[b][i]GM Collab Post - Letter Bee and Conscripts[/i][/b]

As they made their way back to the apartment building where the group made their home, John would respond to Rachel, saying, "Ten million credits for a bodyguard? Of course its suspicious, but the Ascendancy is not in the best state right now, at least not at the fringes. It just got defeated in a major war, so it's doubling down on dissent at home. But if Moonstrike's existence is any indication, they're stepping on the wrong toes." Suspicion then pricked John. "Planet Cobalt...its an Ascendancy planet, but [i]rebellious[/i]. It's a frontier world chosen for its rich mineral resources, but the mining conglomerates that were extracting said resources lost a lot of money in the war. It stands to reason that...more data is needed."

He then looked at Terry, but found the other young man lost in his own thoughts as the latter walked beside John to the minor residential district the group were living in.

Then, as they passed an intersection with an holographic 'billboard', John's eyes would dart towards said billboard sharply - It was showing the Interplanetary News. The Newscaster, a female Quo'arta, would then say in Galactic Standard Language as the background showed the burnt-down ruins of a Planetary Shipyard, one that, from the wreckage, had been producing the legendary Drone Carriers of the Ascendancy Fleets.

"Moonstrike has made their highest-level strike yet on an Ascendancy of Man facility close to the Galactic Bazaar and the surrounding Interstellar Commercial Zone. The target was the Hepaestus Shipyards, a military facility that, per the terms of the Treaty of Galactic Peace, had been slated for abandonment and demolition to avoid future aggression against other species. Due to the evacuation measures already in place, loss of life was kept to a minimum, but rumors indicate that this was a body blow to the Ascendancy's pride and spirit. Moonstrike's leader, The Angel, has since released a statement, a copy of which will be broadcasted in the next few moments," What would come next was a surprise.

For the screen then shifted to show a figure wreathed in a winged dress of light, light that to someone trained in High Magic, can be recognized as raw, burning [i]Mana[/i]. The leader of Moonstrike was a Mage!

[color=82ca9d]"Greetings, people of the Galaxy. I am The Angel, leader of Moonstrike. For far too long has the Ascendancy of Man preached war and slaugther where there should be peace and coexistence, [i]robbing its own species[/i] of the fruits of their labor. Poverty and inequality is increasing throughout all of Human Space, a symptom of a greater corruption that has overtaken the Ascendancy. President-for-Life Thorfinn Thoreau's tyranny has stolen not just the futures of the adults of the Sector, but [i]children[/i] as well. You may think that the rumors of child soldiers used by the Ascendancy are lies, but I assure you that proof is coming that they are true."[/color] The voice was beautiful, musical. John felt...touched by the sound of the lady's voice. [color=82ca9d]"So I call upon Humanity: Wake up! You are being decieved!" [/color]

The voice then finished and the broadcast shut off. The Quo'arta Newscaster would then continue, "In response to this, President-for-Life Thorfinn Thoreau of the Ascendancy of Man has recalled the 'Undefeated Commander', General Alexander Kherol, from Unknown Space. Having expanded the Ascendancy's dominions against species not covered by the Treaty of Galactic Peace, General Kherol is a ground and naval commander without an equal, one whom it is till rumored could have won the Ascendancy War of Aggression had he been deployed in that war. After a request by the President-for-Life to give a speech responding to these events, the Galactic Bazzar news service has a record of Kherol's counter broadcast..."

The image of the Newcaster suddenly faded away, as the image of the legendary general appeared on screen. It may come as a surprise to a few individuals that a person this young could be called a general. Ever since the first time his name had appeared on the Ascendancy's propaganda, only a few knew his real face, and the only privileged were in the army, a place no commoner would want to join. This broadcast would be marked as his first public appearance.

The man was a rare sight. He had short black hair, deep red eyes and wore a dark blue uniform, with gold epaulettes and embellishments, an uncommon attire comparing to normal Ascendancy officers. On his chest, although small, but could be seen if paying close attention, was a rank plaque, with five gold stars pinned onto it. His face, his eyes glimmered with a hypnotic effect that were seemingly able to bend even the strongests of leaders to his will. But even that, disatisfaction could be read from his expressions. What disatisfaction though was a mystery.

[color=0072bc]"Citizens of the Galaxy."[/color] He began, his tone of voice strict and austere. [color=0072bc]"In recent days, there has been...political unrest amongst the inhabitants of several star systems. It would be safe to assume that the people had become dissatisfied. With our policies, with our interests. But do not forget. The factor that resulted in the demise of the old government before the Ascendancy was not due to wars, but to rampant incompetence. The people under the name of freedom, justice, pursuit of happiness had done nothing to contribute to the security of their nation, because they were unprepared. This is also the reason why the ancient Thebauter also collapsed, and the Geraren Republic. And many more in our brief history of time."[/color]

Alexander said, pausing to let the words sink before continuing, one of his hand placed on his chest, his tone less strict, more of sympathy and kindness.

[color=0072bc]"Did the war between the Rau've and us cause unnecessary deaths and destructions? Yes. Was it a wrong decision? Yes. As a military man, I regret the lost of lives. I hereby bring my dearest apology, on the behalf of the generals that commanded in the war. I understand your cause of frustrations, but I will ask one question."[/color] The general held up his index finger, as a visual aid. [color=0072bc]"Do you believe that a government built up from the people who rarely, or doesn't even, know the seat of governorship will last? The Ascendancy of Man is a government, currently keeping hundreds of planets fed, clothed and educated. Corruptions, yes. It exists. But no government is immune to the disease of rampant self-interests. But we are changing day by day, to demolish it. Only when the people agrees to cooperate."[/color]

But then, with a final and threatening say, addressed not at Moonstrike, but the entire galaxy, those who had rebellious tendencies.

[color=0072bc]"We are willing to cooperate with the people. But we will not tolerate rebellious interests attempting to topple our government. If any rebellious movements are to be recorded, be warned that it will be met with the might of the Ascendancy's Army. Be reminded that disturbance of tranquility is never a way to solve any problems"[/color]

There, the broadcast ended.