History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Greetings,
This is just a small introduction to a new project Geo and I are undertaking. We have started a game on PBW along with some 10 AI and few neutrals. The game will be role-played on our parts, and as in my Klingon story thread, we will each be writing stories to go along with what happens to our empires and posting them here. We think once our empires meet or face the same enemy, being able to read the preconceptions on either side will create a great story...and hopefully nail-biting.

Of course, we will be reading one another's Posts, and this might give away secret aspects about our empires, but we are going to attempt to refrain from using the knowledge gained here to play.

In any case, we are role-playing. The important part is creating interesting events to write about. This isn't a straight up competition; although we both will play for the greater glory of our respective empires. You'll probably see us doing stuff not seen in regular PBW games, just for the sake of the story.

We will be posting every ten turns...possibly more frequently if cool **** happens. Expect the first Posts sometime this weekend.

And as an added bonus, Geo may, from time to time, post the game file, so you's guys can see the game yourselves from the POV of the AI empires.

Just trying to entertain. Now, that I've said all this, I've got even more reason to keep my fledging empire alive.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Welcome and thank you for visiting our newest exhibit here at Temporal World where our motto is “Happiness, through history”. Please keep your appendages inside the car at all times and do not attempt to stand until the car has come to a complete stop.

Now, join us as we travel back in time over 500 years. Back to the beginning of the Sallegan Empire. Back, on our

Journey to yesterday!

Our first stop is the Orbital Services research Laboratory on Narcisston VIII, in the year 2400.0. We see here Professor Krankton, hard at work on his most important invention. The Mark one Ion Engine.

Sallegans first broke the bounds of gravity and ventured into space over a hundred years before. Computer guided probes had visited several planets, and the first manned expedition to the closest planet in the Narcisston system had returned just 18 months earlier. But the limitations of chemically propelled rockets meant that it took 3 years for the round trip. At that speed, it was simply not practical to venture far from our homeworlds orbit.

But the awesome power and efficiency of Professor Krankton’s engine meant that any planet in the system could be reached in a month or less. Ships could be built that could make several such trips without having to refuel. This finally was the key that allowed the Sallegan people to explore their system. To establish colonies on the other suitable planets, and begin the long long process of terraforming their atmospheres. And it allowed the creation of ships that could travel deep into the atmospheres of the great Gas Giants and extract their raw materials.

T minus 3, 2, 1…Aksu 1, ignition…. Launch.

Here on our next stop on the Journey to Yesterday we see the first Sallegan Inter-Planetary research vehicle, Aksu 0001 taking off on it’s maiden voyage. This 150 Kt design was the first production ship to be fitted with the Krankton Ion-Engine. Led by Captain Grandow, who later would be so prominent in Sallegan early space history, and crewed with the finest men and women that the Orbital Service could produce. Launched on 2400.3, its mission was to explore the Narcisston system.

The Aksu 0001 was also fitted with a launcher that could launch nuclear tipped, computer guided missiles. This was originally intended to be used to destroy rouge comets and asteroids that might someday threaten our world. It was a quite fortuitous decision as we later found out we were not alone in the galaxy.

But that is a story for another day...

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

The possibility of extraterrestrial life in the universe was not totally disregarded by the Sallegan people. Among the scientific establishment it was considered something of a statistical certainty that somewhere in the universe other life existed, and that some of this life could have evolved into intelligence as the Sallegan race had. But it was considered highly unlikely that any such life exsisted close by, or that it would be possible to travel between the stars and meet such life.

The opinions of the uninformed masses varied widely from arrogant skepticism, to outright apathy, to an almost religious acceptance among some of the more fringe elements. Popular culture was full of legends of UFO's, visitors from other worlds, and even alien abductions. Nothing had ever been proven, despite the concerted efforts of several branches of the government. This fact alone was proof enough of a vast conspiracy to some people.

Some of these conspiracy theories were wildly speculative, and none of them were true. But they weren't exactly false either. The government did have a secret. There were no crashed flying saucers, and no bodies locked away in refrigerators deep in the bowels of some nameless military facility. But there was evidence. Only a couple hundred had ever heard of it, and only a few dozen of them had seen all the information. But it did exist.

Early in the unmanned space program, probes had been sent to all the major planets in the Narcisston system. These varied in specific missions, but for the most part were general research probes looking for, well looking for anything really. After all, when you didn't know enough to ask the right questions, all you could do was keep your eyes and ears open and hope to stumble on something interesting. And something interesting is exactly what they found.

While surveying one of the four gas giants in the system, some anomalous readings were found that appeared to be artificial. They were too deep in the atmosphere to get good information, so very little was known for sure. But they appeared to be the remains of an ancient civilization. Much debate followed with one side taking the position that these had to be natural formations of some kind. Life was simply not possible at those pressures, no matter what the technological advancement they argued. But when evidence of another "city" was found on a second gas giant, even the sceptics were convinced something very unusual was down there. It was decided that it would be kept a secret from the general population until the Sallegans could develop probes that could survive the hostile conditions of these planets long enough to get more concrete data.

Another thing that was not commonly known was the existence of three gravitational anomalies at the extreme edges of the star system. Something like this had been theorized centuries before by the early astronomers when it was noticed that the actual positions of several of the outer planets did not fit exactly with their predicted orbits. For many years there was a futile search for another planet not visible with the optical telescopes of the day. Some physicists even hypothesized the existence of a micro black hole or a "dark star" in binary orbit with the Narcisston sun. When the unmanned probes finally reached the edge of the system, what they discovered instead were three wormholes in an extreme orbit.

The Sallegans had not had a chance yet to study these wormholes enough to know if they could be of any value. Some believed they could be used to travel to far distant star systems, and some unmanned probes were even launched into them. Most of these broke up before crossing the threshold from the strong gravitational forces. Those that didn't, stopped communicating several seconds after disappearing from view. Only once did any telemetry return from the "other side", and it was so hopelessly garbled that it was not known for sure that it wasn't just some computer generated "hallucination" prior to finally disintegrating

It was decided that a small unmanned probe was simply not strong enough to handle the stress of the transit. It was believed that only a large vessel would be able to succeed. Of course it was entirely possible that it would be a suicide mission. Even if the ship somehow survived, there was no guarantee that it would be able to return through the wormhole.

About the time of the maiden voyage of the Aksu, Sallegan researchers made a breakthrough in the construction of space going vessels. It was now possible for ships as large as 200 kt to be constructed. Plans were being made to build such a vessel and outfit it for what could be a long voyage for its crew. Extra supplies would be taken, and the crew would be specially selected from those that had no living family members. The hope was that they would be able to return. But if they were not, every precaution would be taken to allow them to survive, wherever they ended up. But four months before they were scheduled to depart, the aliens arrived.

It was not known immediately, but it was a scout vessel of the Xi'Chung Hive, a insectoid race from a system on the other end of the wormhole. After the initial shock, the Sallegans attempted to communicate with the new vessel on several frequency bands. The Sallegan government decided a non-hostile approach was waranted, unless the newcomers gave them a reason to believe otherwise. An offer was made of a treaty of non-aggresion, and diplomatic envoys began preparations for a journey to a new world. There was no response at first. The Xi'Chuung ship simply sat there on the Narcisston end of the wormhole and didn't move for two full months. Finally a terse, single sentance reply was recieved. "We cannot accept your proposal at this time."

This communication was sent on several frequency bands as well. Many of which were used for public communication and commercial entertainment channels. The government could no longer keep it a secret. In an instant the Sallegan people knew the awesome truth. They were not alone in the universe.

As a precaution against attack Aksu 1 was recalled from it's exploratory mission around the gas giants and was kept in orbit of Narcisston VIII to protect against any hostile action by the aliens. A second Aksu class ship was built, and the hull laid for a third. The new larger hull size designs were modified to allow for less supplies and more weaponry, just in case the worst happened. Plans were made to build as many as these "attack ships" that could be supported by the Sallegan shipyard.

Aboard the Aksu 1, Captain Grandow was not sure what was going to happen next, but he believed he and his crew were as prepared as they could be. All they could do now was wait.

[ 15 March 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

(I realize the Norak are genderless, but you try writing a story using only the pronoun "it". Sounds stupid.)

I am Raeghar, of the house of Samorim, a lowly monk and scribe in the service of the Continuum and this is my story. I am the personal assistant, spiritual guide and companion to one of the Continuum's highest officers. I will not give his real name, but rather I'll call him Tallik. It is because of my friendship with Tallik that I have so far seen things no one else will see or hear. I know such writings would be hard frowned upon by both my Order and the government, but it is Wisdom who knows that difficult times produce great learning. I dedicate these writings to She who first wrote the things unwritten, to the Ancient Order of Hujov, and to my sibling, Pellwain, who now resides on the colony.

I am no longer part of the Counsel for Spiritual Enlightenment, but a very good friend of mine is, and he invited me to sit in on what was and will be the most pressing debate concerning the survival of our beliefs, our religion, our people and our history. In the second cycle of the year 2400, the Elders of Norak gave their approval to the launch of a colony ship. The first step includes the Last, or so the old proverb contends. Many argued a step into space is the most pride-filled thing we could do. It is blatant disregard for what we have. She, who was, is and will be, gave us this planet as the scriptures tell. "A place to be ruled and to rule over." Many said such an act, as the colonization of other planets, meant we were not happy with that with which we were given. However, the old guard had grown few number, and the government of Norak was less inclined to follow them. No one could deny the fact that we were too many for our planet. People were starving. Food, water, land, and just about everything else which grew was rationed. Strict unwritten rules were concocted to slow the grow of our people. The rules had to remain unwritten because our scriptures say, "Nothing which governs the people can be written in contradiction to the text." And the text explicitly says, "The third goal in life is to reproduce."

Our scientists long ago began to survey the stars and the bodies of the Xiban system, and as this debate was raging, as to what we should do about our population, a probe sent out years before reached a not too distant planet in the Xiban system. The news spread like a plasma fire. The planet was almost identical to ours in every way. The people rejoiced; She had granted us stay from our dire situation. The opponents to space travel and colonization faded into the backgroud. The ship was sent carrying some 34 million terra-formers. The planet would be made habitable for hundreds of millions to come. I have yet to travel there. Tallik has been charged with developing our defensive capabilities, and it is in this I assist him.

2400.5
The Debate:
The Terra-formers had barely left the ship, when our asteroid sensors, which are supposed to pick up asteroids which pass too close to our planet, picked up some strange energy reading and what was determined to be an unidentifiable craft closing in on our new colony. Tallik and I were in the station when the first Messages were sent and received. They claimed to be an intelligent race called the Cue Cappa, from what we roughly translated, "the next star." We asked how they got to Xiban, and again we roughly translated their response to be "through an interstellar door." We offered them the scrolls of peace, a mutual agreement of non-aggression. To our surprise, they refused, saying it was too early to make treaties. How can it be "too early" to commit to peace and life?

As you can imagine, many things were claimed about the Cue Cappa. Conspiracies flourished. Some thought it retribution. Some thought them emissaries from She who rules. I personally think, as is the general sentiment of today, that they are like us...just another kind created to serve and honor the Almighty. The elders sat and talked and yelled and talked and became quiet and finally some fell asleep on the stools they sat on, and still the question, "How can another culture exist in the universe?" went unanswered. The texts said nothing about it. If the question could not be answered, it is possible the Pluralists could be right. The night wore on, the candles burned low and some went out, dropping the light in the hall to a dim backglow. I was yawning myself, but across the room, the wide, white eyes of a young Monk caught my attention. He stared unblinking. I thought possibly he'd gone mad, or that he'd died with his eyes open. So still and intense they were. Suddenly, he mumbled something, breaking the hours and hours of silent contemplation and prayer. Everyone woke or woke someone. The eldest turned to him, the young monk, and ask, "What was it you said, brother?" The young monk stood. "To answer this question, we must first answer something about ourselves no one has been able to...why we, the Norak, are here." I could see the sudden interest on everyone's face. It was a subtle arguement, but as far as I could tell, it could not be refuted as a premise. "If we cannot answer why we are here, then we cannot exclude the existence of others on the basis of not being able to explain how they fit into our plan...for in the end, we must all agree, the Norak have been given by She, the unmoved, only a temporary plan...temporary meaning unfinished. And if we cannot know the beginning of history to the end of it, and be able to say, 'see you do not fit in' then we cannot claim them to exist less than us. Nor can we claim them to be a work of evil, though evil they may be. If we cannot totally explain the entire universe, then we have not been given the power, by She who lives, to judge them." The debate was over.

Tallik has been given the task of developing planetary defense for Norak and our new colony. The Cue Cappa ship milled around just outside of visual range for more than a month. We sent a scout ship of the escort class to hunt down this interstellar door. I almost cannot believe it myself after viewing the visual records Tallik received. All one must do is take a ship to a certain spot and they open...like doors with motion detectors. I have no doubt that these in some unexplainable way are gifts from the Almighty. A way to meet all of Her children. Beyond the warp point, our ship recorded contact with a densely populated world, the Cue Cappa home world...two sectors from the warp point. Worried that the Cue Cappa might attack our fledgling colony, Tallik and I are on our way to there to inspect their newly constructed weapons platforms, built after Tallik's design and they are armed with extremely fast capital ship missles. It will be good to see Pellwain again.

The Cue Cappa ship is returning to its own system. The future as they say is upon us, and it's fog is thicker than ever.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

*****
Sorry to interfew (sp????) but i have to note that Norak never were peaceful. Those are aggressive zealots prone to sudden crusades.
*****

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Taera:
*****
Sorry to interfew (sp????) but i have to note that Norak never were peaceful. Those are aggressive zealots prone to sudden crusades.
*****<hr></blockquote>
Yes, but that is written from the point of view of other races. Mensch is writing from the point of view of a Norak. They are not likely to view themselves in such negative terms are they? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

This is not intended to be an official history of the galaxy, despite the grand title I chose for the game. It's merely one possible Version. Purely intended for our own fun in writing, and hopefully some others will be entertained reading it.

Geo

[ 15 March 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

I like it, good idea, refreshing aspect of playing SE4, the story lines w/RP makes for an interesting concept. looking foreward to reading the updates

juste some ideas a helmeted mac

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Yes, Taera, in a manner of speaking you are right, but this is being written from the POV of a lowly monk and if you remember the history of earth religions, almost all of them promote life and wisdom, but have little trouble killing infidels along the way....

What I am trying to say...this is the first post and I am sure my story will have many righteous rampages, excommunications, and blood letting.

Even to the Norak, patience is a virtue.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Yes. Right. Sorry.
Great story. I'll practice a little more and then just might play the same thing with someone. had a similar idea a while ago, too.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

(Hadn't planed on posting so often, but a lot is happening very quickly.)

Year 2400.6

Captain Grandow watched through the portal as the second Aksu class exploratory vessel rose through the roiling clouds below. It was the rainy season in the southern continent. No doubt the shipyard workers and others around Capitol City were getting a good soaking right about now. Maybe we will get lucky and a lightening bolt would strike the senate chambers, Grandow thought with a snort.

Three months now since the Xi'Chung ship had appeared, and still the damn thing hadn't moved. Except to block the entrance to the warp point to a diplomatic shuttle that had attempted to saunter by with a wave and a warm smile. If that wasn't a hostile action, Grandow didn't know what was. But the REMF's decided it was just a cultural difference and we should not read too much into it.

"Cultural difference my rear!" Grandow said out loud to no one in particular. "The damn politicians won't admit there's a threat here until the bugs march up Main Street Capitol City, bite their heads off, and feed them to their Queen!"

"Careful Antony. The walls have ears, even on your own ship." It was Lieutenant Commander Dannak, Grandows former second-in-command, protege, and closest friend. "Don't give them a reason to take your command. The Republic needs you on this bridge, when the inevitable happens."

Grandow thought back to their meeting with Senator Flicken three days before. It was then that Grandow had been given orders to escort the new Colony ship to Narcisston IX as soon as the Artemis (Aksu class explorer, series 0002) left space dock and could take over patrol around the homeworld. Grandow almost resigned his commission on the spot, which would have pleased Flicken to no end. His nephew was the captain of the newly commissioned Artemis. The senator would like nothing better than to promote him to the bridge of the flagship of the fledgling Sallegan Space Service. It was Dannak that saved Grandow from his own temper then, as he had so many times before.

Grandow knew the Xi'Chung were stalling, he couldn't understand why the politicians didn't know it too. Of course the reason was that politicians are not typically students of history as military officers are. For a race that had not had a conflict of note for three generations, it was not an easy thing to be a military officer. Grandow had never fired a shot in anger. Had never tasted battle. No living Sallegan had.

Grandow didn't like leaving the entire Sallegan race undefended. And he didn't trust Flickens nephew to defend it. He finally agreed to the assignment, but insisted that Dannak be transferred to the Aksu 0002 as first officer.

Danaak's shuttle undocked from the Aksu, and Grandow gave the order to come about. The colony ship was slower, and the Aksu would have to run at less than full cruising speed for it to keep up. The round trip would Last three months, if the Aksu were allowed to return as soon as the colony ship landed. That had not even been decided yet.

He only hoped that the bugs would take enough time to allow the Aleppa class attack ship to be built. Three months they told him. One more to finish the third Aksu class vessel, and two to build the new, larger Aleppa. And, he hoped, enough time for him to get back to Narcisston VIII himself.

Year 2400.7 Day 0

Grandow paced the bridge like a caged Pintha cat. The tension was palpable. He was in such a foul mood that the comm officer almost was afraid to make his report. But he knew it would be worse for him if he didn't. "Captain. We picked up a communication on the official channels. Queen Kaziktra rejected the Senates latest treaty proposal."

"Those idiots! They have to know now the bugs are not interested in being our friends. Contact Space control and request permission to return immediately." But permission did not come. And at this point Grandow made in retrospect the most important decision in the history of the Sallegan race. "Helm, bring us about. Maximum speed. Take us home. Lieutenant, signal the Aden, tell them to continue on their mission. They won’t be needing an escort the rest of the way." Grandow knew the danger was behind them, not in front.

Year 2400.7 Day 10

The call the Captain was expecting for a week and a half now finally came. Senator Flicken himself was scowling at Grandow from the view screen. "Captain, please tell me you have a good reason for disobeying a direct order and putting 34 million civilians at risk. My aides tell me you have not reported any malfunction, and are in fact travelling at maximum speed."

Grandow stood up straight. "We are coming home Senator. I cannot stand by and watch the Sallegan race endangered by your shortsighted leadership."

Flickens eyes burned. "Why you insolent... I don't suppose ordering you thrown in the brig and instructing your XO to resume course would do any good. That cult of personality you have with your officers is well known. Well, so be it. When you return you all can share a prison cell. Flicken out."

Part of Grandow hoped that he was court-martialed, because that would mean he would be wrong and that the Xi'Chung did not attack. At least this way my ship will be where it's needed, even if I am not on board her he thought.

Year 2400.7 Day 15

The Aksu was halfway back, but still days away at top speed. Grandow was watching the Xi'Chung ship on the tactical display. It was just visible at this distance. The wormhole was not, as it phased out of view when not being used they had discovered many months before. Suddenly the energy readings spiked, and the wormhole flared into view. "What is it?" he asked the science officer.

"I don't know sir. But I think another ship is coming through." As the words still hung in the air, the Captain watched on the viewer as a second bug ship exited the wormhole. This one was larger than the first. From the looks of it, it was a 200 Kt hull. The size of the new attack ships Grandow had been pleading the Space service to build for so many months.

The new ship reached the spot where the first waited, but did not stop as everyone expected. And a moment later the first ship came to life. It quickly got up to speed and fell into formation behind the larger ship. Both on a course for the Sallegan homeworld, and there was no way the Aksu could get there before them.

"Ship to ship! Raise the Artemis, NOW!" After what seemed like an eternity, the viewscreen sprang to life, and the welcome face of Dannak filled the screen.

"Yes captain. I see them." the lieutenant commander said before Grandow could get the question out. "We are tracking them in. The course is straight for Narcisston VIII." No words were spoken for the next few moments, but as the two friends looked at each other, much was said.

"Good luck Paul." Grandow finally broke the silence. "We are on our way. Aksu out." Both men knew at the moment the words were spoken, that the Aksu would arrive too late to be any help. Artemis was on her own.

Year 2400.7 Day 20

S. S. S. Artemis
The Xi’Chung ships closing on the Sallegan homeworld were closer than the Aksu racing to intercept them, but they were still days away when they started moving. This actually worked against the Sallegans as it gave them time to calm down from the initial shock of the second ships arrival. Already the politicians were coming up out of their bunkers and starting to think maybe this was simply a peace delegation coming for a visit. The significance of the fact that they were not communicating during their approach was lost on the senate. At least it was lost on the part of Senator Flicken. But it was all too evident what was happening to Paul Dannak aboard the Artemis. They were at war. Even though a shot had not been fired. And no formal declaration had been made, the Xi’Chung were attacking the Sallegan homeworld.

Unfortunatly his captain was an incompetant paper pusher who had been given his position as a favor to his powerful uncle. He had at least had the sense to allow Paul to handle the day to day operations of the Artemis. This meant the crew had been drilled and prepared. But the captain was still insisting that no shots would be fired until they wre given orders from the planet. Dannak had given up trying to reason with him. But as XO he had the responsibility for crew shifts. And he made sure his best people were where he would need them when things started happening.

The Aksu class Explorer was designed with durability and flexibility in mind. Having been built before the Sallegans were even aware of the exsistance of the Xi’Chung, military hardware was not considerd a high priority. Fortunatly though it had as a primary mission the destruction of space debris large enough to be a hazard for the planets in the system. To this end it was fitted with a missle launcher capable of firing nuclear tipped missles. They were fast, they had range, and they could punch a big hole in something when the hit. Unfortunatly they took a long time to reload, and they took up a lot of space. Because of this there wasn’t enough room for anything else of value on the ship. Almost as an afterthought, the designers threw in an auxilliary control center on the ship. If anything happened to the bridge, they thought, at least the crew could limp home for repairs. This is where the XO had spent most of his time the Last few days. Testing the equipment, running simulations. Making sure that if needed, it would be ready.

As the Xi’Ching ships entered sector 1, many people hoped they would stop then, and start broadcasting amessage of peace. But they did not. On the bridge of the Artemis, Dakken spoke up. “Captain, I implore you to open fire as soon as they come into range. We don’t know what kind of weapons they have. We may only get one shot.”
“No. We have our orders commander. We will move out from the planet to meet them, but will not open fire first. We don't want to start a war.”

“Start a war! Damnnit, we are already in a war. And we are going to be it’s first casualties if we don’t take action.” Dannak shot back.

The captain looked at him. “Mr Dannak you are relieved. Go to your quarters immedietly.” Dannak paused, and then thought better of it. He turned to leave the bridge, as he did he gave a look to the weapons officer. Orders or no orders, the missles would be ready to fire at the first sign of weapons fire coming from the bug ships. They may get us with our pants down, but we are going to go down swinging the commander thought. He entered the lift and punched the button for G deck. He would go to the Auxillary control room and keep a close eye on things from there.

The bug ships closed in tight formation. The larger ship leading the smaller by a few thousand yards. The captain ordered them hailed again. “Still no answer sir.” Came the reply from the comm officer.

As the ships came closer the lead ship suddenly lurched and fired at the Artemis. Large mettalic shells composed of depleted uranium, accerated to incredible speeds by magnetic powered rail guns. The Artemis didn’t even have time to react before the first shells closed the gap and tore into her upper hull, venting the aptmosphere. The captain and half the bridge crew were sucked out the top and died instantly. The remainder died seconds later strapped into their positions. The Last act of the weapons officer before he passed out was to trigger the firing sequence for the missle launcher. The ship reeling from a gaping wound, the missle was pointed in the wrong direction when it left the launcher. Internal guidance ssytems kicked in instantly and it righted itslef and made a course for the largest of the two Xi’Chung ships.

The bug ship attempted to evade, but the missle was faster, and more manuverable. It impacted on the rear of the ship, knocking out thee engines, and cutting power to one of the uranium cannons. The ship came around and brought it’s wepons to bear on the Artemis. She appeared dead and drifting. The Xi’Chung captain decided it was no longer a threat and resumed course towards it’s main objective, the Sallegan homeworld. The smaller ship now took the lead in the formation and they moved on. Onboard the Artemis secondary explosions rocked the ship. Fires burned wherever they could find the oxygen to sustain themselves. The missle launcher was fully operational, but the bridge was gone, and the captain was dead. One engine had been damaged in the attack

Commander Dannak made his way to auxilliary control. It took several minutes as power to the lifts went out with the bridge and he had to use the maintenance crawlways. As he went he made sure people were at their stations, and damage control teams were putting out the fires. He arrived in aux control just as main powere was restored. He was pleased to see his people were doing their jobs well, and several officers were already taking up their positions on the new bridge.

"Status." He asked the lieutenant as he moved over to the center chair.

"No response from the bridge commander. Engineering reports we can make about 70% of maximum speed. The missle launcher is reloaded and ready to fire." The lieutenant responded.

"Allright, bring us about. Let's teach those bastards a lesson."

Year 2400.8

Captain Grandow watched silently as the S.S.S. Drakken (Aksu class, series 0003) moved into orbit along side his vessel. The repairs to his own ship had already been completed. As he read over the causualty reports, he couldn't help but feel sick. Over 100 million Sallegans dead. Capitol City a smoking, radioactive ruin. Fortunatly the Space Yard on the outskirts of the city sustained only minor damage and was fully operational within hours. If there was any bright side to the attack it was that Senator Flicken was among the missing. "If the bugs didn't get him, I will." thought Grandow.

As bad as it was, it would have been much worse if not for the heroic actions of the crew of the Artemis. They were able to disable the weapons systems of the Xi'Chung frigate completely. The delay saved countless lives and the Aksu returned to destroy both bug ships. Unfortunatly the Aksu did not make it in time to save the Artemis. She was lost with all hands, including Captain Drakken, who had been promoted posthumously for his actions.

Next to the casualty reports, Grandow had a printout of the latest communication received from the Hive. It had been received on a narrow beam transmission through the wormhole itself. Grandow had been mildly suprised that was even possible, but once he read the text, he cared little for the tecnical aspects of the message. It was received fully two weeks after the attack on Narcisston VIII.

"Though we are not a violent species, you have left us no choice. We declare war on your reckless society."

The colony on Narcisston IX was busy building a hastily designed weapons platform, as was the homeworld. The Aleppa class attack frigate would soon follow. There was no telling what the outcome of this war would be. But they would not be caught unprepared again.

[ 18 March 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2401.5
I am returning from Xiban IV after spending several relaxing but event-filled weeks with Tallik and Pellwain. The new colony is growing. In the year that they have been here, the people of Xiban IV now number 47 million. I met the first Norak born on another planet. I am not sure how this is exactly important, but nonetheless, people love such statistics--the firsts and Lasts of things, it is the nature of those finite. A new class of ship, Maine, is being constucted on Xiban I. Tallik has shown me the diagrams for its design, and I must say, I cannot fathom it. It is just too big. It will supposedly carry several hundred million Norak. Plans are being made for the first run between Xiban I and III. I suppose real estate in the capitol will drop in price from all the vacancies. Just a thought.

The weapons systems of Xiban IV work perfectly. Tallik spent most of his time looking over schematics and drawing up strategies as usual. Our work there is done, and I am returning home to what we now call, to much joy to the Pluralist at heart, Xiban I.

Quite a bit has happened over the Last eight cycles. The Cue Cappa for one. I still have yet to meet a Cue or a Cappa, or their bonded...whatever one might call it. But I have been assured that quite a few live and work on Xiban I. The reason being, after intense negotiations and of course a period in which we got to know one another, our respective races have signed a trade pact. Rakul, the High Priest, and their leader, Gortalooth, signed it aboard one of our Conneticut class star ships. The Cue Cappa asked as well for an adendum to the pact which would bring our races together for research; however, although, the Norak enjoy peace and friendship as much as anyone else, we do not tolerate influences which would be beyond our control. Already the trade pact is a strict one. It exists mainly for the exchange of excess basic necessities and the prevention of war. Still many are skeptical of even this limited treaty. Some spread rumors that the stuffs they trade us are contaminated and impure. We refrain from accepting anything the law mentions requiring special treatment. The Cue Cappa are quite happy buying every excess we have, and seem to respect our wishes. They are not a vile people. They have alters of their own and, though pagan they may be, none of our emissaries have seen anything other than civilized rituals. We don't believe the majority of the population follow the old ways or believe in their deities. We have no equal word for it in Norak, but most CueCappa call the stories concerning their gods, myths. Fictional accounts of some kind. Speaking of which, I am proud to announce, Tallik and I will be traveling to the Cue Cappa home world, Arklite VIII. Since most of the CueCappa place little value on religion, a new foreign missionary office has opened. I have been added to this office as a consultant and will assess avenues of work that could be undertaken. The government of the CueCappa, and indeed!, their leader himself, Gortalooth, have given permission to our religious leaders to open missions on his world. His only concern was that we assure him our ways are not coerced, but rather are based on teachings and personal choices. He welcomes all possibilites for enlightenment. He has even asked that one of our wisemen be appointed to his counsel. We are aghast at such openness to foreign influence, but we know it is a sign...that the Norak have been entrusted, in their new ability to travel between the stars, the holy quest to preach the eternal words, the true path and the pure light to all the galaxy. As we speak, the High Priest and the elders are bestowing new orders to those who go as missionaries.

But on to other news. Our fleet of defense ships have grown, and are presently comprised of two Connecticut I and one Connecticut II class frigates. Since 2401.3, two of the three have been stationed on the Xiban side of the warp point leading into CueCappa territory, in order to regulate trade and monitor against our latest contact...the Amon'krie. We still know little about them. On a scouting mission our third Connecticut frigate traveled beyond the Arklite system and found the Amon'krie homesystem, Hwansul. Their ships avoided ours. They never raised contact. The captain of the Connecticut stayed in Hwansul just long enough to receive new orders before turning around and leaving. One of their warships passed within visual range, and the captain estimated their ships to be as large as ours. Not a good sign when one thinks about safety outside Xiban. The High Counsel decided to send through the CueCappa diplomats on the Amon'krie homeworld a treaty of non-intercourse. A little distrust has sprung up between some of our government and the Cue Cappa, since they failed to make any mention of the Amon'krie. Not only that, but they are allied in a much more lenient trade agreement than us. For now, the Amon'krie are speaking to us through our mutual friend. They seem like a very proud people, the Amon'krie, and we've inquired as to what they believe in. The CueCappa having little understanding of religion give vague and thoughtless answers. However, we've been able to somewhat piece together that it is extremely primitive. Nothing even remotely as formal as the CueCappa's religion. Something called the "Deep Dirt" or so that roughly translated. Weird but interesting.

I am overjoyed to announce that the Norak inhabit yet another planet in the galaxy. The third planet in the Lundra system has been opened to colonists. It is an extremely large planet and full of minerals. The planet is 50% larger than Xiban I. Who knows, one day it may boast a larger population than the homeworld. The planet is being set up as a mining colony. So far a crude space hub is being set up for transport of materials, thus, soon its harvests will be sent back to Xiban. Our rate of construction is depleting what little resources Xiban I has. Lundra is key to the future of Norak space travel. On the other hand, Xiban IV has been designated a science colony. Already, half of Xiban's top scientists have left for it on grants and official projects. On this very voyage home, we've crossed the paths of several ships.

Another colony ship is being sent to the Lundra system, to the planet of Lundra VI. The colonists on this planet will have to live inside an artifical dome, since it has no atmosphere. A marvel of construction, really. Scanners have revealed that it is high in minerals and certain radioactive materials which go into the production of our engines and weapons.

The scout ship of the Rhode Island class is on its way back from the galactic edge. Just saying that phrase, galactic edge, makes my head spin. Seems that the Last two star systems on the outlying side are devoid of...well, almost everything. In order, beyond Lundra, they are Ephandra and Qornor. In Ephandra, the captain had a difficult time I hear navigating the uncharted asteriods floating about. He called it a death trap, a mouse maze for star ships. The Last system, Qornor, is comprised of the same useless objects, but for some reason, the asteroids orbit the sun in a uniform distance. With that, the ship is on its way home. Perhaps in the future, the Norak will be able to do something with these two systems, but for now, we've simply put our claim to them. It is the Almighty's way of telling us to look inward, toward life and the center of the galaxy. Yes, I am a monk, but our quest is not in some back cave of the galaxy contemplating existance. It is reshaping the face of the known universe. Everything depends upon the message.

Now I come to this entry's final topic, and it is one which I myself am reluctant to discuss with myself. Our ways have had a hard time keeping themselves clean from the impure dabblings of science. Science has been likened unto a blind man walking on an empty flat plain. Every step seems to be progress, even though he knows not where these steps lead. Many scientists have found themselves upon the sharpened poles of the Keepers, our high judges of religious matters, for refusing to lay their scientific ground work upon the structure of our beliefs. They were promising men, and for everyone it is a saddening thing to lose potential, but we must remind ourselves. These men were not lost upon the poles; they were lost somewhere in their own laboratories. One such man I was asked to review while on Xiban III. I'd not spoken of it before because the Keepers code forbids discussing such matters before an end is reached. The Keepers had intrusted me with the task of judging this man. I am no Keeper, mind you. But they are few and have not yet drafted new members for stations on other worlds. The processes of the Keepers are slow and meticulous. So they asked me. A task I was reluctant to perform. Was it necessary? Yes. But such things aren't in my nature. They eat on my mind while I sleep. What did he do, you ask, to deserve the pole? Well, it is part of our belief, that the star at the center of the Xiban system is a portal through which the Almighty and her entourage speak to us. From Xiban I for centuries, the mood of it, perdicted the mood of our world. Time and time again, it proved correct. There was no need to say it didn't. However, this scientist, who had caused trouble before leaving for Xiban III, decided he had a different explination for the star's extreme mood swings. I listened to his theories and read his notes and talked to his collegues. He proposed that the core of our star was unstable, and had been for as long as the Norak existed, and that it was the physical which explained everything. He went on to state, that if something wasn't done about it, it could explode at any moment. I will be truthful here, and say his argument was consistant and convincing. However, he failed to show any reason why the fluctuations in the star could not be caused by the Almighty's keeper of the portal, Hikull, which we all know is the case. I then concluded that his arguments did not pertain to furthering our understanding of Hikull's portal, but rather for the simple, yet dastardly purpose of removing the hands of deity from it's operations. In essence, his work was an attempt to disprove the Almighty, a goal which many have known he sought his life long. For that, he died and his work was burned.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2401.8

It was not the kind of war Grandow expected. Of course he had little to go on except for the battles between nation-states on his own planet hundreds of years before. But somehow he expected more to happen. Of course it was probably a good thing that it hadn't.

Almost all of the resources of the Sallegan republic for the Last 14 months had gone towards building up defenses for the next wave of attack ships that would come pouring through the wormhole at any time. Weapons platforms had been built on both the homeworld, and Narcisston IX. And both planets had several sattelites in orbit capable of launching missles at any ship that came within range. There had not even been any effort to this point of rebuilding the research and production facilities destroyed in the original attack.

Grandow estimated that the the homeworld could survive an attack of at most half a dozen bug frigates at once. The colony less than that. Surely the bugs had that many ships, didn't they? They certainly wasted them like they had an endless supply. On two seperate occasions since the initial sneak attack they had sent lone frigates past the homeworld and attacked the smaller colony. In both cases they had been destroyed by the Drakken without getting off a shot. Once before even getting in range of the planets defensive missle batteries.

It didn't make any sense. Could it be that the Xi'Chung were as stupid as they were ruthless? Or were they just not anymore advanced than were are. If that's the case, why would they have attacked in the first place. Surely they would have built up their forces first. Grandow knew they would have to send some ships through that warp point soon. If nothing else, just to see how big the Hive was.

They had sent a ship through the southern warp point a few months before. They found a dead system with a burnt out star and nothing else but asteroids. In a more peacful time they might consider sending a ship to mine the asteroids for minerals. But they had neither the ships nor crews to spare in such mundane tasks now.

They also met ships from two new species. Obviously the scientists were wrong when they calculated the number of intelligent races out there, Grandow thought. If our little corner was typical, the galaxy must be absolutly teeming with them. Hopefully they all weren't as violent and irrational as the Xi'Chung.

The first of the two, a race calling themselves the Cue Cappa, turned out to be quite pleasant actually, and quite eager to establish trade relations. This was coming in very handy as the increased revenue was put to use rebuilding the damage to the homeworld. So far they had not expressed any interest in taking an active part in the war against the Hive, but at least they weren't attacking us too.

The second race was less open to cooperation. A worm like race, they called themselves the Amon'krie. So far they had rejected all our treaty offers, but they also had not attacked us. However one of their ships had travelled through Narcisston and disappeared through the wormhole into Xi'Chung space. No distress call was receieved, so we can only assume that they are on good terms with the Hive, or their ship was destoyed before they could make a report. Either option is troubling, Grandow thought. We shall have to watch that situation closely.

Obviously the Sallgan Republic was going to have to struggle hard if it was going to survive in this hostile galaxy. And that meant more work for Grandow. After saving the planet, his popularity among the people was so great that the remaining Senate members were forced to turn over unprecedented powers to the Space Service. They were pressing him to accept a promotion all the way to Admiral, and were consulting with him on almost every decision regarding the defense of the planets in the Narcisston system. He didn't like it, but he didn't trust anyone else to do it either, so he had accepted the added responsibilty. Although not the title as of yet.

The decision was made that the planets were safe for the moment. Safe enough at least to dedicate some manpower on building new laboratories. Boxed in as they were, the Sallegans would need better technology if they were going to be able to defend themselves. Especially if the Amon'Krie entered the war on the side of the Hive.

Current situation: 17 empires total

1st place - Fazrah
2nd place - Norak (Good job Mensch)
3rd place - Xiati
4th place - Cluk-Ruk (very good for a neutral, but it's early)
5th place - Cue Cappa

7th place - Amon'Krie
15th place - Sallega (pitiful)
16th place - Xi'Chung

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

(Again a little out of order, but I didn't want to skip 15 turns just to get to some real action)

2402.3
I find space travel the most condusive atmosphere for writing. Tallik and I have again been transfered to our newest colony, Arklite I. Funny how we always seem to stay one step behind the terra-formers themselves. I've become quite used to eating space rations. The Cue Cappa have given [ http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ] us this small hot planet near the center of the system to set up a trans-system launching point for our missionaries. They have said they have no use for this planet, that the climate is too hot for their bodies, and their technology is not advanced enough to protect their bodies from the radiation. Several members of their parliament who've professed faith in She who moves all waters, pressed for this colony. Already, it is becoming a place of spiritual journey for the Cue Cappa who've embraced us. Many of our finest teachers have set up a series of temples lying outside the various cities with special shielding and plating for the CueCappa. Tallik and I have been sent to again to assess the needs of defense for this colony. Tallik says, that he is going to propose the testing of new defense satellites, armed with dreaded Capital Missles. The reason being, Arklite I lacks the space for massive weapons platforms, and extra domed facilities to house them would be too costly. The satellites can be produced quickly and a hundred or more can fit in orbit. We shall see.

Travel within the Hwansul and the Arklite systems has become much more relaxed, since the Amon'krie have finally come around and accepted us as fellow space travelers. Several times they refused to welcome our diplomats, who were offering nothing more than a simple non-intercourse treaty. We wanted nothing more at the time than the promise that our ships would leave each other alone...certainly space is large enough for two ships to pass without violence concerning who has the right of passage. Well, who knows why they finally changed their minds. Within the first few weeks of our Last attempt to negotiate, they suddenly offered us a trade treaty. I read the council newswires and wondered at the haste of it as well. What did we have to trade with these people? I do not know, but it was something, we accepted, if for only the time being. Our strategists wonder if they might be having trouble with a third party, if so, many have suggested that this is a perfect time to force our will upon them. This is all speculation, mind you. The CueCappa and the Amon'krie are on wonderful terms as far as our intelligence can tell us. We have only recently sent our scout of the Rhode Island class, back from it's mission to the galactic edge, to inquire as to what lies beyond Hwansul.

Since our single scout is now occupied on a deep space mission, the High Priest and his advisors have sent one our three warships to scout the other warp point in the CueCappa system. Our warship soon discovered a system called Ashandra, like those near the galactic edge, full of drifting dead asteroids. Tallik personally knows the Priest in charge of Resources and Economics, and thus through Tallik, I've learned what every metal worker on Xiban knows--our resource stocks are shrinking fast. Tallik didn't give me exact figures, but he did say that at this rate, all production would be forced to cease in four short months. New colonization ships are being produced which are draining the stockpiles. The Priest in charge of Defense requested that the warship sent to scout Ashandra return to Xiban. If attacked, our two remaining Connecticut class ships would be completely on their own, and as I have just mentioned, the ship yards are in no position to produce more of these costly things. However, our resource problem will not solve itself, and we will never feel safe restricted to limited defenses. In light of this undeniable fact, the High Priest himself resolved the dispute by pulling back the request of one and extending the request of another. The warship was sent into the next system, into Narcisston hoping to find several empty worlds; however we found the Sallega. With them we are still in the stages of first contact, so I can report very little. They have however warned us of some hostile force which could endanger our ships. Their message was criptic. Could this be the work of some angry god? Or simply a war between two races. We do not know. Coming this far, it has been decided that the Connecticut will proceed through one more system. In this I sense greed and faithlessness. The Almighty will show us the way...of that I have no doubt. We must be patient and allowing situations open. What She opens cannot be closed. God willing, we will convert the entire galaxy.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

[Ok, for those of you that have been keeping up with this thread, this isn't a new post. I combined a couple of my Posts, and moved this one up to get all our entires in the right order. Sorry for the inconvienence]

Year 2403.0

Admiral Grandow read the battle reports. The Norak distress call had come too late. The Sallegan ships could not get there in time to save their new allies ship, but they had destroyed the bug ship that had attacked it. As a result of the incident, the Norak had declared war on the Hive promised military aid in the fight with the bugs.

This was the first glimpse of hope in the long war, and Grandow hoped it wouldn’t be the Last. He knew there would be much pain before it was over, but the combined force of the Continuum and the Republic had to be too much for the Hive eventually. As long as no one else got involved on the other side, that is.

Since Grandow had accepted the Admiralty, he had been chained to a desk. He didn’t like not being on his ship in the think of things, but he had to acknowledge that he could do more for the defense of his people from here. His new perspective caused him to reevaluate some things and a question had started forming in the back of his mind.

How could there be so many races in such a relatively small area of space? Surely the entire universe wasn’t this heavily populated? And if so, why did it seem that all the races had achieved space flight so close together. Grandow was not a scientist, but he was well educated, and had a good grasp of the principles for a layman. It didn’t make sense.

Six races now, in this little corner of the galaxy. All with roughly the same level of technological advancement, all in systems connected together by these wormholes. The probabilities against it were staggering. Grandow was starting to take more serious consideration to the wild theories that had been thrown around since the detection of the “Alien Cities” on the two gas giants in Narcisston.

None of the races the Sallegans had met yet had the technology to build habitations on those types of worlds. Or if they did they had not told us. We on the other hand had not told them of the artifacts buried in the deep layers of those planets. Some things you didn’t talk about, even with your allies.

He had sent out scouts to the system to the west of Narcisston. A system called Cephredi. The Sallegans were very surprised to discover the system to be the home system of yet another race, the Zynarra Holdings. After discussions with them, and with the Cue Cappa, it became apparent that the Zynarra simply did not have any interest in exploring beyond the warp points. That is why the Sallegans had not known of their existence till now.

They were apparently just as advanced as the rest of the races. Possibly more so in some areas, as the initial scans showed ships in the 300Kt range, fully half again as large as the Aleppa class frigate the Sallegans relied on so heavily for defense.

The Cephredi system had four rock planets with oxygen atmospheres. Four of them! Two were larger than the Sallegan homeworld. The Republic began intensive negotiations with the Zynarra to obtain colonization rights to these worlds. Grandow was not interested in having another enemy, but his people needed those worlds if they were going to win the battle against the Hive. And the Zynarra had no use for them as they evolved on a harsh ice planet. These planets were much too warm for them to live on, even with protective domes.

Scans had detected similar structures to the mysterious “Alien Cities” on one of the planets in Cephredi. This was of particular interest to the Admiral. Even though it was buried under centuries of sediment, the planet itself was hospitable enough to get a team of scientists and archeologists down there, if the Zynarra would permit it. Perhaps this would be the key that would unlock this mystery for Grandow. The possibility was almost enough to take his mind off the war. Almost.

[ 18 March 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2403.4

From the personal Journal of Admiral Grandow.

We have met six other races now, and have achieved peaceful relations with all but the Xi'Chung. Perhaps it is the proximity of our homeworlds that has caused them to distrust us so? Or perhaps it is that there are two methane worlds in the Narsiccton system. I have to admit to fighting back a longing for the oxygen planets in the system controlled by the Zynarra Holdings. What we could do with four new worlds the size of our home! The bugs would have to cease their attacks if they wished to survive.

But we can't afford to anger the Zynarra. Can't risk drawing them into the conflict on the worng side. The situation is too precarious. Most likely the bugs are just mindless drones doing the bidding of an insane despot. There is no sense trying to understand them.

The Zynarra have agreed to a non-aggression pact, and have tentativly given permission for a joint research project on the Cephredi VIII to discover the nature of the ancient remains there. Perhaps this cooperation will convice them we are trustworthy and they will allow us to colonize the other worlds there.

The newest race, the Fazrah caused something of a stir. The first ship of theirs we encountered was twice as large as the Aleppo class frigate. We were quite relieved when they agreed to a non-aggresion pact. I need to speak with the research minister about how our ship technology is coming. If the bugs develop this before we do, it could be very bad for us indeed.

Already they have developed some type of mysterious technolgy we have been unable to even classify. They have a type of weapon that behaves like our capital ship missles, yet appears to be a living creature of some kind. Our scientists are baffled. We are putting all our research into methods of destroying these creatures before they impact on our ships and planets, because they do considerable damage.

Our combination of sattelites, ships and ground based defenses have so far managed to fight off every attack, but not without loses. No more ships have been destroyed, but several bug ships have managed to get close enough to fire on the colonies before being destroyed. This is a morale problem, as well as a legitimate difficulty. Twice now we have had to spend valuable resources rebuiilding destroyed research facilites. And the people don't work as well when they fear for their lives and their families all the time.

I have made the decision to move the entire fleet to the warp point to stop the attackers before they can get within range. This is a risky proposition, as if they do manage to break through, there will be little to stop them. The space yard on Narcisston VIII is working hard to produce more Aleppo class ships to assist. We have also constucted a ship capable of launching sattelites at the mouth of the wormhole. Hopefully, in conjunction with the fleet, they can deal a devastating blow to any hostile force coming through.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Wow. Very Very Epic.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif Keep up the good work eh?

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2403.1
Tallik's work is long finished on Arklite I; however, the Elders have decided, possibly inadvertantly, to leave us here. Neither Tallik, nor I, have the slightest clue as to why. So much has happened these Last 6 months. I pray that good will come out of this somewhere. Sometimes the Almighty uses death and evil to teach or bring about a greater good that could not have come about of it's own. So it is.

Almost as soon as we arrived on Arklite I to begin our work on the satellites, the Connecticut warship sent to explore beyond the Sallega Empire was attacked by a fearless, evil race called the Xi'Chung. We now have no doubt it was the Xi'Chung that the Sallega warned us about. I read what I wrote just 6 short months ago about greed and faithlessness, and as much as I want to deny it in a post script, nothing else can explain the actions of the Elders and the Priests. I wonder if being exposed to the galaxy and its wonders has not reverted us all back to the mongers and killers our ancient ancestors were. I've read several Versions, including the official report and transcript, sent to Tallik. It would seem that just as our ship was about to move from Narcisston and into what is the homesystem of the Xi'Chung, Organtrix, a Xi'Chung war ship exited the warp point directly ahead of it. No doubt this ship was bound for the Sallega colonies or possibly the homeworld, and in stopping it, we no doubt assisted the ransacked Sallega, inadvertantly as it was. Here are bits of the log:

"Captain, something's exiting the warp point...."
"I see it. Looks like a ship. Is it from the Sallega?"
"It bares no markings we've ever seen."
"Prepare to move out of its way."
"Captain!"
LOUD THUNDER CLAP
"Did they just?......."
"Yes, sir"
"Return fire...all cannons and missles! She who bent the first bow, guide our judgement."
"They are turning...direct hits all along their side."
"Captain, they are behind us..."
"Stay the course!"
"But they'll......
"Firing again! Incoming!....."
ANOTHER CRASH
"Captain, we've lost all of our engines and several uranium cannons have been damaged."
"We need those engines Online!"
"We're drifting into the warp point."
"That is the Last place we need to escape to....into the lion's den."
"Can we use our docking thrusters to maneuver?"
"Negative...the gravity of the warp point it too strong."
"Where's the ship?"
"Gone sir"
"Gone!"
"Yes, sir. One of our missles found its mark."
"Thank the Almighty!"

Unfortunately, the Connecticut drifted into the warp point and vanished into Xi-Chung space. There it met a colony ship which was waiting no doubt to infest the Sallega system with its evil offspring. Our ship fired on the colony ship, poking a hole in its bio-sphere. The crew watched as the colony ship turned and fled, far outpacing our limping vessel, venting air and millions of lives like dust, sucked out into space.

At about this time, our Priests for Foreign Affairs sent a message to the Sallega, not necessarily asking for military assistance, but for repairs, if the Connecticut was able to escape from Organtrix. They rerouted the energy to one engine and were thus able to turn and begin the slow approach to the warp point. As it neared the warp point, several sleek new Xi'Chung warships swooped in from above and tore the Connecticut to shreads. The Sallega relayed the Last Messages of the Connecticut to us. I will not relay them further and leave them out of this report. What letters comprise such sounds? Only the Almighty and the beast guarding the underworld know.

The Sallega kindly offered free resupply to our ship were it to return; however, we were not able to provide a means through which they might fullfill their offer of charity. Perhaps in the future. The Sallega are a brave and charitable people. At the first sign of distress, they sent several of their warships to the aid of our vessel; however, it was the Will of She who orders the universe, which brought them to its aid after the fact. They have reported to us that the very same vessels which destroyed our ship, are themselves space dust. The Xi'Chung are an evil race. The High Priest has discussed announcing holy war against them. No doubt, the universe would be a better place without them. We've promised to help the Sallega in their battle against the Xi. We asked our allies to help, but they refuse. I personally must wonder...our allies value peace but do they not know, peace is a fragile thing...it must be protected...with war if needs be.

Maybe once the Xi'Chung plasma bomb the CueCappa homeworld, we'll see more cooperation against such threats.

Now I come full circle and speak again of greed. I want to see the Knowledge spread about the world as much as anyone. I would be on the first ship to the other end of the galaxy. However, it has been said by the prophet, Huyrak, that the servant lowers himself to raise others, and the master lowers others to raise himself. Our ship of the Rhode Island class has moved beyond the Amon'krie system of Hwansul and into Cephedri, where a curious race, the Xintis live. On the way, our ship exited the warp point and found itself in the middle of a battle between the Farzah and the Amon'krie. We have trade treaties with both of these empires, so their anger was not toward us. Our ship skirted the skirmish (I do so love tongue twisters) and saw the Amon'krie loop around the Farzah ship laying missles to her like rain at mid-summer. Our ship escaped unharmed.

It began transmitting to the Xintis. Their system was filled with four large M class planets--the perfect place for the Norak to colonize. We asked for their permission to colonize, but they refused. We asked for a non-aggression pact, but they refused. As their warships closed in on the unarmed Rhode Island, we warned them about attacking the emmissay of the Almighty. Just as our ship was about to return to Amon'krie space, one of their ships closed within attack range and fired. The Rhode Island did not stand a chance.

Since then, it has been decreed that all non-colony ships must have some kind of weapons systems. The High Priest has declared the Xintis to be an enemy of She who walks on stars. Our fleet of Connecticut's has been prepped and readied. Four of them have been sent, along with a support of two colony ships, for a one-way journey to Cephedri. Their orders are to physically subdue the Xintis and establish a base of operations there. Only She who holds the keys to the underworld can judge a being in its entirety. Not I, not Tallik, and not even the High Priest. I think mercy should have first been shown to the Xintis. The Almighty avenges the deaths of her martyrs, sure enough as the Xibanian sun rises. More of an attempt should have been made to win them for Good! But there is little stopping the wheels of the Theocracy once they reach the apex of a hill. We assume the Xintis know we are coming. I think the haste of this decision speaks to the conviction that this decision is not a full measure of justice, but rather a mixed cup...a cheap wine...tainted by greed for distant riches and open fields for our children.

Does not the law speak of protection of the weak? I doubt in the long run, the Xintis have a chance of keeping us from their system. The strong who push the weak are not sent by the Almighty. She will judge the greed of this race.

Because of our numerous trade pacts, the mineral stock piles of the empire are again rising, and even exceeding previous levels. Tallik says we can support a fleet four times its present size. I have no doubt about that. He has shown me the specs for the newest Norak warships, dubbed Utah. Destroyer classes, weighing in at 300k. They boast longer range Uranium cannons, missles and what scientists call "shields." These shields form a barrier of energy around the ship, stopping every weapon known to us from penetrating them. Eventually they fail, but I have been told it would take more than 3 capital missles to make this happen. Perhaps this technology will deter future battles. I sure hope so. Tallik is also experimenting with a new beam weapon, an anti-proton beam. So far they are weaker than our present cannons, but he predicts that in a year's time, they may make the uranium cannon obsolete. Furthermore, our scientists are working on a merge of the latest technology with spiritual powers. I am not sure what the outcome of this research will be. To a common mind such as mine, I cannot imagine the combination. Many think technology and science is an antithesis to religion. If it were, we would not be on space ships preaching to the galaxy, but still there are those who call it blasphemy and all sorts of ugly things.

...

Tallik has just informed me that we are to make ready. We are returning to Xiban to test the newest Utah class ships. Several have recently come Online. I am now reluctant to go...for personal reasons...but that is for another time.

[ 20 March 2002: Message edited by: Jmenschenfresser ]

[ 20 March 2002: Message edited by: Jmenschenfresser ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2404.5

Mr and Mrs Reabarts
Lundara City, Vinton Province

Dear Mom and Dad,

How are things going at home? Things here are fine. I don't want you all to worry about me. With the ships we have now stationed at the wormhole we can handle anything the bugs throw at us. And more ships arrive every month.

Admiral Grandow's plan to stop the Xi raiders before they reach the colonies is a good one. We feel like we are doing something, rather than just scramblling around the system chasing the enemy ships. Our own captain Davic was the one who spotted the one flaw in the strategy. That was blockading the wormhole with missle ships. He realized that we could get more of a jump on the enemy ships coming through if we retrofitted the ships with particle cannons instead. Almost the entire fleet has been retrofitted now.

The Last few months since I visted you have been very routine. Almost every month the bugs send through a ship or two, testing our defenses. We scramble, and blow them out of space. Every once in a while one of their new bio-seekers gets through and hits one of our ships. But since we established the perimeter, we haven't lost any more vessels. I didn't tell you at the time because I didn't want to worry you, but that was the reason for the suprise visit a while back. The Crimsala had taken minor damage and we were in for repairs.

We've even destroyed two Sergetti ships. From what I hear they haven't formally declared war yet, but I don't think it will be long. The politicians back home probably think there is still hope for a treaty with them, but they don't see the way they come at us. Besides, if they aren't allied with the bugs, what are they doing coming at us through bug space, I say.

We heard that the Amonkrie finally agreed to join us and the Norak against the Xi. That's all well and good, but I'm still waiting to see the first one of either of their ships at the wormhole. Our captain says they are fighting them in other systems, but I don't know anything about that. Maybe you have heard something from cousin Lewis? I heard that he was part of the research team in Cephredi. If the bugs come at us from another direction, it'll have to be through there.

I don't know anything for certain, but I'd say that inside of the year we will be going on the offensive. I don't see how we can just keep waiting for the bugs here. We are going to have to take the fight to them and put an end to this thing one way or the other. Whenever it happens, I'll be ready.

Stay safe. Don't worry about me. I'll be home to see you when I can.

All my Love.

Ensign Nathaniel Reabarts
Weapons technician, third class
S. S. S. Crimsala (Bintulu class attack frigate, 0006)

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2404.3
I do hate it when I am right. I hate it when I am right about the actions of our blessed state. Tallik and I are again on the homeworld. We have been for sometime. I sit in my study, listening to the bustle of the street below, and I cannot imagine silence. The silence of Cephedri II must freeze one's ears. Greed is utter faithlessness. You see, all real depravity and waste finds its first fruits in faithlessness. Still the head's of state sit in the squares and temple yards, beating themselves, asking for forgiveness. Rightfully so. Millions are dead because of their greed. Greed even for a nation as a whole is evil; the difference being, a nation pays.

On my Last post, a fleet had been sent to Cephedri. One fleet to colonize and one fleet to enforce the colonization. The Zynarra Holding to whom Cephedri rightfully belongs had rejected all of our deals and proposals. Simply put, they wanted nothing to do with us. Perhaps some false reputation preceeded us? Perhaps another nation, wanting Cephedri all for itself placed lies in their heads? Or perhaps they hate the Almighty? In anycase, we asked again and again, to be allowed to colonize one of the Cephedri worlds.

After being refused, the elders and the ministers and the priests hardened their minds and their souls became like daggers in their own breasts. The Almighty had shown us this salvation from our trapped status. Surely the Texts must find their ways beyond the bounds of this small corner of the galaxy. Surely the Almighty would deliver a colony for us to use as a staging point. Not to the disobedient!

After reaching Cephedri, and being greeted by 4 Zynarran warships of the destroyer class, some began to wonder if we could pull this off. By this time several Utahs were on their way to reinforce the initial fleet. First the fleet of colony ships returned to Amon'krie space expecting war. After a month and the Zynarra backing down, the colony fleet returned and both made their way to Cephedri II. As our ships passed the largest planet in the system, our scanners noticed a Sallega outpost on the planet. I personally doubt that the Sallega have turned the Zynarra against us; however, many think just that. They aided us when our ship fell victim to the XiChung. And on that note, our repeated requests for fellow empires to assist against the Xi'Chung have for the most part, fell on deaf ears.

The fleet reached the planet and one of the colonizers set up a temporary colony on the surface of Cephedri II. 34 million terra-formers began the long chore of building the facilities to resupply our warships. The vice-roy of the colony began sending pictures and stories about the beauty of the flora and fauna on the planet. He called it "promised." I don't remember being promised anything. The greatest teachers, at best, have only been promised misery and death...never beauty and wild streams and tasty nature.

The story goes, that only a few days prior, the colonists were able to get the makeshift sensor array up and running. The guarding fleet was on the other side of the planet, when a Zynarra fleet of four destroyers were picked up flying toward the colony. Fleet Admiral Bullar was quick to act. The four Connecticuts accelerated and rounded the planet quickly. By that time the four Zynarra ships had closed half the distance to the planet. Bullar ordered all missles into open space; however, he made the bad move in not staying out of range of the Zynarras short ranged anti-proton beams. Several of their ships opened fire. Bullar couldn't keep track of the number of beams hitting his ships. The beams of the Zynarra weren't very powerful, but the sheer amount was enough to immediately convince that no one was getting out without a limp. Bullar ordered his fleet to move across, in front of Cephedri II and draw their fire. For several volleys this worked until one of Bullar's ships had to retreat having lost all capability to fight. This left a gap in the crossing fleet. Only two Zynarra ships remained in fighting condition. One was already space dust. But a third distracted the fleet while his sister ran Bullar's defenses and opened fire on Cephedri II. His proton beams struck the colony and triggered an atomic bLast. The 34 million colonists were instantly vaporized. Bullar's ship was limping from three proton bLasts to his engines. He ordered his ships to close the gap, and in doing so they trapped the ship right above the atmosphere. As the other Zynarra ship turned to help, Bullar crushed the trapped ship. Bullar was now down to two ships. His was nearly done for and the other had lost several cannons. Bullar decided to use his own ship as a decoy and lead the attack, hoping the final Zynarra ship would fire at him leaving the other ship free to strike unmolested. The plan worked perfectly...well, all but for Bullar himself. His ship took four direct hits sending it spiralling down on the z-axis (go figure). Bullar was killed when the deck of the bridge collapsed down into the body of the ship. The Last ship seeing the flag ship out of commission returned fire. The Zynarra trying to run was struck several times, but eventually out ran the Last armed Connecticut.

With Bullar dead and the colony destroyed the fleet, still comprised of four ships, had no way to make repairs. So the second colony ship was unwisely sent to recolonize the planet. All four ships had suffered more than 75% damage. Some were left without bridges, some without engines, some without weapons, and overall were left without an Admiral. The first Battle of Cephedri II cost the Norak 34 million colonists and 2139 crew, of which 274 were officers. May the Almightly not judge the puppets as harshly as the masters.

Three days later, the second Battle of Cephedri II took place. Apparently, Bullar had managed the destruction of most of the Zynarra fleet...the better part at least. Our frigates had defeated their destroyers 1 to 1. They returned with two frigates and another destroyer. From this, and Tallik agrees, there isn't much to tell. The colonists were again destroyed and the four strewn, defenseless Connecticuts were dispatched quite easily. We lost 68 million colonists! 68 Million! And four brave crews! Tallik says it was a failed mission from the beginning. Without a treaty from the Zynarra, they did not stand a chance.

With fire and brimstone and photon beams the Almighty will bring us again to the soft underbelly of the Zynarra. They must be judged! and they will. But the senseless deaths of so many, just to come to such a conclusion cannot be easily forgiven. Who do we help but ourselves when we iinfringe upon the Zynarra? The life of the Norak is the life a servant. Many have lost their jobs. Tallik has been asked to take part in the assessment of a return to Cephedri. The Templars, our defense fleet, has been moved up to a forward position. I've argued, that a better road to the rest of the galaxy might lie through Sallegaian space. However, Tallik is pressing for immediate response. Either way is war. Neither the Xi'Chung nor the Zynarra will let us pass through their territories freely. He doesn't suggest this out of foolish anger, but he estimates since our attack on the Zynarra weakened their fleet, a return now, would find them in no state to resist. But it is well known, and known to Tallik, that a return with warships must be accompanied or followed by terra-formers. The High Priest has called for a crusade. All who go have the blessing of She whose incense burns forever. A minimal consort of colonists will depart for Cephedri, if the Templars do indeed reign in the Zynarra.

As over some areas of government, the people lament signs of foolishness, others areas show wisdom and progress. In a joint project the Amon'krie and ourselves have instructed one another on the process of colonization. Now our exploration minister is in possession of ships which can terra-form ice planets. We've learned to melt the icelayers into seas and oceans. Already several planets have been so colonized.

Our brothers, the CueCappa, have joined with us in a military pact. We see no reason why we should not rely on one another for defense. Our worlds pass near each other. We have colonies in their homesystem, so an attack on one is an attack on two. This marriage will prove wise in the long run. For the Norak, it gives us a buffer zone and a pact of free movement within the CueCappa sectors. We've even instituted an agreement of mutual supply. Surely, this helps to extend the reach of the Almighty's servants. At the Last census, it has been estimated that a full 15% of the CueCappa population follow our religion. It is easily the largest religion they have...seeing that everyone else believes in nothing but the hard work of their own hands.

On one of the ice planets in Lundra, we've located and analysed what seems to be a civilization frozen in the lower layers of the surface. Quite a lot of information has been gained--we've learned how to further maximize the extraction of radioactive material from the planets we inhabit and we've found ways to strengthen our uranium cannons. What gifts!

Perhaps the foolishness is over. Perhaps, but I doubt it. I long to return to Arklite I. I personally established a small school there for all who wish to attend. I am quite fond of my pupils there, and wish to return. Perhaps, once the fleet is ready to move, Tallik and I will be transfered back to Arklite. Pellwain is eager to move on to new tasks. She is a traveller at heart, a sojourner, and she has been on Xiban IV for 3 years. Perhaps. I do so hope she refrains from signing up for the next one-way trip to Cephedri. "One-way trip." Is that negative talk? Faithless? We shall see. The great road to the galactic center runs right through Zynarra space. Unlucky them.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Links/Bump!
[EDIT: By SJ, not me, but Suicide]

[ 23 March 2002: Message edited by: Story Junkie ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2405.2

Are you a healthy man or woman between the ages of 17 and 24?
Are you looking for a career with excitment, adventure, and plenty of room for advancment?
Do you want to make a difference with your life?

Join the Space Marines and help take the fight to the Bugs!

Earn the respect and gratitude of your friends and family. And take home 495 a month after taxes doing it. No advanced education or experince required. Visit your local recuiting office today.

Your republic needs you!

----------------------

Grandow reviewed the invasion plans. He had already made the final decision to go with the plan, and construction had begun on the combat vehicles two months before. Recruiting was well underway on all of the colonies. There had been no shortage of volunteers to join the newly commisioned Space Marines.

Casualty estimates varied wildly. Most of his advisors believed that the invasion would be sucessful, but the cost to the first wave of troops was likely to be horendous. The first phase would come next month when the fleet moved through the warp point to Organtrix. Once there a beachhead of sorts would be set up. Information would be needed about bug fleet strength and defenses. To do that we would need eyes in the bug system.

The plan allowed for three months before phase two, to allow for repairs to the fleet before moving on to the ground assault. Time would also be neeeded to revise the plans if it turned out the Xi'Chung homeworld, the primary target, were too heavily defended. If it became neccesary, one of the smaller colonies would be invaded first. This would give the Sallegans a base of operations in bug space. This would also demonstrate to the bugs the predicament of their situation.

They were almost totally isolated now. Along with the Norak and the Amonkrie, the Sergetti had agreed to a non-aggression pact with the Republic now and had declared war on the Xi. The only race known to have peaceful relations with the bugs now was the Cue Cappa. But they didn't fight with anybody it appeared. Despite all this, the Xi had refused the latest ultimatum to cease attacks in the Narciston system.

It was clear that the Queen was not open to negotiation. For whatever reason, she was bent on the destruction of the Sallegan race. This could not be allowed to happen. If it took the complete subjugation of the Xi'Chung race, that is how it would have to be.

Time was of the essence. The war with the Xi must be resolved before the conflict between the Zynarra and the Norak got out of hand. Offers had been made to mediate that dispute, and so to keep the support of the Sallegans two closest allies.

Also there were concerns in the research and development front. The Sallegan researchers had discovered it was possible to build space mines which were difficult to detect and could do considerable damage. So far we had not developed the technolgoy to sweep these mines. It is not clear whether the Xi have developed these mines yet, but they cannot be allowed to do so before the invasion.

The achealogical discovery in Cephredi had yielded fuit. The remains were in fact of an ancient civilization. Furthermore the technology was discoverd to build massive planetary energy shields. Currently the Sallegans do not have the resources or space to build these, but it is a technology valued highly by our allies. Enough so that they were willing to trade ship construction technology. The Sallegans were now capable of building 400Kt space vessels. This put them on a par with every known race.

But the invasion could not wait for these ships to be constructed. Plans were designed, and keels laid. But the fleet would have to make do with what they had now. The timing was too critical to do otherwise.

[ 25 March 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2405.8

The fleet entered the Xi home sector in perfect spider formation, then all hell broke loose. The Xi had kept one Donetsk class destroyer in orbit, along with a dozen defense sattelites. Preliminary scans showed the bugs had 10 weapons platforms on the planet armed with standard CSM's. Those would be the priority. The ships and sats were an annoyance that had to be dealt with, but those platforms could stop the assault in it's tracks.

The Bareilly troop transport fell back well out of danger while the attack ships moved in to clear the way. The bug destroyer moved out to meet them, and suddenly broke right and attempted to move around the Sallega formation. Captain Davic recognized what they were doing in an instant.

"They are heading for the transport. All ships, break formation! Beta group, set an intercept course. Don't let that destroyer get in range of those marines. Ram him if you have too! Alpha group, form on me. Full speed ahead."

One destoryer was no match for the entire Sallegan fleet of 11 friagets and destoryers, but against the 3 ships of beta group, the odds weren't quite so bad. The bug ship was destoryed in a hail of missles and particle bLasts, but not before critcally damaging one ship and slightly damaging another. But the transport was safe, and that was the priority.

As Alpha group closed within range of the planet, the first Chang Rai destroyer let loose it's salvo of missles at the planet. They were follwed closly by the rest of Alpha group. The Sallegnas missles outranged the Xi's, but the ships closing in got in the Xi's range before their own missles impacted on the planet. Thirty blips appeared on the tactical display as the bug missles soared up from the planet below.

"All point defense, fire at will!" As the cannons opened up on the incomming wave of missles, the ships moved within range of their own particle cannons. The first round of Sallegan missles had found their marks, but there were still 6 weapon platforms operational, and the 12 sattelites to deal with. Suddenly the Dannak was rocked by twin explosions as the surviving Xi missles impacted on the lead ships in the fleet. The frigate to the left was struck 5 times and went up in a massive fireball. The Destroyer to the right of the Dannak also suffered multiple hits, but it's larger size allowed it to keep together. It wheeled away from the battle, to damaged to be of any use.

As the Aksu and Dannak turned and began firing on the Xi sattelites, the remainder of the fleet opened up with particle cannons and missles on the surface of the planet. The remaining weapons platforms were destroyed, but not before launching another wave of missles. Damaged by the first wave, and the particle cannon fire from the sattelites, the fleet did not have enough point defense to deal with the entire second wave of incoming missles. Two more frigates were destroyed, and third critically damaged. It was picked off by the Last remaining Xi sattelites, shortly before they were in turn destroyed.

The damage was extensive. Four frigates destroyed, five other ships heavily damaged, including the S.S.S Dannak. But the damaged ships could be reapaired in time, and the Aksu and three other ships were somehow not even hit in all the chaos. And most importantly, the Xi homeworld now lay before them undefended.

The marines came in to do their job. The transport moved into low orbit and launched the landing craft. They disperesed throughout the major population centers. Resistance was stiff, and causalties among the marines reached almost 40%, but in the end, they were victorious, and the planet was subdued.

The capitol had been lightly damaged in the attack. The worst news was that the space yard facility had been destroyed. It would be five months before it could be made operational and put to work repairing the fleet.

The Queen, seeing her empire coming to an end, commited ritual suicide as the marines attempted to take her into custody. The remaining Xi drones quickly submitted to marine authority at that point, and the battle for Organtrix IX had ended.

The only thing left was to deal with the other two Xi colonies. What ships could make way loaded the bulk of the marine force and made way for Organtrix IV, the smaller of the two remaining Xi worlds in the Organtrix system. But a few days before they arrived, the remainder of the Xi'Chung empire surrendered to the Norak.

The war was over.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

What's the score of everyone? Wanna see how ya'll doin.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Scores as of Turn 2406.0

1st place - Praetorian
2nd place - Norak
3rd place - Fazrah
4th place - Sergetti
5th place - Amonkrie

8th place - Sallega (Moving up. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif )

Geoschmo

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2405.8

The Xi'Chung are no more. They are a crushed, battered and defeated people. But let me begin severals months before. After our defeat at Cephedri II, the Elders shifted from the notion that movement through Zynarra space was the only way to move beyond this corner of the galaxy. We'd recent information from the CueCappa that the Xi'Chung weren't as strong as it first seemed. Seven of our newest Utah destroyers left Xiban for a system called Olontra. The CueCappa informed us that a large planet in this system was uninhabited, that the Amon'krie, for reasons unknown had refrained from terra-forming it.

The High Priest secured from the Amon'krie permission to use this planet as a base for deep space exploration. However, the citizens of Olontra began rioting when our seven Utah destroyers moved into the system. For several years now, we've been aware of a faction within the Amon'krie who are hostile toward our beliefs. The are ethno-centrists, prone to violence, and cannot stand the words of our beloved Text. The Amon'krie government had not expected such a backlash from our efforts to terra-form a planet in the Olontra system. They had no idea of the influence the anti-Norak movement had upon members of their government.

We feared war with the Amon'krie and we still do. Within several months of our entrance into the Olontra system, the mood between our two peoples was tense. The government was forced to break ties with us, fearing a coup. The Priests doubted an attack from the Amon'krie would come. They were too deeply locked in a stalemate with the Farzah. As long as we kept the Templar fleet in Olontra, the Amon'krie would complain but do little. However, before our two civilizations had this falling out, we'd promised the Sallega to assist with their attack upon the Xi'Chung. Not wanting to return to Cephedri, the Priests had come to the conclusion that the Xi'Chung needed to be tested. Perhaps with the support of the Sallega, we could render them unable to attack our passing ships.

Unable to delay the Templar fleet any longer, the new colony in Olontra was left amongst a sea of hostile faces. We informed the Sallega we would be within striking range in two months. Just as the fleet exited the warp point into Organtrix, the Sallegan Admiral sent word that our fleet should guard the warp point between the Sallega and the Xi, just in case their invading fleet was destroyed. They feared a backlash or reprisal if they failed. Our fleet never actually made it to the warp point. As we passed near the Xi homeworld, we heard the Sallega victory cry! They'd taken it. The Xi were thus reduced to two small domed colonies farther north within the Organtrix system, neither of which were capable of constructing warships. Our elders feared too much life had been lost in taking this homeworld. It was a noble victory, and one sent by She who judges the soul; however, our elders realized that the Xi were already destroyed, their queen was dead by her own hand, and because of this, we negotiated a surrender of the final two colonies.

Which brings me to our present journey. Tallik and I are on our way to Organtrix to help with the transition of the remaining Xi. I've been studying the Sallegan and CueCappan anthropological writings about the Xi'Chung. Our scholars know little about them. It seems they have a cult of personality burned within their social conscience. In destroying their government and space navy, we hope they will take to our leadership. Tallik will be rebuilding their defenses and construction yards. I will assist in the pacification and instruction of our newest citizens. We are aboard an older Maine class transport headed to Organtrix. The treaty of surrender they signed has several stipulations:

1) We, the Norak, protect the Xi'Chung from any further hostile actions from the Sallega.
2) The Xi'Chung who accept the rule of the Norak be given every right within the Continuum as that of a Norak citizen.
3) Those of the Xi'Chung who no longer wish to live in close proximity to the Sallega, be allowed to move en masse to a suitable world deep within Norakian territory. (Several methane planets have already been chosen)
4)The culture and language of the Xi'Chung be accepted as legitimate within the Continuum.
5) However, the Xi'Chung will no longer be allowed to worship the pagan gods of their ancestors. These they must forsake.
6) The Xi'Chung are no less children of the Almighty.
7) The Xi'Chung will be given immediate seats within the Hall of Elders based on their population.
8) We will petition the Sallegan to provide restriction free travel from the Xi'Chung homeworld to the colonies and vice versa, as many families and friends are as yet divided.

There are several other finer points of course. These are some of the more interesting ones. It seems that I will head the monks and priests whose task it is to instruct the Xi'Chung in our religion and ways. We will set up schools and monestaries for them to learn our language. Tallik is also involved in the removal of those who wish to leave from the Sallegan presence and those who refuse to cooperate with the treaty. We hope for a smooth transition, but I doubt these things are ever easy. The Sallegan have yet to inform us as to their intentions towards the defeated Xi. We hope they are kind and forgiving despite the mutual destruction they've inflicted over the years. We realize it is easier for us to wipe the slate clean; however, forgiveness is the true sign of an enlightened soul.

After ensuring the defeat of the Xi'Chung the Templars are returning to the Colony in Olontra. Our priests have recently hammered out a new treaty between the Norak and the Amon'krie. The distrust is evident. We are now reduced to a treaty of non-intercourse. However, I have always been taught, that where the Almighty closes one door, she opens another. And possibly it is so...the Sallega have recently offered their services as arbiter between us and the Zynarra. Perhaps this will lead somewhere other than death. To the readers of this, you must understand what came before you. We seek not to destory but to enlighten. Sometimes however, the Almighty uses her servants to crush the irredeemable. The Zynarra cannot hide forever form the face of She who thinks about thinking...one day we will again ask of them their testimony. The Almighty have sent the Sallega as a Last hope for the Zynarra. I pray they do not send them away unheeded.

There isn't much to do on an empty transport ship...except write.

I've studied the designs of the new light cruiser class Florida about 50 times since leaving Xiban I. Several have already left space dock. One is being sent to Organtix and will arrive ahead of us; however, I will not get to see it until we reach the Xi' Colonies, because while we are avoiding Amon'krie space, it will be taking the shorter route through it. Already, Tallik is talking of new designs and new plans. He's sent his latest ideas back to the elders and their engineers. The second Version of the Florida will come with panels which harness the energy of the stars. This will greatly increase the distance our Text can be taken. Perhaps to the other end of the galaxy.

.............

Tallik and I have just finished our mid-day meal--some kind of wheat for the 10th day in a row. I wish this had been deemed a pilgrammage, for then I would no longer be required to fast. In anycase, we began discussing the future of the continuum. Now that the Xi'Chung worlds will provide us with resupply and constuction yards at the edge of known space, I ask what is next. The answer I received was not the one I was expecting. Instead of thrusting outward as many think, the elders have deemed it necessary to use the two systems lying on the galactic edge first. How can we use them, I ask? They are rock and empty space! Will we mine them? No, Tallik answered. We are going to create planets.

I think I called him a heretic. Only the Almighty can create something from nothing! But he quickly showed me the error of my ways. We need not deal with nothing. The Almighty has already given us the clay with which to form worlds. He proceeded to explain to me that our scientists are on the brink of a technology which would pull asteroids together through a powerful superficial gravitational field. After the gravity of the new planet is stabilized, the planet is perfect for terra-forming. At first we would only be able to transform smaller asteroid fields, but even this would nearly double the number of planets we inhabit. In order to speed up the research, Tallik showed me a deed to an as yet unformed planet. I laughed, but it is true. The ministry for exploration and new world colonization is selling deeds. The prices are ridiculously cheap. I am a monk, so therefore, I cannot own anything. However, Tallik assured me that when the time comes for our mutual retirement from public life, he would build be a shanty on a lonesome hill where I could meditate away the end of my days. I am absolutely in love with the idea.

Our conversation then drifted to other more mundane aspects of the continuum--his fear that our weapons capabilities are falling behind. I constantly tell him that his worries are a lack of faith. But he is a practical Norak. And we need his kind too. I think too much, I suppose. He tells me this daily and that uranium cannons don't build themselves. He's right...

But neither does faith...

Once we initiate the creation of new worlds, the travel time from one side of the contiuum to the other will take upwards of a year and will span eight systems.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2406.1
News article:

AMON'KRIE--OLD FRIENDS OR NEW THREAT?
by Hyulil
I can remember several short years ago when the Amon'krie were very reluctant to enter into friendly terms with us, the Norak. Well, let the records show that these Last seven days have shown that wounds between civilizations can bury themselves under layers of skin and paper treaties, but never are they totally absorbed by the veins of history.

Seven days ago, a Bronnoysund light cruiser of the Amon'krie was picked up hovering mysteriously close to our legal colony on Olontra II. The Templar fleet was making its way back from Organtrix, where the Sallega are still putting out the construction yard fires on the former Xi'Chung homeworld. Our fleet was within two sectors of Olontra II, when without warning, the Bronnoysund moved in on the planet. After repeated hails and no response, the colonists assumed something was wrong.

"I was standing on the roof of the main hall, when suddenly a series of giant explosions grabbed my attention. They came from the new space port beyond the eastern hills. After that, I remember being thrown to the ground...yes, the literal ground. We're talking quite a distance. Everything was on fire. People, houses, shops, everything..."

This is just one of many eye witness accounts streaming in from Olontra II.

"I never heard any sirens or warnings. I was working on a new resupply depot. We'd been working on it for 2 months. It was for the returning fleet. As you can imagine, I am thanking the Almighty for my fortune. I went out to get a cup of CueCappa soup, when a burst of light incinerated the facility I worked in. Only two people alive from that job site are the soup guy and me." From a worker.

The list goes on. 34 million colonists orginally settled on Olontra II. The number at the time of the attack might have been nearer to 40.

No one really knows for certain, but either the Amon'krie didn't realize we had 8 defense satellites in orbit, or it ignored them. General Ichtys rushing into his office was heard to say simply, "Fire. Don't ask me one damned question. Just fire." Almost as soon as he muttered these words, the Bronnoysund opened fire on the planet. From the sensor data, we've determined the ship used low level proton beams and depleted uranium cannons. The uranium has radiated much of the original colonized area. Many may still die who were too close to the exploding shells.

It was then that the Amon'krie ship realized 8 missles were screaming toward it. The ship turned into the missles hoping that some would miss their mark; however, the advanced guidance system of the missles showed this to be a foolish move. Every missle hit. The ship fired one beam at the sattelites before attempting to run. The satellites auto programming kicked in. If a link to an attacked colony has been severed, the satellites will continue to fire at their Last known target without instruction from the planet. They did just that. The missles quickly closed in on the Bronnoysund and vaporized her.

Although numbers are sketchy, it is believed that 3 million colonists are still alive on Olontra II. With the immediate threat gone and the Templars now in orbit around the colony, hopefully the Amon'krie will not make another foolish attack on Olontra II. Several strategists believe that our forces far out number those of the Amon'krie in the Olontra system. The Templars are using their own medical facilities to treat wounded. Supplies have been held up due to diplomatic haggling between us and the Amon'krie. They claim it was a renegade captain, itching to start a war. However, several elders of the war counsel claim they have proof that the Amon'krie government had partial knowledge of the event.

The High Priest has yet to issue a declaration of war, hoping for some resolution; however, this has not stopped all construction yards from beginning to crank out new ships of war. The First Interplanetary Guards are being ordered to move into Amon'krie space as a show of force, and our intent upon protecting ourselves.

Do we stand on the brink of another war? The Amon'krie have never taken to our ways. They refuse at every turn the Almighty's Text. We can live with people who have not the faith, but we cannot tolerate those who wish to destroy it. Let the Almighty judge! Let the path be made straight, and if it is to be the rumble of war which makes use of it, this author can live happily with such an outcome.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2407.0

The war with the Xi'Chung had barely ended when the next crises flared up. The Sergetti, having just signed a non-aggression treaty the month before the invasion of Organtrix IX, abruptly cancelled it. Attempts had been made to renegotiate, but all had been refused. They had not made an official declararion of war, but it was clear that they were very hostile towards the Sallegan presence in the Organtrix system.

There were additional skirmishes. A single Sergetti ship had to be detroyed when it refused to withdraw from the Organtrix system, and two more were destroyed in what was apparently an attack on Organtrix IX itself. The space mines, which had just recently been deployed around the planet worked to perfection.

The fleet was dispatched to take control of the lone Sergetti colony in the system. But during the bombardment to neutralize the defensive weapon systems and make it safe for the marines to land, a fluke shot punctured the main habitation dome and set off a chain reaction within the colonies power plant. It was totatlly destroyed, along with the entire Sergetti population on the planet. A horrible waste thought Grandow. We must review our policies to make sure nothing like that happens in the future.

A fleet of six Sergetti light cruisers came through the eastern warp point on a direct course for the Xi homeworld. A final urgent plea to the Sergetti was made to end the hostilities before things got completely out of hand. Suprisingly they accepted and another non-aggresion pact was signed, but Grandow doubted that would be the end of the matter.

On the other side of Sallegan space, the Zynars were continuing their insistance that the Sallegans could not allies with them and the Norak at the same time. They were threatening to cancel the military alliance and expel the researchers on Cephredi VIII. Grandow decided that it was time to call their bluff. He did not believe they actually wanted to endanger their safety in such a haphazard way. It would be different, he thought, if the conflict between the two were still raging. Then they might have a legitimate claim on the Sallegans in the basis of their military alliance. But the Norak had appeared to lose interest in the Cephredi system, and had in fact sought the assistance of the Sallegans in resolving the conflict peacefully.

Grandow had been suprised that the occupation of the Xi homeworld had been as peaceful as it had. The Xi'Chung people themselves were plesantly tolerable once removed from the control of their despotic Queen. They had a great tolerance and acceptance of authority figures, and once it was clear to them the Sallegans had no intention of holding them responsible for the crimes of their former leaders, they proved to be quite good citizens and hard workers. Grandow almost felt ashamed of himself for his open hatred of the Xi race in the past.

Suited to methane aptmospheres as they were, several million volunteered to be relocated to the two methane colonies in the Narcisston system. The Sallegan population there was more than happy to dismantle the domes they had lived under all these years and move back to the homeworld. Something inherant in a person made them long to be able to walk outdoors in the sunshine. One could only live inside for so long.

The colonization of the remaining planets in the Organtrix system was proceeding rapidly. Priority would be given to defensive preparations, in case the Sergetti resumed hostilites in the near future. These additional planets, and the expanded use of the methane worlds in Narcisston, almost doubled the size of the Sallegan Republic. And none too soon, Grandow thought. The Republic was in danger of becoming swallowed up by one of the major races.

All of the known races, with the exception of the Sergetti, were still on good terms with the Sallegans. The Cue Cappa and Fazrah had even offered partnership agreements, which the Sallegans accepted. The information recieved from these agreements gave Grandow a picture of the galaxy that would have taken years to gather on their own. They now had star charts for systems strecthing from one galactic edge to the other, and almost to the galactic core. Nearly half the galaxy in all. They also had knowledge of several races they had not yet actually met. Grandow decided that they would have to send emmisaries to these system. He had long ago become a believer the ability of trade to support the growth of the Republic. And if relations were to sour with any of their current allies, new allies would be needed to replace them.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

What happened here?

The Galaxy dies of a big bang?

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Heh, no big bang. The PBW server problems and Mesch having real life issues taking up more of his time means we have not been able to play any more turns lately. No turns means nothing happens to write about. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Hope to get back to it in a few days.

Geoschmo

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

(Enjoy...sorry for the delay.)

2407.4
I can't imagine a more remote desolate-looking place than the colonies in Organtrix. As an amature student of history and culture, I was eager to see the Lasting remnants of the the Xi'Chung. However, I see now with my own eyes the reasons why so many Xi have chosen to leave this system. Many long to see the homeworld and many are so tired of war that they just want to take their families and move on. Of the nearly 200 million Xi on the two colonies some 180 million are leaving for other worlds. I've met many of these future colonists. Tallik and I spent a month on both colonies fixing up infrastructure and bringing news of the Almighty. Quite a few have taken emotionally to our faith. Their fervor is astounding! Since we are late arriving, and several military men, including military priets, have been handing out the Text for nearly a year. They take to our faith mixing it with their own culture, and the offspring produces a strange, but familiar child. I personally enjoy it. I cannot imagine the different views and philosophical directions we'll see in the near and distant future.

We are on our way back to regions more familiar with a hull full of hopeful Xi. Still we cannot take what might be the shorter route through Amon'krie territory. Tallik has spent the Last two weeks locked in his cabin, seeing only me, and that only when I bring him his food. He is sketching possible strategies of both defense and offense were the Amon'krie ever to attack. We still maintain a large military presence in the Olontra system.

On the scientific front, we've gotten word that the homeworld has begun contruction on a ship capable of converting asteroids to planets. It will still take a year and a half until this wonder is complete. A good deal of the empire's resources are going into this ship. Those who know of this project are extremely hopeful that it will again provide the Norak with room to expand.

Other than the long trip to Organtrix and now the trip back, not a great deal has transpired during the Last year. The Amon'krie have been sitting on a treaty of trade with us for several months. After cycling through every known treaty, our diplomats finally hit upon this one that the Amon'krie are willing to hold onto. Our growing corner of the galaxy is again quite.

Tallik and I discuss galactic strategy from time to time as I may have mentioned. He feels our next problem may be with the Sergetti. They've sent several warnings to the High Priest and even vice roys within the CueCappa system attempting to weaken our alliance with the CueCappa. Apparently the Sergetti are trouble makers. She who hung the stars can deal with them in her own time, either by our hand or the hand of another. No one prospers forever when they spread disease and discontent. The Elders are debating the release of part of the Templars from station in Olontra to dissuade the Sergetti from meddling in Organtrix. We know that the Sallega have a keen dislike for the Sergetti. Our scouts in Organtrix are not quite sure of the events but we think the Sallega and Sergetti have been through several skirmishes already. We do know that sometime between the exiting of the Templars from Organtrix and the surrender of the Xi, the Sergetti colony in Organtrix disappeared. I suppose it is possible they abandoned it thinking it unsafe; although, I doubt it. More likely the Sallega destroyed it...whether on purpose or not.

The colonies in Organtrix have sent a Florida to scout out several uncharted systems beyond Organtrix. A colony ship of Norak wait in Organtrix for a suitable world to present itself. I doubt the Elders will consent to sending a colony ship into Sergetti space. But perhaps somewhere beyond it lies an unclaimed world.

Let me now tell you of a small work I am attempting for the Priest of Multiculture. He is binding several volumes of Xi'Chung literature in translation for the greater good of integrating the enroute Xi into Norak culture. He figured that such a publication would give the Norak an appreciation of their new neighbors. The collection now in translation is small, but we are positive it will grow over time. I personally have picked up much of their language. It isn't that hard once one gets over the hurdle of a different script. I, on the other hand, have not been given the task of translation, but rather of collecting a few "survivor" stories or human interest stories for publication in our many newspapers and tabloids. The pieces I've gathered from those who remained in Organtrix and from those on the ship. The column is already in it's 3rd month, and just as an example, I'd like to include part of Last weeks here. It is an interview:

"An interview with Yuzzakri of the fourth pod of Xi'Gyunlhl, once a captain in the Xi'Chung Star Watch.

RAEGHAR: Why are you leaving your homesystem? Organtrix. Certainly, there may be chances for your return, but still, it must take something for a being leave his home for another settlement.

YUZZAKRI: I'm tired. Tired of what being a real Xi involves.

RAEGHAR: From the war?

YUZZAKRI: I can live with war...it's this facelessness of our people I can't stomach. Your, your...historians may ask, 'what does being a Xi mean?' I'll tell you. It means nothing! Once upon a time, before the Sallega stormed the Imperial Hive and dissected our ****ing beloved queen, the general most of us simply existed in a state where all action was collective. Individuality, I am now discovering, is based mostly on the choices, the decisions we make. We made the decisions which most benefitted the Hive. It was easy. It was the common good, as you would call it, but it wasn't living. I am tired of the common good. I am not a selfish person, Raeghar.

RAEGHAR: Then if before the death of the Xi Queen, being a Xi meant being part of a whole and not a whole itself, then what does being a Xi now mean?

YUZZAKRI: Now! Now we are nothing!

RAEGHAR: I thought you were nothing before?

YUZZAKRI: Before we were incomplete. Now we are nothing. I can be anything I chose to be under Norakian law, or something else outside of it. I can call myself a Norak if I want to, or a Sallega or a Zynarrian! Whatever. My point is, I am...we are a blank slate.

RAEGHAR: Then I don't quite follow how this now unlimited frontier of personality and choice can lead to you saying, "I am tired."

YUZZAKRI: How many people are on this ship, Raeghar?

RAEGHAR: Not sure....maybe 150 million or more.

YUZZAKRI: And that speaks to the sudden newness of epistomology we as Xi find ourselves in. Whether tragic or not, I do not know, but it is a situation I think which demands adaptation...am I correct?

RAEGHAR: I would say so.

YUZZAKRI: And therein lies the problem with me and the other 150 million Xi on this ship. The government on the two colonies you Norak now hold, which before were just governors and local officials, have indirectly become power hungry. In order to convince your Elders to allow them to retain power over the rest of us, using the excuse that only a Xi knows a Xi, and can govern his complex nature, they, the leaders had to create this myth of Xi'Chung culture. It is entirely imposed from above. You, yourself, saw the makeshift flaunting of our newly found freedom and culture! What rubbish.

RAEGHAR: Is this disagreement over culture the reason why you've left?

YUZZAKRI: It isn't the only reason.....I would call it more, the only choice left.

RAEGHAR: Meaning you imprisonment.

YUZZAKRI: Yes.

RAEGHAR: Why don't you talk about that. Begin with the organization of your political party.

YUZZAKRI: It was hardly mine. It functioned like a lot of things in Xi society, without a direct head. I really only became it's head once the fighting started. You see there aren't free elections in either of the colonies in Organtrix....not even now. It began long before the Sallega invasion. I began meeting with several officials and intellectuals about changing policy towards the Sallega...and others, but mainly towards our war with them. I am not here to debate the start of this war or right of existence. But the war was going no where, so I and others began a movement within the upper society to end the war and initiate a cooling off toward the Sallega....

RAEGHAR: Are you vindicated now that those who opposed you seemingly made the wrong choice?

YUZZAKRI: Wrong choice?! Whatever that is. I think even you preach that right choices are known only by your Almighty...not by mortals. In anycase, the invasion came before we really were given the chance to let our movement cement. The homeworld was quickly taken and then the rest surrendered to you...well, not you, but.... I fought against the invasion of course. But after our fleet and space defenses were gone, we didn't have the ground capabilities to deal with the Sallega troops. They over ran the cities with ease. After the capital and five other major cities fell, my division surrendered. Normally, I would have been captaining a ship and most likely would have met my maker in the upper atmosphere of the homeworld, but recent Sallega adventures into our space had left me without a ship and decent crew. So when the invasion came I was assigned as an officer to the army. Afterwards the army was disbanded and I was left to myself....not a good thing for a thinking Xi'Chung. Once the new government on the homeworld had been set up, they began this push for a representation of the Xi in the Sallega government. Claiming reasons of culture and minority status and blah blah blah. With several of the same friends as before, I formed an alternative to becoming a Sallegian citizen or a minority. It was a fine line to walk, granted. But it stressed individuality and self-determination. Free thought and a reexamining of every alternative out there. Not some bogus cheap fantasy Xi culture, that never existed. But neither the establishment nor the Sallega wanted to hear it. We were first forced under ground. I personally lived in a hut in the woods for a month. Attempts on the lives of my collegues were made. When the call came form the Norak that they and the Sallega were attempting a reunification of relatives and such, I applied and was accepted for transfer to one of the colonies. Honestly, I think the Sallega still think I am hiding somewhere in their forests.

RAEGHAR: What was your excuse for transfer?

YUZZAKRI: Actually, none. The Norak nor the Sallega knew anything about birth records and mundane stuff like that of the Xi. I picked a generic Xi name and ran with it, calling him my brother. The transfers went so quickly I doubt they checked any of the applicants.

RAEGHAR: So you didn't get that wound on the homeworld?

YUZZAKRI: No. After getting to the colonies, I thought that the movement might work better here. After all, the colonies had always been known to house underground movements and extremists. I met with several Groups. None of which were interested in what I had to say. But at Last I men a Xi named, Khazzari. He introduced me to some of his acquaintances....and on the chain went. Really an overnight hook up. Khazzari worked in the library on Organtrix I. He had a personal stock of foreign literature and philosophy. I would say it had the one of the best collections of political writings in the galaxy. I read books from races I doubt you have ever heard of. Well, to make a long story short, we refashioned what used to be on the homeworld. I felt good about this new group. The people were smart and fierce but compassionate for the average Xi. We began asking questions and attending lectures. We used your own religious schools as places for instruction and recruitment. Within a month we had a thousand members. The local governments became aware of us at about this time. Since the Templar fleet of the Norak had to be recalled to the Olontra system, the colonies in Organtrix were left without much Norakian supervision. The new Xi leaders began to take a strong line against those who disagreed with their interim rule.

RAEGHAR: Death squads?

YUZZAKRI: More or less. Somewhere around this time people began disappearing. We halted most of our open activities, but by that time too many people knew too many names. I started to see shadows following me home.

RAEGHAR: What turned you into militants? I mean, what forced you to fight back.

YUZZAKRI: The death of Khazzari, of course. They even took his books. Watch...once the atmosphere in Organtrix smoothes over, these books will surface...either in another collection or on an auction block. [I have yet to tell Yuzzakri but Khazzari's collection is on this ship. I have been given orders to deliver it to the national archives of enlightened studies. I have put in a request that the books belong to Yuzzakri and should be copied and then returned to him. Hopefully someone listens.] After his death, we armed ourselves. I didn't have anywhere else to run to...not until your ship arrived. But I didn't know that at the time. The skirmishes weren't grand or anything really to speak of. We killed several Guards, including two Norak, hence my sentence, and they killed most of us. I was wounded and taken prisoner. I am sure you are aware of what happened after you arrived. I was in a cell awaiting death. One of my former collegues posing as an independent investigator exposed the interim government abuses, and because of that I was freed.

RAEGHAR: But you still feared for your life?

YUZZAKRI: Yes. It is true that the Norak dismissed several officials after the short hearing on abuses, but most stayed where they were. I had no choice but to leave.

[Since this interview, Yuzzakri has taken up the call to follow the Text of the Almighty. However, he still teaches individuality as the true path to an enlightened knowledge of She who exposes the infinite to the finite.]

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

What's the latest with the story? Or is anyone playing it? Or are you in the process of writing the next sections? Just thought I'd ask...

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Yes, sorry for the delay, and thanks for the concern and interest. I've had guests for the Last 10 days. They just left, and after spending Sunday relaxing, I am ready to get back into it.

Might see a new post today or tomorrow. We're about 10 turns from Last week's post, which is right on target.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Temporal World - "Happiness through history" is proud to present

JOURNEY TO YESTERDAY Episode 4: Seeds of Empire

Year 2408.3

...

Historians have argued for centuries at which point the Sallegan Republic became the Sallegan Empire. The easy answer is with the coronation of Emperor Philosus. However, many feel the seeds of that empire were planted years before.

Here we are late in the first decade of the 25 century. The Sallegans are still ruled by a republic, however the Senates power and influence has steadily declined since the Hive war. The admiralty still professes to show allegiance to the elected representatives, but that allegiance is often a rubber stamp by the Senators on whatever Admiral Grandow feels is in the "best interests" of the republic.

The economy was showing signs of strain. The years of military buildup as a result of the Xi'Chung war and the current cold war with the Sergetti were starting to eat into the mineral reserves. Already close to half of the construction facilities in the Republic were idle. No new ship orders were being placed, and many current orders had been put on hold, or canceled altogether. The massive research network was consistently putting out new discoveries, and improving old technologies, but the money simply wasn't available to put these technologies to use. One at a time, these indicators were not that troubling, but altogether they showed a downward trend that could quickly become a very bad situation for the republic.

The population was generally happy, but so far the majority of them were still getting a paycheck. However if unemployment continued to rise, morale would plummet. That could be disastrous as long as the political situation with the Sergetti remained tenuous. At his critical juncture in Sallegan history several decisions were made that would have far reaching implications in this section of the quadrant for generations to come.

The economic recession could not be ignored. However, the presence of the Sergetti and the other major powers so close by would not allow ships to be scrapped or mothballed. The memories of the Hive war were too painful, and too recent to allow that. The strength of the navy had to be maintained.

A three phase plan was decided upon. The first phase was a simple one. The Ashadra system to the south of Narcisston was young system of planetary debris orbiting a newly formed star. The system was so early in it's life span that the dust and asteroids had not yet joined to form planets suitable for colonization. However, these asteroids were ideal for remote mining operations. Ships were to be designed and built to get at these precious raw materials.

Secondly, information was received from our allies the Fazrah of a race that evolved on Gas Giant worlds. This race apparently lived on the far side of Sergetti space. It was believed they may hold the key to the great mystery of the ancient cities deep in the Narciston Gas Giants. The Sallegans did not want to only have contact with this race through the Fazrah, and thus have to share the existence of these cites with their allies. A decision was made to build a fleet of long range vessels capable of surviving the trip across hostile Sergetti space to make contact with this race. If we could develop the technology to colonize these worlds, it would allow for a wave of internal expansion that would take much of the pressure off the economy.

The Last, and most dangerous phase of the plan had to do with the Zynars. There existed a single uncolonized oxygen world in the Cephredi system. When the original treaty had been signed with the Zynars, it had been the request of the Sallegans to have rights to colonizing that planet. So far the Zynars had not agreed. The treaty had been signed, but it had been mutually agreed to leave the issue of Cephredi VII open. So far neither race had colonized it.

The Zynars were now insisting as a pre-condition for colonization that the Sallegnas submit to their long standing demand that they break their treaty with the Norak. This was a considered a bad idea under normal circumstances, but with the current economic situation it was unthinkable. The lost income alone would throw the fragile Sallegan economy into a full blown depression.

War was not desired by any measure, but it was decided that a new policy of "carrot and stick" diplomacy would be implemented with the Zynars. The Admiralty reasoned that the Zynars needed the Sallegans more than the Sallegans needed them, and thus justified for themselves the aggressive actions to come. The fear of the Sallegan navy was one of the main reasons the Zynars had not been overrun as of yet by one of the other major races. A colony ship was dispatched to Cephredi VII, and a sizeable escort fleet was sent along with it, just to make sure the Zynars didn't get any ideas. In return the Sallegnas would offer a stronger "defense" presence in Cephredi to "protect against outside aggression."

It wasn't quite annexation of Zynar space, but it was pretty close. It was unclear at the time how the Zynars would react to the larger Sallegan military garrison. It was not realized at the time, but historians have considered it the first overtly offensive move the Sallegan government had made since encountering the other races.

...

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

From a technical historic standard:

That's invasion and annexation. Rightfully the Sallegans should be repulsed from Zynar space and maybe lose a few worlds by it...

But this is a story so keep them Invasions coming http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Citizen TerranC,

We appreciate the interest you have taken in the current state of Sallegan-Zyanrian relations. We can understand your concerns, and those of the Zynarian government. However we feel a subjective view of the situation will result in an acceptance of our position.

A valid argument could be made that the safety and security of the Zynarian people themselves would demand an increased military presence in this sector. The Zynars have been thus far relativly unable to secure their own space to outside incursions. Even the Norak weren't actually repulsed as much as they lost interest in the sector.

Despite our inability thus far to cement a peace treaty between the Zynars and Norak, we do take some measure of credit for bringing the hostilities between them to an end.

Also it is the official position of the Sallegan republic at this time that the Zynars are in breach of their treaty by not inviting the Sallegnas to colonize this world. They have benefitted greatly from our friendship over the years. We are merely asking for fair value in return. We will not interfere in the internal affairs of any sovereign government.

Finally the planet is not suitable for Zynarian psyiology. At the current level of trade the Zynars would actually receive more benefit from the planet by allowing us to colonize it.

It is a win-win for both our peoples. No doubt they will come to this realization soon as well.

If you still have reservations, we invite you to take a visit to the republic and see the wonderful conditions and freedoms that all citizens enjoy. You may make an application for a visa at your local Sallegan consular office in the capital city of your homeworld.

Sincerely,

Vice-Admiral Barnwell
Chief Secretary
Office of Public Affairs
Sallegan Republic

[ 09 April 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2408.2
After having spent nearly two years living among the Xi'Chung, it is nice to again be aboard a ship filled to the plating with Norak. After a short stop over in Arklite, on the first planet that is now home to some 25 million Xi, Tallik and I hooked up with a larger population transport ship on it's way to Olontra. The Amon'krie, after much pressure and convincing, are again allied with us in a Trade and Research Treaty. The government feels it is once again safe to send population and civilians to the system. Tallik and I now find ourselves living with the former citizens of Arklite I. The only organized transportation of civilians from Arklite, in order to make room for the Xi, was decided to have as its final destination, Olontra. The transportation to Olontra would be cost free for all who opted to take the chance. Free land and developments have also been promised in Olontra; however, those who wish to take the second route can sell their land to government for a reduced price and then make their own way else where. Richer families have generally decided upon this option as most of them have homes on several worlds. The planet in Olontra is large and has a small population. The 300 or so million coming from Arklite will hardly dent the free land to be had there.

Tallik and I had two weeks leave on Arklite before the ship to Olontra left. After nearly two years on constant space travel, I was grateful for the chance to see sky...even if it was the strange magenta glow of the methane in the air. The small domed facilites I assume will be kept for the accomedation of Norak who visit for whatever purpose, but the Xi have already moved out into the wildernesses of Arklite. I've talked to several who've chosen this planet, and they say, that although it is hotter than their homeworld, it is quite pleasant. Many of those who disliked the chill of the homeworld enjoy this warm paradise. The rest of the Xi are headed for two planets deep in the inner systems of Norak space. May they find rest and a home proper. She who knows the state of all creatures finds the worms of Xiban I leaves in which to sleep...and so shall the Xi find a place of comfort.

A colony ship we passed back in Organtrix is being refitted for rock colonization. The aim is to send it deep within Sergetti territory to establish deep space contacts with other races. The Florida sent out a year ago recently returned to Organtrix with depressing news. The systems it explored were filled with nothing but nebula. This same Florida is being refitted with the latest stellar harnessing technology, which essentially will allow it to travel forever without having to resupply.

2408.4
The deep space fleet has left dock and is approaching the edges of the Organtrix system. The refitted colony ship is headed for a large rock planet several systems away...in the heart of the Sergetti system. Meanwhile, the Florida explorer has left Organtrix on an exploration mission to the southern part of the galaxy.

I am now sitting under a strange looking tree on Olontra II. I've visited the solemn memorials to the millions lost in the Amon'krie attack. The citizens of Olontra II have little use for their neighbors. The Amon'krie come here to trade, but all transactions take place in remote hangers and cargo storage facilities. However, the new population having arrived with Tallik and I are less likely to have hostile dispositions, and perhaps the new faces will dilute the old boiling blood...this is not to say, their anger is misled. Perhaps through Olontra II new ties can be formed. The Amon'krie have still outlawed all teachings of the Norakian faith on their worlds. The Almighty never said that all would be won with ease, and a large portion of the counsel thinks both the Amon'krie and the Zynarra should face the wrath of the Almighty's chosen people. They have classified them as irredeemable. She who separates the earth from the sky holds them in balance against those who seek peace. If She so chooses to erradicate the Amon'krie, they will have their day. Our initial mistakes with the Zynarra are another matter. To put it another way, if I were to come to the hut of any agnostic Norak, and kick his door in, knock out the foundations, and thus bring his structure to the dirt, simply to bring his word of the Text and Her existence, would he then be dispositioned to listen? I doubt it. So it was with the Zynarra. Although certain institutions refuse to acknowledge wrong-doing, the same unfortunate conclusions should not be sought.

I hear the Templar fleet above Olontra II is due for an overhaul. Tallik says there must be some reason why we were sent here. Along with us, we've brought two of the Continuum's brightest engineers to oversee the retrofit. Our stock piles are heavy with resources. However, the Elders worry that a retrofit is exactly what the Amon'krie wait for. The destroyers over Olontra II lack defensive and offensive sensors and the latest weapons. Three new Washington Cruiser class ships have come Online, but with recent advances already the model is going into its second Version. Perhaps one or more will be sent to Olontra.

The main battle fleet stationed between Amon'krie space and CueCappan space is on the move. They are heading to reopen relations with the Zynarra. The Zynarra will no doubt initially think we mean to reopen old wounds. Perhaps we never had any relations in the first place. Whatever the case, we hope our main fleet will convince them that war is futile and can only cost the lives of millions. Tallik says the Continuum no longer seeks colonization in their space, we only seek normalized relations and the guarantee that our ships can explore without fear of attack. Some think this is provocation or subjugation...a forced hand if you will. I personally think this is closure. Tallik says our fleet means no harm. We merely seek to prove that they have nothing to gain by further hostilites. But...if they seek war, they shall get it.

Back on the homeworld, the ship which will make use of the two outer lying systems filled with asteroids is nearly ready. Tallik says three more months and it will roll out of space dock. Four years ago, when this plan was first concoted by the Elders, six colonizers were commissioned and built, three for rock planets and three for ice planets. Since it won't be able to tackle the larger asteroid fields our scientists have stated that few if any gas planets will come into being. The majority will be either rock or ice. These ships have been waiting mothballed for the Last four years.

All things in their own time.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Hmm...

*Dusts off Temporal Incursion Beam*
*cough* *cough*
*polishs the TCARS*

*Kicks the darn contraption*

Work damn you!

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2409.1 (This post was a combined effort detailing the dialogue between the Norak and Sallgan representatives.)

Cecil Calvert walked down the shuttle ramp and handed his papers to the Norak in charge. This was his first visit to Olontra II, but not his first trip offworld by any means. His duties as deputy cultural attache had taken him to nearly a dozen worlds belonging to 5 different races over the years. He had never been given one of the choice ambasadorial positions that required so many political connections, but his knack for getting things had meant that he stayed busy none the less. He also was not well known outside of the diplomatic core of the various races. This combination of anonimity and ability was very important in critical "unofficial" missions such as this one.

This planet was very pleasant by Sallegan standards. The Norak colony appeared to be thriving and growing. From his vantage point on the platform he could see the remains of the old city destroyed by the Amonkrie in the war years before. Avoiding such destruction in the future is precisly why Calvert was here.

Having been notified of his imminent arrival, the Norak Consular office had sent a ground car to pick him and his aide up. As they rode in silence, he reviewed the latest intelligence reports from the Cephredi system. Things there were quickly comping to a head. He feared there would be much bloodshed, but he hoped he was wrong. The path his own government had started down was a dangerous one, thought Calvert. It would not end well if there were any misunderstandings among their allies.

He hoped also that his imformation about Deacon Tallik was correct, that this was a man who had the ear of the Norak Council of Elders. He had met Tallik before at a treaty function in the early days of Republic-Continuum relations. But they had done little more than exchange plesantries, and Calvert had been a minor official at the time. He doubted the Norak would even remember him.

As he arrived he was usshered into the office of Deacon Tallik who was seated and speaking to several others Calvert didn't recognize.

"Decon Tallik, thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Calvert bgean.

Deacon Tallik rose at the sudden entrance of the Sallega representative. "Ambassador Calvert, we welcome you to Olontra II. It seems we have met before, since you directly put the name to the face. This is my trusted assistant Monk Raeghar. Please have a seat. We also return the thanks to your government in allowing us input into this grave situation. Please, please...proceed."

"The Sallgan Republic has grave concerns over the recent events in the Cephredi system. As allies to the Norak, the Amonkrie, and the Zynarians, it pains us to see the constant fighting between your races and loss of life. We have attempted for years to work out a peaceful settlement between the warring parties to no avail."

"Recently our own relations with the Zynarians have become strained over their incresingly irrational demands that we break our treaties with the Norak and Amonkrie and take direct military action against both of you. Let me reassure you Deacon that the Republic has no intention of cedeing to any such demand. They have also recently violated an agreement between our peoples over colonization rights to Cephredi VII."

"This has placed my government in an extermely uncomfortable position. We cannot take up arms against another of our allies in defense of a corrupt government. Perhaps the most politically viable position for the Republic would be to withdraw and let the Zynars and Amonkrie resolve their own issues. But as a people who value life in all it's forms, we cannot sit back and allow the Zynarian people to be exterminated. We know from the experience of others that the Amonkrie are not enemies to be triffled with. One need only look out your own window at the remains of the old city to see how the Amonkrie comport themselves in battle. The Sallegans may have to take control of the Zynars to save the people from their own leaders. Their irrational behavior has angered the Amonkrie and is risking an all out attack which could result in an end to the Zynar race." Calvert paused to allow Tallik a response.

Deacon Tallik began, "We understand your concern and are more than willing to help. The Norak have come to Cephedri one Last time in hopes of peace. Ever since the Norak Continuum lost millions of lives in a foolish attempt to colonize parts of Cephedri, we've sought only peace and reconciliation. I will not decieve you Ambassador, our fleet is a show of force. Many in the Counsel are tired of extending hand after hand to the Zynarra.

"On the other hand, we have had a rocky past with the Amon'krie and we fear if the Sallega attempt to subjugate or install a puppet government in the house of Zynarra, relations between the Amon'krie and the Sallega could deteriorate. The Sallega and the Amon'krie are both vital to the peace of this entire quadrant of the galaxy, and were relations between your people and the Amon'krie to falter, we would have no choice but to involve ourselves.

"Practically though, if the Zynarra choose to make their peace with us, we will petition the Amon'krie to halt the hostilities; otherwise I fear our government may think the extinction of the Zynarr, as an independent people, a good thing. If the Sallega proceed, we ask in the name of the Almighty, that no manner of genocide take place...neither that, nor the wholesale killing of citizens. Planets are not to be bombarded by any means! You must understand. If you sit here and tell us your actions are for the safety and protection of the Zynarra, to save their civilization from death, then we, the Norak, will hold you to your intentions. We've given the Zynarra one Last chance at peace, and expect their answer at any time. We would ask that your government do the same. I have been briefed on the colonization treaty you claim the Zynarra have violated. Bluntly, and take this as the mind of my superiors, the claim is rather weak. If this point of matter is indeed the Last inch which drove the Sallega to action, then may we suggest you offer the Zynarra some payment for the planet."

Calvert considered his response carefully. He sincerely believed every word he was saying about the republics intentions. However he also had no illusions about the possibility that he was being left out of the loop on some things. He hoped that it did not turn out just to be that his government was taking advantage of the situation for a "land grab".

He spoke, "Deacon, your words as always are wise. However, the Sallegan republic does not consider this action rashly. We only bring up the issue of the colony rights as an example of the irrationality of the Zynarian leaders of late. We would never take such serious actions over such a minor issue. Subjugation of other races is not something we seek. We believe that every race has the right to self governance, as long as they show they can do so peacfully with other races. But that right is out-weighed by the individual memebers of that races personal right to exsist. We shall give your negotiations every chance for success. We have as well been expending great efforts to get the Zynar and Amonkrie talking to each other. But if it becomes clear the Amonkrie and Zynar cannot be convinded to make peace, we will be forced to take action to to ensure the survival of the Zynar race."

Tallik leaned slowly back in his high-backed chair. He knew full well what Calvert was saying could not be refuted. Recent reports from Cephedri revealed the real destruction inherent in this conflict. Recent ship movements and our technology intelligence of the Amon'krie showed no intent on their part to take Zynarra worlds intact. "The Norak know little of this conflict, and have to wonder at it's beginnings and underlying dispute. We realize full well that the Amon'krie are slightly expansionistic and have the tendency to expect more than their share...if such a thing exists. But the Zynarra are unreasonable and prone to violence. If negotiations fail, our fleet will remain in Zynarra space to ensure that all parties act sensibly. Although both the Sallega and the Amon'krie are our allies, we will not take immediate sides in this matter. However, we warn you, that the Amon'krie will no doubt lay claim to much of Zynarr space, if you proceed to overthrow their corrupt..."

As Deacon Tallik spoke, Raeghar, his trusted assistant was called from the conference room, only to immediately return. Raeghar handed Tallik a small note. The note contained two short sentences. Tallik forced himself not to sigh or show any sign of surprise. Tallik continued, "It seems, Ambassador, that the Zynarra have refused our Last call for peace, and the Counsel has sent our fleet previously stationed over the warp point leading to Amon'krie space to the Zynarra homeworld. The intent here is to blockade the planet not to destroy it. Finally, the Amon'krie have attacked two planets in Cephedri...I'm not sure which ones. It seems both our questions have been answered, and I am sure you'll wish to straight-way depart, but let me say just two things. Now is the time for you to protect your friends, Ambassador. As we have no intention on their destruction, we also have no desire to lose ships and relations with the Amon'krie and the Sallega in protecting them. May the Almighty grant you wisdom and insight into this matter.

"Thank you for your time Deacon." Calvert said as he prepared to leave, "I must of course return immediately to the Republic and see what the situation is. I am glad to see we are in agreement. I hope we are not too late to avert a disaster."

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

A Favor; How about releasing a gam. file for those of us very interested in this story?

Pretty Please? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by TerranC:
A Favor; How about releasing a gam. file for those of us very interested in this story?

Pretty Please? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <hr></blockquote>
Turn 2401.4

Standings:
1st place - Norak
2nd place - Sallega
3rd place - Fazrah
4th place - Praetorian
5th place - Jraenar (Somewhere. I don't think they have been encountered by either of us yet.)

LATEST TURN FILE
All the empires in the game should have password of 'History1', even Mench and I. I know mine is. Not sure about mensch. We have refrained from checking out the AI though, playing this one straight.

Geoschmo

[ 14 April 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2410.8
...from the transcript of the Zynarra surrender...

Zynarran Fleet Admiral, 5th Commission:
*loud disgusted snort* "Damn your God and your ways! I am signing away the freedom of my people and you say you haven't a drop of booze on this ship so I may at least do it inebriated. May you rot in your own religion if you attempt to do the same for Cephedri I. The people will take to distilling the blood of the Norak. [someone muttering in the background] Yes, yes. I'm signing! I'm signing. [pause] There! Happy? The Zynarra are no more. Yes, a union of unhappiness and those land grabbing Sallega are all to blame. Had they actually helped their allies rather than undermined them we'd have ripped the Amon'krie new ones! [words from the Norak Counsel] Ah, don't patronize me. We kicked your asses years ago, and you never returned to Cephedri...except to clean up the garbage...just like you moochers did with the Xi'Chung. Were it not for the underhanded activities of the Sallega, we'd have done the same to the Amon'krie. Now I get word that the Amon'krie has broken off relations with the both of you. Good! If you want to put one more article in that worthless treaty of yours just to satisfy an old Zynarra, promise you'll cut the throat of every Last Amon'krie. [more words from the Norak] Take it from someone who knows...you'll never have peace with them until they are all buried."

Talk enough and statistically you're a prophet...or so said my mentor. The Admiral could be right about the Amon'krie. Going on five years, our peace with the Amon'krie balanced on a knife's edge. Will war come? No doubt the Amon'krie are tense...our colonies, and those of the Sallega, hem them in on all sides now. But they have nothing to blame but their violent actions. It's been almost a year since the Zynarra surrendered to us. The Sallega approached our diplomats and insiders a few short months before the Zynarra fell with the concern of recent Amon'krie incursions into Cephedri. The Zynarra and the Sallega had long been allies and the Sallega did not wish to see millions die in a war of greed. The Zynarra government certainly was not innocent in the matter. They'd attacked Amon'krie freighters passing through their space and Amon'krie fleets on their way to raid the Farzah riches. Many Norak revisionists feel the Sallega became involved more for the land to gain, than the lives to save, and in this say their guilt is the same as that of the Amon'krie. Whatever the case may be, the Almighty is the only one fit to judge the darkness of empires.

Our fleet of aging destroyers and light cruisers moved into Zynarra space at about the same time Tallik and I met an Ambassador Calvert from the Sallega. We'd given the Zynarra one Last chance at peace and during the course of the meeting, we got word that they had refused. The Elders quickly sent the fleet to blockade Cephedri I, the Zynarra homeworld. Our reason was both to show all parties that we were not going to allow this madness to continue. The Amon'krie, however, took the initiative upon seeing how many Zynarra vessels were more concerned with our fleet than the protection of their borders. The Amon'krie destroyed three Zynarra colonies within 2 months. Like dominos the causes and effects were evident. No sooner had these fires died out than the Sallega began colonizing and storming the worlds of their once allies in the name of protection. I have no doubt many Zynarra grandmothers thanked them. Three Amon'krie ships took orbit outside of our blockade. Over the 3 month blockade, two Zynarra ships attempted to run it...both were destroyed without a scratch upon our vessels.

As far as I know, the Sallega asked for the Zynarra's surrender. Two days later a diplomatic escort of the Zynarra docked with our flag ship stating that they wished to surrender to us. Several Deacons secretly stationed on Cephedri I had previously been in contact with the Zynarran government, outlining the Norak terms of surrender were they to choose to so proceed; however, it was made abundantly clear that they would need to make the first open move in appealing to our representatives. The Counsel did not wish to appear to swipe the Zynarra homeworld out from under the Sallega or the Amon'krie. Of course, secrets aren't really secret, but the official Version is mostly what matters, because no one wants to start calling the other a liar.

Soon after Tallik's predictions of difficulties with the Amon'krie came true. The Amon'krie broke ties with both us and the Sallega. The Norak are used to rough ties with the Amon'krie, and as the She who washes soil from the feet of sinners has commanded, forgive your enemies once for each grain of sand. The Sallega are not used to dealing with them we fear. I am not certain of the events between the Amon'krie and the Sallega since the fall of the Zynarra, but I have heard they are not happy bedfellows.

Turning asteroids into planets is turning out to be a rather painless experience for the Norak, if you can lay aside the figures which estimate that the Nevada Xa sucks up a tenth of the empires resources in maintanence alone. The job of making the two outerlying systems habitable is more than half done. Many of the worlds are already populated.

...

I am just back from my evening discussions with Tallik. We are presently stationed on Cephedri I. I have been given the task of creating a suitable Norak influence in the old Zynarra Universities and Academies. The Zynarra, like the Amon'krie, have an innate dislike for our religion. The Amon'krie's reason is different; they do not quite take to a melting pot idea of the galaxy. I don't really see how this is a livable alternative being that we have so much to benefit from one another. Why cordon yourself off? The Zynarra on the otherhand are rugged individualists. Their hostility is probably just pride. I suppose some pride need be allotted to a beaten race so that it may retain some of its former glory and culture. The Zynarra love to discuss things at lenght, and as I am of the same mind, and although they may at time wish coals upon my head, the discussions I've had with their students and professors is grand and sweeping. Most still do not respect my ideas, the ideas and concepts laid out in the Text, but most respect me for my arguements. Perhaps if I can maintain a defense against my own pride, I can one day convince them to argue from my point of view, and that is really all that matters to the Zynarra....point of view.

Deep space exploration of the eastern parts of the galaxy have revealed to us two new races: the Eee and one we have just met and the name of which I have not heard (a neutral race). The Eee, in exchange for Ice colonization technology, have shown us their own method of colonizing gas planets. We've put this knowledge to use in several cases and other than one mishap which involved the accidental igniting of a pocket of helium on one world, this move forward has gone as planned and promised.

Several months ago the Sergetti, with whom we now have no relations, sent three warships to what the Counsel assumed to be an attack on one of our colonies in their space. Actually we now only have one colony in their space, since the Sallega have driven them out of the system neighboring Organtrix. This planet of which I write lies in the system one over...I am not sure of the name. Our primitive sensor array on this planet prevented us from seeing their fleet as it hid behind the planet which lies in the next sector west of our colony. Once the colony did see it, our secret was laid open. All three ships smashed into our mine field. Tallik showed me the visual from the attempted attack. The ships approached in attack formation, moving silently through space, when suddenly, one of them rocked heavily as its belly was torn open in a blueish-orangish bLast. As the ship spun out of control, several more explosions caved in its frontal section and sheered off its engines. The two other ships did what any captain would have done...come to a full stop and attempt to turn. However, that is what these mines are precisely designed to counter. They have on them certain homing devices which when given the chance to persue can out run slower ships. The other two ships disappeared in two collections of bright lights.

The Norak Counsel has kept the mines a secret for quite some time from its own public, fearing a backlash of disapproval. Readers may ask themselves why would they fear disapproval, well, like all things, the Counsel was hoping for an occurance just like the one the Sergetti instigated. Without proof that the mines could cheaply protect Norak citizens, their worth would be judged on the military's ability to control accidents concerning these mines. I mean, it would soon be known that these mines track certain signitures of ships, but only with the help of landbased relays. Were these landbased stations ever to malfunction, it is quite conceiveable these mines would swoop down upon the nearest object--be it ship or planet. The Norak have since revealed to the public that other planets have mines around them, but they have not and refuse to reveal which ones. The biggest opponents todate are space trucker unions and the like. They are certainly the ones most vunerable. While the Counsel argues over the future of static defenses, the people whose lives they have already saved, though surprised, cannot denounce them without digging their own graves.

Tonight's discussion was a real one, and by that I mean, it wasn't for personal benefit, like say a talk on physics or literature or personal ideas on the relationship between the CueCappan notion of predestination and our idea of free will within the omniscience of She who can see what isn't. No, Tallik and I are two on the same mission. The Farzah recently feigned an attack on Cephedri I. Ten of their warships entered Cephedri in two fleets, moved on Cephedri I and then turned and left. Although never having fired a shot at one another, we are officially at war. They were the first to declare, but the Counsel was also quick to return the jesture. Back on Xiban I, new schools and ministries of intelligence are popping up. The Norak Counsel upon relieving the Zynarra government of it's duties found a massive intelligence network in operation. Tallik and I have been at the forefront of learning from it and drawing up its benefits for the Norak. At first, we thought it best to establish a fledgling network inside the Amon'krie government, but since the Farzah showed their perfect willingness to make a move into Cephedri, we've decided it better to focus our efforts on the Farzah. The Amon'krie, if they turn violent, can be subdued militarily, and recent intelligence suggests that the Sallega will pounce upon the Amon'krie at the drop of a hat. The Farzah are another story. A war with them would burn countless worlds. Our ships are old and not at all ready to deal with the Farzah who possess advanced torpedos and shielding. The Counsel has yet to devote the necessary research and resources to refitting the fleets, so instead, they've given us the charge to impress upon them our capabilites through covert ops and intelligence. Plans are in the works to steal several of their ships for technology purposes. Beyond that Tallik puts forth the old Amon'krie saying: "Attack he who from battle returns." Tallik thinks we could weaken them by covertly breaking their ties to other races. This was the main topic of discussion tonight, and one that is not nearly finished.

I barely remember back to the time of my first space flight, and I wonder if I have changed for the better or the worse. I was quite the simple Monk back then...now I discuss the destruction of empires like it were my next meal. I have not seen Pellwain in five years. I wonder if I would seem different to her. If space turns your soul black eventually. My greatest fear is that I have become a pragmatist and not an idealist. The ancient notion of means and ends and the justification of both haunts me. I am called back to the words of my mentor and they seem to be the only constant thread this Last decade, "It's not what happens to you that matters...it is how you deal with it."

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2411.3

Grandow sat at his desk and felt, well, he felt relaxed actually. Is was not a feeling he was accustomed to. For the first time in years the Rebublic was not under imminent threat of attack from somewhere.

The Amon'krie for all their instability had once again agreed to a trade treaty. And this time they showed signs of keeping it. Perhaps the removal of the Zynar threat to their shipping was enough to calm them. Or perhaps they had other targets for their anger now. Grandow didn't know, and didn't really care as long as they didn't bother the Republic colonies in the Cephredi system.

Relations were still strained with the Sergetti, but they had been dealt a greivous blow by the Fazrah and were no longer a legitimate threat. The eastern fleet had easily pushed them out of the Ushphada system, destroying a significant portion of their remaining fleet in the process and capturing two Sergetti worlds mostly intact. This opened up a path to the eastern part of the galaxy and Grandow was finally able to send a ship on a peaceful mission of exploration.

The Gartok had been designed for just such a mission. Not wanting to wait until his scientists had developed the solar collectors that they had been working on for so long, Grandow ordered a ship of the largest hull available, 500Kt at this time, fitted with just a minimum of armaments and as much fuel storage as it could accomodate.

The result was a ship with a full 60% greater range than the latest attack cruisers being built. It would not be much good in a fight, but it's mission was not to fight anyway. Captain Tadminum's orders were to avoid conflict if at all possible, even if that meant finding an ion storm and hiding out if things got too rough.

The mission was to explore as far east as possible before returning to refuel, making contact with as many species as they could along the way. The Sallegans had received maps for these systems years before from the Fazrah and Cue Cappa. They had information that at least one and possibly two races lived in this part of the galaxy. Grandow wished to make contact with them both if possible.

Closer to home much progress had been made on unlocking the long baffling mystery of the ancient cities on the Narcisston gas giants. Rebublic researchers had made a breakthrough in construction techniques that allowed the building of massive floating cities. Thus the long delayed colonization of these worlds commenced. Now with researchers living and working in close proximity to the ruins the nature of them could be deciphered.

As expected they were in fact the remains of an ancient civilization. Obviously eons ago some vastly superior race had inhabited much of this galaxy. Signs of them had been discovered in several systems now, and much usable technology had been gleaned. It was now a regularly accepted theory that this ancient race was also responsible for the warp gates that all the races used so freely.

A slightly less accepted hypothesis was begining to be formulated as well. That all the known races were decendant from this ancient race. This could explain why so many of them had developed space filight around the same time Grandow thought. This was not something he expected to be proven one way or the other in his lifetime, but it was an interesting theory none the less.

The Admiral viewed his map of the known systems, trying to divine where the next threat to his people would come from. There were colored circles representing systems with Republic ships and colonies, and different colors for sytems of their partners. Several systems had triagles representing the presence of multiple races. More often than not, one of these trianlges meant there was a Norak colony in that system Grandow thought.

The Norak had been a great ally of the Republic. Their entry into the Xi'Chung war came at a crucial moment and had proven to be what tipped the balance. For this they would have Grandow's eternal gratitude. However, they had subsequently proven to be quite the little opportunists. Three times now the Sallegan's had fought hard in battle, only to have the Norak had swoop in quickly and snapped up the territory vacated by the enemy afterwards. Twice, once with the Xi'Chung and then again with the Zynars, the enemy had chosen to surrender to the Norak instead of submitting to Sallegan governance. And now in the Ushphada system where we had pushed back the Sergetti, Norak colonies come popping up like daises after a late spring snow.

And from information received from the CueCappa and Fazrah, Grandow could see that the Sallgans were not the only ones in the galaxy with a "Norak problem". They had colonies scattered across nine systems. Nothing in great strength outside of their own territory, but they seemed to be everywhere. This religion of theirs was becoming quite popular among his own people. So much so that he didn't think it wise to challange them openly at this time. But he wondered if they weren't going to be a problem someday that would have to be dealt with.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Year 2411.4

The newest Elder to join the council floated in the remote Ether of Munjumb IX. He contemplated the past of his people and wondered what they would make of the future.

He thought back to the ancient origins of his people now lost in antiquity. When they had once moved across the stars and had mapped much of the Galaxy and had moved and shaped planets and stars and even the greatest forces of the Universe. One of the few legacies they retained from that time were indeed the ancient maps of this quadrant of space.

His people had always been caring and upon finding many forms of life already developing on many of the planets they had decided to seperate themselves and watch from the swirling clouds of their favored gigantic planets that so few other life forms seemed to enjoy.

Alas time will have its way with all life. And so it was that the EEE lost their way. How this happened or what specifically it was had been purged from all records and not even the most Anciant of the Elders could remember back to those ancient times. The records simply showed that in the span of a single year the EEE met a terrible fate. Some speculated that this was caused by forces that they toyed with beyond their understanding and lead to their downfall. The story tells of arrogance in mastery of all that surrounds them and unchallenged supremacy, for no other life as advanced as they had ever been found, indeed no other life capable of sentient thought had been found. The truth of these ancient stories will likely never be known.

It has been many Millenium since then however and now the simple lifeforms that once thrived on the many planets spoken of in the records have grown sentience and have themselves begun to attempt to master the Galactic edges about them. Only with the first contacts with these new races did the EEE once again begin to stir.

Only with the stirring did they once again become aware of the few others of their kind still scattered through Space. Slowly they came together and began to make sense of themselves once again.

The process of reawakening was begun. They once again gathered a council of Elders together to rule as the EEE collectively decided. They rapidly found that though many of their ancient masteries had been lost they still possessed technology that other races had no knowledge of. This proved to be fortunate as soon the EEE found themselves underattack by a dreadfull foe. A foe that consumed the EEE wherever they turned. A foe that was ruthless and primitive. The EEE lost several of their worlds to this foe but harnessing some of the peaceful technologies from their past they utilized their own energy focusing abilities and were able to fight the foe back. For now.

The newest council of Elders had been selected to deal with the obviously hostile and insecure races around them. Not all had proven so hostile as those called the Jraenar which sought to consume the EEE. Many others had sought to peacefully exist with the EEE. The EEE would seek to teach and nurture all of these races as best it could. First they would have to regain their own lost past to ensure the future of as many of these infant species as possible.

The Elders energy field shimmered through the mists as he broke away from his deep thoughts. Slowly he floated back to join with the other Elders. There was much to be done.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

Agents of Chaos

2411.5
Assignment of Alpha Tau Lord Alzene to Grand Lord
"And Chaos shall ever reign!" they chanted, as the ex-Grand Lord Tazlok grinned sheepishly at me.

I was in the Temple of Lords, as Lord of the research sect Alpha Tau. I had just been voted in as the Grand Lord by the sects residing on homeworld, and I was feeling sick.

The qualification of homeworld residency certainly lessened the number of sects voting, as each individual ship and colony represented at least one sect, while the homeworld was definitely a buyers market for real estate. Thousands of sects yearly were leaving homeworld, bound on Colony Ships for other planets, or on war ships teeming with weaponry.

Grand Lord was the sort of position most of us stuck on homeworld dreaded. We have had number of abandonments early in our colonizing days, so those Lords voted Grand Lord are now required to hold office for 1 year minimum, and can keep the office as long as they want. No one has kept the position longer than required.

The outgoing Grand Lord couldn't head for his ship until giving a good report on conditions throughout the Fazrah Anarchy. Outsiders may call us an empire, but we are an anarchy for sure.

Until ole Tazlok gave me his 5 day briefing and current maps, I hadn't realized the extent of chaos in our politics. Except the Grand Lord, most us have no knowledge of the activities of Fazrah as a whole, or even of Lords on homeworld itself.

I had an instinct that I wasn't going to be able to pawn this job onto another lord in a year. Call it paranoia, or just good sense. Good sense tells me I better figure out how these wars started, and who are these allies Tazlok told me about. I don't think Tazlok has told me enough.

I know quite a bit about research, and I know that at Alpha Tau our best research was during peacetime. During wars, all the Lords were unwilling to pay us anything for non-military technologies, and were willing to pay more than usual for good weapons and propulsion. Normally wars were run(so Tazlok had told me at least) by the Grand Lord paying all the ships a royalty to fight, from which they bought equipment and such from all the planetbound sects.

Looking at the total research program, my Alpha Tau group was only involved in Sensors research. I frowned. It looked like Tazlok had been paying science teams to research whatever caught his fancy that day or week. He had 4 seperate items on his research agenda. That'll be my first change.

Back when I was just a research lord, yesterday that is, I remembered how many great research ideas were started by silly things my son Jacob said to me. Six years old and he's a better assistant than anyone officially under my lordship.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2411.6-2411.7
Consequences

Shortly after Tezlok left for his ship, I discovered something frightening. From asking the lords, I was told the Grand Lord usually received a briefing from his predecessor and various history logs and journals, as well as other maps and plans that the predecessor had made. Tezlok had taken them with him.

Perhaps it was by mistake, but I am furious for that, and for the lack of useful knowledge I had of our political situation. It seems we are at war, or have no treaty with 5(!) empires.

Then reports came in that the Norak convinced one of the ship Lords to defect to them. He sent a message to me saying he could not continue to work for a people concerned with money and ignorant of his "true religion". I dismissed the whole thing as bunk, but I've been in a flury working on counterpropaganda, and other intelligience. He's eluded the price I've placed on that ship so far. Our Lords know this is the most any Grand Lord has offered for anything to be done ever.

I was about to send out an impassioned plea not to defect, combined with telling them the consquences of defecting (No more Fazrah Gold was the obvious one). But as usually, Jacob came up with a better idea. Give the Norak, Amon'krie and Praetorian captains a reason to join us. The more the Norak take our ship Lords, telling them of the virtues of their religion, the more we will tell their captains about freedom and money.

The standard speech goes something like this:
-------------------------------------------------
Greetings Captain!

I'd like to congratulate you on your position and title. Ship Captains have more freedom than others in any empire, due to the distances between HQ and the ships. However, I would like to offer you an even better option.

Upon joining the Fazrah, you will have complete control over your ship and crew. You are free to believe what you will, and hire whomever you want. To keep yourself in good supply of fuels and other wants, all you must do is choose from a list of missions and tasks.

Thats Right! When we send out a group of orders, they aren't really orders. We simply give a price for each one. Thats how much we'll pay in Fazrah gold if you complete the objectives. (Fazrah gold is pure Gold, not diluted like some currencies)

The rest of the time, sit back and relax, enjoy your favorite beverages, and smile knowing that no dictator has your number.

To arrange a meeting, send a message to our envoy of your Empire.

Grand Lord Alzene
Fazrah Anarchy
_________________________________________________

I have no doubt that will convince a few Captains. For all our disadvantages, we are flexible and wealthy, and we also know how to fight dirty.

Tezlok will be hunted down, and we are beefing up homeworld defenses. I plan on calling up an army or two to patrol homeworld. I've also recalled nearly a dozen ships to homeworld. Its time we fight back. That'll be the largest concentration of ships I've ever seen at homeworld.

Amon'krie, Praetorians and Norak are our most persistent enemies. And I have sent off a request for peace to the Norak, so long as they don't convert our ships. I have no problems with their religion, except when it leads to defections. But once a lord has distorted his idea of the good life enough to prefer the Norak way, he is truly lost.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2411.9
The court room is standing room only; however, as special counsel to Tallik, I am able to sit up front with the defense. The court room is huge, bigger than any I've seen, bigger than any that exist on Xiban. The Zynarra built them well. This civil court martial has been going on for two months. Honestly, as a man trained in the ethics of She who judges every atom on merit, I wonder at the both the charges and the evidence in this case.

Nearly a year ago, Tallik and I boarded a five vessel fleet bound for Farzah space. The intended mission was not one of destruction, but of investigation...reconnisiance. The ships were charged with the investigation of Farzah territory that connected into Cephedri. We were sent to collect a system wide sensor scan to determine the immediate Farzah capabilities. Once out of the warp point, we attempted to hold a position near the center of it, so as to avoid detection. The sensor scan would have taken several months. We first started with the planets, then moved on to the moons, and then to possible ships. We avoided detection for a month, but finally the Farzah traced the source of the scans and realized what was going on. They sent a fleet of seven ships to deal with us. A large battle insued in which two of our cruisers were destroyed, along with a third, which lost all but a handful of men and needed tow back to Cephedri. The ship Tallik and I were on suffered light damage. We took several torpedos to our shields, but they held. I was thrown several times to the ground, acquiring a few bruises which certainly cannot be bragged and exhibited as war wounds. The Farzah lost all seven ships. Tallik was second in command of the fleet, and that is why he too is on trial along side the Fleet Commander Borulk. Since I am a brother of the holy order of Hujov, the court, rather than include me in attempted prosecution, sent the case to the Elders of my order. Brothers are decisive and know what they know. Decision is quick. Within a week the Elders of my order sent word that I had done nothing wrong and nothing spoke to the charge that I might have given ill advice on the Farzah Mission.

The Court charges Borulk and Tallik with "allowing" the conflict to happen. Orders were to disengage and return to Cephedri at the first sign of Farzah detection. However, after our fleet was detected we remained hovering over the warp point for three weeks. Tallik and I still shared our nightly discussion, but he never mentioned to me approaching Farzah ships, and I do think he would have had he known. Four of the ships, including the one Tallik and I were on, the Flag ship, were using all sensor abilities to scan the system, short range sensors had been shut down to maximize our capabilities; however, one of the two ships which fell to Farzah quantum torpedos had the duty of tracking Farzah movement. It specifically was to warn us if we'd been detected. Since the ship was vaporized, it might never be known why we failed to get word of the Farzah fleet until they entered the sector.

QUESTIONEER:
We've all heard the official complaint you made in private, only in the company of Monk Raeghar there, to the Borulk about his decision to engage the Farzah once they arrived in the sector. That cannot be discredited as a credit to your right mind in this matter; however, for the sake of further investigation, was there another reason why you preferred withdrawl over engagement other than the stated fact that such an action was a direct order from the Ministry?

TALLIK:
Things of the military science are practical...orders or not. The two options, to fight or to flee, cannot of course be weighed from the outset as being even, when one has the sanction of one's superior and the other doesn't. However, that was not my only reason to make a formal complaint. Borulk has stated his reason for staying was our disorganized nature leading to our inability to safely withdraw. Yes, we were taken by surprise and as to why, we will most likely never know. However, I suggested withdraw because I felt precisely the opposite, that we indeed could make a successful withdraw.

QUESTIONEER:
Then in your best estimation, as a man who knows tactics through and through, why do you think Borulk felt he could not withdraw the ships?

TALLIK:
I think exactly for the reason he stated. Nothing in war, neither my idea nor his, was 100% guaranteed to work or fail.

QUESTIONEER:
So his fear that the fleet would not be able to organize itself and flee is legitimate in your eyes.

TALLIK:
Yes.

QUESTIONEER:
Going back, why did you feel you could make a successful withdraw?

TALLIK:
Because I felt that by attacking the Farzah none of us would survive; however if we withdrew to Cephedri, we would have the support of the defense array. I told this to Borulk and he muttered something about an open path to Cephedri. I simply took that as his vision of the bigger picture here. I think the logs show that he proved me wrong in one instance, we did not all die. His brilliance as a tactical commander minimized the loses.

QUESTIONEER:
You are referring to his charge upon the Farzah ships.

TALLIK:
Yes.

.....

2 days later
The prosecution suddenly asked for a week long break to process new information. After a private session with the judge, she allowed it.

Let me quote the news article which explains the ending:

Two weeks ago during the height of the Farzah Mission trial, what at first appeared to be an average Amon'krie trader was caught trying to leave Cephedri I through illegal channels. Aboard a Norak vessel which had long been under suspection of smuggling within Cephedri, he was found as part of the crew. The authorities detained him on account of his falsified papers as an interstellar trader. Aboard the ship and in his possession was found an enormous amount of Amon'krie gold. He claimed to have lost his papers to thieves and had them falsified rather than face the pain it takes to get new papers allowing trade between the Amon'krie and Norak. The gold, he claimed, was the result of recent business with the Sallega. He provided the authorities with some sketchy information, claiming he'd forgotten the name of the freighter he used.

The Sallega graciously checked their shipping records and discovered that this individual had not bothered to declare himself when entering Sallega space. In other words, it was possible he'd never made a trip to any Sallega planet. As his face and name were passed throughout the empire, a CueCappan intelligence minister came forward claiming they'd been tracking an anti-establishment group within the Amon'krie empire, and their intelligence had attached this name to the group. They called themselves The Descendants of Amon'thar, a reference to Amon'krie antiquity. Amon'thar was the first leader to fully subjugate the Amon'krie homeworld nearly 600 years ago. His rule was one of the bloodiest in Amon'krie history, but it was also one of the most culturally developed. Many argue this was the golden age of Amon'krie civilization. These Descendants of Amon'thar adhere to a splintered philosophy. Rather than being interested in reintroducing Amon'krie society of a new golden age, they seem rather to favor spreading anarchy and war. Their end game was vague, and in it somehow war would eventually purify the Amon'krie.

This Amon'krie trader was what he said he was. His real papers showed up not long after he'd been picked up. Some honest bar owner mailed them to the authorities. However, the gold it turned out was from the pockets of the Descendants of Amon'thar. The trader confessed all he knew on the condition the Norak would not return him to Amon'krie where the sentence for cult membership is death.

The money was destined for an account owned by Borulk. It is suspected Borulk was bought by the Amon'krie to start a real war between the Farzah and the Norak. Somehow he'd managed to hide the approaching Farzah fleet. Perhaps the other captain was in cahoots, but that will most likely never be proven. The trader was fleeing Cephedri as he was unable to deliver the gold and unable to move about without his papers. The very night that Tallik, Borulk and I heard the news of the trader's confession, Borulk committed suicide, so the real reason behind this scandal will surely remain shrouded forever in mystery. The Farzah and Norak were already at war, but not a ship had been lost on either side. The war was war only in name, not in action. Tallik was acquitted seeing that all evidence pointed to the deceased Borulk. In all probability, Borulk wouldn't have been convicted. There was no outside evidence supporting what the trader said. He would have been forced to give up his rank and office, and given a pension on a planet far from the pubilc's eye.

...

Tallik and I are returning to Organtrix to confront the problem of Sergetti mine fields, which have disabled two of our deep space colonizing missions. I am glad the trial is over. It is hard to get back to work after a month dealing with lawyers and courts and minute evidence. Both Tallik and I know this is an unimportant assignment, but we are both joyous to have the relaxation.

The Farzah and the Norak, it seems, will be reconciled for the time being. The Elders have heard their cries in the darkness and have responded. Thanks again to the peace loving Sallega who valiantly negotiated the settlement. Perhaps it was the so-called change in leadership with the Farzah, if you can rightfully say that such a chaotic enterprise has a top and bottom, or it was the recent defection of one of their prized North Dakota III class ships which changed their hearts. I am sure it is a heroic tale we shall hear one day, how he managed to elude his fellow country men and find haven among the Praetorian our beloved ally. The Elders are plotting a way in which to return the vessel to Norak space, but along one lane are the mine fields of the Sergetti, and another holds the gauntlet of the Farzah. I fear it may be a long journey yet, for those aboard. May She who keeps watch over the feet of all travelers find them safe passage.

One of the few stipulations woven into our newest treaty with the Farzah is a permission to colonize a world within their empire. We made it abundantly clear that this is in no way intended to be an intrusion, but rather a mission colony for future trade and the wonderful word of She who loves all peoples. The Farzah have granted us rights to any colony we choose in the Knoglam system, a grand offer. This brings our scholars to a new task of translating the Text into the language of the Farzah.

Pellwain sent me word that she was growing tired of her little colony so close to Xiban I. She longed for something new and exciting. I asked her to consider taking the charge of over the future colony in Knoglam. She said she would think about it.

I feel the rumble of the contra engines as we exit the atmosphere...a sensation that still and will aways make me uneasy, and in this uneasiness I can't help but to recite the follow:

"I am Traveler, lost upon the hills, as all the ancients before me; please, Master, hide your face from me, so that I might find a bit of rest, before I depart and am no more."

[ 22 April 2002: Message edited by: Jmenschenfresser ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

High Elder Elw reviewed the progress of his people toward the goal of a universal galactic peace.

Reports from the Far borders showed that the recently discovered Sallega and Norak races continued to expand. These were the most worrisome reports. The EEE people believed and knew from their own past that such rapid and unchecked expansions could do nothing but lead to rampant Imperialism by these races. Some reports from allies in the area suggested that several races had already been subjugated.

Contact with the Fazrah proved difficult as always. More so than normal as their disorderly society seemed to be undergoing more turmoil than normal even for them. No threat appeared forthcoming from this area.

The Sergetti and Xiati were as removed and remote as ever. Little was known. The EEE did not judge either a threat.

The Praetorian while helpful and peaceful in outward appearance had recently taken a more belligerent tone in communications. Little note had been taken of this race previously, perhaps it was time for a change in policy. The EEE would consider it.

Finally peace had been achieved with the Jraenor. It was shaky and relations still not good. Envoys had been dispatched to negotiate a proposed trade of great complication. Initial reports seemed promising. The EEE had great hope in this area for Lasting friendship, some retained reservations remembering the widespread desolation brought by the Jraenor.

Of the known races only the Nultoh remaind hostile. EEE representatives were hard at work working for peace here. Things were greatly complicated as the Nultoh viewed the EEE as hideous monsters of twisted and distorted light, similiar to reported forces of evil in their ancient myths. We do not wish this race harm but must reach the reported location of an ancient EEE settlement.

Things seemed to be going well in all.

The EEE had recently spoken, for security in this possibly hostile Galaxy the construction of new PeaceKeeper class war vessels with a total displacement of 1000kt had been mandated. The Elders had misgivings about the construction of such ships, but they could not argue the will of the EEE.

The recent deployment of ships to locate signs of ancient EEE settlements was underway. Perhaps they would be further strengthened by careful employment of the technologies of their fallen ancestors.

The deployment of EEE representatives to each race was well underway.

Elder Elw wondered about the recent offer of the Jraenor to gift slave populations in exchange for EEE technology. He wondered what a slave was? Their translators could find no equivalent word or words in the EEE language. Whatever these slaves were the EEE would welcome any race peacefully into their society.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2412.4
Protests and Praetorian Standoff

Already there are many ship lords who criticize my policies. They complain that no Research Lord can understand the Ship Lords' collective yearning for war. They complain that my peace treaties will lead to complete control by the Norak, whom a great many of our lords hate.

I've responded to as many of them as I could, explaining that any one of our old enemies, yet alone all of them together, could very well destroy us all. I am no war maker, and for that you might as well call me an alien in Fazrah. And yet I see so clearly the errors of my predecessors'. How can they expect to destroy the enemy with 4th tier ships?

I seek order in chaos, while my fellow lords seek chaos in order. In providing incentives for our ship lords to take up defensive positions, while seeking return for those ships in deep space, I have reduced the chaos of our empire. Yet I see no other choice. Just as I might have organized stellar phenomenom into categories, as Lord of Alpha Tau, now I organize ships and colonies in categories, in violation of all our histories.

We are at a pause with the Praetorians, as they have denied my peace agreement claiming we asked for war. I did no such thing, but I suspect the foul play of one of our ship lords, or of other empires. I have provided incentives for the ship lords resulting in a moderate force prepared to counterattack should the Praetorians fancy our worlds.

There is little to do, behind dealing with diplomacy, and angry lords. We are surrounded by allies and uneasy truce partners. We are mistrusted and not understood by all. Our only war is with the Amon'krie on the far side of the Sallegans, and none of our ships are suitable for reaching them.

Research continues, and our counter-intelligience programs, while still inadequate, are improving. No one has seen our latest Cruiser designs, which are improving through many Versions.

I will bring the Lords their freedom, whatever the cost. I will show them the virtues of peace, to every one of their warmonger heads. Or, we will all be destroyed, and the Fazrah will fall, known only as a bunch of worthless anarchists.

What they do not realize is that unless we stand together now, we will never be able to stand apart later.

[ 24 April 2002: Message edited by: spacefan ]</p>

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

2413.0

"And Chaos shall ever reign!" they chanted, as I did also.

I had decided rather recently that, though my reign had been the longest of any, the oversight was becoming unbearable. Now I understood Tazlok's rush to leave. I called for new election so I could move on.

Laru, in his military dress uniform, represented my opposite. He was Lord of the elite guard of Homeworld, and demanded respect from those he dealt will. He was elected as Grand Lord for the coming term. A hardliner when it comes to war and military preparedness, I have no doubt in his combat leadership.

I gave him a synopsis of our research programs as well as a military briefing. He demanded that. I told him, Alpha Tau would be leaving homeworld to take up post on the shipyard Wisconsin. The lord of that ship offered it to me, with my crew moving onboard, as his crew was moving to a military ship. It seems like a perfect opportunity to me.

After a feverish 3 days of packing, Jacob and I, as well as the whole Alpha Tau crew, were onboard a transport heading to the ship. The Wisconsin was still in Huju at this point, but I had plans to offer support if the Praetorians attacked.

Just as we were settling in on the Wisconsin, Laru contacted me. It appears the Praetorians have attacked one of our ships heading home after Tazloks' exploration programs. As soon as we get this ship ready, we will be moving for Praetorian borders.

It feels good to have time for Jacob finally. Finally I have left that bLasted homeworld! The stars will guide us, and may Fazrah bLast our enemies!

Laru has set an ultimatum for the Praetorians, but I think war is coming, soon. It makes me shiver, but we must lend repair and assistance on the frontlines. The Praetorians have been manipulating me the whole time, but I doubt Laru will take any guff. Now is the time for all Fazrah to take up arms against our oppressors, should they not see the light of reform.

Re: History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread
 

This is GNN bringing you live coverage of the Captain Blaj court-marshal. The defense attorney, Commander Galati, is now calling Captain Blaj to the stand. Lets listen in.


Commander Galati: "Captain, please tell us about the events leading up to the destruction of the New Hamsphire 0001."


Captain Blaj: "Of course, Wanduk I had been sending reports of a Fazran light cruiser moving through the system at a slow pace. The Tetuan was ordered by Space Command to proceed to the Wanduk system and shadow the Fazran ship. We entered into the Wanduk system on or about the first week 2412.6. We then proceeded to enter orbit of Wanduk I. Our scanners where able to easily locate the Fazran light cruiser and identify it as the New Hamsphire 0001. We then proceeded to tract the ship from Wanduk I and send reports to Space Command."


Commander Galati: "I see, and what did Space Command tell you Captain?"


Captain Blaj: "About two weeks latter they told us to keep tracking the ship. As I said before the New Hamsphire was moving only about one sector a month. We knew from our ship database that this vessel has a normal speed of about 6 sectors per month. Well, a month or so went by and we received a message from Space Command that the Emperor had sent a message to the Fazran Homeworld asking who ever was the leader at the time, why his ships where on the Kartogia-Lezzair warp point, and asked if he would remove them. From what we where able to get from the local new network, the Fazran's response was along the lines of, you have threaten us and they are there for defense incase you attack. A short time after we where told by Space Command that the Emperor would be sending another message, and that we where ordered to shadow the New Hamsphire more closely until it exited the system."


Commander Galati: "Which you did, correct?"


Captain Blaj: "Yes, we closed to within one sector and started taking more active scans of the Fazran ship. The New Hamsphire, however, remained on its slow approach to the warp point. My First Officer informed that that the New Hamsphire-class Light Cruisers have an extra supply bay so we assumed that the ship had plenty of supplies and was therefore gathering Intel on the system. We made attempts of hail the ship but got no response. By this time the New Hamsphire had arrived at the warp point, we assumed that they would jump as soon as they got there."


Commander Galati: "But they didn't?"


Captain Blaj: "No, they just stopped. We made 2 or 3 circles around the proximity of the warp point hailing them again, when they didn't leave or respond to hails I order the Tetuan to move closer to the warp point. The date was 2412.9"


Commander Galati: "What then?"


Captain Blaj: "They started to move towards us in an attack posture. We hailed them again while moving towards the warp point. They still didn't respond to our hails, after a while it became apparent that they where indeed intending to attack us, even though we out massed them by a 100kts. We sent them one Last hail, and then we entered weapons range before they did, at which time we opened fire. Only two of our shots missed we must of destroyed their only Anti-Proton Beam along with doing some other minor damage to their hull. CIC reported that their shields weren't up, but nonetheless they continued to advance. I ordered weapons to try and disable their engines and weapons. We fired again causing damage to their hull. Again they still moved closer to us. By then the range had fallen to 3. I ordered my Tact officer to fire again. We must of hit the fusion reactor because the ship simply vanished. I ordered Wanduk I to send rescue and medical ships, as well as lunched our own. We searched for survivors, but their wasn?t even any wreckage let alone an escape pod. We then retuned to Wanduk I with the rescue and medical ships."


Commander Galati: "Thank you Caption, I have no farther questions."


Admrail Marasesti, Judge: "Very well, we will reconvene tomorrow to hear cross examination. Until then this court is in recess."

[ 30 April 2002: Message edited by: Dead Meat ]</p>