[b]Solis Class (DD-211- Holy Light) Commander Jun Leiar (Location: 30 AU, 34.32N,-43.00S,AZ-12 degrees) -Halfway to the mysterious CORE signal-[/b] [img]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zWFeYJg4xWuZ6FixUABMnD.jpg[/img] From the command deck it looked as if the ship peeled itself from the clouds of a storm and back into normal space. The slight shift in velocity woke the commander from her nap, her head slightly jerking forward before shooting up into a straight posture. The command deck was dark, despite the red glow of the war lights and the monitors of the command stations. The bridge was packed with crew and their living arrangements, sleeping bags littered the floor as crew found it easier to sleep next to their station rather than travel back to the cramped crew bays. This was the life of a long range reconnaissance destroyer. [b]“ Crew report ma’am, and good morning”[/b] a crew member said before placing a datapad on the command chair. “ Its 05:20 back home” he said before walking back towards the bulkhead. Commander Leiar looked at the report and sighed, it was much of the same but required for the ships logs. No messages for the past 14 local days, Radar is chasing sporadic readings and investigating, 2 of 16 communications buoys have been launched, we are three weeks into our journey. [b]“ About halfway there….”[/b] She said under her breath before placing the datapad down again. They would stay for a few hours to cool the slipspace drive and reactor before jumping again off into the vacuum. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Commander Cassius Caspian Lokia-Naval High Command[/b] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/27/40/ce/2740ce9ee9a0882ed6528444f4d4b20d.jpg[/img] Traveling with a solar high priest has its advantages, luxury accommodation and respect beyond comparison. Not to mention, they didn’t have to pay a cent for anything. Meals, drinks, anything, was completely covered courtesy of the state. [b]“It pays to be close to those in power”[/b] Cassius said as he buttoned the last few clasps of his dress uniform before running a hand down the front to smooth it as he looked at himself in the mirror. Adjusting the rank epaulets on his shoulders, a sharp knock at the door quickly gained his attention as a man spoke in the adjacent hallway. [b]“ Commander, sir….the council is meeting soon”[/b] the man said curtly. Cassius sighed in anxiety before walking out into the hallway. Giving the man a polite nod, the pair walked down a long, windowed hallway to the council chambers. Since his revelation, Lord Barca has told the admirals and generals loyal to him to prepare for war. In total, Lord Barca levied three complete battle groups, two fleet carriers and close to 40,000 fighting troops. This was more than enough for a vanguard action, but nowhere close to the numbers and resources required to stay put. High priests have the power to order troops around and even muster troops for war. Generals and military leaders must agree however, adding an organic balance to power. Lord Barca was popular within the military, but he cannot bring the entire mass of the Solite state to bear alone. That was the reason they were here, they needed to convince the remainder of the council to back their cause. Cassius sighed again as they reached the door to the chamber, before slowly walking through the large doors into a massive shrine. He quickly focused on the collection of men in the center of the room before seeing Lord Barca standing at his seat, preparing to speak. [b] “ Fellow humans, countrymen, children of the stars, I bring to you today a daring proposal. Just as we crush insurrection in the Mordant system, another opportunity arises far to the galactic south. Ancient treaties, convened in a time before the great awakening to the solar truth, have become obsolete and ripe for removal”. [/b] Lord Barca, paused for a moment, seemingly taking a breath. [b]“ The brave spirit of humanity has already exhibited itself in the people of the Saxonian Confederation, as they have declared themselves independent from the grasp of the Dominion.” [/b] He paused again, taking in the reactions of the council members [b]“ Why should our people stay under the wing of those who don’t recognize the solar truth, I formally declare this day, on the 2498th revolution of this glorious solar body, that the Solis Ecclesia is and will forever be, an independent and sovereign state. Furthermore, we should, in good faith and future cooperation, aid the people of the Saxonian Confederation. The stars have called for a crusade to the south!! They wish to spread their love to these new worlds, let us be action behind their will. It is the gods will”.[/b] He finished, looking towards the crowd again to study their reactions. Some members of the council were nodding enthusiastically, while others sat stone faced and whispered to their fellow councilmen next to them. Cassius watched Lord Barca slowly sit before another man rose, outstretching his arms to silence the room. [b]“ The most honorable Lord Barca does make a rather daring proposal, there shall be a vote. All those in favor of reclaiming territory and aiding future allies, make yourself known”[/b] A few council members immediately raised their hands, while other seemed to mull it over speaking with their colleagues. Cassius watched in a feigned excitement before a low growl could be heard, bringing the focus of the room to Lord Barca as he shot up from his seat. [b]“ Think!! This is our chance to gain supremacy, to spread our holy word throughout the galaxy, it is our right! The Gods Will It!! It is not our place to question this command, only act! We must act….”[/b] He finished again as more hands began to slowly raise. [b]“ The movement is passed then….”[/b] Lord Barca said, as a slight grin grew on his face [b]“ We crusade south…”[/b]