The galaxy, as always, was changing. If he was going to succeed, Novak needed to stay ahead of the curve. As such, the events unfolding at Deralia seemed quite the opportunity to allow for a change of things. Mobilization had been requested at the Senate, but Novak was already going ahead with his plans. The Indomitable was the vessel he was watching swing into place from his position on the bridge of the Shattered Heel. Certain aspects had to be dealt with for sure. It was, by and large, Novak's estimation that Neimoidia was getting a tad uppity these days. When the word had come out of Neimoidia producing a new vessel that had not been seen before, Novak took it upon himself to study the formerly cowardly race more closely. Delving into shipbuilding with independent companies himself, he readily jumped at the chance to see if Neimoidia was going to field this new craft at Deralia.

His under-the-table alliance with the Colicoids was gaining him a battle droid production center. There was no proof of where the flesh had come from, after all, and it was only unknown, unaligned worlds that he had struck at. Abrion Major still struck in his memory; the entire system now... if he could get an alliance with the sector governor... well, that was a matter for another day to consider. For now, with his own private empire growing, it seemed not a bad idea to expand his territory. Deralia, therefore, would be a place of practice.

---

Primary Fleet Composition:

Venator-class Star Destroyer Shattered Heel (Flagship/Primary Carrier)
Venator-class Star Destroyer Glory (Modified assault vessel/heavy assault ship)
Acclamator I-class Assault Ship Hand of Truth (Troop ship/minor fighter carrier)
Acclamator I-class Assault Ship Nightwatch (Modified troop ship)
Munificent-class Star Frigate Indomitable (D.A.F.-operated vessel)
CR90 Corvette Lunar Flare (Unused/In shipyard undergoing repairs)

Onboard the Golan, Commander Vyrnnus was barking orders throughout the brige, bringing it into full combat readiness. Meanwhile, on the surface, the theater shields over Mithra and Imperial City went active as the Provisional Army began manning their defenses across the entire planet. Anyone with prior military service, that wasn't in active service, was conscripted, along with any man or woman fit and of service age (16 to 45), to fill the gaps that were currently at their training centers receiving crash courses in being a soldier. It was perhaps the largest and quickest mobilization in recent memory, at least for Deralia, as they prepared to match anything the Neimoidians and the false King would throw at them. "For the Vacant Throne!" was a phrase that meant more than it ever did for the Deralians, which all loyally prepared to defend themselves from invasion and occupation.

Governor Lucius Aurelius
Deralia

The Kruus charged its Ion Cannons, intending to cripple the Dreadnought if possible.

King Ribaldequin opened up the communicator, standing next to Kruus on the observation deck (which was the most heavily sheilded location on the ship at this point in time, with several redundant generators standing by), he sent the message on all frequencies, meaning that the message overwhelmed most local comms.

'Greetings, my most loyal subjects, this is your King, Ribaldequin I and I am here to restore to you the prosperity Deralia once had before the War Council took over governance.

The War Council have asked you to take up arms with threats of some invasion. I can assure you all, this is a mistaken order, the order should be to assemble in the streets and spend the day in celebration of the return of prosperity and Kingship to Deralia. You are welcomed, by myself, to sell these weapons you may have been issued, or trade them, for foods and drink in order to celebrate my most joyful return.

In your skies soon you will be greeted with a most joyful display of pyrotechnics, as we begin the demolition of some obselete defense units. My subjects, aboard my vessel I have 100,000 casks of the finest core systems wine and beer, and tonight I invite you to feast with me outside the city of Ravens Gate every night this week. We shall cast open the doors of Ravens Gate and let joy and happiness flow in, for my ancestor, Revan, has made it known that this should be so.

Also, I would like us all to thank the War Council for their hard working service operating the State here, but release them from this calling and Dissolve this Government, the Senate will then elect new officials to hold the positions of State, in the old Deralian fashion..

Above all, remember, we are returning, and despite the rhetoric of some individuals who are holding onto power, we are not invaders, we are the restorers, and we are fighting for the Vacant Throne! That it may stand Vacant no more and prosperity, peace and happiness shall be restored. The forces arriving are strictly for use in my coronation parade, and consist of some men from Deralia, exiled by corrupt officials as I was, and our friends and allies from the Core worlds who have leant their strength freely to save us, to allow us to once more live as true Deralians and participate in the Galaxy as a whole as a mighty force once again.'

The mobilisation, while orders were issued, would take a great deal of time, hours at the least, and the Battlegroup had only been out of hyperspace for 5 minutes. The theatre sheilds were also not fully activated yet, as it takes 30 minutes to charge them before activation.

The Kruus then opened communications to the Deralian Military 'Deralian Military forces on duty, you are officially released from duty for the day to celebrate my return, you are not required to send a greeting delegation or present a salute, as your vessel seems to be preparing for. We would also request you instruct the shields to not be charged on the capitals, as doing such will impede our shuttles progress. I do open up an invitation to all captains though, would you care to join me aboard my Loyal allies ship and we shall open a cask of wine in celebration.'

He re-opened communications to the planet itself, again on all frequencies. "Also, I will be ending this most unnaceptable traffic in Human flesh that has gone on these past years, no Deralian will be sold as a slave (or indeed Mail order bride) again, henceforth Slavery is illegal in all my dominions. And to all in the Military, I also promise you an end to suicidal wars, many of you will have lost relatives in the Futile war at Vjun, while I will keep the military strong, there will be an end to misadventure and attacking other worlds. We will participate in the Galaxy, as a Democracy, we will have cordial relations and trade partners, not mortal enemies and blood feuds.

I can also assure, any foreign partners who currently participate in Deralias economy will not be harmed, the current economic relations with the CSA will be an important part of our finances."

The battlegroup signalled to the CSA, informing it the current force disposition was Restricted and could not be disclosed at this time, but disclosing the location as inbound to Deralia, and that the operation was proceding according to plan.

Broadcasting its IFF to all vessels, the Munificent-class Star Frigate Indomitable dropped out of hyperspace in Deralia's home system. The closest vessels were those commanded by Neimoidia and then, further out, those presumably commanded by Deralia. For only sending one ship, Novak had made an excellent decision for the time. Commanded by extremely loyal Druckenwell Naval Forces members, the vessel had been sent primarily to gain some support from Deralia and take stock of the competition the Neimoidians could give with their new vessel.

Militarily, each city held a Military Command unit, consisting of a HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company), as well as the pooled support personnel of all military units under its command, a medical unit, and a company of military police which were currently assisting in finishing up the civilain evacuation to the shelters. Within each city, sat four Strike Forces, each consisting of 832 Regular troopers, 44 Recon troopers, and 11 Special Ops troopers. There was also an Armor Element in each city, consisting each of 200 2-M Saber-class Repulsor Tanks, and an Artillery Element, each consisting of 80 mobile artillery guns, 90 MLRS-style vehicles, and 150 mortar teams. In each city, the armor and artillery was mobilized, as well as one Strike Group, with another ready within now the next fourty five minutes (for the full force, a gradual mobilization is under place with platoons being added every few minutes), and the additional two ready by the end of the day. A squadron of TIE Fighters was assigned to each city, being given the duty of giving close air support, as well.

Within the underground command center the War Council, Senate, and Council of Lords were in, Endar Tirkan watched the preparations on two different holoprojectors, one for each city, and another, showed the condition in space. He was uneasy, not sure honestly where this was going to go. He hoped they would be bluffing with their show of military force, but remembering the still ongoing Acherin situation, he knew conflict was to erupt. Tirkan, after a moment's debate after the message they had sent, went to the communications array. "Attention Neimoidian forces, you are violating sovereign, neutral space. This Mister Ribaldquin has no legitimate claim to the throne of Deralia, and you are participating in an illegal and morally devoid action. We ask that you cease immediatly, and return to your homes. We wish for no bloodshed here, but will defend our freedom should you attack, and will not surrender to a foreign aggressor." he said, attempting to be diplomatic. He was fuming however, at this man's suggestion of violating the holy city of Raven's Gate. His ancestors would not stand for such a desecration, neither would any Deralian. Despite this, he took a breath, and relaxed himself. May the Gods be with us..." he said to himself.

Deralia Defenses
Navy
Dreadnaught Heavy Cruiser Pillar of Autumn
Golan II Defense Platform Grissom

Army
Mithra
Headquarters Unit
Support personnel
Medical Unit
Military Police Company
Regulars-832 (Ready), 832 (Ready in 45 minutes), 1664 (ready in one day)
Recon-44 (Ready), 44 (Ready in twenty minutes), 88 (ready in one day)
Special Ops-44 (Ready)
200 2-M Sabre-class Repulsor Tanks
80 mobile artillery guns, 90 MLRS-style vehicles, 150 mortar teams
1 TIE Fighter Squadron

Imperial City
Headquarters Unit
Support personnel
Medical Unit
Military Police Company
Regulars-832 (Ready), 832 (Ready in 45 minutes), 1664 (ready in one day)
Recon-44 (Ready), 44 (Ready in twenty minutes), 88 (ready in one day)
Special Ops-44 (Ready)
200 2-M Sabre-class Repulsor Tanks
80 mobile artillery guns, 90 MLRS-style vehicles, 150 mortar teams
1 TIE Fighter Squadron

Governor Lucius Aurelius
Deralia

Assuming of course that Commander Vyrnnus had sent the message over a encrypted channel, the response would come quickly. If not, the reply would take a few moments as the vessel utilized a Druckenwell encryption that was rather new and unused on a large scale. This particular vessel was crewed by some of the most loyal Novak supporters; men and women who could share common goals of capitalism and expansion for the greater good and recognize the New Sith Order as the vessel which would carry it.

On board, seated in the command chair, Captain Dalamar Maximov called for the comm system to be passed his way. Choosing his reply carefully, Maximov responded to the Deralian native.

"This is Captain Dalamar Maximov of the Druckenwell Armed Forces. We do not come as aggressors against Deralia, only observers. However... under provisions set aside by Minister of Defense Novak, I am allowed to offer Deralia a path that may save it and its peoples from the rather cruel fate that Neimoidia may well impose upon it. Furthermore, this gain might well be accomplished without bloodshed. As acting ambassador, I am authorized to meet with the Deralian High Command and enact a bill that will, until the government is legitimized by the New Republic, place Deralia and its citizens as a protectorate of Druckenwell. Your swift response is desired."

Speaking simply the terms of the document transmitted were thus:

1) Druckenwell would offer military and logistical support, as well as civil aid in times of war, natural disaster that Deralia could not easily fix on its own and prevent oppression from any members of the New Republic or outside groups, providing Deralia was willing to ratify and legitimize their government with the New Republic ad become a standing member.

2) Druckenwell would pledge to assit Deralia in furthering its profuctivity and economy over a six-year plan that included constructing an orbital shipyard at Deralia and working in conjunction with BlasTech to see that a manufacturing and dispensing plant was established.

3) Deralia, in turn, would allow Druckenwell's citizens and businesspeople to establish several droid foundries upon its world in a place fair and suitable to both peoples. Said foundries would be overseen by Druckenwell Defense Council personnel to ensure that no mishandling occurred.

4) Deralia would enter into a trade agreement with Druckenewell stating that goods shipped to and from either planet would be priced at fifty-percent of the standard trade cost, thereby making it eaiser for either society to purchase one anothers' goods.

The document was signed: Minister of Defense Novak, a name it was likely the Deralians had heard before. Captain Maximov waited for the reply once again.

The Commander in his gel suspension floated, watching the chatter, while not understanding it and becoming bored before deciding enough was enough, giving the orchestra notice to strike up a tune before all its weapons pretargeted on the Dreadnought, he allowed all weapons to fire, his body in a state of ecstasy as they fired, the full power of the Kruus' firepower targeted towards the Dreadnoughts engine block. Turbolasers, Torpedos and Ion Cannons fired, as Tractor beams locked the vessel in place with an iron grip.

From the left flank, corvettes moved into a firing position and also added their fire onto the beleagured ship as the fighters and bombers formed a cordon for the capital ships to protect them in the event of fire.

All this took place outside the firepower range of the Golan II (since you state the Dreadnought it on the edge of its range), on the still vessel now targeted by massively superior firepower, things were not looking good for the Dreadnought.

Summary:

Fighters manouvre to form a cordon for the Capital ships in the event of fighter attack etc.

Kruus fires all weapons on the Dreadnought, locking it in place with tractor beams to assure it could not manouvre away.

Corvettes manouvre and fire on the Dreadnought.

All out of Golan Range.

"The Sovereign world of Neimoidia should recognize that under the new diplomatic acts and conditions, a treaty given as a protectorate to an unaligned world with the intention of bringingit into the New Republic as a prosperous and efficient addition is completely legal and justified. To deny these rights to an existing government would be considered an act of oppression against the New Republic. As such, Neimoidia will not only face penalties for attempting to start a war against a ratified New Republic world but also with damages and reparation to a future New Republic world that wishes to join."

Dalamar had positioned his own vessel to be well outside range of the weapons of either faction's ships, as well as angled to give himself a clear outbound vector. No coward, it was simply good practice when outgunned and not sure who your friends and enemies were going to be.

Meanwhile, the Pillar of Autumn, which had been stationary rendering the tractor beam grip meaningless, diverted energy from its engines and non-essential systems directly into its shields, giving them some time of survival. The guns on the ship fired at the incoming warheads. They took no offensive action, focusing on taking out incoming warheads and keeping their shields up. They would not become the aggressors, they would not give justification to the Neimoidian actions for the New Republic to fall back upon as reasoning for their refusal to help. Until Druckenwell came along, Deralia was all alone...and it seemed until Druckenwell actually sent forces to help them, it would remain as such.

Governor Lucius Aurelius
Deralia

The firepower continued to be focused on the Dreadnoughts engines, as it did not attempt to evade, all turbolasers and ion cannons hit home, as did half of the torpedos. They would face a serious decision as their sheilds were battered down, fire and perhaps be able to survive this attack, or remain and certainly die. The corvettes also continued firing on the dreadnought. The tractor beams were there, not to move it now, but to prevent it going anywhere, even if it wished to, while it was shelled to pieces.

The music aboard the Kruus continued to the prodigious lightshow filling space, waiters coming around and begining to serve cocktails and hors d'ouvres. The Senator looked up at the display happily as it synched perfectly with the music 'Spwendid, most Spwendid, my congwatuwations to the chef.', Kruus then held a lottery to be the man who fired the final blast at the Dreadnought, to immobilise the vessel, a joystick emerged from the center of the dancefloor on an Obsidian plinth, bids reached as high as 25,000 credits from the assembled toffery.