15 minutes ago, Bertie Wooster said:

GNIPians, our intelligence tells us Suomi is the Berserkers' Capital, so it should have good IC. Probably lots of GF by now. Expect at least 136 points of ships and squadrons.

We are still a turn out from arriving, as we have yet to go through B's system. We shall decide which planet to attack then. Have you a force you could use to attack the other, to prevent us from facing the entire fleet of the enemy?

58 minutes ago, GhostofNobodyInParticular said:

We are still a turn out from arriving, as we have yet to go through B's system. We shall decide which planet to attack then. Have you a force you could use to attack the other, to prevent us from facing the entire fleet of the enemy?

Unfortunately we would be one turn behind you. We could commit a combat force to attack either F or S with our turn 9 orders.

11 minutes ago, Bertie Wooster said:

Unfortunately we would be one turn behind you. We could commit a combat force to attack either F or S with our turn 9 orders.

Then we could wait one more turn. It gives the enemy one more turn to prepare, but a combined attack may be worth it. What do you think?

Otherwise, if no fleets are able to assault F or S on turn 9, we will randomly attack one of them without announcing which one before hand.

@clontroper5 are you in a position to assault one of the planets on turn 9 as a distracting force? I realize you suffered a loss, but I ask just in case.

26 minutes ago, GhostofNobodyInParticular said:

Then we could wait one more turn. It gives the enemy one more turn to prepare, but a combined attack may be worth it. What do you think?

Otherwise, if no fleets are able to assault F or S on turn 9, we will randomly attack one of them without announcing which one before hand.

@clontroper5 are you in a position to assault one of the planets on turn 9 as a distracting force? I realize you suffered a loss, but I ask just in case.

If all is successful, one more planet for us! Sounds good!

Of course, we're depending on not losing all our forces turn 8. Perhaps we shouldn't be too cocky.

@Matt3412 I just remembered that we were going to s wap Alberta for Brotein after I held it for one solid turn.

Would you be able to honor our earlier agreement?

Bzzzt.....

Bzzzt....

(An old-school signal shoots from some odd corner of the sector, hailing all forces...)

(Instead of a hologram, a video pops up, dark and blurry at first....)

{A deep voice with a very distinct rumble starts speaking}

I am Commander Mörssäri, leader of the Nordic Space Berserkers.

To our allies, the Mandalorian Overcouncil, and The Syndicate, to our enemies, the Fully Unprepared Novice Knaves, The Governmental Ghosts of Gnippia, the 5th Sector Authority, and to all others, some whom we have not met, and to some we are no longer fighting, we send you our greetings.

{The video sharpens, revealing a man. He is roughly 5'10"/178cm tall, built like a tank. He is wearing his battle armor, consisting of a chest plate, leggings, gauntlets, and a helmet with rancor horns sticking out, all of these made from durasteel. Connected to his helmet is his cape, fashioned from a bear. His arms are wrapped in leather, and he has a beard of red and dark, dark brown.}.

Dark times are upon us. The sector is in flames. Factions are fighting for control. We are no different. We forced a nation into submission, and in the process made three more war enemies. We hold true to our honor as Berserkers, ready to fight, ready to drink, ready to win. We have learned that one of our allies has decided to stay out of this war, after being persuaded to join against us. This we appreciate.

Our other ally has let us know that they cant respond immediately, but will absolutely help us. This makes us glad.

To those conspiring against us:

We are a small, yet strong nation. We are under threat, because our rage and drunkenness has blinded us. We have always loved war, and we will continue in our ways, until we win, or until all our blood has spilled.

We are Warriors. In the land of the berserkers, there in no difference between civilian, teacher, soldier, rich, poor, strong, weak, brave, worker, party animal. We will all fight, and we will make our stand, and we will go down as one of the strongest forces in history.

On this day, we have spoken.

We are ready for war, and we have passed the point of no return.

If you want war...

(Camera zooms out from the man to reveal what seems to be an endless ocean of Berserker forces..)

...we will give you war! For b lood will be spilled, AND WE HAVE BLOOD TO SPILL !!

(The man raises his sword, as does the horde of soldiers, all wielding all sorts of weapons, chanting SUO-MI, SUO-MI)

You have been warned...

{End Transmission}

4 hours ago, FortyInRed said:

@Matt3412 I just remembered that we were going to s wap Alberta for Brotein after I held it for one solid turn.

Would you be able to honor our earlier agreement?

At this moment all our allies are at war some with each other some valiantly holding the wall from beyond.

Unfortunately we must keep this planet due to the turmoil at hand and with a heavy heart we must now join a conflict.

Our mandolarion allies now have your capital, they out class your production and hold more then double the planets you do. We must look to the future and consolidate our forces with those we still believe have a future.

Hank you have show our people nothing but respect. But after much consideration we must now join the madolrians in there quest to conquer you.

@The Jabbawookie let us make this joint war swift, we both should be able to blockade his remaining planets completely this turn economically crippling them and ensuring us minor losses we will take A,

@Matt3412 We knew we could count on the Syndicate. As always, it is a pleasure to work with you.

@FortyInRed As before, I must emphasize our regret. It is not malice, but geography that forced this action, and in a different climate we would have shown far more kindness to your people. We are sure you will prove to be worthy opponents in the coming battle.

@The Jabbawookie do we have an agreement on the terms of the non-aggression pact?

Do note that that includes the current conflict with the berserkers, so you won't join in their fight against us, but at the same time we won't aid the 5th sector or FUNK against you, should it come to that.

7 minutes ago, GhostofNobodyInParticular said:

@The Jabbawookie do we have an agreement on the terms of the non-aggression pact?

Do note that that includes the current conflict with the berserkers, so you won't join in their fight against us, but at the same time we won't aid the 5th sector or FUNK against you, should it come to that.

I'm afraid we fully intend to reinforce the berserkers; along with the syndicate they are some of our oldest allies, and we have made a commitment. However, I do suggest we agree to keep the conflict out of our own backyards; no invasion of Governmental Ghost territory shall take place, so long as you agree to treat our worlds the same?

1 minute ago, The Jabbawookie said:

I'm afraid we fully intend to reinforce the berserkers; along with the syndicate they are some of our oldest allies, and we have made a commitment. However, I do suggest we agree to keep the conflict out of our own backyards; no invasion of Governmental Ghost territory shall take place, so long as you agree to treat our worlds the same?

Deal.

@Bertie Wooster we feel hesitant to ask this, and we certainly don't want to strain your economy, but without the support of the 5th sector, and with the impending entry of the Mandalorians into the fray, we feel compelled to request additional credits to bolster our war effort, should such be available. We have the IC but not the credit production to efficiently make use of it.

Just now, GhostofNobodyInParticular said:

@Bertie Wooster we feel hesitant to ask this, and we certainly don't want to strain your economy, but without the support of the 5th sector, and with the impending entry of the Mandalorians into the fray, we feel compelled to request additional credits to bolster our war effort, should such be available. We have the IC but not the credit production to efficiently make use of it.

Would you consider selling some IC for a 2:1 credit to IC ratio?

1 hour ago, Matt3412 said:

At this moment all our allies are at war some with each other some valiantly holding the wall from beyond.

Unfortunately we must keep this planet due to the turmoil at hand and with a heavy heart we must now join a conflict.

Our mandolarion allies now have your capital, they out class your production and hold more then double the planets you do. We must look to the future and consolidate our forces with those we still believe have a future.

Hank you have show our people nothing but respect. But after much consideration we must now join the madolrians in there quest to conquer you.

@The Jabbawookie let us make this joint war swift, we both should be able to blockade his remaining planets completely this turn economically crippling them and ensuring us minor losses we will take A,

Your treachery cuts deep, brother.

I am both impressed and disheartened that you managed to go against your word not once, but twice in a single communication.

"Ally" is not someone you only help when it suits you. "Ally" is not someone you abandon during a time of need. "Ally" is not someone you stab in the back at the first opportunity.

I was a fool to think of you as such. I trust that the others in this sector will not make the same mistake I have.

@LTD please transfer 36 credits to @BiggsIRL

Biggs, I know this is too late, but please accept these credits as reparations for accidentally firing upon Hazard.

I expect and ask for nothing in return.

I do have credits left for anyone else who wishes to kill Mandos (or the traitorous syndicate). Let me know how many you kill and I will pay with what I have left.

11 minutes ago, FortyInRed said:

@LTD please transfer 36 credits to @BiggsIRL

Biggs, I know this is too late, but please accept these credits as reparations for accidentally firing upon Hazard.

I expect and ask for nothing in return.

I do have credits left for anyone else who wishes to kill Mandos (or the traitorous syndicate). Let me know how many you kill and I will pay with what I have left.

Though we are unsure whether it will be accepted, MOFO has an offer to make. Long has it been that invaded assimilate with invaders to form a stronger whole. And a core tenet of our culture is our willingness to accept anyone into our ranks. Join us, and become an admiral in our empire. Rather than face destruction, your forces will be part of our navy, and upon redistributing our ships we will give you a fleet to command. Your culture of drink, violence and sport commands our respect; we would work with such values when possible.

6 minutes ago, The Jabbawookie said:

Though we doubt it will be accepted, MOFO has an offer to make. Long has it been that invaded assimilate with invaders to form a stronger whole. And a core tenet of our culture is our willingness to accept anyone into our ranks. Join us, and become an admiral in our empire. Rather than face destruction, your forces will be part of our navy, and upon redistributing our ships we will give you a fleet to command. Your culture of drink, violence and sport commands our respect; we would work with such values when possible.

We would rather careen into the boards on our skates than on our knees.

Well, looks like we won't get around to washing our gear now. Enjoy finding out scattered around our ruined and strip mined world.

37 minutes ago, GhostofNobodyInParticular said:

@Bertie Wooster we feel hesitant to ask this, and we certainly don't want to strain your economy, but without the support of the 5th sector, and with the impending entry of the Mandalorians into the fray, we feel compelled to request additional credits to bolster our war effort, should such be available. We have the IC but not the credit production to efficiently make use of it.

Hey no problem! Thanks for having our backs in the war effort!

Transfer 50 credits to the Governmental Ghosts of GNIPia. (We already put in our orders; we'll have to change them later to reflect this transfer.)

28 minutes ago, The Jabbawookie said:

Though we are unsure whether it will be accepted, MOFO has an offer to make. Long has it been that invaded assimilate with invaders to form a stronger whole. And a core tenet of our culture is our willingness to accept anyone into our ranks. Join us, and become an admiral in our empire. Rather than face destruction, your forces will be part of our navy, and upon redistributing our ships we will give you a fleet to command. Your culture of drink, violence and sport commands our respect; we would work with such values when possible.

(Vassalization is a longstanding tradition in board games such as Diplomacy. The question is will they be allowed in the game as a single planet minor power, to be crushed as needed, or just "allowed to play with your toys"?)

{On the war room of the Glory - Flagship of the Tron'di fleet}

"So, what do we do to respond to this crisis?" Captain Senaka of the Royal Duty was one of the more senior commanders in Tron'di's force. One of the General's oldest advisors, it would be him in command of the Glory if he hadn't turned it down citing his longstanding desire to "Retire onboard the old rust bucket".

Minister Hinsum exhaled sharply. "General Tron'di stated he would move on Ava F'Tarq. To not do so now would show weakness. No matter who claims to control it, or what they claim to be able to throw at it."

A hologram of Commander Almor spoke up. She was relatively new to the command ranks, having been a squadron commander assigned to Zedron's defenses before being tapped for a bridge officer position. "Clearly he didn't have all the facts, and with the situation deteriorating, we have to look at actual conditions instead of whatever we hoped for when he was making that announcement."

"You're both right." Governor-General Tron'di now spoke, his voice slow and deep, even for a Duros. "I've made a proclamation. I've actually made many, and now we have to figure out how I'm going to stay a being of my words, even as we face the reality that the Sector is spiraling away from our orbit. Minister Hinsum, what is the status of the major players?"

"Our nearest neighbors, the Mandalorians and GNIPs, are both at war with different groups, and should be belligerents to one another. Fortunately, they have agreed to a local peace for now. To jump in with either side would be to draw the potential ire of the other.

Outside our near orbit, we are on good terms with the 5th Sector Imperial remnants, and somehow still on good terms with the Consortium, in spite of the late Commander Randal's blunder.

That leaves the Berserkers and Knaves, who we haven't had much dealings with. The Preyorhold who I'm not sure legitimately exist anymore. And The Syndicate, who claim Ava F'Tarq and have declared war on the Consortium on the side of the Mandalorians.

The current lines look like this:

Berserkers - Mandalorian - Syndicate make up a group of co-belligerants in various wars. We're calling them the [SMQ] after the suspected location of their capital planets.

Preyorhold - 5th Sector - GNIP - Knaves - Consortium more or less make up the other. The Consortium is sorta the outlier - more a co-belligerent than anything else."

Tron'di nodded. "And what do we know about their relative size?"

Captain Senaka spoke up. "Our analysis suggests that both groups, though not cohesive alliances, are roughly equal in terms of strength. With losses by Preyorhold and 5th Sector Fleet, and the loss of the Consortium capital, the number of groups on the Alliance side belay the lack of strength each individual side can bring.

That being said, the Mandalorians have had to purchase ships, and have even gone as far as to admit that their own industrial capacity is low."

"So..." Tron'di started, then stopped, and slumped down in his chair, his hand scratching at his chin. "So... if we put our hand on the scale, what will the likely outcomes be? What is the best way to ensure that we are able to quickly stabilize the current conflict? I will think on this. Hinsum, keep your ears open to see what the Mandalorians and GNIPs are willing to offer to join them. We'll have to go past one or the other to reach a front line, and I'd rather not have the other itching to hit us with our pants down. In the meantime though, continue with our current plans - be ready to reclaim Ava F'Tarq with the full might of the Great White Fleet."

@BiggsIRL interesting analysis. Clearly my "try to be nice to people. Invite them over. Give them beer." approach didn't work. Perhaps it's time for a new tack.

I find myself outside of any formal alliance yet with the appearance of allies to be had.

In the unlikely event that I do survive this round, any interest in helping me retake my capital?

As previously committed, I will relinquish Alberta this turn (unlike some people, I believe in sticking to my word, a fatal flaw, I know).

I plan to go all in on a daring attack. We will retake our capital, or die trying. Would you be so kind as to assist?

{You keep saying Alberta. It's called Ava F'Tarq.}

Late Breaking News: At planet Pen'tok there was a meeting between the 5th Sector Authority and the Trondi Irregulars. No shots fired. The planet is not blockaded.

5 hours ago, GhostofNobodyInParticular said:

@Bertie Wooster we feel hesitant to ask this, and we certainly don't want to strain your economy, but without the support of the 5th sector, and with the impending entry of the Mandalorians into the fray, we feel compelled to request additional credits to bolster our war effort, should such be available. We have the IC but not the credit production to efficiently make use of it.

We can provide the needed credits

@clontroper5 , please direct your scout to Z this turn. My scout is approaching J.

@GhostofNobodyInParticular -

Be advised that we will be traveling through dsD this turn.