'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Biography of the WV Isi'ua
It is a time of reckoning. New civilizations rose and fell over the past millions of years in the galaxy. With the disappearance of the "Ikhaida Sedaa" (Daam K'Vosh in human recordings), the Kantusans saw themselves on their home planet, Kantusa, in some faraway sector. They have gills and protective coating against radiation, allowing them to survive underwater as well as breathe in the open air.
The planet Kantusa is an ocean world orbiting a star of spectral type F2V located thousands of light years from the Sirius sector. Thousands of years ago, the planet was engulfed in a revolution that led to the overthrow of the previous government, exchanging their democracy into a power vested in the decisions of the Supreme Leader 'Ikantusa. The Kantusan Covenant was born. Ruled by an expansionist oligarchy under the lineage of 'Ikantusa, they currently control a substantial portion of the galaxy.
Since then, we have been expanding to all corners of the galaxy, until we met one fateful enemy: The Hadeans. Their shadowy nature and the belief of a "democratic socialist" government has raised the ire of our military, their roadblock an opportunity to spoil our nationalism. They are related to the Ikhara (Nomads), guardians of the Ikhaida Sedaa (Daam K'Vosh) who were created with one purpose: to serve the Hadeans.
The war between us and the Hadeans has lasted for around one thousand years, starting with the infiltration during the Alliance-Coalition War back in the ruined Sol system. We will seek ways to remove the vile invaders and their minions.
821 AS marked the first arrival of a batch of Kantusan Special Forces, the intelligence agency of the Kantusan Covenant, in the Sirius sector. At that time, the Core had started its own agenda, a dream to obtain advanced technology. However, it seems that things had gone wrong with a Hadean attack on our batch. We survived, and settled on the desert planet called Nauru. The Order showed suspicion to our motives, and in one case, attempted to destroy one of our fighter vessels.
A secret agreement was signed between us and the Core in 824 AS that leased one battlecruiser to our forces. We became close allies, to the point that the Core high command are treated like nobles in Kantusan society. Now, we represent the arm of both the Kantusan Covenant and the Core, and I have developed a friendship with Guildkeeper Jack Daniels.
Yaren takes a reading on the WV Isi'ua.
"The WV Isi'ua is a Core Battlecruiser of the Kantusan division. It is commanded by a Special Forces officer of anonymous identification. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and scanner optimized for recon, the WV Isi'ua has the equipment needed to probe for any hostile activities or possible Hadean sightings."
End of biography
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #2879 - The Kappa struggle
October 7, 824 - A joint Core - Kantusan Special Forces operation successfully repelled a possible Hadean Services Exchange infiltration of the Corsairs, one of the Core's enemies, but were forced back by a sizable Hadean garrison on the way to the Omicron Gamma jumphole.
The intention of the Core was to observe the situation in Omicron Theta by launching an expedition to the system under direct orders from the Guildmistress of the Core, Enma Loyola, and the Kantusan Supreme Leader, 'Ikantusa. However, a large Corsair fleet managed to intercept the joint fleet, but were defeated using our combined wits to overcome numerical supremacy. We couldn't proceed to the Gamma jumphole because one of our scout ships reported a cloaked Hadean fleet waiting for us. We took the road home to prepare ourselves rather than fight.
According to the record logs, the Corsair battlegroup was comprised of 3 Murmillo-class battleships (Athena, Dromon, Bahama), 1 Praefect-class cruiser (Ibiza), and several strikecraft. We had two Mako-class battleships (Numidia, Cappadocia), one Bullhead-class battlecruiser (Isi'ua), a Pleco-class gunboat (Quirinius), and three strikecraft.
The engagement started with the usual barbaric attitude of the Corsair fleet. Our forces were well-positioned to take on the capital fleet. We supported the Mako-class battleships through periodic long-range artillery shots on the battleships. The CNS Athena was caught out of position and was forced to her home. Then the remaining Murmillo-class battleships and the Praefect-class cruiser took on the WV Numidia, eventually the ship had to be taken back to Yaren for repairs. But we still continued on, and while the WV Isi'ua took some hull damage, we destroyed both the CNS Dromon and the CNS Bahama.
After this, we made a move against the CNS Ibiza. The CNS Ibiza tried to retreat but was stopped with the tacit knowledge of our captain, who is a member of the Kantusan Special Forces High Command. We pounded the CNS Ibiza with mortars and combined firepower, leading to its eventual stowaway to its home space. Hector Beltran survived, but was injured, and we captured several Hadean Services Exchange informants on our way back to Yaren.
However, our strikecraft were being destroyed one by one due to reinforcements sent in by the Corsairs. While the Ruby Hydra, Enma Loyola, and others stood out outnumbered by the enemy, they managed to take some down before they were forced back after their ships were destroyed. Our informants sustained no losses, and we downed three Services Exchange strikecraft. Enma Loyola was safe, and we safely returned back to base with more information than ever before.
Mission accomplished.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #AM0001 - Anna May's Experiences
"Hunter denied." says the AI of a holosimulation game that Crewmember Anna May plays. She laughs, stating that it's merely a game and not some real deal that has been denied and quits the game soon after.
Anna May walks down the corridor to the main room of the WV Isi'ua and meets with the Captain, a Kantusan male. In the Kantusan Special Forces, names are not usually revealed so as to hide their operations and maintain a low profile.
"Hello, or I must say, a'ua, in your tongue. I am Crewmember Anna May and I have to ask you something." she says in a low tone.
"Good to see you Anna May, what can you ask for me?" the Kantusan responds.
"Take me into the different rooms of the WV Isi'ua." she focuses on the Kantusan in a formal manner.
"Here you go. I forgot to bring you a teleporter." he apologizes calmly.
"Thanks!" she laughs.
Anna May was excited about exploring the ship's interior since she began to join the crew yesterday. She had played a holosimulation game in which she requested a Hunter ship but due to her newcomer status, the AI denied her request. She scribbles the datapad with locations and uses it as her guide.
"I'm ready!" she is excited. She activates the teleporter, registers her name and passcode, and inserts her datapad to recognize where she would teleport. Anna May is thinking on what she should teleport, and chooses the observation deck.
With a flick of a button, she notices the surroundings change before her. Visible in the area is Planet Nauru, with an almost-complete docking ring. She is aware of the teleporter's reliability, based on proven quantum signature identifications.
She walks alone on the deck and sits at a levipad. Moments later, a human female on a levipad approaches and warmly greets her.
"Konnichiwa, what is your name?" she says.
"I am Marina Kato, a Kusarian whose father is a Naval Intelligence officer. You do seem to know my heritage." she introduces.
"Indeed. The Captain gave me a teleporter. Do you have one, too? And would you explain more about the Kantusans?" she politely asks.
"Yes. You know, in Kantusan society, people use handheld teleporters. It's the norm. My father, Omora Kato, has one, but he has to follow the technology rules of the KNI. I myself was made aware of the Kantusans a year ago when I was part of the auxillary fleet of some operation in the Omicrons. Those Hadeans came out of nowhere and without explanation, I found myself in deep space. When I was rescued by a Kantusan patrol, I pledged myself to the Core, and was assigned to the WV Isi'ua. The Captain gives us an explanation of what Kantusans are, but I doubt he would go deeper in his speech. I can guide you, if you want." she explains.
Anna May agrees with Marina Kato's decision and they travel together. The observation room is full of crewmembers and visitors. To them, it is a tourist spot. With many extravagant amenities comparable to five-star hotels, the deck is a perfect place to those seeking rest. The democratic life within the WV Isi'ua can be seen, in contrast with the Core's planned empire.
They teleport shortly afterwards to the library. An automated hologram appears and welcomes them. They both browse the history of the so-called Nomad Vagrants.
"In 801 AS, a freelancer named Edison Trent led the Order into the Nomad central hypergate and activated the artifact, causing an overflow of energy that sucked the Nomad ships inside. They would become the Nomad Vagrants, a collective separate from the primary Mindshare. Recently, they, along with other Nomads, have developed the ability to read coordinates and jump in ships as light as a fighter. It is not known what powers this technology, except that it involves extra dimensions and vertex similarity. They have not shown signs of hostility to other Nomads, and the idea of a Nomad civil war seems controversial at best according to Core researchers."
Silently, they browse the database for a Nomad called Ishazha.
"Ishazha is an untranslatable term, emanating from the consciousness of its host ship, the Adad. Although the Ishazha was sucked out along with the future Vagrants, it had been turned down by the Vagrants due to its emotions. Wandering through light years of space for around 23 years, the Ishazha saw a complex, half human, half Nomad. Its name: the Altair Research Complex. Ishazha was readily accepted by the primary Mindshare and had developed its skills accordingly."
"I do think that makes for a fantastic story I'm currently planning." Anna May surmises.
"It's your opinion, Anna May. It would actually be awe-inspiring to write a story based on it." Marina Kato responds.
The two spend hours playing chess as Anna May records it in her log.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #AM0002 - Anna May's Experiences, Part Two
"Checkmate!" Marina Kato replies in awe as Anna May had least expected the winning move in turn 67 of a two bishops versus queen endgame. The two players are contented.
"That was fun! Should we go to the leisure room?" Anna May makes a question.
"Sure!" Kato replies.
The two flicked their personal teleporters and saw themselves just outside a playing field. A game was underway with around 1120 crewmen playing it. There were two factions: the Imperials and the Alliance. The Alliance has sent its entire fleet to the Imperial homeworld and a huge battle ensues. Anna May surmises that trainings in the WV Isi'ua's virtual holograms are more relaxed compared to others.
"Would you like to join the (A) Imperial or (B) Alliance faction?" an AI display pops over both people's heads.
"I would choose the Alliance." Kato makes a statement.
"Me too, option B." Anna May does, too.
"Welcome to the Alliance, a thriving social democratic nation controlling around half of the galaxy. Our ancestors upheld the idea of free expression and when we encounter the Imperials, we try to convert them into their cause. We possess swirlprism technology and subspace markers, useful tools for our devotion to the Supreme Creator of the Alliance, a being whose definition means prosperity, freedom, and verity. Currently we are on an advantage, but the Imperials are superior in numbers. With an invasion in the Imperial Capital system, our fleet leaders have adopted tactics to press the advantage against the Imperials. Would you like to receive a fighter ship aboard the ANS Ilazhra?" the screen states in front of them.
"Sure!" they both answer.
"You are a unit of the 3rd fleet led by the ANS Ilazhra. Assist while you can!" the AI responds.
The Captain is at his leisure playing the role of commander of the ANS Ilazhra. He focuses his mind on the game.
"Anna May, is that some kind of Hadean resemblance? The Alliance is possibly based on the Hadean Dominion itself, while the Imperials represent us." Kato is surprised.
"It's just a game, accept it. We're training for some real combat in a simulation." Anna May is optimistic.
In the game, they both see an Imperial fighter group heading for them. Marina Kato tries her best, but is shot by one. Anna May decides to flee while the Alliance fighters attack the Imperial group pursuing her ship.
"Didn't know you could die and respawn back at the ANS Ilazhra." Marina surmises.
"Well, this is true Kantusan democracy, not the twisted visage the Hadeans claim to us." Anna May responds.
They both laugh.
The WV Isi'ua departs from Yaren to Omicron Rho for exploration.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #AM0003 - Anna May's Experiences, Part Three
The Captain is finishing his holopad log. Anna May and Marina Kato watch him.
"This is a comprehensive plan on the Kantusan Covenant's defense of the Sigma systems and Kusari against a planned Hadean invasion. The Kantusan Forces will start from Rheinland with government approval, especially considering that the Services Exchange, flying GMG fighters, was likely responsible for the attack on Fulda. We will cloak our presence from the Hadean main fleet, then when they least expect it, we will strike and trap them! The Honshu plan is dealt with a pro-Kantusan governor with the initials of S.M. After scoring a victory, we will force the Hadeans away to their own poor nest! The Isi'ua will rendezvous and defend the Sigmas and Kusari whenever possible."
"The Hadeans do really have some hatred with the local Kusarians," Marina said. "And they are securing their foothold into human-owned space, which is a violation of the rule of law."
"Listen, we are now in Omicron Rho. " the Captain announces.
It must have been a breathtaking sight. This is the Core's de facto headquarters. The leisure room is full of occupants, as it has always been. The turn of events near the Rheinland-Sigma border might change all of this, because it warrants a possible war between the GMG and Rheinland, which the Hadeans and the Bundschuh strongly oppose. The Kusari Naval Forces, in preparation, was given a set of "tu'ati ka'uama 'imuika" (TDGWM5k) Kantusan pulse cannons for human use.
"This is wonderful!" several crewmembers exclaim to the beauty.
The log ends with an excited Anna May. "I think we should all play a simulation based on the Captain's statement."
"Understood!" the crewmembers approve.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #2880 - Response to War
For the past few days, the Kantusan Special Forces have investigated the eerily empty Tohoku system. Our informants managed to spy a Blood Dragon - Order meeting near Ryuku Base. The WV Isi'ua's long range sensors detected a sizable primary Hadean fleet heading towards the Sigma systems. ETA: 2 days. The Kantusan Forces, under 'Ikantusa's orders, have been sent as reinforcements for the Core as they mobilize their fleets to the Sigma systems.
'Ikantusa is familiar with the Aoi Iseijin's connections to the Hadean Services Exchange.
Who knows the whereabouts of Kara Yukari? Did the Nomads infiltrate the GMG to provoke war? The answer is not certain for us.
Still, the humans can't be trusted if they keep their strong sense of telling lies. Even the Core is not immune to it. The Captain is a renowned tactician who can sense things by mind-mapping. If there is one reason for war rather than diplomatic agreement, then it must involve the Hadean Dominion and consequently its notorious, manipulative leader, Amizhira.
Signals do say something of an explicit identification in Hadean, "Itavada Idasedaa", meaning "Blue Outsiders", known to be a big roadblock for the Kusari Naval Forces and associated with the Nomads. This is one case of evidence that the war is linked to the Hadeans. Not a single, random human would ever learn Hadean.
Kusari is threatened. Rheinland is threatened. We are their allies, we should help them.
The Kantusans will drop their mighty fist to the invaders! For 'Ikantusa!
Victory will soon be under the hands of the Kantusans!
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #2881 - The Hadean-Kantusan War
"The Kantusan Covenant had recently announced the immediate mobilization of all capable vessels into the Sirius Sector in response to a growing situation in Rheinland. Every citizen must respond to the recent declaration of 'Ikantusa. This is the moment of change for the citizens of the Covenant. According to the Federal Republic of Rheinland, the GMG Benzaiten-class fighters are suspected to be terrorists covertly working in the Guild. This is actually the work of the so-called Hadeans, who are spreading their fake news as an excuse for their planned invasion of the Sigma regions. The Kantusan Special Forces, working in cooperation with the Core, discovered the truth a few days ago in the so-called Tohoku system, revealing several parts that the humans might have missed, instead blaming it to Kara Yukari's militaristic influence. The time will come, the Kantusans will show their might upon the so-called "impersonators". They will give no mercy to us, and in return, we will give no mercy to them. Down with the Hadeans! These shadow scum will face penance!"
The thousand-strong crewmembers of the WV Isi'ua hear the announcement. After the broadcast, the screen flashes to a declaration by 'Ikantusa.
"People of the Kantusan Covenant and her associated allies, this is Supreme Leader 'Ikantusa. The people of the Sirius Sector have reacted to a supposed announcement by a shadowy organization, possibly the Hadean Services Exchange, about their responsibility on the attack of Fulda Station in Frankfurt. "NEMP", in Sirius-speak, is a relatively familiar weapon of mass destruction. Considering both us and our adversary have superior technological assets, it would be strange if GMG found these weapons and used them against Rheinland without the knowledge of their guildmaster, Hotaru Mori. Our agent, Ata'uanu, captains the GMG ship Yutori. Her testimony of the attack reveals a shocking truth we all know, but unfortunately, she is trapped by the Hadean terrorists. For thousands of years, we have fought them and their illegal dominion. They are trying to take our heritage and integrate them without formal basis. Citizens, stay alert. Ready your ships, head to the Sirius Sector, and fight the Hadean fleet there. I will send reinforcements to dispel their dark shadow, known as Amizhira. We will stand united against the Hadeans! May the Kantusans win under my rule!"
The declaration ends and the Captain orders immediate mobilization.
"24 years ago, there was a freelancer named Edison Trent who saved humanity. The Nomads, under the cover of the Rheinland Military, tried to unleash chaos. Now, it appears that the GMG is doing the same. Rheinland must be made aware of the analogy." Marina Kato replies.
"We need confirmation from human sources." Anna May tells the Captain.
"It's a fact. That's the reason of our mobilization." says the Captain.
"Oh well." Anna May quips.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #AM004 - Contemplations
Anna May changes her mind about touring the ship; she's focused on writing in her personal datapad.
"Anna May here, today I heard of something most likely from the Gas Miners Guild. Rheinland has declared all GMG personnel personae non grata in basis of accusations by both sides. Sigma-15, according to GMG, is their territory, but Rheinland and the other houses consider the system as House space. Now the GMG sent one battleship with hostile intentions, perhaps the captain is having a delusion or something. This time, I suspect the Hadeans are behind this. Society keeps on denying our truth. Every time the GMG makes a speech, the Hadeans are getting closer to us. I only need my will to be a Kantusan Special Forces officer. The Hadeans are trying to distort us, one way or the other. If the House governments try to follow the lies, we will subdue them..."
The Captain looks at Anna May, somehow sensing her will to join the Special Forces. He approaches her.
"Captain?" Anna May notices him. "I am joining the Kantusan Special Forces as a human."
"Very well. But you must practice with me. Here, get a Steelhead bomber." the Captain warmly invites her with free cash.
"Thanks so much! You're everything!" Anna May cries in excitement.
"It's an honor for us Kantusans. We appreciate your intentions." the Captain replies.
Anna May continues her log as the Captain returns to his levipad.
"...to oblivion. Marina Kato told me of something named the Aoi Iseijin, but the Hadeans shroud the truth. I presume it's the GMG after all." the pad is saved at the moment. Anna May rushes in to find her precious Steelhead bomber.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #AM005 - The Nomad's Motives
Marina Kato and Anna May are walking down Yaren when they heard a Neural Net report from Freeport 11.
"Warning! On November 25, 824 AS, a large group of Nomad ships has been identified. The defense force led by Nodoka Hanamura managed to barely repel the Nomads. One of its members, the feared Ishazha, flying a so-called Adad bomber, made several dents on our ships, which are currently being repaired. On another note, the Core has started its aggression against Corsair and Order ships instead on focusing on the Nomad threat. The Freeport 11 administration will do its best to create a ceasefire between the Core, Corsairs, and Order. If you encounter a Nomad, please report to Nodoka Hanamura and we will deal with the threat accordingly."
"I guess our friends in the Core are in trouble. Specifically, the Nomad threat." Anna May is nervous.
"Hmm... Anna May, we'll talk about it later. The Captain has been placed on leave. The Isi'ua is moored until he comes back. How about some math?" Marina Kato gives a suggestion.
"Math? Alright. How about probability mass functions?"
"You mean that? Well, here: If the value is 1/6 for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the rest is 0, is it a probability mass function?"
"So the sums have to be 1? Let's see... 1/6+2/6+3/6+4/6+5/6+6/6 = 21/6. Not equal to one, so it doesn't."
"Look, it is constant. I guess this is it: 1/6+1/6+1/6+1/6+1/6+1/6 = 6/6 = 1."
"Sorry." *looks at the question*. "The function is constant! I get it!"
"Well, some brain teaser. Anyways, the Nomads are shifting their focus on the Omicrons as the threat in the Sigmas subsides."
They play some game and they both laugh, just as the Captain returns with some news.
"Alright, listen! The WV Isi'ua, in accordance with the Zoners, will participate in missions against the Nomad threat! Let their be light upon Imperium Omicronis!
And so, Anna May and Marina Kato ready their ships to prepare for a new threat greater than the Corsairs and the Order.
End of log
'ananti kantusa (Kantusan Covenant)
Log #AM006 - Imiakhu
After 3 months of surveying systems 100 light years from Omicron Delta, the Isi'ua returns to the Sirius Sector. It later lands near a ruined alien city on Planet Nauru.
"Let's see, do you need help in linguistics, Anna May?" Marina Kato smiles, now researching on the Imiakhu language that was found in the ruins of ancient structures in Planet Nauru.
"I want to know what exactly the Imiakhu language is." Anna May responds.
"The Imiakhu language, natively called Imiakhukuthi, appears to be related to the language of Kusari, or Japanese, based on the word samples. Though, its spoken form doesn't resemble Japanese at all. It is written in its own unique script that looks like the Nom-" Marina Kato explains.
"The Imiakhu language's closest relative is Ikita, itself a distinct language but still from the same inscription Marina has found." the main computer beeps.
"Uhh... Nomads. Yeah. I forgot the Ikita language. Mutually intelligible with Imiakhu. I think I already sensed the Aoi Iseijin itself! The Nomads and Kusarians are maybe related." Marina Kato is surprised.
"No. Their language only." Anna May told her.
"That's another mystery to solve. Captain, please beam me and Anna May into the surface. I think we will uncover ancient secrets." Marina Kato replies and makes a request.
The Captain grants permission just as the two disappear and are found seconds later in the surface, inspecting the language. The threat posed by the Nomads appears to have subsided.
End of log
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