Black Magic? Or Nightshadows?

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

This design was truly going to be another great step towards developing Crina's level of technology. At least for military purposes. Expanding the luxury technology for personal use worldwide might lead to complacency and discontent, and people were happy enough anyway. Not to mention hard fought peace had been achieved finally after such a long civil war. No one was going to risk doing any major mistakes to start another.

Not that one would last long.

Not with the Imperial Remnant having moved substantial forces onto Crina.

Not when they had been the primary reason the rebels were crushed in that final battle.

Personally Alva Calvarona was not pleased by the Imperial Intervention but the decision was never hers to make. All she could do was deal with it, integrate herself into the new system, and work her best to rise up. Which was why she was once again pushing Crina's shipyards to their limits to develop new warships. The Carrier and Destroyer analogs were nice, but to be perfectly honest very few would be fielded by Crina's own navy. Perhaps only one or two of the cruiser analogs would show up, the majority of the world's navy was still Noble class frigates, though they once called them their own destroyers.

So she asked Alberio, the Chief Engineer, to put into production a new craft, suitable to act as a flagship for the smaller noble classes, but less obvious in nature than the newer larger designs. What she got was an incredible prototype blueprint, but it apparently called for technology outside of Crina, beyond anything they could borrow from the Imperials even.

They had to correct that.

So she had quickly taken orders to Zeta Squad and put Captain Alister in command of a Noble class vessel to go out and purchase the relevant parts. Mainly the Nightshadow hull coating to scramble sensor readings and reflect light. The second Princess of Crina had already went through Imperial contacts to set up the purchase, and Alister ought to already have collected the material and provided the appropriate payment. She trusted someone in command of Zeta squad to handle that much. If he came back without err he would be filled in on this wonderful project.

 

[Lassiter]

It was a rather simple mission to some but amongst the greatest of honors to Alister. The second princess herself had chosen him to oversee the purchase and delivery of three ‘important parts’ of some project she was working on. He hadn’t been let in on the nature of it yet but he had his suspicions.

Coldly parading through the bridge as the ship began its final approach he could hear the occasional whisper and mutter. Captain Alister Krandor – his new position within the Empire had made him more enemies than he had cared to count but at least they all knew their place beneath him. A strange line of thought to that, he never had been one to exert rank and file into matters but ever since the timely intervention of the Remnants he couldn’t help reaping the benefits.

He had to admit that while the Empire’s part in the resolution of the rebellion bothered him some he still admired the swiftness of it. They had essentially ended a conflict that was long overdue its ending and they had done it like it was nothing at all. That was indeed very impressive.

At last the ship had docked. Alister signaled a few of his men to come with him as they disembarked to meet with the princess. Standing at attention for the princess arrive they remained quiet. All of them except for an unnamed cadet who seemed overjoyed by the occasion.

“Are we going to see the princess?“ The recruit almost squealed. “Like, the real princess?”

The kid was young and dumb, Alister had very much been like him the first time he were to be in the presence of royalty. The difference being that Alister had been able to contain himself whereas this one was lacking in discipline - something he would have to face the consequences of when this was over.

“Cadet, do I need to remind you that you’re still in the presence of your superiors?”

Alister’s voice rang cold through the air as the cadet got back into position.

“No, sir.” The cadet muttered most bitterly. “Won’t happen again, sir.”

“Good.”

Alister took note of the bitter remark, the cadet should not have shown such defiance under him. Examples would have to be made, but that was a topic for later. For now they all remained unmoving until the princess herself were present.

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

It did not take Alva long to make his presence known, word had reached her once the ship Alister had been sent in command of had entered the system. She was already on her way to where the vessel would be making dock on the shipyard once the staff in the communications center gave Alister's unit a proper routing designation. Along with the second princess would be a number of dock workers ready to begin the process of unloading the material that Zeta Squad had been sent to purchase.

Selecting Captain Krandor's unit to undertake the task wasn't a difficult choice, considering how the members of Zeta Squad were all elite soldiers of Crina the Royal Family personal bestowed honors upon. Although Alister himself was a bit of an oddity for the squad . . . . mostly because he was himself. All the same though he could be trusted along with the rest of the unit. In fact for the successful completion of this task she had sent them on, Alva felt they had all earned the right to being let in on the details of the project they had bought the essential materials for.

"You have all performed superbly, Zeta Squad once more performs dutifully and admirably. You have my thanks, Captain Krandor was there any unexpected issues?" Alva made sure she smiled at the soldiers, partly because she knew they had done well and they deserved that much, but also because she was genuinely pleased. Not to mention excited at the prospects. The frame for the new warship design was already nearing completion while the unit had been on their trip to gather up their purchase of nightshadow plating. "If there is nothing to report then perhaps you would enjoy hearing about the fruits of your trip."

 

[Lassiter]

“No, your highness, there is nothing to report.” Alister returned the smile with a nod of appreciation followed by another at the princess’ invitation. “We’d be honored to, ma’am.”

His father had tried to interest him in ships. There had been more than one time when his father had taken him to the outlying fields by the shipyards to watch the ships land and take off. Occasionally his father would point at the ships and tell the name of it as he went on about how many of them he had worked on. Alister had never really taken an interest in any of it until he got older.

Alister had to suppress the warm smile growing inside of him. That was his dad alright - an eccentric little engineer with a love for ships and all things that soared through the air, if only he could have seen where Alister was now.

For all his internal fantasizing was worth he didn’t show it externally. He followed the princess on her tour. What was it that this ‘hull coating’ would be part of?

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

Alva was actually rather pleased to hear the royal term applied to her as was her station, she tired of hearing just the simple "maam" addressed to her simply because she was working within the military now. She was still a princess, a member of the Royal Family of Crina, she deserved to be recognized as such. So Alva was incredibly inclined to think well of Captain Krandor for his appropriate use of terminology. Then again, as a Crinan he ought to be such to always remember to use the right address unlike the Imperials who likely wouldn't know better. "Then follow me Captain, we have much ground to cover."

Heading back inside the shipyards, Crina's second Princess paid no mind to the crew of the Noble Frigate or the dock workers unloading the Nightshadow that Alister had collected for her. They would follow soon enough, and besides in the meantime Zeta Squad could witness the beginnings of the vessels they were bringing to life. Alva would lead them to various lifts and transit systems until they were deeper with CRI's construction berths. This project after all was something that the young woman very much desired to create as a priority. The Nightshadow hull was truly one of the last components.

Soon enough they would reach the docks where a large frigate class ship could be seen in the berths. Large wings extending outwards with engineers and mechanics crawling all over the surface, and many more likely within. Large and obvious cannons could be seen towards the craft's top towards what might be its bridge. . . . or was the bridge the section towards the very front? Well Alva would explain soon, but first she wished to see if any of Zeta Squad's lovely girls, and guy, had any questions of their own first. "This is the framework of the ships that will be using the Nightshadow coating you collected. Nightshadow is a reflective coating that is considered incredibly effective at distorting a ship against the backdrop of space, and in addition can prevent a ship from being picked up on sensors. We've also included thrust trace dampeners to cover the weakness of the coating, a simple task with Imperial data, if time consuming, but we got those installed while you were away. I heard rumors that something called Stygium Crystals for cloaking generators might be better, but to mine them would be too risky ourselves and they would be much more expensive to purchase. Regardless, this will perhaps be the most advanced Crinan design next to the Destroyer Analog. If there's anything you wish to know more of feel free to ask. This is all possible because of your squad's work."

 

[Lassiter]

Alister’s raised his eyebrows at the sight of the ship’s frame. It was impressive, very much so. Even though the princess’ talk about the details of the ship was lost on him he still managed to nod as he processed the information. Nightshadow coating and stygium crystals were two words he had never heard before until very recently, especially the latter.

At least they were praised for their good work, even if rather trivial in nature.

“It was an honor still, your highness.” Alister nodded once more. “Zeta always stands ready to serve the crown.”

“As for questions, your highness, I’m afraid my knowledge of remaining unseen applies mostly to the battlefield.”

He gave the ship a second look. It was still impressive in size, he dreaded the cost of it but that wasn’t in his place to know or care about. It had canons that were huge and with several wings for a purpose that was beyond this soldier but he could see the potential benefits of it, probably.

“It’s a most admirable ship I must say, ma’am.” Alister looked back at [member="Alva Calvarona"]. “Since it’s getting stealth-based components I assume it’s being optimized for surprise attacks or assaults?”

He had no idea what he was talking about, asking stupid or possibly even the wrong questions were second nature when it came to these situations.

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

Perhaps it was the fact she was too pleased with the delivery of Nightshadow to complete the Rauzana class warships, but Alva didn't seem to be annoyed by Captain Krandor's questions at all. Honestly they weren't bad questions, but all the same they were too simple for Alva to normally feel like they were necessary to deign with an answer. However, with her mood so improved with the progression of the project, and since it actually didn't hurt anything to give a decent soldier answers for their hard work, the young Princess smiled at Zeta Squad as they expressed their loyalty and curiosity. "That is a valid question Captain. In fact though it won't be just that mainly. Because it cannot truly hide itself completely from site, the ship will operate mostly as a hidden flagship and coordination vessel. The large bulge that is flanked by the six heavy dual turbolaser cannons is a command center to not only operate the ship during stealth assault operations it will attempt a few of, but also to coordinate fleet actions. The bridge forward of the ship's head is separate to prevent both being taken out at the same time since that is sadly how many ships run their layout. The Nightshadow and Thrust Dampeners though should allow the vessel to go undetected though until its close enough for visual scanning, which is difficult as well because of the nightshadow's coating matching the blackness of space, so it does work as a stealth craft excellent for raiding enemy supply lines since it could close up to enemy escort craft and unleash a barrage of warheads. It can't be a troop transport behind enemy lines though without a Stygium Cloaking device since they'd see it once it hit atmosphere. . . . . .Perhaps to give you a better reference point for its capabilities, I assume you know the specs on our Noble Class warships? They've been in service so long, but I understand if not ince Zeta Squad is a commando unit."

 

[Lassiter]

”My father spoke fondly of it.” Alister had to suppress a smile still. “He used to say it was as powerful as a bull with the speed of a snail. Like a tortoise almost.”

At least Alister’s question hadn’t been off the map completely. While he himself had never been aboard many frigates or starships in general he could still get a good feel for the ship by the comparison.

This ship seemed somewhat optimized for hit-and-run missions yet it was strong enough to withstand battle should it come to that. Or was it? At least it was a mobile command center, now those he had definitely seen as ground units.

“Anyway, so what you’re saying is I take it that it’s a mobile command center.” Alister looked out over the ship as the many workers fiddled away at its shell. “That sounds like an important part of battle, what of the armor on this thing? I take it the men aboard it will be relatively safe?”

As safe as one can be in space during battle anyway.

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

"The stealth coating is meant to keep them safe, they're not supposed to be noticed at all. The ship does have decent bulkheads and plating, and the framework is sturdy along the hull itself, but admittedly it wasn't designed to be taking the pounding on the frontlines. Again though, since the thrust dampeners will keep the engines signatures hidden and the nightshadow coating will fool sensors and people's eyes until it's too late the idea is that they won't find the ship in the first place. And if they do it will end in a missile barrage." Alva turned back to where engineers and dock workers were organizing things together, wenches and cranes lifting parts of the superstructure into place, the frame being fitted with the first layering of hull plating, which the Nightshadow would eventually coat when it was finished.

In the end only a few ships of this kind would be produced effectively. Nightshadow was costly, and until the Rauzana class proved itself in field operations there wouldn't be much extra funding towards the development of more like it. Nonetheless the Crinan Princess was content so long as they could just get these finished. She was confidant in their production and design. "The Noble Class is smaller than this ship by two hundred meters. And comparatively only has twenty four warhead launchers, whereas the Rauzana class here will carry thirty six. Perhaps you also knew that the Noble Class carry a pair of shuttles and six fighters in their hangers, but this new ship design can field a full twenty four fighters, likely Royal Bombers, allowing it much more support. It only lacks sufficient anti-starfighter weaponry that admittedly the Noble Class also has a shortage of. Still, I think the design's stealth features will make it as effective as our new larger designs as well."

 

[Lassiter]

No anti-starfighter weaponry, now that was something that probably just sounded a lot more dangerous than it probably was, probably. Alister had to admit that from an unexperienced angle the lack of said defenses were rather discomforting. However the princess seemed to have faith in the stealth abilities so there were no reasons for him to question it.

“I beg your forgiveness once more, your highness,” Alister kept it as humble as possible. “But what was the reasoning behind the lack of starfighter defenses?”

Then again, maybe he would find himself aboard one of them someday. The princess had already designed many ships; maybe there was other counter-measures in place. Perhaps another ship would be tasked with anti-starfighter duty?

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

Oh? She hadn't been clear it seems. An oversight on her part. Zeta Squads CO was rather well spoken in the manner he raised his concern though, so the Princess was hardly offended. Alva merely grinned, still too pleased with the circumstances of the Rauzana class's construction to truly be upset at all. "It's alright Captain. I did not mean there would be no anti-fighter weaponry, just that there would not be much. Whereas our new Carrier Analog and the Imperials have had sufficient anti-fighter weaponry, the Rauzana matches the Noble class in terms of countering starfighters. Nonetheless unlike the other ships it has the stealth element and the warhead launchers make up for it I believe."

The nightshadow was being brought into the construction berths now. They would be applying the stealth coating over the hull shortly then. Perfect. CRI would certainly produce an incredible ship if this was a successful production. There would only be a few such craft for now, but Alva held out hope one day to find a way to rework the design to be more efficient for full production.

 

[Lassiter]

“Ah.” Alister would raise his eyebrows. “I guess it was silly of me to assume as such in the first place.”

The rest of the squad approached the windows as their cargo was being brought into view. It may have been a simple mission but Zeta always took their responsibilities with great pride and honor, even if the tasks were rather trivial in nature still.

One of the squad members broke free from staring out the window and spoke up.

“Your highness, what about the inside? It’s a big ship so wouldn’t it require quite the handful of people to operate?”

A blonde woman as tall as Alister broke free from the admiring crowd. Her pale blue eyes were set on the princess as she gave her most humble smile.

“I mean with all these big guns and stealth systems I’d like to think you could fit a small village in there.”

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

Now there was a question that was pretty spot on the money. Alva looked at the blonde woman from among the elite unit that had spoken up and returned the humble smile with a pleased one of her own. Zeta Squad was highly capable and full of intelligent and practical soldiers. They were the best, many would consider that to be true. All the nonsense of the Imperials commando units and that special force being put together with armor mixing Imperial and Crinan design could probably be considered fierce competition, but the Princess considered that the Royal Family had chosen the most talented and reliable. "You are completely correct there. For a frigate the Rauzana class most certainly does require a slightly larger crew to manage and maintain all its systems in peak operating condition. The minimum and optimal crewing is sadly above average to keep up with its advanced systems."

The ship sitting near completion, only lacking the coating and final touches it appeared, was already close to having its full crew perosnally selected to be up to the task. One of the ships would be for the Crinan Navy, the other two would be handed to the Imperials. Likely the ship would see action only for special missions or under the command of special forces units. A few names were still being tossed around for them too. Black Hound of Andreea, The Cloud of Crina, and Shadow of the Court seemed like popular designations for now. "There won't be much in the way of spare space for any ground forces or extra passengers though so there won't be that many more people onboard in total anyway. What do you think of the vessel? If I were to. . .permit Zeta Squad command of it for operations what would you ideally use it for?"

 

[Lassiter]

Alister let Eve do the talking. She had already proven herself far better at asking good questions and in general had a better know-what of starships.

---

Eve looked over to Alister with an anxious expression. This would be the first time she actually talked to the royal family apart from thanking them for her awards. Her eyes shot between the CO and the princess a few times before she eventually opened her mouth.

“Well, considering it’s a ship designed for stealth, and also considering the size of the guns…”

The woman covered her mouth and furrowed her eyebrows as she let her eyes dart around as if in deep thought. Occasionally she would tilt her head and raise her eyebrows as if agreeing with something she thought of.

“Shock and awe.” Eve lowered her hand. “It’s got room for small fighters and bombers which could serve to catch the enemy off-guard. We’d send this ship first, have it check the target out. Does it have any weaknesses we can exploit? That kind of thing.”

She was talking a bit fast, her words turned into a mumble and she cleared her throat.

“It would be first on the scene and if things got too heated it would be the first to leave without anyone noticing.”

---

Alister looked at his squadmate in approval. Sure, she had made him look quite the dumb fool but she seemed to know what she was talking about and that was a good thing. Then again, her know-what of most things was exactly why she was the second-in-command.

[member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Alister Krandor"]

Those were all excellent applications of the Rauzana class. They were also ideas that Alva was pleased to hear come from a member of Zeta Squad. The only slightly. . . bothersome issue came from how the girl kept flicking her eyes between Captain Krandor and herself. Was he normally discouraging of his soldiers speaking up about their thoughts? The Princess would hope not. Someone selected of all people to lead an elite unit for Crina ought to have more sense and respect for their squad. Then again he was. . . .well she would hold off on such judgments since doing such would be exactly the same as. . .such people.

"Those were all rather wonderful thoughts. It would indeed make a great forward reconnaissance craft. The enemy would be unlikely to detect it, and its report could likely support our forces when they arrive. And because the enemy may never know it was there, it can leave just as easily if it doesn't reveal itself." Smiling at the squad member, Alva stepped around to look at the construction in progress, so close to nearing completion. It was only a matter of time now. She was excited for it. This would be the true technological advancement that Crina needed to move up in the galaxy. Well, should they become their own . . . .keepers. "We will likely offer one of the vessels to the Imperial Emperor for his personal use and safety if he so chooses. The other to the Imperial Navy, likely the Grand Admiral. The last will fall to our own use for Crina's Armed Forces. What would you say Crina needs next in development should we. . . .earn more funding in our R&D?"

 

[Lassiter]

Alister smiled at Eve and she returned it with a happy shrug as she got back in line.

“Good job, Eve.”

A minor slip, first name basis were for whenever there were off-duty hours to be had, though the princess would probably understand, hopefully. Listening to the princess as she went on about the ship something caught Alister’s attention. They were just giving these away? It made sense, but didn’t the Imperials have their own stealthcrafts?

He would have said something but decided against it. As to what they should spend their next R&D paycheck on…

“Well, would it be possible to apply this tech to a smaller ship?” Alister, much like Eve, placed his hand over his mouth for a second before retracting it. “For example a fighter or a troop transport of some sort for an added element of surprise?”

[member="Alva Calvarona"]