[RP] Turn 42 - Tharkad 1619 RP thread.

[Deathrider6]

 Temporary Chambers, Heidelberg Kazerne, Tharkad 3 Nov, 3069.

  The 1254th Light infantry ensured that the delegates were able to arrive undisturbed. In spite of the situation the business of government was to continue. The delegates settled in and got down to business.

[Dave Baughman]

Over the last few days, Nondi Steiner's condition had declined significantly. Still, the old General did her best to work at least a few hours each day, probably because her work was the only thing keeping her going.

"General," she asked Daniel Russel, "do you have an update on Duke Robert's expected arrival? With the latest news from Arc Royal, I fear that he is needed even more than ever."

[Deathrider6]

  Tharkad.


  "General, Duke Robert should be arriving any day now. Due to security concerns his itenerary has been kept secret and a good thing due to the recent events in the Skye region." he cleared his throat. "It will be good to see him meet with you. I do have security concerns regarding Colonel Tak's unit."

[Dave Baughman]

Nondi Steiner rubbed her forehead, the chloracne of her dioxin poisoning more pronounced then even a few days ago, and sighed.

"I was afraid you would come to that conclusion; about Taks that is. I'm concerned that there is more to Arc Royal's new political direction than just breaking away from the Commonwealth."

She coughed phlegmaticly, but then continued, "I can't put my finger on it... but something isn't right about the timing."

Shaking her head she said wearily, "I didn't mean to talk you to death, Daniel. Tell me more about the situation with Taks."

[Deathrider6]

  "His abrupt departure creates an issue. My concern is more of Arc-Royal's recent actions. Instead of dealing with Skye amicably Arc-Royal has decided to go on it's own. We all hang together or separately. Unfortunealtly that is the situation. I am concerned that he will attept to interfere with Duke Robert's arrival."

[Deathrider6]

4th Royal Guards HQ, Heidelburg, Tharkad Nov 5th 3069.

  Craig Lowell slipped into the room and waited for General Russell to finish. "General, sorry to interrupt but I just got a Critic priority signal from Skye. It's bad. You and General Steiner should hear this...Hermoine Aten is dead. Apparently she was speaking at a rally on Skye and was shot as she left to return to the Ducal Residence." Craig waited a moment and continued. "The investigation is well underway and details are sketchy at best I will inform the two of you of any new developments as I recieve more information."

[august]

6th November 3069

Shortly after midnight, an unexpected arrival made itself known at Tharkad's nadir jump point.

"Attention Tharkad authorities, this is the LCS Marialle. We have come transporting Franz-Georg Numen, Delegate Tharkad to the Estates-General, requesting an audience with General Steiner and her staff. Asking clearance to land."

[Deathrider6]

LCS Arluna, 0000hrs Nadir Jump point Tharkad.


  "Marialle this is LCS Arluna. You are here by ordered to hold position until cleared by Tharkad System Control. You will be escorted in. Stand by for clearance to proceed and welcome to Tharkad."

[august]

"Roger, Arluna. Holding position and awaiting escort."

[Deathrider6]

OOC: Sorry to keep ya waiting August. Was out yesterday.
Tharkad Airspace.

  "Marialle, this is Tharkan System Control. You are cleared for approach avoid Bremen continetal airspace. You are directed to land at Heidelberg Kaserne. Keep any weapon systems powered down and follow any inflight advisories failure to do so will result in you being violated* and kicked from orbital zone."

[august]

"Tharkad Control, this is Delegate Numen, speaking personally. The captain of this ship has assured me that we will comply with all directives. However, I wish to express my personal displeasure at the treatment being offered us. This ship is on Lyran government business, and we are being given instructions as if borderline hostiles."

[Deathrider6]

 "Delegate Numen, this is the senior controller, all incoming traffic gets the same treatment due to conditions here security is extremely tight. You may forward a complaint in writing to the senior commander on planet via the Heidelberg garrison commander. System control out."

[NVA]

Loremaster Tutuola walked into the briefing room with a Colonel, or something, whose name he did not recall.  He had been destracted by the reports from Tamar and elsewhere.  He wished he could punish all those who had treated his Wolves like this personally.  He worked hard not to turn the lockers in his mind into an entire, massive locker room, waiting for trophies to display of all those he now desired to see dead.

[august]

Heidelberg Kaserne

Before exiting their dropship, Delegate Numen turned to his team of bodyguards, a hand-picked group of LCAF infantry veterans.

"Look, I know that you might not consider this the greatest assignment you've ever had, but we need to be on our best behavior just the same - it's for that reason I asked you to come along rather than the usual suspects. We need to patch things up here after the damage that the last idiot we sent here did, so everyone on their best behavior. Anyone starts a fight, you get sent to one of the "special" garrisons. Got it?"

[Deathrider6]

Heidelberg Kazerne, Tharkad.

  Colonel Avril Reis sat in the front seat of her jeep and waited for the newly arrived delegate to disembark from the Dropship. She was at the head of a security platoon and was tasked with escorting the arrival to transient VIP quarters. She looked at the Leutnant in charge of the detail. "Full Honors then run him through customs. Handle this one with kid gloves."

[Deathrider6]

 Kommadant Dieter Handlemann Bitburg stepped into the room and noticed Loremaster Tutuola. "Loremaster, pardon the intrusion..." Before Dieter could finish Duke Robert Kelswa Steiner stepped into the room. He stopped and turned to the Loremaster. " If my briefing materials are correct you are the Loremaster of Clan Wolf? I am Robert Kelswa-Steiner it is an honor to meet you Loremaster." His security detail stepped into the room. The senior of the two gave Tutuola a respectful nod as he took a seat in one of the chairs against the wall.

[august]

Heidelberg Kazerne, Tharkad

Customs having been cleared with a minimum of fuss, Numen approached the LCAF officer in charge of transport. "Colonel, so kind of you to meet us here. Have you been on Tharkad since before the attack? My people and I were able to get some idea of the extent of the damage from our relief force's report. Heart-breaking, honestly; the resilience of the Tharkans must be great indeed if they have weathered this catastrophe. I only pray that the Commonwealth as a whole shares their determination and that the despicable criminals who inflicted this attack can be swiftly brought to justice."

[edit: got the rank wrong]

[NVA]

"I am grateful to meet you also, Duke Kelswa-Steiner.  I would prefer other circumstances, of course."

The nature of an elemental, trained into him since childhood, had him sizing up the other security detail.  However, training also made it possible for that action to seem like a natural look, rather than some over bearing ogre.

Kommadant Dieter Handlemann Bitburg stepped into the room and noticed Loremaster Tutuola. "Loremaster, pardon the intrusion..." Before Dieter could finish Duke Robert Kelswa Steiner stepped into the room. He stopped and turned to the Loremaster. " If my briefing materials are correct you are the Loremaster of Clan Wolf? I am Robert Kelswa-Steiner it is an honor to meet you Loremaster." His security detail stepped into the room. The senior of the two gave Tutuola a respectful nod as he took a seat in one of the chairs against the wall.

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad

  Avril nodded. "I have been here for quite a while. I was assigned here to work with the Nagelring ATB but was on leave at the time of the blast. Since then I have been here co-ordinating relief efforts. I would love to stay and chat but I have other duties to attend to sir. The Leutnant will ensure you and your escorts are given billeting. Welcome to Tharkad."

[Deathrider6]

"I am grateful to meet you also, Duke Kelswa-Steiner.  I would prefer other circumstances, of course."

The nature of an elemental, trained into him since childhood, had him sizing up the other security detail.  However, training also made it possible for that action to seem like a natural look, rather than some over bearing ogre.

 Robert nodded. "The circumstances could be much better. I would have been here sooner but there were security issues. I'm sure we will have much to discuss Loremaster. I need some time with General Russell's staff once that is done I would appreciate a briefing on the situation on the Clan front. News has been scarce during my trip here."

[Dave Baughman]

Briefly holding his hand to the microcomm on his ear, the guard standing before Nondi Steiner's command center-cum-throne room spoke to the assembled dignitaries.

"Gentlemen, the Regent will meet with you now."

As soon as they entered the dimly-lit room, all present were struck by how badly the dying General had deteriorated. The face of her youth had faded into a mass of dioxin-induced chloracne, and those who had been on Tharkad the past fall were reminded eerily of the makeup the tenor Albericht Östermann had worn during the production of De passie van de Vader in his role as the evil emperor.

"Galaxy Commander Tutuola," she said softly, "I see you have returned."

She peered towards Kelswa-Steiner for a moment as if struggling to focus on him, "Robert," she said with somthing that might have been relief in her voice, "you arrived in time. Sehr gut."

After a momentary pause she said, "I apologize to the rest of you, but I'm afraid my eyesight is not what is used to be. Please be seated, and introduce yourselves."

[august]

Numen took his seat uneasily, with a sidelong glance at Tutuola that betrayed discomfort.

"General of the Armies, Duke Kelswa-Steiner, I am Franz-Georg Numen, appointed Delegate Tharkad under the emergency laws. The Estates General has sent me here in order to work with you to figure out how we can best get the Lyran state back in order. I'll let the others introduce themselves before we go any further, but I want to at least apologize for the conduct of my predecessor; Colonel Taks is a damn good pilot and a capable commander, but, as you saw, not exactly the man one would one want representing someone else in a tense situation."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad.

  "Robert looked at Nondi then over to Delgate Numens. "I was not here to see Colonel Taks outburst or the reaction of Kaptain Schrakenberg to said outburst but I do believe the good delegate missed someone in his apology. Kommandant General Russell is the aggrieved party if I am not mistaken." Robert nodded towards him. "That aside Delegate Numens I need the assurance that you are the duly elected or appointed Delegate from this world. I can assure you that Arc-Royal's supposed emergency powers have no bearing here. All of Skye and Donegal's delegates have been elected legally. Your status will get you here but unless you can prove that you are legally elected or appointed under LYRAN law I am not so sure that the Estates General will accept you. I will defer final judgement to General Stiener though as she is the senior representative of any branch of the LC government here. If she accepts you as a delegate from Tharkad I have no issue. In spite of the legal issue at hand I do welcome your willingness to work here to unify the Commonwealth.

[august]

"Duke Robert, with all due respect, I'm not here to prove my legitimacy or, for that matter, to question that of anyone else. We can keep quibbling over legal minutia until the stars grow tired, Lyran worlds burning all the time, or we can figure out what common ground we do have and move forward. Right now, and you will forgive my frankness, there isn't a de facto Lyran state, and asking questions de juris is pointless. We either pull ourselves together, commit to a common task and get things moving again - agreeing to defer questions of strict legality until the time comes when we can deal with them without external threats pressing - or we can die separated and weak. Regardless of what you think of my title, I represent the interests of the Arc-Royal zone here, and what we are interested in is cooperation. So, is that enough for you?"

[Deathrider6]

 Tharkad


  "Arc-Royal has gone their own way Delegate. I accept your desire to help in any way you can but the fact is that regardless of what you do Arc-Royal probably will not follow your lead. I do not doubt your sincerity Delegate. That is a non issue. What I doubt is Arc-Royal's desire to return to the fold. What little news is bad. Tharkan martyrs? Is there even a true government left? They killed Morgan Kell to try and cow the SLDF that alone makes me question if Arc-Royal even cares if there is a Commonwealth left. As I stated initally you and your motives are not the issue here. What IS the issue is if you speak for Arc-Royal will they make an effort to back up what you have to say or have YOU been left out on a limb with them holding the saw?"

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad

  General Russell cleared his throat. "Duke Robert, Delegate Numens I'm sure that you two can work together and arguing the legal aspects is fine but I do think we should get things moving along. I'm sure that General Steiner didn't bring us here to see you two debate even as friendly as it is. We need to come up with a way to unify what is left of the Commonwealth gentlemen and quickly. I have been notified that the Estates general is in the process of selecting a speaker. Once that is done I'm sure they will be keen on dealing with the current situation."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad

  Robert looked over at General Russell. "General you are correct. I do believe I owe Delgate Numen an apology and an explaination for my attitude towards him." Robert turned to Delgate Numen. "I meant what I satated before but I do owe you an apology for my tone. While en route my wife was assassinated by rogue elements of Free Skye. Now to clairify on that the majority of that group back my change of heart vis a vis the Commonwealth, but there are elements who did not take kindly to my about face. I am angry but not at you. I am willing to work with you and I will leave it at that. The loss of my wife has made dealing with the issues difficult but General Russell was correct in telling me obliquely to shut up and get to business."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad

  General Russell smiled thinly. " Thank you Robert. I would hope that we can get some semblance of order in the region. I do intend to ask General Steiner for a status report on units she is in contact with to arrange for some possible joint operations to secure the area in anticipation for a possible counter offensive against the clans. Once a secure base for logistics is set then we can begin at minimum raiding operations to try and see what we are up against. I do hope that Arc-Royal can contribute."

[august]

"Firstly, General Russel, forgive me - I did not recognize you at first. Had I known that you were present, I would have extended the apology to you directly. And Duke Kelswa-Steiner, my sincere condolences, and those of all the people of Arc-Royal on the loss of your wife. She will be mourned throughout the Lyran worlds."

"Duke, please understand that our repeal of the Articles was not intended as an act of secession; as the groundwork for the Commonwealth's laws, it has failed. There is evidence enough of this in our situation now. If the Estates General is working on a new constitution, it is to prevent this sort of tragedy from even shattering the Lyran state as a whole again. If you were to be accepted as Archon, I would heartily suggest that you would also look for ways to improve the document - hopefully the labors of my colleagues on Arc-Royal will be productive and suggestive for the state as a whole."

"As for the incident with the SLDF, what can we say? I have no interest in arguing with the representative from Clan Wolf here present, but the issue at hand was the SLDF attempting to remove Lyran property and civilians in direct defiance of the local government's wishes. We could not accept the forced evacuation of our resources by a foreign power, and the Wolves and the SLDF refused to comply."

"Marco Hall tells us that he respects the General of the Armies' claim to be head of state. That is fine. It is, however, no excuse for attempting to bully local authorities into submission. The SLDF has no right to confiscate Lyran property without local authority - it was for this that we opposed him. Our means were, yes, undesirable and extreme. But Arc-Royal was and remains in not in a position where we could be otherwise persuasive. If they had offered us something in return, we might have been more amicable; but then half of the Arc-Royal zone fell to the clans last month, and we had no support. Arc-Royal will not be anyone's buffer state."

"Ahem. I am letting my emotions get the best of me. Suffice it to say that nothing that Arc-Royal has enacted is irreversible; nothing is more important to our course right now than unity. I will not deny that this is somewhat guided by pragmatic concerns; I come with intelligence that will be of interest to all. But just the same, we are prepared to cooperate in full, provided that we are given the chance."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad.


  Robert nodded. "Delegate I cannot speak on the actions of Commanding General Hall of the SLDF as the Star League had not recognized ANY part of the Commonwealth. In the case of Arc-Royal I cannot offer anything at this point but possible logistical support from Skye and Donegal any force allocations will need to be passed through LCAF channels. Arc-Royal may not have left the Commonwealth but personally I would be more open to a dialogue if more than just you were here. The Estates General has convened here of thier own free will. Each world in Donegal and Skye sent a pair of Delegates. I have not been there to observe the seesion thuis far and will probably wait until my appearance is requested to attend. I'm sure they will welcome you Tharkad is short a Delegate."

  "I also thank you for your condolences. I will ensure that Skye and Donegal hear your sentiments."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad

  Daniel Russell chuckled softly. " I did not take offense but appreciate the apology Colonel Taks was gracious enough to apologize personally. I wish him well. I'm not sure what we can do  about Arc-Royal at the present but if a brifing on the situation and a summary of troops strength would be helpful if we are with that we could plan supply and possible reenforcement. I will not be offended if you consult with you government before giving my any data on that front Delegate."

[august]

"No contact with the Estates General on Arc-Royal is necessary at the moment; I have been given full authorization to provide information and intelligence. It is the latter that concerns me most. As you may know, our forces captured several clan bondsmen last month, and thanks to other, more discrete sources, we have been able to assemble a fairly good picture of clan intentions for the immediate future. As you know, the invaders have consolidated their forces, moving on Tamar last month, and currently against the FWL on Coventry. What directly troubles my government, however, is a third fleet gathering now for a move on Arc-Royal. Transmissions signed by the ilKhan, and passed along to Arc-Royal by certain sources, indicate that a smaller task force is to move on Arc-Royal itself in three weeks or so."

"Estimates indicate a possible 3-5 warships moving on our space. While this is a minor enough force in itself, Arc-Royal possesses only a single capital vessel, and we cannot hope to stop them alone. In essence, my call for cooperation is a cry for help. What we ask is that Lyran fleet assets gather, and oppose the clans at Arc-Royal. Let us do it ourselves; let it be a show of Lyran strength and unity to wash away the bickering of the last months. Although the force might be small by clan standards, a unified Lyran victory would be key for our own political purposes and would show all others that they cannot prey on our worlds without cost."

"In exchange, I can offer the full cooperation and integration of the Arc-Royal zone with the wider Commonwealth. In effect, our capitulation on claims to sovereign authority and submission to Tharkad. All we ask are that the representatives from Arc-Royal's Estates General not appointed under emergency powers be restored to their positions on Tharkad, and immunity from prosecution for our leadership. Those conditions being met, we would accept either Duke Kelswa-Steiner or the General of the Armies as Archon."

"I won't pretend that we don't ask this out of a certain panic, but there is enough to be gained as a whole for the Lyran people that I hope the offer nonetheless suits."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad


  Robert thought for a moment. "Let's see what General Steiner has to say but I'm certain that the Estates Genereral here would welcome your representatives."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad


 Daniel stood up and cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, I need about two hours I have a meeting to attend. I also need to see the Speaker of the Estates General. If they managed to elect one." He quickly strode out of the room.

[august]

*bump*

[Dave Baughman]

Her eyes half shut between drooped and sagging lids, it was difficult to tell of Nondi Steiner was simply deep in thought or if she had fallen asleep. After a few moments more, it was clear that the former was the case: straightening, she looked at the Estates General man.

"Delegate Numens," she said carefully, as if picking her words one at a time, "after all your former colleagues have done to undermine the lawful structures of the Lyran Commonwealth I am of half a mind to let Arc Royal," she paused again, "burn in the fires it has lit."

"However,"

a long pause followed, as the regent's head lolled slightly to the side, but a moment later she regained her posture,

"Against my better judgement I find myself unwilling to let Arc Royal go to the fate it so richly deserves. General Russel," she turned to the military official, "please determine what aid we can send to Arc Royal. I believe with the arrival of the 8th Donegal Guards we can release the 37th Lyran Guards RCT for action and still maintain law and order on Tharkad."

"Herr Numens," she added with a slow and malicious smile, "please understand that my intentions are not purely for the benefit of Arc Royal. If the Clan move against the system is deflected, it is my full intention to order that every last one of those treasonous bastards on Arc Royal is put up in front of a wall. If you wind that unacceptable... you should not have requested our assistance."

[august]

Numem paused for a moment and then nodded gravely.

"General Steiner, I thank you. My first loyalty... my first loyalty is to the people of Arc-Royal, not to its political class. If the Delegate Timkovichi and his people must face punishment, so be it. Let it not be said that I am not humble enough to understand the exigencies here. And... after a fashion, I believe that the Martyrs will understand as well. In their own way, they are, I believe, already reconciled to their fates."

[Deathrider6]

  Daniel nodded. "Yes General, The 8th is currently at Coventry but could be retasked. The 1st Royal Guards are closest to Arc-Royal. I can cut orders at once. I can shift the ASF and some elements of the 8th if needed."

[NVA]

Richard Tutuola - "The SLDF  still has a large presence near Arc Royal; if Tharkad is willing to guarantee cooperation, we can double back.  Our other requirement will be that the leadership who had a part in arranging for and threatening the Commanding General be handed over to the Star League to face charges for their actions.  This would include the woman who was the supposed planetary leader, as she lured MArco Hall there."

(OOC: minor RP retcon in connection with a ruling sent by PM to the interested parties)

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad.

  "Loremaster Tutuola, the SLDF can be supported but I'm sure the Archon might beg to differ. He may a different idea of what needs to be done. The Estates General has duly elected an Archon." He looked over at Robert.

  Robert shook his head. "I'm sure that you and General Steiner have a plan in motion. I will defer to her judgement. The two of you have far more experience dealing with the clans than I do."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad.

  Colonel Avril Reis peeked inside the door. "General Russell, there is a clan jumpship requesting permission to send an envoy to the surface. It has been intercepted and awaiting final clearance. If they wanted to invade a single jumper is insufficent. I would recommend letting the envoy land and find out what they want."

[Deathrider6]

Tharkad.

  "Clear them. Meet them when they arrive Colonel and make damn sure that they are treated well. I'll deal with Robert and Nondi."