Thorns in the Gardens of Kadesh.

[Ben Tusi]

It's back, but under revision.

Commodore Jalsk stood in a hallway, accompanied by Flag Admiral Gessk.

"I don't get it," Jalsk said, "why all this controversy? I though it would be a great plan!"

Gessk replies, "Don't worry. Just because the guy is a step higher than me, doesn't mean we'll lose. It's a great plan, Commodore, don't beat yourself up about it."

Jalsk sighed. The politics of the Republican Navy were bothering him. He leaned against the wall wiping sweat from his forehead.

"C'mon, man" Gessk said, as he looked at Jalsk, "you can't look like this, you've got to be confident."

Jalsk sighed and agreed, but not without confessing his obvious nervousness.

Both of their heads turned to the sound of footsteps down the hallway. A group of Admirals was coming their way.

Jalsk had served in the beast war as Chief Security Officer aboard a Carrier during the Beast War. With the war over, he had joined the Naval Reserves, and been promoted to Commidore to satisfy officer quotas.

As a washed up Commidore, only serving in the Navy as a part time job, he grew tired of civilian life. He knew that the Galaxy had it's problems. He than did research on galatic history, and knowen galatic races, and found information leading to a race that had been reduced to myth for centuries.

The Kadeshi.

"Well", Jalsk said to himself, "this is it."

The Admirals stopped in front of Jalsk and Gessk, who immediately saluted, full and proper.

The Admirals returned the salutes.

Admiral Gronv said, "pleasure to meet you, gentlemen."

An officer from the group, opened the nearby door, and held it open for everyone. The Admirals properly went into the room single file, neat and proper.

The room was a somewhat plush room, with an oval like conference table in the middle. The Admirals took their seats, including Jalsk and Gessk. There was a short, momentary silence that was proper, but somewhat suffocating. The only sounds heard were the movement of the Admirals.

Jalsk and Gessk looked at each other in a "this is it" type of way. For Jalsk, the moment before he does a presentation of any type, is the most nerve racking. Once he actually starts, the tension fades away.

Gronv broke the silence by saying, "Well, gentlemen, thank you for being about to come here to this meeting, and to discuss the controversy of Commodore Jalsk's proposal." As the Admiral said his name, he motioned to Jalsk, making the entire inhabitants of the room look at him for a brief second. That made Jalsk extremely uncomfortable.

Gronv continued by asking, "will Commodore Jalsk please state his proposal?"

Gronv just threw the figurative ball of attention to Jalsk, making the entire room fix their eyes on him. While most of the room was looking at him with a look of interest on their faces, some of them had a cold, hostile look.

Jalsk was at the climax of nervousness at this point. He swallowed, licked his lips, and went for it. He knew that if he started talking, the tension would pass.

"Sirs, and gentlemen," he began, "of this gathering, I, Commodore Stelgrav Jalsk of the 804th Naval Officer Reservist Corps, have a proposal for a mission."

He did it, the tension was gone. All he had to do was distribute eye contact, and keep talking, to keep the nervousness away.

"I propose to mobilize a specailised carrier group into the great nebula. I also would request a field promotion to rear admiral and take command of the fleet assigned to this."

By that time, Jalsk could sense the uprising of thought. The room was quiet, but Jalsk knew that they were thinking, and thinking hard.

"Now," he said, to break the silence, and regain mental focus, "I have researched all knowlage on known galatic races to find out who we could use to ally with us against the Imperialist and Bandit forces."

By this time, Jalsk has clearly become more confident.

"Now, not only because the beast war is over, will this be needed, but this galaxy will, inevitably, run low on resources. If that happens, and my proposal is not met, we will have a great resource deposit sitting in the form of a big, red birthplace for stars, that is guarded by a fleet of, by definition, Paramilitary pirates.

"For centuries, the inhabiting fleet, called the Kadeshi, have been pirates. They have preyed upon merchant ships en masse, and have continued to do so. Centuries of paperwork showing unexplainable disappearances of Merchant ships.

"With only very few recorded survivals of the trip through the Great Nebula, including the Hiigarain mother ship, it is proven that the Kadeshi are now forcing their beliefs on travelers through the nebula, in exchange for the traveler's lives. That act was made illegal centuries ago. Thank you, sirs."

"Thank you, commodore,", Gronv said monotonously. He than said, "May the queries be stated."

That was the cue for arguments.

"Commodore," one admiral said, "Is it not true that the Kadeshi religion is based on protection of their nebula?"

Jalsk replied, firmly, but respectively, "their religion was erected from piracy."

The first admiral thought, than said, "that piracy was erected by the need for supplies. They were exiled, and had no real choice."

There were nods of approval around the room, and a slight murmur of talking.

"Silence", Gronv calmly ordered. Once order was restored, Gronv said, "proceed, Commodore."

Jalsk said, "thank you, sir. Admiral, the counter diplomatic act of piracy was not the right choice for them. They did have other choices, as the other races, apart from the Taiidan, made the collective outcry for mercy, so the Kushan would be exiled instead of slaughtered.

"With the possession of most of the galaxy's sympathy, the Kadeshi could have taken a diplomatic approach and said, 'we are exiles, we need supplies, please help us.'"

"Commodore," The admiral said, "it wasn't until thousands of years later until they came to the nebula from the exile."

"Correction, sir. Thousands is a generalization. It would have taken the Kadeshi about nine hundred years to twelve hundred years to get there. And that time frame does not give them the right to become pirates."

"How about we raise the possibility that they could not lift any language barrier."

"Sir, it's been thousands of years, and there is not too much of a difference in their language."

The opposing admiral leaned back in his chair, and humbly said, "No more questions."

Jalsk, in good spirts had a little smirk grow on his face.

Gronv said, after a minute of silence, "I will hear by grant Commodore Jalsk a field promotion to Rear Admiral, and grant him the fleet that he had detailed in his formal notice. Commander, I will grant you authorization to conduct research on the Kadeshi, as you wanted. After that is done, you shall be returned to your planet. You will have the needed time to pack up all belongings, uniforms and kit, say your good byes, and report back to this base. You will be issued all needed items upon your return."

The meeting was formally dismissed, and the admirals left the room.

Jalsk and Gessk stood in the hallway, and conversed.

Gessk said, "congratulations, Rear Admiral", he said, rubbing in his field promotion.

Jalsk smirked and said, "Yeah, thanks. It's finally happened. I did it. Listen, can I ask you for a favor?"

Gessk shrugged and agreed.

Jalsk replied, "Listen, if you get word that I die in combat, or don't make it back, or whatever, I want you to tell my girlfriend that I love her, and I want you to take care of her. If I don't make it back, you'll take over my life."

Gessk said in disbelief, "Wow... Jalsk, I don't know what to say...."

Jalsk said, "promise me. You're my best friend, Gessk. If you don't want to do it for her, do it for me."

Gessk said, "I will friend. I know how she hates being alone. Anything else I could do for you?"

"Yeah", Jalsk said, "if any .... politics flare up around here, about this mission being in jeopardy from an internal threat, try and stop it. I would have enough to deal with over the the nebula."

"I will," Gessk said, in a promising tone, "I swear on my life, I'll do as you requested."

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk looked out of a window in the republican naval shuttle he was in. Hiigara, the planet that many killed and died for stood beautifully and proud, in it's orbit around a star.

Jalsk looked at the bundle of papers in his hand. One of the papers was a copy of his proposed, and granted operation order.

One line read: "Primary Objective 1: Gather data though research and interrogation."

He thought he should talk to the homeworld war veterans, because they were the only few survivors of the ordeal that the put on in the nebula.

He shifted through the papers, to stave a pang of bordem, and looked over a temporary jurisdiction grant he received form the Galactic Council.

According to that paper, he had the authority to gather all data, classified or otherwise, about the Kadeshi, examine the facts, and duplicate it on a data disk.

He looked to his shoulder, and saw two circles on his shoulders of his work uniform. He was still getting used to his field promotion.

"Acting Rear Admiral.", he said to himself, tiring to adjust to it. He knew it would be odd once he became a Commodore again.

Even though he was granted allot of authority, he had to go through customs.

As he realized his shuttle was docking, Jalsk put the papers within his uniform.

His shuttle docked at the Hiigaran Orbital Spaceport, and was scanned. When weapons were found in his bags, he handed a few papers to the security staff, and he had to wait a few minutes for authentication.

After it was authenticated and approved, he took his baggage, and got back on his shuttle, which was cleared for Hiigaran landing.

The Shuttle went through atmospheric reentry, which was no biggy for Jalsk, or anyone else on board. He glanced over at the Agents that were assigned to protect him. The Agents were highly trained professionals, and dedicated individuals, who dealt with this operation.

Jalsk decided he shouldn't reveal any of his intentions during interrogations. If the operation got out, the Hiigarains would be maddened, for they knew that the Kadeshi were their cousins, and wanted them to come home. This incursion could be considered a genocide.

Jalsk thought about making it a covert operation, but future activity in the nebula would hint something was happening. They would have to admit that, sooner or later, they would have killed off allot of the Kadeshi.

Instead of making it classified, Jalsk just decided to make it, "unmentionable," which is the unofficial version of classification.

But the Admirals from the Republican admiralty may leak out the facts, and start an outrage.

The Galaxy is too politically unstable as it is.

But Jalsk knew that the controversy would be worth it, because the Kadeshi were pirates, and they were pirates, and stole many lives, and terrorized many merchant ships; too many.

The Shuttle met the planetary spaceport, and after that, Jalsk and his accompanying agents stepped out of the shuttle, and walked out to the Hiigaran city.

Jalsk looked to his hand-held computer. On it, he had a list of people who were enrolled in the former Kharakain Navy during the Homeworld war. He searched through the list, and the first priority on the list was a former Colonial, and the former head of Kharakain Fleet Intelligence, "Jasor Kaalel."

The Computer contained a little information about each subject, and their residence.

Jalsk and the three agents took a temporarily leased to the Kaalel residence, and a time that there was a good chance he would be home.

Jalsk, knocked on door.

Jasor opened the door and looked amount the uniformed taiidans at his door.

"What do you want?", Jasor said, somewhat shocked but mostly angry.

"Sir," Jalsk said, with a tone of authority in his voice, "I am Acting Rear Admiral Jalsk of the Taiidan Republican Navy. I wish to ask you a few questions."

Jasor, annoyed, snapped, "You don't have the authority to do that."

Jalsk simply reached into his pocket, and took out the temporary jurisdiction paper from the Galactic Council.

Jasor skimmed over it, and mumbled a forced invitation for them to come into his house.

At that time, Jalsk saw a Hiigarain woman watched from the back of the house's lobby. She was not shocked, but a little confused, and looked at the taiidans in uniform. She looked at Jasor with a worried look on her face, and shook her head at Jasor.

Jalsk deiced to Ignore her.

"Sir," Jalsk said, "regulations dictates that interrogation should take place in a Republican embassy. Please come with us."

"Do you think I'm a criminal?" Jasor said defensively.

"Sir," Jalsk said, still in a professional tone, "we are just going to ask you a few questions. You may be free to go afterward."

She left, looking as if she hated Jalsk. Even though the Taiidan Republican - Hiigarain relations have improved over the years, Jalsk figured that some Hiigarains still hated the Taiidan.

Racism.

Jasor decided to comply, and looked back at the woman. The woman was worried about the Taiidans.

Jasor and the taiidans made it to the Republican embassy, and were led to a room for questioning.

Jasor sat down in one seat, Jalsk sat in another, and the Agents stood around them.

"Former Colonial Kaalel, the Taiidan Republican Armed Forces understands that you are ... sorry, were a member of the former Kharakain Fleet Intelligence. We understand that, from your data, the Kadeshi are a group of Paramilitary pirates, who force their religion on anyone who enters the great nebula. Now, in your own-"

"Why do you need to know this?", Jasor said.

"Sir," Jalsk replied, still remaining calm, "could you please comply with the questioning? What are your conclusions of the Kadeshi?"

Jasor thought for a few seconds and said, "I just think they are scared. They see the Nebula as a holy place, to seek refuge from the Empire. They had suffered, so they are frightened. In their religion, there was a great evil that drove them to the nebula. They were exiled by the Taiidan, so they probably thought of the empire as the evil."

Jalsk said, "Has it occurred to you that they have engaged merchant ships, and not as an act of self-defense?"

Jasor than said, "I'm not an idiot, Admiral. I know they did that. That was their resort to-"

"So you do know that they were preying on these ships, and were aggressive towards the Merchants. Do you think that would be a criminal act?"

Jasor struggled with the thought in his head for a few seconds, than agreed against his will.

"Now", Jalsk said, still in a professional tone, "did you happen to capture any vessels from the Kadeshi fleet?"

Jasor nodded his head.

"Where are they?", Jalsk asked.

Jasor grew a guilty look on his face.

"Answer the question", Jalsk said, "Where are they?!"

Jasor still didn't answer.

Jalsk got angry with him, "Would you rather be imprisoned? This is a matter of Republican security."

Jasor finally answered and said, "After we deafened the emperor, we let them hyperspace off, and I gave them a Destroyer and a Missile Destroyer."

Jalsk sighed, got up, and paced around the table.

"Jasor, do you know that you have boosted their military, so that they can now reverse engineer that technology, and can become a bigger threat to any poor bastard who wanders into the nebula?"

"Listen, Admiral, they were happy there. They wanted to be there, damn it, and I wasn't going to keep them as slaves, and keep their technology for all the clans to fight and destroy each other for."

Jalsk thought for a moment, and said, "If you thought that a war would happen over those damn frigates, why didn't you reverse engineer the technology for distribution?"

"Because the research vessel Illumination couldn't!"

Jalsk sat back down.

Jalsk finally calmed down, and said, "Well, thank you for being honest, at least. You're free to go."

Jasor angrily went out of the room, and left the Embassy.

An agent than said, "So, where are we going next?"

Jalsk said, "nowhere. I think we have all the information we need."

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk was riding his own shuttle around Hiigarain orbit. He was still having second thoughts about going through with his proposal. Before the landfall, the Taiidan Empire only went into the nebula a few times, and having only a few survivors. They feared the great nebula ever since.

Jalsk than considered the possibility that the Empire might go there, or worse, might already be there. But his fleet was ready for anything. He designed his proposed fleet list to battle a heavily fighter composed fleet, but also kill off capital ships as well.

He wanted to be diplomatic about the situation too, because many homeworld war veterans figured they were frightened, instead of evil.

All Jalsk wanted to do was neutralize them, by any means, not just by lethal force, but Jalsk wanted the Kadeshi to be neutralized, so the republic can harvest the Nebula.

He looked out the window to see a Hiigarain fleet, painted grey and white. A great ship was the center piece of the fleet, now modified as a construction yard, and an orbital command post.

It was just Jalsk in the passenger section of the shuttle.

The shuttle than faced it, but Jalsk observed the other ships to satisfy his semi-curisousity.

The shuttle was than cleared to proceed, and began docking with the mothership.

Jalsk was amazed as his shuttle moved into the huge, blue colored docking bay.

The shuttle than stopped it's engines, and was moved through a tube to a Corvette class vessel holding bay. A hallway connecting his to the rest of the ship latched onto his shuttle's hatch.

Jalsk opened the hatch, and was greeted by two members of Hiigarain security.

He gave his copys of his identification and temporary jurisdiction notice from the Galactic Council.

They were authenticated, and he was allowed to proceed. He was also given a temporary pass card to the Intelligence vault, and a sheet of paper with a temporary code to give the computer, for the information. Booth of those were put in his pocket.

He walked through the smooth corridors of the rather plush mothership, compared to Republican ship interiors.

He had gone through several hallways, and three dimensional elevators to reach the intelligence vault.

As he was trekking through the hallways, he saw a large, full scale model of a forgiven looking fighter. There was a sign in front of the model, saying "This model is in acknolwagement of our cousins, the Kadeshi, who, one day, may be Kushan again."

The consideration to stop the mission against the Kadeshi was sparked by the sign, but Jalsk knew that the Kadeshi were criminals.

The door that was marked "Fleet Intelligence Vault" in both Kharakian and Taiidan, was a large, strong airlock, that was sealed shut by electromagnets.

He slid his temporary pass card through where he was supposed to on the security console beside the door.

The door opened for him, and he found himself in an airlock.

The door behind him closed, and the air pressured was lowered marginally, and the air was chilled, slightly.

He found that breathing the chilly air was somewhat refreshing and relaxing. He crossed his arms to retain some of his escaping body heat.

After a minute, the second door opened, and he found himself in a chilly room with many heavily armored super computers, all making mechanical noises that filled the room.

He walked up to a console, and reached into his pocket, pulling out the piece of paper that had the code on it.

The screen on the console requested that a code be entered.

He copied the code from the piece of paper, to the screen by typing it in.

It took a few seconds to process, than a few files came up. Two of them were mission recordings from, "Kharakian Naval Intelligence", and the rest of them were data files about Kadeshi ships.

He had the console copy all the files the console gave him onto a data-disk.

He took the disk, and put it in his pocket, along with the piece of paper.

He exited the Air lock, and made his way towards the Corvette Hangar.

One thing Jalsk learned as a commissioned officer, and a Taiidan, is that no one should outstay their welcome.

The Hiigarains may suspect he would be a spy if he loiters, so he quickly made his way towards the hangar, through series of corridors and three dimensional elevators.

He made it to the Corvette hangars, was cleared through security, and made it to the shuttle.

Jalsk sat down on his seat, and was fatigued, so he closed his eyes, and relaxed.

-----------

He woke up to find the Shuttle docked again. He looked out the window, and saw a more familiar sight: the hangar of a Taiidan Carrier.

He got out of the shuttle, and walked through the corridors of the Corvette hangar.

He made his way to an auxiliary computer room, after a maze of industrial corridors. The corridors were not as plush as the Hiigarain ships, but at least they were familiar.

He looked about the auxiliary room, with a bunch of consoles packed into it. He chose a console at random, and sat down. He inserted the data disk he retrieved from the Hiigarain Mothership, and began searching through it.

He played the first mission data recording, and observed that the Mothership's sensors were scrambled at the time.

He had seen an edited version of the recording before, but only once. He did not record any accurate details. He was now dealing with the real deal.

Energy readings were extremely high in the nebula, making the recording hard to decipher. The conventional radar was activated, which had more accurate readings, but fluctuations were still displayed.

A disc-like ship was shown approaching the Hiigarain mothership. A single fighter was deployed from the alien vessel, and the Hiigarain Ambassador was deployed.

The Kadeshi refereed to their "garden" as a holy place. Jalsk was curious to why a nebula would be refereed to as a garden.

"Maybe they say it's a garden because stars grow in nebulea.", he said to himself, silently.

The history of their terminology would be interesting to Jalsk.

It seemed that the Kadeshi had a complete paramilitary regime. Possibly monarchist, but only possibly.

The Kadeshi tactics seemed to be "hit fast with lots quickly."

The fighters had the speed of scouts, and the armour and firepower of corvettes.

Jalsk than looked at the fact files of all the observed Kadeshi craft.

Only fighter class vessels were observed by Kharakian intelligence, and they were escorted by frigate class support vessels, who provided fuel and repairs to the Kadeshi fighters.

The only observed combat capital ships was a frigate capable of firing multiple Ion beams, and Mothership class attack carriers, with dual Ion cannons, and multiple anti-fighter batteries.

He searched through the few fact files, and the recordings for hours on end.

"These guys are criminals," Jalsk whispered to himself periodicly.

He felt very tired, and took out the data disk. He put it in his pocket, and leaned back in his chair. He than closed his eyes, relaxed, but was suddenly flooded with though.

He would be diplomatic if the Kadeshi wished to be as well, he decided. He would remember the rules of engagement.

But that Kadeshi were scared. They were frightened of a lengthily suppressed evil, and may join the Hiigarains one day.

But Jalsk was convincing himself that the Kadeshi were criminals.


Jalsk never suspected that one letter to an Admiral would spark off all this controversy. But Jalsk knew one thing for sure: this would be the spark of a huge slaughter, no matter what the justification.

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk stood off of the stage of a huge autitouium. He had compiled all data, and generated displays for this presentation. He was giving a speech to all the captial ship officers, and commanders of fighter wings that was going to make up his fleet. This included Ship Command Officers, Logistics Officers, Security Officers, Marine Officers and so on.

Jalsk had memorised his speech in advance for the presentation, but carried cue cards in his hand for a backup. In his other hand, he carried a remote control which was used to cycle the presentations, which he prepair, and rigorously edited. He had used alot of material from his letter to the admiral to propose this mission.

Jalsk had also created infromation handouts, detailing the specifics on the Kadeshi. He had them copied, and had Non-commisioned members to hand them out at the doors of the aditorium.

This was it. The Commidore on the stage was speaking. He was on a podiem, in the center of the stage.

"Would the room please rise for the entrance for Acting Rear Admiral Jalsk."

Jalsk felt very ready and confident about this speech.

He marched onto the stage, and to the podiem.

The commidore there stood at attention, waiting for Jalsk to complete his approch.

Jalsk stopped infront of the Commidore, and the Commidore spoke quietly to Jalsk.

"Good evening, sir, I am Commidore Bilas. The room is ready for the presentation. Premission to carry on?"

"Yes, Commidore.", Jalsk replied.

Bilas stood at the side of the podem, and Jalsk stood infront of the audience. There was a very large amount of people in the audience, and the seats were elivated steeply.

Jalsk was calm, and ready for this. He just had to follow the drill book and his notes.

"You may be seated." he said into the microphone, which amplifed his voice.

The room was seated, and quiet, awaiting Jalsk to speak.

"Good evening," he began, "now before I begin, I will ask you to refer to the info packages that were handed out. Please take notes on anything that may be worth taking note of. If you did not reieve a hand out, you should have someone sitting next to you share it with you.

"And now, Officers, you have been called here to form a taskforce for this mission."

A large screen came down behind him, and he pressed a button, to put on the first picture, which was a graph showing Republican fleet statistics.

"After the near-genocidal Beast Wars, Republican Acconomies and resource banks have been heavily effected. Our fleet resources have been drained 64% after the beast war.

"Whilst our enemy, the para military imperialist factions, have been crippled, and some imperialist ships have surrundered, they are still displayed an active threat. Military activity has taxed this galaxy greatly in the form of resources."

The next picture was a picture detailing the galatic resource depostits.

"Resources are going to be in demand for a least the next ten years, if not more. The Taiidan Repbulican Navy will have to utilitse all resources availible, and secure more.

"The Imperialists and the Turanic Raiders have gone into a phase of build up, and are retreating to the outer parts of the galaxy. We should do the same, and push forward at the same time."

"I have deicided that we should mobiles forces here," the screen shown a galatic map, and pointed at the great nebula.

"This nebula has been the home of a para military force who have been labeled, 'The Kadeshi.'

"This nebula is primarily a birthplace for stars, but the condensing matter in the nebula can also serve as harvestable resources. The nebula is very high in energy levels, which creats electro-magnetic disturbances. The craft you are being assigned to will be upgraded with heavily shielded computer systems, and sensors with lowered sensitivity, which will reduce interfearance signifigently, but produce less detailed read outs than usual. These vessels will be serve as prototypes for nebula missions.

'These are a speices of evovled Kushan who are physically weak, but militarily strong. To this day, it remains a mystery about how they develouped a fleet.

"Like the Hiigarains were, they were exiled by the Taiidan Empire about three thousand years ago. They have a reilgion that revolves around the Nebula. They see the Nebula as a holy place, because they beileve that the nebula had sheilded them from a 'Great Evil', who is most probably the Taiidan Empire.

"We are primarily not on a mission of war, but we will strike if provoked. If diplomacy works, we will discuss with the Kadeshi about allience, and have them come with us, to help destory the Taiidan. If, most likely, they refuse, we will have to eliminate them, and secure the nebula.

"The tactical docterine the Kadeshi use is what I call 'Speed Attrition Warfare.' What they do is they have lots of fighters of high speed and firepower to strike a targate, than they will move back, than repeat the process of attacking. This docterine is being used because the Kadeshi fighters," a picture came up of a Kadeshi fighter, with statistics included, "have high speed, high firepower, high armour, but low fuel capacity. This docterine can be overcome because of the one flaw with the fuel. To compensate for this, the Kadeshi Para Military Forces put frigate class support vessels close to the front lines for the quick refeuling of Kadeshi strike craft." A picture is shown of a Kadeshi Fuel Pod.

"Now, our docterine of Manouver Warfare can easily overcome this by targating weak spots in the enemy, and taking advantage of them. The Kadeshi fighters should be caught in a gravety well, and be swept up by Missle Destroyers. The feul pods should be a pirority to all Ion Cannon Frigates. If we take advantage of these attributes with our supirour doctrine of Manouver Warfare, their doctrine of Speed Attrition Warfare will be used against them.

"The only combat captial ships have been noted by Kharakain Naval Intelligence are the 'Multi Beam Frigate', a fragile but powerful frigate that can destroy a capitalship in minutes, if unmolested. This ship has four Ion beams, possibly upgraded with more beams, or other weapons. An attack in consert by the four destroyers we have will quickly destroy these Frigates. The only other combat vessel spotted by Kharakain Naval Intel was the 'Needleships', which are motership class attack carriers. These vessels can do the things on of our normal carriers can do: Build, repair, and internally transport ships, as well as acting as a mobile command post. They are loaded with Anti-fighter battieres along the hull, so fighter commanders, be prepaired. They may have been upgraded with plasma cannons.

"On the topic of upgrades, the Kadeshi were given access to a Destroyer and Missle Destroyer after the Homeworld War, secretly, by Hiigarain commanders. Those vessels were probably reverse engineered buy the Kadeshi, so please remain alert to any possible threats. The Kadeshi military may have made unknowen advancements, so on the feild, please keep your eyes open to any possible threats, in any form the Kadeshi have develouped. Record any new discoveries, and report them to the intelligence corps as soon as possible. When in doubt, keep with your mission orders, and the drill manual."

Any questions?"

A man came down, who was an engineering officer on one of the Gravwell ships that was to be in Jalsk's fleet.

The Engineering officer asked, "Sir, if these fighters are capible of such high speeds, wouldn't the Gravwells have little effect?"

Jalsk answered, "I have explored this question myself, and I have found that the fighters would be effected because the engines, although fast, are not powerful. To try and fight the gravety with a gravwell active would heavily tax their already limited fuel supply, so by the time they start moving, they probably would have already ran out of feul."

A Command officer aboard a frigate came down, and asked, "Sir, how would we contain the Kadeshi, or shield from any possible threats during the incursion?"

Jalsk remeberd what he had forgot to point out.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, thank you for asking this question, buy the way, Commander; is that forces have been deployied around the Sea of Lost Souls. They are supplying backup and resuply. And don't worry about the 'Ghost Ship'; it's control feild has been nutrilised for years. If it hasn't been nutrilised, it will be because of the forces that should be there right about now."

After that, no more questions were asked. He conclued his speech, and formally marched off. Backstage, he sighed of relief, for the presentation was over. He began to wonder about holes in his plan. He had made backup plans, and contingency plans, but he wasn't too sure about the whole mission.

As every day had passed, he felt more and more sure that this mission was a good thing. That the Kadeshi were criminals, and if they weren't willing to surrunder, they should, and would get their asses kicked.

But as sure as Jalsk was, that still ment that there wasn't uncertainties in his mind.

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk stood in an Airlock, equalizing air pressure with the carrier he was going to board. The airlock was crowded with officers, and although they did not complain, the certainly looked uncomfortable.

The other door to the airlock had opened, and the officers, including Jalsk, almost burst out of there, and quickly started towards their stations. They knew that not a second was to be wasted.

The Carrier was recently , every atom of air sucked from the ship, and than the ship was sprayed with a sanitary foam, which destroyed dust, bacteria and viruses. The foam than dissolved, and the Carrier was pressurized with pure oxygen.

The oxygen was so pure to Jalsk, because it didn't have any trace of carbon dioxide in it.

The coveralls the crew wore and the combat suits the marines wore were completely sanitized. Everything was cleaned to perfection.

The entire ship had every little problem fixed, every chip in the hull paint repaired. It had been renovated to the status of brand new. And, if it not for the records, this ship would be brand new in everyone's eyes.

Everything on the Carrier was in perfect condition.

The Crew were rushing to their stations, Officers first, than Petty Officers, than Sailors.

As Jalsk was looking about the corridors of the Carrier, he glanced at the rank insignia on the shoulder of his blue coveralls. Two silver circles, indicating the fact that he was a rear admiral. He realized he had gotten used to his field promotion. He figured it would be difficult once he was demoted. All the re adjusting to do.

Not a second was wasted in the operation of starting up the ship.

Jalsk made it to the Bridge of the ship, and he saw his Executive Officer, Commodore Bilas.

The Commodore Saluted Jalsk, and Jalsk returned the salute.

"Sir," Bilas said, "I am XO Bilas. You may remember me from your speech a few nights ago."

"That I do, Commodore, that I do," Jalsk said.

Jalsk than got to work by going through the layers of security at his console.

Tactical and Ship Command officers soon came into the Bridge, and sat down at their stations. They quickly started their consoles, and went through the layers of security passwords and checks.

The ensign, Lieutenant Wesn, came the the bridge, and started up his station.

After an hour, everything was readied.

Jalsk had confidence in his subordinants, and his ship. His vessel had emergency ship protocols, emergency systems, coolant systems, containment systems, fail safes, force reactive armored, the works.

He was completely confident that this mission would flow smoothly.

"Sir," Ensign Wesn said, "All stations have reported in."

"Good," Jalsk said, "Have the Star Base open the bay doors."

"Aye, sir.", Wesn said.

The Bridge crew watched in awe as the huge doors opened in front of the Carrier. An infinite void of the darkest night known to anything opened itself, and was cast on the Carrier.

"Start, get this ship started, Ensign," Jalsk ordered.

The ship gently shook, than roared to life. Jalsk had a little tension grow and fester inside himself. The awesome power of the ship's engine started up, and was pushing itself forward.

"Release in ten seconds, sir.", Ensign Wesn said.

The great clamps that were holding back the gigantic beast of a craft let go, and the awesome force that the carrier was exerting thrust the colossal ship forward.

When a ship was launched, any non-busy crew member was struck by awe.

The ship finally cleared itself of the Star base.

The Command deck than suddenly filled up with activity.

The ship was soon joining a formation with other Republican vessels, which was an impressive attack force.

All the ships that accompanied the Carrier for it's mission into the Nebula reported in, and claimed they were ready for orders.

The full compliment of the ships had been launched and joined the formation, claiming they were ready for duty.

"Ensign,"Jalsk said, "all the stations on board to perform a roll call, and have them report the results to my console."

"Aye," Wesn said.

Jalsk took on the task of telling all the ships under his command to preform roll calls, and make sure everyone was at their stations.

After an hour, all ships reported in with everyone at their stations, including his Carrier.

Everything was checked and secured. Everything on all the ships was at optimal performance.

The fleet was ready.

Jalsk tuned into the frequency that his fleet was using.

"Attention fleet, this is Force Commander Jalsk. Set hyper drive course to the Sea of Lost Souls."

The Ensign was busy taking replies form the fleet after Jalsk's announcement. After a few minutes, Wesn said, "Sir, all ships have hyperspace co-ordinants locked in. They're ready for hyperspace. Our internal pressure doors are sealed."

"Engage hyper drive," Jalsk said.

All the ships uniformly started hyper drive up, and Quantum wave forms formed in front of each ship.

Jalsk saw the wave form move towards the carrier. The wave form came to the bridge, and all Jalsk could see was the color blue for a moment, even if he did shut his eyes, but than he opened his eyes, and saw his bridge again, and the crew on board it. The only difference he saw with the bridge is that outside was completely dark. It was exactly like space, blindingly dark, but there were no stars, no far away phenomena. Just blackness.

All strike craft crews were in a facility with recreation, food services, a sick bay, and a few detachments for Marines. That facility was blocked off from the rest of the ship by the pressure doors, and very close to the hangars. This facility was placed, so if they had been pulled out of hyperspace by an enemy, the strike craft crews could easily get to their stations, and be easily deployed.

[Ben Tusi]

The huge nebula, a great, glowing cloud of spent hydrogen, casts it's glow for many light years.

'Alright, keep them peeled, boys.'

'Roger that, control.'

'Update, found anything yet?'

'Negative, over.'

'Negative, command.'

'Deploying Sensors Array. Stay tight people.'

The Carrier group under Jalsk's command sails through the Great Nebula, scouting out the religion.

'Sensors Array deployed. Up loading data.'


Jalsk paced around the bridge, hearing the radio chatter that is flooding the bridge.

'No contacts yet.'

Jalsk paused than asked, "Do you have anything other than interference?"

"No, sir", a sensors officer said.


Jalsk was under a lot of pressure. This scouting mission created allot of tension. He didn't know what would happen, or what he would run into.

But he knew that his Maneuver tactics were better than the Kadeshi's doctrine. He was constantly reminding himself that diplomacy was a priority in this mission, and that he shouldn't get too trigger happy.

He had to keep calm, he had to not spark an attack at first contact. He had to keep with the rules of engagement.

He was a worker for the Republican Government, but also a warrior. He was an ambassador for the Republic, because he was a worker for it's Government. Fighters are Ambassadors. Everything they do reflects their government. The ambassadors carry the message for the government. The message of death.

Jalsk though that was quite Ironic, being an ambassador.

"Contact, no recognition codes!", a sensors officer on the bridge yelled, snapping Jalsk's train of thought. Jalsk manned his station, and put on his headphones.

"Sir, we've got an incoming contact!", Ensign Wesn said, "An Ion Cannon Frigate has visual conformation. It's Kadeshi."

Jalsk quickly activated the communications controls of his console. He contacted his ships, telling them to maintain their positions.

Jalsk decided to take a diplomatic aproch, to please the rules of enguagment. He than opened all communications frequency, and hailed a message. This was it, he had to word himself correctly, in order to achieve his goal.

"Attention Kadeshi vessel. This is Rear Admiral Jalsk of the Taiidan Republican Naval Vessel 'Superior.'"

The Kadeshi mothership stopped moving, and launched a single swarmer.

The swarmer flew towards the Republican Carrier, and came to a complete stop.

"Sir," Wesn said, "We're receiving a hail from the Kadeshi fighter."

"Let me hear it," Jalsk said.

"This is ... the Garden of Kadesh," The hail from the Kadeshi Swarmer said, "We have been it's protectors for over thirteen generations. If you have come to join our ... religion ... you are welcome, and you will live peacefully ... with us. If you refuse, you will be punished for ... trespassing on this holy place, and we will ... exterminate you. What is your intention here?"

Jalsk responded with, "We understand that you have been driven to this place by a great evil. We wish to suppress this evil and destroy it."

"How do you know of this evil?!", the Kadeshi Ambassador relied, startled.

Jalsk though of his answer and replied, "We have made contact with the evil, and battled it."

"How may we punish this evil for it's crimes of ... exile?"

"This will involve the exit of the Nebula, but we will lead you to it, and you may help us destroy it."

Jalsk hoped that answer would work.

"You lie", the Kadeshi Ambassador said, to Jalsk's shock, "you are attempting to drag us out of this, holy place, and destroy us. We wish not to risk our existence with your scheme of deception. Nothing may leave the Garden. You have insulted Kadesh, and you will be punished."

Jalsk tore off his headphones, and cursed.

"Shit", Jalsk snapped, "Kill them all! They're attacking! Get the Gravwell up."

"Aye, sir" Wesn said.

'All ships, Kadeshi are deemed hostile. Follow battle procedures.'

Jalsk had a horrible fealing this would happen.

The single ambassador swarmer flew back to the mothership, and a squadron of swarmers were released from the Kadeshi Needleship.

Three Fuel Pods were released from the Needleship, and followed the swarms.

The Republicans activated their gravwells, and that trapped the swarmers, and reported the activation of their gravity well. The Missile Destroyers took their positions beside the Gravety Well Generators.

The squadron of swarmers rushed towards the Gravwell, and had stopped dead in their tracks. A few swarmers turned back after witnessing the new phenomenon of the Gravety Well, and retreated, and regrouped around the fuel pods.

The Missile destroyers released a lethal volley of missiles towards the swarmers, and eradicated the helpless squadron with blood chilling ease.

Out of hyperspace came two Kadeshi Destroyers, which had Five Ion Cannon turrets, and four mass driver turrets.

Ion Cannon Frigates and Destroyers grouped together, and went off to destroy the two Kadeshi Destroyers. They were followed by a squadron of Repair Corvettes.

The pair of Cruisers in the fleet stayed by the Carrier in the case of an emergency.

The remnants of the first wave of swarmers tore after the Destroyers, and the Feul Pods straggled behind them.

The Gravwells were shut off, and the Gravwells followed the Missile Destroyers to the advance of the ICFs and Destroyers.

The few swarmers focused their fire on an ICF, and chipped small fragments off of the Frigate's hull. Tracking plasma shots from the Destroyers thinned out the numbers of the swarmer squadron.

The Kadeshi Needleship released more swarmers, which made their way to the advance of the Republican ICFs and Destroyers. The Swarmers evaded the the Missile Destroyers, and weaved through the lumbering fleet of capital ships. A few uncareful Swarmer pilots fell victim to guided missiles. The Gravwells were reactivated, and they trapped a few Swarmers. Any unfortunate traps made by the Gravwell Generator

"Get a Gravwell over to the Needleship," Jalsk ordered, "I don't want the fucking Needleship escaping."

A Gravwell Generator, escorted by three Assault Frigates, made it's way towards the Needleship.

The Destroyers and ICFs came in weapons range with the Kadeshi Destroyers, and vice versa.

The Republic made a concentrated attack one one Kadeshi Destroyer, whilst the Kadeshi fired on any ships they could.

The Swarmers were being tracked and killed, and the Swarmers decided to regroup, and attack the Assault Frigates with the Gravwell.

A few Republican ICFs had taken moderate damage, and a few Repair Corvettes were sent to acknowlage their request for damage support. A nano technological beam was fired out for the Repair Corvettes, and that made repairs on the damaged Frigates.

The first Kadeshi Destroyer was destroyed, and the second one started to move towards the Needleship, while taking a few harassment shots at it's persuers. The pursuing Republican Fleet was firing at the Destroyer as it fled.

The Assault Frigates accompanied the Gravwell on it's journey. As soon as the swarmers reached them, the Gravwell was activated, and the Assault Frigates finished off the swarmers. The Gravwell than reached a close enough distance to deform a quantum wave form that the Needleship would make.

The Needleship released a pair of Multi-Beam frigates, which began it's advance on the Gravwell coupled with the Assault Frigates.

But luckily for them, the Fleet pursuing the second Kadeshi Destroyer had came to a close distance to the Needleship. The Destroyer had taken a considerable amount of damage. As the Destroyer turned around to fire on the Republicans, it exploded.

That fleet than moved within firing distance of the Kadeshi Needleship. The Gravwells were activated, and the ICF's and Destroyers fired at the Multi-Beam Frigates that were damaging the Gravwell coupled
with the Assault Frigates.

Gravwell had taken a considerable amount of damage from the concentrated fire of the Multi-Beam Frigates. It had exploded soon after the Republican ICFs and Destroyers began to attack the Multi-Beam Frigates. The Kadeshi Frigates began to position themselves to attack the Destroyers. All the combat ships near the Needleship concentrated their fire at the Kadeshi Frigates, one at a time.

The Gravwell Generators, escorted by Repair Corvettes, took their positions at the sides of the Needleship.

The Needleship opened fire on the Gravwells. Luckily for the Republicans, the Needleship still had mass driver AA turrets, and not plasma turrets. The Kadeshi had not yet reverse engineered the Plasma Cannon technology.

The Multi-Beam frigates had done much damage to the Republicans, that an Ion Cannon Frigate would have to be retired.

As the last Multi-Beam Frigate was the only one left, it made its way to a collision course with one of the Gravwell Generators. It limped along to Kamikaze, and the Republican ships were desperate to destroy it.

The Frigate rammed the Gravwell, putting a large dent in it's hull, and caused a plasma leak in the dent. As the Frigate was propelled backwards, and was about to ram the Gravwell again, it exploded.

Repair Corvettes attempted to evade fire, while repairing the dent and leak on the Gravwell.

The Combat ships took positions by the Gravwells, to protect themselves for swarms, and opened fire on the Needleship.

The Needleship released only a pair of Advanced Swarmers, which flew towards the two attacking Capital ships.

It was caught in the Gravwell, but Ignored by the Frigates.

"I want a sample", Jalsk ordered, "Have a fighter salvaged and returned. Have crews interrogate the pilot."

Wesn acknowlaged his Commanding Officer's orders.

A Salvage Corvette was launched, and it salvaged the one of the Advanced Swarmers. The Swarmer was brought to a specimen holding bay, and the Salvage Corvette was than taken back to the Corvette Hangar.

The Needleship released four Multi-Beam Frigates, pairing off and firing on the groups of either side.

Another Ion Cannon Frigate received enough damage to be issued a retirement order.

The ICF quietly slipped itself away from the battle, and approached the Carrier. It was ignored by the Multi-Beam Frigates, but not by the Needleship. The Massive Needleship turned it's engines on, and maneuvered itself to ram the Frigate. It's massive Ion Cannons raked the ship, making it shake violently. The crew knew it did not have long to survive. The Commander, bracing himself for his end, squeezed his eyes and preying to Sujuuk for a merciful, painless death. When he had realized that he was still alive for more than ten seconds, he realized that something went wrong with the enemy. He realized the Needleship was destroyed. The crew was happy to be alive, and cheered.

A brilliant, blinding flash of light filled up the area of the Nebula for a brief moment, and dissipated. A few scraps of wreckage floated where the Needleship once was.

'Target destroyed, entering holding pattern.'

"Oh thank Sujuuk", Jalsk murmured.

He returned to his console, and put on his headphones.

"Attention all ships," Jalsk said, "Return to formation, and get ready for a hyperspace jump to the Sea of Lost Souls."

The Gravwell Generators and the damaged Frigate were retired to the Carrier, and the one of the Destroyers was to be serviced by a flight of Repair Corvettes for major damage to the armour.

A few Repair Corvettes docked with the Carrier for damage out in the field.

"Sir" Wesn said, "There's still a frigate lingering in space, identified as a Kadeshi Support Frigate."

"Lieutenant," Jalsk started, "can our specimen bay hold a frigate?"

"Right now, yes, sir.", Wesn replied.

"Salvage it", Jalsk ordered, "and prepare the Marine unit that boards captured frigates."

Two Salvage corvettes were deployed from the Carrier, and they captured the Fuel Pod. They brought it back into the specimen bay, and a Marine unit swiftly stormed the frigate, only killing a few who were bestowing violence towards them. The Marines suffered only two casualties.

The Kadeshi Crew Aboard the Frigate was confined to the ship. The Frigate was declaimed Salvaged Property of the Taiidan Republican Military, and all the paperwork was filled out for the frigate to achieve it's status.

Marines rounded up the crew of the frigate, and confined them into a selected few rooms on the Carrier.

"Shit", Wesn burst out, "we have exiting hyperspace signatures in a few places around the zone."

"Get our force to the Sea of Lost Souls, now", Jalsk ordered, with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Jalsk's fleet jumped into hyperspace, on a course to the Sea of Lost Souls.

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk stood in the observation room of the specimine holding bay.

A group of Marines walked out, surrounding what they discovered to be the Fuel Pod's commander.

The Kadeshi were tall, deep chested, and had legs and arms that were alot more fragile and thinner than the Taiidan's.

The Kadeshi Officer was escorted to an interogation room, where a Republican Officer would interogate him.

Jalsk looked at the colosal Frigate, and it's sleek, smooth design. It's white color scheme made it camoflauged with the bright Nebula. Jalsk figured that if their ships were camoflauged, and there was sensor interfearance caused by the nebula, it would be hell to track the fighters and successfully targate them.

This race was smart, and Jalsk should never underestimate his enemy.

He than looked at the captured swarmer. It looked exactly like the Model that he encountered at the Hiigarain Orbital Command Center. He vuagly remebered the sign that was right infront of the model as well.

"This model is to acknowlage our cusans, The Kadeshi, who may, one day, be Kushan again", Jalsk wispered to himself under his breath.

His guilt was festering and growing inside him. He was not going to stand there, looking at the craft and let his guilt get the best of him.

Jalsk walked out of the observation room, and down the hallway to the bridge. He had been in hyperspace for three days, now. It would be a matter of hours before he came to the Sea of Lost Souls. Emersed in though he walked down the hallway.

Suddenly, the only thing he saw was the color blue, he felt as if he was being thrown, which starteled him greatly.

-------------

The Ion Cannon Frigate "Victory" had come under a suprise. The ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Bislo, only saw the color blue for three seconds, and was hurreled to the wall of his Quarters.

He had the air knocked out of him for a few seconds, than felt an ache in his back, and a difficutly in breathing.

He opened his eyes and saw that he was back in his quarters, and that the lights were out. He heard scilence. That was a bad thing, because scilence ment the engine was offline.

All doors on the Frigate were closed and sealed. It was an emergency containment procedure, because with the power out, there was no emergency systems to put out fires and such. All the failsafes and coolant systems were down. All the crew could do was be contained and hope for the best.

He suddenly heard the backup generators power up, and red lights activated.

The ship's automated annoucnment system suddenly said, "Emergency. Hyperdrive malfunction. Safty interupt engaged. Returning to Normal Space."

Bislo suddenly saw the color blue everywhere again. They were in normal space again.

"All crew to stations." the anouncement system said.

The doors were opened again, and the alarms sounded.

Bislo ran throught the decks towards the bridge. The whole crew was rushing to their stations, knowing little of what happened.

Bilso reached the bridge, to see the bridge crew working franticly.

"What the hell is going on here?" Bislo ordered.

"Sir", his ensign said, "There's an Inhibitor feild around here. We must have passed through it."

"Any fleet assets in the area?" He asked franticly.

"Negitive, sir. We're on our own."

Bislo sat down at his station, and put on his headphones. He ordered any hails he receives should be relayed to his station at once.

He suddenly heard, "We are the children of Kadesh. You have entered our holy place, and we give you a chance to join us. If you refuse, your ship will be destroyed."


"Shit," Bislo cursed, as he tore of his headphones, and burried his hands in his face.

Commadner Bislo was furious. He couldn't fight. He would get torn apart. He didn't want to risk the life of his crew, and but he didn't want to surrunder. He had no choice, he had to surrunder if he wanted to live.

"Lieutenant Commander," Bislo said, addressing his first mate, "We're at a code blue situation. Do we surrunder or not?"

"Bastards," his first mate growled, "we either surrunder or die. We loose either way, so we'll go by your command, sir."

Bislo picked up the headphones, and opened communications to the Kadeshi.

"Kadeshi Vessle," Bislo began, "This is Commander Bislo of the Taiidan Republican Ion Cannon Firgate 'Victory.' We surrunder and accept your offer."

All of the bridge crew were shocked at their CO's words. They understood, but were afriad. This was the lesser of the two possible hells.

He than patched his console into the announcment system.

"All personell" he said, "we have been dragged out of hyperspace by a Kadeshi hyperspace inhibitor. There are no fleet assets and we are outnumbered and outgunned. We have surrundered to the Kadeshi, and we shall follow their demands. We have now put ourselves under thier jurisdictions, and will follow thier orders. I am sorry, but this is the only way we can survive. If we fought, it would be in vain and would go against the rules of engagment."

A frigate was dispatched from the Needleship that was high above the ICF, and it moved towards the ICF.

Bislo made his way to an airlock, and stood infront of everyone else in the lineup. He would submit himself as the commanding officer, and would represent the entire crew of his vessle, because he was the only crewmember who was fluent in Galatic Trade tounge.

The Kadeshi Frigate latched onto the ICF, and dragged it back to towards the Needleship.

The Needleship than used it's tractor beam to pull the ICF into it's Frigate Holding bay.

It was successfully salvaged, and the Airlocks were opened by the bridge crew. They made sure that the pressure was equalised with both the Frigate and the Needleship.

Bislo saw both doors in the airlock open, and a Kadeshi dressed in very flashy and majestic clothing, detailed with bright colors.

"I am Commander Bislo," Bislo said in the trade tounge, "I am the only one who speaks this language on my vessle. You may hold my crew, but I will be the only one you should interogate."

A Kadeshi standing beside the one with the majestic clothing spoke in the trade touge, and said, "I will acknowlage that, and will be told to the priest, who stands beside me."

The voices of the Kadeshi were very deep, and that would probably have to do with thier extremely large lungs.

He was escorted by Kadeshi Marines, the Priest and his interpereter, to an interogation room.

Bislo was positioned below an alter, where he was force to go on his knees. The interpreter took position beside him, and the Priest stood at the altar.

The Preist said something, and his interperter said, "He askes what you buiessness here is."

Bilso noticed a few similarities with his language and thiers.

Bilso looked toward the enterpereter, and said "I am commanding a combat vessle, that is ment to escort a command vessle in my armed force."

The interperetor said something to the preist, and the preist said something back to the interpertor.

"He asks what your force's goal here is", said the interperter.

Bislo sighed, than said, "To make diplomatic contact with your race, and to educatate you about the evil that drove you here, and to form an allience with you and against the evil. We know this evil."

The Interpertor interpreted, and the Priest relayed another question through trough the interperetor.

"Why should you be trusted?"

"Because we have proof. You may send a reconancence vessle with us, and we may prove ourselves."

The translation was relayed, and another question was asked.

"How can you prove that this evil you are fighting is the one that drove us here?"

"We have historical evidence, and we have high-ranking prisionors of war from the evil's side."

The translation was relayed, and the Priest said nothing more, and walked off. The interpertor followed him.

Bilso was fed Kadeshi food, still kneeling infront of the altar. The food had a very odd taste to it, from a Taiidani standpoint, but he did not complain.

He wondered why he wasn't questioned about his ship or his forces. Only about his objectives, and intentions.

He was not sure if that was a good thing, or a bad thing.

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk's Fleet exited hyperspace in the Sea of Lost Souls, below a large formation of Taiidan Republican Ships.

Two hyperspace gates opened, and plasma and debris shot out of them, closing afterward.

"Ensign" Jalsk called, "Fleet report."

"Sir," Wesn responded, "We've got one ICF destroyed, one Assault Frigate Destroyed, and one ICF ... Missing. It seemed to have exited hyperspace when ours were interfered with."

"Right", Jalsk said, "Get me open comms. with the forces here."

"Aye aye", Wesn responded reflexively.

Jalsk received communications to the fleet.

"Attention Reenforcements," Jalsk said, "I need two Carrier groups ASAP. We have a missing frigate, and wish to initiate in an SAR."

"Sir," Wesn said, "I have the approximate location of where the ship was left behind."

"Rear Admiral Jalsk," the radio said, "We respond, and await for Hyperspace co-ordinants."

"Upload the co-ordinants to the fleet,"

Wesn hastily up loaded the co-ordinants to all of the Republican ships.

Shortly after that was done, they responded.

"Co-ordinants received."

"Initiate emergency hyperspace!" Jalsk ordered.

The Hyperspace was initiated, and Jalsk's ship was put through hyperspace, to the co-ordinants.

------------

A large fleet of Republican vessels came out of Hyperspace in the general location of where the Victory Ion Cannon Frigate surrendered. A single Needleship was floating there.

"Sir" Wesn said, "We're getting a garbled signal form the Needleship. I Recommend we send out a probe."

"No, I say we talk," Jalsk said, "than we follow the ROE."

"Aye, sir. I'll record and I'll have science examine the signal."

Jalsk sat at his station, and prepare to speak, until he was interrupted.

"Sir," Wesn said, "The Needleship has just let down it's Inhibitor field, and is Hyper spacing."

Jalsk angrily slid off his headphones, than buried his face in his hands. He than looked up, and put his chin in his hands.

"Great" Jalsk said, "Not only do I have about 200 missing personell reports to fill out, now all of our tactics and secrets can be told to the Kadeshi."

Jalsk stared out of the bridge's window, off into the nebula, hopelessly.

Purely hopelessly.

The Bridge door opened. A junior security officer stood there, and entered the bridge.

"Sir," he began, "We've got some good news form our P.O.Ws."

Jalsk looked at the Officer.

"Yes?" Jalsk said, anticipating the news.

"Well, he gave us a lead on the main Kadeshi base, located deep within the nebula."

"Hmm. Stay right there. I have a plan."

Jalsk went to his console, and opened communications with the two other carriers.

"Commanding Officers of the Carriers," Jalsk said in a message, "I have a plan, and wish to discuss it with you in a private meeting on board my Carrier. Please do this by boarding my carrier, and you will be escorted to a meeting room."

-----------------------------

"So, what's this meeting all about, Jalsk?", Rear Admiral Fronge asked.

"Well," Jalsk answered, "we have gained some intelligence data from one of the P.O.Ws we have on board. Lieutenant..."

"Sir," the security officer called. He stepped in front of the table with the three admirals.

"Dear sirs, If this intelligence data is correct, it will lead us to a small planetoid, used by the Kadeshi as a military base, and a massive construction yard. Removal of this base will result in a .... compromise of the Kadeshi forces, and will allow the Taiidan Republic to gain the upper hand, and secure the Nebula."

"Right," Jalsk said, standing up as he spoke, "and I have formulated an attack plan on this planetoid. My Group shall move ahead, and preform a recon mission on the area. After gaining intelligence data, it shall be relayed to you, and you will be given hyperspace co-ordinants. We will surround the Planetoid from different vectors, and making the forces have to spread out. Once we break through the defences, we will destroy the planetoid, and clean out the area of hostiles."

"What about enemy reenforcements?", one admiral argued.

"I'm sure it would already be too late once the enemy finds out we're attacking," Jalsk answered.

"Where would we fall out too?" Fronge asked.

"The Sea of Lost Souls," Jalsk answered.

"So, where should we wait?", Fronge asked.

"The Sea of Lost Souls", Jalsk answered.

"We'll conduct the recon," Jalsk said, "we'll have the data gathered and co-ordinants sent ASAP."

[Ben Tusi]

"Probe deployed, sir", Wesn reported.

The shot out of the carrier, than the engines had stopped. The force of the thrust was pushing it. The probe came towards a large dust "wall", and the reverse thrust engaged, firing out a little burst that made the probe slow down. It passed through the "wall" of space dust, and came to a quick halt.

The wall was rather large, and blocked Jalsk's fleet from the view of the Kadeshi, and any possible sensor sweeps.

All the ships were running on minimal power. Only life support, medical and maintenance systems were on line onboard the ships. The Carrier had tactical systems online as well, as well as a few other data systems. Jalsk ordered this to maximize the stealth of an otherwise huge fleet. They would not attack until the other two groups arrived.

"Probe in position", Wesn reported.

"Great," Jalsk said, "Get the video and passive sensor feed on that probe online."

"Aye", Wesn responded, before performing his task.

Jalsk looked at his console. The picture was somewhat distorted, due to the interference of the wall of space dust. The video feed was a picture of a large, white, sphere in the distance. Kadeshi combat ships could be noted in around the Spheres, but their numbers weren't considerably high.

"I don't think they suspect a thing," Jalsk said to the three tactical officers in the bridge.

"Why do you think that, sir?" one of the Tactical Officers asked, out of genuine curiosity.

"Because they are moving about lazily," Jalsk began, "and they don't have too many ships there, for a defence fleet for a target like that."

The tactical officers humbly agreed.

"Alright," Jalsk said, "A mission objective for the time being is to perform recon, and survey the target from any readouts we get."

The three tactical officers obeyed, and began to work at their stations.

"For the rest of us," Jalsk said, to no-one in particular, "we sit around, and wait to receive two encrypted pings from each fleet.

Jalsk than sat at his station, put on his headset, and sat back in his chair.

He began to doze off, when two "ping" like sounds were presented on his headset.

It startled him, a little.

A few minutes later, he heard two more pings.

"Alright, Showtime!" Jalsk announced.

He opened communications with his battle group, and the entire Carrier.

"Attention, this is Rear Admiral Jalsk. The fleets are here, so power up your vessel, and move to the Planetoid at full thrust. Jalsk out."

All the ships quickly rose to life, and the engines turned on. The Fleet quickly arranged itself in an offensive formation.

Defence Feild Frigates were set up in strategic positions around the fleet, and Missile Destroyer and Gravity Well generators flew close together.

Radio channels began filling up with chatter:

"Keep 'em peeled, stay in formation."

"Fighter Squad 234 deployed."

"Scout squad deployed, we're heading out."

"Hostiles approaching."

A huge Needle ship was approaching Jalsk's fleet. A trio of Kadeshi Destroyers, two pairs of Multi-Beam Frigates, and a new foe, a Kadeshi Missile Destroyer, with six missile launchers, and a projectile cannon escorted it.

"Enemy group approaching, requesting orders," a voice from a radio said.

Jalsk said, "Exterminate flagged hostile fleet", into the radio.

"Sir," Wesn said, "We're receiving a hail from the mother ship class vessel in the enemy fleet."

"Cancel previous order" Jalsk franticly yelled, once he learned of the hail coming from the Kadeshi ship, "hold position, and hold your fire."

All the ships in Jalsk's formation halted.

"This is a valued part of our … sacred place, The Gardens of Kadesh", the Kadeshi Ambassador said, "We value the Great Temple of our garden. The Great temple is the sphere you see before you, and we wish to defend. It has … commanded the forces that dedicate their lives to defend this holy garden, for over thirteen generations. We wish to enquire if you, and your fleet, wish to join us in celebration of this garden, and take care of it. If your crews and commanders of your … diseased ships wish to defile the garden further, you will be stopped, and your hostile presence will be removed from this holy garden."

"Wesn," Jalsk said, "I want communications opened with that mother ship now!"

"Aye, sir, opening hailing signal" Wesn said. After a few seconds, Wesn said, "It's all yours."

Jalsk felt controversy rage on inside him.

"They are happy there," he once heard Jasor, the former head of Kharakain Fleet Intelligence once said when Jalsk interrogated him.

He remembered all of the admirals at the meeting concerning the value of the mission before Jalsk received his field promotion.

All this fuss wasn't out of stupidity, it was out of sympathy for the Kadeshi, "who, one day, may be Kushan again."

Jalsk felt sick, but he was here with a duty. He was an officer, and it would be against Republican Naval regulations to turn back.

He was a military man, and he had a duty. His military instinct took over.

"I am Rear Admiral Jalsk," he began, "I am a servant of the Taiidani Republic. I have researched your race, and know that your superiors have ordered the hounding of merchant vessels in the past. Your armed force has broken many laws within the area of jurisdiction of the Galactic Council. Your armed force has forced its beliefs on others who enter the nebula, violating article 18 of the Military Act. Your armed force is responsible for compromising trade, and killing thousands! Your armed force must be punished on the behalf of the Galactic Council!"

Jalsk got worked up while his speech climaxed, due to the raging controversy inside his mind.

"We have done nothing wrong," the Kadeshi ship responded, "our ancestors begged help from passing merchant ships." The Ambassador began to grow emotional as he progressed. "They were possessed by the great evil that drove us here, and they refused to help us. We would die without the supplies onboard their ships, and they did not want to help us! We would not let ourselves die, and they were warned. We attacked them because, by not helping us, they were attacking us! We defended ourselves!"

Jalsk felt horrible after hearing the speech.

"Some races were too stubborn to help us," the ambassador continued, "others were friendly enough to join us and help us. The stubborn ones died, and the wise ones lived. After ten generations of those events, we concluded that those were the only types of races. There are only wise and stubborn. That is why we conflict with your laws, we do not agree with them. We live in the nebula, so we are safe from the great evil, the merchants that have joined us are wise, and the ones who don't are with the evil, and are hell-bent on taunting us. This is why! Are you wise are stubborn?"

"We know the evil you speak of," Jalsk said, "We can help you defeat it."

"The evil is stubborn. Are you wise or stubborn?"

Jalsk was stunned. He did not know what to do. His military mind has been flattened by the ambassador's speech. He couldn't call the command to attack. He understood what the Kadeshi had gone through.

"Admiral Jalsk," the ambassador began again, "Ships identical to yours are attacking our fleets. Your laws do not apply here, because no one follows them. You serve the great evil, because you are stubborn, and wish to destroy us. We shall defend ourselves, until you wish to be wise."

"Sir", a tactical officer said, "We've got Kadeshi ships on incoming attack vectors! Weapons are hot!"

Jalsk sighed, than forced two words out of his mouth: "Open fire."

The Radios filled up with chatter, and became busy.

Swarmers poured out of the Needle ship.
The Gravwells activated, and the Swarmers were trapped in the gravity field. Volleys of Missiles from the Missile Destroyers devastated the defenceless Swarmers formations.

Destroyers and Heavy Cruisers fired on the needle ship, which began moving towards Gravwell teams. The Republican Frigates opened fire on the general formation of Kadeshi Ships,

Republican Heavy Corvettes were launched from the Carrier to destroy the Kadeshi Frigates, swarming towards them in a large wall formation, firing their weapons on the fragile hull of the Frigates.

The Republican Corvettes faced a threat from the Kadeshi Missile Destroyer, which was closing in on, and destroying, the Republican Corvettes.

The battle rose into a mess of Ion Beams, and projectiles.

The Needle ship exploded near a Gravwell and a Missile Destroyer. The explosion badly damaged both of the ships.

Jalsk looked out of the window to see a bright flash come from the Needle ship, than have wreckage in the area of where the ships once stood fighting.

"Are you stubborn or wise?"

That question repeated itself in Jalsk's head, over and over again.

Repair Corvettes were launched from the Carrier, and began to support the crippled ships.

The battle raged on between the ships.

The Kadeshi Missile Destroyer had destroyed almost all of the Heavy Corvettes. To gain a tactical advantage, all of the Destroyers and Cruisers from the Republican side focused their fire on the Kadeshi Missile Destroyer.

The Kadeshi Missile Destroyer exploded moments later, but a few frigates have suffered moderate damage.

The Republicans than turned their attention to the capital ship formation, and opened fire.

Attack Bombers, and another formation of Heavy Corvettes came out of the Carrier, and Defenders were launched as well, and guarded the Carrier.

The Attack bombers weaved around the formations, and launched plasma bombs while moving about, keeping in formation.

The Heavy Corvettes got in a wall formation, and began to devastate the Kadeshi frigates, which fired their Ion Cannons in vain.

One Kadeshi Destroyer exploded, and another Kadeshi Destroyer was badly damaged, and with the Republican vessels pointing and firing all of their guns at it, the Destroyer had little hope of surviving.

The Kadeshi Destroyer managed to destroy two Republican ICFs before being destroyed, as well. The Destroyer exploded in a great flash, than the flash disappeared. All that was left of the Kadeshi formation was wreckage.

"Sir!" one of the Tactical Officers said, "We've got an incoming formation that has a friendly signature. It's transponder codes reveal it's … Kushan. Kiith S'jet to be exact, sir."

This confused Jalsk.


"Give me a comm. link with them."

Wesn opened communications between the two.

"Attention S'jetii vessels," Jalsk began, "This is Rear Admiral Jalsk from the Taiidan Republican Navy. We request you give our Carrier groups fire support. Do you copy?"

The S'jetii vessels approached the carrier, than responded, "You probably have no damn clue as to why we are here! You Taiidan are all the same. All you do is kill things, Republican, Imperialist, or Bandits! It may not have been too obvious, but we were here on a mission of diplomacy! We were trying to educate the Kadeshi on the galactic situation! Now you've come here, and fucked everything up by slaughtering everything you see. All Taiidan will die, and you'll start first! The Republic will also fall for screwing up all of our plans!"

"Stand down S'jetii vessels," Jalsk said, "that is an order from a superior officer form and allied force! We will defend ourselves if you attack us. Now help us out, or get out of here!"

"Sure, attack us!" the maddened Destroyer Captain yelled, "We'll make sure you and you entire race is punished in the next plain for this!"

A tactical officer than said, "Sir, they're coming in on an attack vector with weapons charging. They have three Ion Frigates and one Standard Destroyer. Tactical calculations read that we could easily defeat them."

Jalsk felt very uneasy, and sick.

He than forced himself to say "If they attack … o-open fire."

He looked out of the window, and his vision went blurry. For a moment, he thought the markings on the ships had turned a gaudy red and yellow: the colours of the Taiidan Loyalists.

"Under attack from ally, requesting orders", a radio transmission said.

"Open fire until they surrender," A tactical officer said over the radio.

Jalsk looked out the window, and he saw the red and yellow markings on his ships again.
He had turned into something no better than the imperialists.

Two S'jetii Ion Cannon Frigates were destroyed, and the rest of the ships had become damaged.

The two remaining ships than engaged hyperspace, and escaped.

Jalsk couldn't help but seem to feel pain, as those ships took damage.

Suddenly, the radio spoke.

"Attention 'Victory', this is Rear Admiral Quon, we've taken the upper hand in the battle, and are preparing to board the planetoid. We request assistance, and need your fleet to move to the flagged co-ordinates, now."

"Well, do it", Jalsk said, very unprofessionally, and sounding very guilty.

The bridge crew grew curious of Jalsk, but followed his orders.

As soon as Jalsk's fleet was within firing range of the Planetoid, almost all of the Kadeshi ships were destroyed.

Commodore Bilas opened up communications with the Planetoid.

"Attention Kadeshi planetoid," the Commodore began, "you are hopelessly outmatched. Surrender your structure, and prepare to be boarded."

A hail was received from the Planetoid.

"We will not surrender, nor will you board us. And, we have ways of appointing who's outmatched."

Wesn looked at the readings on the planetoid.

He suddenly grew a concerned look on his face.

"Um, sir," he began, "I've got energy readings on the Planetoid rising."

"Oh crap!" a tactical officer burst, "It's going to scuttle! Get our forces out of here!"

Jalsk than said, "All Taiidan Vessels, initiate emergency hyperspace to the Sea of Lost Souls now!"

All of the strike craft returned to the Carriers at full burn, and the capital ships hyper spaced out of the area.

Jalsk's Carrier had gone into hyperspace. He had left that area a changed Taiidan. Jalsk sympathises with the Kadeshi, and gone against his idea that the Kadeshi are criminals.


Ten seconds after the Republican Vessels have hyper spaced out of the nebula, the Planetoid became bright, and began to shine like a great star.

Than built into a climax, and exploded. Charred fragments of the Planetoid were propelled away from it, and the intense shine had died down. A new star had been born from the explosion, and it began to feed from the nebula. A new flower began to grow in the Garden of Kadesh.

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk was tossing and turning in his sleep. Nightmare invaded his mind.



He dreamed that he was watching a historical documentary. He saw a bunch of vessels of Taiidan design. They weren't Republican, Loyalist, or Bandit; just Taiidan.

A narrator was speaking, with patriotic music in the background.

"And here is the proud fleet," the narrator began, "of Fleet Commander Jalsk, Commander in Chief of the Taiidan Navy. He led his fleet to bring justice to the Kadeshi."

He realised that the ships were in a nebula.

He than saw scarred ships that were Kadeshi. They were very dirty, for lack of a better description, and were barley functional. He also noticed that he could see the starved, battered crew of the ship, slaving away to keep the ship in one piece.

He saw the fleet of a huge, imposing fleet of Taiidan ships. They opened fire on the pathetic Kadeshi ships, and they tore apart. He saw the many bodies of the crew float out, killed by the vacuum of space.

Many frozen corpses floated around in the nebula. They simply bounced off of the advancing Taiidan ships.

A planetoid, same as the one that exploded itself, but only more sacred, and with more "dirt" on it, came into view. The masses of Taiidan ships surrounded it, and opened fire.

"So Jalsk's fleet began to bring justice for their crimes of begging that the Kadeshi had commit."

Many Plasma rounds had impacted on the Planetoid, and Ion Cannons streaked across it.

The planetoid exploded, and screaming corpses of Kadeshi poured out, absolutely horrified of the death they were being consumed by, and burning with the pain of being frozen alive.

The endless Kadeshi bodies, dressed in rags surrounded him, the screams a huge assimilation of terror and pain, being the only thing he could see or hear.


Jalsk sprung out of his bed in a cold sweat, panting and realising that the horrible experience was just a nightmare.

He looked about his quarters, and saw the familiar sights. It was the industral looking interior that all Taiidan ships have.

The Commandant's Quarters was plush and comfortable compaired to the quarters of non-commisioned officers.

He turned on his bedside lamp, and looked at the table beside him.

On that table were a few things: A framed picture of his girlfriend, a glass of water, a binder with an information package on the Kadeshi inside it and a container of anti-depressants.

He reached out, slowly, for the container, and held it up in front of him, and read the label.

"Fluvoxamine, Anti-Depressant.

R/Adm Jalsk, S

S/N: TR-2831-4728-8045

Contains: 21 pills.

Refills: 1

Directions: take 1 pill before sleep."

Jalsk than opened up the bottle with a shaky hand, and put about three pills in the palm of his hand. He put the pills in his mouth. Than, put the container down, and washed the pills down his throat. He than laid stiffly in his bed, turned off the light, and just laid there.

After laying for a few mintues, he turned to the table beside his bed. He looked at the binder.

With his vision ajusted to the dark, he picked up the binder, and flipped the pages. He stopped when he came to a picture of a Kadeshi Sailor.

He looked at it, and gently placed his hand on the picture.

He now understood everything about the Kadeshi that no military dossier could explain.

[Greenstone]

And here you thought you were Unread. . .

Anyway, it is looking good, nice storyline. good development. Keep it up.

[Ben Tusi]

At least one person is reading my story.

Jalsk's, and the two other Carrier groups arrived out of hyperspace, at the Sea of Lost Souls.

One of the Carriers that were stationed there at the time of the latest assault in the Nebula sent a transmission to the Carriers that just arrived.

"Attention Carriers, We have received orders from Republican High Command that we are to pull out, and report to the dock yard at New Taiida. We are sending you hyperspace co-ordinates now. Engage hyperspace at your discretion."

With that, the two carrier groups had hyperspace gates open in front of them, and move through the ships, bringing them into hyperspace.

"Alright," Jalsk said shakily, "set course for the received co-ordinates now."

With that, the Republican vessels entered. Hyperspace, and removed their presence from the Sea of Lost souls, for good.

Half of the bridge crew got up from their stations, and walked towards out of the room. Jalsk walked down the industrial looking corridors of the Carrier. He remembered that he had an appointment with the ship psychologist, soon. He made his way to the ship's onboard clinic.

Psychologists were the most needed officer job in the Taiidan Republic. Officer suicides were a common occurrence in the days of the empire. The Taiidan Republic moved to try and stop the rate of officer suicides by employing psychologists into the ship's compliment, along with counsellors, and padres.

The Republic is, so far, experimenting with medical drugs to help remove the problem of officer suicides, but they also stuck to the effective measure of counselling.

The Loyalists are rumoured to have increased rates of officer suicides, but rumoured to be using medical drugs in the practice of suicide intervention.

A small majority of Republican Officers agree that the drugs that are prescribed to them when they see psychologists for suicide intervention.

They didn't seem to do anything for Jalsk though.

Jalsk made it into the psychologist's office.

The psychologist stood up, and saluted Jalsk.

"At ease," Jalsk said.

The Psychologist sat down, and took out his clipboard. He smiled, and approached Jalsk, in a comforting, friendly manner.

"So, Jalsk," the psychologist asked, in a non military fashion, "How are you feeling today?"

"Honestly, Lieutenant," Jalsk said, "I still feel horrible. I had this weird dream last night."

"Would you like to tell me about it?" the psychologist asked.

"Sure", said Jalsk, "It was … like one of those historical propaganda things you see on civvie communication networks. It was", began, getting really immersed in his story, "showing a … fleet of … Taiidan ships. No specific markings … they were just Taiidan. They were destroying Kadeshi ships that looked a like they were almost at the classification of derelict. They were … barely functional ships. The Taiidan fleet tore through them."

Jalsk paused, trying to compose his thoughts.

"Was the fact that the Taiidan ships were winning a good thing, or a bad thing?" the psychologist asked.

"Well," Jalsk said, "It was a bad thing … to me, I mean, it was scary in the dream. When the Kadeshi ships exploded, I could see the Kadeshi, dressed in rags, get sucked out of the ships, screaming in pain and dying, with too much detail."

"Hmmm," the psychologist said, "It seems to me that you feel guilt for ordering the destruction of the Kadeshi fleets."

Jalsk nodded.

"What you did was nothing to be ashamed of," the psychologist said, "by ordering the destruction of those ships, you defended your own crews. You kept your crews alive, because the Kadeshi were attacking you."

Jalsk sighed, and felt a little bit better. He realised that the psychologist had a point.

"Have you been taking your medicine?" the psychologist asked.

"Well, I took a little too much of it." Jalsk admit.

"No, you can't do that, Jalsk," he said, "Too much or too little dosage of that medicine is hazardous to your health. You have to take the correct amount of pills in order for it to run its course. Just remember that you followed rules that made sense, the rules of the Republican Navy. It was either you or them in that nebula, but as an Flag officer, you made the right choice. Just remember that."

Jalsk nodded, with a lot more pressure off his mind.

He thanked the doctor, and exited the office. He had felt a lot better. He admits that the Republic did do a better job of suicide intervention than the Former Empire did, statistically.

He exited the Clinic. He noticed that almost everyone waiting in the clinic were either pilots or junior officers.

-------

"Hyperspace exit in ten minutes" the ship's intercom said.

Jalsk was sitting in his quarters, packing his belongings, and organizing it into two bags: one for personal items, and one for issued items.

He had nearly finished packing his kit when the announcement was called. All of his linen was folded up neat pile at the bottom of his bed, and his pillow was on top of the tidy pile.

Jalsk opened his door, and began to make his way to the Bridge. He was silently surprised at how calm he had become. He knew what the psychologist had told him, but the fact that the psychologist told him that made it seem so much clearer.

Jalsk went through the industrial corridors of the all-too-familiar vessel. He was either too used to the sight of the Carrier's interior, or it had become aged looking.

He made it to the bridge were Officers began to settle into their stations.

"Hyperspace exit in five mins, sir", Wesn said, already alert and at his station.

Jalsk stood there, and smiled at Wesn.

"Good Job, Lieutenant" Jalsk said, congratulating him.

Wesn sat at his station, and looked puzzled.

"You keep on top of things," Jalsk explained, "and you are very disciplined. Whoever made you an officer did a good thing for the Republic."

Wesn, now knowing what Jalsk was talking about, smiled, and was flattered.

"Thank you, sir," he said.

Jalsk sat down at his station. He could finally kiss this ship good bye.

"Hyper space exit in ten seconds and counting," Wesn said.

Jalsk prepared himself for the sensation of exiting hyperspace.

"Three, two, one."

The colour blue surrounded Jalsk. He always found peace in that blue void, and it overwhelmed in a sense of comfort.

A Planet with a Republican Defence Fleet surrounding it was seen by the Bridge, which cast a slight spell of awe.

Jalsk saw a large number of Hiigarain Vessels around the planet. He didn't remember having as big a number of vessels as he was seeing.

"Attention Acting Rear Admiral Jalsk," a Transmission from an orbiting Star Base said, "your fleet is now under the direction of the New Taiida Star Base. Dock your Carrier with the Star Base, and have your crew disembark with their kit in their hands, their papers in order, and ready for quarantine.

"Inform the Security Officers about any captured vessels and POWs you may have on board upon arrival.

New Taiida Star Base out."

Jalsk opened communications with the Star Base.

"New Taiida Star Base," Jalsk said, "I request to know the reason for the large number Hiigarain Vessels."

"There have been political tensions between the Hiigarains and the Republic. That is all you need to know. Dock your vessel now."

Jalsk sat back. It was his fault there were tensions.

"Sir", Wesn said, "I've got hyperspace signatures coming in. Two of the have the same transponder codes of the S'jetii Vessels in the nebula."

Jalsk grew a concerned look on his face.

"Patch all communications that you can pick up to me."

"Aye, sir", Wesn said.

"Newly Arrived Hiigarain Vessels, this is Patrol 2479. State purpose, and transmit your Kiith Recognition codes."

"I won't transmit any codes, but I will tell you my damn purpose here. Admiral Jalsk of your spit-able Navy has interrupted our research in the Nebula. This could have lead to advancements, but now he has messed up all of our plans. Since Taiidan just kill everything they see, maybe it's their turn to see what it's like to die!"

"Oh shit." Jalsk burst. He looked out of the window, and saw the S'jetii Vessels heading towards the Carrier.

"Attention Admiral Jalsk, for ruining our lives, we decide that we shall balance out the spectrum of karma by taking your lives. I'll see you in hell."

"S'jetii Vessel, stand down, or we will open fire."

"New Taiida Star Base, stand down, we shall take them into custody, and bring them back to Hiigara."

"Hiigarain Carrier, this is our area of jurisdiction, we shall deal with unwanted guests."

"Star Base, we will take care of our own people. Hold all fire, and we will bring them to justice."

"Sir," Wesn said, "S'jetii vessels are 10 km from firing distance and closing, requesting orders."

Jalsk was in shock. He became too frustrated. An alliance was about to be broken right in front of his eyes.

"Five km and closing at full burn," Wesn said, "any orders?"

Jalsk was just frozen, and simply watched the ships approach, while millions of thoughts raced through his mind.

Wesn said, "Sir, 3 km, and closing fast, do you think … we've got multiple hyperspace signatures … I don't believe it."

Jalsk looked at Wesn. Wesn was in a state of shock.

"What are they?" Jalsk asked.

Wesn looked at Jalsk in the eye, and simply said, "Kadeshi."

All of the ships around the planet stopped. The S'jetii halted their insane advancement. All communication, including the squabbling between the Hiigarain Carrier and the Star Base stopped.

Wesn looked at his console, than reported, "Sir, the ICF we lost in the nebula. It just launched from the Kadeshi Needle ship that Hyper spaced in."

Jalsk was shocked, and simply speechless.

He slowly sat down at his station, and put on his headphones. He opened up the sensor mangier, and there was his lost ICF, With Kadeshi Vessels all around it. The Kadeshis' weapons were powered down.

"Attention allied fleets. This is Commander Bislo, commanding officer of the Taiidan Republican Ion Cannon Frigate 'Victory.' We have been captured by the Kadeshi, but have informed them of the Taiidan Imperialists. They believe our facts on the former Empire, and wish to assist us, and join the Kushan race."

All was silent. All that could be heard on the bridge was the drone of computers and equipment.

All communication channels were inactive.

This awed everyone.

"Attention … Admiral Jalsk", the S'jetii Destroyer Captain said over the radio, in a humble tone, "On behalf of Kiith S'jet, I wish to apologise for all my hostile actions. We owe you thanks for allowing Commander Bislo to come into the Nebula, and talk to the Kadeshi.

Commander Bislo's actions have blessed us. New Taiida Star Base, our apologies for our intrusion. We shall remove ourselves from your planet's orbit, and surrender ourselves to Hiigarain Naval Command. Kiith S'jet out."

With that, the now calmed fleet of S'jetii warships went into hyperspace.

"I shall escort the Kadeshi back to their Home world. Frigate Victory out."

With that, the Kadeshi and the Victory exited to hyperspace.

"Alright, dock her" Jalsk said.


Jalsk was sitting in an interrogation office, inside of the Star Base.

A Security Officer was interrogating Jalsk so he could be cleared to leave, and return to his unit as a Reservist.

"Well, everything is pretty much in order," the Security Officer said, "All you have to do now is go for de kit. But before you do so, I'm going to have to tell you something, and give you this."

The Officer handed Jalsk a form.

Jalsk skimmed over it, and grew a frustrated look on his face.

"Suspension of Military Service?" Jalsk quoted angrily.

"Sir," the Officer said, "please don't get me wrong, I'm just following orders. The Word in Republican High Command is that they wish to suspend you from service for about two months, or when political tensions cool down, whichever come first. They aren't trying to be malicious; they are merely trying to do this as a gesture to the Hiigarains. It's nothing personal, its just politics. You'll be back in service with your unit in two months."

Jalsk nodded in understanding.

"Take it from me," the officer said, "the grass is greener on the other side of the hill. Take those two months to relax, you'll enjoy it."

"Right," Jalsk said, "Thank you, Major."

As Jalsk was getting up, the Officer said, "Oh, before you leave, Commander Bislo was informed that the Hiigarains were holding an awards ceremony to decorate him with his service. Bislo insists that we wants you to present the award. Come in formal civilian dress, and I'll give you two tickets, if you have a … special someone."

Jalsk took the tickets, and thanked the Officer.

Jalsk dropped off his issued kit at the de-kit, and made his way to the Planetary Shuttle Decks.

He came onto the deck, and saw Admiral Gessk and his Girlfriend Mahreh.

"Steltgrav!" His Girlfriend squealed excitedly.

Jalsk realised that his Girlfriend was addressing him by his first name. He was used to being called either Rear Admiral, Sir, and Jalsk.

Jalsk dropped his personal kit bag, and hugged her.

He noticed as he hugged her, the two circles on his shoulder. He was a Commodore again.

He than hugged his friend, Flag Admiral Gessk.

"God, it feels good to be out of that nebula",

"It must be. I'm glad you're back in one piece anyway."

"Now I have to pick up the pieces of my life again," Jalsk said, "at least it can't be any worse than combat."

[Ben Tusi]

Jalsk and his Girlfriend walked into a large ceremonial hall in the Kushan Mother ship turned dockyard.

He was wearing ceremonial clothes that the male population of New Taiida usually wears on very formal occasions. His Girlfriend also wore formal clothes, but her clothes were a lot more feminine.

Hiigarains and Taiidans in the room were wearing all sorts of uniforms and ceremonial clothes of their own cultures and planets.

The blend of culture really was very interesting to Jalsk. There were many tables scattered around the room, which were designed to seat four. Jalsk, Admiral Gessk, who was in uniform, and Jalsk's girlfriend, sat at a table, faced the podium in the centre of the stage, in the "front" of the room.

The conversations in the room assimilated in a way, and were sort of like a song to him.

A man in a Manaani Naval uniform walked onto the stage, bringing the conversations to a quick halt.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of both Hiigarain and Taiidan races, in and out of Military service, it is my pleasure, as master of ceremony, to welcome you here.

"We are here to honour the Servicemen and women of the Allied Navies with awards of high praise and honour. The Officers and Non Commissioned ranks of the Allied Navies that are here to be awarded with honoured medals and certificates of outstanding achievement are very hard working, dedicated, and outstanding individuals, who put themselves ahead of the odds of challenging situations."

Jalsk sat back, and watched as members of both Navies were honoured for saving lives, service way beyond the call of duty, and doing well.

The ceremony was made up of mostly Mannani Naval traditions, but they managed to throw in a few other customs from other Kiith, and the Taiidan Republic.

"It is now with great pride," the MC said, "to introduce a Senior Officer of our neighbours, the Taiidan Republic, that has made one of the greatest achievements in our history, as an individual, and will be praised and honoured. I call upon Mr. Jalsk to present the Kappel Cross to Commander Bislo.

Jalsk walked towards a table lined with awards, and picked up the Kappel Cross, the highest honour in the Taiidan Republican Forces.

Jalsk stood beside the podium, in front of Commander Bislo. Bislo saluted Jalsk, even though Jalsk was, temporarily, a civilian. Jalsk did not salute back, because he wasn't in a uniform. Jalsk gave him the medal, and shook hands with him at the same time.
Bislo than stepped back, with the medal in his hand, and saluted again, than turned off and marched back to his seat, while being applauded by the inhabitants of the room.

Jalsk walked back to his seat.

The MC walked back to his spot behind the podium, and said, "Wear the medal with pride, Commander. You've earned it.

"This concludes the awards segment of tonight. The Kiith'sa of Nabaal shall speak to us, but first, we have a very special guest here to give us a speech. Please, welcome the ambassador of the Kadeshi fleet that has came to Hiigara."

The room gave applause to the ambassador, who came onto the stage.

"Hello," he began, slightly nervously, "I am not accustomed to this form of diplomatic presentation, but I shall try my best."

He did not speak the language fluently, but it was understood.

"As the diplomat of the first Kadeshi sect to defect from the Kadeshi religion and military command, I, and my people, are proud to say that we are happy to be Kushan again."

The room applauded that fact.

"Our race," the Kadeshi began again, "stays inside of the nebula, due to fear. The Kadeshi fear leaving the nebula, so we have hounded on civilian transports in the past. We knew that the Nebula was harvestable, but we did not with to harvest it, because we saw it as a gift from our god, Kadesh.

"We called it the Garden, because stars grew there, and we thought of them as Kadesh's flowers. We had resources right under our noses, but we refused to use them out of insanity justified by religion. With the Taiidan Commander Bislo had surrendered to us when he was pulled out of hyperspace by our inhibitors, our high priest had questioned him, and grew curious of the Commander's answers to the Priest's questions. He grew more curious for every answer he got. That way, he leaned of the Taiidan Empire, and how it is the evil.

"He had convinced us that the Garden was just a collection of hydrogen. We overcame our fears, and realised the truth. This may be the first step in for our race to overcome their fear as well, and join the Kushan. The fear has become tiresome amoungst our race, and it is only a matter of time before all of our race leaves the Garden behind, and joins the Kushan. I would like to thank Commander Bislo with opening our eyes to the Galaxy. I would also like to thank Admiral Jalsk, for presenting us with the opportunity of meeting Commander Bislo. As your Master of Ceremony said, 'wear the medal with pride.'"


2 Months later, Commodore Jalsk, now re-instated as a Flag Officer in the Taiidan Republican Navy stood in a hallway, in uniform. Flag Admiral Gessk was standing beside him.

Jalsk stood up properly and proudly.

"Well", Gessk said, "At least this will be better than last time."

"Tell me about it," Jalsk said, with a sigh.

Dull footsteps could be heard echoing down the hall. Admiral Gronv, escorted by a group of Admirals, came down the hallway.

Jalsk stood at a Military stance, just at the sight of them.

"Good luck," Gessk whispered quickly, than walking off.

Jalsk was very confident about this one.

As soon as Gronv faced Jalsk, Jalsk saluted.

Gronv returned the salute, and a junior officer held the door opened for the Admirals, and Jalsk, who entered the room in a proper single file line.

Jalsk sat down, with the rest of the Admirals.

"Well, Gentlemen," Gronv said, "thank you for coming to this meeting to discuss Jalsk's proposal. Will the good Commodore treat us by explaining his proposal to us?"

Jalsk stood up, with the interested looking faces of the admirals facing his direction.

"Admirals of the board," Jalsk said, "I, Commodore Jalsk of the 840 Naval Officer Reservist Corps, have a proposal for a mission.

"I propose to mobilize a specialized carrier group into the Wastelands. I also would request a field promotion to rear admiral and take command of the fleet assigned to this."

Jalsk could than sense the uprising of thought of all the Admirals in the room.

"I wish to do this," Jalsk continued, "because there are many suspected Imperialist and Bandit formations within there, and we would advance in the war by taking them out, but more importantly, I wish the protect the Kadeshi from the Imperialists and Bandits."

[Ben Tusi]

So, there you have my story that was enspired by another story that involved the Taiidan Republic and the Kadeshi, but was writen by and unread.

I wished to get the entire story out of my head, an the project done before I got too bored with it. I didn't want to leave it there unfinished. For those of you who have read the story, and reading this post right now. If this post is being read, thank you for reading this, and please reply to my story; it would mean a lot to me.

But, this post is probably not being read, so I'll be on my way, writing stories that will never be noticed. :(

[Greenstone]

On the contrary, I have been reading it the whole time, I read it when you first posted it on the old boards, I just have not had the time to reply to it and every other story on the boards. It is good and I ejoyed it thouroughly. I look forward to your next story.

And never think you are unread, only those who do and get into that mindset become that very thing. Enjoy life however it is thrown at you.

[The Collector]

Ben shut your trap. I am more Uncommented then thou!

:P

[Jex]

Ben, don't be silly. Your story is one of the most read here.

[The Collector]

Yup. More read then me.

:P

Congrats, soon as more ppl come I'll be able to make a discreet exit

[cenpjas]

Lots of people read your stuff, some people may not read it again as this (due to no fault of yours) is the second publishing.

Good work and I look forward to your next work :)

-cen

[The Collector]

What sucks the most is I lost my copy of Stradetch.

X_X

[Siber]

good work!:D