History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread

[Jmenschenfresser]

2408.2
After having spent nearly two years living among the Xi'Chung, it is nice to again be aboard a ship filled to the plating with Norak. After a short stop over in Arklite, on the first planet that is now home to some 25 million Xi, Tallik and I hooked up with a larger population transport ship on it's way to Olontra. The Amon'krie, after much pressure and convincing, are again allied with us in a Trade and Research Treaty. The government feels it is once again safe to send population and civilians to the system. Tallik and I now find ourselves living with the former citizens of Arklite I. The only organized transportation of civilians from Arklite, in order to make room for the Xi, was decided to have as its final destination, Olontra. The transportation to Olontra would be cost free for all who opted to take the chance. Free land and developments have also been promised in Olontra; however, those who wish to take the second route can sell their land to government for a reduced price and then make their own way else where. Richer families have generally decided upon this option as most of them have homes on several worlds. The planet in Olontra is large and has a small population. The 300 or so million coming from Arklite will hardly dent the free land to be had there.

Tallik and I had two weeks leave on Arklite before the ship to Olontra left. After nearly two years on constant space travel, I was grateful for the chance to see sky...even if it was the strange magenta glow of the methane in the air. The small domed facilites I assume will be kept for the accomedation of Norak who visit for whatever purpose, but the Xi have already moved out into the wildernesses of Arklite. I've talked to several who've chosen this planet, and they say, that although it is hotter than their homeworld, it is quite pleasant. Many of those who disliked the chill of the homeworld enjoy this warm paradise. The rest of the Xi are headed for two planets deep in the inner systems of Norak space. May they find rest and a home proper. She who knows the state of all creatures finds the worms of Xiban I leaves in which to sleep...and so shall the Xi find a place of comfort.

A colony ship we passed back in Organtrix is being refitted for rock colonization. The aim is to send it deep within Sergetti territory to establish deep space contacts with other races. The Florida sent out a year ago recently returned to Organtrix with depressing news. The systems it explored were filled with nothing but nebula. This same Florida is being refitted with the latest stellar harnessing technology, which essentially will allow it to travel forever without having to resupply.

2408.4
The deep space fleet has left dock and is approaching the edges of the Organtrix system. The refitted colony ship is headed for a large rock planet several systems away...in the heart of the Sergetti system. Meanwhile, the Florida explorer has left Organtrix on an exploration mission to the southern part of the galaxy.

I am now sitting under a strange looking tree on Olontra II. I've visited the solemn memorials to the millions lost in the Amon'krie attack. The citizens of Olontra II have little use for their neighbors. The Amon'krie come here to trade, but all transactions take place in remote hangers and cargo storage facilities. However, the new population having arrived with Tallik and I are less likely to have hostile dispositions, and perhaps the new faces will dilute the old boiling blood...this is not to say, their anger is misled. Perhaps through Olontra II new ties can be formed. The Amon'krie have still outlawed all teachings of the Norakian faith on their worlds. The Almighty never said that all would be won with ease, and a large portion of the counsel thinks both the Amon'krie and the Zynarra should face the wrath of the Almighty's chosen people. They have classified them as irredeemable. She who separates the earth from the sky holds them in balance against those who seek peace. If She so chooses to erradicate the Amon'krie, they will have their day. Our initial mistakes with the Zynarra are another matter. To put it another way, if I were to come to the hut of any agnostic Norak, and kick his door in, knock out the foundations, and thus bring his structure to the dirt, simply to bring his word of the Text and Her existence, would he then be dispositioned to listen? I doubt it. So it was with the Zynarra. Although certain institutions refuse to acknowledge wrong-doing, the same unfortunate conclusions should not be sought.

I hear the Templar fleet above Olontra II is due for an overhaul. Tallik says there must be some reason why we were sent here. Along with us, we've brought two of the Continuum's brightest engineers to oversee the retrofit. Our stock piles are heavy with resources. However, the Elders worry that a retrofit is exactly what the Amon'krie wait for. The destroyers over Olontra II lack defensive and offensive sensors and the latest weapons. Three new Washington Cruiser class ships have come Online, but with recent advances already the model is going into its second Version. Perhaps one or more will be sent to Olontra.

The main battle fleet stationed between Amon'krie space and CueCappan space is on the move. They are heading to reopen relations with the Zynarra. The Zynarra will no doubt initially think we mean to reopen old wounds. Perhaps we never had any relations in the first place. Whatever the case, we hope our main fleet will convince them that war is futile and can only cost the lives of millions. Tallik says the Continuum no longer seeks colonization in their space, we only seek normalized relations and the guarantee that our ships can explore without fear of attack. Some think this is provocation or subjugation...a forced hand if you will. I personally think this is closure. Tallik says our fleet means no harm. We merely seek to prove that they have nothing to gain by further hostilites. But...if they seek war, they shall get it.

Back on the homeworld, the ship which will make use of the two outer lying systems filled with asteroids is nearly ready. Tallik says three more months and it will roll out of space dock. Four years ago, when this plan was first concoted by the Elders, six colonizers were commissioned and built, three for rock planets and three for ice planets. Since it won't be able to tackle the larger asteroid fields our scientists have stated that few if any gas planets will come into being. The majority will be either rock or ice. These ships have been waiting mothballed for the Last four years.

All things in their own time.

[TerranC]

Hmm...

*Dusts off Temporal Incursion Beam*
*cough* *cough*
*polishs the TCARS*

*Kicks the darn contraption*

Work damn you!

[geoschmo]

Year 2409.1 (This post was a combined effort detailing the dialogue between the Norak and Sallgan representatives.)

Cecil Calvert walked down the shuttle ramp and handed his papers to the Norak in charge. This was his first visit to Olontra II, but not his first trip offworld by any means. His duties as deputy cultural attache had taken him to nearly a dozen worlds belonging to 5 different races over the years. He had never been given one of the choice ambasadorial positions that required so many political connections, but his knack for getting things had meant that he stayed busy none the less. He also was not well known outside of the diplomatic core of the various races. This combination of anonimity and ability was very important in critical "unofficial" missions such as this one.

This planet was very pleasant by Sallegan standards. The Norak colony appeared to be thriving and growing. From his vantage point on the platform he could see the remains of the old city destroyed by the Amonkrie in the war years before. Avoiding such destruction in the future is precisly why Calvert was here.

Having been notified of his imminent arrival, the Norak Consular office had sent a ground car to pick him and his aide up. As they rode in silence, he reviewed the latest intelligence reports from the Cephredi system. Things there were quickly comping to a head. He feared there would be much bloodshed, but he hoped he was wrong. The path his own government had started down was a dangerous one, thought Calvert. It would not end well if there were any misunderstandings among their allies.

He hoped also that his imformation about Deacon Tallik was correct, that this was a man who had the ear of the Norak Council of Elders. He had met Tallik before at a treaty function in the early days of Republic-Continuum relations. But they had done little more than exchange plesantries, and Calvert had been a minor official at the time. He doubted the Norak would even remember him.

As he arrived he was usshered into the office of Deacon Tallik who was seated and speaking to several others Calvert didn't recognize.

"Decon Tallik, thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Calvert bgean.

Deacon Tallik rose at the sudden entrance of the Sallega representative. "Ambassador Calvert, we welcome you to Olontra II. It seems we have met before, since you directly put the name to the face. This is my trusted assistant Monk Raeghar. Please have a seat. We also return the thanks to your government in allowing us input into this grave situation. Please, please...proceed."

"The Sallgan Republic has grave concerns over the recent events in the Cephredi system. As allies to the Norak, the Amonkrie, and the Zynarians, it pains us to see the constant fighting between your races and loss of life. We have attempted for years to work out a peaceful settlement between the warring parties to no avail."

"Recently our own relations with the Zynarians have become strained over their incresingly irrational demands that we break our treaties with the Norak and Amonkrie and take direct military action against both of you. Let me reassure you Deacon that the Republic has no intention of cedeing to any such demand. They have also recently violated an agreement between our peoples over colonization rights to Cephredi VII."

"This has placed my government in an extermely uncomfortable position. We cannot take up arms against another of our allies in defense of a corrupt government. Perhaps the most politically viable position for the Republic would be to withdraw and let the Zynars and Amonkrie resolve their own issues. But as a people who value life in all it's forms, we cannot sit back and allow the Zynarian people to be exterminated. We know from the experience of others that the Amonkrie are not enemies to be triffled with. One need only look out your own window at the remains of the old city to see how the Amonkrie comport themselves in battle. The Sallegans may have to take control of the Zynars to save the people from their own leaders. Their irrational behavior has angered the Amonkrie and is risking an all out attack which could result in an end to the Zynar race." Calvert paused to allow Tallik a response.

Deacon Tallik began, "We understand your concern and are more than willing to help. The Norak have come to Cephedri one Last time in hopes of peace. Ever since the Norak Continuum lost millions of lives in a foolish attempt to colonize parts of Cephedri, we've sought only peace and reconciliation. I will not decieve you Ambassador, our fleet is a show of force. Many in the Counsel are tired of extending hand after hand to the Zynarra.

"On the other hand, we have had a rocky past with the Amon'krie and we fear if the Sallega attempt to subjugate or install a puppet government in the house of Zynarra, relations between the Amon'krie and the Sallega could deteriorate. The Sallega and the Amon'krie are both vital to the peace of this entire quadrant of the galaxy, and were relations between your people and the Amon'krie to falter, we would have no choice but to involve ourselves.

"Practically though, if the Zynarra choose to make their peace with us, we will petition the Amon'krie to halt the hostilities; otherwise I fear our government may think the extinction of the Zynarr, as an independent people, a good thing. If the Sallega proceed, we ask in the name of the Almighty, that no manner of genocide take place...neither that, nor the wholesale killing of citizens. Planets are not to be bombarded by any means! You must understand. If you sit here and tell us your actions are for the safety and protection of the Zynarra, to save their civilization from death, then we, the Norak, will hold you to your intentions. We've given the Zynarra one Last chance at peace, and expect their answer at any time. We would ask that your government do the same. I have been briefed on the colonization treaty you claim the Zynarra have violated. Bluntly, and take this as the mind of my superiors, the claim is rather weak. If this point of matter is indeed the Last inch which drove the Sallega to action, then may we suggest you offer the Zynarra some payment for the planet."

Calvert considered his response carefully. He sincerely believed every word he was saying about the republics intentions. However he also had no illusions about the possibility that he was being left out of the loop on some things. He hoped that it did not turn out just to be that his government was taking advantage of the situation for a "land grab".

He spoke, "Deacon, your words as always are wise. However, the Sallegan republic does not consider this action rashly. We only bring up the issue of the colony rights as an example of the irrationality of the Zynarian leaders of late. We would never take such serious actions over such a minor issue. Subjugation of other races is not something we seek. We believe that every race has the right to self governance, as long as they show they can do so peacfully with other races. But that right is out-weighed by the individual memebers of that races personal right to exsist. We shall give your negotiations every chance for success. We have as well been expending great efforts to get the Zynar and Amonkrie talking to each other. But if it becomes clear the Amonkrie and Zynar cannot be convinded to make peace, we will be forced to take action to to ensure the survival of the Zynar race."

Tallik leaned slowly back in his high-backed chair. He knew full well what Calvert was saying could not be refuted. Recent reports from Cephedri revealed the real destruction inherent in this conflict. Recent ship movements and our technology intelligence of the Amon'krie showed no intent on their part to take Zynarra worlds intact. "The Norak know little of this conflict, and have to wonder at it's beginnings and underlying dispute. We realize full well that the Amon'krie are slightly expansionistic and have the tendency to expect more than their share...if such a thing exists. But the Zynarra are unreasonable and prone to violence. If negotiations fail, our fleet will remain in Zynarra space to ensure that all parties act sensibly. Although both the Sallega and the Amon'krie are our allies, we will not take immediate sides in this matter. However, we warn you, that the Amon'krie will no doubt lay claim to much of Zynarr space, if you proceed to overthrow their corrupt..."

As Deacon Tallik spoke, Raeghar, his trusted assistant was called from the conference room, only to immediately return. Raeghar handed Tallik a small note. The note contained two short sentences. Tallik forced himself not to sigh or show any sign of surprise. Tallik continued, "It seems, Ambassador, that the Zynarra have refused our Last call for peace, and the Counsel has sent our fleet previously stationed over the warp point leading to Amon'krie space to the Zynarra homeworld. The intent here is to blockade the planet not to destroy it. Finally, the Amon'krie have attacked two planets in Cephedri...I'm not sure which ones. It seems both our questions have been answered, and I am sure you'll wish to straight-way depart, but let me say just two things. Now is the time for you to protect your friends, Ambassador. As we have no intention on their destruction, we also have no desire to lose ships and relations with the Amon'krie and the Sallega in protecting them. May the Almighty grant you wisdom and insight into this matter.

"Thank you for your time Deacon." Calvert said as he prepared to leave, "I must of course return immediately to the Republic and see what the situation is. I am glad to see we are in agreement. I hope we are not too late to avert a disaster."

[TerranC]

A Favor; How about releasing a gam. file for those of us very interested in this story?

Pretty Please?

[geoschmo]

quote:

---

Originally posted by TerranC:
A Favor; How about releasing a gam. file for those of us very interested in this story?

Pretty Please?

---

Turn 2401.4

Standings:
1st place - Norak
2nd place - Sallega
3rd place - Fazrah
4th place - Praetorian
5th place - Jraenar (Somewhere. I don't think they have been encountered by either of us yet.)

LATEST TURN FILE
All the empires in the game should have password of 'History1', even Mench and I. I know mine is. Not sure about mensch. We have refrained from checking out the AI though, playing this one straight.

Geoschmo

[ 14 April 2002: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[Jmenschenfresser]

2410.8
...from the transcript of the Zynarra surrender...

Zynarran Fleet Admiral, 5th Commission:
*loud disgusted snort* "Damn your God and your ways! I am signing away the freedom of my people and you say you haven't a drop of booze on this ship so I may at least do it inebriated. May you rot in your own religion if you attempt to do the same for Cephedri I. The people will take to distilling the blood of the Norak. [someone muttering in the background] Yes, yes. I'm signing! I'm signing. [pause] There! Happy? The Zynarra are no more. Yes, a union of unhappiness and those land grabbing Sallega are all to blame. Had they actually helped their allies rather than undermined them we'd have ripped the Amon'krie new ones! [words from the Norak Counsel] Ah, don't patronize me. We kicked your asses years ago, and you never returned to Cephedri...except to clean up the garbage...just like you moochers did with the Xi'Chung. Were it not for the underhanded activities of the Sallega, we'd have done the same to the Amon'krie. Now I get word that the Amon'krie has broken off relations with the both of you. Good! If you want to put one more article in that worthless treaty of yours just to satisfy an old Zynarra, promise you'll cut the throat of every Last Amon'krie. [more words from the Norak] Take it from someone who knows...you'll never have peace with them until they are all buried."

Talk enough and statistically you're a prophet...or so said my mentor. The Admiral could be right about the Amon'krie. Going on five years, our peace with the Amon'krie balanced on a knife's edge. Will war come? No doubt the Amon'krie are tense...our colonies, and those of the Sallega, hem them in on all sides now. But they have nothing to blame but their violent actions. It's been almost a year since the Zynarra surrendered to us. The Sallega approached our diplomats and insiders a few short months before the Zynarra fell with the concern of recent Amon'krie incursions into Cephedri. The Zynarra and the Sallega had long been allies and the Sallega did not wish to see millions die in a war of greed. The Zynarra government certainly was not innocent in the matter. They'd attacked Amon'krie freighters passing through their space and Amon'krie fleets on their way to raid the Farzah riches. Many Norak revisionists feel the Sallega became involved more for the land to gain, than the lives to save, and in this say their guilt is the same as that of the Amon'krie. Whatever the case may be, the Almighty is the only one fit to judge the darkness of empires.

Our fleet of aging destroyers and light cruisers moved into Zynarra space at about the same time Tallik and I met an Ambassador Calvert from the Sallega. We'd given the Zynarra one Last chance at peace and during the course of the meeting, we got word that they had refused. The Elders quickly sent the fleet to blockade Cephedri I, the Zynarra homeworld. Our reason was both to show all parties that we were not going to allow this madness to continue. The Amon'krie, however, took the initiative upon seeing how many Zynarra vessels were more concerned with our fleet than the protection of their borders. The Amon'krie destroyed three Zynarra colonies within 2 months. Like dominos the causes and effects were evident. No sooner had these fires died out than the Sallega began colonizing and storming the worlds of their once allies in the name of protection. I have no doubt many Zynarra grandmothers thanked them. Three Amon'krie ships took orbit outside of our blockade. Over the 3 month blockade, two Zynarra ships attempted to run it...both were destroyed without a scratch upon our vessels.

As far as I know, the Sallega asked for the Zynarra's surrender. Two days later a diplomatic escort of the Zynarra docked with our flag ship stating that they wished to surrender to us. Several Deacons secretly stationed on Cephedri I had previously been in contact with the Zynarran government, outlining the Norak terms of surrender were they to choose to so proceed; however, it was made abundantly clear that they would need to make the first open move in appealing to our representatives. The Counsel did not wish to appear to swipe the Zynarra homeworld out from under the Sallega or the Amon'krie. Of course, secrets aren't really secret, but the official Version is mostly what matters, because no one wants to start calling the other a liar.

Soon after Tallik's predictions of difficulties with the Amon'krie came true. The Amon'krie broke ties with both us and the Sallega. The Norak are used to rough ties with the Amon'krie, and as the She who washes soil from the feet of sinners has commanded, forgive your enemies once for each grain of sand. The Sallega are not used to dealing with them we fear. I am not certain of the events between the Amon'krie and the Sallega since the fall of the Zynarra, but I have heard they are not happy bedfellows.

Turning asteroids into planets is turning out to be a rather painless experience for the Norak, if you can lay aside the figures which estimate that the Nevada Xa sucks up a tenth of the empires resources in maintanence alone. The job of making the two outerlying systems habitable is more than half done. Many of the worlds are already populated.

...

I am just back from my evening discussions with Tallik. We are presently stationed on Cephedri I. I have been given the task of creating a suitable Norak influence in the old Zynarra Universities and Academies. The Zynarra, like the Amon'krie, have an innate dislike for our religion. The Amon'krie's reason is different; they do not quite take to a melting pot idea of the galaxy. I don't really see how this is a livable alternative being that we have so much to benefit from one another. Why cordon yourself off? The Zynarra on the otherhand are rugged individualists. Their hostility is probably just pride. I suppose some pride need be allotted to a beaten race so that it may retain some of its former glory and culture. The Zynarra love to discuss things at lenght, and as I am of the same mind, and although they may at time wish coals upon my head, the discussions I've had with their students and professors is grand and sweeping. Most still do not respect my ideas, the ideas and concepts laid out in the Text, but most respect me for my arguements. Perhaps if I can maintain a defense against my own pride, I can one day convince them to argue from my point of view, and that is really all that matters to the Zynarra....point of view.

Deep space exploration of the eastern parts of the galaxy have revealed to us two new races: the Eee and one we have just met and the name of which I have not heard (a neutral race). The Eee, in exchange for Ice colonization technology, have shown us their own method of colonizing gas planets. We've put this knowledge to use in several cases and other than one mishap which involved the accidental igniting of a pocket of helium on one world, this move forward has gone as planned and promised.

Several months ago the Sergetti, with whom we now have no relations, sent three warships to what the Counsel assumed to be an attack on one of our colonies in their space. Actually we now only have one colony in their space, since the Sallega have driven them out of the system neighboring Organtrix. This planet of which I write lies in the system one over...I am not sure of the name. Our primitive sensor array on this planet prevented us from seeing their fleet as it hid behind the planet which lies in the next sector west of our colony. Once the colony did see it, our secret was laid open. All three ships smashed into our mine field. Tallik showed me the visual from the attempted attack. The ships approached in attack formation, moving silently through space, when suddenly, one of them rocked heavily as its belly was torn open in a blueish-orangish bLast. As the ship spun out of control, several more explosions caved in its frontal section and sheered off its engines. The two other ships did what any captain would have done...come to a full stop and attempt to turn. However, that is what these mines are precisely designed to counter. They have on them certain homing devices which when given the chance to persue can out run slower ships. The other two ships disappeared in two collections of bright lights.

The Norak Counsel has kept the mines a secret for quite some time from its own public, fearing a backlash of disapproval. Readers may ask themselves why would they fear disapproval, well, like all things, the Counsel was hoping for an occurance just like the one the Sergetti instigated. Without proof that the mines could cheaply protect Norak citizens, their worth would be judged on the military's ability to control accidents concerning these mines. I mean, it would soon be known that these mines track certain signitures of ships, but only with the help of landbased relays. Were these landbased stations ever to malfunction, it is quite conceiveable these mines would swoop down upon the nearest object--be it ship or planet. The Norak have since revealed to the public that other planets have mines around them, but they have not and refuse to reveal which ones. The biggest opponents todate are space trucker unions and the like. They are certainly the ones most vunerable. While the Counsel argues over the future of static defenses, the people whose lives they have already saved, though surprised, cannot denounce them without digging their own graves.

Tonight's discussion was a real one, and by that I mean, it wasn't for personal benefit, like say a talk on physics or literature or personal ideas on the relationship between the CueCappan notion of predestination and our idea of free will within the omniscience of She who can see what isn't. No, Tallik and I are two on the same mission. The Farzah recently feigned an attack on Cephedri I. Ten of their warships entered Cephedri in two fleets, moved on Cephedri I and then turned and left. Although never having fired a shot at one another, we are officially at war. They were the first to declare, but the Counsel was also quick to return the jesture. Back on Xiban I, new schools and ministries of intelligence are popping up. The Norak Counsel upon relieving the Zynarra government of it's duties found a massive intelligence network in operation. Tallik and I have been at the forefront of learning from it and drawing up its benefits for the Norak. At first, we thought it best to establish a fledgling network inside the Amon'krie government, but since the Farzah showed their perfect willingness to make a move into Cephedri, we've decided it better to focus our efforts on the Farzah. The Amon'krie, if they turn violent, can be subdued militarily, and recent intelligence suggests that the Sallega will pounce upon the Amon'krie at the drop of a hat. The Farzah are another story. A war with them would burn countless worlds. Our ships are old and not at all ready to deal with the Farzah who possess advanced torpedos and shielding. The Counsel has yet to devote the necessary research and resources to refitting the fleets, so instead, they've given us the charge to impress upon them our capabilites through covert ops and intelligence. Plans are in the works to steal several of their ships for technology purposes. Beyond that Tallik puts forth the old Amon'krie saying: "Attack he who from battle returns." Tallik thinks we could weaken them by covertly breaking their ties to other races. This was the main topic of discussion tonight, and one that is not nearly finished.

I barely remember back to the time of my first space flight, and I wonder if I have changed for the better or the worse. I was quite the simple Monk back then...now I discuss the destruction of empires like it were my next meal. I have not seen Pellwain in five years. I wonder if I would seem different to her. If space turns your soul black eventually. My greatest fear is that I have become a pragmatist and not an idealist. The ancient notion of means and ends and the justification of both haunts me. I am called back to the words of my mentor and they seem to be the only constant thread this Last decade, "It's not what happens to you that matters...it is how you deal with it."

[geoschmo]

Year 2411.3

Grandow sat at his desk and felt, well, he felt relaxed actually. Is was not a feeling he was accustomed to. For the first time in years the Rebublic was not under imminent threat of attack from somewhere.

The Amon'krie for all their instability had once again agreed to a trade treaty. And this time they showed signs of keeping it. Perhaps the removal of the Zynar threat to their shipping was enough to calm them. Or perhaps they had other targets for their anger now. Grandow didn't know, and didn't really care as long as they didn't bother the Republic colonies in the Cephredi system.

Relations were still strained with the Sergetti, but they had been dealt a greivous blow by the Fazrah and were no longer a legitimate threat. The eastern fleet had easily pushed them out of the Ushphada system, destroying a significant portion of their remaining fleet in the process and capturing two Sergetti worlds mostly intact. This opened up a path to the eastern part of the galaxy and Grandow was finally able to send a ship on a peaceful mission of exploration.

The Gartok had been designed for just such a mission. Not wanting to wait until his scientists had developed the solar collectors that they had been working on for so long, Grandow ordered a ship of the largest hull available, 500Kt at this time, fitted with just a minimum of armaments and as much fuel storage as it could accomodate.

The result was a ship with a full 60% greater range than the latest attack cruisers being built. It would not be much good in a fight, but it's mission was not to fight anyway. Captain Tadminum's orders were to avoid conflict if at all possible, even if that meant finding an ion storm and hiding out if things got too rough.

The mission was to explore as far east as possible before returning to refuel, making contact with as many species as they could along the way. The Sallegans had received maps for these systems years before from the Fazrah and Cue Cappa. They had information that at least one and possibly two races lived in this part of the galaxy. Grandow wished to make contact with them both if possible.

Closer to home much progress had been made on unlocking the long baffling mystery of the ancient cities on the Narcisston gas giants. Rebublic researchers had made a breakthrough in construction techniques that allowed the building of massive floating cities. Thus the long delayed colonization of these worlds commenced. Now with researchers living and working in close proximity to the ruins the nature of them could be deciphered.

As expected they were in fact the remains of an ancient civilization. Obviously eons ago some vastly superior race had inhabited much of this galaxy. Signs of them had been discovered in several systems now, and much usable technology had been gleaned. It was now a regularly accepted theory that this ancient race was also responsible for the warp gates that all the races used so freely.

A slightly less accepted hypothesis was begining to be formulated as well. That all the known races were decendant from this ancient race. This could explain why so many of them had developed space filight around the same time Grandow thought. This was not something he expected to be proven one way or the other in his lifetime, but it was an interesting theory none the less.

The Admiral viewed his map of the known systems, trying to divine where the next threat to his people would come from. There were colored circles representing systems with Republic ships and colonies, and different colors for sytems of their partners. Several systems had triagles representing the presence of multiple races. More often than not, one of these trianlges meant there was a Norak colony in that system Grandow thought.

The Norak had been a great ally of the Republic. Their entry into the Xi'Chung war came at a crucial moment and had proven to be what tipped the balance. For this they would have Grandow's eternal gratitude. However, they had subsequently proven to be quite the little opportunists. Three times now the Sallegan's had fought hard in battle, only to have the Norak had swoop in quickly and snapped up the territory vacated by the enemy afterwards. Twice, once with the Xi'Chung and then again with the Zynars, the enemy had chosen to surrender to the Norak instead of submitting to Sallegan governance. And now in the Ushphada system where we had pushed back the Sergetti, Norak colonies come popping up like daises after a late spring snow.

And from information received from the CueCappa and Fazrah, Grandow could see that the Sallgans were not the only ones in the galaxy with a "Norak problem". They had colonies scattered across nine systems. Nothing in great strength outside of their own territory, but they seemed to be everywhere. This religion of theirs was becoming quite popular among his own people. So much so that he didn't think it wise to challange them openly at this time. But he wondered if they weren't going to be a problem someday that would have to be dealt with.