History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread

[geoschmo]

[Ok, for those of you that have been keeping up with this thread, this isn't a new post. I combined a couple of my Posts, and moved this one up to get all our entires in the right order. Sorry for the inconvienence]

Year 2403.0

Admiral Grandow read the battle reports. The Norak distress call had come too late. The Sallegan ships could not get there in time to save their new allies ship, but they had destroyed the bug ship that had attacked it. As a result of the incident, the Norak had declared war on the Hive promised military aid in the fight with the bugs.

This was the first glimpse of hope in the long war, and Grandow hoped it wouldn’t be the Last. He knew there would be much pain before it was over, but the combined force of the Continuum and the Republic had to be too much for the Hive eventually. As long as no one else got involved on the other side, that is.

Since Grandow had accepted the Admiralty, he had been chained to a desk. He didn’t like not being on his ship in the think of things, but he had to acknowledge that he could do more for the defense of his people from here. His new perspective caused him to reevaluate some things and a question had started forming in the back of his mind.

How could there be so many races in such a relatively small area of space? Surely the entire universe wasn’t this heavily populated? And if so, why did it seem that all the races had achieved space flight so close together. Grandow was not a scientist, but he was well educated, and had a good grasp of the principles for a layman. It didn’t make sense.

Six races now, in this little corner of the galaxy. All with roughly the same level of technological advancement, all in systems connected together by these wormholes. The probabilities against it were staggering. Grandow was starting to take more serious consideration to the wild theories that had been thrown around since the detection of the “Alien Cities” on the two gas giants in Narcisston.

None of the races the Sallegans had met yet had the technology to build habitations on those types of worlds. Or if they did they had not told us. We on the other hand had not told them of the artifacts buried in the deep layers of those planets. Some things you didn’t talk about, even with your allies.

He had sent out scouts to the system to the west of Narcisston. A system called Cephredi. The Sallegans were very surprised to discover the system to be the home system of yet another race, the Zynarra Holdings. After discussions with them, and with the Cue Cappa, it became apparent that the Zynarra simply did not have any interest in exploring beyond the warp points. That is why the Sallegans had not known of their existence till now.

They were apparently just as advanced as the rest of the races. Possibly more so in some areas, as the initial scans showed ships in the 300Kt range, fully half again as large as the Aleppa class frigate the Sallegans relied on so heavily for defense.

The Cephredi system had four rock planets with oxygen atmospheres. Four of them! Two were larger than the Sallegan homeworld. The Republic began intensive negotiations with the Zynarra to obtain colonization rights to these worlds. Grandow was not interested in having another enemy, but his people needed those worlds if they were going to win the battle against the Hive. And the Zynarra had no use for them as they evolved on a harsh ice planet. These planets were much too warm for them to live on, even with protective domes.

Scans had detected similar structures to the mysterious “Alien Cities” on one of the planets in Cephredi. This was of particular interest to the Admiral. Even though it was buried under centuries of sediment, the planet itself was hospitable enough to get a team of scientists and archeologists down there, if the Zynarra would permit it. Perhaps this would be the key that would unlock this mystery for Grandow. The possibility was almost enough to take his mind off the war. Almost.

[ 18 March 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[geoschmo]

Year 2403.4

From the personal Journal of Admiral Grandow.

We have met six other races now, and have achieved peaceful relations with all but the Xi'Chung. Perhaps it is the proximity of our homeworlds that has caused them to distrust us so? Or perhaps it is that there are two methane worlds in the Narsiccton system. I have to admit to fighting back a longing for the oxygen planets in the system controlled by the Zynarra Holdings. What we could do with four new worlds the size of our home! The bugs would have to cease their attacks if they wished to survive.

But we can't afford to anger the Zynarra. Can't risk drawing them into the conflict on the worng side. The situation is too precarious. Most likely the bugs are just mindless drones doing the bidding of an insane despot. There is no sense trying to understand them.

The Zynarra have agreed to a non-aggression pact, and have tentativly given permission for a joint research project on the Cephredi VIII to discover the nature of the ancient remains there. Perhaps this cooperation will convice them we are trustworthy and they will allow us to colonize the other worlds there.

The newest race, the Fazrah caused something of a stir. The first ship of theirs we encountered was twice as large as the Aleppo class frigate. We were quite relieved when they agreed to a non-aggresion pact. I need to speak with the research minister about how our ship technology is coming. If the bugs develop this before we do, it could be very bad for us indeed.

Already they have developed some type of mysterious technolgy we have been unable to even classify. They have a type of weapon that behaves like our capital ship missles, yet appears to be a living creature of some kind. Our scientists are baffled. We are putting all our research into methods of destroying these creatures before they impact on our ships and planets, because they do considerable damage.

Our combination of sattelites, ships and ground based defenses have so far managed to fight off every attack, but not without loses. No more ships have been destroyed, but several bug ships have managed to get close enough to fire on the colonies before being destroyed. This is a morale problem, as well as a legitimate difficulty. Twice now we have had to spend valuable resources rebuiilding destroyed research facilites. And the people don't work as well when they fear for their lives and their families all the time.

I have made the decision to move the entire fleet to the warp point to stop the attackers before they can get within range. This is a risky proposition, as if they do manage to break through, there will be little to stop them. The space yard on Narcisston VIII is working hard to produce more Aleppo class ships to assist. We have also constucted a ship capable of launching sattelites at the mouth of the wormhole. Hopefully, in conjunction with the fleet, they can deal a devastating blow to any hostile force coming through.

[TerranC]

Wow. Very Very Epic.

Keep up the good work eh?

[Jmenschenfresser]

2403.1
Tallik's work is long finished on Arklite I; however, the Elders have decided, possibly inadvertantly, to leave us here. Neither Tallik, nor I, have the slightest clue as to why. So much has happened these Last 6 months. I pray that good will come out of this somewhere. Sometimes the Almighty uses death and evil to teach or bring about a greater good that could not have come about of it's own. So it is.

Almost as soon as we arrived on Arklite I to begin our work on the satellites, the Connecticut warship sent to explore beyond the Sallega Empire was attacked by a fearless, evil race called the Xi'Chung. We now have no doubt it was the Xi'Chung that the Sallega warned us about. I read what I wrote just 6 short months ago about greed and faithlessness, and as much as I want to deny it in a post script, nothing else can explain the actions of the Elders and the Priests. I wonder if being exposed to the galaxy and its wonders has not reverted us all back to the mongers and killers our ancient ancestors were. I've read several Versions, including the official report and transcript, sent to Tallik. It would seem that just as our ship was about to move from Narcisston and into what is the homesystem of the Xi'Chung, Organtrix, a Xi'Chung war ship exited the warp point directly ahead of it. No doubt this ship was bound for the Sallega colonies or possibly the homeworld, and in stopping it, we no doubt assisted the ransacked Sallega, inadvertantly as it was. Here are bits of the log:

"Captain, something's exiting the warp point...."
"I see it. Looks like a ship. Is it from the Sallega?"
"It bares no markings we've ever seen."
"Prepare to move out of its way."
"Captain!"
LOUD THUNDER CLAP
"Did they just?......."
"Yes, sir"
"Return fire...all cannons and missles! She who bent the first bow, guide our judgement."
"They are turning...direct hits all along their side."
"Captain, they are behind us..."
"Stay the course!"
"But they'll......
"Firing again! Incoming!....."
ANOTHER CRASH
"Captain, we've lost all of our engines and several uranium cannons have been damaged."
"We need those engines Online!"
"We're drifting into the warp point."
"That is the Last place we need to escape to....into the lion's den."
"Can we use our docking thrusters to maneuver?"
"Negative...the gravity of the warp point it too strong."
"Where's the ship?"
"Gone sir"
"Gone!"
"Yes, sir. One of our missles found its mark."
"Thank the Almighty!"

Unfortunately, the Connecticut drifted into the warp point and vanished into Xi-Chung space. There it met a colony ship which was waiting no doubt to infest the Sallega system with its evil offspring. Our ship fired on the colony ship, poking a hole in its bio-sphere. The crew watched as the colony ship turned and fled, far outpacing our limping vessel, venting air and millions of lives like dust, sucked out into space.

At about this time, our Priests for Foreign Affairs sent a message to the Sallega, not necessarily asking for military assistance, but for repairs, if the Connecticut was able to escape from Organtrix. They rerouted the energy to one engine and were thus able to turn and begin the slow approach to the warp point. As it neared the warp point, several sleek new Xi'Chung warships swooped in from above and tore the Connecticut to shreads. The Sallega relayed the Last Messages of the Connecticut to us. I will not relay them further and leave them out of this report. What letters comprise such sounds? Only the Almighty and the beast guarding the underworld know.

The Sallega kindly offered free resupply to our ship were it to return; however, we were not able to provide a means through which they might fullfill their offer of charity. Perhaps in the future. The Sallega are a brave and charitable people. At the first sign of distress, they sent several of their warships to the aid of our vessel; however, it was the Will of She who orders the universe, which brought them to its aid after the fact. They have reported to us that the very same vessels which destroyed our ship, are themselves space dust. The Xi'Chung are an evil race. The High Priest has discussed announcing holy war against them. No doubt, the universe would be a better place without them. We've promised to help the Sallega in their battle against the Xi. We asked our allies to help, but they refuse. I personally must wonder...our allies value peace but do they not know, peace is a fragile thing...it must be protected...with war if needs be.

Maybe once the Xi'Chung plasma bomb the CueCappa homeworld, we'll see more cooperation against such threats.

Now I come full circle and speak again of greed. I want to see the Knowledge spread about the world as much as anyone. I would be on the first ship to the other end of the galaxy. However, it has been said by the prophet, Huyrak, that the servant lowers himself to raise others, and the master lowers others to raise himself. Our ship of the Rhode Island class has moved beyond the Amon'krie system of Hwansul and into Cephedri, where a curious race, the Xintis live. On the way, our ship exited the warp point and found itself in the middle of a battle between the Farzah and the Amon'krie. We have trade treaties with both of these empires, so their anger was not toward us. Our ship skirted the skirmish (I do so love tongue twisters) and saw the Amon'krie loop around the Farzah ship laying missles to her like rain at mid-summer. Our ship escaped unharmed.

It began transmitting to the Xintis. Their system was filled with four large M class planets--the perfect place for the Norak to colonize. We asked for their permission to colonize, but they refused. We asked for a non-aggression pact, but they refused. As their warships closed in on the unarmed Rhode Island, we warned them about attacking the emmissay of the Almighty. Just as our ship was about to return to Amon'krie space, one of their ships closed within attack range and fired. The Rhode Island did not stand a chance.

Since then, it has been decreed that all non-colony ships must have some kind of weapons systems. The High Priest has declared the Xintis to be an enemy of She who walks on stars. Our fleet of Connecticut's has been prepped and readied. Four of them have been sent, along with a support of two colony ships, for a one-way journey to Cephedri. Their orders are to physically subdue the Xintis and establish a base of operations there. Only She who holds the keys to the underworld can judge a being in its entirety. Not I, not Tallik, and not even the High Priest. I think mercy should have first been shown to the Xintis. The Almighty avenges the deaths of her martyrs, sure enough as the Xibanian sun rises. More of an attempt should have been made to win them for Good! But there is little stopping the wheels of the Theocracy once they reach the apex of a hill. We assume the Xintis know we are coming. I think the haste of this decision speaks to the conviction that this decision is not a full measure of justice, but rather a mixed cup...a cheap wine...tainted by greed for distant riches and open fields for our children.

Does not the law speak of protection of the weak? I doubt in the long run, the Xintis have a chance of keeping us from their system. The strong who push the weak are not sent by the Almighty. She will judge the greed of this race.

Because of our numerous trade pacts, the mineral stock piles of the empire are again rising, and even exceeding previous levels. Tallik says we can support a fleet four times its present size. I have no doubt about that. He has shown me the specs for the newest Norak warships, dubbed Utah. Destroyer classes, weighing in at 300k. They boast longer range Uranium cannons, missles and what scientists call "shields." These shields form a barrier of energy around the ship, stopping every weapon known to us from penetrating them. Eventually they fail, but I have been told it would take more than 3 capital missles to make this happen. Perhaps this technology will deter future battles. I sure hope so. Tallik is also experimenting with a new beam weapon, an anti-proton beam. So far they are weaker than our present cannons, but he predicts that in a year's time, they may make the uranium cannon obsolete. Furthermore, our scientists are working on a merge of the latest technology with spiritual powers. I am not sure what the outcome of this research will be. To a common mind such as mine, I cannot imagine the combination. Many think technology and science is an antithesis to religion. If it were, we would not be on space ships preaching to the galaxy, but still there are those who call it blasphemy and all sorts of ugly things.

...

Tallik has just informed me that we are to make ready. We are returning to Xiban to test the newest Utah class ships. Several have recently come Online. I am now reluctant to go...for personal reasons...but that is for another time.

[ 20 March 2002: Message edited by: Jmenschenfresser ]

[ 20 March 2002: Message edited by: Jmenschenfresser ]

[geoschmo]

Year 2404.5

Mr and Mrs Reabarts
Lundara City, Vinton Province

Dear Mom and Dad,

How are things going at home? Things here are fine. I don't want you all to worry about me. With the ships we have now stationed at the wormhole we can handle anything the bugs throw at us. And more ships arrive every month.

Admiral Grandow's plan to stop the Xi raiders before they reach the colonies is a good one. We feel like we are doing something, rather than just scramblling around the system chasing the enemy ships. Our own captain Davic was the one who spotted the one flaw in the strategy. That was blockading the wormhole with missle ships. He realized that we could get more of a jump on the enemy ships coming through if we retrofitted the ships with particle cannons instead. Almost the entire fleet has been retrofitted now.

The Last few months since I visted you have been very routine. Almost every month the bugs send through a ship or two, testing our defenses. We scramble, and blow them out of space. Every once in a while one of their new bio-seekers gets through and hits one of our ships. But since we established the perimeter, we haven't lost any more vessels. I didn't tell you at the time because I didn't want to worry you, but that was the reason for the suprise visit a while back. The Crimsala had taken minor damage and we were in for repairs.

We've even destroyed two Sergetti ships. From what I hear they haven't formally declared war yet, but I don't think it will be long. The politicians back home probably think there is still hope for a treaty with them, but they don't see the way they come at us. Besides, if they aren't allied with the bugs, what are they doing coming at us through bug space, I say.

We heard that the Amonkrie finally agreed to join us and the Norak against the Xi. That's all well and good, but I'm still waiting to see the first one of either of their ships at the wormhole. Our captain says they are fighting them in other systems, but I don't know anything about that. Maybe you have heard something from cousin Lewis? I heard that he was part of the research team in Cephredi. If the bugs come at us from another direction, it'll have to be through there.

I don't know anything for certain, but I'd say that inside of the year we will be going on the offensive. I don't see how we can just keep waiting for the bugs here. We are going to have to take the fight to them and put an end to this thing one way or the other. Whenever it happens, I'll be ready.

Stay safe. Don't worry about me. I'll be home to see you when I can.

All my Love.

Ensign Nathaniel Reabarts
Weapons technician, third class
S. S. S. Crimsala (Bintulu class attack frigate, 0006)

[Jmenschenfresser]

2404.3
I do hate it when I am right. I hate it when I am right about the actions of our blessed state. Tallik and I are again on the homeworld. We have been for sometime. I sit in my study, listening to the bustle of the street below, and I cannot imagine silence. The silence of Cephedri II must freeze one's ears. Greed is utter faithlessness. You see, all real depravity and waste finds its first fruits in faithlessness. Still the head's of state sit in the squares and temple yards, beating themselves, asking for forgiveness. Rightfully so. Millions are dead because of their greed. Greed even for a nation as a whole is evil; the difference being, a nation pays.

On my Last post, a fleet had been sent to Cephedri. One fleet to colonize and one fleet to enforce the colonization. The Zynarra Holding to whom Cephedri rightfully belongs had rejected all of our deals and proposals. Simply put, they wanted nothing to do with us. Perhaps some false reputation preceeded us? Perhaps another nation, wanting Cephedri all for itself placed lies in their heads? Or perhaps they hate the Almighty? In anycase, we asked again and again, to be allowed to colonize one of the Cephedri worlds.

After being refused, the elders and the ministers and the priests hardened their minds and their souls became like daggers in their own breasts. The Almighty had shown us this salvation from our trapped status. Surely the Texts must find their ways beyond the bounds of this small corner of the galaxy. Surely the Almighty would deliver a colony for us to use as a staging point. Not to the disobedient!

After reaching Cephedri, and being greeted by 4 Zynarran warships of the destroyer class, some began to wonder if we could pull this off. By this time several Utahs were on their way to reinforce the initial fleet. First the fleet of colony ships returned to Amon'krie space expecting war. After a month and the Zynarra backing down, the colony fleet returned and both made their way to Cephedri II. As our ships passed the largest planet in the system, our scanners noticed a Sallega outpost on the planet. I personally doubt that the Sallega have turned the Zynarra against us; however, many think just that. They aided us when our ship fell victim to the XiChung. And on that note, our repeated requests for fellow empires to assist against the Xi'Chung have for the most part, fell on deaf ears.

The fleet reached the planet and one of the colonizers set up a temporary colony on the surface of Cephedri II. 34 million terra-formers began the long chore of building the facilities to resupply our warships. The vice-roy of the colony began sending pictures and stories about the beauty of the flora and fauna on the planet. He called it "promised." I don't remember being promised anything. The greatest teachers, at best, have only been promised misery and death...never beauty and wild streams and tasty nature.

The story goes, that only a few days prior, the colonists were able to get the makeshift sensor array up and running. The guarding fleet was on the other side of the planet, when a Zynarra fleet of four destroyers were picked up flying toward the colony. Fleet Admiral Bullar was quick to act. The four Connecticuts accelerated and rounded the planet quickly. By that time the four Zynarra ships had closed half the distance to the planet. Bullar ordered all missles into open space; however, he made the bad move in not staying out of range of the Zynarras short ranged anti-proton beams. Several of their ships opened fire. Bullar couldn't keep track of the number of beams hitting his ships. The beams of the Zynarra weren't very powerful, but the sheer amount was enough to immediately convince that no one was getting out without a limp. Bullar ordered his fleet to move across, in front of Cephedri II and draw their fire. For several volleys this worked until one of Bullar's ships had to retreat having lost all capability to fight. This left a gap in the crossing fleet. Only two Zynarra ships remained in fighting condition. One was already space dust. But a third distracted the fleet while his sister ran Bullar's defenses and opened fire on Cephedri II. His proton beams struck the colony and triggered an atomic bLast. The 34 million colonists were instantly vaporized. Bullar's ship was limping from three proton bLasts to his engines. He ordered his ships to close the gap, and in doing so they trapped the ship right above the atmosphere. As the other Zynarra ship turned to help, Bullar crushed the trapped ship. Bullar was now down to two ships. His was nearly done for and the other had lost several cannons. Bullar decided to use his own ship as a decoy and lead the attack, hoping the final Zynarra ship would fire at him leaving the other ship free to strike unmolested. The plan worked perfectly...well, all but for Bullar himself. His ship took four direct hits sending it spiralling down on the z-axis (go figure). Bullar was killed when the deck of the bridge collapsed down into the body of the ship. The Last ship seeing the flag ship out of commission returned fire. The Zynarra trying to run was struck several times, but eventually out ran the Last armed Connecticut.

With Bullar dead and the colony destroyed the fleet, still comprised of four ships, had no way to make repairs. So the second colony ship was unwisely sent to recolonize the planet. All four ships had suffered more than 75% damage. Some were left without bridges, some without engines, some without weapons, and overall were left without an Admiral. The first Battle of Cephedri II cost the Norak 34 million colonists and 2139 crew, of which 274 were officers. May the Almightly not judge the puppets as harshly as the masters.

Three days later, the second Battle of Cephedri II took place. Apparently, Bullar had managed the destruction of most of the Zynarra fleet...the better part at least. Our frigates had defeated their destroyers 1 to 1. They returned with two frigates and another destroyer. From this, and Tallik agrees, there isn't much to tell. The colonists were again destroyed and the four strewn, defenseless Connecticuts were dispatched quite easily. We lost 68 million colonists! 68 Million! And four brave crews! Tallik says it was a failed mission from the beginning. Without a treaty from the Zynarra, they did not stand a chance.

With fire and brimstone and photon beams the Almighty will bring us again to the soft underbelly of the Zynarra. They must be judged! and they will. But the senseless deaths of so many, just to come to such a conclusion cannot be easily forgiven. Who do we help but ourselves when we iinfringe upon the Zynarra? The life of the Norak is the life a servant. Many have lost their jobs. Tallik has been asked to take part in the assessment of a return to Cephedri. The Templars, our defense fleet, has been moved up to a forward position. I've argued, that a better road to the rest of the galaxy might lie through Sallegaian space. However, Tallik is pressing for immediate response. Either way is war. Neither the Xi'Chung nor the Zynarra will let us pass through their territories freely. He doesn't suggest this out of foolish anger, but he estimates since our attack on the Zynarra weakened their fleet, a return now, would find them in no state to resist. But it is well known, and known to Tallik, that a return with warships must be accompanied or followed by terra-formers. The High Priest has called for a crusade. All who go have the blessing of She whose incense burns forever. A minimal consort of colonists will depart for Cephedri, if the Templars do indeed reign in the Zynarra.

As over some areas of government, the people lament signs of foolishness, others areas show wisdom and progress. In a joint project the Amon'krie and ourselves have instructed one another on the process of colonization. Now our exploration minister is in possession of ships which can terra-form ice planets. We've learned to melt the icelayers into seas and oceans. Already several planets have been so colonized.

Our brothers, the CueCappa, have joined with us in a military pact. We see no reason why we should not rely on one another for defense. Our worlds pass near each other. We have colonies in their homesystem, so an attack on one is an attack on two. This marriage will prove wise in the long run. For the Norak, it gives us a buffer zone and a pact of free movement within the CueCappa sectors. We've even instituted an agreement of mutual supply. Surely, this helps to extend the reach of the Almighty's servants. At the Last census, it has been estimated that a full 15% of the CueCappa population follow our religion. It is easily the largest religion they have...seeing that everyone else believes in nothing but the hard work of their own hands.

On one of the ice planets in Lundra, we've located and analysed what seems to be a civilization frozen in the lower layers of the surface. Quite a lot of information has been gained--we've learned how to further maximize the extraction of radioactive material from the planets we inhabit and we've found ways to strengthen our uranium cannons. What gifts!

Perhaps the foolishness is over. Perhaps, but I doubt it. I long to return to Arklite I. I personally established a small school there for all who wish to attend. I am quite fond of my pupils there, and wish to return. Perhaps, once the fleet is ready to move, Tallik and I will be transfered back to Arklite. Pellwain is eager to move on to new tasks. She is a traveller at heart, a sojourner, and she has been on Xiban IV for 3 years. Perhaps. I do so hope she refrains from signing up for the next one-way trip to Cephedri. "One-way trip." Is that negative talk? Faithless? We shall see. The great road to the galactic center runs right through Zynarra space. Unlucky them.

[Story Junkie]

Links/Bump!
[EDIT: By SJ, not me, but Suicide]

[ 23 March 2002: Message edited by: Story Junkie ]