The Walkers, updated 9-28-03

[dogscoff]

Those damned Terrans...

[oleg]

Don't want to be a bore, but parsec is about 3.26 light years ! 4 parsecs away from Serenity would place the ship on top of Aquellenian home world

[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 ]