Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I have made a short "history" of a game of Space Empires IV Gold. The Star Trek Mod by Atrocities is in use, and I am using canon names, besides for the United Federation of Planets, which I have altered to be my own faction, the Space Empire.

I encourage that readers should review this product and attempt to produce advice that can improve the story.


SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter I: The Space Empire
Stardate: 2400.00


In a star system, in a name-less galaxy, planets revolved around a single star, Sol. This system, called the Sol system, housed a single intelligent race, the Humans. These creatures were quite fascinating, for they had a long and complicated history, one that showed many extremes and balances, that showed that existence indeed had constants. Now, the balance has changed again, for this race has finally began it's first Reaching for the Stars, in a significant manner.

In the year of 2379.21, a recent war has ended, one that devastated the human race of that time. The war was one over two idealogical stances, both of which consisted of two opposite extremes. The larger, but unadvanced faction was one of religious origins, and goals. This faction wanted to maintain the power of religion, and finally had to go on a crusade against the world, for they were starting to lose their political and social importance.

The latter faction was composed of those who championed science and touted it benefits, despite what appeared to not be moralistic in the eyes of the religions of that world. They used genetic engineering, created democratic governments, disapproved of worship in a deity(s) that probably didn't exist, and refused the demands of the religions to scale back such operations.

These religions felt the need to fight, and played their hand with sabotage initially. Then it increased, as the world found out about what was happening. The religions now used more extreme tactics, using weapons of mass destruction. The world press fanned the flames, and the internet became segregated. The world quickly fell into war, and for many years, that was the status quo. Eventually, a third major faction appeared, one that consisted of monks. These monks integrated what they felt were the best aspects of the two factions, and discarded the less worthwhile ideas that both factions touted. In the end, this faction became powerful and overwhelmed the other two, and has become a world power. They are called the Masuterusu.

In the year of 2400.00, a recent technology, a technology that would allow the people of Earth to Reach for the Stars, was discovered. This technology, actually consisted of multiple technologies that formed a greater whole, in the form of a colonization ship. More specifically, the Colonizer MK.I-R, or a colonizer that can set up a small colony on a distant planet formed primarily of rock. This vessel was called the Saramisu. This vessel was quickly constructed by a new agency created by the Masuterusu. This name however, was quickly discarded and replaced by a far more impressive title, the Space Empire. This "empire" began to quickly expand the influence of the Masuterusu, by quickly colonizing a world called Vulcan. They found a minor race their by the same name, and the races quickly became allies, and eventually, one people. This little "empire" actually became a real one quite quickly, for they colonized the systems around Sol. They were the Draylax, Vulcan, Terra Nova, Tellar, Sirius, and finally, Alpha Centauri. However, some things changed during that time.

The most important was that the state of technology changed quickly, but in one area, so much so, that defenses were not considered important. Not one ship was equipped for war, there was only colony ships. Eventually, another race appeared before the Space Empire. They called themselves the Borg, and appeared to be quite dangerous. The Space Empire quickly made a non-agression treaty with the Borg, but within the next two months, the Borg broke the treaty. They did not attack, fortunately for the Space Empire. The Space Empire quickly created a new class of ship, the Saber MK.I, a warship that weighed in at 200 kilotons. Also, this ship was equipped with the latest weapons that the Space Empire had. The ship was quickly put to the test against a heavily armed Borg vessal. The Borg also declared war, and the Space Empire quickly took to defending their borders.

They begun construction of the new kind of vessal, and the first one appeared within two months, named the Enterprise. A Borg ship quickly appeared, and it was heavily armed, enough so to easily destroy the Enterprise, it seemed.

The video of the battle from the bridge crew of the Enterprise are recorded here, to show how the battle begun, and ended.

Captain of the Enterprise, Raynor: "This is the Enterprise, Space Command." "Target is within visual range, and closing in."
Space Command Admiral, Vivius: "Commence attack if they begin to advance or open fire."
Raynor: "Acknowledged, sir." Raynor picked up an intercom microphone, and alerted the crew on the ship to be ready for the battle. Weak, red lights activated, and speakers began crying "Red Alert, Red Alert, Red Alert..." The tension aboard the bridge of the ship was quite palpable.

The enemy vessel advanced quickly, despite it's large, round shape...too quickly, for it attacked first. The range was quite great between the two ships, and the resulting blow shook the ship greatly, and a nacelle of the vessal was destroyed, utterly and completely. Despite this, the Enterprise advanced and opened fire with the pair of phased energy cannons, which tore into the enemy's hull with great precision, destroying a critical part of it's propulsion system: The transwarp drive. The Enterprise retreated, but still got hit by an counter-attack, which destroyed the life-support system matrix and the hull integrity force-field, which prevented minor damage.

The Enterprise closed the distance again, and opened fire, which raked apart the sphere's great engines, and some of it's weaponry. Quite fortunate for the Enterprise, but the return fire still destoryed 95% of the ship, leaving the bridge, an engine, and a single cannon operating. The Enterprise managed to disable this foe with another attack. The enemy ship was now quite helpless, but the Enterprise still attacked regardless, until the sphere was little more than rubble in space. The Enterprise limped to Alpha Centauri II, and was given a hero's welcome for the crew.

As for the Borg...they did not bother the Space Empire much from that point, though threatening to attack Alpha Centauri. The Borg's colony ships were preyed upon by the Space Empire, utterly reducing the Borg's claim of colonizing those territories to nothing, for more Saber MK-I's were produced.

The economy of the Space Empire quickly expanded, and the science facilitys were beginning to become diverse, researching areas that had much to do with wars and economies. One major advance was the creation of the Monolith technology. It was expensive, but it can produce three kinds of critical resources for an empire, and it combined science with religious concepts, creating great pieces of art that also doubled as structures that produced resources. The economy began to shift towards this innovation quickly. Farms, Mines, and Radioactives Extraction facilities were disposed of, their usefulness now beginning to wane.

After all of those years, another race was encountered: Starfleet Command, a group of humanoids that were remarkable similar to the Humans. The two races quickly befriended each other, and soon they established treaties that benefited both of them, until they have finally made a military pact. This occurred the star-date of 2,413.05.


SUB-CHAPTER I: Of Population and Planets
2400.00 through 2431.05

The Earth was overpopulated when it first began it's expansion, and it was soon found that the masses of Earth can be transported in bulk to other planets. Soon, it became a requirement to ship the majority of the older generations to other planets, to expand operations. This led to a sexual revolution, due to that before, contraceptives and other methods of birth prevention were in much heavier use. The Earth now produces 2 megatons of human labor that is shipped to other planets. The Earth's population always recovered by 2 megatons per month. This was a good balance, for the additional labor was now well paid for doing the difficult work of colonizing and expanding the colonies, leading to an incredible boost in the economy. However, the rich could stay on Earth or go to an excellent planet to live on, provided they pay a hefty sum of resources.

These planets were usually quite comfortable places to live on, or had benefits that made of up for their hostility. Vulcan, for example, contains many libraries and other such hallmarks of intelligent work, despite the planet's intense heat and lack of water. A great place for wealthy scientists, and the Vulcan aliens were great at the art of discussion. Tellar, on the other hand, was a planet devoted to many activities that were generally looked upon with disdain by the general public: Gambling, wrestling, football, prostitution, videogame tournaments that featured devices that injures the losers of each match, and the Flight of Men, where the arena is a potential grounds for death, ranging from churches to abandoned grocery stores. This was all allowed because the matches were regulated by the government to be fair, and to actually give the players a good chance to surrender the chance for victory, in exchange for life. Tellar was quite profitable for the Space Empire, and because of this, all those seemingly immoral activities are allowed up to the present day.

Middle class civilians tended to have excellent lives, since there was so much work to do, that almost no one fell into poverty. The middle classes also had voting rights, for all persons, besides an age restriction set at 20 years old before a potential voter would be granted the ability. Also, the middle class had access to most educational programs and uncensored Internet connections. The poor also lead decent lives, since they had access to such abilities too, and they made enough funds to purchase decent dwellings. There were problems though: The poor did not recieve the benefits of law enforcement and fire assistance unless they paid an active fee. This was because the districts that contained poor urban areas usually had high rates of crimes and "accidents." This was costly to counter, and the poor had to pay for services though the proverbial nostril.

The transportation was done by primarily a single star-ship, the Automated Transport MK.I(Only one currently exists.)

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Wow, very nice read. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I'll be reading!

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I am almost ready to post the second chapter, but first...I need input, and second, I want to know if anyone wants a sub-chapter about a specific aspect of the Space Empire.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Taz LOVES SE4 stories! Taz wants MORE story! Soon. NO - SOONER!! PLEASE!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Taz has a few questions:
Found any ruins yet? What did you get?
How big is the Galaxy? What type is it?
How many ships you got? Any fixed defenses?
Are your
* REMANDER OF MESSAGE DELETED DUE TO EXCESSIVE LENGHT * - Sanity Police http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Hm...Taz-in-Space, I will try to create a sub-chapter about the space vehicles the Space Empire employs.

As for the map: It was included with the Star Trek Mod. This map, more specifically, is a star-chart of the known Star-Trek universe.

The ruins in this game are actually, races. If you colonize Vulcan II for example, you recieve technology from assimilating the Vulcan people. So far I have found two planets featuring such, the Tellerites and the Vulcans.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

The sub-chapter is finished, and thus I release Chapter two. By the way, Taz-in-Space, the sub-chapter is about the ships, as promised.

SPACE EMPIRES
VOLUME I:
Space Empire


Chapter II: Intelligence, where art thou?
Stardate: 2414.03

It was a very good time to be the human race, for their relations with what appeared to be the greatest power in the known galaxy, Starfleet Command, formed a partnership with the growing terran race. Upon such occuring on stardate 2414.03, human knowledge about the local galaxy expanded greatly: Instead of being aware of merely 7 systems and their contents, that number grew to over 50 systems, some teeming with new life forms, ones the humans wished to meet.

However, there were many problems: The Space Empire wished to bide it's time, until it's ships can hold up to the rugged galaxy outside of their domain, which they discovered was quite weak when compared to the power of the other empires. The other empires had many ships, enough so that by using 10 or so of such, they would have crushed the small army of ships the Space Empire had: 7, not including the vessels that formed the "museum fleet" a group of aged ships now obsolete, placed into storage.(Which only increased the entire number of ships by 2.)

This was a major problem, so the Space Empire hid within it's 7 systems, unmoving, and it's technology expanding. However, this was not to be the same: More aliens appeared, entering the systems the Space Empire held control over. More specifically, the Fludic Imperium, a race of aliens that had the appearance of slavering, killing monsters. However, the peace was still maintained, for the two races quickly formed a trade alliance during 2405.6. During 2405.7, they changed the make-up of the agreement to one that included provisions about research. It seemed that the Space Empire was at peace.

Unfortunately, the Space Empire lost the Enterprise (B), when they tried to remove an infestation of Borg from a system not in their territory. It failed, being destroyed by the planet's missile emplacements. Wait, the Enterprise (B)? We have skipped a small portion of the history about the Klingon Fiasco. During the years of peace, Klingon transports entered the Space Empire's systems, much like the other races, and contact was established. Early in the relationship, they quickly became allies, to the point of a trade & research alliance. Starfleet Command, however, objected, and told the weaker Space Empire to go to war with the Klingons. The people of Earth bent their collective knees to the command, and work began on constructing a new ship, the Enterprise (B). The Enterprise (B) was far more advanced then the aging Saber MK.II, featuring updated weapons, armor, sensor arrays, and so on. Raynor, the captain of the original Enterprise (A), declined the offer to become the new ship's captain. A different captain was found, Mary Lambeas. The female captain of the ship began the journey to Itamish and Chin'Toka upon the ship's completion.

The ship, while much faster then older Space Empire vessels, was too slow. It couldn't reach the systems in time to help, and were sent away by the Starfleet Command forces. The ship returned to the Sol system, and then was sent to Vega to assault Vega III, since the Borg occupied that planet, and to help the Space Empire to place a foothold outside of it's systems. The Enterprise did away with the single fighter and a transport ship, before making it's assault upon the planet itself. It was destroyed upon coming into range of the planet's missile platforms, which within 60 seconds, tore the ship apart so badly, that it was destroyed instantly.

Thus, the Space Empire decided to isolate itself some more. During that period incidents of sabotage began to occur, enough so make the Space Empire respond, by attempting to establish counter-intelligence agencies. What caused the response? It was that when the Space Empire's ships began to get conflicting orders and in some cases, ships having bombs set off aboard them, that the Space Empire began to prepare to establish an agency...but they accelerated the schedule, when Terra Nova III, the planet that was to be the center for such developments, was sabotaged. More specifically, the sabotage caused 50 million deaths, the entirety of the planet's population. The Space Empire now acted quickly, shipping 2 megatons of humans to the planet immediatly, and changing the construction que, to one soley for the purpose of creating intelligence centers. The sabotage that caused the deaths was determined to be a tectonic-altering bomb.

Soon, an agency called Section 31 was established, and the sabotage was put to a halt. The perpatrators of thee sabotage was none other then the Borg. How was the sabotage stopped? Section 31 employed ruthless tactics to remove the Borg agents, quickly killing all those that worked with the Borg willingly, and removing officials from power when they were forced to assist the Borg. Thus, the Space Empire's efforts bore fruit, though not without loss, ranging from the Enterprise (B) to the Terra Nova III incident, but they gained power in the area of intelligence and tested an upgraded starship, seeing what they were capable of.





Sub-Chapter II: The ships employed by the Space Empire (1st generation.)


The ships of the Star Empire have a history, one of various successes and failiures, which has been true up to the modern day. What were the first starships employed, though? Looking back, the first starship ever constructed and launched was the original Colonizer MK.I-R, which is a vessel designed to colonize planets made up of rocky substances. This ship quickly became a staple, used to colonize 7 systems-completely, no other major races to contend with, which was deemed to be an accomplishment in itself. However, more importantly, was that this ship had two other varients which finished the great task of colonization, the Colonizer MK.I-G(Gas) and the Colonizer MK.I-I(Ice).

However, this ship has fallen into complete disuse, since the Space Empire has stopped all expansion for many years. It has been many years since a ship of the Colonizer legacy has been seen...however, there are now two projects taking place: the first is to create three colonizers to add to the "Museum Fleet" a collection of obsolete starships used to show the old designs of years past. The second project is to make updated Versions of these vessels, when expansion becomes possible for the Star Empire.

There is another series of starships, but this set is still in existence, with at least the original Saber MK.I in existence. The Saber MK.I was developed to counter the threat of a Borg invansion. The design was approved and constructed just in time, it seemed, when a heavily armed Borg vessel appeared in the Alpha Centauri system. The Enterprise (A), the first Saber MK.I, attacked the Borg vessel, and won. However, the Enterprise was heavily damaged, with 3 of it's decks almost entirely destroyed, ranging from weapons to the engines. However, it managed to limp to Alpha Centauri II, and the Saber MK.I series was now in heavy production, so that the 7 systems that the Space Empire had control over would be protected by at least 1 ship per system. 7 ships total, not including the final colonization ships and the Automated Transport MK.I.

The Sabers were later proven to be an outdated design when the other major race's designs were scanned, showing that they had far better parts then what the Saber MK.I's had available. Thus, the Saber MK.II was created. This ship was far better, and quickly replaced the Saber MK.I's, besides the Enterprise (A) which was placed into the "Museum Fleet". The other Saber MK.I's were scapped shortly after. The Saber MK.II proved sufficient for destroying enemie vessals, but was proven to be in sufficient for attacking enemie planets individually, as proven by the Enterprise (B) which foolishly attacked a planet by itself, and was destroyed by a single volley of missile fire.

During the same period, the Automated Transport MK.I was conceived. This vessel was designed to transport the people of Earth for redistrubution so that the Earth's population is reduced and that the other planets are stocked with extra labor. It succeeded at this goal for most of it's service, and was later replaced by the Automated Transport MK.II, which featured an upgraded warp-core, impulse engines, and cargo bays of better design. This increased the amount of people that can be ferried by a great amount.

Now, a new design of ship meant to be primarily of an exploration ship was designed. It currently has no name, besides the code-name, Pegasus. The prototype Pegasus featured additional weapons, shields, a new sort of scanning array, and so on. It also had a prototype weapon, the Quantum Torpedo III, which had some serious flaws, due to that a better sort of torpedo was available for use. Current military reports say that they will correct this deficiency in future Versions.

The prototype pegasus was launched, and to test it's combat abilities, it eventually attacked a borg planet. It destroyed a colony ship, but it was attacked by dozens of fighters. It managed to keep out of range at first, but then it's commander got over confident. The fighters got in range, and the first sweep tore the defenses of the hapless pegasus into shards, and the rest of the damage removed the engines, scanners, and so forth. The pegasus couldn't escape, and was destroyed by the second charge.

Now, a second pegasus was created, but unlike the Last one, this one is dedicated to exploration. However, none of the lessons learned were applied it seemed, for the torpedos were not changed, and the ship eventually got into a second fight, by it's own will.

It attacked a planet in a system far away from the Sol system, more then 8 systems away, with no friendly forces nearby, uncharted by the Space Empire or it's allies. The planet's name was Maxia III.(And it's moon, Maxia A). Stationed about the planet were 9 Borg vessels, all for colonizing planets or transporting labor. These were destroyed by the Pegasus(It has been named that, now.) and the 5 fighters guarding the planets.

The attacked succeeded. After three months, Maxia III and Maxia A fell to the Pegasus. This attack being successful, it was decided that the Pegasus was to be replaced by a new Version better suited for these tasks, and the attack shown that the Space Empire can hold it's own against it's enemies.
(This occured during 2424.6 through 2424.8)

[ February 21, 2004, 05:50: Message edited by: Sabin ]

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Very nice second addition. I really have nothing other than positive feed back for your work. Sorry man.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Okay, I'll try if you're ready for it.

I have no issues with the organization of the story. It goes from A to B to C in straightforward manner. In terms of some constructive criticism on style (which I think is what you're asking for), it reads a bit choppy sometimes, even in places where the grammar is technically correct. A good rule of thumb is that when you're not sure whether you need a comma, leave it out. There are also some run-on sentences, and these should be split.

I hope this is what you're asking for, and that it helps. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

This is exactly what I am looking for. However, I may have difficulty implementing the feedback due to incompetence. Expect better results after three or so more chapters.

Also, I am going to begin work on the third chapter soon, and it's respective sub-chapter. Does anyone want anything in particular?

[ February 21, 2004, 20:45: Message edited by: Sabin ]

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I have finished the third chapter, but I am not sure what to write about for the sub-chapter. Does anyone have an particular topic to be covered?

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Keep at it Sabin. The more you write, the better you get at it. I often find it helps me if I put something away for a day or so, then look at it again. Rewrites are just another fact of life. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I have decided to exclude the sub-chapters, due to a lack of ideas. However, in this post, I have placed Chapter III, so please enjoy. Also, does anyone have any insights about what the Space Empire has been doing wrong thus far, combat-wise?

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire

Chapter III: The Pegasus Question
Stardate: 2414.03

Planet Earth, Sol System, 2414.03.(The Grand Master bedroom of the Space Palace.)

The isolation of the Space Empire irked it's leader, Grand Master Sabin, and the people he ruled over, at least that is what he believed. During his reign as the Grand Master, he tried to live up to the former Grand Master's ambitions: To improve society, and to reach the stars. He, in the year of 2400.00 did just that, and now has managed to do more for his people then what has been done in the Last 4 centurys...at least, that is how the history book by an on-line author has been saying, which has been more or less accurate. However, Sabin felt that the amount of expansion that has taken place would have been emulated by any other empire, and the other empires that have been met thus far were proof of that. He knew, that more expansion was important, but he questioned how to go about it, and what it may cost the Space Empire. Indeed, there was the possibilty that by attempting to do so will destroy the Space Empire. Then again, the Space Empire can't wait, since it is already falling behind, if it already didn't.

Sabin paced about the room, and then halted. He began to toy with the idea he just thought of. He began pacing again, moving about in a continous circle, and the idea's roots took hold of the fertile soil of the Grand Master's mind. He quickly accepted the decision, and summoned forth the council, and put before them the idea. It was quickly accepted, and all of the council members had something to gain from such a project. Sabin allocated the personnel and resources required for this particular task, and returned to the Space Palace's Grand Master bedroom. He went to his desk, and turned on the monitor of his personal computer, and accessed the electronic diary he kept. He began typing. "Today, I have had a marvelous idea, which would expand the knowledge of the Space Empire greatly, and show us many things that even Starfleet Command doesn't know about..."

Electronic History book, titled SPACE EMPIRE VOLUME I: Space Empire, Chapter III: The Pegasus Question

In the year 2414.03, a project was taken up by the Space Empire. It had some new ideas, more specifically, it was the idea of designing a new starship, one meant for exploration. This ship was meant to travel among the stars and explore the unknown half of the galaxy...the North-East section. This ship had a different size compared to the Saber series, the size of which was only 200kt. This ship, on the other hand, was 400kt, which doubled the amount of room available for parts. This vessal also featured shields, an invention that couldn't be used on small vessels like the Saber series, due to the size of them. These shields are capable of preventing damage to a starship, more specifcally, damage caused by weapons. This was a good trait for an exploration ship, due to what may be met on a long journey. The final addition was the Quantum Torpedo III, a weapon that was very different from phasers, the default weapons that Sabers were armed with, since the assaults made with a torpedo did not deteriorate over time, a radical difference.

The prototype was eventually created. It was sent on it's maiden voyage, and at one point, it was felt that testing such a vehicle at combat would be a good idea. The ship engaged a Borg planet, and was destroyed by the small fighters that protected the planet. Despite the combat failiure of the vessel, it was decided to create a second, unmodified vessel. It was sent on it's exploration mission and successfully traveled 9 systems away. Near the end of that trip, it met two races, the Romulans and the Orian Syndicate. Non-Agression treaties were formed with both races. During this time, the vessal attacked a planet that housed 9 Borg vessels, unarmed ones. It successfully destroyed all of the vessels, and the five fighters guarding the area. Maxia A was razed, and Maxia III quickly met the same fate. The ship was recalled, so that it may be replaced by a varient more dedicated to exploration, which also featured a different torpedo, the Trilithium-Cobalt Torpedo III, which did similar damage with a side effect of doing quadruple damage to shields, which would make it far more valuable as a secondary weapon. This varient was called the Pegasus-E, due to the ship it was supposed to replace, the Pegasus.

During the return to Sol some events occured. The Orian Syndicate extended a treaty of trade alliance, which has been accepted by the Space Empire, and then was escalated into one that had to do with exchanges of research matierial. Starfleet Command also made another request for help against the Klingons. The Space Empire sent a single Saber MK.II to the Bajor system, which was to be this time an individual unit that would fight primarily the Klingons. The ship was granted a new title, the Chozo. An trade alliance was formed with the Romulans, else, they threatened, they would burn the Space Empire's worlds. The Space Empire took the meaning of it as a joke of sorts, and accepted, laughing all the way to bank, their coffers being filled with a new source of financial support. The project to add the Colonizatation MK.I series was completed, and they promptly entered the museum fleet.

The Pegasus-E attacked a Borg vessel that entered the Sol System and destroyed it while taking little damage. It was reported that the new torpedo in use did away with the shields in almost a single blow, which were rated at 450. It was decided that this torpedo is to become a standard on larger vessels, due to it's usefulness in combat. The Chozo was destroyed by a large group of Klingon ships, and could not resist any attacks that the enemy made at blank range. It was discussed that the Chozo may have been able to defeat a single Klingon vessel, but the point was moot. However, it has been considered that it may have been time to update the Saber series into it's third incarnation. Research about it was taking place, when it was discovered that the Saber series may have finally met their end: Their overall cost was not worth the amount of armor & weapons they could carry.

However, there is hope for this series: Some needed research is coming to a head, and may give this ancient series one Last revival, by improving the amount of ground these ships could cover, and possibly how many supplies they can carry. Also, it was found that if they were in range of a planet equipped with a command center, their combat performance increases by 30% in their attacks and defensive manuevers. It is argued, though, that an new series would gain a far better advantage then the aging Saber series.

Meanwhile, the Pegasus (A), has yet to return to Space Empire territory, for the crew thought they could explore on the way to the Sol System. Now, the trip has been delayed greatly, and it is currently expected that the varient of the Pegasus may have to be remade, due to new technological developments. On 2426.0, it has been decided the Pegasus-E shall be placed on it's maiden voyage, despite the fact that the original has yet to come back. It is to travel to Bajor and return to Sol afterwards.

An offer was made by the Fluidic Imperium for a military alliance, but it was turned down by the Space Empire. The Pegasus-E was destroyed, which has now prompted that a new varient is to be made, due to the fact that new warp technology is available. What destroyed the Pegasus-E is an Klingon vessel, due to it's powerful weapons, and that the Pegasus-E got too close for it's own good, it seemed. The Space Empire decided to change how it conducts battle. However, the Pegasus (A) got destroyed on it's journey home, unlike the way it was shown in motion pictures, where a ship goes down bravely: Hardly without a fight. The Space Empire felt embarressed, it seemed they were completely incompetent in the arena of space, thus concludes chapter three, where the Space Empire is humiliated on a regular basis, though it learned a little more about what goes into designing a starship, and the tactics involved...but would the Space Empire apply them? Or would it continue to flounder like a fish on the deck of a starship?

[ February 22, 2004, 22:34: Message edited by: Sabin ]

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Nevermind, the problem has been corrected. I will place another chapter here shortly.

[ February 23, 2004, 06:09: Message edited by: Sabin ]

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: The Space Empire
Chapter IV: Project Star Slayer
Stardate: 2433.06

The power of the Space Empire has seemingly grown greatly, ever since the Grand Master has implemented his agendas. What agendas? Well, one of them is Operation Sabercat. It's goal is to strengthen the borders of the Space Empire, so that invasion and general inflitration would not be possible. How it does so, is by placing a trio of Saber MK.IIIs in each system, which would triple the amount of combat vessels the Space Empire has available for use. Also, the Pegasus Rising, another varient of the Pegasus series, has been completed. It has better shields then older models, and replaces the Quantum Torpedos with a pair of Photon Torpedos. In other news, the Space Palace has been completed. The original Space Palace was a small space station that had no weapons, armor, or anything of that sort dating after the stardate 2400.00. It has been replaced with the new Space Station MK.I, which has been named the Space Palace. In this palace, the Grand Master would live, along with his staff, so that they may control the Space Empire easily, in a protected facility. However, it is already out of date, and a new design to replace it has already been put into the planning stages.

The Space Empire has decided to expand it's borders, by invading Borg planets. However, they will be careful, and slowly take the system they desired: Ophiucus. This system has three planets, all of which are controlled by the Borg. The invasion would be spearheaded by the Pegasus Rising and will eventually include 4 Saber MK.IIIs and a new type of ship, which has been code-named Pestilence. The state of technology of the Space Empire has expanded greatly, enough so that some of the scientists have been claiming that we will soon not be able to progress further. However, what did we develop? Shield-depletion technology, shields, and so on. Our medical technology has improved, due to the Solar VIII biological sabotage, which was quickly countered by our scientists within four months or so.

What has occured on the battle-front? It has been discovered Operation Sabercat has worked well: three Saber MK.IIIs have been able to destroy two Borg tactical cubes, each of which weighing at 400kt, for a total of 800kt. In contrast, our Saber MK.IIIs weight total was 600kt, which also lacked shields. To say the least, an excellent victory, knowing the track record of the Space Empire when it had to do with space combat. Operation Sabercat has been completed on 2433.07, but what of updates and the like? Already, the Saber MK.III is outdated. There have been ideas about how to extend Operation Sabercat's tenure, by replacing the Saber MK.IIIs with an updated Version, and to increase the ship count per system to 5, which would make our Space Forces have 35 ships of the Saber series. Terra Nova II has been razed by a firestorm recently, which has made it a priority for the transportation of labor to that location.

Stardate: 2438.09
It has been much time since I have Last typed into this text, and now I continue to do so again. Many things occured, which have begun to show how strong our people are when we summon forth our strength. The most of importent of which is project Star Slayer. As the name would probably mean to most people, the project was meant to collapse a star. More specifically, the star in the system Bajor. Why we would do so is because it is a stronghold of the Klingon race. We would have to someday assault them, and destroying the planets and the like around the mouth of the worm hole was crucial for a future assault. It also allowed us to actually test the weapon. However, it came at a cost for our forces: three Saber MK.IVs, and the famous Pegasus Rising. They were lost in a battle with three heavily armed Klingon vessels, where they were horribly out-gunned by far. In the end, the Star Slayer MK.I escaped, but the others didn't. The Pegasus Rising rammed itself into the lead Klingon vessel when they realized they were lost, but it did no damage to the lead Klingon ship, since the shields were so strong, that they merely shrugged off the blow.

The Star Slayer MK.I managed to reach Bajor's star and implement the operation. The ship was lost, but all that the Klingons owned in that system was destroyed, and ultimately worth the cost of the ships lost, and 1.5 months of work. Hmm...yes, we did update the Saber series not just to MK.IV, but to MK.V. The latest Version has shields and we believe it to be far more reliable in combat, since it weighs in at 750kt, a major boost over the Pegasus series, which weighed 400kt. Truth be told, however, a final Pegasus series vessel has been in development, in order to explore the galaxy further. We have also finshed the design phase of the "Pestilence" series, which is designed to seige planets. Now it is in heavy production. The planed assault on the Ophiucus is to proceed shortly. If it works successfully, the Space Empire's domain would expand, which should lead to further expansion eventually. The political fallout from this attack has been minor: Besides some small Groups in our system, few people really disagreed. In fact, it seems few people were fazed by it, including other races. The only race that got truly angry at us is the Klingons.

Stardate 2439.0
The assault has begun, and has already ended within the month. The Borg's grasp on one system has been pried away, much like some unattached revived hand that is desperately trying to stay put on it's victim. In this case, it removed quite forcibly. Bracas was next. The majority of the planets there are controlled by the Borg, with the exception of Bracas III where the Fluidic Imperium has taken residence. We have already decimated Bracas IV, a large rock planet. It appears we will conquer this system within 12 months, if all goes according to plan. We will also begin negotiations with the Fludic Imperium about entrusting us with Bracas IV. Also, the Pestilence MK.I design has managed to prove itself in enemy combat, it seems: One of the Pestilence-class vessels got to blank rank within the premises of Bracas IV, where it was assaulted by a weapon platform's firepower. It's shields held up to the attack successfully. A similar attack also happened to another Pestilence MK.I, but it was at long range and it was attacked by 12 or so enemy platforms. It managed to evade the majority of the attacks, and the ones that hit were too weak to penetrate the shields at all.

Bracas II has been conquered. Three more planets are left, according to my information sources. These planets probably won't offer much resistence, since they seem to be far away from friendly territory. Bracus I is now the Space Empire's planet. At this rate, the remaining Borg planet is the only resistence left. However, the Space Empire may have to break relations with the Fluidic Imperium in order to take control of Bracus III, but the diplomats are at work to negotiate an exchange.

Stardate 2440.0: We have declared war on the Fluidic Imperium, and have conquered the rest of Bracas. The defense fleet is in place, so the Space Empire is now planning to colonize Doralis, a system that has not been colonized by any other race, it appears. The Space Empire is sending a defense fleet to prevent future possibilities of colonization from other races. The fleet is the one that has formerly been assigned to the assault on the Bracus System.(Which have not lost any ships in combat yet.)

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Good story so far! Taz loves to read about space battles... Its just in his nature!!!

Only one question so far - Does your space empire use Bases equipped with Spaceyards?

I have found that a couple of turns building one early can accelerate your empire growth in the long run. (I usually build one, then have it produce more, while the planetary spaceyard is producing colonizers and other needed stuff.)

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Very Enjoyable. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I have only built one Space Station, and that is the Space Station MK.I which orbits over Earth.(It's name is the Space Palace)

It is fairly weak when you consider that it has no shields, and is the smallest space station size available.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Sabin, here's an example of what I was talking about, using a piece of your most recent work. Notice that I removed 3 commas.

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Thank you, sir. I will try to reduce the amount of commas I make use of, though that may take time. That is because it seems that I have developed some bad typing habits over the years.

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter V: Isolationist Policy
Stardate: 2440.00


Terra Nova II was attacked and the colony on it was destroyed by a Klingon vessel. The defense force arrived too late to save the planet, but they managed to destroy the Klingon vessel-barely. They suffered heavy casualties, and only one remains, and it is too damaged to conduct battle operations. A replacement force is being created. In the battle, the Klingon vessel destroyed all but one of the unshielded Saber MK.IIIs. The remaining one was crippled, and the Saber MK.IV fought the enemy vessel in hit and run attacks, but got moderately damaged. The Klingon vessel was heavily damaged before it attacked Terra Nova II, and apparently did so in a final act of desperation, which was quite effective. It nearly destroyed the Saber MK.IV, but it ran out of fuel before it could do so, at which point it's shields were deactivated, and the weapons disabled. The Saber MK.IV destroyed the Klingon vessel. However, the Saber MK.IV was destroyed due to a weapon malfunction on the Saber MK.III, which was fatal.

Our information about Doralis being unoccupied was wrong. In that system, there are multiple Borg colonys, which seem to be quite well off, for now. The assault is to begin within two months, and colonization vessals would be prepared. Doralis has been cleared of all known Borg infestations, and the older Saber MK.IIIs and IVs are being replaced entirely by the newer Saber MK.V. Also, a project has been begun by the Space Empire to optimize the planets that are under it's control. It has not been yet proven how effective this project may be. Earliest results are predicted to occur in one year and five months. A new exploration vessel that weighs 850kt has been in construction. It's name has been determined to be the Pegasus Soaring, which is be primarily an exploration vessel. However, it is very heavily armed, perhaps more so then any other vessel encountered, though the Space Empire's admirals are not betting on it, according to my information sources. Construction is to be completed in 3 months.

The Pegasus Soaring has been completed. It is now going to be sent to the far north-east section of the known galaxy to conduct general exploration, according to the official Space Empire website. Also, the same website cites that construction on a "Mobile Shipyard" has begun. Recently, Starfleet Command and Ferengi vessels have begun to colonize the Doralis System, which would make the Space Empire's bid for that system much more difficult, since breaking away from either race may result in a large amount of loss for the Space Empire.

The Doralis System has been lost to the Ferengi and Starfleet Command. This is due to that our colonization vessels were too far behind to colonize the worlds there, and even they got there in time, the Space Empire managed to forget about loading the vessels with colonists. The Space Empire has picked a different system to conquer. Triala has been chosen. The main reason to do so according to official and unofficial sources is that a beachhead can be established in Klingon territory, which should aid our attempt to defeat the Klingons. They are isolated in that area, which is a good and bad possibility for our forces. The Klingons can't be infiltrated easily, but they are trapped in that area, which leads to several other systems.

A trio of a new class of vessel is being constructed, the Galaxy-class. These are warships, meant to battle the powerful Klingon vessels that will be encountered. Conquering Triala will be quite difficult according to our intelligence, due to the location, which is infested with Klingon vessels. It is a gamble that may very well destroy a large portion of the Space Empires forces. However, such a loss is acceptable since the Space Empire has a sufficient number of ships to protect it's borders if the attack fails. Also, the Pegasus Soaring is nearing the unexplored region. Once it's scouting has been completed, it will be assigned to the Triala System, to assist the war effort.

On Stardate 2442.03 it was decided that the invasion fleet is to be trained, and to create a flagship. The new Galaxy-X's weight is 1,000kt, and is a far more powerful vessel then the regular Galaxy, though quite expensive. Also, another galaxy-class vessel is to be added. This fleet appears to be the strongest one that has ever been created by the Space Empire. However, it is still somewhat questionable if such a deep strike into enemie territory can suceed. Also, there are concerns about the colonization vessels: Their shields are outdated, at only 5th generation technology. Accordingly, new colonization vessels are being developed to replace this class.

The Galaxy-X has been launched, and shall retain the name. The invasion is almost ready, but the training of the crew aboard the Galaxy-X has yet to be completed. The alteration of the atmospheres that has been conducted upon planets of the Space Empire that lack oxygen has been completed in the Sol System, which has expanded the amount of space available for new facilities. It has been decided by the Space Empire that this is an extremely valuable way to improve the quality of a planet, and has decided to make it a requirement. Disaster for the Pegasus Soaring has been averted: It nearly went into a star-less system without a large supply of fuel. It could have been marooned there without any stars to supply it the energy required for crossing. It was also found that the intelligence stratedgy of the Space Empire had a large hole that allowed for a single monh as a window for sabotage to occur. It has been believed to be corrected, which should prevent many problems in the future.


Stardate 2443.06
The assault has begun, but an incredible event occured: The Idran warp point has been closed. The Klingon system is truely isolated according to the pre-recorded Messages we have recieved, and we probably won't know more for 10 or so more years, since there is currently no way to enter the Klingon systems. This means if the attack succeeds, those systems would be exclusively owned by the Space Empire, since no other race can enter, either...but on the other hand, if the Klingons win, they may very well become much stronger. The closing of the warp point was intentional, as part of the stratedgy to conquer the Klingon systems, and was carried out by a varient of the Galaxy-class, the Anti-Warp Field Frigate.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Please tell me if my writing has decreased or increased in quality. Thank you.

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter VI: Wargame
Stardate: 2446.01


Ever since the operation has started, there has been much tension in the Space Empire, and it seems to be directed towards destroying the Klingons in this section of the galaxy. The Space Empire has created the new Saber-X class which is to replace the older Saber MK.V, which has been insufficient for combat in modern times, as proven by the lack of ability when it fights against Klingon vessels, even when in Groups. The Pegasus Soaring has been recalled since it has completed the Last of it's scouting mission, which has prompted the construction of a replacement scouting vessel. The construction of such vessels to replace the Last generation has begun. The older ships are to be applied in destroying the Klingon menance, which has taken unneccersary agression against the Space Empire.

The General Assault Fleet is assembling in the Cor Corali System, where the final preperation are to begin. While this assault fleet seem quite strong, it probably will get destroyed when it attempts to remove the Klingon infestation, since it lacks the advanced technology and design knowledge that our other fleet had...


The "Sovereign" was quickly closing the gap between it and three other warships, towards a battle that may result in it's destruction. The captain, 'Laplace' began issuing further orders: "Order all ships to concentrate fire on that Saber-X to the right, and do so until it is destroyed." He continued, after a short pause. "Also, conduct evasive manuevers and rotate our ships periodically so that the shields would Last longer by delaying their collapse." The officers that occupied the appropriate stations confirmed that they acknowledge with a variety of responses, ranging from grunts to "Aye Aye, Captain." Laplace watched with intent at the screen as the two other ships that combined to be the small fleet under his command attacked the Saber X. His own ship, dubbed the Sovereign, a prototype starship, launched it's own heavy payload of firepower. The Saber X's shields held up until the Sovereign's attack was added, and they promptly fell, and some of the photon torpedos raced through, tearing apart some of the armor and some other items. The grand ship Sovereign bucked slightly under the huge amount of firepower that was directed at it in return, but the firepower from the three other ships could not beat down it's shields, though subduing them somewhat, as it retreated from the enemy ships to reduce the power of the weapons directed at it.

The enemy ships caught up with the Sovereign, but one of them was attacked by the Sovereign's escort, and sustained heavy damage. However, the Sovereign destroyed it, with a special weapon that tore right through the shields and hull of the unfortunate vessel, the Ram Phaser, which was a giant, and powerful, phaser that generated so much power, that it's attack potential was rated at 800, a truely devestating weapon, but can only be fired once every 3 minutes. The Sovereign and it's escorts scattered in order to flee from the remaining two ships. One of them was headed off by the enemy however, and the assaulted that it was quickly put under reduced the shields to nothing. It was almost destroyed, but it's armor prevented the damage from getting through. The Sovereign and the other Saber MK.V quickly came to the aid of their beseiged companion. They quickly laid waste to other Saber-X, and defeated it's shields. Unfortunately, the enemy vessels pursued the weakened Saber MK.V. Within a short time, over 90% of it's hull was destroyed. The Sovereign and it's cohort attacked the Saber-X and dissolved it's shields. The Saber MK.V fired it's payload as it neared the enemy ship, and then it crashed into the enemy vessel, causing significant damage, but not destroying the Saber-X...but the combined firepower of the Sovereign and the remaining Saber MK.V did it in.

Only the variation of the Galaxy-X remained. It tried to defeat the Sovereign, but it's shields only warded off the multiple phasers and photon torpedo attacks for a few minutes. The shields simply recovered after an attack, but return fire knocked them down in return. Eventually, a lucky shot his the EMC unit the ship contained, and with the loss of it, the defensive ability of the powerful ship fell by 30%, and that quickly proven to be it's downfall, as the attacks rained down upon the shields, and quickly overwhelmed them so much that a larger amount of attacks hit the hull of the vessel. A few shield generators were destroyed, and the next volley sent forth tore through more of the ship, rending over 50% of the ship useless. It returned fire, but it was subdued. The Sovereign took the firepower heavily though, since it was at blank range. However, it's shields held, and it continued to fire it's deadly payload, which drilled through more of it's foe, rendering it into a smoking and flaming hulk. The flames died away, as the scene dispersed.

The simulated battle was over and the crews of each ship sighed in relief. Laplace contacted the other captains and congratulated each. The scientists did so in turn too. It was decided the new sovereign design was a powerful beast, one that would serve the Space Empire well once a few were in produced.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Improvement noted. The first three paragraphs look pretty good. Then, as the action heats up, you run into a little trouble:

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">How about this instead:

However, the Sovereign destroyed it with a special weapon that tore right through the shields and hull of the unfortunate vessel. The a Ram Phaser, a giant and powerful weapon, generated so much power that it's attack potential was rated at 800. It was a truly devastating weapon, but could only be fired once every three minutes.

Smoother??

[ February 29, 2004, 14:18: Message edited by: Cipher7071 ]

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I will try to reduce the amount of commas.(again) In any case, is the writing for the action sequence too bland, or not emotional enough?

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

you must study, young grasshopper. study with the best.

http://www.baen.com/library/067157793X/067157793X.htm

the baen library. totally free, totally legal.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I will read that material during my meals. Thank you for providing the information required for the perusal of the matierial in question.

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter VII: Operation Alteration
Stardate: 2443.07


Not much has been occuring recently, but it appears that events have been accelerating. The Space Empire has recently constructed a new vessel to head the fleet that has been assigned to destroy the Klingons. It should soon finish the repair work on the vessels in the fleet and move out. However, despite the ship being the latest Version of the Saber series, there still have been worries that the fleet is too hold to hold out well in combat, and would suffer heavy losses. The Pegasus Soaring was recently destroyed by space mines when it attempted to traverse a wormhole, unfortunately. A new crew has been selected for what has been now named the Pegasus Reborn.

This Version of the Pegasus series is to conduct further explorations, to check if there are any civilizations we are not aware of yet, and to survey enemy systems. The "Sovereign" a next-generation vessel design, appears to be nearing the final stages of re-design, assuring the quality of it. However, it has been decided that the design is to be reserved for a crisis, as a suprise for enemies of the Space Empire. The Pegasus Reborn has been launched, and it just left the Sol System. This flight of it is going to serve another purpose: To find out how improved the prototype fuel systems would work, in comparision to older models. It has been found that the older ships ran out of fuel quickly, and did not recover at an acceptable pace. Even during inactivity it took too long. The Pegasus Reborn has attacked a planet called Deneb Kaitos I, and removed the Klingon population and drone carrier. Next month, estimations of the fuel system's efficiency shall be complete.

The tests are positive. The fuel efficiency is sufficient enough to recover fuel reserves when need be, and the new system has been integrated with future designs. The Delta Vega Society, a faction of the Borg, has offered the Space Empire a non-agression treaty, which has been signed in agreement in all due haste. The Pegasus Reborn has conducted a battle against a Mevyap V, a Klingon vessel that was heavily damaged before the Pegasus Reborn has found it. The Mevyap V fell quickly before the Pegasus Reborn, it's damage too extensive for it to be capable of fighting effectively. The Pegasus Reborn moved to Trill III and removed a Klingon infestation. It continued to Trill II, repeated the process, and is now at rest in the Regulon System. That system contains three stars, which should accelerate the fuel recovery system greatly.

(The author's room aboard the Space Palace.)
The author removed himself from the desk he occupied, and decided that a short walk was in order. He opened an ornate door and stepped into a hallway that was a dull grey with a window that allowed one to examine the area outside the space station. The figure of the author continued it's journey and into a turbolift. He decided upon his destination: The game room. Upon reaching it, he examined his surroundings and designated where he will place himself. He walked towards a small and isolated cubicle and entered it. Upon entering it, he closed it's door and took a computer console. He scrolled through the available game options, and selected Space Empires X. He began playing, along with a large group of other players. The inside of the cubicle had many sounds and lights appear, though they seemed subdued, unlike most other games. He played through the night, his figure becoming more gaunt as he played on. Despite the small fridge that was his companion, he began to tire from exhaustion. Eventually he fell asleep at his desk. Hours later he woke up. He continued playing so that the game would not be delayed. To him the day became the night again and what joined the night was his defeat at the hands of another player. He removed himself from the desktop and returned to his domain. He took to sleep with a vengence. Once the bright sun appeared again, he awoke and resumed his work...

(The Space Palace control room.)
She gazed at what was on her screen, in awe. It was still hard for her to believe that such a large project was taking place, and would be completed in five months. The objects she was obsessing over was the new Starbase space station design. It weighed in at 2500kt, and it was to replace the original Space Palce. The Starbase appeared to be an extremely powerful thing, considering that it's weapons are capable of tearing down the shields and armor of enemy vessels, and that it can construct starships rather quickly, not to mention the advantages of having Earth and the Space Station MK.I nearby. It would make the capital of the Space Empire incredibly difficult to take. "Ahem" She turned quickly to the source, and faced the Grand Master. He began to speak. "What is the progress of the new Space Palace?" She replied, in a rather quiet and subdued voice: "Barely begun, but it will take only 5 months for it to be completed." She continued speaking. "Also sir, Project S, the greatest possible project we have ever embarked upon, has been going at a steady pace, but it will still take 24 or so more months, maybe even more." He nodded as he began stroking and tugging his beard, and began to speak once more. "I see. Carry on." He turned and left the command center, his course laid towards the conference room. She sighed, glad that nothing unfortunate occured to her. She knew from the base gossip and the like that he was a good person, but it was hard getting used to the man, considering he looked rather outlandish, with that beard and wearing black on a constant basis...

(Earth, at the Anaheim Electronics Research Center)
She picked up the cardboard box, and walked out of her lab for the final time. She felt disappointed, having just joined the research team, and now being laid off...it shattered her dreams of becoming a great scientist. Ever since the Grand Master decided to reduce the scientific efforts of the Space Empire by 99.99 percent, all of the labs have lost their funding, including the ones on the Earth. She entered a crowded elevator that was filled with many other people like herself, and barely managed to press the button that began the elevator's journey to the surface. Over the music the elevator generated, she heard the many grumbles and complaints that the other occupants had about the situation. They ranged from how unfair it was, to speculation as to why this occured. She tried to find a sliver of silver lining mentally and found it. After all, the economy was in a incredibly strong position, and seemed to be getting stronger without hesistation. In fact, the finances of the Space Empire have doubled over the Last 12 months, and was actually expected to quadruple over the next 12. At the very least, she would manage to get a decent residence, which is actually quite good in this day and age. The elvator created the customary "bing", and the doors opened to reveal a hallway that was already being modified to suit the building's new purpose. She walked through the halls, her high heels periodically clicking as she traversed the distance between the elevator and the exit of the building. An hour later, she reached her homestead. Within it's bowels, she activated her computer. Once it finished booting up, she initiated the E-Mail check and began to enter addresses into her web browser so that she may search for a new occupation. She heard the E-Mail application begin it's short sound effect that indicated new mail.

She saw there was only one. She opened it up, and lo behold, there was her new job. She quickly sent a reply. Within three weeks, she walked down the corridors of the building she vacated a month ago once again, working for the Civilian Intelligence Agency.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">i predict the material will soon urge you in this direction: www.webscription.net

Baen's e-books. the whole book, with no passwords or time limits or weird formats. for those books not contained in the library, which generally only has about 40 books and only the first two in any series. you do have to buy them, but even with tax, it's about the price of a paperback. and, the first third of any book on there is free.

baen is my favorite publisher.

your writing is good and improving.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

As far as emotion is concerned, only you know the feelings you want to pass along. The trick is to get it on the page so that the reader perceives it as you intend. This is not always easy. For the most part, to my ear this reads as a history, but I see that you are beginning to dabble in the personal with your author character, and the unidentified female character in the paragraph after.

[ March 02, 2004, 13:29: Message edited by: Cipher7071 ]

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I am concentrating on creating more "emotion" and "atmosphere" in my work. This chapter is one such work attempting to use those elements.

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter VIII: The Future of Nananki
Stardate: 2450.02


(The Space Station Atlas)
She felt nervous. This was her first time being in space, or in this case, a space station. She felt slightly dizzy, despite the few hours she already spent in space. She shrugged the sensation off, and concentrated on getting to her destination. She was to meet Grand Master Sabin. The area around her was a lobbey that lead to the inside of Atlas. She began her journey down the sterile and brightly lit hall, following the electronic guiding lights that assisted persons who were new to the station to their destinations. The yellow line led her through many areas, eventually to the brain of Atlas: The command center, where the command personal carried out their tasks with the assistance of the super computer that most space vehicles were equipped with. A man strode up to her, and asked a question. "You are miss Nananki?" She replied "Yes." He smiled and continued to speak "Please follow me, the Grand Master awaits." She followed him. The room they traveled through had many voices and sounds occur, ranging from the common to the exotic, many of which belonged to various person who wore their uniforms, that were usually blue or white. The man stopped in front of a door. "Please enter and stay there. The Grand Master shall arrive shortly."

The door opened for her, and she entered a room that had no one in it, not even a guard. The door closed behind her with a whisper. She looked about the room. It had a conference table with many chairs, ornate pictures and other artistic items, and so on. She walked towards a mirror, and stepped in front of it. She examined of image, and adjusted her clothing yet again. She cleared her mind, she felt that meeting the head of the Space Empire would be one of the most important events in her life, especially considering that this is her first time. She heard a door slide open, and she turned to where the sound originated, her mind ready to meet him. She saw a large man in a white robe. She decided he was not the Grand Master, since his looks suggested that he was a minor person in the scheme of things. He queried her, asking "Who are you, miss?" She decided to be civil and reply to him. "I am Mirai Nananki." He nodded. "Please follow me, we have much to discuss." She let out a slight gasp, and felt her face heating up in embarassment and asked "You are the Grand Master?" He turned around and replied "Yes." She was set on edge by her gaffe, and followed him. Her mind was already trying to think of way to say sorry to him about her disrespect, the methods ranging from the mudane to the exotic. She quickly reduced her choices down to a single one, and got prepared to ask for forgiveness.

They entered a room, and within it, she was suprised by the contents. She realized that it was unlike any room she has ever seen for an executive officer to have. It had many electronic posters of various giant robots, a bunk-bed, computer, closet and some other such items. The room was highly personalized to the occupant's tastes indeed. She always thought that a great official, especially the head of an empire, would have many artifacts, treasures, and the like. Apparantly, she was wrong-again. He guided her to another door, and within it she saw a well-furnished dining room. He turned to her and said, "Feel free to explore this room and the other one for the next 15 or so minutes, while I complete the final preparations." He turned and walked through a different enterance, and when the door closed behind him, she sighed with relief. She expected anything but this, thus far. Deciding to accept his invitation, she walked about the room that had the posters. The first item that caught her attention was a bookshelf. She examined it, and quickly discovered that it only held ADs, or Advanced Disks. Advanced Disks can hold any sort of media, and they could hold over many videogames, e-books, videos, and so on. Each disk was used for a specific purpose, according to the labeling for each box. One for example was about "Mecha", another about "The History Channel Complete", and so on.

She explored the rest of the room and soon returned to the dining room. The door that the Grand Master entered, opened. Through it came a cart pushed by the Grand Master himself. He placed the contents of the cart on the dining table, and returned to the kitchen. After repeating the process several times, he eventually stopped and prepared the table. When he felt he had prepared it sufficiently, he picked up the lid of a dish. The food revealed made Mirai realize she was quite hungery. He gave her permission to eat, and let her enjoy herself. After few moments, he coughed slightly. Having caught her attention, he began to speak. "Miss Mirai Nananki, you no doubt wonder why I have summoned you to Atlas." He continued. "I have made arrangements for you to be the Head of Intelligence aboard the new Space Palace. She nearly choked on her food, and then stared at him, as he continued to speak. "Furthermore, you have been assigned a berth aboard the Atlas so that you may become familar with the general layout and conduct that is used on a space station." He got out of his chair, and began walking towards his bedroom. "I will handle the leftovers when you leave, so just enjoy yourself until you are content."

She mulled over what he had said, and promptly opened a bottle of apple cider so that she may be distracted by the taste of the excellent beverage. However, she still couldn't think very well about the situation yet. She knew that her abilities at intelligence activities were great, but to the extent that she was considered that important? She thought back to what she may lose: her scientific career on Earth...but it already was lost, it seemed. She decided that she couldn't refute the Grand Master's decision. She soon left the room, forgetting to ask about where she is to be placed aboard the station as of now. Fortunately for her, a woman was waiting for her. The lady began to speak "Miss Nananki, your room is right over there." The lady pointed a finger towards a door down the hall. Apparantly, the higher staff of the Space Empire resided in this hall, not just the Grand Master. Many hours later, Nananki got ready to go somewhere else. More specifically, a party/press conference that would tell the public and the rest of the staff of the position she recieved. She looked at the dresser mirror, looking at her new uniform. It was a fairly standard white uniform designed for woman. It for the most part was white and had occaisional grey and gold designs, along with a patch that indicated her position as the head intelligence officer. She could also wear a number of optional items, including a baret, cloak, white gloves/boots, and pantyhose. However, they usually were only used for special occaisions, and thus she was now wearing all of the items. The uniform itself was a tough item, being made for the duel purpose of being functional and decorative, like most uniforms.

She left her suite, and soon arrived at the command center once more. She was quickly lead to a platform where she was supposed to conduct her speech...

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Comments, please.


SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter IX: Hammerite
Stardate: 2451.02


Mirai sighed with depression. To think that the crew of a such an important structure rebelling...unthinkable. She already attempted to negotiate with the crew of the starbase, but they would not step down. She knew that drastic action would have to be taken, since the project was very important and expensive. It already took the Space Empire 5 years in trying to set up the operation, and they were only 3/4ths done. She, the staff, and Grand Master Sabin have decided their action, and their final hand was to be played soon. From her position on the platform, she watched as the Blackbeard, a ship designed for capturing the errant starbase was ready. She would only have to give the order for them to start. She still had many questions as to why this happened, and told her troops to capture as many enemy combatants during the take-over. Fingering the hem of her uniform's skirt nervously, she decided to give the order. Picking up a ultraphone, she spoke into it. "Men and women of the Blackbeard, commence the operation within half an hour, dismissed...and good luck." The crew and soldiers of the Blackbeard began to discuss to themselves as they entered the Blackbeard. They, too, were wondering why this happened and how come they had to sign the forms that told them to keep silent about the operation. Within ten minutes, the Blackbeard left it's berth, and began it's flight towards the starbase, code-named Hammerite. Soon, the ship entered the orbit of the sun, and the crew was astounded by what they saw. Before them orbited more than a dozen 2500kt starbases, with more in production. They talked among themselves in awe about what they were seeing, and the motives of Space Empire.

However, their time for such activity was quickly running out. The Blackbeard was nearing the Hammerite. The crew then observed a trio of Saber-Xs nearing them. The intercom for the entire ship crackled to life. "This is Saber-X 003. We will disable the shields of the target. From there, the Blackbeard shall conduct boarding operations. We begin the attack now." The lead Saber-X opened fire upon the Hammerite. Many powerful phasers lanced out towards the Hammerite, tearing into the thick and powerful shields of the starbase, which soon began to shrink before the barrage. The Blackbeard began flying quickly towards the starbase, conducting evasive manuevers to avoid the torpedo and phaser fire that flew past them into the starbase. The Blackbeard began accelerating, the phasers and torpedos becoming images of powerful light to the crew, with the starbase flickering as it's shields failed, creating bright lights when they finally fell. The Blackbeard continued it's charge, and rammed into the starbase. The Blackbeard's hull held, despite the damage caused to it and the Hammerite. The hatches of the Blackbeard opened, and troops wearing combat armor designed for use in space exited the vessel in droves, quickly entering the Hammerite, even while some of their comrades met bloody deaths that were caused the debris that floated freely in space. The troops quickly met resistence, the enemy crew attacking the soldiers viciously, their defensive phaser emplacements and personal armed with phaser pistols, and even armor for some, their counter-attack ravaging the troops. However, the equipment of the Space Empire troops was meant for war conditions, and soon many corridors that were formerly filled with weapon emplacements and guards were turned into destructive bloodbaths. The enemy soon lost morale, and began to flee, only to be cut down by enemy fire.

(The Third Deck, Damage Control Center.)
Cody Dimmer was terrified. He heard the many screams of his comrades in the distance, and they were coming closer. Many times over the communication channels he heard demands for surrender, that were either refused or accepted. He knew that continued resistence was futile, unless he did something to prevent the capture of the starbase. But how? He asked his group if anything can be done, and Alex Baka had an idea. Alex thought that by altering the repair systems, the capture could be prevented by having the starbase deconstruct itself. However, to do so, he must have time to do it. Soon, the majority of the group guarded a small, tight corridor. Cody occupied a defensive cannon emplacement, ready to open fire upon any enemy that entered through the door at the end of the hall. He felt nervous, his blood was racing, the heart beating swiftly like as if it was his final hours-which was correct. He heard the door open, and opened fire, in conjunction of his comrades. Many phasers sliced through the persons who attempted to enter the corridor. Finally, they stopped firing, only discover that they slaughtered their own men. He grieved, knowing that by taking hasty action, he had killed his friends and allies...then the bloody and damaged door opened again. He and his comrades this time tried to let the persons entering to identify themselves, only to find their hesitation being turned against them. A barrage of phasers traversed the corridor and flayed all who got hit. His comrades fell quickly, their return fire ineffective against the beam shields and thick armor of the attacking troops. A beam penetrated his station, knocking him and through the door that lead into Damage Control. His station came to a stop, even while he was bleeding. He heard the sounds of phasers and screams begin anew, and knew that his faction's attempt to defect failed. His view quickly became red, and then faded into black...

(The Space Palace)
Mirai was relieved. The operation succeeded in recapturing the starbase, with minimal losses. The Blackbeard was repairable, her reputation saved. She also knew that Grand Master Sabin felt she deserved a minor reward, and gave her a pay raise. She was, over all, delighted. She was invited to a party to celebrate her great success at managing the operation, and was wearing the full trimmings available for her uniform, ready to make a speech. She glanced at the mirror, and saw a herself, confident and ready. "Nothing can go wrong" she thought to herself. Smiling at herself, she stepped towards the door, which slid open. She left the room, content.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

hmm...wonder why some of the station crew was willing to die rather than loose...

comment: http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

I will create a small plot about that in a short while.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire
Chapter X: ProtoSphere
Stardate: 2451.02

(The Solar Palace)
She read the interrogation reports again. She was shocked at how simple and effective the Fluidic Imperium plot was. Essentially, it was by "accidentally" releasing documents that were true, the rebellion occured. What makes it more interesting is that the documents released were not complete, which appeared to be selectively done to cause the maximum amount of harm. The starbase commander himself was somehow infected with an agent of the Fluidic Imperium, that was apparently implanted inside the unfortunate man. How the crew reacted to the documents released was with horror, denial, and finally, a feeling of betrayal. They thought that the entire project was to alter the life-giving sun by making it into a incredible planet...at the cost of the lives of the other inhabitants that occupied the Sol system. They did not know about the Starforge, so without that vital information, they rebelled from the Space Empire, thinking they were going to save the Sol System from a mad Grand Master. However, she knew it was not the case. There were supposed to be other documents about how the sun itself was to be replaced by another one, created by the will of the Space Empire. The deceased rebels were given a honorable crementation, through the sun they were trying to save. An ironic thing to do, it was supposed by the crew of the Space Palace. The Space Empire managed to keep the deaths secret, and quickly created many false alibis for the deaths of the persons involved, even using "blank" clones in order to emulate what the deceased looked like. It worked, and the Space Empire was quickly at work in other areas, trying to forget the disaster.

Despite the negative atmosphere the "Hammerite" caused, she was also happy: The Space Empire created a new planet publicly in the Sol System. Sol X was created using advanced technology purposely on a large group of asteroids. It was done with the Planet Forge MK.I. Despite this, the Space Empire was on alert: The Ferengi have recently taken to destroying planets and altering warp points. It was decided by the Grand Master that destroying the ferengi would be an important thing to do, considering how dangerous they were if they went to war with their Accountant Vs still available. On a happier tone, the Klingons have been defeated. It took the General Assault Fleet many months, but it was finally done. They have been eradicated, and the taskforce that did the deed has returned. The crews were granted permission to relax, and the Pegasus Reborn has become legendary. She got up, her own reports complete. Satisfied, she left the room, to talk to the other female members of the bridge crew. After all, what was she without gossip?

2458.02
A war was started against the Cardassians shortly after the General Assault Fleet returned. This war appears to be much quicker then the Last, with most of the Cardassian worlds removed from the equation. This period also saw the creation of the Sovereign, a vessel meant for the Grand Master when he goes into battle. It's crew is currently training, so that they may be able to fight better in upcoming battles. Also, the greatest project undertaken by the Space Empire up to now has been completed. The Sphereworld, Solar. Solar required much time, resources, and effort to be completed. Thankfully, it is now complete and shall serve as the Space Empire's capital. Also, a transaction with the Ferengi has been recently made, which resulted in the Space Empire's gain of Spica I in exchange for resources. Along with the planet, the people of it has become citizens of the Space Empire. They have been relocated to Solar, and Spica I now has human occupants. The Ferengi are restricted to living on Solar, but they do so gladly. They have greatly aided in the economic capacity of Solar, with their ruthless capitalistic methods. Their population amount is currently 21 million, while the human numbers are currently 47 billion.

2458.07
The Space Empire has lost all contact with the Cardassians, and it has been assumed that they have finally been wiped out. The Space Empire has decided that the three following races are next for removal: The Tholian Assembly, Delta Vega Society, and the Deveros Protectorete. Also, a new project has been in progress for a short period, the Draylax Ring World Project. This Ring World is to serve as the system capital of Draylax. This is to become a standard method with the core systems, by creating for each a ringworld as a capital-and final defense. The artificial structures of the Space Empire are able to hold planetary weapon emplacements, unlike most other world, which are not currently able to support such structures. According to a press release, this shall be amended later.

Re: Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire
 

Boy I'm glad I finally took the time to read this thread, this is a fun story.

Keep up the great work. Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif