Thread: Romeo, Juliet, and the Black

Most of the present Terrans were diplomats or other men in suits, muttering quietly amongst themselves even as they loudly shouted blame upon everyone but themselves and angrily defended against the accusations made against them. The rest of those present were security personnel, dressed in traditional uniforms that hadn't changed appreciably in centuries. Most of them simply stood quietly behind their assigned envoys and ignored the declarations and assertions to watch the room's entrances carefully and keep an eye on the Martians, just waiting for an excuse to wreak some havoc. Only one of the guards seemed to have any genuine interest in the proceedings themselves, and he seemed to be focused more upon the Martian delegation and the Black Light soldiers seated beside them then whatever the Murcians were on about. His uniform was indistinguishable from the others, immaculately tailored to his fairly tall and broad form. His hazel eyes hovered on the Black Lights for a few moments, falling on Celeste a bit longer then the others before he looked up in time to hear the Murcian General speak for the first time the actual military would be heard from instead of being ignored while the diplomats talked. Fabrication Complex 74, identified as Sara's Necklace, came under attack yesterday. The complex was undefended except by our standard orbital defenses and code-sealed docking procedures. As none of the orbital defenses engaged, we are forced to conclude that the attackers originated somewhere within the system. There was another flurry of shouts and accusations, and it took the moderator pounding loudly upon the podium before order was restored. Unfazed, the general simply continued. We first learned of the assault when the complex sent out an automated distress signal caused by an onboard detonation of a small-yield explosive device. It took twenty-seven minutes from the reception of the signal to the arrival of the first security forces, who found the facility completely destroyed by a series of onboard explosions. Investigations revealed several pertinent facts. Residue from the explosions revealed them to have been caused by petroleum-based explosives. A murmur at this, accusatory stares directed at the Terrans, but the moderator's glare kept things civilized. Two ISTC troop carriers were discovered at the scene, both empty with their engines destroyed. Examinations of the ship computers revealed no new information. Also found at the scene were the bodies of several ISTC personnel, specifically members of their special forces division, Black Light. More shouting, angry calls from the Murcians demanding answers. No other bodies were found at the site, or any equipment with an origin other then the ISTC. With that, he continued, turning to face the Martian delegation and glaring at the Black Light soldiers, I have advised my superiors that unless an acceptable explanation is forthcoming, we will have no choice but to consider this an act of war by the ISTC and respond accordingly. On the one hand it was an empty threat Mercury simply didn't have the resources needed to effectively fight against Mars by itself, couldn't possibly be more than an irritation considering the distance between them and Mercury's inferior military might. But on the other hand, being at war with Mars would mean that Mercury would need all the help it could get, and Earth would be more than happy to make sure their red neighbor never again bothered the small world. I trust you have such an explanation. Up in the Terran section, Norik smirked as he watched the Murcians so readily put the pressure upon the Martians. His gaze fell again upon the sole woman among the soliders, unmistakably the girl who had sliced up his arm. Nothing wrong with putting a bit more pressure on her, a little bit of revenge for blowing everything up before they could steal everything. He bent down and whispered quietly to Envoy Morrovic, who nodded in agreement and stood. Before we hear from the soldiers, he demanded, puffing himself up impressively, I demand that we not hear from their commanding officer. Likely he has already been briefed by his superiors on exactly what to say and what not to say. If we are to get the actual story, we are more like to hear it from one of those under his command. His gaze swept over the soldiers before falling on Celeste, a hand raising to point directly at her. You, soldier. Stand and tell us what really happened, not what your superiors told you happened.