At the Arch Chancellors palace...

Original post by Arch chancellor Vehemence

A deep laugh echoes through the Great Hall at Thera.

"Servant more wine! Today we celebrate!"

On his ruby throne the Arch Chancellor is reading through the daily reports. A broad grin plays around on his elderly face. Three scarcely dressed slaves scurry hastily into the throneroom, they carry crystal pitchers and fruit filled silverware. The young girls sit on their knees around the translucent red monolith and lift up their plates above their heads, staring at the marble floor as the old Arch Chancellor grabs some juicy grapes and stuffs them into his mouth. Slowly he reads the datapad, and his smile even broadens. After taking a big gulp out of a finely carved, gold inlaid, crystal glass he starts reading aloud. His words echo slowly through the great hall in a deep, hoarse voice:

"I pour a drink.
I take a sip.
My fleet opens fire.
Destroys every last ship.
The burning vessels.
And screaming crew.
Make me feel young.
As when the world was new....."

There is a moment of silence as he finishes the rest of the glass.

"Messenger! get me this soldier..... Damodred....summon him to my court so I may adress him personally. He has served us well. And make sure that Antonio gets compensated for the loss of his ships. They died with honour."

The girls scurry away to carry out his orders, to defy the Arch Chancellor is to suffer a fate worse then death.

Original post by Count Karth Damodred

High Commander Karth Damodred briskly pushes open the gilded doors to the Arch Chancellors audience chamber and strides forward to stand before the ornate throne, bootheels striking the flagstones loudly. He is clad in the midnight blue dress uniform of the Seti Alpha 5 Navy complete with sidearm in a dockers clutch under his left arm. He takes a moment to admire the scantily clad scenery that surrounds the Chancellor, raises an eyebrow and says "I hear you like poetry M'lord?"

Original post by Arch chancellor Vehemence

Slowly the Arch Chancellor rises from his ruby seat. He comes down the few steps elevating the trone above the rest of the hall.

"Especially when its written in blood, my champion...

The Chancellor's hunched figure seems small in comparison the the young commander. He waves in the direction of the balcony.

"Come, walk with me, we have much to discuss."

Slowly the two walk towards the huge balcony overlooking Thera. High Commander Damodred get's his first view of VnV Nation's Capitol. And a great city it is indeed; it seems to have been built for legendary giants rather than for humans. From buildings to laneways to work's of art. Everything is out sized and built to intimidate and overwhelm the outsider and to bolster the the inborn confidence of the native Theran.

"You have done well my champion, your courage and prowess in battle is a shining example for all of VnV's soldiers. I see a great great future for you. Do you see this city? Its foundations are build over the ages on the sweat and blood of our ancestors. And today it still stands and makes a brilliant star in the galaxy. We have loyal soldiers like you to thank for that."

Suddenly Damodred realises that on the balcony stand a pedestal, on it rests a royal sash ornated with precious stones and the Crest of VnV Nation. The Arch Chancellor reaches for it and holds it out to Karth. The chancellor continues his monologue:

"VnV nation needs champions like you, who can inspire courage in their fellow soldiers and fear into our enemy's hearts. For your services to our nation, I sire you Baron Karth Damodred, and give you the title of warlord. You report only to me and Chancellor Steel. Bear this crest with pride, you've earned it.

(you just became an officer and our warlord, aka chief tactical offier)

Original post by Count Karth Damodred

I am honored Chancellor and will serve as well as my talents will allow.

As my first official act I would like to nominate Widah Xulub as Chief Ambassador. He and I are old allies and an oilier tonged devil you are not likely to find. I believe he would serve with distinction. If you have him to the palace, though, I would hide the slaves, he strongly disapproves of such practices and I would save you the lecture.

Your city is indeed magnificent Chancellor. I have never seen its equal in splendor or comfort. But comfort makes for a poor soldier so if I may take your leave I have two fledgling colonies that are in serious need of my attention.

I look forward to any more special projects that may demand my expertise.

May you have many fat babies and die with your enemies throat between your teeth.

With that Commander Damodred gives a curt bow, a rakish grin and exits the audience chamber whistling a common tune known for it's filthy lyrics.

Original post by Arch chancellor Vehemence

As Baron Karth Damodred, Warlord, leaves the huge chambers. The Arch Chancellor returns to his ruby throne.

"Now I deserve some rest... Servant! Get me Duke Gehenna's galactic map!"

One of the scanthily-clad slavegirls brings a datapad. With a deep sigh the Arch Chancellor rests himself on his royal seat. His deep-inlead eyes scan the systems neatly ordered by his subordinate.

"Hmmmmm"

"System Riva, owned by Prince Kheldar... He seems to have aquired poseidon technology... interesting."

"Servant send my Pretorian fleet to planet Riva at coordinates [41:420:5]. Make sure to send the harvesters in advance!"

The girl responds in a soft shivering voice:

"How many ships your eminence?"

The Arch Chancellor tosses the datapad aside.

"Send them all... wipe that impudent little prince from the map and take his people as slaves"

The girl looks up, a quick scared glance to the Arch chancellor;

"All of them sir? .... The Hydrogen cost would be astro..."

"I DONT CARE ABOUT THE COST!!!!! Kill him! KILL HIM NOW! and order our new warlord to take out Kheldar's other planet too, I want to see fireworks tonight!"

"Y...Yes your eminence"

The girl bows solemly and enters the order into her datapad.

To Pretorian Fleet
ETA (01:01:19)
Attack from Thera [41:425:13] to Riva [41:420:5]
x17 artemis class
x1 Hercules class
x11 Apollo class
x18 Poseidon class

The Datapad bleeps as the order is confirmed.

Original post by Lord Joe Andrews 549759

The doors again open to the Arch Chancellor's throne room. In walks Joe Andrews of the Star Kingdom of Griffin.
"Your Eminence, I have heard your call to arms and I have arrived here in the heart of our alliance to establish a new colony and have brought with me a fleet of 3 Poseidon classes, 12 Artemis fighters, and 3 Apollo fighters. I have also nearly finished construction of an identical fleet back in my home systems. Now it seems, during my travels here peace has broken out. No, worries. I'm not going anywhere, and my fleet is now here for the mutual defense and protection of our nation."

Original post by Arch chancellor Vehemence

The Arch Chancellors eyebrows rise as Andrews mentions the word "peace".

The Arch Chancellor steps down from his elevated throne and approaches Joe Andrews midway. He chuckles:

"Peace? There is no peace among the stars my friend. Only an eternety of carnage... and the laughter of our thirsting gods. Do not let this moment of silence trick you; the wind is always the stillest just before the storm hits."

He points to small archway in the side of the hall.

"I will show you how long this so called 'peace' will last."

The old man's loathing for the word is clear as he almost spits it out. The two walk through the archway. The next room is a stark contrast to the classic gothic design throneroom. Sleek no-nonsense curves, black steel walls and several large monitors.

"Lilith? Show mister Andrews our current positions and project troop strengths for the next two weeks."

A woman's voice rings:

"Certainly your eminence"

On the screen maps appear, several key worlds are highlighted, one of them being New Griffin, all accompanied with detailed info on mining research and troops.

"As you can see we're preparing a mayor incursion in UFP occupied territory. It's good that you have brought your fleet. We're going to put them to good use soon. I trust you have received the supplies I sent you?"

The Arch chancellor falls silent, awaiting Joe's response.

Original post by Lord Joe Andrews 549759

Ah, well then, that's ok. Indeed we have received your supplies they are much appreciated. Construction moves apace. Already, I have built a shipyard and it is now producing Atlas cargo vessels to further speed resource gathering. Soon, I will be producing warships here as well.

Also, I have received word from my home systems that another colony ship will soon be finished. Where do you think it best that I expand our influence? I was thinking closer to my home systems, maybe near some of our smaller brethren in galaxy 36. Though, if you can think of somewhere that would be more useful to the larger benefit of our nation, I will humbly listen to the advice our your council.

Original post by Count Karth Damodred

Lilith: "Message from Baron Damodred recieved Arch Chancellor"

Vehemence: "What does it say Lilith"

Lilith: "It says that the message you sent ordering an attack on Prince Kheldar's other world didn't contain any coordinates but that an attack fleet has been dispatched to the planet Ed's Uncle located at 41:418:12. He expresses his hope that this is what you meant and asks that you be more specific in the future. Shall I send a reply your Eminence?"

Vehemence: "Stand by Lilith".

Original post by Arch chancellor Vehemence

"Send no reply Lilith, instead send a message to Widah Xulub. He'll have dinner with me, we have some things to discuss... Now DONT bother us again or I'll have Gehenna mute you!"

With a wave of his hand the transmission ended.

"To answer your question, yes we are looking ahead to expand, particulary in you area and in Duke Gehenna's home system. We're still working out the details. I'll send you some specifics soon."

They exited the war room returning to the glimmering Throne.

"For now I'd like you report to the Baron Warlord, he will be coordinating our tactics for the final assault. You have shown great loyalty by bringing yourself and your troops all the way here. It shall not be forgotten, serve him as you would serve me. And you will be rewarded...."

Once again Arch Chancellor Vehemence takes a seat in his giant ruby throne. One of the salve girls is standing near the entrance of the room. Seeing her, Vehemence becons her to come.

"Come my child, come closer, what is it you need?"

The pale girl hesitates a moment, trembling.

"I....I have news from your P....p...Pretorian fleet. You.....your eminence."

She mumbles the words, shivering with her eyes cast down Shifty glances go to the exit door.

"Ah I have been expecting good news, tell me, how many casualties did we inflict?"

"N...None, your eminence..., the planet was deserted when we arrived"

"WHAT!!!!????? That yellow little DOG! Leave me! I need to think!"

The girl turns and runs as hard as she dares towards the exit. Before she reaches the door however there is a glimmering flash that flies trough the room. The slavegirl collapses only feet from the gilded doors, her severed head making it all the way to the hall beyond.

"Servants!....."

Original post by Count Widah Xulub

A discreet "bloop" is barely audible over the shuffle of feet and clash of vibroswords in duke Widah's Sparring Chamber indicating an urgent message, but it does not escape the attention of the Blademaster's best student.

"I'm sorry Master Shifak; I must take this."

"Not at all, my duke. Duty comes first." The master relaxes out of his fighting stance, and wipes his brow with his sleeve. "Hah! You've made me break sweat. You're getting better at emptying your mind."

In a couple long strides the duke is at the comm console. "Hmmm. This is from Vehemence himself! He desires an audience." He presses another button and speaks into the console, "Have Commander Duran ready my transport and a long-range escort." Turning to his teacher, "I'm afraid practice must wait. I must leave at once. I suspect this Vehemence is not a man who would brook any delay."

*****

Tens of galaxies away, the duke looks down on the vast capitol city as his transport glides down on its landing approach. Widah looks at his aide sitting across from him, "These people are human, right?"

"By all accounts, yes, my duke," comes the reply.

Inside the palace, the duke strains his neck to take in the soaring architecture and the brooding collection of art. He is lead at length to a massive set of golden doors flanked by his bodyguard, and his mouth can't help dropping open a little at the less than subtle implications of power that surround him. His guide bows and shuffles away. With a hand gesture, he signals his guard to remain.

The doors of the Great Hall swing open. A young dark-haired man in a green understated uniform, sword and pistol belted to his waist, steps gingerly over a dark stain on the floor. Widah strides confidently down the Great Hall stopping sharply near the great throne. "I am come your Eminence as you requested." He bows as low as politeness and station dictate.

Original post by Arch Chancellor Vehemence

Two dark eyes spy Widah Xulub closely as he approached the dias with the ruby throne. With each passing step the black marble pillars on either side of him seem to reach higher, where they connected to the curved doma above they had the shapes of ancient rulers, each ominously staring down on the two figures below.

The trone itself at first seemed a monolith of red glass. But as Widah approached he realised that it was not glass, but a solid ruby. It huge shape emanated sovereignty, confidence and arrogance. On it was a small old man, vunerable at first glance but still carrying the presence of supreme power. Covered in a multilayered robe of the finest black and scarlet silk, he seemed old beyond age, strong cheekbones and a sharp nose hinted at a once handsome ruler but his ivory skin seemed as brittle as parchment. Slowly he rose and stepped down the dias.

"Rise my young friend, I have been expecting you...

His deep creacky voice pronounced the words slowly and carefully.

"You come highly recommended. I've been told that you've been versed in the ways of a diplomat, a skill that could prove to be very profitable for you."

Allowing the young man to stand, the Arch Chancellor steps further down the dias, stopping but a few steps short of the floor so that their faces were level. For a few seconds he tekes in the image before him.

"Let me have a look at you.... yes you might be the one I am looking for. Come..."

He steps down and leads Widah to a door behind the trone. The Arch Chancellor sais nothing as they stride though several hallways filled with more excentric pieces of art: statues of murders, vulgar sexual acts or a combination of both. After a few turns they enter another hall, smaller then the throneroom but no less ornate. In the center is a large table. Several beautiful waitresses are setting a grand meal. Excuisite delicacies from several galaxies are placed on silver and golden platters.

"Please have seat and make yourself at home."

Turning to one of the waitresses;

"Get Duke Gehenna, and remind him that I do not like waiting"

Sitting himself down at the head of the table he looks to Widah. Once seated the waitresses immediately start offering several delicacies.

"Tell me a bit about yourself my young friend, so we might get to know eachother better."

Original post by Count Karth Damodred

The vibrating furniture and dinnerware in the banquet hall accompanied by the unmistakable roar of pulse drive engines announces the arrival of a flat black gunship bristling with turbo laser turrets as it passes the audience chamber balcony missing it by about a meter.

Lilith: "Your Eminence, the transport Intransigence has landed in the courtyard between the North Lawn and the palace steps.
The Baron Damodred is on his way to the audience chamber, shall I detain him?"

Vehemence: No Lilith, allow him entry. (to Widah) He is a capable warrior but his impertinence is tiring.

Raised voices can be heard from the entrance hall.

Karth: "I would sooner hand over my liver than surrender my sidearm sir now stand aside or you will be spending the next year in a regeneration tank...thank you."

Karth strides into the banquet hall with the casual air of a man entering his own bedroom. Once again clad in a midnight blue naval uniform trimmed in silver and carrying a bottle under his arm he takes a seat at the table and plants the opaque bottle in the center of the table with enough force to make the silverware jump.

Karth: "That, gentlemen, is from my personal collection. It is a highland scotch over a thousand years old and if there is any left by the end of the night I will be forced to shoot you both."

He chuckles at his own jest and looks from Widah to the Arch Chancellor and back, pops a grape into his mouth.

Karth: Eminence I must commend you on the tenacity of your security staff. Now, what's for dinner?

Original post by Count Widah Xulub

"Who invited this layabout?!" Widah stands with a big grin and clasps the bigger man's forearm with a slap. His laugh is cut short as he remembers at whose table he sits. Widah's face slackens, and he quickly assumes a more decorous bearing. Sitting back down he remarks, "This is excellent fare, your grace. I've never tasted its like.", and sticks his fork in his mouth.

Original post by Duke Gehenna

He stands in one of the many halls of the Arch Chancellor. Wearing his black hooded cloak with flickering blue crystaline embroidments, Gehenna studies the many 'inspiring' statues. "Lilith could use a graphical update.." he whispers.

Why did he come to this place, he was wondering still, while walking down that same hall. But distracted by a sudden thundering in the sky, he did not notice the oncoming waitress that came rushing towards him. The two collide. As both regain their senses, Gehenna sees how the girl is trembling in fear on her knees.
"F-f-forgive.. me.. Duke Gehenna."
Gehenna stares, almost glares, deeply at the girl who has started to cry now. "I guess the old bastard keeps them at a short leash." he thinks. He sighs.

He pulls up her chin so their eyes meet.
"You're pretty cute.." he says. Now she starts to blush. Allready she noticed that the Duke is not that badlooking aswell. "So.. ?" he says "I'm guessing you needed me for something?". -"Y-you are.. summoned to the.. dining hall, Mylord."
With those words Gehenna realises again where he was.
"Go, leave me, now. You're lucky I was in a good mood" he says and the girl starts stumbling away as fast as she can.

"Lilith."
-"Yes, Master?"
"Make a 4D image of her."
-"And then, Master?"
"Kill her."
-"As you wish, Master."

He continues to walk down the hall on his way to the dining hall.

"I 'was' in a good mood."

Original post by Arch Chancellor Vehemence

As Duke Gehenna approaches the dining room he can hear the Arch Chancellor's voice booming through the hallways:

"...... they cannot be allowed to grow any further! The line must be drawn HERE!Those very sytems that 'federation' now occupies has been in our hands for th elast thousand years! It is a deep shame that we have lost that territory! Now with chancellor Steel on the other side of the galaxy looking for that ancienct relic of his I had to make some changes around here."

The Chancellor barely looks up as Duke Gehenna enters the dining hall, too caught up in his speach. A stroke of luck for the Duke as the Arch Chancellor doen't notice the time.

"Baron Damodred here you already know, as our newly appointed Warlord, he is preparing our allies for a joint venture againts these federation heretics. Duke Gehenna has been gathering information about them. Now (turning to Widah) that's where you come in, I'd like you to tie them up in so much diplomatic paperwork that they will not notice our movements. Our forward attack posts are growing steadily; our fleet almost at full potential. We just need a few more days to get ready. You will act as our ambassador for now, do this well and you may count yourself among our nobles. I also like to announce that I've appointed Lord Grizzly Blacklight as our chief of staff. with such a noble cause against th efederation. Many new worlds have come to aid in our struggle. He will help them integrate at a faster rate so they are useful to the war-effort."

The Chancellor had taken to pacing around the table, using arm guesture to articulate the importance of certain words. At a certain point he stops. Waves his had around and the room grows dark. In the center of the hall above the dining table a huge holograpic diagram appears. It displays a huge battleship.
Now there is a broad grin on the Arch Chancellors face:

"This gentlemen is the 'VnV Retribution' first of the new Athena class battlecruisers that are currently being build for use in the Petorian fleet this very moment. 24 Compressed particle railguns. Several dosens of laser batteries and missile lauchers. Ablative hull plating. A grand total of almost five-hundered-thousand metric tonnes of durasteel. All being powered by our latest engine; the warp drive."

The diagrams slide across the room, weapon fittings, armour fixtures, power distribution. For the first time his guests can see the Arch Chancellor truly smile, he continues about faster warp drive production methods involving slave children small enough to fit into the actual power matrix. After a lengthy display of decadence and misuse of power; the light returns to the room. Leaving the holographic battleship somewhat faded but stil visible above their heads.

"Now are there any questions?"

Original post by Chancellor Steel

Standing on the bridge of the Hammer of Thor, Wolf lord Steel surveys Parlainth. At his side are advisor Ranak and personal guard Skar.
Wolf priest Ranak: “Even from space this place reeks of decadence.”
Wolf lord Steel: “Aye my friend, but the Arch chancellor has invited us for dinner. So attending is… The diplomatic solution”.
Wolf guard Skar: “I care little for such places, I would rather feast with the crows then attend one of these so called dinners".
Wolf lord Steel: “Patience Skar, we’ll only be here for a few hours. Now is my escort ready?”
Wolf guard Skar: “All preparations have been made. The Wolf guard stand ready at your command my lord”.
Wolf lord Steel: “ Very well then let us proceed. I do not wish to keep our grand leader waiting. And Skar, tell the men to holster their weapons. We don’t want to scare the locals… Yet”.
*****
At the heart of the Hammer of Thor the wolves assemble. Wolf lord Steel is pleased to see his Wolf guard. Six huge men clad in rune inscribed tactical dreadnought armour, truly they are a fearsome sight.
Let’s just hope the old fart doesn’t keel over when he sees them, he thinks too himself letting a smile appear on his lips.
Wolf lord Steel: “ Wolf guard, stay vigilant! Although this is friendly territory, this does not mean we drop our guards!”
The Wolf guard in unison: “By Odin we are the watchers!”
Wolf lord Steel: “By Odin we are ready then. Activate the teleportation!”
*****
With an audible boom the nine men appear in the middle of the dining room. The runes of their armour ablaze, yet all their weapons holstered. The Wolf guard fan out, checking every possible entry and exit for any signs of danger. Their hands on their weapons, ready to strike at a moments notice. In the centre of the formation two figures remain standing. Both clad in less impressive armours then the others but, they too display an assortment of runes and trophies. With a hiss the smallest of the two figures unclasps his helmet…
Wolf lord Steel: “ I do hope I’m not too late Arch chancellor,” a smile covering his face.

Original post by Count Karth Damodred

Karth: "and the chairwoman says to me 'Sir if you were my husband, I'd flavor your beer with nightshade' so I said to her 'Madam if you were my wife I'd drink it!"

BOOM

Before the report from the mini sonic boom subsides Karth's genetically enhanced nervous system pumps his bloodstream full of enough adrenaline and endorphins to kill three horses and a large pig. He drops the fork he had been gesticulating with.
Before the fork hits the table Karth bolts out of his chair and puts himself between the group of enormous men and his friend Widah. One hand has drawn his Tritanium pistol, the other is holding the hilt of his hissing plasma sword. With subvocalizations he has activated his personal shield matrix.
His normally carefree and jovial demeanor has been replaced with vacant countenance of a stone, cold, killer. But only for a second.

Karth: Now THAT'S an entrance!!! I can see this would have been of little use.

Holsters his pistol.

Karth: Lord Steel I presume. I think you are the biggest man I have ever laid eyes on. The woman who bore you must be angry to this day!

Extinguishes plasma blade and deactivates shield.

Karth: "Come, have a seat. Vee was just showing off his new toy and I can see I'm gonna need help with this bottle. Is it hot in here? I'm glad you showed up. Vee won't let anyone get a word in edgewise."

Points a thumb at the CIO.

Karth: Gehenna won't stop ogling the help and Widah...well...he's just so goddamned polite! Brought the whole family looks like.

Takes a deep breath...exhales.

Karth: Where the hell's my fork?

Original post by Chancellor Steel

Wolf lord Steel: “Ah Baron Damodred, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard many stories about you and read many interesting battle reports. I would be honoured to fight by your side one day.”
The Wolf lord walks towards the table and examines the rather small nature of the chairs. Finally he decides to sit down, the weight of his bulk just supported by the flimsy chair. The other figure follows but stays standing slighty behind him on his right hand side.
Wolf lord Steel: “Gentlemen and ladies, might I present my advisor Wolf priest Ranak ” With this announcement the figure behind the Wolf lord gives a curtious nod.
“I do hope my entrance didn’t scare anyone, although it does give pause as to the security of this place… Isn’t that your task Chief intelligence officer Gehenna? Perhaps you and I should speak on this matter, before such things get out of hand. But as for now, let’s eat. I’m starved… Serving wench bring me some food and mead!”
*****
Seeing a fork on the floor, the Wolf lord picks it up with the grace of a cat. How that is possible due to his heavy armour remains a mystery however.
Wolf lord Steel: “Is this the fork you were looking for Baron,” As he throws it on the baron’s plate. “You should pay more attention to your cutlery.” The Wolf lord laughs out loud, you’d think fifty men were laughing. Then looks for something to drink and takes a swig from the first open wine bottle he sees. Gulping down half the bottle, he belches and wipes off some wine from his chin.
“As too your comment about my size. Well we had a breakthrough on Midgard. Our scientists discovered a way to genetically enhance our warriors. This enhancement allowed us to interface with our powered armour and thus increasing our battle prowess. Naturally this makes my warriors the best in the galaxy. And as you can see, I allowed the procedure to be performed on myself.” Drinking the rest of the wine bottle with another swig. “Now where is that damned wench with my food!”

Original post by Count Widah Xulub

"Hmm slave children, eh? I've always found the practice of slavery...um...distasteful, but it is not our custom to make judgments of morality of other cultures. Your engineers are to be commended, Arch Chancellor. With weapons such as this at our disposal, who could long stand against us? As the scion of Atlan's ruling family, the study of diplomacy was a priority, but I will not bore you with my life story as you probably learned all you need to know during your intelligence briefing before you invited me here." Widah chuckles and gives a nod to the chief intelligence officer, "I will need to work closely with Central Intelligence. I will have dedicated satellite relays deployed to speed secure communication. I will have to appoint ambassadors from local galaxies to act as liaisons should the distance of my planet and my responsibilities as duke prevent me from being here myself. Chief Gehenna will no doubt brief me regarding our Federation contacts. Now when you say you wish me to bombard them with diplomatic fluff, am I to send correspondence ad nauseum? Won't that arouse suspicion?"

*****

Widah laughs politely at Damodred's joke although he's heard it several times. A flash of intuition draws his attention to the other end of the long table, and a heavy static charge fills the air. A crackling boom tears through the dining hall followed by a blinding flash! Before the diners stand a squad of power-armored soldiers. Dick Steel and his Wolves by the looks of their insignia.

Widah studies the Arch Chancellor's face--stoic as ever. 'He must have anticipated this. I can't imagine him tolerating big surprises,' the duke thinks to himself.

"Hail Wolf Lord! Well met. Another man from my own galaxy. Come sit and drink with us if your armor allows it. Karth has a fine tawny long-ferment here if you can get him to let go of the bottle."

Original post by Arch Chancellor Vehemence

Arch Chancellor Vehemence smirks as he sees his officers fratenise with such ease, thinking to himself that the best men for the jobs always have some kind of damage... He himself being the exception to the rule of course.

"My friends, this is wat we shall do":

"Baron Karth, check which menbers of our great empire will actively participate in our assault and how many ships they can devote to the cause. Also check on our forward attack posts and determine an eta on their battle-readyness. On that day we will assault with all we have at the same hour and will not relent till our enemy's soldiers lie broken, their cities in dust."

"Mister Widah Xulub, I hereby name you Lord Of VnV Nation, and appoint to thee the position as chief ambassador. You have the authority to recruit other ambassadors as you see fit. I want you to open diplomatic channels with this pitiful Federation, tell me who is in charge, what kind of ruler he is and more importantly what are their plans in this sector. Second I need to contact Kenzo of the nearby JGO alliance, make sure they commit to aiding us military when that joyful day arrives. If possible, and you would prove yourself a great diplomat worthy of my trust if you do, make them join VnV Nation!"

"Duke Gehenna, I want to know the location of every colony and homeworld in this VnV nation, I don't care how you do it or who you have to recruit as junior intelligence officers to do it, just get it done! We need to know where our enemy lives..."

"My old friend, Chancellor & Wolf lord Steel, how's is your mother doing? Does she still makes that delightful cake? Send her my regards when you return. And make sure that she recieves my gift. It is already parked in the hangar."

Original post by Duke Gehenna

Gehenna enters the dining hall. To his relieve the Arch Chancellor allready started doing his probably elaborate speech.
"No point in hearing this twice, I'll listen to it later when I review the surveillance data" he says to himself.
He sees only Baron Damodred and duke Widah at the table.
"The Arch Chancellor coudln't wait off course. Typical."
Through a subvocal system in his neck, Gehenna talks to Lilith.
"Lilith, where is Chancellor Steel and any news if we got a Chief of Staff yet?"
-"Scanning for Lord Wolf Steel and I'll check the datalogs for any information regarding the Chief of Staff position, Master."
He sits down at the table.

***

Karth: "and the chairwoman says to me 'Sir if you were my husband, I'd flavor your beer with nightshade' so I said to her 'Madam if you were my wife I'd drink it!"

Widah laughs like he heard that one a million times allready. Now wondering if the chairwoman Damodred talked about would have been cute, Gehenna starts to inspect the other waitresses.
- Lilith: "Chancellor Steel inbound, Master."
Gehenna ignores the message, now too focused on the scarcely dressed slaves.

A boom echoes through the hall. For Gehenna it sounded merely as a raindrop touching the tiled floor. Enough though to get his attention.
Damodred is pointing at him, rambling about something to someone. Words finaly seem to reach his ears again.

"...scare anyone, although it does give pause as to the security of this place… Isn’t that your task Chief intelligence officer Gehenna? Perhaps you and I should speak on this matter, before such things get out of hand. But as for..."

Gehenna raises one eyebrow beneath his hood. "You got in, cause I let you in." he thinks to himself.

He sees a waitress bringing food for Wolf Steel.
Not a second later Gehenna's mind drifts off again.

Original post by Count Karth Damodred

Karth: "And this one I got from ol' Widah over there while sparring with longswords."

Takes off his jacket and hangs it on his chair back, pulls up his sleeve to expose a girthy deltoid with a fine white scar bisecting it.

Karth: "Now Widah is far to polite to brag but I have never seen his equal with a blade of any length and while nothing cuts like plasma those hellspawned vibroswords his men carry are no joke! They may sound like a battery operated marital aid (laughing now) but I've seen men cleaved in twain by 'em...lengthwise!"
"GEHENNA! Wake up damn your eyes! The bottle's half empty and you haven't had so much as a whiff."
Vehemence, Vehemence, You can't tell me that's your real name. No mother would be so cruel. Tell us what are you really called? Come now it can't be as bad as Dick Wolf."

Swats the giant sitting next to him playfully on the shoulder.

Karth: "Now there's a name that gets you beat up in grade school huh? Am I right? Don't scowl at me Chief. (laughing again) Here have a pull off of this."

Hands Chancellor Wolf the bottle of Millennium Scotch.

Karth: "Whoa! WHOA easy there turbo. Ya drink it like that and yer grandchildren'll be born with hangovers! Hey is it just me or do all the servants around here seem... kinda... terrified all the time? Hey, I'd bet my boots Gehenna's programmed Lilith to know how to dance like a brothel maid. Whadya say we get the ol' girl out here an' show us what she's got?

Original post by Baron Grizzly blacklight

Location:BYSS-001:
morning 10 am

As Grizzly Looked upon his collected ancient weaponary from across his voyages, a glanss of the morningsun glances upon his ancient roman armor, enlighting the whole room with a gold shine.
A soft knoking on the door of his weaponroom was answerd by his gentle voice”come in”.
One of his wifes enters ,scarcely dressed, the room in with a datapad. “What is it Athena, that has to disturb my freetime”he sais. “It's verry importand my liege, it comes dirictly from the arch chancellor's bureau's”. As she hands the pad over to her husband, she gives him a blink, referring to the morning activities. He smiles back and starts to reed the message.
- - - - -
“bleep”

Dear grizzly blacklight

we herefor accept your candidate as CHIEF OF STAFFin the vnv-nation.
By the Arch Chancellor's direct approval, you are hereby named and promoted as
GRIZZLY BLACKLIGHT= CHIEF OF STAFF

congrtatelations by
the office of the arch chancellor


end transmission,
“bleep”

As the mornig continu's, he know that this is gonna be a magnificent day

Original post by Arch Chancellor Vehemence

One of the beatiful Theran slave girls scurries through the hallways of the gargantuan palace. She carries a heap of datapads, transmissions from all important offices concerning the nation. Several messages from the embassy on Atlan, some from the war-counsil led by Baron Damodred, others are reports from the ruling chancellor.

She presses her hand against a scanner, which lights up in response & bleeps a confirmation. A reinforced door opens to a hi-tech laboratory. In the center of the room is a big regeneration tank. In it, suspended in a greenish slimy fluid lies the arch chancellor, several connections run from his spine to the side of the tank. He is wearing a breath-mask. On his head is an intricate maze of interconnecting neurodes. Connecting the old man in the tank to the computers outside. The servant girl uploads every datapad in the terminal, the computer giving a satisfying bleep after every file is processed.

When she is finished, she stops for a moment near the glass, staring at the fragile figure within.

"I hope he makes it,...."

Gehenna enters the room, sees the servant girl near the Arch Chancellors regeneration tank & smiles.

"She really must like him." He thinks to himself