Recent history of Quadrant: Adamant 4

[LokiOne]

To dumbluck and the other writers, keep it up! I keep a running record month-by-month in my own games to refer back to at later times always thinking I'll go in and expand it into a story but rarely have the time. Congrats!

I imagine it is the most challenging (and most satisfying) if you take the point of view of an alien race in one of these games. To do the human point of view is easier but to invent an alien culture and create a story from it must be quite a challenge.

[tesco samoa]

Galactic Broadcast Send out on Light Wave Bandwidth Level 7

To all members of the Antarctica Collective.

Lord Michael is dead. Long live Lord Tesco.

As of 2401.3 all trade and commerance with non-Antarctians may commence again.
If you feel that you are entitled to a fair market claim for loss of income contact the nearest Antarctian collective work centre for Forms 10453234.123-a, 10453234.125-c.

You may be entitled to a lump sum settlement.

The following events occurred during the Last 90 days of …..

….. will prevail.

This broad cast will repeat….. Message Alpha Alpha 7….

Date: 2401.2 ….

[TerranC]

It has been a full cycle since Fallon heard the proposition: now he is commanding the ship Aaóuane 1, and he is now one of the decorated officers of Federation Space Agency.

The Last ten months have been eventful.

After Ms. Cealto left, Fallon thought hard and hard. He was all for the abandonment of all space travel technology, but he could not get that phrase out of his mind.

After getting a long sleep, he took a T-cab and rode down to the FIS building.

The building was an enormous structure, which seemed to have rivalled the Gillana Shipyards Control center, Federation Spaceport, and the Gillana resupply depot, which were all in orbit above his planet; all facilities were controlled by planetbound facilities, which were immense like the FIS building.

He met an officer at the main foyer, and was asked to follow him.

He followed him into a corridor, which was filled with art and photos all in digital hifi frames. One photo that was of particular interest was the controversial photo of the Tainor building, a millenium structure, after it was reduced to rubble.

The officer lead him into a conference hall, and told him to take a seat. The officer left a short while after talking to his own communicator.

The conference hall was extremely large. Judging by his vision, it seemed to be the equivalent of a large lecture hall multiplied two times, and them some.

There were many desks, all with a computer terminal. It wasn't strange; computer terminals were commonplace in Gillana, with many toddlers are now learning how to work computers after they learn how to speak, and develop more refined motor skills. What was strange whoever, was that a computer terminal had been left on, with windows open. Computer terminals are turned off immedeatly turned off automatically when lectures or conferences are done; in order to save energy.

He sat down, and accessed the terminal.

An article was left on about the possiblity of space travel, dated 20 years ago. Mediocre journalism at best, it was very repetitive about the use of nuclear engines to propel ships into incredible speeds; about 10 parsecs per month.

Fallon, even though with his skepticism about Ion engines, was horrified at the idea. Both at the Scientific inaccuracy and possiblity of an engine breach.

"Enjoying the article, Mr. Fjornika?"

"Excuse me?"

"I said, are you enjoying the article?"

A person who seemed to be a doctor, or a professor, or some proffesion affiliated with science called out to him, in a mannerly voice. He guessed at his profession for his choice of apparel.

"To be frank, no, not really."

"Why?"

"It is repetitive, it is mind-numbing, it is scientifically incorrect, and it is ridiculous that a nuclear engine could propel a ship for 10 parsecs a month."

The old man let out a laugh.

"I wrote that article, you know."

"My name is Dr. Zurike. I am the head of the Federation Space Agency research and development. You could say that I am the mad scientist trying to pollute Gillana of space."

"Sorry Doctor. I didn't..."

"Don't worry. I dismissed that myself as heresy, 10 years ago. Nuclear engines won't even lift off a probe in the world without some kind of fallout."

"That is why I invented Ion engines."

"You invented Ion engines?"

"Yes. Through a miraculous accident, I saw ionized xenons being the next fuel for space travel."

"What happened?"

"One of my colleagues decided to create Neon signs without the proper equipment."

They both laughed to heart's content.

"Pleasantries aside, Let us get down to business."

He got onto the conference hall into the podium, an started to lecture about the nature of Ionized gases and particles, Ion engines, how they work, how you take care of it, and how it uses supplies. After about an hour and a half; he got off the podium and said to Fallon:

"We're going for a ride. Follow me."

They took the train to the spaceyard control station and went inside.

Fallon had never seen anything like it.

Enormous screens filled the room, more like a hall than a room, showing the progress of the newest ship created for Federation space travel.

Majestic shots from orbit transmitted via satellite linkups and G5 technology showed Fallon the beauty of space. He was then lead into another conference hall and met Mr. Namuko; head of design.

Fallon, Dr. Zurike, and Mr. Namuko all talked about space travel for many hours. After Fallon understood the need for CSMs and safety of Ion engines, he accepted the job of captain, despite reservations.

Fallon then asked the question that has been plaguing his mind:

"When I spoke with an FIS officer, they said that Our race's survival depends on this mission. Why did she say that?"

Mr. Namuko explained the question.

"Despite what you may hear about prosperity in Gillana and how it is becoming a space age Utopia, the Federation knew that there was a problem."

"You see, Gillana's population is expanding rapidly. we are ar 4.8 billion as of right now, and there are no more room for increase in the world population."

"The colony ships that was bound for Gillana 3 and 4 were just shuttles attached with a large colony modules, so that it would give us a breathing space."

"It is a temporary solution, and more colony missions are scheduled, even though our... unreadiness."

"We are also running out of resources in Gillana. Even with massive renurturization programs, the damage done will never be repaired, and we are holding steady just barely above the 100% mark."

"We need to explore the galaxy using that ship, to look for other races for technological advancement and habitable, breathable planets."

"You and your crew, using your ship, will explore the galaxy with these, what we dubbed, Warp points, that we believe links other systems, as it seems that they are very sensetive to gravitons and open up a warp point."

"Gaping holes in space-time that we can use to travel."

"We have done simulations to determine whether if the Aaóuane will stand up to the spacetime pressure, and it seemes to be working."

"The Aaóuane series will be up and ready a month from now."

Sure as sunrise, the Aaóuane 1 was finished.

Fallon recieved angry letters from his former friends and colleagues, some of them labeling him as a traitor and accuses him of destroying Gillana, but it didn't matter to him. He knew that they were short-sighted, and didn't give much thought into them.

A space elevator shot him into space, into the shipyards and then into the vessle.

His crew was already there, and everything was finished and installed, even carpets for the bridge.

As he stepped in, he sat in the bridge, and gave the order to launch.

The ship slowly came out, and the ion engines propelled the ship out of orbit and into space.

It was a marvelous sight to see Gillana from orbit, and see everything at one glance.

The thought of being higher than the birds, higher than planes, higher than everything gave him a thrill, and a sense of importance.

He then recieved the order to go through the warp point.

It was a special feeling, to go into a massive distortion in space, feeling yourself stop almost suddenly, then reappearing again in the blink of an eye several light years away from his home system.

He then set course to explore, after giving a communique to space control, and jumped again.

5 months later, The Aaóuane 1 alrady 2 systems, made contact with two sentient races, The Zion Free Hempire and the Lerconian Collective and has established contact for the Federation and set a trade agreement with the Zion Free Hempire.

News from home has been enlightening.

A new chassis have been developed, that has much more capabilities than the Escort chassis that Aaóuane 1 is based on, which has been christened Frigate.

Miniaturization techniques have improved the price of Ion engines, making them more cheap to produce.

A project was launched in one of the research labs in Gillana in order to manipulate energy fields to create some kind of shiled for ships.

A new class of ships were made called Abercorn that is purely created for exploration.

The opposition group is now disbanded, due to some fanatics that tried to take over as leader after Fallon left.

Fallon retired to his quarters after entering and mapping the Kolos system, and retired to a bright view of the future.

TerranC - Everybody likes a happy ending.

[tesco samoa]

Antarctian News Broadcast.

For External Distribution.

Historical Text of communications between Lord Tesco and Dichon Assembly

Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: May the Assembly recognize Lord Tesco
Dichon Assembly: Vote 111-0
Lord Tesco Stands
Lord Tesco: Today a new day has dawned for the Antarctian Empire. The Dichon Assembly has opened its doors for the first time in a millennium…
Loud sounds of spoons clanking glasses…
Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: Order.Order.
Lord Tesco: Our current situation is dire. Emperor Cleon of the Trantor Imperium has allowed for an Escort Class Ship to chart our systems. Our Economy is faltering and we may be at war with the Trantor Imperium. Dire moments indeed. I bring before the assembly three bills to address this situation.
Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: As this is the first bill of the Assembly all votes will be open.
Lord Tesco. Bill 2401.3-1 Communications with the Trantor Imperium seeking trade relations.
Turn to Subsection 76.
The Antarctian Empire will seek peaceful negations with the Trantor Imperium through the Honourable Lord Azi. On the intention that a Trade alliance will commence by the date of 2401.7 The Honourable Lord Azi may trade technology up to but not including Destroyer Class Ship designs. The Honourable Lord Azi will negate common boarders between the two empires.

Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: Vote now.
Dichon Assembly: Vote 70-41
Dichon Holder of the11 seals: Bill 2401.3-1 Passes.
Lord Tesco. Bill 2401.3-2 Increase Military Budget by 300%.
Turn to subsection 113.
The Antarctian Planetary Defence (APD) will begin building the SWP-****’s on Prime and all splinter colonies. Until each Planet may defend themselves from hostile actions.
Turn to subsection 173.
The Antarctian Space Navy (ASN) will begin building the ***-****-****** class and the ***-*****-****** class Ships up to and including 15 of each for System Defences.
Turn to subsection 189
The ASN will begin to build the ***-****-****** class ships up to and including 10 for boarder patrol.
The ASN will begin to build the ***-*****-***** class ship up to and including 6 for the scouting of all near by and unknown warp gates.

Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: Vote Now
Dichon Assembly: Vote 90-21
Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: Bill 24013-2 passes

Lord Tesco. Bill 2401.3-3 Colonization of Dichon System and all near by systems.
Dichon holder of the 11 seals: Vote Now
Dichon Assembly: Vote 111-0
Dichon Holder of the 11 seals: Bill 2401.3.3 passes.

Lord Tesco: May we continue to promote peace within all. Thank you

[Story Junkie]

Links!

[dumbluck]

I'll post another update when I get off of vacation and find out what my AI ministers did. I promise!

[dumbluck]

Commadore Xavan was finally in her element, and yet she was in over her head. Last month, Lt. Commander Vitax had reported contact with another race. At first she was excited; after 2 years she would finally get to do the job she was designed for. Euphoria had quickly turned to dismay, however; the Lerconian Collective was a race hitherto unknown to the Vaxin Consortium, and she was having difficulties gathering any kind of diplomatic information on them. An entire month after the initial contact, all she had discovered was that the Lerconians were a genetically engineered, sentient fauna. Genetically engineered by whom remained to be answered, and Xavan was having a devil of a time trying to get information of even that basic caliber. The Lerconians intent was unknown. Their political structure was unknown, but appeared rather chaotic. Nothing like the Vaxin strict, regimented style.

And on top of her difficulties performing her own duties, she was still the acting Commander, Expeditionary Force. Fortunately, it was not taking up much of her time, so she could devote most of her efforts to unlocking the Lerconian’s secrets. She only had to spent an hour or two a day behind the Admiral’s desk. She still wasn’t comfortable with it; the view was unfamiliar, almost alien. The fact that this discomfort was intentionally added to her logic subroutines didn’t even register in her consciousness.

She returned to his desk again to review the Strategic Readiness Status. The first thing that caught her eye was a small, green indicator light next to the words “Combat in Rakella”.

“Wha- What?!?!” She tapped the indicator to bring up a summary of the events. She stared in disbelief as a Lerconian vessel emerged from the warppoint, then closed with and engaged Lt. Commander Vitax’s Revival class scout vessel. It was the very first Revival built, the namesake of the class. She had reached the limits of her range, and had been on the return leg of her scouting mission when she’d discovered the Lerconian colony. Now she was damaged and in need of assistance.

Xavan found this most inconvenient. She had hoped to find an ally in the Lerconians. It was in her programming; after all, she was a Political Minister, not a War Minister. Her Objective was to bring all alien races, save one, to the bargaining table. It was her Objective to gain as much advantage for the Vaxin as possible through treaties and alliances. Every armed conflict for her is a lost opportunity, every war a catastrophe to be avoided at all costs.

This was the part of Command she despised. Life and Death decisions were not her specialty; she was designed for intrigue and diplomatic exchanges. What’s more, she had been specifically designed to not find these kind of decisions easy, or comfortable. After all, she wasn’t a Command Unit; she was a Political Minister. She knew this. It was no secret that one’s occupational pre-dispositions are chosen for you. That’s what the Reproduction Minister is there for: to fill the expected occupational vacancies with new units. The concept of self-determination was completely alien to her; indeed, the very notion seemed both illogical and terrifying at the same time.

But such idle pondering was getting her nowhere. The Revival 0001 was in hostile space and needed assistance. She must decide on a coarse of action, and soon.

[dumbluck]

Admiral Daxin Cavix settled into behind his workstation. Mooring clamps had been added, but he just glanced at them in disgust and went to work. They had been added so that he could lock his hoversled to the workstation and not have to keep adjusting its controls in order to maintain position while working. He decided then and there that he was not going to degrade himself in that fashion. He was already a pariah as it was; an E1 could hold altitude better than he. He was not going do deride what little respect he yet commanded by relying on two mechanical crutches!

To work. Perhaps work would destract him from the cruel fate that descended on him that fateful day, so many months ago. Each of his ministers had submitted a summary report of all that had happened in their little corner of the Force during his extended abscense. He started with Commadore Xavan's report.

The Lerconians, it turned out, were giving his Political Minister quite a fit. Despite her best efforts, they had attacked the scout vessel that had made first contact; and now she was fighting tooth and nail just to keep them in a Trade Alliance. He queried Commodore Hamox's report; sure enough, no assistance had yet been sent to relieve the damaged Revival in the protection of the Rakella colony. Then he queried Commodore Noyuv's report. "Well," he thought to himself, "at least Rakella is building weapons platforms. That should ease... Lt. Cmd. Vitax's mind somewhat, anyway. As he turned back to Xavan's report, Cavix abscently wondered what reason the Lt. Cmd. had been given for the lack of support he'd received.

In short order, it seems, other Revival class vessels had made contact with the Xera Collective, the Federation, and the Far Out Empire. They all seem to be cooperating with Xavan's efforts and have apperently taken kindly to the treaties she arranged with them. Good. At least if the Lerconians turn aggressive, I've only one front to worry about.

The only other item of note he found in the reports was in Commadore Xidan's report. The Vaxin Expeditionary Force had a serious shortage of Minerals to work with. Querying Noyuv's report showed that two mineral rich colonies were nearly ready to start mining operations, and several other colony prospects looked to be even richer in mineral deposits. So the first order of business is to make sure that colonisers for those planets are queued up for construction.

As Admiral Cavix set to work coordinating the efforts of his various ministers, he failed to notice the mooring clamps latch hold of his hoversled...

[Wardad]

Spartan continuation:

Snarf looked past his snout guard at the opposing lines of Dobermans and nervously wrung his claws on his pike. His experience, training, and temperament did not allow for fear. Still he mulled over the situation in his mind that these dogs are so huge and fierce that outnumbering them 5 to 1 may not be enough. He wished tradition would allow for goodbye’s to be said before combat. The survivors, if any, would not have a squad or pack mates to return to. Snarf shifted his thinking back to the briefing and the demand to win this one, this very important round of negotiations. As the drum beats started in the distance he focused on the immediate challenge ahead.
The commander barked “Forward” and Snarf relayed the order to his pike box. The cameras recorded the impressive armor and choreography of the slow advance of the 3 pike boxes, and the 2 sword flanks covering the trailing archers. The Dobermans were likewise drilled and impressively armored and advanced on the flank opposite Snarfs. The melee was fierce and both sides were disciplined to use their tooth and claws only as weapons of Last resort. Soon Snarfs box was engaged in the melee. Pikes hit home, others shattered, and some dogs froze at the Dobermans psychic bark. The line held, then wavered, and then broke. Short swords were then drawn and the clash became a fight dog to dog. Snarf fought bravely and with much skill, but luck was against him. While facing one Doberman, another one fighting nearby kicked him aside for more room. That kick sent him flying over a stack of bodies and onto the hard ground. Snarf was just regaining his breath, when he caught a glance of a Doberman jumping at him. Startled he tried to roll over on his back, he felt trapped and twisted harder. He heard a crack and was on his back as the Doberman flopped down beside him and the half a pike he was holding. He staggered up, look around and shook himself. A whistle went off and other whistles took up the call, the battle was over.
Snarf woke and forced his eyes to focus. An orderly offered him water and when Snarfs dry mouth couldn’t voice an answer the orderly used a bulb and tube to wet it down. The orderly looked down at him and said “It’s been 3 days and you have scars that would be the envy of many veterans, but nothing life threatening. We are attending you 24 hours, so sleep if you need to, eat and drink if you want to.” Snarf wisely at the small portions offered and fell back to sleep. He awoke a day later feeling better and engaged the order in the some games of chance and started joking with the staff. It was an invitation for trouble.
The commander and Talma trotted in. The commander spoke, “Snarf you old war dog. We heard your feeling better. That was quite an impressive upset. We thought that Last Doberman had the better of you, but you came through and saved the negotiations.” Then Talma spoke “Your new hero status can be quite an asset with the Dobermans and as you know there are some rolls a female can not be expected to fill.” The commander added, “Your elder veteran and wounded status will also help you maintain discipline in an instructor and advisor role.” At which Snarf barked many objections and denounced his heroism as desperation and pure luck. The commander replied, “The scars and cut muscles will limit your agility, you are not now and will never be in fighting shape. You will accept your hero honors and can choose to enter a civilian life with full citizenship.” Talma spoke up again “At the troops briefing you demonstrated the possession of knowledge that no civilian would be allowed to have. Please join us. You would be a great asset to the Internal Services. “ The commander lowered his snout and whispered in Snarfs ear “Please don’t be stubborn, I don’t want to lose another friend. Besides, you can handle these *****es and we need some dogs to keep an eye on them.” The commander raised himself to attention and pronounced to Snarf that his acceptance will be accepted concurrent with the hospital discharge in 3 days.
After those two trotted off a deep voice came from behind the curtain across the room. “I’m Glad to hear you’re a humble hero. Otherwise we might have to re-enact the famous Last fight out back. My name is Gruffer and I have been volunteered to be your co-instructor and bodyguard while you’re with us Dobes.
That was quite a way for them to treat a hero. If you ever share any of your secrets with me or the other Dobes, I’ll kill you.” Snarf responded, “The commander thinks I handle the *****es really well.” At that they both exploded into laughter.

[dumbluck]

Commodore Xavan glided into the room with ease, despite the slightly higher gravity of N’ildwab 4 compared to Canus. It was a small room, by her standards. Most rooms used by the Office of Treaties and Negotiations were bigger than this. It was barely 20 meters from floor to ceiling, and only 127 by 93 meters along the walls. Of coarse, like all Vaxin structures, it was virtually undecorated. Flat gray congealed water vapor made up the walls and ceiling, with only a few potted plants placed near the exits as decoration. The lighting was just a basic florescent gas assembly. Xavan fussed with the spartan room decor, bustling the several orderlies that she had in tail out of their daydreams. “Make that table a little higher. It should be centered between the floor and ceiling. I don’t want to appear to be resting on the floor!”

She shuddered at what the ambassador would have thought at such a blatant sign of weakness. “And move that…” She stared at the contraption, searching her mind for the name of such a strange device. It was a horizontal, soft piece of stuffed fabric, supported on a horizontal metal plate, polished until it gleamed. Another, longer plate was connected, but it was almost vertical to the floor. It seemed so odd, hovering there…

“…The chair. Move that chair to the center of the table. I don’t want the ambassador off to one side. And lower it to the floor! He can’t jet up here to get in it, after all!” She knew what rock-crawlers used such a device for, but she’d never actually seen one used. That would change shortly, of coarse; the ambassador was due any minute now.

She inspected the room again, but everything now seemed to be in order. She pulled out her notes and arranged them on the table in front of her. Still she waited; she glanced at the wall clock in annoyance. It read 14:02. The ambassador was late. Not that she was terribly surprised; she had been “fashionably late” to several negotiations. It was a cheap ploy, but it had its place nonetheless. To pass the time, she jetted over and gave the proposed treaty a quick check for typographical or other errors.

Proposed Treaty: Treaty of N’ildwab 4, 2402.8

As a gesture of good will between our peoples, the Vaxin Consortium is willing to allow the Kazharii Imperium to establish colonies in the N'ildwab system, with the following conditions:

• Said Kazharii Imperium colonies must be non-military in nature. Armed naval vessels, fighter craft, drones, unit launch-capable vessels, and troops cannot be constructed, re-supplied, or stationed at or in orbit of said colonies.
• The stationing of either Kazharii Imperium or Vaxin Consortium military naval forces in-system is strictly prohibited, save for the purposes of policing by the Vaxin Consortium the terms of this treaty.
• The Vaxin Consortium will not object to the presence of Kazharii Imperium stationary defensive systems, but only if they are positioned on or in orbit of Kazharii Imperium colonies. These include and are limited to armed planetary weapons platforms, armed orbital defensive bases, space mines, and armed satellites.
• Incursions into Vaxin Consortium space by Kazharii Imperium vessels are to be kept to a minimum (to be determined solely by the Vaxin Consortium), and specific Vaxin Consortium permission must be obtained prior to any incursions into Vaxin Consortium space by armed or launch capable vessels.
• The Vaxin Consortium can, at it’s sole discretion and without prior notice, use any means it deems necessary to monitor Kazharii Imperium activities in said system to ensure compliance with this treaty.
• The Vaxin Consortium can, at it’s sole discretion and without prior notice, destroy any Kazharii Imperium colonies, units, and/or naval craft found to be in violation of or housing units in violation of this treaty without fear of retaliation.
  

She looked up as the Kazharii ambassador entered the room, an air of importance surrounding him. She tried not to stare as he sat down in the chair, and then looked up at the table. She was still staring as he fumbled with the controls, and then finally brought the seat up level with the table.

[ July 31, 2002, 11:10: Message edited by: dumbluck ]