border between us and the Mandalorians. In my short consultation with the Minister it was said that moving the fleet to that sector might be seen as an act of war, an opinion I share. Such a pre-emptive move would be a considerable risk to our fleet as well.

Do we therefore find the risk for the Hiocan Society acceptable, or are we instead willing to risk an open conflict with the Mandalorians, and possible damage to our fleet, by moving our fleet to provide more security to our members? "

[Nehket Aeka]

"I would like for the minister to explain how he concludes that the extra-territorial moving of a single survey fleet by the Union will be interpreted as an act of war, while the extra-territorial moving of two fully armed military fleets by the Mandalorians is not so.

It seems to me that this stance will only result in the Union being bullied by other superpowers, as we are afraid to show our teeth."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"We have four defensive fleets in the region at the moment. This means we outnumber them two to one. We have not yet asked the Jedi for help."

Ardios turned towards Nehket Aeka.

"The Sundarian senator asked us to protect the scanning fleet with one of our Union fleets. I told her that I did not want to move the Union fleets outside Union territory yet. The Union fleets are here to protect Union territory, not to fight wars with the Mandalorians in neutral space. This is why we decided to keep the scanning fleet in Union territory."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"After further discussion within the Sundarian Council, the decision has been made to take a little more proactive stance in this rising conflict. While the minister of defence is not yet willing to move the Union fleets outside of Union territory, the council has decided that more intelligence is needed and is worth the risk to our fleet.

We will thus move the Edge of Darkness to sector 6 -6, as added security we shall ask Darones Rei to join up with our fleet immediately to offer his expertise and insight and some measure of protection to our ships."

[Nehket Aeka]

"The Veolian Commonwealth supports this action by the Sundarian Federation."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"I support this action as senator of the Praetorian Empire and as minister of defense. We approve of factions that are proactive and support the Union in their own way.

Allthough I do have to note that your faction should check what information they share with the media. With the current amount of information the media has your scanning fleet could be in danger already."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"It would never be my choice to release information of this sensitivity to the press Minister," the Lady de Montrève simply stated, "But it appears that the council has decided otherwise in light of transparency towards the Sundarian public and issued a public announcement to show its commitment to safety and security."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Esteemed, minister, it might be better for the Sundarian Federation to make public such knowledge, as you are apparently content with leaving the situation as it is. You yourself just said 'The Union fleets are here to protect Union territory, not to fight wars with the Mandalorians in neutral space.', which clearly shows that you have no intention to take the measures necessary for the defence of the population."

The tone of Nehket Aeka's voice was cold.

"Do you plan to wait with the deployment of forces until the Mandalorians are actually in our territory?! Do you have any idea what a war on that scale will do to the Hiocan Society and the Stellarian Triad Federation? Their worlds will be laid siege to, their trade fleets blockaded, and their people will fall victim to vicious raids while the Union fleets try to engage the enemy in territory where all collateral damage will be to the detriment of our Union."

"We can not idly stand by while the Mandalorians take such actions. I would like to know what your plans are for the defence and protection of the Stellarian Triad Federation and the Hiocan Society and their peoples."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"Dear Senators.

I understand that you want to protect the Union but moving our fleets outside Union territory now seems like a rash decision to me. We have military fleets stationed at the borders of these sectors and will defend ourselves if they confront us. The Hiocan and Stellarian Triad Federation homeworlds will be protected with additional fleets if necessary.

If we deploy fleets outside Union territory they will only send more fleets and we will have started an arms race.

When we have more information about the status of their fleets we can decide together how to proceed."

[Nehket Aeka]

"And what actions have been taken to gather more information on the Mandalorian fleets, other than the minister of defence deciding to not protect the brave scanning crew of the scanning fleets of the Sundarian Federation?"


"It seems to me you underestimate the Mandalorian fleets. You expect them to attack from where they are, and you claim that the border will be defended if they confront us. But there is not reason for them to actually confront us at the border, as they are basically pirates, they will go straight for the actual prize: the highly populated wealthy homeworlds of our members.

Such un underestimation is a gamble with the safety of the Hiocan Society and the Stellarian Triad Federation. However, as they have not even voiced an opinion on this policy of non-action, it seems to me that they do actually think that this is sufficient."

"The Veolian Commonwealth does not agree with your assessment that waiting until we are overrun is the best course of action. We will order our fleets to start preparing for war, and advice others to do the same. If the cabinet is not willing to defend the Union, her members will have to!"

[Senator Harek]

Senator had left the hall after the new of the minister of Defense. Now he returned just in the right moment is seems. Miss T’Ralesh, his secretary, gives him an update of the discussion. He looks takes a look around in the senate hall to get an impression of all the senators present.

“Dear senators,

I apologize for leaving the discussing but I had to inform the Hiocan council of the news and I have quickly discussed the matter with them. There are a few points I would like to address to you.

First concerning the two active fleets in 5 -5 and 5 -6. There are one sector away from the Stellarian Triad Federation and the Hiocan Society, two sectors from Kingdom of Meritonia and the Principality of Suma. There are many possible reasons for this, I will tell three of them. First, these Mandarolian fleets could just be scouts and are looking at our defenses, second they are already a first attack wave to test and see how strong we are or third this could be a diversion to lure out our fleets so they can sneak around past the Echani border and directly go to Unity.

All of these possibilities need different responses. So we think that is necessary to work out these scenarios so we know what to do on time. Discussing matters in the Senate will take too long and the enemy will be at our doorstep. We need to prepare so we can act swiftly, well begun is half done. I think the minister of Defense could coordinate this so our various fleets respond quickly and move as one.

I would suggest that the minister of foreign affairs contacts the Echani. They have helped us greeting by providing their technology to us. We should be thankful and return this give by providing information on our common enemy. We should collaborate and monitor the movement of the Mandalorians together so we can stop their advances.

The Hiocan Society is busy pulling up their defense and we will start next turn with building planetary defense grids around Hio and Erau. With this we should be able withstand an attack but additional help of fleets will be needed to destroy the enemy. One Union fleet is present in our system, but as we do not know the strength of their fleets it would be wise to have more fleets ready to assist when necessary.

Finally, as Senator Shahkra said. The Union strength does not only consist of fleets but also the Jedi. The Jedi counsel should be contacted and arrangement should be made. ”

[Maria Latharion]

Lady-Senator Maria Latharion rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed by the situation.

"Senator allow me to explain why the STF is not asking for more direct action against the Mandalorians.

It requires a vote to implement movement of the Union Fleets. While I am sure the senate would be swift about agreeing to this, it will require time. By the time the Union Fleets in our sector has moved to confront the Mandalorians they will most likely have already moved to go around them and by the time the Union Fleets have moved back to our sector the Mandalorians will probably already have it under siege. I rather have the Union Fleets stay in the Novalia System and guarding the frequented routes throughout the sector than on or outside the border, so that if the Mandalorians attack they will be stopped where they will appear."

The Astrian woman cast a doubtful glance at the Minister of Defence.

"Why you failed to see this possibility, minister, is beyond me. Perhaps you should spend more time with your admirals."

Looking at the entire senate she continued.

"I may be overstepping my bounds a bit, but we where first informed of these movements by the Echani. When they informed us they also offer their aid should the Union come under attack by the Mandalorians."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"Senators, it has been confirmed that these mandalorian fleets are currently holding there position in 5 -5 and 5 - 6.

I am aware of the current situation Lady-Senator, we will not leave Novalia or Hio unguarded. If the Mandalorians plan to attack a Union homeworld they will move around our fleets as long as they can. If we move Union fleets to 6 -6 there is a big chance they will fly around us. If we would engage them outside the Union it would mean bringing at least three more Union fleets to the region. The Senate could vote on this when we have more information.

I agree with Senator Harek that it is time for the minister of foreign affairs to contact the Echani."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Senators, I can confirm the information the minister has just received."

Peinaili said while addressing the senate

"Our scanning fleet has procured detailed information about the 3 fleets the Mandalorians currently have in the aforementioned sectors. From what I can gather they are just sitting outside the Mandalorian Border, either as a safeguard against interference or as a provocation, they are combat ready but seem to be content with remaining in their respective sectors; at least for now.

Our fleet will maintain position for the moment and gather more intelligence.

While contacting the Echani might be a wise choice, I would remind the Senate that we know very little about them, and they may be using the Mandalorians to cross us and lure us into a trap. So might I suggest that we do indeed reach out, but try not to show all our carts."

[Nehket Aeka]

Senator Nehket Aeka looked questioningly at senator de Montrève.

"Senator de Montrève, would you be willing to tell the senate why you are not sharing these details with us?"

"You suddenly speak of three fleets, where before we were only aware of two. Apparently the minister has been informed to some extent, but if he were aware of the fact that there are now three fleets on our border, he would have surely informed us of this. Your scanning technology, and any scanning in general, should at least have resulted in a significant amount of information on the strengths of these fleets, whether they are carraying armies, etc.

Why do you keep the details of these fleets from us?"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"I have no intention of keeping the information from you or the Senate, Senator."

Peinaili swiftly replied,

"I have only just received it myself, and it is currently being reviewed by my staff, before we can share it with Senate. I would ask for a little patience, as a general notice will be sent to all member worlds delegations shortly. As for your question on how the minister has acquired this information, we had arranged for our fleets to coordinate closely with the ministry and their intelligence sources, so that we could ensure a swift and adequate response to any information or threats to our fleet. As such our fleet currently hosts a ministerial liaison, would is keeping taps for the ministry and serves as a coordination officer for our fleet, should military action be required."

And, as promised, a few minutes later a general notice was sent to all member world delegations, encrypted under the Union State Secrets Act which read the following:

Turn 107 Intelligence report by Edge of Darkness, Sundarian Federation

[Nehket Aeka]

Senator Nehket Aeka stood, to better address the whole senate.

"In light of this new information, the Veolian Commonwealth hereby officially requests permission from the Hiocan Society to move our fleets through 7 -6 and from the Stellarian Triad Federation to move our fleets through 7 -4.

We also request permission to station our fleets in those sectors to patrol, defend and assist our fellow Union members, we request permission to set up supply lines through those sectors, and request the use of your hyperspace lanes for both the supply lines and fleet movement."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"We of the Consensus would like to know if there is already made any attempt to make contact with the Mandalorians concerning their fleets. We think it is wise to at least try to talk to them first before they start shooting."

[Nehket Aeka]

Though Aeka was annoyed that Danar Torig did not wait for the Hiocan or the Stellarian senator to reply to her official request, she did not react. By now she had learned that, due to the mixture of cultures, most of the senators did not take etiquette very seriously, some even voicing their opinion regardless of the situation.

[Maria Latharion]

The Astrian Lady-Senator had her eyes closed as she discussed Senators Nehket's request with the Admiralty Board. When she opened her eyes again she started speaking.

"Senator Nehket, the Admiralty Board has agreed to allow a single military fleet to pass through our sector on the condition that your fleet files a flight plan and that they do not enter the Novalia system inside Lianee's orbit. Fuel will be provided if necessary at normal prices.

As a favour to them they also asked if your fleet would report any and all activity they detect while travelling through the sector."

[Nehket Aeka]

Senator Nehket Aeka's expression was one of sadness.

"Senator Latharion, we will not be able to help you defend your world if we are not allowed to patrol the 7 -4. Only passing through the sector offers us little option to help defend your world. I am sure your admiralty board is aware of this.

Next to this, we have requested your permission to set up our own supply line because I am afraid that we will not be able to use the supplies you provide. We have also requested the use of your hyperspace lane for the purpose of setting up said supply line, and for fleet movement.

I am afraid that only allowing us to pass through the sector defeats the purpose of our offer of assistance. Please inform your admiralty board that we have taken note of their position on the situation, and that we shall act accordingly: we shall not send our fleet to 7 -4, as this would be a futile manoeuvre.

I hope you can understand our reaction."

It was clear that the veolian senator took the reaction of the Admiralty Board seriously, though she was not happy about it.

[Senator Harek]

Senator Harek has looked to the minister of Defense to say something to Senator Nehket Aeka, but she remained silent. Furthermore he has waited as to give others the room to voice their opinion on the matter but they also did not seem interested.

" Senator Nehket Aeka, we thank your for your resolution to protect of the Union. We give your fleets permission to move through our sector and use our hyperspace lanes on the condition that a Hiocan delegation is present that will assist you, monitor your actions and reports to us."

Senator Harek also writes a small message to senator Nehket Aeka.

Senator Nehket Aeka,

As wars mostly are not finished in one day and depending in how serious you are, are we willing to together set up a fleet zone(s) on Ah'rak for long terms supplies.

Yours sincerly,

Senator Harek.

[Nehket Aeka]

The reply of Senator Harek did little to improve the expression of senator Nehket Aeka.

"I'm afraid that only moving through your sector would not be enough to protect your world. As with the Stellarian Triad Federation, we have asked for the permission to patrol your sector, and only being allowed to move through does not help us defend your world.

Next to that, we can not accept a foreign pressence in our fleets and armies that monitors all of our activity, and reports to a foreign government.

I'm sorry, senator Harek, but with these conditions, we shall not send our fleets."