[Unknown_Enemy]

TYREAN HISTORY : Gathering Storm

2404.9

His Holiness Vixen VIII blessed Senator Urien as he entered the room. Following the Winds of change, the Tyrean political system undertook a peaceful revolution. The religious now controlled only one third of the Inner Council, with another third elected by citizens of the federation, and the remaining was given to AI Consensus. From undisputed leader of the Tyrean, His Holiness was now Head of Inner Council, and to the surprise of Consensus, he had accepted to be stripped of most of his political power, becoming only the moral leader of the council. But old habits are hard to die. Before becoming a Senator, Urien was a believer, and he still was.

“Greetings your Holiness, I bring critical news. I went out of Security Council half an hour ago, and our spies satellites intercepted an internal message in Katana Imperium territory.”

Vixen interrupted the Senator “How ? Please explain, as I am not invited anymore in these meetings.”

The Senator complied “You probably remember that our first guess was that internal warfare in Katana Imperium was not rare. Then our second deduction was that the honor code which binds their society would have them quite easily targeted by intelligence actions. So we deployed some satellites in their space to monitor their traffic. We did it carefully, we hid these in our Scientific program to better understand astrophysics. The Katana examined our probes but they did not find the hidden software from Consensus which can turn a harmless research robot into an accurate listening post. We are now in position to monitor some of their secret transmissions. Here is the message, please read it and give it back. It should not have been available to you.”

News Transmission intercept, Katana Imperium 2404.8
..@#%CFBDYG$%# Colony Module Kereina Mori reports successful landing on planet .$%&^&^******** 68th imperium colony established ..... Shogunate defence reports field deployment of first Light Cruisers., all weapons tests passed. ... Deployment of ice colony modules to colony fleets proceeding on schedule ... latest strategic estimates place the %&^%$^&* empire at the forefront of proposed military actions designed to expand the Imperium twofold ... Mahatsuhito clan annihilates clan Tokima after spies reveal the leader of the Tokima clan planned to attempt a coup in several outlying colonies ...
#$^$&^&**** END Transmission intercept"

His holiness frowned “Hmm. No surprise here. Their political system is a modern form of feudalism, their society can survive only if they expand. And in time of trouble, they need to focus on an enemy. So to end unrest, their leaders are going to direct their specie's violence against an alien. But why is the target's name missing ? I find odd just this part could not be decrypted.”
“But it was decrypted your Holiness, problem is, the Imperium gave code names to each of their neighbors, and as contact has been rare, we do not know who they wanted to point at. Which left us with only two possible targets : the Cytherians or us.”
“And what does Consensus say of this ?”
“They say the Katana honor code requires some actual fighting to occur for their warrior to achieve glory. As our colonies would not even try to defend themselves, they would bring no such thing. In fact, it could even create more unrest by getting a whole army of unsatisfied warriors. Consensus think leadership of the Imperium is aware of the problem. Which leaves only one possibility : our Cytherian trusted allies will bear the onslaught. We think the conflict will take place..”
“And what if Consensus analysis is false ?” coldly asked Vixen.
“I beg your pardon” replied the confused Senator.
“What happens to us if Consensus estimation is proven false and the Tyrean are the target ?”
“Well, we have good hope to get both the Cytherians and maybe the Eifralo to help us. But our space would become a battlefield. Several systems would be lost. Millions dead, maybe billions.”
The low voice of Vixen then said “So you are telling me that Security Council is placing all bets on that single analysis from a little known race. Typical. I thank you for your report Senator, you can withdraw and please keep me informed of any further development. May the Almighty bless you Urien.”
The confused Senator saluted and exited the room. Cardinal Alassi appeared from the back door, his head fur completely flat. “Your Holiness, this is madness ! We must prepare our worlds for an attack immediately.”
Vixen smiled “My dear Alissa, did your fur took he place of your brain to propose such stupid idea ?”
The Cardinal almost jumped to the desk “But we are dealing with our own survival ! We ...”
“We will play the game from the rules we choose to use. We would need years to prepare for such a war versus such a powerful foe. And as far as we know, the Katana could be on their way to attack a specie still unknown to us. We need to play the balance of power. We need the Katana as a power as much as we need to keep the Cytherians alive. Can't you see it ?”
Raising both ears, Cardinal Alissa quickly thought about it, “then what shall we do ?”
His Holiness smiled “First leak this message immediately to the Cytherians. They are no fools and they will reach quickly the conclusion made by Consensus. Then leak it also to that Eifralo ambassador, it could prove useful.”
“I still don't understand your Holiness”
“The Cytherians will prepare. They have an army which will prepare for the conflict. Now how do you think a specie like the Katana Imperium will react when they'll see a military buildup occurring within one of their neighbors ? Attacking us instead ?”
“I still disagree your Holiness, the risk is..”
“You don't need to know more. Get back to your duties, you have work to do, as I do.”

[ November 27, 2002, 18:12: Message edited by: Unknown_Enemy ]