Enough was enough.
Vemric had enough of the insects causing all sorts of problems with their little civil war. It all was starting to affect the Confederate production lines.
Grell Noba
had put in quite a few complaints of lines slowing down quite exponentially due to the war.
While technically it would be beneficial to work with the last remaining remnants of Stalgasin Hive and their less xenophobic ways, their Archduke not only managed to illicit
Xazzex Xivar
's cold ire during her diplomatic visit there at the best of the head insect, but he also managed to single handedly cause Vemric to order a full blockade of Geonosis. It took more than half the Royal Assembly to talk him down and recall the order.
Jas Katis
had lost it in their private meeting afterwards, raging about the placidity of their new allies. If only he had the Pureblood's ability to express emotions. Inside he felt exactly the same as his Supreme Commander.
The leash of this alliance was starting to really get on his nerves.
Vemric's tall, regal frame stood silently stewing on the
Requiem as it hung in orbit, spearheading a large contingent of the Confederate Fleet. Even one of the new Lucrehulks, aptly named the
Nimitz, had joined the line. If it wasn't for the Confederate factories below, he would have ordered a complete orbital bombardment on the planet. He had enough of these insectoids.
To sour his mood even further, the head pen pusher from the most recent corporation that has added their support to the Confederacy, had requested to accompany the CAF on this engagement - to "analyze what was still needed on the battlefield". What this Pantoran whished to see from orbit, the Sephi didn't know.
But he had to swallow his irritation - these corporations were unfortunately important to the Confederacy's survival.
"Mister Thito, though it is a risk, I trust you'll be able to assess better from this viewport." he told
Greel Thito
in his typical bored baritone.
"However, if you should be told to move by anyone on this bridge, kindly do so without protest. It will reflect badly on the Confederacy as a whole should we lose a Corporate Representative in an active battle." He wasn't looking forward to another presence next to him in front of the viewport, yet he supposed it would benefit in the long run. If this man could add more and mass repair droids for the Army, it could only benefit in the long run. The more droids, the less organics he had to risk in bigger engagements. The contracted PMCs were costly, especially now.
"Any prospect of expanding your Droidworks further in Confederate territory?" Small talk - how he abhorred it. Yet his face remained marble, the outer shell not giving any inkling of the stewing thoughts underneath.
"Sir, everyone is in formation and awaiting your orders." came Admiral Miles' soft statement from next to him when there came a lull in conversation.
"Excuse me, Mister Thito. Please, enjoy the fireworks."
The Sephi's already straight posture straightened even more as he turned to face the bridge.
"Have all Groundforces ready themselves for launch planetside. They'll be going in hot. All Ships of Line are to drill holes into the hives for our forces to drop into- turbolasers should do. The rest of our ships are to obliterate any Geonosian craft." His tone had gone from bored to aloof as he gave his orders.
"And notify all CAF forces - no quarter. I will suffer this nation no longer."
The bridge had gone quiet for a moment. The weight of the last order settling on them. Miles knew that the Republic would surely come knocking if the Confederacy starts indiscriminately eradicating Geonosians. As annoying as the insectoids could be, they had their uses. Complete genocide was an entirely new kind of order from his long-time superior. He had the same thoughts on Umbara. Was it really up to him to say something? To course-correct the man that had paved Miles' entire career?
But to refuse in active battle was suicide.
"You all heard the orders! Hop to!" His stomach churned by saying that, yet what else could he alone do?
The bridge jumped out of their shock and bustled to relay orders correctly.
"A problem, Admiral?" The question was asked softly, yet the ice in it was unmistakable. To someone that didn't know him, however, he would still sound aloof, but a chill ran down Miles' spine. He had known this man most of his life. He was one of the last alive that knew him best.
He swallowed away the tightening of his throat.
"Not a problem, Sir." he said hesitantly.
"Just an observation. With the Republic involved in this engagement, don't you think it risky giving that order, Sir?"
Vemric's eyebrow shot into his hairline and Miles' heart sank.
"I will make an exception for once, Admiral, and repeat what I said." The Sephi's voice was soft, yet held a shadow.
"I will suffer this nation no longer."
Kyle
Torchwood|
Rhys Gorne
Nero Drake
