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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
An old fashioned butt whuppin!
2412.8 The com unit chirped. Gina Jager’s eyes snapped open, waking quickly from a fitful sleep. She glanced at it, and considered ignoring it. It chirped again. With a groan, she sat up and glanced at the id. It told her that it was a secure channel from Fleet Headquarters. That got her attention. She quickly wiped the sleep from her eyes, ran her fingers through her hair, and cleared her throat. Whoever it was would just have to deal with her appearance. She keyed the com unit, and was shocked to see the face of Grand Admiral Urian. “Gina, did I wake you?” the Grand Admiral asked. “Yes sir” she answered before thinking, “I mean, I was up sir, just resting.” He smiled. “I see. The Ukra-Tal have been keeping your pretty busy.” She ran her fingers through her hair again. She couldn’t believe he was seeing her in this condition! “Yes sir, they’ve been active, but not really pressing us. Did you get my report, sir?” She began to wonder where this conversation was going. “I did”, replied the Grand Admiral, “and I agree with your conclusions. I think we’ve hurt them worse than they expected. I don’t think they will be mounting any more large scale offensives for a while.” Well it’s always good when your superiors agree with you, she thought. “That’s why I want you to come back to Remorhaz for a while, Gina. We need to discuss our strategy now the war against the Rage is over. I also thought you might want to be here for the funeral of the Bardron VI casualties.” Gina processed the information. Why was her pulling her off of the line? She knew that she had been at war for years now. Maybe he thought she had lost her edge. The Grand Admiral continued. “We’re reorganizing the Navy into two main fleets. Ukra-Tal Fleet will be based on Highrock. The other fleet will be Romulan Fleet and will be based here on Remorhaz. I’m giving Romulan Fleet to R.J. Brennan. Ukra-Tal Fleet is yours, if you want it.” Gina’s heart skipped a beat. Fleet command? “It won’t be official until you get here, but consider yourself promoted. Congratulations, Admiral Jager. I know you are the right person for the job.” Fleet command? As reality closed in on her, she felt her mouth turn up into a huge grin. “Sir, I’d be honored” she managed to squeak out. The next few days were a flurry of activity for the Remorhaz People’s Navy as the reorganization took place. In Ukra-Tal Fleet, Gina chose her commanders from those she personally knew to be exemplary officers. Task Force One, which was her previous command, was the easiest choice for her. Walter Reed was an officer that Gina strived to emulate throughout her career. Through a number of circumstances, she had earned the lion’s share of the glory and promotions, but she considered Reed to be the best officer in the Navy. She pressed Grand Admiral Urian to promote Reed to Fleet Admiral, which he did. His flag would be his former command, RSS Stormfront. Task Force Two, presently based in the Bardron system, she gave to Gordon Lu. Gordon had been a protégé of Sakazawa, and Gina knew from personal experience that he was a brilliant tactician and an excellent leader. Lu was promoted to Rear Admiral. Lu chose RSS Ganymede as his flagship. Task Force Three was the Iolo Defense Fleet renamed. The heroic defense of Correlia by the tiny fleet against incredible odds was one of the more celebrated stories of the war, and the name of the fleet’s commander was known by all of the children of the Remorhaz Society. Thom Hitcher retained command of his fleet, and was promoted to Rear Admiral. He retained his flag on the legendaryRSS Orion. For the only task force in Romulan Fleet, Brennan chose to promote Will Crowley to Rear Admiral. Crowley had been XO to Lu while they served on RSS Intimidator, and he had a sterling reputation as an aggressive officer with a great head on his shoulders. Brennan wanted an officer who could plan on the run, since much of the war effort against the Romulans would be improvised as intelligence was gathered. Crowley had proved to be exactly the type of officer he was looking for. While the reorganization was taking place, the war still raged. In Lenoltris, just days after Gina left in a shuttle for the four month trip to Remorhaz, long range scanners picked up two Ukra-Tal cruisers that had made the worm hole transit from Yukra. Fleet Admiral Walt Reed ordered Task Force One, with fourteen ships and twenty-four fighters to lay a course to intercept the enemy ships. One week later, they met in a quadrant adjacent to Lenoltris III. At a range of almost three thousand miles, the two fleets deployed into battle formation. The Ukra-Tal ships continued to head right into the heart of the Remorhaz fleet, and so Reed deployed his ships to maximize point defense fire. The Ukra-Tal fleet consisted of a Hedenso class cruiser, armed with three seeker launchers with very long range, four anti-missile “organs”, and advanced computers and shields. The other ship was a Hedmora class cruiser, with a main armament of two heavy acid launchers, advanced computers and anti-missile “organs”, also. As with most Ukra-Tal ships, their ships were part organic and, given enough time, could heal any damage suffered. The range closed quickly. Reed pulled his wedge into a tight box, with the fighters out on the flanks. The Hedenso opened fire on Stormfront at a range of one thousand miles. They would cover that distance in minutes if the Remorhaz ships reversed course, but the intercept time dropped exponentially as they moved to get into guns range of the Ukra-Tal ships. Warning klaxons sounded on the bridge as the seekers locked onto the flagship of the Remorhaz fleet. Reed watched the tactical display as the two fleets continued toward each other. He was confident that his own point-defense fire could knock down all of the enemy seekers, but he wanted to get the first shots in on the Hedmora, and hopefully knock it out before it could bring it’s powerful acid launchers to bare. Finally, the enemy ships moved into range. At nine hundred miles, Reed ordered all ships to go to flank speed. If they could get the range down to five hundred miles quickly, they would get the first shot. RSS Liberation was the fist ship to get into range. She was a Glory C Class destroyer, and her main armament was two missile launchers and one heavy cannon. At a maximum range of five hundred miles, she fired, missing with her cannon shot but targeting the Hedmora with a salvo of missiles. RSS Binghampton fired and hit once, damaging the Hedmora’s shields. RSS Hecate also hit once with a cannon shot, damaging her shields even further, but not doing much to slow the Hedmora down. RSS Firefly missed with all of its shots, but Stormfront hit it and brought its shields down to half strength. One of the elements of fighters entered the maximum range of the Ukra-Tal ships anti-missile launchers, and instantly a huge cloud of projectiles was ejected from the Hedenso. The projectiles caught the fighter squadron head on, shredding nine of the craft. The other three were able to avoid the attack. The Ukra-Tal ships turned to make a raking pass at the Remorhaz battle line. The Hedmora fired another projectile cloud at the fighters, destroying all of them. It then opened fire on Binghampton, hitting with two heavy acid salvos. Fortunately, her shields held, barely, and she escaped the attack unscathed. The anti-missile clouds knocked down most of the Remorhaz missile salvoes, but two still sought their targets. RSS Hercules now found herself three hundred miles from the enemy cruisers. Her captain was Lieutenant Commander Kahlid Pedram, an aggressive officer in his first command. He closed the range to within one hundred miles and opened fire on the Hedmora with a three cannon salvo. The Ukra-Tal countermeasures spoiled his shots, however, and only one found their target. The cruiser’s shields were down below half strength, but she still had suffered no structural damage. RSS Hecate also closed with the Hedmora and delivered a heavy salvo of cannon fire, hitting with all three shots at very close range. The Hedmora’s shields were almost down. Binghampton fired and hit the Hedmora once, and then away turned to open the range with the Hedmora to preserve her shields. They would not survive another attack. Firefly closed and attacked, bringing down the Hedmora’s shields and bLasting a furrow in the ships outer skin. No significant damage was done, but the shields were down. Fleet Admiral Reed ordered all ships to continue firing on the battered cruiser, even as Stormfront closed range. Her cannon salvo damaged the organic armor on the port side of the ship so badly that it would be unable to “heal” damage to the ship. RSS Triumph gave the armor on the starboard side the same treatment. At this point, the Hedmora and the Hedenso split up. Reed would not be fooled though, and continued to hound the enemy cruiser. Hercules remained at point-blank range, hitting the cruiser twice and destroying the ship’s shield generators and opening the crew quarters to space. Ukra-Tal bodies escaped the hole along with gasses and other debris. Buffalo moved into range and delivered a heavy cannon barrage, ripping the port side of the Hedmora open with great explosions. From bow to stern the Ukra-Tal ship was bleeding atmosphere and debris, and the crew of Buffalo watched as one heavy cannon shell ripped open an acid launcher, it’s contents streaming out into space from an ever-widening tear in the hull. Hecate and Firefly surrounded the Ukra-Tal ship, determined to destroy it before the single remaining launcher could launch another salvo of acid. Their combined firepower was more than enough to destroy all weapon systems on the Hedmora. The ship still lived, but would pose no threat to the Remorhaz fleet. Reed immediately turned his attention to the Hedenso. Stormfront, Liberation, and Triumph brought the ships shields down with one combined salvo of heavy cannon fire. Binghampton bLasted its organic armor down to about half strength before the ship could return fire. Reed ordered all remaining capital ships to attack the Hedenso and leave the Hedmora to the remaining fighters. Hercules continued her relentless attacks and bLasted the remaining organic armor off of the Hedenso. Liberation attacked with a missile salvo and a cannon shot, which hit the cruiser amidships and destroyed two of the anti-missile cloud launchers. The Remorhaz ships continued to pound the Hedenso with cannon fire, turning it into a twisted wreck. On the tactical display, Reed watched as the Remorhaz missile salvoes overwhelmed the crippled cruiser, bLasting it’s remaining superstructure into a cloud of small pieces. Ensign Berton watched the Ukra-Tal ship slowly limp through space. Most of its engines were destroyed, its hull was holed and venting gas. Not ten minutes before, it had killed half of his squadron mates, and so it was with singular joy that he ordered his flight of FA-5 Warhammers to commence their attack runs on the Hedmora. Victory 2 rolled in to the attack, executing a prefect rocket attack. The heavy projectiles arced lazily through space, and then struck the ship right near it’s engine room with spectacular force. Quickly, the remaining engines of the Ukra-Tal ship went up as the warheads of the rockets carried on through the hull deep into the powerplant. The explosion consumed the ship in a huge fireball, rocking the fighters with concussive force. Berton watched impassively as the fireball quickly consumed itself, removing all evidence that a warship had even existed in this patch of space. He ordered his element to form up on him and set a course for Highrock, but as he turned he kept his eye on the spot where the Ukra-Tal cruiser had died. “There’s more where that came from, you slimy bastards.” he whispered to the ghosts as he continued his turn for home. “We’ll be waiting.” [ June 11, 2004, 13:25: Message edited by: sachmo ] |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
I love your work, just got caught up...
Your story is lively, with vivid imagery for both characters and action. Keep up the good work. P.S. You will become a great author someday http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif You make me smile from ear to ear when ever you post a new chapter. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif This one was espeically pleasing to read. Thank you.
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
GOod work
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
It seemed to take a lot of effort for your fleet to take down the Ukra Tal cruisers. I'd hate to think how desperate the fight would be, if they had parity with your forces, they seem to have a big tech edge!
Enjoying the read very much, since it is a work in progress it could still all go wrong as well. Very much in suspense! |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Paul, Atrocities, FryerK: Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words.
Nostalgia: Yes, they have a big edge in technology, and so far when a larger enemy fleet has attacked us we've had to rely on planetary defenses to turn the tide. Having said that, Remorhaz has just started deploying Phased Poloron Beams and targeting computers, which should help even the odds us and help us take down their big ships. At least I hope, but skipping shields would make a HUGE difference! |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Battle of Highrock
Task Force Three was the first task force to complete full refit. All of the ships in the force were armed with the newest phased polaron beams and battle computers. When a lone Fredrikstad class Ukra-Tal light cruiser was cornered in quadrant sixteen, the first combat test of the new weapons systems began. The Fredrikstad was a minelayer, and had no offensive weapons of her own. Knowing this, the Ukra-Tal captain turned away from the task force and made a run for the wormhole. Hitcher’s ships had a speed advantage, and so he gave chase, confident that they would be able to catch and destroy the enemy craft. At six hundred miles, RSS Orion opened fire. Hitcher watched as the blue beam streaked through space to impact on the hull of the enemy ship. Of the three shots, only one missed. The Fredrikstad was visibly damaged, but continued to run. RSS Shining Victory was the next to attack. Her beam hit at the bow, and then burned a huge gash in the hull as the beam continued to burn down the hull. Even at three hundred miles, Hitcher noticed that the gun solutions were generating hit probabilities in the nineties, which was unheard of accuracy with the old computers and depleted uranium cannon. The Remorhaz ship fired, mangling the stricken hull of the Fredrikstad. RSS Shining Victory moved in and finished it off with a well-placed beam into the weakened midsection of the ship, bLasting it in half. Hitcher looked at his assistant. “Have the data and a vid of the engagement beamed back to Fleet HQ immediately” he said. He knew that the scientists in the Research Guild would be ecstatic to see that their weapons were as effective as advertised. 2412.9 Surtran completed construction of another Scorpion Class Minesweeper, RSS Boar Beetle. On Cirius, another was launched, RSS Dagger Moth. The ships left port as soon as they were provisioned but with skeleton crews. The bulks of their crews were training on Highrock, and would join with their ships when they arrived. The minesweepers were vital to the success of Operation Reconquest, and without them the fleet would take massive casualties before a shot was even fired in anger. One of the lessons of the war so far was that well prepared minefields were a great equalizer. 2413.0 The shipyards at Cetarus completed construction of another Scorpion class minesweeper, RSS Aphid. A new Comet Class planetary assault ship, RSS Quark, was launcher from Surtran in the Surtran System. RSS Mount Thunder and RSS Xanthe arrived in Iolo to join Task Force Three. Both ships were immediately docked to be refit. These two ships would greatly increase the combat power of the task force. In Lenoltris, Fleet Admiral Walt Reed watched as an armada of forty-three Ukra-Tal ships appeared from the Yukra wormhole and was headed straight for Highrock. They had come this way before, and the Last few times had turn back after accomplishing some unknown mission, but this fleet seemed far too large to him to be anything other then a full assault fleet, coming to destroy them. The Ukra-Tal fleet did come, but apparently learned nothing from the experiences of previous fleets. As the fleet passed the asteroid belt just inside Highrock Quadrant, the Remorhaz minefield was triggered. The ships were devastated. The mines homed in on their ships, bypassing defenses and slamming into hulls. Finally, the enemy ships punched through the minefield, but only after losing twenty-seven ships. Of the remaining sixteen ships, ten were heavily damaged. Against this reduced armada, sixteen Remorhaz ships were deployed around Highrock, in addition to the ground defenses. The odds were fairly even, thanks to the mines. RSS Loyalty was the first to fire, launching a missile salvo at an Ukra-Tal cruiser. Reed pulled the rest of the fleet back toward Highrock, so that the fleet and the surface batteries could support one another. The Ukra-Tal ships deployed in a line, standing off and launching seekers at Reed’s ships. One of the enemy ships, the Heinola class, turned out to be a carrier. It launched fifteen fighters, then turned away from Highrock. The waves of Ukra-Tal seekers came at the Remorhaz formations, and waves of anti-missile fire rose to meet them. The ships knocked down most of the parasite seekers fired by the capital ships, and the ground-based batteries totally destroyed the Ukra-Tal fighters. A Hedmora class cruiser was able to get into range to fire its acid globules, and targeted RSS Triumph. Two out of three shots hit the destroyer, knocking out two of her engines. The Remorhaz line returned fire, damaging the cruiser’s shields. Reed continued to pull his ships back, drawing the Hedmora into range of the surface batteries, which destroyed the Hedmora’s shields and battered her armor. At the same time, he ordered the remaining Remorhaz fighters to flank the enemy line and go after the damaged enemy ships that were trying to stay out of the fight. The ground batteries severely damaged an Ukra-Tal light cruiser, and Buffalo and Stormfront finished it off. Hecate took heavy damage as a Hedmora closed range and bLasted her with acid launchers. Reed ordered the ship to retreat from the battle. Triumph was lost when three undamaged Hedmoras pressed then attack and battered the ship with acid volleys. Most of the crew was able to escape the ship after the second Hedmora attack crippled the ship. Captain Villareal ordered all hands to abandon ship before the third Ukra-Tal cruiser was able to close range, and about 350 of the 400 men on board were able to escape. Captain Villareal was among the lost. After the surface batteries severely damaged another Hedmora, Reed ordered his fleet to go on the offensive. Binghampton and Buffalo pounded another Hedmora from close range, and the destroyers helped to cripple it. The remaining Ukra-Tal Hedmoras turned back to face the Remorhaz charge, but instead of facing the cruisers head on, they maneuvered past the line and went after the damaged Hecate. They opened fire from extreme range, and Hecate dodged the best it could, but the heavy acid fire finally caught her in the missile magazine. The explosion tore the destroyer to pieces. None of the crew survived. The Remorhaz ships now had the Ukra-Tal between them and Highrock. The combined firepower from the fleet behind them and the heavy planetary batteries took a toll on the Hedmoras. Every ship was heavily damaged in the resulting exchange. At this point, the Ukra-Tal ships began to turn away from Highrock, apparently in an attempt to withdraw. Reed would have none of it. He pressed the attack, leaving every Hedmora crippled. Every remaining Remorhaz ship destroyed at least one enemy ship. It was over in minutes. Reed continued on, determined not to let a single Ukra-Tal ship escape. At six hundred yards, Binghampton and Stormfront fired on the Ukra-Tal carrier, tearing it to pieces. Once the carrier was destroyed, the line fell on the remaining crippled Ukra-Tal ships. None survived. The battle was over. The Remorhaz People’s Navy had lost close to five hundred men and two ships, with minor damage to a few others. The fighter group had lost another five of their number, but had destroyed another enemy ship. The Ukra-Tal losses were total. Every one of the fourty-three ships in the fleet was destroyed. Reed was staggered by the number, and also by the implication that the Ukra-Tal could sustain this magnitude of loss and still continue to sustain offensive operations. If Remorhaz had taken that big of a loss, over half the navy would be space debris. Just how many ships did the Ukra-Tal have? If they decided to come with all of them, could Remorhaz stop them? [ June 12, 2004, 04:47: Message edited by: sachmo ] |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Good update - will be interestin to see if the can deal with the ukra - tal on an ongoing basis - im assuming you are using a real game as motivation for this story which is getting interesting. Will give them food for thought for an invasion (reconquest)
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Quote:
Yes, the game dictates the story. I just fill in the blanks. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Coming soon...espionage!
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Quote:
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Great Writing so far Sachmo!
As for espionage...Why can i picture this Remorhaz citizen in a giant slug costume sitting in on the Ukra Tals board meetings http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Quote:
"Hello, everyone! I am an average Ukra-Tal. Please, continue with your spilling of military secrets. You have nothing to fear from me." |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Shadow War
The music thumped loudly, a deep heavy beat. Lights flashed in hypnotic patterns in time with the music. All around the club, masses of people swayed to the beat. Crewman Yancy Slotnik turned to his new lady friend and shouted something obscene in into her ear. She smiled a very professional smile, put her arm around him, and kept her mind on the money she would get when this dreadful evening was over. Slotnik pulled her toward him and gave her neck a sensual kiss. The fact that it felt to her more like a slug had latched onto her neck was lost on him. Tonight, he was the king of the world. He smiled as he turned to address him other friends. “Are you guys having a good time?” he shouted. His shipmates looked at him. “Sure Slotnik. Sure we are. You just keep buying the drinks, and we’ll keep enjoying ourselves,” grunted the biggest of them. The others laughed. The big one picked up his drink, and held it up in toast. “To Bardron Six!” he shouted. “To Bardron Six!” the other sailor chorused. Slotnik did not raise his glass to this. He hated the Navy, and counted the moments until he could get out. He frowned. “Come on, baby,” he said to his date, “let’s go somewhere more private.” She smiled again, hoping that he would do his thing and she could be on her way. As he stood, he lost his balance and spilled his drink on one of his crewmates uniform blouse. “Hey!” he shouted as the cold liquid ran down his back. He turned to see Slotnik standing over him with his half-empty glass dripping the offending liquid. The sailor snapped up from his chair. “Because you bought the drink tonight, Slotnik, I’m going to give you some advice instead of smashing your face in. We,” he gestured to himself and the other sailors at the table, “don’t like you. No one does. The only reason we are here is because you said you were buying the drinks. I can’t figure out how a goldbrick like you got your slimy little flippers on all this money, but don’t let fool you. We aren’t friends. We aren’t buddies. We’re barely even shipmates. Now, why don’t you pay the bill and get out of my face before I smash you?” The other sailors burst out laughing. Slotnik felt the heat rise in him, but he wasn’t dumb. If he hit one of them, they would all beat him to a pulp. He knew when to cut his losses. “Screw you guys!” he shouted, and grabbed his date by the arm. “Hey Slotnik!” one of the sailors called, “I hope you know what to do with that twist when you get her alone!” He picked up the pace. He was determined to have a good time tonight. He didn’t like those guys anyway. As he worked his way through the club to the exit, he tried to make sense of things. The alcohol didn’t make that any easier. Why did things always have to turn out this way, he thought. I can’t catch a break with these guys. Every time I try to do the right thing, I end up screwing it up. Suddenly he smiled. They’ll learn soon enough that I can do something right. He pushed the girl out of the door into the street as he struggled past the sea of humanity trying to get into the dance club. Once out, he put his arm around her. “I know a place where we can get a room,” he slurred. “This is gonna be the best night of your life, baby.” “I’m sure it will,” she said, with just enough emphasis for Slotnik to believe her. They turned to walk up the dark street when she saw shapes moving in the darkness in front of her. Instinctively, she started to reach for her purse to grab for the blade she kept in there. Before he hand was halfway to it, she heard the distinctive sound of a pistol being cocked right next to her ear. “Don’t move!” a voice commanded. She obeyed. Suddenly, she was up against a wall with her hands pinned against her back. She was scared, but she knew that with a pistol on her, the best thing to do was to just go along. Slotnik wasn’t as wise as the prostitute. “Who the hell are…” he started to shout, but the words died in his throat as a hand clamped down on his windpipe. An instant of pain later he was on the ground looking up into a face obscured by a battle mask. “Shut up and don’t move” the face told him. He tried to shout, and began to jerk his head from side to side, trying to break the steady grip on his throat. Instead of loosening, he fingers tightened. “Don’t move” the voice said, slower this time but with infinitely more malice. He decided to stop. His heart was hammering in his chest, and began to beat harder as he realized who these men were. Two very strong arms grabbed him by his shoulders and lifted him up from the ground. He saw his date being placed in restraints as the masked men began to guide him toward the street. He saw the outline of a dark speeder before someone put something over his eyes, blinding him. The hand released his throat as he stumbled along with the masked men. He could make out the door of the speeder opening, and he was forced into a sitting position. He felt restraints go around his arms and legs, and panic set it. “Who are you?” he shouted. “I’m in the military! You can’t…” Something very hard and very heavy smashed into his mouth. Pain shot through his brain as he let out a cry. The heavy thing smashed him in the mouth once more. His face felt like it was on fire, but also numb at the same time. He could feel liquid, probably blood, pouring down his chin. “Ahh…” he began, but he was hit a third time. “Shut up” the voice commanded again. This time Slotnik did as he was told, at least for the few moments that he was conscious. He jerked his head up from his chest. The pain returned, threatening to put him out again. A moan escaped his as he ran his fingers over his teeth. They all seemed to be there, but he though one was broken. His tongue ventured out to his lips, but he wished it had not. Fresh pain seared his brain as the cuts and cracks in his lips reacted to his probing. It felt as if the lower half of his face were split in half. He gingerly tested his lips again. Yes, there was definitely a gash there, and they were swollen as hell. He moaned again. He could hear a door opening, and footsteps. He stopped moaning instantly. Someone chuckled. “He learns quick, doesn’t he?” someone said. “Yup. He’s a genius,” another voice responded. He felt something next to his head, and his blindfold was removed. The bright lights of the room shot spears of pain into his skull. He snapped his eyes shut to keep his head from exploding, but he didn’t cry out. He didn’t want to get his face smashed anymore. “See? Nothing! I tell you, I don’t understand the jacket on this guy. He can learn. He just needs the proper motivation,” the first voice said. The second voice began to laugh again. “Sit tight, sailor,” he heard, then footsteps and the door opening again. The door shut. Slowly, Slotnik opened his eyes. The light was blinding, but after some time he was able to see a bit past it. He was in a room, roughly six feet by six feet. The walls were bare, except for multiple vid cameras that were trained on him. It was very warm in here, and it smelled of sweat. Slotnik knew where he was, and he began to cry. “Wow,” the Captain said, “that didn’t take long.” “No sir,” agreed the second man. “Let’s give him some more time, then we’ll press him. He’s going to fold like a house of cards,” the Captain said. “Yes sir,” replied the second man. “I’ll play savior for him. It works best with his kind.” With that, the Captain turned and left the room. The second man continued to watch the vid as the their prisoner did their job for them. Slotnik didn’t know how long he had been out, but when he woke up, the pain had returned, except it had also claimed his neck as a casualty. He tried to move his arms again, so that he could rub his neck, but they were secured firmly to the chair. He tried to move his neck a bit, but that caused him even more pain. With no better options, he began to moan again. After what seemed like hours, the door opened again. This time, he could clearly make out the face of the man who entered. He was a tall man, about six foot three, and had broad shoulders. He was dressed in the uniform of the Remorhaz Security and Intelligence Bureau. He produced a chair from one of the corners of the room and sat down in front of Slotnik. “Mister Slotnik, I am Captain Shrake Winborne of the Security and Intelligence Bureau. I’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind, but first, do you require medical attention?” Slotnik’s eyes bulged in wonder. Medical attention? He didn’t know what to do! He stared at the Winborne with fear in his eyes. “Well, I’ll go ahead and get the doctor in here for you, ok?” the captain asked. Slotnik nodded, then sobbed. Winborne keyed the communicator that was on his shoulder, and asked that the medic be sent in. “He’ll be here soon, Yancy. May I call you Yancy?” he asked. Slotnik nodded again. “Yes.” If I play this right, Winborne thought, I might get everything on the first try. He looked at Slotnik for a few long moments, and then spoke. “Yancy, we know about the money, and we know what you were planning to do.” Slotnik began to cry in earnest now, great heaving sobs and a torrent of tears. Winborne stood up and moved over next to him. Slotnik flinched away. “Don’t worry son, I’m not going to hurt you,” Winborne promised. “I want to help you.” Slotnik continued to sob. “Yes sir. I need help. I’m so scared.” Winborne put his hand on his shoulder. “All you have to do is tell us the absolute truth, and we’ll do what we can to get you out of this. How does that sound?” Winborne asked. Slotnik began to nod vigorously. “I’ll tell you everything sir. Please, I don’t want to go before a firing squad. Please!” Slotnik pleaded. Winborne squeezed his hands tightly, trying to reign in his emotions. This man was pathetic, but he had to get the information from him before he threw him to the dogs. At that moment, the medic came in. He opened his kit and began to access Slotnik’s injuries. After about ten minutes, the medic was through, and Slotnik had calmed down considerably. Winborne knew that he had given the sailor plenty of time to decide just how much the Bureau knew about his illegal activities. If he were smart, he would figure out that they probably didn’t know much, but Winborne had seen enough to be sure that Slotnik wasn’t smart, or if he was, his cowardice would outweigh his instincts. No, this guy is going to crack. “Ok, Yancy, let’s hear it. Remember, the more truth you give me now, the more I can help you later. Got it?” Winborne asked. “Yes sir,” the sailor answered. His eyes were glazed over. Got him, thought the captain. Three days later, three teams of SIB agents surrounded a small, dingy dwelling in the civilian quarter in Highrock port. Inside were four Ukra-Tal agents, probably armed with small arms, but possibly a high explosive device, also. As one, they stormed the house. Shots range out, and in moments, three of the four Ukra-Tal agents were dead, and the fourth was taken prisoner. Hidden inside the dwelling were a number of listening devices, weapons, and monies. Most telling of all, however, was the discovery of an operational plan to sabotage a number of ships in orbit around Highrock. All of the attacks were scheduled to be carried out in three days, with Yancy Slotnik as the delivery system. He had no way of knowing that he would have been destroyed along with the Last bomb he was paid to deliver, but that was irrelevant. The man had sold his people out for a paltry sum. An example would be made of him. Winborne immediately sent a communication to Director Mulatti, letting him know that the plot had been stopped. The trial Lasted two days. Yancy Slotnik was shown no mercy by the military court on Highrock, and he was sentenced to death by firing squad the next morning. In the end, he found his courage at Last, telling the people he had betrayed that he was sorry for what he had done and hoped that there would be no reprisals against his family. There were none |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Oh man what a good read. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Thank you, I needed some cheering up and you provided it.
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
We await the next turn update to this story - good intel introduction though.
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Yet another great read, Sachmo!
I almost felt sorry for Slotnik at first. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
If anyone is interested in reading a Dominions II AAR, I've started one. It will be less of a narrative than Remorhaz, but sort of like Remorhaz was originally intended! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
I take it you like Dominions II?
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Well I guess I can understand that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif From what I have read it is indeed a great game. Very inovative and highly regarded by fans and reviewers alike. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
update! update! update! update!
anything in the pipeline? |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Yes, in fact there is. I was planning on doing some writing tonight, and was leaning toward Remorhaz rather then Dominions II.
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Great story so far, just finished reading all that's been posted. ^.^ I know others have sung your praises here too but I wanted to chip in mine. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
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Sorry I didn't get another chapter up Last night. I played a turn, saved the game, and went to the next turn...and the game kept crashing with a File not Found error! Apparently, I'd lost one of my Settings files somehow. A reinstall and repatch fixed the issue, and I was able to advance the turn, but did not have time to write. Hopefully, I'll have time tonight or tomorrow. Whew! |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Ack! O.o; Talk about bad luck. Glad you didn't lose your entire game!
I had a question but forgot to ask earlier. In the most recent posting, what species is (er, was...) Yancy Slotnik? (OK, thought he was Norak for some reason) Also wondering why all the other empires keep declaring war on you, but I know you have no idea either. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif It definitely makes for an interesting read though. [ June 28, 2004, 23:19: Message edited by: Alari ] |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
He's human. Or rather was. Some would argue that he is more closely related to fungus, or the weasel family.
[ June 24, 2004, 21:27: Message edited by: sachmo ] |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
I feel sorry for Slotnik, it was obvious that nobody liked him, it seemed that he did try to be socialble. I would have removed the tab as soon as those saliors were rude to me!
What have the Remorhaz done to earn his loyalty! |
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Immortalizing Heroes
2413.1 The people of the Remorhaz Society loved their heroes. When the dedication ceremony of the newest Rochester Class light cruiser was transmitted around the society from the shipyards of Vengeance in the Fezzran system, it became one of the most watched programs in history. Ordinarily, a new ship dedication would not be a major event, but this ship was special. It was named for the hero of the Rage war, the architect of the Battle of Rage, and the embodiment of the sacrifice of the men and women of the Remorhaz armed forces. The ship was christened RSS Shiro Sakazawa. The ship’s captain, Captain Steve “Duke” Williams, was the Last to come aboard after the Governor and the assorted officials wrapped up the dedication ceremony. Duke Williams marveled at his luck as he walked through Sakazawa’scorridors.. First, he was given command of the newest and highest-profile ship in the fleet. On top of that, he was promoted to Captain six months before he should have even been considered for promotion. He knew that Fleet Admiral Hitcher, a firm supporter and good friend of Duke’s made all of this possible. He and Hitcher had become friends when Duke succeeded him as commander of the frigate RSS Hyperion. They fought side by side in a number of the battles of the Rage War. With Hitcher now in command of the First Task force of Ukra-Tal Fleet, he was in a position from which he was able to reward his friend for his loyalty, and what a reward this was! Duke marveled at how big this ship was compared to the cramped quarters of Hyperion. The hallway was big enough to allow an eight-foot loader to travel up and down its length. In fact, there was ample space everywhere. Everything on this ship seemed to have its own place, and avoided feeling cluttered. On his old ship, equipment was often jammed into whatever space was available. “This will definitely take some getting used to,” Duke muttered to himself as he stopped before the lift that would take him up to the bridge. Two security crewmen scanned his badge and when they were satisfied with whom he was, they saluted him. “Welcome aboard, sir,” they said in unison. Duke saluted them back. “Thank you,” he said. As he stepped into the lift, a thought occurred to him. He stopped and addressed one of the sailors. “Crewman, what is your usual duty on board?” he asked. The crewman stared at him blankly. “Beg your pardon, sir?” “What is your normal job on board? What do you do every day?” The crewman looked bewildered. “Sir, I’m a security specialist. This is what I do.” Duke nodded. “Thank you, crewman. Carry on.” He stepped into the elevator. As the door closed, he whistled. Damn, I feel like a yokel, he thought. Dedicated security crewmen? This was defiantly going to take some getting used to. Minutes later, RSS Shiro Sakazawa silently slipped from her berth and maneuvered away from the space yard. Once they made it to open space, Duke Williams ordered the ship to increase to maximum speed and plotted a course for Highrock, were he would join the fleet of his old friend Thom Hitcher. 2413.2 In Lenoltris, a new colony was established on the planet of Lenoltris IX. The planet was named Guardian, and would be purely an outpost planet. A basic civilian infrastructure was set up, but the planet would serve as a fortress between the Ukra-Tal and the rest of the society. “Sir, Odysseus has arrived,” the Lieutenant said. Rear Admiral Hitcher breathed a quiet sigh of relief. It looked as if they would be able to get RSS Odysseus upgraded and back into action before the Ukra-Tal fleet was able to make it to Correlia. “Thank you,” he said. He turned back to the holographic system display floating in the center of his command center. A fleet of nineteen Ukra-Tal cruisers and light carriers was headed for Correlia. At their speed, the predicted arrival was in less than two weeks. It would be close, but Hitcher was confident that the shipyard crews could get the newly arrived light cruiser into shape before the fight. His own forces backed up by the ever increasing defenses of the planet should be enough to stop whatever enemy ships made it through the minefield, but in the meantime, lone Ukra-Tal ships were passing through Iolo uncontested. He couldn’t afford to send any ships out to intercept them for fear of an attack on the planet. It was a good strategic move by the Ukra-Tal. Hitcher knew something that the slugs didn’t know, though. Remorhaz was quickly closing the technology gap, and would soon be able to come out from behind their defenses and meet the enemy in open space, then take the war into enemy territory. All he had to do was stay alive until then. Watching the mighty Ukra-Tal armada bear down on Correlia, he knew there were no guarantees. In the Ultrinox system, RSS Eos took up position in the minefield outside of the Osshod wormhole. The ship prepared to make it’s mine laying run but noticed that one of the mines in the existing field had been detonated at some point in the past three month. Something had tried to come into Remorhaz space through that wormhole. The captain of Eos immediately reported his finding back to Remorhaz. Romulan Fleet would have to keep a closer eye on this system. RSS St. Margaret, an Eos class minelayer, was launched from the Glory shipyards at the beginning of the month. It was to join Task Force 1 of the Ukra-Tal fleet. During Operation Reconquest, it would mine all of the approaches to Yukra that the Ukra-Tal might use to send reinforcements into the battle. Speed would be of the essence, so St. Margaret’s crew was made up of the most experienced mine crewmen in the fleet. Glory began work on another minesweeper. 2413.3 The Ukra-Tal did not press the attack on Correlia. Hitcher surmised that once their ships had completed transit of Iolo and made it to the wormhole to Wanduk, their job was finished, and so the nineteen-ship Ukra-Tal fleet withdrew back into Yukra. We’re going to have to recon the Yukra system one of these days soon, he thought as he watched the enemy enter the wormhole. How to do that without tipping them off was another question. Four new capital ships joined the navy at the start of the month. RSS Conquerant was a Glory F Class destroyer, completed at the Glory space yards. The new Glories had the latest targeting computers and electronic countermeasures suites, as well as a phased-polaron beam to complement their double missile magazines. She was assigned to Romulan Fleet. RSS Arrow, a Javelin B Class light cruiser was launched from Rage. Armed with five missile magazines, she would be vital during planetary assaults as well as ship to ship combat. Her electronic suite was upgraded to the latest models, including the new multiplex tracking system, allowing the ship to target multiple enemy craft with her ample missile loads. This ship was attached to Task Force One of Ukra-Tal fleet. RSS Bill Elliot was the newest Ganymede G Class light cruiser launched from Fort Justice. This ship was named for the head of the Remorhaz News Service who had recently passed away. Under his guidance, the people of the Remorhaz Society were able to get accurate, timely and honest news from the frontline of the war, and from all corners of the rapidly growing society. A tireless worker, he was respected by all who knew him. To his friends, he was known as Mumbles. In honor of his achievements, this ship was named for him. He was the first civilian to have a ship of the line named after him. The Ganymede G was had a main armament of three heavy phased polaron cannon as well as updated battle electronics. This ship was also assigned to Task Force One of the Ukra-Tal fleet. RSS Perrysburg was a new Rochester D class light cruiser launched from Sutran. This class was almost identical to the Ganymede class, only with a different hull design. This ship was also tagged for Task Force One of the Ukra-Tal fleet. In Lenoltris, a single Ukra-Tal Hedmora sat silently near the Yukra wormhole, watching the activity on Highrock. |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Great piece of writing again Sachmo! Wonderful and in depth, full of great little details. I also noticed this!
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
I just enjoyed reading the Last few pages.
Excellent http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Deadstar: I wanted to do that for Bill for a while, but this was the first chance that I had to do it. I wanted to do it in a nice way. Hopefully, I've achieved that.
Hojo: they don't have stealth armor or anything. He's just sitting there, watching. Not close enough for the fleet to jump him, but not making any moves toward Highrock. Who knows what he is doing? Wardad: Thanks! Glad you are enjoying it! |
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
"In Lenoltris, a single Ukra-Tal Hedmora sat silently near the Yukra wormhole, watching the activity on Highrock"
Excellent as usuall... I should just copy & paste that phrase since it has applied to every update... the Ukra-Tal have stealth tech or stealth armor? Gives me goosebumps just waiting http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Looking forward to youre next update - interesting times ahead - will the minesweeper make a difference in time. Will there be a surprise attack somewhere.
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Others have said it, but I'll say it too: this would make a great book when it's finished. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Can we expect the next update soon - wonder what that lone ul takara ship represents.
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
"RSS Bill Elliot"
Well done. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Let us all toast a glass of scotch to the success of this ship. "My she live long and bring glory to her name." |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Alari: Thanks! This may not be a book, but writing this story has definately helped exercise my mediocre writing skills. So when my wife accuses me of playing games too much, I just tell her I'm preparing for writing a wildly successful novel! Everyone's happy! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
Paul1980au: I was hoping to write something tonight. The lone ship probably means nothing. He's probably just scouting, but he's really too far away for me to do anything. Until I build up the fleet, I can't abandon the guns of Highrock. If I get cause away from the planet, I could lose my fleet. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif Atrocities: I'll drink to that! |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Nice work!!
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Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Great updates...
I've been ol due to a computer bug http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Took some time to catch up, love the story so far. |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Sachmo Please Read you PM's. Thanks.
Update Please Read again. |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Remorhaz Society ship set, created by Atrocities!! Thank you, my friend!
http://www.astmod.com/zips/Remorhaz.exe [ July 03, 2004, 22:47: Message edited by: Atrocities ] |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Anywhere I could download the whole story all in one shot? I've not been able to get on-line lately and trying to read through Posts and story is a bit hard to do?
I know I know it sounds lazy but when you only have about an hour on the net before having to get off to work or something it's hard to read through chit chat AND story is just to time consuming.....so have you put it into word format or anything anywhere? |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
You should be able to hit the 'printer friendly' link at the bottom and then save the web page.
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[ July 03, 2004, 23:01: Message edited by: Atrocities ] |
Re: Rise of the Remorhaz Society
Any feed back on the set?
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