Empires

[President_Elect_Shang]

2404.8 – This month sees a great leap forward for the Republic. Ariane-Space; a company with an established history in satellites, presents for the Department of Interior Affairs [DoIA] a new satellite system they are calling the Deep Space Buoy [DSB]. This system has the detection range and power of the Survey Instruments system on ships but comes in a stand alone package with station keeping drives which allow it to remain on location performing observation duty. Ariane-Space developers suggest that the Republic can use them for remote observation of wp’s not within the detection range of a colonies sensor net. The optimal placement depends upon the effect desired. Chairman Hayle of DoIA is so impressed with the system he request that they be placed throughout the Republic. The Senate agrees that this is a wise move and provides the funding. When asked about a system to deploy the DSB Ariane-Space drops the proverbial ball. It seems that their R&D section for that part of the package has yet to produce results. The Ariane-Space CEO assures Chairman Hayle the system will be developed in 6 months or less. I suppose the Ariane-Space CEO could stand to take a few lessons from the LRM CEO.

2404.9 – The Archanid Oligarchies 1st Fleet finally breaks into the home system of the Imperial Council of Terra. The 1st begins probing for planets as it awaits support units to refill its magazines and supply holds. During their probing they stumble across two separate Terraen DD which appear to be on course to reinforce the now defeated wp defenders. Although reduced to 50% its original strength the 1st smashes them both easily in detail.

[President_Elect_Shang]

2405.1 – Ariane-Space finally makes good on its promise to deliver a deployment system for their new DSB system. They also provide the plans for a ship; the Evansville Class Corvette [CT] (not attached but can be upon request). The CT is a 160kT hull design, old technology but useful for this purpose and most importantly it will only take 2 months for a Wyoming to build one. Cost is not a factor for the Republic; the challenge is always in build time. The first in a series of colony ships has been completed this month and sent to the Epsilon Ceti System which contains 3 habitable and 5 hostile planets; 8 prime colony sites in one system! It will take years to completely populate and build up the system; however, once complete it is sure to become the most powerful single solar system in the Republic. Also completed this month is the TRNS Galaxy; Admiral Derek wastes no time in introducing himself to his ship captain, assembling his command staff, and setting up his command center. Once fully settled in he gives Kana a buzz:
Derek: “Good day Sky Marshal.”
Kana: “Good day Derek, I assume you are settled in and fully prepared for business?”
Derek: “Yes Sky Marshal. Do you have any marching orders for me; maybe a cruise out to the Epsilon Ceti System? Show the colonist the Republic Navy is always present and ready to defend them.”
Kana: “That sounds fine Admiral, you may fly your flag as you see fit. Return here before the end of the year. Is there anything else Admiral?”
Derek: “Just one thing. I wanted to take this opportunity; Sky Marshal, to point out that I now have 7 of the most powerful warships the Republic has ever conceived and built under my direct command. I now have enough fire power to burn every planet in the Republic into radioactive dust and not even have to stop to take on ammo. So; with all do respect Sky Marshal, the next time you want to threaten my family please remember that even one of my nukes would be overkill for your little office; Derek out.” Cutting the comm line Derek leans back in his command couch: That felt good. Pushing another set of buttons the vid screen jumps to life again but this time the face of a handsome young man appears. “Captain Ward please set course for the Epsilon Ceti system and issue the same order to the rest of the fleet.”
CPT Ward: “Yes Sir immediately, where in the system are we going?”
Derek: “At your discretion my fine Captain. Oh and do me one last favor if you please. After issuing the order run a full diagnostic on all commo equipment. That should take a few hours to complete.” Derek severs the connection and settles even further into his couches cushions: Yes, that felt very good.

[President_Elect_Shang]

2405.2 – This month the Senate authorizes the construction of 5 shuttles, 11 DSB, 1 Galaxy Class LC, and 6 Agamemnon Class DD’s. Colonization efforts continue and President Shang gears up for next years elections. Scheduling a private conference with Kana he gauges his current standing with the “Old Man of the Republic.”
Shang: “Good morning Kana, thank you for joining me for breakfast. So, how are things going in your ivory tower up there?”
Kana: “Fine sir, my staff and I have completed moving and have set up shop. We are now tying down the last lines of communication.”
Shang: “Excellent, I didn’t expect you to move from groundside, what caused the move anyway?”
Kana: “Let’s just say it was a move to a better defended vantage point.”
Shang: “Better what? I don’t follow you; Tal-Re is impervious to attack!”
Kana looking a little more cross: “President-Elect why have you called me here? This has nothing to do with the upcoming elections I hope? You may be my boss but I work for the Republic and the Senate that represents it; not your personal political agenda.”
Shang leans back in his chair takes a bite of food and chews longer than necessary before replying: “Kana let me explain a little something to you. I am not just the President your boss. I am your personal angel.” Shang leans forward putting his weight on the table: “You see Kana more than a few people would like nothing more than to see you put in charge of a broom closet. Me; I like you because I know what you stand for. As long as you play nice and work with me there will be no problems. However; should you step out of lines I can find you a nice desk job in a far off section of the Republic were no one will hear you screaming.”
Kana: “Are you threatening me Mr. President?”
Shang: “Never; I don’t threaten I make promises. It comes with the job you know. The people elect me therefore I am the Republic for which YOU stand!” replies Shang leaning back in his chair pointing at Kana’s chest.
Kana: “I could kill you right now, who would be screaming then?”
Shang: “Watch yourself Kana, you are playing with fire.”
Kana leans back in his chair and eyes Shang I could kill him before his guards make it in here. No he isn’t worth my job: “What do you want Shang?”
Shang: “You to make these eight appearances with me over the next six months” Shang reaches into a folder lying on the table and slides a sheet across to Kana. “Do me this favor and I will see to it that you get plenty of goodies to shoot the bad guys with.”
Kana: “Fine whatever, I do this and you get off my back deal?”
Shang: “Done, but there are two more things…”
Kana growing terse: “What?”
Shang: “First it’s not Shang its Mr. President; and second… pass the salt.”