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Cyrannian Cold War - To Catch a Senator


Story[]

Part I: The Consular[]

Cruising through hyperspace along the Republica Run, the starship Consular's hull, adorned in diplomatic red, shimmered against the blue void of hyperspace. Inside the vessel, Apollo sat cross-legged at his desk, looking over some paperwork in preparation for the upcoming special session of the Senate on dealing with a third wave of expansion into the Unknown Regions. Suppressing a yawn, the Senator rose from the desk and was about to activate some classical music, when suddenly, a flashing light on the desk indicated that someone was attempting to contact him. Reaching to activate the holocommunicator, Apollo straightened his creased suit and indicated for Gorf to stay as quiet as possible. In the centre of the circular holotable appeared a blue-hued image of President Nexarón Valkistair, who stood with a characteristically emotionless expression with his clawed hands clasped behind his back.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "Apollo, my friend, I hope I am not interrupting."
ToCatchASenator02

Apollo speaks with Nexarón Valkistair's hologram.

Apollo's expression betrayed his surprise. Of all the people in the Republic, he had not expected to be speaking to Nexarón Valkistair. Gorf, who paid little mind to the situation, spent his time playing with a ball of yarn by throwing it up and down.

  • Apollo: "Not at all, Vos. President. I'll admit that I wasn't expecting your communication. I would have worn something nice."

Nexarón Valkistair looked at him for a long moment before continuing.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "No matter, no matter. As it happens, you're exactly the person I need. The Empire is not our only concern, my friend. As you are no doubt aware, the worlds of the Eastern Borderland Alliance are threatening secession."

Nexarón Valkistair's voice began to convey his clear disgust.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "They would threaten open rebellion and civil war."

Apollo scratched his chin.

  • Apollo: "I was aware that they had grievances, yes, but civil war? Rebellion? Surely they realise that they would be stronger within the Republic than outside it."

Nexarón Valkistair huffed dismissively.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "Idealists and fools, logic is alien to them, as are the astropolitical realities of this galaxy. Their worlds are a patchwork, they have a league, but little to hold it together. Still,"

Nexarón Valkistair sighed deeply.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "They control key shipping lanes and trade centres in the galactic east, resources and territories which would prove vital should war come with the Empire. If they leave, I fear the Republic may die."
  • Apollo: "These are Republic worlds and sectors, we're dealing with here, Vos. President. Negotiation is inarguably the greatest weapon that we have. We should be using it, allowing the Alliance to air their grievances to the wider Republic."

Nexarón Valkistair considered it.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "It may surprise you to know that I agree with you, which is why I want to assign you as the Senate's mediator to the Eastern Borderland Alliance."

Apollo was about to say something, but stopped and began again.

  • Apollo: "With all due respect, Vos. President, I am a representative of the Core Worlds. Many of the planets of the Alliance were exploited in the past for everything they had. Honestly, I'm not sure they would appreciate some... hoity toity Capricaerónan trying to talk away their problems."
  • Nexarón Valkistair: "No. You've faced more than the rest of the Senate has in their collective lifespans, Apollo. You're the person I want for this task."

Apollo sighed, glancing at Gorf as if he would say something helpful. The creature glanced back but replied merely with a shrug.

  • Apollo: "Very well, it would be my honour. Who knows, might even help my chances in 15 NE!"

Apollo knew that Nexarón Valkistair would not appreciate the joke in reference to the upcoming Presidential Election, though suspected that the wily Trucinex was attempting to deflect a political crisis to one of his potential rivals. Indeed, the President merely blinked, before continuing.

  • Nexarón Valkistair: "Wonderful. Go to Rihanae, Senator Tanarr-Nuin is attempting to facilitate talks between the disparate factions of the Rihanaen. As an influential member of the Alliance, Tanarr-Nuin may be instrumental in winning their support, so he'd be a good place to start. In an ideal situation, you should try and get on the Alliance's good side, though between you and me, I'm entirely certain they don't have one. Good luck. Nexarón Valkistair out."

Apollo ran his hands through his feathers with a loud "ugh", before turning to Gorf.

  • Apollo: "Never get into politics, Gorf."
  • Gorf: "Gorf would not. It sounds stupid."

Apollo nodded emphatically as he slumped into his chair, only to be roused almost immediately by the holocommunicator once again. Once again groaning loudly, he was surprised to see that it was from a smaller ship requesting permission to dock. A hologram of Doctor Dané Elenya appeared, with the female Libertus wearing the distinctive uniform of Republic Strategic Intelligence, an organisation he knew that she had recently joined as a consultant of sorts.

With a beaming smile, he outstretched his hands, pleasantly surprised to see his friend.

  • Apollo: "Dané! You just happen to be in this sector? Should we be picking out furniture or what?"

Dané rolled her eyes.

  • Dané: "Don't get ahead of yourself, Senator boy, I'm here on business. Are you going to let me dock or what?"

Part II: The Doctor Arrives[]

Greeting both Apollo and Gorf with a hug when she entered the ship's airlock, Dané began unloading a torrent of information about her new position as an informal agent of Strategic Intelligence, balancing her career as a xenoarchaeologist and complaining about Imperial scholars who rejected her evidence that Conkobol was the birthplace of the ancient Libertus that founded the ancient First Republic. After what seemed like at least half an hour, she concluded.

  • Dané: "So, yeah, I've been busy, thanks for asking."
  • Gorf: "What."
  • Apollo: "G-good. It's always great to see you, but shouldn't you be on one of your top secret RIS missions?"

Dané blinked for a minute, clearly under the impression that her presence was expected.

ToCatchASenator03

Apollo speaks with Dané and Gorf.

  • Dané: "I-I am. That Trucinex fellow who never smiles, what's his name..."
  • Apollo: "The President of the Republic, Nexarón Valkistair."
  • Dané: "Ah! That's the one! He gave me the run down of our mission together on Rihanae. Didn't he mention it?"
  • Apollo: "He contacted me just before you arrived, but he didn't say anything about you."

Dané raised her brow.

  • Dané: "Strange. But here I am."

She looked between Gorf and Apollo and grinned broadly.

  • Dané: "And here we are! Aw, Aedanius, this reminds me of the last time all three of us were together, remember?"

Apollo, who did not have a particularly pleasant memory of the experience, what with coming into contact with Zillum, Tyrant, Emperor Tyrómairon and the putrid saliva of a Ryderallo monster, merely gruntled in response.

  • Gorf: "Gorf remembers. Would rather not do it again. Would rather stay at home and watch new Ryderallo monster movie. In this one, he has multiple forms and a face on his butt."
  • Apollo: "It was ugly enough to begin with."
  • Dané: "Well, I had fun. Anyway, to business. Nexarón Valkistair probably didn't tell you that he suspects that the Imperial Inquisition is involved in the turmoil we'll be investigating."
  • Apollo: "Well that's not surprising. Nexarón Valkistair sees the Imps in his morning caff."
  • Dané: "While you'll be dealing with the Senator, I'll be undercover! Undercover, Aedanius!"

She clapped her hands together excitedly.

  • Apollo: "Believe me, I'll make a note in my diary about my heart leapt."

Dané, who rushed to the cockpit in excitement about her first uncover mission, neglected to hear the comment.

Part III: Arrival[]

Turning off the Republica Run, the Consular traveled spinward toward the Unknown Regions, on the fringes of which hung the Rihanaen homeworld of Rihanae. When the ship entered the Daeihre Sector, they suddenly detected an emergency transmission from the planet. The holographic image of a young female Cargura appeared, fear and apprehension contorting her soft features.

  • Arasah-Nui: "All ships, this is an emergency transmission from Rihanae! Someone, anyone, please respond!"

Apollo stood within range of the holotransceiver.

  • Apollo: "This is Senator Apollo, responding to your transmission. How can I help?"
  • Arasah-Nui: "Apollo? I'm supposed to believe that's a real name? This is probably a tric-"
  • Gorf: "Apollo a.k.a. Dad Apollo a.k.a. Apollo Apollo."

Gorf sniggered to himself, but Apollo brushed off the comment.

  • Apollo: "I assure you, I'm a Senator of the New Republic on route to Rihanae."
  • Arasah-Nui: "I'm Arasah-Nui, daughter of Tanarr-Nuin. Sorry, sorry, I know I'm whispering, I can't speak any louder, someone might hear. We were attacked in orbit over Rihanae by a cloaked ship. A Basileus boarded us, calling himself "Inquisitor"."

Apollo scratched his chin.

  • Apollo: "Stay out of sight, Arasah. What's your location?"
  • Arasah-Nui: "The lower decks. There's a console near to the docking bay which I can't reach, it can be used to access the cargo chamber, where the Inquisitor is keeping my father. Please, please help us."
  • Apollo: "Stay put, we're on our way."
  • Gorf: "We are?"
  • Apollo: "We can't just leave them there to die. Besides, I can shoot in a straight line nowadays. More or less."

The hologram of the frightened young Cargura disappeared, just as the Consular transitioned into realspace in orbit over Rihanae. There, the disabled Republic corvette drifted through space, the red hull dotted with energy burns. In the cockpit, Doctor Elenya looked in surprise that there were no ships in orbit over the planet, be they civilian or military. The Consular slowed as it approached the docking hatch, with a loud thud indicating to the passengers that the two ships had successfully docked with one another. Grabbing his trusty Presidential Pistols from his years as President of the United Republic of Cyrannus, Apollo fastened them to his waist, just as the Adjunct suddenly materialised in front of him.

  • Adjunct: "Creator-Apollo! I must protest!"
  • Apollo: "W-wha... I thought you were back on Capricaerón?"
  • Adjunct: "I detected your increased stress levels and investigated, of course."
  • Gorf: "Only one stressed right now is Gorf."

The ancient Oikoumene AI continued to bob up and down in the air, his sole eye darting frantically between Gorf and Apollo.

  • Adjunct: "You seem most persistent in your efforts to attract danger, Creator-Apollo! Think of the safety of the Thoi Themek lifeform, if not your own!"
  • Apollo: "You worry too much. Besides, Gorf can fend for himself, right buddy?"
  • Gorf: "Gorf just wanted to watch movies. Now need to babysit Dad Apollo."

Armed with a blaster rifle, Doctor Elenya appeared from the cockpit.

  • Dané Elenya: "Everyone ready?"
  • Gorf: "No. Can Gorf stay here?"
  • Adjunct: "How very unproductive of you, lifeform. Your unique abilties will shield Creator-Apollo from harm! You must join him!"
  • Gorf: "Ngh. Fine. But Gorf is taking your snacks for this."
ToCatchASenator01

The Consular approaches the Redemption

Part IV: Horror on the Corvette[]

The hatch opened, revealing the luxurious interior to the Republic corvette, which was surprisingly empty. With the Adjunct bobbing silently behind them as they made their way through the corridors, Apollo, Dané and Gorf worked their way toward the docking bay console that Arasah-Nui mentioned in her transmission. When they arrived at the console, Doctor Elenya began interacting with the holographic display unit, attempting to find the lock to the cargo chamber. Suddenly, a female automated voice sounded.

  • Computer: "Warning. Illegal interference detected. Failsafe systems have been disabled. Collision with planetary surface imminent."
  • Apollo: "Well that's not good. We need to get out of here as quickly as possible. Gorf, do you think you can tear down that door?"
  • Gorf: "Gorf can tap door with his wiggly arms. Or Gorf could fire energy at it."
  • Apollo: "The second option, if you don't mind."

Facing the door, Gorf inhaled for a moment before launching a gold ray of energy from his mouth at it to tear it down. In the centre of the cargo bay, Senator Tanarr-Nuin, an elderly male Cargura, was slumped on the ground, though clearly still alive. Nearby, a group of other senators, many of whom Apollo recognised as members of the Eastern Borderland Alliance were trapped behind portable energy fields. Standing with his hands folded behind his back was a crimson Basileus with a dark hood, while in front of him stood Arasah-Nui, pointing a blaster at his head.

  • Arasah-Nui: "I don't want to use this, but you're not giving me a choice. I'm warning you, back away from my dad!"

Inquisitor Vandalion's voice was icy cold.

  • Vandalion: "Have a care, girl. Stand aside, or your father and your new friends here will die very slowly indeed."
  • Apollo: "In the name of the Republic, stand down, Inquisitor. You are violating the Concordat established between our governments."

Vandalion let out a short laugh.

  • Vandalion: "Hah, I think not, Senator."

He looked around the room malevolently.

  • Vandalion: "Like slaughtering grubs. How pathetic."

In a flurry of movement, Vandalion activated his blade and darted toward Tanarr-Nuin, decapitating the old senator in a single cut of his blade. Screaming with horror, Arasah-Nui unleashed a clumsy volley toward the Inquisitor, though he was too quick, deflecting them effortlessly. Apollo and Dané also began firing their weapons, to no avail.

ToCatchASenator04

Vandalion corners the group.

  • Apollo: "We need to distract him while Arasah and the other Senators escape!"
  • Dané: "Adjunct?! Gorf?! Any ideas?"
  • Gorf: "Use guns, stupids!"

To their shock, with a mere movement of his hand, Vandalion knocked the weapons out of Apollo and Dané's grip. Suddenly, the Adjunct's central eye became charged with energy. A beam of brilliant light erupted from the AI toward the Inquisitor, who managed to contain some of the blast by erecting a small shield with his hands.

  • Apollo: "Arasah! Get the other Senators to the escape pods, contact the Republic for help, we'll hold him off!"

With her brilliant blue eyes filled with tears, Arasah left her father's body and rushed toward the imprisoned senators. Though Vandalion noticed her escaping with his captives, he was struggling to hold off the Adjunct's attack. The building energy between them began to cause the cargo bay to shake violently, before finally an explosion of energy from Vandalion tossed everyone to their feet, just as Arasah and the other Borderland senators escaped. Collapsed in a heap on the floor, Apollo cradled his head only to see Dané succumb to unconciousness, the Adjunct fall to the ground in a deactivated state and Gorf standing on his head, letting out a continuous high-pitched scream. In the distance, Vandalion appeared injured as well, giving him the chance to send an emergency transmission. Holding up his communicator, he attempted to direct a signal toward Aldár.

  • Apollo: "This is an emergency transmission from the Republic corvette, Redemption, Senator Apollo of Capricaerón here. If you're receiving this transmission, there may be hope. The ship is disabled in orbit over Rihanae. I have discovered that the Imperial Inquisition has destabilized the Rihanaen peace process in an attempt to foment a separatist push in the New Republic's Eastern Borderland Alliance. I don't have long before he discovers we're still alive, so please, Master Ryen, a-nyone, you're our only ho-"

He slipped into unconciousness, just as Vandalion approached. The Basileus Inquisitor activated his holocommunicator and the image of a Libertus in gleaming white uniform appeared.

  • Grand Admiral Decimius: "Report, Inquisitor."
  • Vandalion: "It is as the you predicted. Senator Apollo and his cohorts have been captured. He sent out a transmission to the Aldárae before losing consciousness."
  • Decimius: "Excellent. Your Inquisition need not seek out the Aldárae, when they will act of their own volition. My web has been spun, the trap laid. Soon, we will spring it."

Epilogue[]


Two days after the events of Guardians of the New Republic


Two days after the crew of the Auethnen Raptor rescued Apollo, Dané, Gorf and the Adjunct from the clutches of the Inquisitor, Arasah-Nui sat sadly in a shuttle as it touched down on Mou'Cyran. Joining her was a cadre of Republic Senators, who had joined her father in forming the Eastern Borderland Alliance. Though the young Cargura was still filled with sadness, she found some small comfort that the actions of Senator Apollo and his companions saved both her own life, and that of her father's colleagues. When the shuttle set down at the Senatorial Spaceport, Arasah-Nui looked around at display units, reporting news from across the galaxy. One story, played by all the reputable channels, was the emergence of an order of warriors known as the Aldárae Order. It appeared that Senator Apollo had successfully negotiated with the order to serve as the protectors of the Republic against the dark threats of the universe, including the threat posed by the demonic hordes of the Corruptus.

With the Borderland Alliance now firmly aligned to the New Republic, a sense of purpose washed over Arasah-Nui as she gazed out over Republic City below. Her father may have protested putting herself in danger, though she knew that he would be proud of her if she continued his legacy in her own way. With determination in her eyes, she promised herself that she would seek out this Order of Light and help them in their quest to bring justice to the Cluster.

Trivia[]

  • Written by Cyrannian and OluapPlayer.

Further Reading[]

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