The idea of a Zoner Militia was first raised by a former Bretonian Armed Forces Admiral Sir Charles Pole back in 797 A.S. He had recently retired and adopted the Zoner way of life, he realized that Zoners could be exploited. Zoners had placed too much trust in other people. In 798 A.S., Sir Charles Pole, with enough funding from his own bank and that of other wealthy Zoners, proceeded to convince Zoner leaders that Zoners would require security, as it was common to see a Zoner trader killed by a pirate because he/she did not have enough cash to pay the tax, or were simply unwilling. Zoner leaders reluctantly accepted Sir Pole’s plea, and he began a long process in training volunteers, with help from a legendary mercenary group back in those days, known as the Koensayr Guardsmen.
In the first few centuries after Sirius was settled by mankind, Koensayr was a large manufacturing firm devoted to producing high quality materials for star ship construction. The rise of piracy forced the company to form its own security division. As time ran its course the company slowly died off. The Guardsmen however persevered and became a small but highly successful and famous mercenary group. They eventually left house space and joined the Zoner movement in the edges. The entire group was hired by the new Zoner Fleet Admiral, Sir Charles Pole to train Zoner pilots in 798.
In 800 A.S. when Freeport 7 was destroyed the Guardsmen paid dearly. 90% of their force was aboard station when it went up along with the newly trained Zoner Fleet. All but one of their vessels were docked or moored to the station and thus lost. All that survived was a single Fearless destroyer, Arc Hammer, which was under manned. Sir Charles Pole, who survived the attack, lead the remaining Koensayr Guardsmen, and by random chance, they encountered the then unknown and mysterious Order. Seeking vengeance for the loss of their friends they aided the Order in its mission. At the Battle of Omicron Minor their vessel was severely damaged, retreating to Omicron Theta, the vessel was crippled and set adrift. The surviving crew put themselves into stasis hoping to be found.
In early 818 A.S. small group of Zoner vessels found the derelict Arc Hammer, after receiving some intel about its location. The stasis pods with surviving crew were transfered aboard to the other vessels and the Arc Hammer was stripped of anything important. The crew was revived aboard Freeport 9, present was a now retired BAF commodore named Francis West. Now face to face with men and women who gave so much of their life to protect what Zoners hold dear, he decided to help them reform the Koensayr Guardsmen. Charles' prediction that Zoners would be exploited became true when he found that the Queen Carina’s Privateers had began hostilities against Zoners for providing humanitarian support to the Corsairs. Shorty after being revived Sir Charles Pole passed away, succoming to a virus his weakened body could not defend against. Francis West along with the eldest Koensayr Guardsmen, Lehon Kaine, began work on a new Zoner militia with the aims of defending the Zoner community. The Zoner Alliance hosted a security conference at Doc Holliday's Tombstone Estate on Gran Canaria and during this conference West and Kaine were given the blessing of the Alliance, sadly the Council of Zoners showed no signs of becoming as active as it once was and was thus absorbed into the Alliance. Now backed and funded by the Alliance the Zoner Defense Force began to assemble itself. Advice from leadership within the Alliance saw many of the initial plans for the ZDF change.
In more recent times, Lehon Kaine has stepped down from his position of being the Admiral and left it to a retired Libertonian Naval Commader, Gideon Ravenor. Now admiral of the Zoner Defense Forces, Ravenor has taken his new position with much honor and pride. Somewhat taking his experience in the Liberty Navy, he began a program to re-structure the ZDF into as it exists today. This plan includes taking the defense of the zoner way of life into heart, so much so, that the establishment of defensive wings at every station was necessary. By giving each individual station the capability to have a rapid response team, allowed them to be more safe and secure.
All shields, missiles, torpedoes, mines, and armor upgrades
Mini Razors and Supernova Antimatter Cannons
Structure of the Zoner Defense Force & Ranks
High Command
High Command will consist of the current Admiral and two Commodores who have been assigned as Defense Chiefs. High Command will report directly to the Alliance Committee. High Command is headquartered on Gran Canaria while each Chief of Defense will select a suitable base of operations in his assigned area of operations. The ZDF is a militia sized organization, while it does use ranks and describers often found in full scale Naval and other military organizations it is not a full scale military.
Zoner Defense Force Navy
The ZDF Navy patrols the space and systems in which Zoner bases/planets or Freeports exist. Their main job is to enforce the No Fire Zone (NFZ) within 5K of every Freeport as well as escorting Zoner traders and civilians across Zoner territory. They are also ready to be deployed in Omicron Minor or Omicron Gamma if either of these systems are under attack by Nomad forces, and if they are given permission to do so by Order High Command or the Council of Elders, respectively.
Zoner Defense Force Exploration Command
In an attempt to keep that maps of not only the ZDF, but also the ZA as a whole, constant, the ZDF has formed the Exploration wing. Based off the mobile Freeport 13, it has the exploration cruiser Hinaichigo as its flagship. This branch of the ZDF is mainly volunteers whom wish to do what Zoners do best, explore the knowns and the unknowns.
Ranks ~Admiral (Abbr. Adm)
The commander in chief of the ZDF. While he usually finds himself behind a mess of paperwork he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He personally handles the security of the Omega region.
Can fly any naval vessel the ZDF has acquired. ~Commodore (Abbr. Com)
Chosen from veteran ZDF that have proven their worth as leaders and soldiers, time and time again. Commodores act as advisers to the Admiral. They command all ZDF in their area of operations and report only to the Admiral. commodores are usually assigned as Chiefs of Defense over the regions of the Taus and Omicrons
Can fly any naval vessel the ZDF has acquired, except the Aquillon ~Captain (Abbr. Cpt)
Lieutenants that showed they were capable leaders. Given command of an entire defensive wing of a station. Responsibilities include the enforcing of their assigned NFZ's and the general welfare of that Freeport. Usually found at the head of a Station Defense Wing.
Can fly any vessel the ZDF has acquired up to the Conference gunboat.
~Lieutenant (Abbr. Lt)
Men and women who stand out find themselves promoted to lieutenant. Persons of this rank show new recruits and ensigns the ropes and sometimes lead patrols themselves. They assist their assigned Captains in the duties of their Station's defense wing and are acting Captains in the Captain's absence. Promoted here by recommendation of a Captain or higher.
Restricted to the Eagle, Raven’s Talon, Virage, Roc, or Kaichou.
~Ensign (Abbr. En)
These are the men and women in the cockpit; the backbone of the ZDF. Promoted by request of the candiates, and must be approved by the High Command.
Restricted to the Eagle, Virage, Kaichou, or Roc.
~Recruit (Abbr. Rt)
A recent volunteer who is undergoing training. Once the pilot completes the training sessions he is promoted to Ensign. Recruits that show more mechanical aptitude than combat skills are assigned to maintenance crews, to support the ZDF.
Restricted to Eagle, Virage, or Roc.
Zoner Defense Force Marine Corp The ZDF Marines are the ground troops of the Zoner Defense Force. They patrol within Freeports and other Zoner bases and planets and maintain neutrality within Zoner territory. They are also trained in combat boarding techniques should there ever be the need to capture an enemy ship, or rescue hostages. They are small in numbers however they have access to the latest weapons available in Sirius.
~Captain (Abbr. Cpt)
Captains command one company of marines, around 100 men. Captains and their marine companies ensure safety aboard ZDF vessels and on Zoner stations/planets. Chain of command for a Marine captain depends on his assignment. Note: Captains are assigned to a capital ship, a station or planet. In the case of a Captain assigned to a station with a small population adjust your RP accordingly.
ZDF Diplomacy Zoner Alliance and its members
These are the people we are entrusted to protect. They ensure we have food, water, and other supplies.
Allies
Order
GMG
TAZ
OSI
ZTC
ZoE
Virulian Enclave
Zoner Alliance
Independent Zoners
Friendly
None
Neutral
Everyone not above or below this!
Unfriendly
None
Hostile
Nomads (Keepers)
Wild (Das Wilde)
Area of Operations (ZOI)
Home Stations:
High Command: Gran Canaria
Omicron Division: Freeport 9
Tau Division: Freeport 6
Exploration Wing: Freeport 1
The ZDF will be present in any system that Zoners have a station in and by way of travel and escort roles may be present in other systems. No ZDF personnel are to enter any Home/Guard system other than Omicron-74, High Command will notify personnel of exceptions to this rule. Do not enter any Gallic system for any reason. If a Zoner travels there, he does so at his own risk. The Exploration wing will be allowed to venture to any system on an as needed basis, and also by permission of the owning faction and high command.
Codes of Conduct
No violations of the Sirius Codex
No OOC/OORP chat in system or local chat. Period.
No powergaming or metgaming with information from your other characters.
Have fun.
RP. This isn't a suggestion its an order.
Placement of Assets
ZDF Admiral:
Gideon Ravenor
Exploration Wing:
Captain Kashiwaba Tomoe
Lieutenant Rennai
Ensign Bernard Finch
FP1:
Lieutenant
Ensign
FP2:
Lieutenant
Ensign
Ames:
Lieutenant Vincente Sidhe
Ensign
Tau commander:
Commodore Matok
FP10:
Captain Peter Kristall
FP6:
(Act Cpt.)Lieutenant Invictus Adagio
Ensign
Ensign
Omicron Commander
Commodore Izii Helfari (Lieutenant)
FP9:
(Act Cpt.)Lieutenant Lenus Reytas
Ensign
Ensign
FP11:
Captain Greg Hill
Lieutenant
Ensign
Recruit Edward Bridgman
Roster
~Naval Forces
Admiral
Gideon Ravenor (ExLibrisMortis)
Commanders
Izii Helfari of the Omicrons (Lieutenant)
Matok of the Taus (Commodore Matok)
Captains
Bernard Finch, Exploration Wing[/b](sadtranslation)
Peter Kristall, FP10(Peter Kristall)
Gregg Hill, FP11(Joggin)
Lieutenants
Lenus Reytas(Rildan Atachi)
Vincente Sidhe(Aes_Sidhe)
Rennai(lunaphase)
Kashiwaba Tomoe, ( Harcourt.Fenton.Mudd)
Invictus Adagio(Yaoquizque)
Ensigns
Mathew Talence(n00bl3t)
Gor(Marshall)
Raden(Marshall)
Ald'ach Radiph (Ron330)
Ajmar Di'Vijune(Peka6)
Recruits
Edward Bridgman(Feenorn)
~Marine Ranks
Major William Baker (Wood)
Medals
Medals are given to ZDF marines and pilots, as well as Zoner civilians who display acts of valour and honour in battle. Individuals may be nominated by anyone. Evidence must be submitted to High Command so they can decide if the individual is worthy of the medal.
Cross of Chivalry
The highest achievable medal in the ZDF, the Cross of Chivalry is only achieved by those individuals who put their lives in the face of danger whilst being outnumbered AND outgunned to save a fellow Zoner, civilian, Order personnel, or other ZDF personnel successfully by his or herself.
Medal of Intrepidity
A respectable achievement within the ZDF, the Medal of Intrepidity can be achieved if the nominated individual/pilot manages to destroy a person considered an outlaw by the Zoner community or a Nomad in an engagement by his or herself whilst being outnumbered or outgunned.
Silver Star of Valiant Acts
An important achievement for any pilot in the ZDF, the Silver Star is awarded to any group of pilots who manage to uphold Zoner laws or face a Nomad assault whilst either being outnumbered or being outgunned in battle.
The Distinguished Merit Cross
The Distinguished Merit Cross is given to any individual within the ZDF who is an upholder of Zoner laws for a period of no less than three months.
Acta non verba - Action without words
Award given to pilots for taking action immediately and decisively, usually entailing an engagement after attempting to negotiate with violators of Zoner laws and ethics.
Amicus humani generis - A friend of the human race
Award given to a pilot who has successfully defended a Zoner Installation and/or zoner fleet from an alien attack. This includes assisting the Order in the defense of shipping lanes and the security of the systems in which zoner installations are present.
Sirius Service Medal
A pilot who has shown aptitude for his duties by patrolling each and every Zoner station, excluding those in Omega-74, and is recognized for his willingness to go extreme distances and lengths of time to prove his commitment to the defense of all Zoners, anywhere and everywhere.
Good Conduct Medal
A pilot who has accomplished three out of five tasks.
Escorted a Zoner trader or trader who has requested it.
Handled a volatile situation concerning NFZ procedure. With/Without violence.
Has assisted an ally of the Zoners without hesitation.
Has followed orders from an officer of the ZDF without question.
Has willingly participated with The Order on operations against the Nomad/Alien threat.
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded to pilots who have enforced NFZ laws or handled at least three (3) separate ZDF issues. This includes coordinated efforts with The Order, handling NFZ violations/reports, assisting ZDF pilots with the handling of their duties - usually via response to their call for help.
Omega Theater Medal
A pilot who has conducted his duties through every Zoner station in the Omega systems.
Omicron Theater Medal
A pilot who has conducted his duties through every Zoner station in the Omicron systems, including a routine patrol through Omicron-74.
Tau Theater Medal
A pilot who has conducted his duties through every Zoner station in the Tau systems.
Sigma Theater Medal
A pilot who has conducted his duties through the Zoner installations in Kepler and Yukon.
Momento Moruum - Remember the Dead
Awarded to those who have made an effort to visit the wreckage of the destroyed Zoner Freeport 7 and paid homage to the attacks made upon Corfu and Freeport 5.
Transport Service Medal
Escort at least five (5) separate traders on legal trade routes. The same trader may also be escorted five separate times, this means you follow the entire route.
Transport Escort Medal
Escort one (1) trader on a legal trade route, for the entire route.
Zoners Defense Medal
This award is given in two circumstances. A pilot proves themselves above and beyond the call of duty in any form or fashion, involving active combat or negotiations. This includes standing up for Zoners law in the face of imminent destruction or peril. This medal is also awarded to those who have died in the line of duty in service to the Zoners Defense Force or the Zoners in general.
Zoners Defense Force Service Ribbon
Awarded to those who have been accepted into the ZDF.
Zoners Defense Force Duty Ribbon
Awarded to ZDF members who have performed at least three (3) flight patrols or transported three (3) groups of Freeport security marines to their destinations.
Zoners Defense Force Tour of Duty Medal
Medal awarded to ZDF members who have performed a total of fifteen (15) flight patrols or transported ten (10) groups of Freeport security marines to their destinations.
---Transmission Incoming---
Comm ID: Edward Bridgman
I would like to dedicate my life to the Zoners, and fight beside them. I am currently flying an Eagle that might be suitable for the Zoner Defense Force.
---Transmission Out---
<span style="font-family:Impact"><span style="color:#FF0000">JUDAS PRIEST - METAL GODS</span></span> Rob Halford - Glenn Tipton - <strike>K.K Downing</strike> Richie Faulkner - Ian Hill - Scott Travis
<span style="color:#FFFF00">We are Screaming for Vengeance!</span>
Sender ID: Captain Alexander Masters
Sender Origin: Omicron Delta The Hammartroll
Good day to you Sir's.
My name is Alexander Masters i have been forwarded this adress by the Council on Freeport 11, and i am Currently in command of the Hammartroll.
A Conference Gunboat Retrofitted for Deepspace Exploration, I have been advised that i should send an application to you since you represent the Interests of the Zoners.
My Crew have an excellent Mission Record, although not on the frontlines.
We specialize in Boarding, Infiltration, Sabotage, Surveying, Prospecting and Exploration.
And I wish to add these qualities to the ZDF, Another ''Cog for the Machinery'' if you will.
Help enforce the No Fire Zones in order to maintain peace and safety around Zoner stations. - good plan
Protect Zoner vessels from piracy via escort if requested. ZDF vessels will not engage unless cleared by the person(s) they are escorting. - also good plan
Protect Zoner interests from aggressors. - how? what aggressors?
Control Nomad presence in Zoner territory and assist the Order in the eradication of the Nomad species. - really should be left to the order; just squawk at them and they should come a'running
}--- Incoming Transmission ---{ }- Target: Zdf command -{ }- Source: Ald'ach Radiph -{ }- Source ID: Adams -{ }- Encryption Level: Negligible -{ }- Message Begins -{
Due to recent events i regret to inform you that i hereby resign my commission in the zdf
Finally someone has had a good idea. Admiral can count on whenever you need to ICRC-Geneve (Camara with an operating room with medical and rescue teams) and the ICRC-Barcelona (Spatial, medical emergency and space rescue ship).
We are non-combatants and help our brothers Zoner and adversaries.
Our base of operations is in Gran Canaria Omega 49, if you think proper relocate some of the ships just have to ask and will be fulfilled immediately.