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What is war, but another sad attempt for the big boys, sitting high in their gold and silver palaces, to gain riches? To be called a the bigger man, the bad boy, the most powerful being in the galaxy? What is war, but a twisted game of dejarek? What is war, but an endeavour of fools?

Slowly, like a shark of Mon Calamari, the Corvette Battle of Yavin pushed across space, leaving in her wake a long trial of ion efflux. The ship flew her colours proudly, the sign of the slowly crumbling Galactic Defence Initiative. This was no warship, no killing machine, no vessel dispatched with the intent to destroy and murder others.

And yet, in this vessel, lay the hope and dream of peace. This one insignificant vessel carried within her the greatest weapons of all.

<font color=green>Hyperspace, en-route to the Carida System

"Tell me again, Captain, why you are here?" The Ambassador was a woman, young and quite beutiful, barely out of her teens. And she was the one that had volenteered and then been choosen for this mission that could just be her last.

Mercy, for that was her given name, took a moment to gaze out across the swirling blue tunnel of hyperspace before responding to the Captain's question. When she spoke, her voice was soft, almost musical.

"Why are any of us here, Captain? My goal is to prevent the deaths of billions. And if my life or death can protect those people on the worlds that the Empire assaults, than I will gladly give it. There is no thing that I wish more to see in my lifetime than true peace. Tell me, why are you here? Why not on the bridge of a warship?"

A long silence filled the bridge then, as the Captain sought an answer from the stars. Moments passed, interupted only by the steady bleeping of computers and the hum of the massive hyperdrives that propelled the Corvette at faster-than-light speeds.

"I served on a warship, once. A Frigate by the name of the Phoenix. And it was a good life, but one I could not go on living. I envy people like Supreme Commander Isstal and Lord Protector Drayson. Their ability to stand by and watch their actions, or lack of actions, claim hundreds of thousands of lives in amazing, unnerving, even. It was that life that I could not continue to live. Life is a precious thing, Amabassador, and if in the role of transporting people like yourself to their meetings of peace, than I am content to do so. I lack the ability to kill, so I do my part in a different way."

This brought a smile to the Ambassador's lips. It had been far to long since she had heard such words, and to listen to them again was good.

"My mother told me something like that, once. She was a nurse, onboard a Rebel Cruiser during the Rebellion. She could not stand to kill, but to help those that would do that killing, the killing that needed to be down, was to do her part."

"She sounds like a remarkable woman." Mercy nodded, staring now into the vortex.
"She was... But she died, you see. She was onboard the Liberty when it was destroyed by the Empire at Endor."
"The same Empire that you know go to speak with."

There was another uneasy silence as the ship continued along, sped towards its destination... and the Empire...

*Takes Place after Brigands and Ghosts*



Above Carida was a standard Imperial Defense Fleet, this one dubbed the II Defense Flotilla. Among the ships contained there in were one Assault-class Carrier Sphere and five attendant cruisers. On their own, the force was an imposing force and served admirably in its secondary role of anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations. Its primary role of system defense had never been tested, as anyone who dared attempt such a maneuver would be cut down by the Brass Protectorate, the Empire’s Home Defense Fleet. Anyone foolish enough to drive into the innards of the Empire deserved a quick fate for their bravery.

As well as a laugh for their stupidity.

Recently added to the IInd was an Allegiance-class Star Destroyer, present to aid in crew training for the millions of aspiring cadets on the academy world below; her presence had as well cut the local spice trade by ninety percent, many of the would be smugglers cut down by her heavy turbo lasers.

Three ships of the IInd had just returned from patrols, having added three pirate vessels to their various service laurels. Flanking the Allegiance-class Star Destroyer Indefatigable was the ACS Lighting and the Carrack Cruiser Veracity. A five gun salute was fired by the Carrack Cruiser Ferocious as she passed the detachment, on her own way to patrols. The Ferocious vanished into hyperspace and was gone.

The Indefatigable lumbered into orbit, sending one of her TIE Defender squadrons planetside where a squadron of TIE pilot hopefuls would replace the successful pilots returning, victorious.

The dozen fighters had barely left the hangar when the bridge Flight Ops officer changed their orders to patrol and escort. The TIEs acknowledged and moved out from under the expansive hull of their mother ship and saw what they always though impossible. So many worlds were shattered when their eyes beheld the unlawful before them:

A ship flying the flag of the Galactic Defense Initiative had reverted to real space near Carida’s fourth moon, currently nearest to the planet in the lunar rotation cycle. The ship was a small frigate, no more than three hundred meters in length and outclassed by everything in orbit of the Academy world, but still, it was present. Their sanctity had been violated.

The possibility that the ship had been sent on a suicide mission and was loaded with biological and chemical weapons did not escape the thoughts of every military man present.

“ Push off, umbrella. Attack pattern one.”

The TIEs roared forward and brought their shields and weapons to full. Their speed accelerated, seemingly unpowered by durellium and instead fueled by the memories of fallen Imperial soldiers.

Every Defender had taken off their weapons safeties and were readying to fire when the Flight Ops officer ordered a break off and reformation by the Allegiance. Reluctantly, the squadron pulled back.

The small ship had arrived under a flag of truce.

**

“ What the frell do we do about this?” asked the Indefatigable’s executive officer.

The Captain shook his head. “ The only thing we can do: call the Diplomatic Corps.”

* * *

Twenty minutes later, a phalanx of four Imperial-class Star Destroyers arrived, arrayed in a square around the Vengeance-class Star Destroyer Decisive. Aboard was the Commanding Admiral of the Brass Protectorate Fleet, Telan Desaria.

That was a man who filled a role in addition to his military duties, however. He was as well the Imperial Ambassador-at-Large and Chief of the Imperial Diplomatic Legation. He therefore had two powers:

Negotiate.

Or:

Slag.

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The name that adorned the side of the Corvette as it entered the Carida System must have been a slap across the face for the Imperials. A reminder of their first defeat at the hands of the Rebels, the beginning of the end, as it were.

The GDI High Command had chosen the ship because it was the closest available, and it was not until the Corvette was deep in hyperspace, to late to be called back, that they realized that such a thing as a name may doom their mission entirely.

And so it was the CR90 Corellian Corvette Battle of Yavin entered the Carida System, shields down and weapons unpowered, flying a flag of truce.

<font color=green.Carida System - Imperial Space

"Here we are." Mercy looked up from the display, her eyes travelling across the moon that filled the entire starboard viewport, to the planet below, a ball of blue and green and brown, to the fleet that protected this world from assault. A fleet that would defend the Empire in a moment, and slaughter millions for that same Empire.

It made one wonder if the Empire was really worth protecting. But then, these were Imperials, and this was their world. And they were brought up to believe that the Empire was the one true power. There was a certain likeness to it, a certain quality that made even the murdering, self-centered Empire seem loveable.

What that quality is was anyone's guess.

"And there they are." Already four mamoth Imperator-class Star Destroyers were approaching the Corvette, formed in a tight group to, presumably, escort the Corvette in. Or, if need be, to destroy it entirely. No challenge to a Star Destroyer, but the fact that were four here to bring in a meer corvette said something...

"Communications, give me a line to the Imperial fleet, please." Mercy said quietly, not looking away from the approaching Star Destroyers.

"Done, ma'am." She nodder her thanks and began to speak...

[i]People of the Galactic Empire. My name if Mercy; I am an Ambassador of the Galactic Defence Initiative. I wish to discuss with you peace... and the surrender of our people."

The four Imperial-class Star Destroyers around the Decisive continued on at near flank speed as they closed from their reversion point to overtake and eclipse the small corvette that had held, reportedly, and ambassador to the Empire from the Galactic Defense Initiative. The fact that the small craft had made it this far in Imperial Space without being pulled out by mines or interdiction pickets was astonishing, and truly worthy of note.

It crossed every Intelligence officer’s mind to reevaluate their Border Security Protocols.

“ Admiral,” called Captain Vorran from the crew pit.

“ Yes?”

“ We have a name for that little piece of GDI garbage.”

“ Captain,” Desaria replied, jokingly reproaching his flag captain for his choice of words. “ After all, that piece of garbage may soon be converted into an Imperial warship.” The admiral grinned again at the though of the words their ambassador had chosen.

…to discuss the surrender of our People.

“ Well, Captain? What is it?”

“ The Battle of Yavin sir.”

“ Oh really?” Desaria replied, arching an eyebrow as he stood and donned his ceremonial tunic, having taken it off as he napped on the bridge. “ Well, that’s at least a trillion more credits of indemnity and certainly more stipulations. Yavin, hah!”

“ make them welcome. Send this: you are welcome to send a shuttle to the Decisive The Ambassador may carry two aides de camp and two personal guards. Any more, and your vessel shall be destroyed. “

“ Sent, sir,” chirped the Comm chief.

“ Excellent, let’s go the hangar.”

Vorran nodded and made his way to the launch bay. There, he, the Admiral and one single platoon of Fleet troopers waited for their ’guests.’ A paltry welcome indeed, one slap in their face for their ship indiscretion.

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Peace has a way of bringing out the best in some, and the worst in others. This war will bring out the best, and worst, in us all.

<font color=green>Carida System - Imperial Space

"Look's like we've got their attention." The quartet of Star Destroyers were in position now, surounding the lone Corvette, weapons bristling menacingly.

"Incoming message!" The captain turned away from the viewport, nodded.

"You are welcome to send a shuttle to the Decisive The Ambassador may carry two aides de camp and two personal guards. Any more, and your vessel shall be destroyed."

There was a silence as the bridge crew processed the Imperial transmission...

"Ominious," Mercy ventured, looking back to the battleships that filled the viewport. "But we're wasting time. Time to go, I daresay."

The 'shuttle', a coverted Skipray Blastboat carrying a red and white colour scheme, the colours of an armed Diplomatic Courier, launched from what was once the topside vehicle hanger. Its escorts, four of the new X-wing starfighters, followed from the bow hold and took up flanking positions. Not a single ship had weapons powered or shields up.

As they passed over the hull of the Decisive, the fighters waggled their wings in true navy fashion, and then broke off as the shuttle entered the massive hanger bay.

"Time to get this party started,"

OOC: There is a quartet of Star Destroyers around the Decisive. That’s 4 ISDs and one VSD. 5 SDs total.



The diplomatic shuttle landed on the polished durasteel decking of the Decisive’s fore launch bay. She had the weapons of a Skipray blast boat, and was thus immediately a threat. Upon learning what type of craft had been sent to the parley, the Admiral ordered four AT-AT walkers brought out of their racks and placed upright in battle phalanx behind him at the rear of the launch bay. Their weaponry would dispell any treachery and their appearance added intimidation to their foe.

Beaten, but not defeated, Desaria thought.

Yet.

Immediately following Vice Admiral Desaria was Captain Vorran. Behind him was the Chief of Staff to the Brass Protectorate Fleet, Brigadier General Maxim, a man who’s ability in battle lagged behind cadets but who’s skills at organization and administration had made him a valued and indispensable asset to the always occupied Admiral.

On either side of the trio of officers was one platoon of Imperial Fleet troopers, two columns of ten on each side of the Admiral. Their Lieutenant stood at the left, their Sergeant to the right.

The assigned representatives of the Galactic Defense Initiative exited their craft. The first thing any of them would have seen was the row of Walkers at the far end of the bay.

When they had all exited, the Admiral kept his gloved hands behind his back, another slight in repayment for their horrid choice of courier vessels. Had they anymore tact, their delegation would have warranted a salute. Without pause as for protocol, the Admiral began.

“ I am Vice Admiral Telan Desaria, Official Imperial Chief Ambassador. Let us adjourn to the starboard conference lounge.”

With that, without so much as a response or any courtesy, the Admiral spun about and headed aft. The rows of troopers turned as well, facing aft. The GDI officials had only one choice: follow.

(OOC: The modified Blastboat actually doesn't carry the weapons of a standard-issue ship. It's no combat ship.)

<font color=red>The ramp hit the polished steel floor the Decisive's foreward landing bay with a dull thud. Stepping calmly down the ramp, the first thing the GDI delegates saw was a row of fearsome Imperial walkers, the same as those used against the Rebel base at Hoth, so long ago.

And the massed stormtroopers... and finally, a man who must have been Vice Admiral Telan Desaria. He did not offer a salute, or his hand in greeting, as the delegates entered the hold, and Mercy frowned.

This man has the manners of a wampa. Little question why he is here, instead of leading the Imperial fleets against our forces.

He spoke before Mercy could, "I am Vice Admiral Telan Desaria, Official Imperial Chief Ambassador. Let us adjourn to the starboard conference lounge."

And without waiting for an answer, he spun around and began to walk away. With a shrug, the delegates followed...

The starboard conference lounge was a long corridor with only a thick sheet of transparisteel separating the interior of the warship from the darkness of space. On the inner-side was a tall wooden wall whose front was mostly obscured by plant life, favored by the Admiral to remind the delegates of home rather than the ubiquitous metal facings of a warship.

The Admiral moved around the table to a high backed, red coushined chair at the far end of the room. Next to him sat his Chief of Staff and flagship commander. Down the obsidian table sat the GDI representatives. Behind them stood their pair of escorts, and behind still, four Imperial Fleet troopers.

" Before we begin, I must tell you, I am a military man. My fleet recently returned from action. I recently arrived from a Commerce raiding mission inside your borders. Do not let my title of Ambassador fool you. I look at things militarily.

" Now, onto business. What brings you into the Empire?"

The Admiral knew it was surrender on their tongues.

Defiant, he steepled his leather gloved fingers and waited.

<font color=green>Mercy was quiet for a long moment, looking into the cold, hard eyes of the Imperial Admiral.

"An end to this destrutive conflict, Mr. Desaria, and the lives of billions of sentient beings."

The Admiral's eyes flashed anger.

" That's Admiral Desaria! I have not been wounded five times in the serive of my Empire to have my quests I am less than cordial call me Mister Desaria.


" That having been said, I received this missive from Imperial High Command, and have been thus authorized to present it before you. They are the term of your surrender."

At that cue, the BR's Chieft of Staff, Brigadier Maxim, handed the lead GDI delegate a copy.

As they lookedit over, the Admiral smiled almost unnoticeably.

Even as a Diplomat I am Imperial through and through.

The Terms Read:



Galactic Defense Initiative - Official Terms of Surrender


For the immediate cessation of hostilities by the New Order towards the Galactic Defense Initiative, the Initiative will heed to the following demands:


Planets:

The following is a list of GDI planets and to whom they shall be surrendered. With a surrendered planet go all construction facilities at that planet. GDI will be allowed to remove and keep all planetary defenses on planets being surrendered.

To TNO:
-Byss
-Helios
-Elysia

To TJE:
-New Alderaan

Remaining with GDI:
-Ord Mantell
-Rineeki
-Eriadu
-Gallinore (Jointly owned with the Hapan Consortium)


Weapons and ships:

All warships which cannot be maintained by the Galactic Defense Initiative due to loss of planets and diminished capital ship capacity, meaning all but 200 GDI capital ships, to be surrendered.

The following groups that were militarily involved in this campaign in some way get a percentage of surrendered ships.

TNO - 50%
TJE - 25%
TTF - 25%


Additional Terms:

All GDI forces will be immediately withdrawn from the Tava Yagen, and Mestra Systems, and will cease hostilities towards the Trade Federation.


At this time, the Empire would like to extend an invitation to Dxun Isstal of the Defense Initiative to join the ranks of the New Order. Said Supreme Commander of the GDI forces has proven to be... less inferior than other enemies the Empire has faced, and High Command would welcome him as a commander of Imperial forces in the future, and during this time of cease-fire between the two factions of The New Order and the Galactic Defense Initiative.


The Galactic Defense Initiative is granted 72 hours to respond.


These are the terms of surrender and immediate cessation of all hostilities towards the Galactic Defense Initiative by the New Order.