The Walkers, updated 9-28-03

[chewy027]

Thanks for the info oleg, i'll have to update the story accordingly and keep that in mind for future installments....

2400.9 – 2401.1 ~ Discovery and Deceit

“Perhaps there was some mistake,” thought Lord Chagnon as he traversed the steps to the High Command conference room a few days later. “It doesn’t make sense for them to just attack us for no reason, there had to have been a mistake, we must have aggravated them in some way.” These were the thoughts that had been going through his mind the past few days. The crew of Revelation One had been the first Vandron killed maliciously in over 2000 years. It was almost unthinkable to believe that that crew had been destroyed in the fashion that they were. Yet, there the High Command was, about to debate what should be done with this new threat from the Vando system. Vice Lord Defcon had already put three escort class Angel defense ships on notice to be prepared for an attack should these Terrans try anything. Meanwhile a new frigate class Vigilance defense ship was in the final stages of production. Both types of ships carried shields, however, the Vigilance ships had an extra set of depleted uranium cannons to bring added firepower to a fight. It was with these actions in mind that Defcon opened up the talks.
“We must be prepared for whatever lies ahead” he said with a grim expression. “We should continue to produce our new frigate class ships, and we should continue with our research into those projectile weapons. Junon, you’ve had some ideas about new improvements that can be made there have you not?”
“Yes, indeed Defcon” Junon answered with a smile. “I think we can still improve on the amount of damage that they will be able to deal by increasing the velocity from which they are fired. Perhaps we may even be able to increase there range as well.”
“Very well Junon” came the tired answer from Lord Chagnon, “continue research into these weapons. I feel it is indeed wise to prepare for any threat that may come our way. Likewise, continue production on our new class of ships. I do not want any more needless deaths on our hands. For that matter, no more defenseless ships will be sent into the great beyond, and all colony ships will have armed escorts.”
“A wise plan my Lord,” offered Exnon, and then went on “Maybe we should explore some of the other wormholes leading into and out of our home system.” He added quickly, “it would be a wise defensive precaution to take.”
“I agree,” noted Defcon “I have thought the same thing about that wormhole to the north of us. I think it may be wise to send the three ships I have on standby through that wormhole to discover what my lie on the other side. It may even lead to another Terran system, in which case, we would be able to try to come to some sort of settlement.”
“Or even an empty system that we may be able to colonize, and continue our search for the Almighty” put in Exnon.
“Yes, I do see the wisdom in that” agreed Chagnon. “However, I do not wish to precipitate any more violence.”
“But Chagnon, these ships are well armed and shielded. They will be able to stand up to whatever they may find.” Defcon argued.
“Though I do not wish to loose more Vandron lives, I do agree that knowing what is on the other side of that wormhole would be advantageous. Defcon, are you certain that those ships could handle an attack like Revelation One sustained?”
“Without a doubt, sir” Defcon said with an air of confidence. “In fact, we have been running simulations going over just that scenario, and it seems that we would not even take any damage if were to come up against a similar attack.”
“Very well then, give the order to send the three ships through. And make sure that production on those new vessels does not fall behind.” With that Chagnon dismissed them and retired back to his quarters.

It was a welcome sight…a system devoid of any signs of a Terran presence. In fact, it seems that Exnon’s hunch was correct; there were indeed two partially colonizable planets and two rock planets with a carbon dioxide atmosphere that would be fully colonizable if the technology was available. There were also two more wormholes in the northern portion of the system, neither of which seemed to lead to Terran space. The system was named Parvenium, after one of the great Vandron leaders of old. After the system had been adequately scanned, and the beacons had been positioned, it was decided that the three ship battle group, named the Host of Heaven, would continue through the northwestern wormhole into another system that seemed to be part of their star cluster.
In the meantime, the first of the Aquilaeian shipments arrived. The deal was indeed beneficial to the Vandron, as they received much needed resources, and it was decided to increase the trade percentages accordingly. Plans were drawn up for resource storage facilities so that none of these resources would be wasted, and it was decided that one of the future colonies in the Parvenium system, if not resource rich itself, would become a storage colony. At the same time, another level of projectile weapons had been reached, and the focus was turned toward developing more efficient ion engines to propel the Vandron vessels, and increase the distance they would be able to travel before having to re-supply. Also, the first of the vigilance class frigates was completed and put on standby in orbit of Serenity; they would not be caught unprepared by a Terran attack again. However, it seemed that the Vandron would not be left alone by the Terrans, as a message was being broadcast to the beacon left in that system. It seemed that, while the specifics of the system could not be ascertained without a ship present, they still could receive transmissions through the beacon that had been dropped there. It was over this transmission that the High Command was currently having an intense discussion.
“They are trying to deceive us” argued Defcon. “It is the same type of tactic the Cindron used to lure their enemies into a false sense of security.”
“It may be, but for a chance at peace…” Lord Chagnon’s voice trailed off, “but still, I see the wisdom in what you are saying Defcon. It does not make sense that these…these Terrans would attack us and then turn around and offer us a trade alliance. Not even the Cindron were that blatant.”
“P…perhaps they were only trying to t…test us in that initial a…attack. Maybe when they s…saw that we were unarmed they had a ch…change of h…heart” offered Vice Lord Mandron, as nervous as ever.
“Perhaps Mandron” Junon cut in, “or perhaps they have seen what they perceive as a weakness and they wish to exploit us. After all, our ship did just sit there and do nothing until it was attacked. Maybe they think that they will be able to get close to us with an offer like this.”
“Exactly my point Junon” agreed Defcon “they will use this trade alliance to get close to us.”
“But they may genuinely want peace” put in Exnon. “Perhaps they simply made a mistake. Maybe they mistook us for a different race.”
“That may also be the case,” agreed Chagnon “but it may not. It appears to me that we are at an impasse with theses Terrans; we can not trust them, yet we want to have peace.”
“At least one thing is clear,” Exnon said, with a smile creeping to his face, “the Almighty certainly wasn’t a Terran.”
After a light laugh the High Command decided that in light of the previous events, though peace was the desired end, the trade alliance could not be accepted at this time. This much was said in the message transmitted back to the Terran Confederacy. They gave no reply.

Meanwhile, the Host of Heaven was busy charting the rest of the systems in their star cluster, and the entanglement of wormholes that connected them, when they came upon another race. These sentients were the Rebel Alliance and they resembled the Terrans in their speech. However, unlike previous encounters with the Aquilaeians and Terrans, the order was given to transmit a message of peace and declare that the Vandron’s purpose was to merely explore these systems. To this there was no reply, nor any trouble from the Rebel colony present in the system. Therefore the battle group continued on scouting the systems, finding two systems inhabited by Aquilaeians and another by this new Rebel race. It was after this second Rebel system was found that the three Angels had there first taste of combat.

[chewy027]

2401.2 – 2402 ~ Vengeance

As soon as the Host of Heaven battle group appeared on the other side of the wormhole, battle claxons began blaring. There in front of them were two Terran vessels of the same type they had encountered before, and another Terran vessel of a different variety, much bulkier and slower then the other two.
“Admiral Nefta, we have detected a three ship Terran battle group directly ahead of us Ma’am. Two of the same class of ship that destroyed Revelation One are among them. In fact, Ma’am, I believe one of the ships is the same exact ship that was encountered previously.”
“Very good, Lieutenant” came the cold reply, “all Angels raise shields and close to attack range. Target weapons emplacements and engines of the lead ship. You may fire at will”
The two battle Groups slowly wove their way towards each other vying for the best tactical position available to them. The weapons of each were similar as each used a variation of the same type of projectile technology, though the weapons on the Terran ships seemed to be a bit more powerful and more prevalent. However, the Vandron ships were shielded and could risk a more direct assault hoping to absorb the damage that may be dealt to them.
Angel Two closed within range first and avoided the fire sent its way from the enemy ship. In return it raked the aft portion of the lead ship sending fiery molten steel out into space, and destroying one of the ships main engines. At the same time, Angel One opened fire and raked the top of the ship destroying the weapons emplacement positioned there. As Angel Three closed within range, the second Terran frigate fell in behind her and unleashed a flurry into her aft shields. The shields held and Angel Three was able to pound her target with her own fire, destroying the Last of her gun batteries. This in effect knocked the first Terran frigate out of the fight.
“Target one has been neutralized Admiral, it no longer poses an immediate threat to any of our ships,” said the Lieutenant with a bit of tension leaving his voice.
“Excellent…bring us around to face the second frigate” came the reply from the Admiral. “All ships focus fire on the second frigate. And Lieutenant, what is the status of the third Terran vessel? Where has it gone?”
“The third vessel has vectored away from the battle Ma’am. They appear to be running away.”
“We’ll have to see about that won’t we,” came the icy reply. “Captain Orton, break off your attack from the frigate and proceed after the fleeing enemy vessel.”
“Yes, Ma’am” the answer came over the com. “We have just taken out the engines of the second frigate, we are now mov…” fire from the second Terran frigate fizzled against the Angel’s shields and made the transmission skip, “…ing to intercept.”
“Very good Captain Orton” she knew that the fight was not yet over, and thus didn’t allow herself to relax for an instant. “Helm, bring us around for another pass near the frigate’s aft, and avoid those guns as best you can,” she commanded with an extra emphasis on the word ‘avoid.’ “Angel Three make a pass to the ships starboard side and take out that gun emplacement.”
The ships moved in beautiful synchronization around the crippled vessel all the while dodging fire or absorbing it within their shields. Angel Three missed the gun battery but succeeded in bLasting away what appeared to be the crew quarters. While Admiral Nefta’s Angel One swung behind the enemy frigate and blew away the final engine. At the same time, Captain Orton caught up with the third vessel and began raking it with DUC fire. A gaping whole was blown in the side of the ship on the second round of shots, and what must have been Terran passengers began flying from the gash.
“Show them no mercy,” ordered the Admiral as Angel One scored two more direct hits on the second frigate that sent it spinning wildly out of control.
“Now you know how Revelation One felt,” Nefta said in a cool menacing voice as she watched the Terran vessel begin to consume itself with a blistering explosion that ripped the ship apart like a tin can. “Now you know how my sister felt…” her voice trailed off into silent thought. At the same time, Captain Orton watched as the same fiery end came to the vessel that had tried to flee.
“Angels, focus all fire on the final ship,” Nefta ordered not willing to concede victory until there wasn’t a single Terran left in the sector. The battered frigate had tried to escape on its one remaining engine, but it simply wasn’t fast enough. The Host of Heaven swooped in and rained death onto the final Terran vessel. The wormhole from which the Host initially exited would now be active for some time as the lifeless debris from the Terran vessels floated aimlessly into its maw.
“Well done Captains. You performed as expected and for that you have my appreciation.” With that Admiral Nefta silenced ship to ship communications and made ready for her report back to High Command.

High Command was summoned immediately after the ships exited the wormhole and thus was able to witness the majority of the battle as it unfolded. However, Admiral Nefta did not have her audio feed back to Serenity activated, and High Command was anxious to speak with her about the apparent victory.
“Excellent work, Admiral,” came the approval of Vice Lord Defcon. “Your actions today will be noted as the first of many victories for the Vandron.”
“Yes, indeed, Admiral,” said Chagnon stepping into the conversation. “Though I must admit I am curious as to why that Terran vessel was fleeing.”
“It was a transport vessel of some kind, perhaps even a colony ship,” the icy Admiral Nefta replied.
“You knew this when you ordered it to be attacked?” asked Chagnon.
“Yes.”
“Why then was it not spared?”
“I did not wish for it to alert the Terran’s to our presence in the system. We caught them by surprise when we exited the wormhole, and I do not think that they had time to alert their command. Even so, if it was a colony ship, as I suspect it was, there were two worlds that fit the description of the Terran home world in that system. I could not let them gain a foothold now, only to have to fight a harder battle later.”
“A wise decision, Admiral,” came the reply from Chagnon, “but the fact remains that innocent civilians were destroyed with that ship.”
“Like the innocent soldiers slaughtered aboard Revelation One!” she caught herself before any more of her emotion flooded out. “I apologize, Lord Chagnon, for that outburst.”
“We know that your sister, Lieutenant Sharnon, was the Captain of Revelation One, Admiral. And we understand how this must make you feel toward the Terrans,” replied Chagnon with an air of pity in his voice. “However, Admiral, you must not allow your emotions to get the best of you next time. While your reasoning may have been militarily sound, I suspect that your intentions were fueled by a deeper motivation.” The room was silent as Chagnon paused to collect himself. “Remember Nefta, our aim is peace and cooperation. We will do what we must to defend ourselves, but we must not allow ourselves to stoop as low as our enemies.”
“I understand my Lord,” Nefta replied in a steely voice.
“Admiral," said Defcon, "your orders are to return home to Serenity for a more in-depth debriefing, as well as to refuel your battle group” and after a pause went on “and to be awarded for your valor in the engagement. High Command out.”

Over the next few tenths there were no new encounters with any Terran vessels, the Rebels remained silent, while the anxious Aquilaeians sought to not only continue trading our resources, but to begin trading everything, in the form of a partnership; a proposal to which we gladly agreed. It seems that the bond between our two peoples is growing stronger by the tenth. At the same time, thanks to Vice Lord Junon’s tireless efforts, we developed more efficient ion engines and shield generators, and began looking at applying our religious understanding through the development of so-called religious technology. Our third and fourth Comet colony ships were built and escorted into the Parvenium system where they founded a military installation on Parvenium V which was renamed Parvenium Prime and a storage colony on Parvenium IV which was not renamed. Parvenium Prime would be the capital planet for the Parvenium System until the more agreeable, carbon dioxide rich, rock planets could be colonized, while Parvenium IV would begin stockpiling the resources received from the Aquilaeians. The vessels that had escorted them into the system became the Parvenium Protectorate and stationed themselves above Parvenium Prime in case any trouble should arise. This small battle group consisted of three Frigate Class Vigilance MK1s.
Meanwhile, Admiral Nefta returned to a hero’s welcome (the details of the battle had not been made public) and refueled her battle group. She was also awarded another ship for her bravery, Vigilance One MK2, the most advanced frigate class vessel in the fleet at the time, though she chose to continue to use Angel One as her flagship. She was given orders to move back into the Churba system and hold the approach into the wormhole from the known Terran system to which it was connected. It was believed that here she could not escalate the war by destroying more innocent lives. To these orders she complied, but prayed to the Almighty every day that he would induce a Terran battle group to pass her way so she could continue to exact her icy revenge.

[ September 07, 2003, 05:31: Message edited by: chewy027 ]

[primitive]

Nicely done
Any info about the game setup? Size and type of galaxy, number of AI's and difficulty settings?

[chewy027]

Thanks Primitve, positive feedback is always welcome

As for the game setup: Medium Galaxy - 133 systems, cluster formation, wormholes anywhere in system, low tech start, high tech cost, stellar manipulation turned off (it alwaus crashed my computer later in the game), 20 races - 15 handpicked, only 5000 point .emp races used - 5000 racial points, no neutrals, high difficulty and bonuses, no cheats allowed, single planet start with a high value, Version 1.49 (never made the upgrade to gold). I think that covers everything.

[chewy027]

accidental double post, seems the delete button has gone missing

[ September 07, 2003, 16:19: Message edited by: chewy027 ]

[chewy027]

2402.1 – 2402.7 ~ A Second Chance

“Ma’am, something is coming through the wormhole,” came the shrill voice of the ensign.
“Cut audio and video feed to Serenity,” ordered Admiral Nefta as she recognized exactly what was making its way through the strange anomaly that has been come to be known as a wormhole. “Vigilance, move to intercept,” she didn’t even wait for confirmation of the vessel’s origin before she gave the order to attack. “Do not allow them to flee back through the wormhole,” she ordered in her usual icy tone. “Angels, encircle the vessel, but do not fire until my command.”
“What do you plan to do Admiral?” asked Captain Orton.
“Open a hailing frequency to the Terran vessel,” she commanded ignoring Orton’s inquiry. “This is Admiral Nefta, commanding officer of this Battle Group, declare your intentions or be destroyed.”
“Please spare us,” came the immediate response. “We are nothing more then a ship full of colonists seeking to build a new home for ourselves. We mean you no harm.”
“To what system are you destined?” asked the Admiral.
“We seek the Alpha Epsilon system,” answered the captain of the colony ship.
“I am unfamiliar with that name, what are the coordinates of the systems primary star?”
After a short pause the Captain told her the coordinates and added, “Please, I say again, we mean you no harm. We do not seek to see our peoples continue this needless war. We are a handful of extremists from the Terran Confederacy who have opted to begin a new society for ourselves away from the war-mongering of our govern…”
Nefta cut him off, “These are the coordinates for the Parvenium System.” She appeared to not have heard a word he said. “Thank you for the information captain, please give my regards to the Almighty when you meet him.”
“Wait! We do not w…” the com was silenced.
“You may fire at will” commanded Nefta with an evenness to her voice that revealed none of the hatred welling up inside her. “May the Almighty have mercy on their souls,” she added to herself in a whisper as she watched the colony ship, and all of its passengers, being enveloped in a ball of fire and molten steel.

“It makes no sense,” thought Lord Chagnon as he listened to the details of the day’s intelligence report from Vice Lord Defcon. “Especially with the transmissions we have been receiving these past few tenths.” His mind wandered into contemplation.
“…Admiral Nefta’s battle group then intercepted the Terran frigate and destroyed it without incident. She reported that it was headed for the Parvenium system to destroy our new colonies there and that we should watch the wormhole approaches to that system closely,” and with that Defcon finished his statement and sat down.
“How did she find out they were destined for the Parvenium system?” Chagnon wondered, not really paying attention as Defcon sat down.
Vice Lord Mandron then stood up and began his portion of the report, “Our r…relations with the Aquilaeians continue to look promising as we have learned a great deal f…from them in a relatively short t…time.” He paused to collect himself and then went on, “and we have l…learned of a situation with the Aquilaeians that may be adv…” he was cut off by Chagnon rather brusquely.
“Were there any other transmissions received?”
“W…what do you m…mean my Lord?” Mandron replied becoming more nervous.
“Were there any other transmissions received from the Terrans?” Chagnon said annunciating every word perfectly while speaking rather slowly.
“W…well nothing n…new, just the s…same continuous transmission that h…has been sent every d…day.”
“So they continue to offer peace even after they sent another ship to attack us,” said Defcon.
“Perhaps there is more to this then we are seeing,” offered Vice Lord Exnon. “Isn’t it convenient that Admiral Nefta’s entire communications array failed just as the Terran vessel was exiting the wormhole?”
“I agree,” said Chagnon, “I think that Admiral Nefta is withholding something from us. Nevertheless, I feel that we need to begin taking this plea for peace from the Terrans more seriously.”
“I also agree,” said Vice Lord Junon. “It makes no sense for these Terrans to continue to ask for a trade alliance and peace, and not be serious about it.”
“But what of the recent attack,” echoed Defcon? “Surely that must prove something of the Terrans intentions.”
“If it was indeed a Terran attack vessel then it would indeed disprove their apparent plea for peace,” replied Chagnon. “However, if we were to take a closer look into the situation I believe that we would find trickery and deceit on Nefta’s part. Her heart has been twisted by vengeance and I think her mind has been clouded enough for her to make unwise decisions as of late. Yet, I believe we should offer her the benefit of the doubt and not act on her recent actions. Instead I think that we should accept the treaty proposal by the Terrans and give them a second chance. If there is peace, there will be no need for Nefta to remain in the Churba system where she can cause trouble.”
“Are you certain this is a wise decision” asked Defcon? “After all, it was the Terrans who started this war.”
“But we still don’t know if the initial attack was a mistake on their part. They may have mistaken us for someone else” put in Exnon.
“Besides,” offered Vice Lord Junon, “ours is the way of peace. It is our duty to accept a legitimate cry for an end to the bloodshed, and it seems a wise solution to whatever problems Nefta may pose.”
“While I agree with the wisdom in your reasoning,” said Defcon, “I do not agree that Nefta should be recalled. She is a brilliant tactician I, for one, think her talents should not be wasted.”
“Who said anything about a recall?” asked Chagnon. “We will simple re-station her in the Parvenium System. If the Terrans indeed plan to attack there we will be ready for them. Besides, I have always believed in giving everyone a second chance.” He said puting extra emphasis on everyone. Then he stopped for a second as if realizing something for the first time, “Now Mandron, weren’t you saying something of the situation with the Aquilaeians?”
“Well y…yes I was” said Mandron. “We have ascertained th…that their home planet is of a rock c…composition. Therefore, they know how to colonize r…rock planets.”
“So how will this knowledge benefit us Mandron?” asked Chagnon.
“With our recent partnership with the Aquilaeians,” said Junon answering for him, “Mandron and I believe that we may be able to trade for their knowledge of rock colonization. This would allow us to expand at a much higher rate, and to make our search for the Almighty much more effective.”
“So what do you propose we trade them?” asked Chagnon.
“It seems prudent to offer them knowledge of our own gas colonization techniques, and maybe throw in a few extra tons of organic resources in our next shipment; we have no need for them anyway.”
“This seems like a wise plan,” said Chagnon, “good work, the both of you.”
“Thank you Chagnon,” they said in unison.
“And finally for our Last order of business, we turn to Junon for our research progress update,” Chagnon said with a bit excitement to his voice. “How goes our research into these religious technologies?”
“Very well, my Lord” replied Junon. “We should be finished with our current line of research within the next tenth.”
“Excellent work Junon. If you stay on schedule then you will have finished a full two tenths ahead of our projections” remarked Exnon.
“Yes indeed, Exnon” agreed Junon. “Of course the extra research we are receiving from the Aquilaeians is helping, and the fact that our research center on Hope is over 50% complete is helping the process along immensely.”
“So you are nearly finished then with the current project?” asked Defcon.
“Yes we are. Why?” asked Junon
“Well, seeing as how we are going to be ending this conflict with the Terrans very shortly, I believe it would be wise to research another theoretical area of study.”
“That would seem wise” put in Chagnon. “Do you have any suggestions?” he said half jokingly.
“As a matter of fact, I do. I believe that it would be a wise course of action to do an in depth study of some military sciences. While the Terran threat may have subsided, we can never be sure that another enemy won’t appear. Let us prepare ourselves by deepening our understanding in this area so that we will have a wider variety of other areas to research into if the need should present itself.”
“May I put in a suggestion?” asked Exnon.
“Go ahead” said Chagnon.
“Thank you my Lord,” and after a pause went on, “While I agree now would be a good time to look into more military technologies, might I suggest that we not forget the lifeblood of our fleets. Let us look into making our engines more efficient. Perhaps Junon could even develop a new type of engine that is even faster then our current ion variety. And if the council doesn’t agree that engine research is necessary may I then suggest looking into more efficient means of re-supplying our vessels.”
“Both of these suggestions seem valid” agreed Chagnon, “what do you think Junon?”
“Well, in my opinion, I would have to agree with Defcon. The opportunity to open up new avenues of research through a deeper understanding of military sciences while we are in a time of peace is one that we must take advantage of. Plus the idea of revealing new things to research because of the theoretic nature of the project is appealing to me.”
“But…” Exnon tried to offer an argument only to be cut off by Chagnon.
“So it is settled then. Junon once you finish the current project you will begin to look into further our understanding of the military sciences. Nefta will make her way to the Parvenium System and we will accept the Terran offer for peace, while we will offer this trade to the Aquilaeians. Let us hope that all of our plans are executed as smoothly as they have been discussed.” And with that Chagnon dismissed them all.

Fortunately all of the plans were executed exactly as planned. Junon began his research into the military sciences and quickly finished soon after. It was decided that because of the relative ease with which he finished that is would be wise to continue his research in that area. At the same time, a treaty was signed with the Terrans and Nefta was restationed in the Parvenium System without incident. Shortly thereafter, we upgraded our treaty with the Terrans to a military alliance. How quickly enemies can become friends.
The Aquilaeians accepted our trade proposal and we acquired the technology to colonize rock based planets. We quickly designed the Asteroid Class colony ship and began producing them to colonize the newly available planets. Our first target was the Parvenium System and its three fully colonizable planets. We also sent out a modified Revelation scout ship, it was now equipped with a DUC canon, into the southern wormhole. As expected the wormhole led into a new cluster of star systems. This ship’s mission would be to explore this new cluster for any outward signs of the Almighty while the mass colonization of systems in our home cluster commenced. It wasn’t long until a new race, the Star Empire of Romii, was encountered. While no agreements were reached, there was no violence between us. At the same time, the Aquilaeians gave us their star maps and revealed to us the contents of the rest of the systems in our cluster. Along with the new Revelation scout ship, we also completed construction of a Purveyor Class transport vessel. This ship would aid in the rapid colonization of our star cluster. All seems to be going well.

[chewy027]

Just for anyone who is interested:
Vandron 17th place with 98.6k pts
Terrans 16th place with 106.1k pts
Rebel Alliance 15th place with 108.5k pts
Aquilaeians 6th place with 190.1k pts
Star Empire of Romii 2nd place with 257.7k pts

2402.8 – 2403.4 ~ A Race

The next few tenths continued to go by very smoothly. Vice Lord Exnon brokered a trade alliance with the Star Empire of Romii and finalized our partnership with the Terrans. Interestingly, it has been learned that the Aquilaeians and the Terrans are at war with each other. It is now believed that in the initial Terran attack, Revelation One was mistaken for an Aquilaeian vessel by the Terran’s and hence attacked. We have also learned that the Rebel Alliance has no treaties of any kind with anyone, and despite Exnon’s best efforts, our relations with them continue to remain unchanged. However, it seems that the Terrans have taken over many of the Rebel’s systems and so they may cease to be a major player in galactic politics anyway.
Over this same time period Vice Lord Junon was quite busy as well. He finished research on another military science project which opened the way for research into a number of new fields. Once that was complete he took on three new projects simultaneously: ship capture, point defense, and repair. Amazingly, he finished all three projects within one tenth and moved on to reaching a new technical level of ship construction. With this new technology, a new design was created, the frigate class Overtaker MK1. It was equipped with a boarding party and the new point defense canons as well as its own shield and DUC. At least one of these vessels went into production for each fleet in the navy.
But the most interesting development during these few tenths occurred in Vice Lord Exnon’s field, that of exploration and colonization. Nearly two more star clusters were charted between the combined efforts of the Aquilaeians, Terrans and Vandron, while the empire grew from encompassing two systems to three and gaining six planets. However, the most important occurrence was the discovery of six worlds with strange ruins on their surface. Four of the six ruins were located on ice planets, while the fifth was on a rock world and the sixth on a gas giant. A colony ship was immediately diverted to this fifth, rocky planet to begin looking into these strange ruins…

“Can’t this oversized crate go any faster?!” Captain Impo yelped as his Asteroid class colony ship made its way into the Gliese System. The Gliese system had many colonizable planets, and there were many ships in production aimed at populating all of them, however, for Captain Impo, his ship, and crew the final destination was the highly classified world of Gliese I. From space Gliese I was a serene looking world with a methane atmosphere and broad sweeping plains. But even more appealing was the fact that it was believed to hold ancient knowledge, and maybe even clues as to the whereabouts of the Almighty himself. Therefore, they were to proceed with all speed to its surface and begin investigating this strange world. Unfortunately it appeared that the Aquilaeians had the same plans.
“Captain,” called out the com officer, “it appears that an Aquilaeian vessel is also on approach to Gliese I.”
“Damn,” thought Impo, “we must not allow them to reach her first” ordered the captain to no one in particular. “Open a com channel; let’s see if we can delay them.”
He waited for the channel to be opened and then declared, “This is Captain Impo of Asteroid Two…ah…how are things going for you guys?”
“Things are going well Captain Impo, thank you for inquiring”, came the reply. “Do you require anything further?”
“Umm, not really, I…ah…just wanted to ask a few questions that’s all.”
“Sorry Captain, we really don’t have time for questions, we are on an important mission to Gliese I.”
“Oh right, of course you are” and then to his crew he bent over and whispered “In the name of the Almighty can’t this thing go any faster!” He then straightened and said “So Captain…ah…hey, I don’t even know your name.”
“My name is insignificant Captain Impo.”
“Sorry, just trying to be friendly. Say, is that a colony ship of some kind you’re driving there?”
“Really Captain, I am tempted to silence communications with you, but since you are an ally I will indulge you this one time.”
“Captain,” the scanner operator whispered, “they have come to a stop.”
“Excellent, continue toward the objective at full speed” Impo said in a hushed voice.
“What was that Captain?”
“Ah…nothing…I…ah…asked about your objective on Gliese I and if your ship was in need.”
“As I said before, Captain we are in no need of assistance, and as for our mission to Gliese I, I cannot give you any specifics.”
“I see then…you know, you still haven’t told me your name.”
The agitation was beginning to become apparent in the Aquilaeian captain’s voice. “If you must know, my name is Captain Jurgus Robin. Anything other frivolous information you would like to know.”
“Sure…I mean…ah…did you see that nebulae back in the Churba system, aint she a beaut’?”
“Why are you asking me these stupid quest…” and then it dawned on him. “Captain if you don’t mind my asking what your destination was again?”
“Oh…ah…that’s not to important right now…I mean, did you see the colors in that thing?”
“Please answer the question Captain Impo.”
“Sure thing Jurgus, we’re going to Arguile VII for a little excavation and colonization. So about that nebulae…”
Jurgus cut him off “Arguile VII is in a different direction from that which you are headed. Are you sure that is where you are going?”
“Sure I’m sure that’s where we’re going,” and then quietly asked the ensign how close they were to their destination.
“We’re about three sectors away Captain, it appears we now have a sector lead on the Aquilaeian ship.”
“Excellent, cut communications to the other vessel, full speed towards Arguile I” commanded Impo.
“What was that? You bast…” and with that the communication was ended between the two ships. The Aquilaeian vessel immediately resumed its course for the planet and began gaining on the bulky colony vessel.
“Hurry up damnit! We can’t let them beat us there!”
The two ships raced along toward the surface of the planet with only a few thousand miles separating them. Each vying to stave off the others advance towards the planet.
“They are going after the exact same thing we are” thought Impo. “Eject all waste from our holds. Maybe that will slow them down a bit.” But the Aquilaeian vessel plunged right through the garbage hurled its way.
“Head straight for the ruins,” ordered Impo in a slightly mad voice, “and disregard any atmospheric resistance.”
“But sir, if we enter the atmosphere at the wrong angle our ship could be destroyed.”
“I understand your concern ensign, just follow your orders.”
“Yes sir” came the scared reply.
“Sir,” called out the scanner operator, “the Aquilaeian vessel has slowed its approach to account for the atmospheric disturbances.”
“Excellent, press onwar…” and with a thump he was thrown to the floor as the ship was rocked by the howling winds and storms of Gliese I. The outside of the vessel began to glow red as the heat from the entry began its onslaught on the vessel.
“Watch yourself navigator,” yelled out Impo as he made his way up to his chair, “try to put us down as easily as poss…” again he was thrown to the ground.
“Sir we have a hull breach in compartment 78, near the engines sir!”
“Don’t worry about it, this ship is only built for a one way trip anyway” he yelled above the din of the blaring claxons. “Where is that Aquilaeian ship?”
“They have stopped about 100 miles from the surface of the planet sir.” screamed the scanner operator.
“Good work crew, we beat those birds to the prize. Now let’s put this thing down in one peace.”

After a rocky landing Captain Impo immediately deployed all crew members and passengers and began construction on what would become a self sustaining colony around the mysterious ruins. After weeks of researching the ruins it was decided that whoever had built these structures was highly advanced and had been here a long time ago. While no direct evidence of the Almighty was found, the possibility of a highly advanced race that had existed long ago lent itself to many new theories about his origins. Apart from these discoveries, and perhaps even more important, was the fact that new levels of physics, astrophysics, and scanners were taken from these ruins and transmitted back to Serenity. The High Command was quite pleased with Captain Impo’s efforts and promised him a promotion as soon as he could get back home to Serenity. The fact that so much knowledge had been received from this one planet meant that the other five such worlds became a top priority for colonization, not only for what could be learned, but also for what might be lost to other prying races.

[ September 09, 2003, 18:08: Message edited by: chewy027 ]