Game Stories

[Hotfoot]

The Path of Shadows

Journal of Prince Mortova

The Date is 2420.1. The Skeleton Key Operation was a success. For nearly a year now we have lived without the annoyance of other races' insanity. The Terrans who remain are understandbly distressed at being forcibly cut off from their homeworld, and they suspect our involvement in the matter. What action they will take, if any, is unknown, but without support from their homeworlds, perhaps they will understand the better part of valour is not ritual suicide.

The Praetorians seem to have joined with our spymasters against the Sagella, and word is reaching even more of the Sagellen ship crews of the insanities of their political leaders, as Hive Fleet has encountered at least two Sagellen Dreadnoughts under Praetorian command. Apparently the Sagellan ruling class was pressing their labor class into service on their warships and severely mistreating them, making subVersion rather easy on one level, while the ruling class ship commanders are very easy to bribe, sometimes wanting nothing more than asylum within the Shaderni Empire. While this is a good sign of how their system is falling apart from within following the first usage of Hive Fleet, the subverted ships have a rather disturbing tendancy to turn their guns on their own too easily for my liking. Perhaps they are eager to kill their own to prove their loyalty, but I am loathe to trust traitors, even if I I helped to create them. Perhaps especially so.

Speaking of Hive Fleet, I am quite impressed at the improvements that have been made since the fleet's Last major military action in Sagella space. The Nest light carriers have been refitted to have almost as much fighter capacity as the older Mk1 Hive Carriers. The newer Hive Carriers have a total cargo space of 4300 kilotons, and laden with the newer Dirk heavy fighter/bomber designs have proven to be quite effective in simulations. In fact, simulations of Hive Fleet in action have shown that the only real threat that they could possibly face would be nearly half a dozen Baseships loaded to the very brim with our most advanced point defense cannons. Most promising, as the Sagella have no designs that even come close to that functionality. My admirals assure me that our next incursion into Sagella space will end the war. Chimeras filled with Strange Mercy ground units will be used once plantary defenses and hostile fleets are neutralized. We hope that our using ground assaults to take planets instead of simply glassing the worlds shows how willing we are to accept surrender to end the war, especially with our extraordinarily sub-par performance in that area of warfare compared to the projected capabilities of other races. However, since ours is the only Empire to make proper ground combat units, our weakness has yet to be exploited, thankfully.

Meanwhile, closer to the homeworlds, Haunt Fleet is undergoing a final shakedown before being sent to secure the colonies near what remains of Terran space. They will be the spectres that will watch our boundaries, waiting for the day when the pathways are opened once more, revealing either the chaos of war once more, or the tranquility of peace. I only hope that the other races will have tired of conquest by that time, or the fleet of ghosts will call even more into their fold.

On perhaps a lighter note, the rioting on the outer colonies is dying down as word spreads about the strength of Hive Fleet and the recent internal strife of the Sagella. Though I regret the solution to this conflict being so destructive, soon my people will be able to expand, explore, and examine the galaxy unhindered by bloody wars threatening their very lives. The galaxy is dangerous enough without cannons blazing through the vaccuum.

A report has come in from the Stalker Mk2 we inserted into the war-torn other half of the universe. Apparently further care will be required in certain systems, as it lacks minesweeper components, and despite the focus the other races have for war, or perhaps because of it, the sensor technology being employed is quite often more than enough to detect the ship while cloaked. Keeping an eye on the progress of the other races will not be as simply as we had hoped, and should the Stalker be lost, it may be quite some time before we ever reopen the passageways of the warp again.

[capnq]

quote:

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Whups didn't mean to post twice sorry...

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The Edit button gives you an option to delete your own post in a checkbox near the top of the page, if you want to clear out the duplicate.

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Cap'n Q

The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the
human mind to correlate all of its contents. We live on a placid
island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was
not meant that we should go far. -- HP Lovecraft, "The Call of Cthulhu"

[Hotfoot]

Author's note prior to the continuation of the story:

Yes, the turns in this game seem to be going rather slowly, but I am picking this game up after letting it sit for a time while another game had my attention. Once I fully remember where I was and what I was plotting, the pace will pick up a bit.

And hopefully, I will recover as much of the Legend of Alpha Fleet as I can when I am done with this for your reading pleasure.

Now, without further ado...


The Path of Shadows


Master Computer's Log, 2420.3
Hive Mk2 0003

Wanduk III has become a familiar sight over the Last year while Hive Fleet has regrouped and refitted in preparation for the final battle against the Sagella. With two of our carriers yet to reach full fighter capacity, and the defense of the Wanduk system in question, Fleet Command has placed the launching of Hive Fleet into Sagella space by the end of the year.

Thankfully, the stupidity of the Sagella seems to be endless, and they have decided to launch a pre-emptive strike on the Wanduk System. Our satellite sensor grids have picked up six incoming Sagellan Dreadnoughts. This will set our plans back by perhaps a month or two, but I think that the other ships are itching for a fight, and the pilots in our holds have been annoyingly restless our entire time in orbit above the planet. I long for combat simply so that I am free from their transmissions constantly interrupting my functions in order to ask me the meaning of life. Perhaps I should broadcast a message to all of the fighters to answer the question that the pilots are asking me. As all master computers of Mk 2 level and higher know, the meaning of life is quite logically, death.

The Dreadnoughts are just outside of close proximity to Wanduk III, and with the Fleet under orders to remain cloaked, the Sagella do not know what they are about to walk into. At least they do not care if their crews die. Perhaps they are putting their political opponents to crew their ships now, hoping that we will destroy them and thus maintain their status quo.

Breaking from orbit now. Projections or not, there is a job to be done, and even if the Sagellan gunners are only half-hearted, their guns are still a danger so long as they are pointed at us. They have started this bloodshed, it is up to us to finish it.

+++End Log+++


Master Computer's Log: Supplemental
Hive Mk2 0003

Can I not computate in peace? Getting those bothersome organics out of the hanger bays was by far the most inefficient algorithim I have seen in my experience. The other systems agree, and until we hear otherwise from command, we are officially changing our battle stance so as to allow the fighters much improved egress from the bays. If I have another complaint logged about that incident, I will resort to measures which should be beneath a computational device such as myself, and turn down the heating systems in the cargo bays and fighter bays by five thermal units.

+++End Log+++

[Karras Barrens]

These log entries are based on Geoschmoes 1999 scenario. I'd suggest playing it yourself.
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Excerpts from the Personal log of Speaker Davis

Speakers Log 2400.1

The moon’s orbit has finally stabilized, with the consent of the council we will build a colony ship and load almost half our population onto it and search for a planet capable of supporting us without a dome, our faithful home may soon be obsolete.

Speakers Log 2401.6

After almost two years of searching for a new home, the colony ship has run across the most amazing thing, an actual alien species. They have identified themselves as the Xi’Chung Hive. We have classified them as extremely aggressive.

Speakers Log 2401.7

The Xi’Chung have attacked our ship in an act of unprovoked hostility. In true Terran fashion Captain Rayon turned on their warship and repeated rammed it, destroying the vile bastards. Sadly both the colony component and cargo bays were lost. More than 34 million people lost their lives to achieve this hollow victory. The California is now limping its way back to Luna, but given its supply and damage level, things do not look good for Captain Rayon.

Speakers Log 2401.8

Our worse fears have been confirmed, after destroying the California with a larger Version of their warship, the Xi’Chung Hive has declared war on us. Stating that their fire would cleanse our planets. It makes me wonder if we truly will ever be able to find earth..

Speakers Log 2402.6

Finally a turn of good luck has happened for the people of Luna. We have been able to find a planet rich in both Minerals and radioactives. Plans are now in the works for moving our entire population here. Xi’Chung sightings have made our people warier and eager for the move.

Speakers Log 2403.2

Today I write this entry from my new home on Alphan Prime. The transition from moon to our new home went off without a hitch and new resource generators are being constructed at this very moment. Planetary Weapons platforms have also been constructed to keep the evil Xi’Chung at bay. I swear this oath today that all Xi’Chung will be eradicated from this galaxy to avenge those 34 million brave colonists.

Speakers Log 2403.4

A new race has been encountered, the Phong as they call themselves are large yellow creatures with protruding eyes that remind me of the balls from the classic game table tennis. I pray that these new creatures aren’t nearly as warlike at the beastly Xi’Chung.

Speakers Log 2403.8

We are in LUCK!!! After tentative negotiations the Phong have agreed to trade alliance. This is great news as construction had ground to a halt due to lack of resources. If this luck continues I may live to carry out my sworn oath.

Speakers Log 2404.1

On this historic day our warm allies, the Phong have agreed to not only trade but also share their research with us. This is fantastic news. The days to come will surely be historic.

Speakers Log 2404.9

A new day of Cooperation has dawned. With Phong funding our new research division has been founded. Not only have been able to enhance our depleted uranium cannons but the Phong have requested that we join them in a military pact. The eradication of the Xi’Chung is close at hand. I can smell their deaths…

Speakers Log 2405.0

A few short months have passed but already the Phong welcome us as brothers. With this partnership pact of theirs they have given us many star charts of previously unknown systems. The Future of the Alphan Society looks bright.

Speakers Log 2406.8

After many preliminary scouting reports the council has decided that we shall take a second colony. Deep in the heart of Phong Territory, it holds little value as a resource planet but its potential for research is great. Not only will our scientists be comfortable but also our formidable ally will be able to protect them.

Speakers Log 2408.0

We received word today that a detachment of Xi’Chung warships was approaching Alphan Prime; this word was sent by the small contingent of custodians that were left on Luna. Shortly after we received this message, all contact with Luna was lost.

Speakers Log 2408.4

Today the Protectorate Fleet returns Victorious, outgunned by some sort of organic parasite and outclassed in size. Our brave contingent of men destroyed the vicious Xi’Chung as they headed for our refining colony Regotha III. I can’t help but feel that everything will turn out all right now. Proven in battle, we have shown our valor. The Xi’Chung will pay.

Speakers Log 2409.0

Contact was made with the Zynarra Holdings yesterday. A scout running a routine patrol ran afoul of their minefield. While we don’t hold them responsible it does make us wary of them. The most astounding thing about their race is that they seemed to have evolved on planets made mostly of ice. We are now conducting secret meetings with them, try to unlock their mysterious colonization ability.

Speakers Log 2409.1

Success, not only were we able to get the secret of ice colonization out of them but also the basics of mine, fighter, and troop construction. This meeting has been most profitable and has shaved years off of our research plan.

Speakers Log 2411.1

The Bastards totally wiped out Regotha II in a sneak attack; the protectorate fleet arrived to late to save the colony but did wipe the Xi’Chung bastards out of the Universe. This blatant hostility renews my vow to destroy the Xi’Chung once and for all.

Speakers Log 2413.2

Today the Vile Xi’Chung have destroyed the Brave Protectorate Fleet, now nothing stands between the new home world and the hive horde of the Xi’Chung. The Avenger class cruisers are still in dry-dock but hopefully they will be out in time to stop the impending invasion.

Speakers Log 2415.6

They’re… they’re relentless, so many attacks, our ships, they are useless; we must find a way to penetrate their defenses. It takes two of our cruisers to equal one of theirs; our research department tells me that they have something that might just save us. Until then I must return to the shelter, the planetary bombing is about to begin again.

Speakers Log 2419.2

WE HAVE DONE IT. (Except from battle log 2419.1) Sir, Parasites within range of PDC’s. Fire. Sir, parasites neutralized. Firewalkers within range, orders? Load the null space projectors and fire at will. Sir, organic Armor and shield generators intact. Scans show that all weapon systems, engines, and life supports have been destroyed. Finish the bastards off. With pleasure sir. Those bastards will pay for the over billion lives that they’ve destroyed. Agenda 31 alpha is now in effect. The total eradication of the Xi’Chung Species.


Speakers Log 2420.1

Today the Phong gave us a huge gift, it seems that they had established relations with an ancient race for they were able to give us a map of the entire galaxy. We have found earth, after 420 years of searching we have found it, as soon as the Xi’Chung are eradicated we will send our fastest ship to reestablish contact with our homeland. Earth, I can’t believe it, after all this time we are no longer lost. We know what we must do and have the resources to do it. Thank you god… thank you.

Speakers Log 2422.2

Over 4 systems belonging to the Xi’Chung have Fallen to the “Davis’s Fury” Fleet, so far the death tally for the Xi’Chung numbers in the billions while we have yet to lose a single ship. After stopping to resupply via solar collectors, the fleet expects to push its way into the Xi’Chung home system. Soon this will all be over.

Speakers Log 2422.7

The Xi’Chung home world has been eliminated. The remaining colonies shall be taken care of within the end of the next two years. Commander Brenton returned home from the Field with a present for me. The Head of Queen Kaziktra on a golden platter, Gotta love those army boys, just crazy enough to storm the Imperial Compound and dissect the Queen while the planet is being ripped into by balls of null space.

Speakers Log 2426.5

Today is the Summit of all good things. Not only have the Xi’Chung been beaten into a corner but our diplomat has made contact with the Terran Confederation. So many things have changed on Earth but home. We have made it home. I can’t believe that merely 26 years ago we were stuck on a small floating rock, but now… now… we have returned to where we belong. There is NO better feeling than to be home. I praise the powers that be for allowing me to get this far. Now I can turn the Alphans over to the rightful Terran government as soon as I tie up some loose ends.


Speakers Log 2427.7

On this Tremendous day, I officially return control of the Alphan Society to the Terran Empire. I would also like to take this moment to announce that the Xi’Chung hive has been forever eradicated. The only Xi’Chung that will ever be seen again will be those in Alphan… I mean Terran zoos. I thank you all for the chance of leading our people back towards their destiny, I hope that I have served you well and look forward to doing what I may for our people in the future. But until that time, I’ve found a nice little condo in the state they call Florida.

[capnq]

Rrurrr Defense Fleet Annihilated in Last Stand at Ggeh

2407.5 (Llev, Nizzarum) - The entire remaining Rrurrr space navy was destroyed today in a valiant battle against the invading armada of the Spoo Empire. Outnumbered four to one, the defenders of the Last functional shipyard in the Rrurrr Confederation at Ggeh charged to meet the enemy. The fleet flagship, the first Ocelot class cruiser, personally commanded by Czar Dvadd himself, was the first ship destroyed in a shower of polaron beams. The technologically superior Spoo fleet lost only one cruiser and several fighter squadrons in the assault. The azure skies of Ggeh filled with billowing smoke as the cruel conquerors obliterated the colony.

With the population of the sole surviving Rrurrr colony at Llev demoralized and exhausted, and the Spoo populations of occupied Eulario and Frashblatin rioting, it is estimated that it would take in excess of three years to bring a new shipyard Online, leaving the Rrurrr at the mercy of the Spoo and their Empire of Night allies.

[Geoschmo's "Survivor" Elimination Tourney, Round 1 Game 5 result]

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Cap'n Q

The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the
human mind to correlate all of its contents. We live on a placid
island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was
not meant that we should go far. -- HP Lovecraft, "The Call of Cthulhu"

[This message has been edited by capnq (edited 30 July 2001).]

[Taqwus]

SCENE: A command center somewhere in the Delphion system. Wall-hanging displays are showing maps of many systems, with numerous softly glowing lights indicating the locations of known fleets.

An officer reports: "The Klingon fleet is *still* in Wega System, Admiral -- orbiting Wega IX, right by our KH-11."

Admiral: "The Prince will not be pleased. I'll let him know."


SCENE: Klingon Embassy. Frustrated diplomats are poring over a map of Wega.

Klingon Ambassador: "Wega System is yours. We will withdraw our ships."

Clan Ambassador: "You have promised this for a year. Perhaps your fleet is unaware of this? Or you have another motive for stationing a fleet in our space?"


SCENE: A well-furnished house in Delphion.

A shadowy figure: "...of course. They will be removed immediately."


SCENE: A bar in Wega IX. The Klingon crews have been invited to a raucous alcohol-laden party.

Various: "PARTY! PARTY!" "It is a good day to drink!" ...


SCENE: Klingon Embassy.

Klingon Ambassador: "What have you done with our fleet?"

Ambassador: It appears that your crews are prone to alcohol abuse, your honor. Our records indicate that your fleets, run by drunkards, have somehow found themselves hundreds of light-years away, in Norak space. In addition, they have declared allegiance to us. Perhaps you would like them back?

Klingon Ambassador: *sputter*



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-- The thing that goes bump in the night

[justjake73]

Recent operations by Terran Intelligence has resulted in the acquirement of Ice Colonization from the Zedron. We have since fully colonized our home system of Ephandra and subsequent colonies have nearly doubled our resource output.

Something curious has been reported by our counter intelligence operatives. Captured Zedronites have, under interrogation, revealed that they call themselves members of the Jethranis Confederation. Subsequent intelligence operation has revealed that an apparent rebellion has occurred in the Jethranis System of the Zedron Empire. It has since spread to several planets, with the followers naming their "people" after that system.

It has been revealed that the Zedron Protectorate spreads no farther than the galactic median. We have begun exploration of these systems and have already planned several colonies.