Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire

[narf poit chez BOOM]

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

i predict the material will soon urge you in this direction: www.webscription.net

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

baen is my favorite publisher.

your writing is good and improving.

[Cipher7071]

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

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

[Sabin]

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sabin]

Comments, please.


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


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

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

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

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

[narf poit chez BOOM]

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

comment:

[Sabin]

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

[Sabin]

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

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

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

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

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