History of the Galaxy, part 1-Story Thread

[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.

[Cyrien]

Year 2411.4

The newest Elder to join the council floated in the remote Ether of Munjumb IX. He contemplated the past of his people and wondered what they would make of the future.

He thought back to the ancient origins of his people now lost in antiquity. When they had once moved across the stars and had mapped much of the Galaxy and had moved and shaped planets and stars and even the greatest forces of the Universe. One of the few legacies they retained from that time were indeed the ancient maps of this quadrant of space.

His people had always been caring and upon finding many forms of life already developing on many of the planets they had decided to seperate themselves and watch from the swirling clouds of their favored gigantic planets that so few other life forms seemed to enjoy.

Alas time will have its way with all life. And so it was that the EEE lost their way. How this happened or what specifically it was had been purged from all records and not even the most Anciant of the Elders could remember back to those ancient times. The records simply showed that in the span of a single year the EEE met a terrible fate. Some speculated that this was caused by forces that they toyed with beyond their understanding and lead to their downfall. The story tells of arrogance in mastery of all that surrounds them and unchallenged supremacy, for no other life as advanced as they had ever been found, indeed no other life capable of sentient thought had been found. The truth of these ancient stories will likely never be known.

It has been many Millenium since then however and now the simple lifeforms that once thrived on the many planets spoken of in the records have grown sentience and have themselves begun to attempt to master the Galactic edges about them. Only with the first contacts with these new races did the EEE once again begin to stir.

Only with the stirring did they once again become aware of the few others of their kind still scattered through Space. Slowly they came together and began to make sense of themselves once again.

The process of reawakening was begun. They once again gathered a council of Elders together to rule as the EEE collectively decided. They rapidly found that though many of their ancient masteries had been lost they still possessed technology that other races had no knowledge of. This proved to be fortunate as soon the EEE found themselves underattack by a dreadfull foe. A foe that consumed the EEE wherever they turned. A foe that was ruthless and primitive. The EEE lost several of their worlds to this foe but harnessing some of the peaceful technologies from their past they utilized their own energy focusing abilities and were able to fight the foe back. For now.

The newest council of Elders had been selected to deal with the obviously hostile and insecure races around them. Not all had proven so hostile as those called the Jraenar which sought to consume the EEE. Many others had sought to peacefully exist with the EEE. The EEE would seek to teach and nurture all of these races as best it could. First they would have to regain their own lost past to ensure the future of as many of these infant species as possible.

The Elders energy field shimmered through the mists as he broke away from his deep thoughts. Slowly he floated back to join with the other Elders. There was much to be done.

[spacefan]

Agents of Chaos

2411.5
Assignment of Alpha Tau Lord Alzene to Grand Lord
"And Chaos shall ever reign!" they chanted, as the ex-Grand Lord Tazlok grinned sheepishly at me.

I was in the Temple of Lords, as Lord of the research sect Alpha Tau. I had just been voted in as the Grand Lord by the sects residing on homeworld, and I was feeling sick.

The qualification of homeworld residency certainly lessened the number of sects voting, as each individual ship and colony represented at least one sect, while the homeworld was definitely a buyers market for real estate. Thousands of sects yearly were leaving homeworld, bound on Colony Ships for other planets, or on war ships teeming with weaponry.

Grand Lord was the sort of position most of us stuck on homeworld dreaded. We have had number of abandonments early in our colonizing days, so those Lords voted Grand Lord are now required to hold office for 1 year minimum, and can keep the office as long as they want. No one has kept the position longer than required.

The outgoing Grand Lord couldn't head for his ship until giving a good report on conditions throughout the Fazrah Anarchy. Outsiders may call us an empire, but we are an anarchy for sure.

Until ole Tazlok gave me his 5 day briefing and current maps, I hadn't realized the extent of chaos in our politics. Except the Grand Lord, most us have no knowledge of the activities of Fazrah as a whole, or even of Lords on homeworld itself.

I had an instinct that I wasn't going to be able to pawn this job onto another lord in a year. Call it paranoia, or just good sense. Good sense tells me I better figure out how these wars started, and who are these allies Tazlok told me about. I don't think Tazlok has told me enough.

I know quite a bit about research, and I know that at Alpha Tau our best research was during peacetime. During wars, all the Lords were unwilling to pay us anything for non-military technologies, and were willing to pay more than usual for good weapons and propulsion. Normally wars were run(so Tazlok had told me at least) by the Grand Lord paying all the ships a royalty to fight, from which they bought equipment and such from all the planetbound sects.

Looking at the total research program, my Alpha Tau group was only involved in Sensors research. I frowned. It looked like Tazlok had been paying science teams to research whatever caught his fancy that day or week. He had 4 seperate items on his research agenda. That'll be my first change.

Back when I was just a research lord, yesterday that is, I remembered how many great research ideas were started by silly things my son Jacob said to me. Six years old and he's a better assistant than anyone officially under my lordship.

[spacefan]

2411.6-2411.7
Consequences

Shortly after Tezlok left for his ship, I discovered something frightening. From asking the lords, I was told the Grand Lord usually received a briefing from his predecessor and various history logs and journals, as well as other maps and plans that the predecessor had made. Tezlok had taken them with him.

Perhaps it was by mistake, but I am furious for that, and for the lack of useful knowledge I had of our political situation. It seems we are at war, or have no treaty with 5(!) empires.

Then reports came in that the Norak convinced one of the ship Lords to defect to them. He sent a message to me saying he could not continue to work for a people concerned with money and ignorant of his "true religion". I dismissed the whole thing as bunk, but I've been in a flury working on counterpropaganda, and other intelligience. He's eluded the price I've placed on that ship so far. Our Lords know this is the most any Grand Lord has offered for anything to be done ever.

I was about to send out an impassioned plea not to defect, combined with telling them the consquences of defecting (No more Fazrah Gold was the obvious one). But as usually, Jacob came up with a better idea. Give the Norak, Amon'krie and Praetorian captains a reason to join us. The more the Norak take our ship Lords, telling them of the virtues of their religion, the more we will tell their captains about freedom and money.

The standard speech goes something like this:
-------------------------------------------------
Greetings Captain!

I'd like to congratulate you on your position and title. Ship Captains have more freedom than others in any empire, due to the distances between HQ and the ships. However, I would like to offer you an even better option.

Upon joining the Fazrah, you will have complete control over your ship and crew. You are free to believe what you will, and hire whomever you want. To keep yourself in good supply of fuels and other wants, all you must do is choose from a list of missions and tasks.

Thats Right! When we send out a group of orders, they aren't really orders. We simply give a price for each one. Thats how much we'll pay in Fazrah gold if you complete the objectives. (Fazrah gold is pure Gold, not diluted like some currencies)

The rest of the time, sit back and relax, enjoy your favorite beverages, and smile knowing that no dictator has your number.

To arrange a meeting, send a message to our envoy of your Empire.

Grand Lord Alzene
Fazrah Anarchy
_________________________________________________

I have no doubt that will convince a few Captains. For all our disadvantages, we are flexible and wealthy, and we also know how to fight dirty.

Tezlok will be hunted down, and we are beefing up homeworld defenses. I plan on calling up an army or two to patrol homeworld. I've also recalled nearly a dozen ships to homeworld. Its time we fight back. That'll be the largest concentration of ships I've ever seen at homeworld.

Amon'krie, Praetorians and Norak are our most persistent enemies. And I have sent off a request for peace to the Norak, so long as they don't convert our ships. I have no problems with their religion, except when it leads to defections. But once a lord has distorted his idea of the good life enough to prefer the Norak way, he is truly lost.

[Jmenschenfresser]

2411.9
The court room is standing room only; however, as special counsel to Tallik, I am able to sit up front with the defense. The court room is huge, bigger than any I've seen, bigger than any that exist on Xiban. The Zynarra built them well. This civil court martial has been going on for two months. Honestly, as a man trained in the ethics of She who judges every atom on merit, I wonder at the both the charges and the evidence in this case.

Nearly a year ago, Tallik and I boarded a five vessel fleet bound for Farzah space. The intended mission was not one of destruction, but of investigation...reconnisiance. The ships were charged with the investigation of Farzah territory that connected into Cephedri. We were sent to collect a system wide sensor scan to determine the immediate Farzah capabilities. Once out of the warp point, we attempted to hold a position near the center of it, so as to avoid detection. The sensor scan would have taken several months. We first started with the planets, then moved on to the moons, and then to possible ships. We avoided detection for a month, but finally the Farzah traced the source of the scans and realized what was going on. They sent a fleet of seven ships to deal with us. A large battle insued in which two of our cruisers were destroyed, along with a third, which lost all but a handful of men and needed tow back to Cephedri. The ship Tallik and I were on suffered light damage. We took several torpedos to our shields, but they held. I was thrown several times to the ground, acquiring a few bruises which certainly cannot be bragged and exhibited as war wounds. The Farzah lost all seven ships. Tallik was second in command of the fleet, and that is why he too is on trial along side the Fleet Commander Borulk. Since I am a brother of the holy order of Hujov, the court, rather than include me in attempted prosecution, sent the case to the Elders of my order. Brothers are decisive and know what they know. Decision is quick. Within a week the Elders of my order sent word that I had done nothing wrong and nothing spoke to the charge that I might have given ill advice on the Farzah Mission.

The Court charges Borulk and Tallik with "allowing" the conflict to happen. Orders were to disengage and return to Cephedri at the first sign of Farzah detection. However, after our fleet was detected we remained hovering over the warp point for three weeks. Tallik and I still shared our nightly discussion, but he never mentioned to me approaching Farzah ships, and I do think he would have had he known. Four of the ships, including the one Tallik and I were on, the Flag ship, were using all sensor abilities to scan the system, short range sensors had been shut down to maximize our capabilities; however, one of the two ships which fell to Farzah quantum torpedos had the duty of tracking Farzah movement. It specifically was to warn us if we'd been detected. Since the ship was vaporized, it might never be known why we failed to get word of the Farzah fleet until they entered the sector.

QUESTIONEER:
We've all heard the official complaint you made in private, only in the company of Monk Raeghar there, to the Borulk about his decision to engage the Farzah once they arrived in the sector. That cannot be discredited as a credit to your right mind in this matter; however, for the sake of further investigation, was there another reason why you preferred withdrawl over engagement other than the stated fact that such an action was a direct order from the Ministry?

TALLIK:
Things of the military science are practical...orders or not. The two options, to fight or to flee, cannot of course be weighed from the outset as being even, when one has the sanction of one's superior and the other doesn't. However, that was not my only reason to make a formal complaint. Borulk has stated his reason for staying was our disorganized nature leading to our inability to safely withdraw. Yes, we were taken by surprise and as to why, we will most likely never know. However, I suggested withdraw because I felt precisely the opposite, that we indeed could make a successful withdraw.

QUESTIONEER:
Then in your best estimation, as a man who knows tactics through and through, why do you think Borulk felt he could not withdraw the ships?

TALLIK:
I think exactly for the reason he stated. Nothing in war, neither my idea nor his, was 100% guaranteed to work or fail.

QUESTIONEER:
So his fear that the fleet would not be able to organize itself and flee is legitimate in your eyes.

TALLIK:
Yes.

QUESTIONEER:
Going back, why did you feel you could make a successful withdraw?

TALLIK:
Because I felt that by attacking the Farzah none of us would survive; however if we withdrew to Cephedri, we would have the support of the defense array. I told this to Borulk and he muttered something about an open path to Cephedri. I simply took that as his vision of the bigger picture here. I think the logs show that he proved me wrong in one instance, we did not all die. His brilliance as a tactical commander minimized the loses.

QUESTIONEER:
You are referring to his charge upon the Farzah ships.

TALLIK:
Yes.

.....

2 days later
The prosecution suddenly asked for a week long break to process new information. After a private session with the judge, she allowed it.

Let me quote the news article which explains the ending:

Two weeks ago during the height of the Farzah Mission trial, what at first appeared to be an average Amon'krie trader was caught trying to leave Cephedri I through illegal channels. Aboard a Norak vessel which had long been under suspection of smuggling within Cephedri, he was found as part of the crew. The authorities detained him on account of his falsified papers as an interstellar trader. Aboard the ship and in his possession was found an enormous amount of Amon'krie gold. He claimed to have lost his papers to thieves and had them falsified rather than face the pain it takes to get new papers allowing trade between the Amon'krie and Norak. The gold, he claimed, was the result of recent business with the Sallega. He provided the authorities with some sketchy information, claiming he'd forgotten the name of the freighter he used.

The Sallega graciously checked their shipping records and discovered that this individual had not bothered to declare himself when entering Sallega space. In other words, it was possible he'd never made a trip to any Sallega planet. As his face and name were passed throughout the empire, a CueCappan intelligence minister came forward claiming they'd been tracking an anti-establishment group within the Amon'krie empire, and their intelligence had attached this name to the group. They called themselves The Descendants of Amon'thar, a reference to Amon'krie antiquity. Amon'thar was the first leader to fully subjugate the Amon'krie homeworld nearly 600 years ago. His rule was one of the bloodiest in Amon'krie history, but it was also one of the most culturally developed. Many argue this was the golden age of Amon'krie civilization. These Descendants of Amon'thar adhere to a splintered philosophy. Rather than being interested in reintroducing Amon'krie society of a new golden age, they seem rather to favor spreading anarchy and war. Their end game was vague, and in it somehow war would eventually purify the Amon'krie.

This Amon'krie trader was what he said he was. His real papers showed up not long after he'd been picked up. Some honest bar owner mailed them to the authorities. However, the gold it turned out was from the pockets of the Descendants of Amon'thar. The trader confessed all he knew on the condition the Norak would not return him to Amon'krie where the sentence for cult membership is death.

The money was destined for an account owned by Borulk. It is suspected Borulk was bought by the Amon'krie to start a real war between the Farzah and the Norak. Somehow he'd managed to hide the approaching Farzah fleet. Perhaps the other captain was in cahoots, but that will most likely never be proven. The trader was fleeing Cephedri as he was unable to deliver the gold and unable to move about without his papers. The very night that Tallik, Borulk and I heard the news of the trader's confession, Borulk committed suicide, so the real reason behind this scandal will surely remain shrouded forever in mystery. The Farzah and Norak were already at war, but not a ship had been lost on either side. The war was war only in name, not in action. Tallik was acquitted seeing that all evidence pointed to the deceased Borulk. In all probability, Borulk wouldn't have been convicted. There was no outside evidence supporting what the trader said. He would have been forced to give up his rank and office, and given a pension on a planet far from the pubilc's eye.

...

Tallik and I are returning to Organtrix to confront the problem of Sergetti mine fields, which have disabled two of our deep space colonizing missions. I am glad the trial is over. It is hard to get back to work after a month dealing with lawyers and courts and minute evidence. Both Tallik and I know this is an unimportant assignment, but we are both joyous to have the relaxation.

The Farzah and the Norak, it seems, will be reconciled for the time being. The Elders have heard their cries in the darkness and have responded. Thanks again to the peace loving Sallega who valiantly negotiated the settlement. Perhaps it was the so-called change in leadership with the Farzah, if you can rightfully say that such a chaotic enterprise has a top and bottom, or it was the recent defection of one of their prized North Dakota III class ships which changed their hearts. I am sure it is a heroic tale we shall hear one day, how he managed to elude his fellow country men and find haven among the Praetorian our beloved ally. The Elders are plotting a way in which to return the vessel to Norak space, but along one lane are the mine fields of the Sergetti, and another holds the gauntlet of the Farzah. I fear it may be a long journey yet, for those aboard. May She who keeps watch over the feet of all travelers find them safe passage.

One of the few stipulations woven into our newest treaty with the Farzah is a permission to colonize a world within their empire. We made it abundantly clear that this is in no way intended to be an intrusion, but rather a mission colony for future trade and the wonderful word of She who loves all peoples. The Farzah have granted us rights to any colony we choose in the Knoglam system, a grand offer. This brings our scholars to a new task of translating the Text into the language of the Farzah.

Pellwain sent me word that she was growing tired of her little colony so close to Xiban I. She longed for something new and exciting. I asked her to consider taking the charge of over the future colony in Knoglam. She said she would think about it.

I feel the rumble of the contra engines as we exit the atmosphere...a sensation that still and will aways make me uneasy, and in this uneasiness I can't help but to recite the follow:

"I am Traveler, lost upon the hills, as all the ancients before me; please, Master, hide your face from me, so that I might find a bit of rest, before I depart and am no more."

[ 22 April 2002: Message edited by: Jmenschenfresser ]

[Cyrien]

High Elder Elw reviewed the progress of his people toward the goal of a universal galactic peace.

Reports from the Far borders showed that the recently discovered Sallega and Norak races continued to expand. These were the most worrisome reports. The EEE people believed and knew from their own past that such rapid and unchecked expansions could do nothing but lead to rampant Imperialism by these races. Some reports from allies in the area suggested that several races had already been subjugated.

Contact with the Fazrah proved difficult as always. More so than normal as their disorderly society seemed to be undergoing more turmoil than normal even for them. No threat appeared forthcoming from this area.

The Sergetti and Xiati were as removed and remote as ever. Little was known. The EEE did not judge either a threat.

The Praetorian while helpful and peaceful in outward appearance had recently taken a more belligerent tone in communications. Little note had been taken of this race previously, perhaps it was time for a change in policy. The EEE would consider it.

Finally peace had been achieved with the Jraenor. It was shaky and relations still not good. Envoys had been dispatched to negotiate a proposed trade of great complication. Initial reports seemed promising. The EEE had great hope in this area for Lasting friendship, some retained reservations remembering the widespread desolation brought by the Jraenor.

Of the known races only the Nultoh remaind hostile. EEE representatives were hard at work working for peace here. Things were greatly complicated as the Nultoh viewed the EEE as hideous monsters of twisted and distorted light, similiar to reported forces of evil in their ancient myths. We do not wish this race harm but must reach the reported location of an ancient EEE settlement.

Things seemed to be going well in all.

The EEE had recently spoken, for security in this possibly hostile Galaxy the construction of new PeaceKeeper class war vessels with a total displacement of 1000kt had been mandated. The Elders had misgivings about the construction of such ships, but they could not argue the will of the EEE.

The recent deployment of ships to locate signs of ancient EEE settlements was underway. Perhaps they would be further strengthened by careful employment of the technologies of their fallen ancestors.

The deployment of EEE representatives to each race was well underway.

Elder Elw wondered about the recent offer of the Jraenor to gift slave populations in exchange for EEE technology. He wondered what a slave was? Their translators could find no equivalent word or words in the EEE language. Whatever these slaves were the EEE would welcome any race peacefully into their society.

[spacefan]

2412.4
Protests and Praetorian Standoff

Already there are many ship lords who criticize my policies. They complain that no Research Lord can understand the Ship Lords' collective yearning for war. They complain that my peace treaties will lead to complete control by the Norak, whom a great many of our lords hate.

I've responded to as many of them as I could, explaining that any one of our old enemies, yet alone all of them together, could very well destroy us all. I am no war maker, and for that you might as well call me an alien in Fazrah. And yet I see so clearly the errors of my predecessors'. How can they expect to destroy the enemy with 4th tier ships?

I seek order in chaos, while my fellow lords seek chaos in order. In providing incentives for our ship lords to take up defensive positions, while seeking return for those ships in deep space, I have reduced the chaos of our empire. Yet I see no other choice. Just as I might have organized stellar phenomenom into categories, as Lord of Alpha Tau, now I organize ships and colonies in categories, in violation of all our histories.

We are at a pause with the Praetorians, as they have denied my peace agreement claiming we asked for war. I did no such thing, but I suspect the foul play of one of our ship lords, or of other empires. I have provided incentives for the ship lords resulting in a moderate force prepared to counterattack should the Praetorians fancy our worlds.

There is little to do, behind dealing with diplomacy, and angry lords. We are surrounded by allies and uneasy truce partners. We are mistrusted and not understood by all. Our only war is with the Amon'krie on the far side of the Sallegans, and none of our ships are suitable for reaching them.

Research continues, and our counter-intelligience programs, while still inadequate, are improving. No one has seen our latest Cruiser designs, which are improving through many Versions.

I will bring the Lords their freedom, whatever the cost. I will show them the virtues of peace, to every one of their warmonger heads. Or, we will all be destroyed, and the Fazrah will fall, known only as a bunch of worthless anarchists.

What they do not realize is that unless we stand together now, we will never be able to stand apart later.

[ 24 April 2002: Message edited by: spacefan ]