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[hr][b]NUK GRAVEYARD
NUK SYSTEM
LOKOID SPACE[/b][hr]
Just in orbit of one of the barren planets, masked under a large sensor disruption field is the LHS Dominance and a fleet of modernized vessels. The fleet itself was impressive in its size and strength. The amount of firepower gathered here could glass a planet within a matter of hours. Realistically speaking however, the force is to be split into smaller fleets with more flexibility in mind. All the ships present were constructed in the Nuk Graveyard to keep the Lokoid's mobilization and militarization a secret to the rest of the galaxy.

The ships assembled at the Nuk Graveyard were in clear violation of the Detente Treaty. The losses that were incurred in the opening weeks of the great war was a blunder that the Lokoid would not commit a second time. The Final message of the Ashtar met the conditions of commencing their military modernization program. The program sought to bring the Hierarchy’s Soldiery Caste back up to date and with more tools at their disposal. No longer would the Soldiers of the Lokoid have to make considerations for badly retrofitted ships. But before that could happen, the situation in Agdemnar changed significantly with the Commonwealth’s abandonment of the treaty of Detente. The council of Hierarchs have convened aboard the LHS Dominance after their inspection of the armada’s assembly.

The Hierarch of war began the discussion with Agdemnar in mind, “Supreme Hierarch Araq, the situation of the Agdemnar occupation is developing. The ruse is holding, but with nations looking to steadily pull away from the Treaty of Detente, we should consider our threats and strike appropriately and preemptively.”

To which the Supreme Hierarch replied, “Forgive my doubtful tone, but I don’t think a preemptive strike at our source of export income is advisable, Daggoth. What would be the opinion of Kaloth, the Hierarch of Commerce?”

“The opinion of the Commerce Caste is to express concern...” Kaloth, the youngest among the council of Hierarchs, was a shrewd Lokoid who displayed much potential in the political field, but is rather reserved and patient. “Our foreign economic relations are endangered by such brash action. Subsidiary companies underneath the Lokoid Trade Group have flourished and have garnered much profit for the Hierarchy. However, a war where we are an active participant would likely cripple our economy without careful consideration of our diplomatic situation. May I remind the Hierarchs that at present that we do not monopolize trade in the galaxy. We compete with the human megacorporation known as White Corps.”

Gorn of the Academic caste nodded in agreement and further supported Kaloth’s claims, “Indeed, Commerce Hierarch Kaloth is correct. If we fail to eliminate our enemies and the war becomes protracted then we would suffer significantly. Patience, effort, and diplomacy is needed...”

Zasz of the Industry Caste echoed this sentiment, however, emphasized on immediate action to remedy the situation,  “I second the opinion of Gorn and that of Kaloth. However, Daggoth is correct in his observation, the situation is deteriorating quickly. As the overseer of our industry and production, I must advise caution and decisive action. We must secure allies if we are to participate in this war in earnest.”

The Hierarchy’s planetary forces are formidable, but the navy needs the modernization program to stay relevant. The key weakness of the military was evident in the number of modernized ships available for tasking. Overall, there is at least one modern ship for every hundred of the retrofits. The short amount of time that was afforded to the Lokoid after the Ashtar’s final message was not enough to amass a navy strong enough to challenge the superpowers. The Hierarchy fleet at Nuk is the collection of their efforts. Full-scale production would benefit the Lokoid greatly. Zasz has correctly laid the course of action necessary for full-scale production to begin without the risk of considerable pushback or resistance from the rest of the galactic community. The Hierarchy [i]’must’[/i] secure allies and limit the number of possible hostiles.

“Industry Hierarch Zasz, your points merit reason. But do you honestly believe that the Lokoid Soldiery Caste would be defeated so easily if left to fend for itself?” Daggoth’s pride showed as he criticized Zasz’s apparent lack of faith in the Hierarchy’s martial strength. Daggoth was a Lokoid who led the third defense fleet that prevented further loss of Lokoid territory. To the proud Lokoid commander, it was insulting to even suggest that the military could falter.

“We are not diplomatically prepared to handle the fallout of revealing our true intentions too quickly, O’ Proud Warrior Daggoth...” Gorn interjected, stoking the fire of Daggoth’s pride. “I suggest for you to put less faith in our already aging main fleets and see the realistic dangers of the now more powerful modern ships being fielded by our enemies.”

Daggoth stridulated, his mandibles snapped shut, and his antennae twitched and flailed, he was visibly unhappy with Gorn’s blatant disrespect,  “Gorn, you may be one of the most intelligent among the Academic caste, but remember your place you pathetic holonet addicted nymph!” Daggoth spread his tegmina (a protective, papery or leathery cover to insect wings) to reveal reveal his two pairs of wings, such an act is considered as a threat display. Daggoth rushed aggressively towards Research Hierarch, Gorn.

“Daggoth, enough!” the supreme hierarch intervened, stopping Daggoth within an inch of mangling Gorn. “The Hierarch of Research is quite correct, we cannot assume our own superioriority. Stow your ego, or are you unfit in this regard?”

The mere tone of vocalization or stridulation that even came close to sounding like the Lokoid word for [i]’unfit’[/i] make lesser Lokoid cower—not Daggoth, “I was selected for my effective use of our fleet to drive away foreign aggression. With all due respect, Supreme Hierarch Araq, I am nowhere near unfit.”

“The soldiery caste pick the fearless and the aggressive and it shows clearly. Though this is not a sign of being unfit or nonconforming to the Hierarchy’s standards as a soldier, it is when it is considered that you are part of the ruling caste. Research Hierarch Gorn selected you for this position and I seconded his opinion. Were we wrong to have selected you, Hierarch of War?” Araq’s threats had little effect on such a strong-willed Lokoid, though, it was enough to put Daggoth in his place. The Hierarch of war, stepped back and merely glared at Gorn with his compound eyes.

Gorn, of course, continued his assessment of the politco-security of the Hierarchy, “Now with that fit out of the way, Daggoth shared some news with me a few days ago. The Jalaryians attacked one of our staging grounds at Agdemnar.” The so-called expeditionary force at Agdemnar was already a stretch. The Jalaryian incursion could turn into a string of massive assaults if left unchecked, which would threaten the secrets the Lokoid were so desperate to keep.

The Jalaryians were still quite sore after the Hierarchy wiped out several Lokoid Ashtari cults for not conforming with the strict society that the Hierarchy demanded. Several rebellious elements committed acts of terrorism and were gaining popularity, it was only when the Soldiery caste intervened were these rebellions quelled. Mass arrests, heavy military crackdowns, and martial-law declared on many worlds that harbored even the slightest sentiments of religious inclination. The whole incident was akin to a massacre and was merely passed off as anti-terrorist operations. Such an act was not easily forgiven.

The Hierarchy’s response to any aggressive action taken against the Lokoid is to ask for an inquiry. The inquiry can easily be used as a justification for war depending on the response. This was usually enough evidence for the Lokoid to avoid paying reparations. Araq was inclined to do so for the Jalaryians, seeing as the planetary invasion force had not been fully revealed. “I will request an inquiry about the attack to the Ascendancy’s leadership. However, with the purging of our own Ashtari cultists during the great war, we should prepare for the heavy-conflict with the dogmatic worshipers on Agdemnar. The Jalaryians may not have liked our brutal purge.”

Then there was the issue on Manir and the Rolvian debt. “Perhaps, we could also convince the Rolvians to sign a non-aggression pact...” the Lokoid were instrumental to the Rolvian war effort at Manir, providing them reliable warships that allowed them to push against other foreign powers. They’ve since given the Lokoid contracts for lunar and asteroid mining as well as a contract to keep foreign technology. “As Hierarch of commerce, I suggest we bring them to the table by lowering, or even clearing their debt.”

“I second Kaloth’s judgement. As the Hierarch of Industry, it is known to me that the Rolvians are experiencing problems on Manir. The reconstruction efforts are too slow and if the populists were to be appeased, it would put the Republic into a recession. If we were to provide the means for them to expediate their reconstruction efforts in exchange for a non-aggression pact or even a military alliance, it is likely the Rolvians would be more than willing to consider our offer.” Zasz oversaw the construction of many of the lunar and asteroid mining outposts in Rolvian space while collaborating with Gorn to create a research outpost on Manir. Lokoid overseers have reported to both Zasz and Gorn about the situation developing in the republic.

“I would suggest a gesture of good faith to sweeten the deal. Allowing them to profit from and oversee the Hierarchy’s mining operations in their space would likely further incentive them. I believe a 60/40 to 70/30 split in their favor would suffice.” Gorn understood that while the Rolvian’s would be quite interested in such offers, allowing the Republic to control and profit from resources gathered in within their own territory would give them another source of income to fund the reconstruction of Manir and long after the reconstruction efforts are finished.

Araq mulled over the proposal, but ultimately decided to discuss these terms with the Republic. Surely they would be open to dialogue. If diplomacy proves to be instrumental to the Hierarchy, then it would be folley to remain ignorant. The Hierarchy is known for their rigid structure and their their unyielding philosophies – Survival of the fittest, Natural Selection, Peace through power. Though power often meant physical or martial strength, through a contemporary lens power can be interpreted as economic strength or diplomatic strength. Power would have to be utilized in order to secure the survival of the Hierarchy and in as many forms as possible.

“There is one problem... What if the Asrians get involved?” Daggoth, of course, brought up the still present Asrians who to the best of Lokoid efforts are known only as the [i]’Manir assailants’[/i] very little else is known about them. The Asrians are introverted isolationists, they did not allow much outside influence, if any at all, to penetrate their civilization. Records of the word [i]’psionic’[/i] confuse the Lokoid because they are a psionically inept species, thus, the Asrian’s technology, the Asrian’s culture, the Asrian’s biology are all the more foreign to them than the rest of the denizens of the galaxy.

Araq was aware of the threat the Asrian navy may pose if the Asrians were to be rubbed the wrong way, especially when looking at their military actions during the great war. However, the Asrians have not shown too much interest in Lokoid and Rolvius affairs as of late. It was highly unlikely for them to get involved. This formed the basis of Araq’s reply, “Then we will adjust accordingly, Daggoth. It’s unlikely the Asrians will get involved, but if they do, we must put our efforts into understanding their civilization – our limited knowledge of their capabilities is concerning. In the meantime we must study and assess other races for diplomatic compatibility. We must work to limit our potential enemies with any and all means necessary.”

The discussion concluded there. Diplomatic messages were sent through the PsiNet, a letter to request an inquiry with the Jalaryian ascendancy was sent, and a letter to request a diplomatic meeting with the Rolvian

[hider=Inquiry Request to the Jalaryian Ascendancy]
[@Sigma]
To the divine Oracle, Lassnia Drass of the Jalaryian Ascendancy.

The Council of the Lokoid Hierarchy have been informed of confirmed Jalaryian armed incursions in the designated exploratory zones on Agdemnar. For the safety of the exploratory team and all exploratory equipment, an expanded security team have eliminated their hostile presence. The Hierarchy’s scout drones patrolling the area at the time have confirmed that the Jalaryian personnel fired the first shot indicating hostile intent. Holographic data is attached herewith.

This inquiry request is to ascertain the conditions of this incident. Agdemnar is a sensitive area and Lokoid-Jalaryian relations have been cold for quite some time. However, this incident may indicate that the Jalaryian Ascendancy may, indeed, harbor resentment against the Hierarchy. The Hierarchy demands an explanation and a meeting in unclaimed space for the inquiry to take place with a third party to mediate between the Lokoid Hierarchy and the Jalaryian Ascendancy. If this message is not replied to, please be advised that it can be used as evidence in the event of a conflict to justify reparations.

The inquiry will involve a simple investigation of relevant government documents and records such as military data, banking transactions, and other such things. The Jalaryian Ascendancy is requested to bring all relevant pieces of information related to the incident as well as any relevant witnesses or personnel to testify to the veracity of the provided information. Please be advised, if a conflict should occur, all omitted pieces of information will be counted against the Ascendancy. It is in the Jalaryian Ascendancy’s interest to confess such that the reparations for intentional hostile actions may be minimized if responsibility is taken for any intentional hostile actions taken against the Hierarchy. If the Hierarchy is found at fault, then the Hierarchy will pay reparations for the lives lost during this unfortunate incident.

You are given seventy-two Saytak hours (adjusted for the message's estimated time of arrival) to respond to this request of inquiry.

-Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste.

(The footage attached contained several angles focused on the Jalaryian forces which numbered close to battalion strength who have apparently entered two kilometers into the supposed Lokoid Exploratory zone. The footage confirms the Jalaryian’s were the first to fire a shot. M.M.A. Mk1 and Mk2 began firing back, supported by heavy robotics such as the A.A.-A.C. and the A.I.-A.C.. The firefight went on for hours with Jalaryian armored forces being committed to the fray. It all ended with the zealous Jalaryians making one last desperate charge with a very clear yell, [b]“ASHTAS VULT!”[/b] only to be received by several A.A.M.s colloquially called [i]’tick mines’[/i] which finished off their desperate offensive.)
[/hider]
[hider=Diplomatic missive to the Republic of Rolvius]
[@Aleranicus]
The Hierarchy extends its respect to you, Lady Vannifar of the Star Republic of Rolvius.

The Lokoid Ruling Caste wishes to redetermine the terms of your debt to the Hierarchy as well as to discuss matters of interest for both the Hierarchy and the Republic. Lokoid-Rolvian relations have been strictly business ever since the Manir conflict. The Hierarchy would like to strengthen its relations with the Republic through a thorough discussion on the politico-security and socioeconomic stance of both nations with regards to the Detente treaty and recent events revolving around Agdemnar. The goal is to form solid bilateral cooperation, besides that of business and trade, that would be mutually beneficial during this delicate period of tenuous peace.

Because of a number of factors, it was determined that rather than an exchange of messages, the complex and delicate nature of issues regarding certain points of interest have merited that this dialogue be conducted and continued through a Lokoid envoy. For legal reasons, it must be stated that the envoy will be escorted by a number of armed ships. The envoy and the designated escort will arrive within a few days of this message being delivered. We look forward to the outcome of this exchange of dialogue.

-Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste.
[/hider]
[hr][b]AGDEMNAR 
AGDEMNAR SYSTEM
AGDEMNAR PLANETARY SURFACE[/b][hr]

The Lokoid exploratory zones were spread far and wide, with one right next to the shield near Point Jakurna. In the middle of these so-called exploratory zones are so-called research outposts. Unbeknownst to the warring belligerents on Agdemnar, the Lokoid have been masking sensor data via sensor disruption nets. The Lokoid intentionally settled in places where it could be easily explained, such as mountainous regions or thick, wooded areas. These research outposts were a facade to hide military staging grounds connected via a large tunnel network, protected by roaming patrols and scoured by scout drones. Underneath the staging grounds were several divisions worth of vehicles, inactive robots and drones, and equipment waiting for the war to begin. The active patrols were at the very best, 10% of the Lokoid’s true martial strength on Agdemnar. The Hierarchy was still waiting for an excuse to launch their full might.

The Jalaryian’s attack a few days ago may have provided the Lokoid an excuse, or so the Soldiery Caste hoped. They’ve been there for months with little to no activity—the calm before the storm. Then, out of the blue, a transmission was received in Lokoid repeating the same phrase over and over and over. 

[b]”HELLO.HELLO.HELLO.HELLO...”[/b]

The Hierarchy do not communicate casually over military comms. The rogue transmission was enough to send the Lokoid, both on the ground and in space, into high gear just to investigate the transmission and send a reply.

[b]”Unknown sender, identify yourself! Repeat. Unknown sender, identify yourself!”[/b] the Lokoid demanded, yet it droned ever on with its drivel without giving an appropriate response. However, the Lokoid did detect other signals from the source being sent through all known frequencies of communication. All other signals and communication that weren’t directed at the Lokoid were heavily encrypted. This continued for a short while until it stopped suddenly. The source was an object steadily approaching Agdemnar. 

The Hierarchy could not investigate it fully with most assets bound to the research outposts staging grounds and the so-called expeditionary zones on Agdemnar. But it could, send a drone to [i]’survey the area for setting up a new research outpost’[/i]. In actuality, the Hierarchy would send scout drones to observe the object crashing towards the surface. It was transmitting something odd, it wasn’t of Lokoid design, and it was crashing towards Agdemnar. The higher ups at Agdemnar felt that this was too coincidental to just be malfunctioning space junk. They had to investigate the object with whatever means available to them and determine whether or not it posed a serious security threat.