NationStates Jolt Archive

Aboard the Venture-Class Explorer ‘Magellan’:

“Captain, the system sweep is complete. I think you’ll like what we’ve found.” “Let’s see it then, main screen.” The bridge crew turned and looked - hopefully their hard survey work had paid off.

“The star is a class IV blue sub-giant with 8 planets in stable orbits. There is a single asteroid belt…” The screen zoomed to show a scattered asteroid belt with a slight nebula around it. “…here that was likely caused by the collision of two planets approximately 9 million years ago. It’s the first ‘object’ from the sun, at a distance of 4 to 6 million kilometers. Spectrographs indicate sodium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, tungsten, and boron compose most of the major asteroids. An odd mix – I’m sure planetology will love it.”

The screen zooms to a gas giant. The planet is a lovely cobalt blue with a thin ring that sparkles in the reflected light.

“The first planet is this gas giant at a distance of 11 million kilometers. With a radius of 26,000 kilometers it is barely a giant though. It has one observed satellite, a single rocky body shaped like Nixon’s head.” The screen shows this body – the resemblance is uncanny. “Primary components are hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. A rocky core is suspected, but unconfirmed.”

A blue-pink world then appears on the main screen. 3 moons are indicated.

“This one caught our eye – high oxygen content in the hydrosphere, but we also found high amounts of fluorine as well. It’s very pretty, but would require a lot of terraforming. Primary atmosphere is hydrogen, nitrogen, and neon. Given the presence of large amounts of silver, nickel, and potassium the planet’s eventual terraforming is likely. Orbital radius is 34 million kilometers, and planetary radius is 500 kilometers. Gravity is .1 Earth normal so the suggested use is as a fleet base. Next up…”

The screen shows a noxious looking green world with solid cloud cover. 1 moon is indicated.

“A noxious atmosphere special - chlorine, fluorine, and helium with nitrogen, iodine, and bromine in suspension make this a wonderful vacation spot. Beryllium, iridium, and cobalt make up the core. It would make a good mining world if the atmosphere could be shaped up a bit. It’s at 65 million kilometers, and has a radius of 25,000 kilometers.”

A new world appears on the screen – blue with hints of green. Rocky terrain is visible through the atmosphere. 9 moons are indicated.

“This is the one we like. Atmosphere is primarily oxygen, neon, and hydrogen. What little hydrosphere there is has a high chlorine count, as well as hydrogen and carbon. Cleaning the chlorine out would be the only challenge – tailored plant species could remove the chlorine and combine oxygen and hydrogen to produce water. The oxygen level in the atmosphere is so high losing 80% of it would not be a bad thing. We would want to introduce an animal species as well – convert the oxygen to CO2. It would have to be chlorine tolerant of course.

The surface looks to contain carbon, gold, and titanium en masse. Mining operations and the subsequent conversion of oxygen to CO2 will help as well. This will take time – but since the atmosphere is sizable we can let the animal and plant population run wild and do the work as quickly as possible. We feel this planet could become a new earth in 10-20 years, though we could colonize immediately with domes. It really does look that good Captain. Orbital distance is 395 million kilometers – not that bad when you consider a sub-giant star. Radius is nearly perfect at 7,400 kilometers – slightly larger than Terra.

Another large advantage is the number of stable moons – shipyards would be easily established on most of the larger moons, and fleet bases and defense outposts could be be built on the others.”

The screen then shows another blue world, this time with constant cloud cover. 7 moons are indicated.

“A small world – 2,600 kilometer radius with a 686 million kilometer orbital radius. Atmosphere is hydrogen. There is a lot of sulfur and mercury in suspension, and the core is iridium and calcium. Considering the massive amounts of iridium mining might be profitable considering the platinum family ores that are likely there, but dangerous work too.”

Another world barely appears on the screen. It is black, almost menacing with stripes of blue and red running through it. It has a red ring, and 1 moon indicated.

“A gas giant obviously – carbon, bromine, and hydrogen. Likely rocky core, but again no proof yet. It is 1200 million kilometers from the star, and 22,000 km in radius. Beyond that we have another rocky planet.”

The screen shows another blue world. There is significant cloud cover, but the surface is visible. 11 moons are indicated.

“Another good reason to consider colonizing this system is this world. It’s pretty far out – 4700 million kilometers, but an artificial star could help turn it into a paradise. A large paradise – 12,000 kilometer radius. Atmosphere is co2, helium, and oxygen. Hydrosphere contains hydrogen, nitrogen, and more co2. The core is aluminum and magnesium. This could become a major commercial shipbuilding center with a little work. Tailored plants and animals to increase the amount of water and you have a near perfect planet. High gravity though – twice Earth normal. We could easily solve that problem locally though.”

A final world appears on the screen. It has a brown-blue appearance and 7 indicated moons.
“A gas sub-giant for the last one – it is quite near the previous plant in stellar terms. Another 100 million kilometers out. But it is also small – 30,000 kilometer radius. Hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, nitrogen, and iodine make it a horrible place to take the kids. That’s the end of the tour Captain. I would advise we don’t broadcast this one.”

The Captain settled in his chair for a moment. It was good – he could see the possibilities now. “Absolutely right – let’s turn this rig around and head for home. No sense letting anyone in on our find. Helm – I would assume you know the way.”

Minutes later the ship disappeared into hyperspace.

Edit: Planet Names + Moons + Colony's
Star: Athena
Planet 1: Odin - Gas Giant - 1 Moon
Planet 2: Eldar Craftworld
Tor Yvresse (Possible)
Planet 3: Shiva - Rocky Planet (Mining Colony) - 1 Moon
Planet 4: Ares - Rocky Planet (Main Colony) - 9 Moons
Sunset, Tor Yvresse, Mangala
Planet 5: Chih-Yu - Rocky Planet (Mining Colony) - 7 Moons
Sunset
Planet 6: Menhit - Gas Giant - 1 Moon
Planet 7: Anuke - Rocky Planet (Secondary Colony) - 11 Moons
Sunset
Planet 8: Hachiman - Gas Giant - 7 Moons
Pilon

A lone ship dropped out of hyperspace near Mars. Nothing unusual about that - hundreds of ships came and went every day.

4 Days Later...

Two Admirals and Five Captains were sitting in President Villanova's office. They were early - the President hadn't arrived yet. Admiral Filbeck was there, along with newly promoted Admiral Edge. He suspected his crew's discovery was why they were there, but best to not mention something the President himself had deemed classified.

Villanova finally opened the door and took a seat at his desk. "Sorry - I had a meeting with a senator. I didn't want to leave early. Questions would have to be answered, and I want to keep this as small as possible for now. First - Admiral Edge and his crew have discovered a system they deemed habitable, and based on advice, I agree."

This announcement caused a small murmer. "You are all here as you will be the forward team. Admiral Edge will be in charge of course, hence the promotion, but the rest of you will be vital to the success of the project."

Villanova handed datapads to each of the officers. "Here is the data on the system. It is not to leave these pads. Your assignments are on there, as well as when you wil leave. You'll leave seperately, meeting at the coordinates listed, then leave for the system together. You'll be meeting a ship from Tor Yvresse - recognition codes are on there as well. Speaking of those - once you are in system if a ship shows up without those codes you are on a pirate hunting mission. If a ship from a hostile nation shows up you can scrap it if you feel it will raise suspicion to let it on it's way.

The system is quite far out - your ships will be equipped with hyperdrive sleds, though you should leave via your normal method to avoid suspicion."

The meeting continued as details were laid out far into the evening.

Over the next week 6 ships left Mars at random times - one of the brand new FireBlossom-II's, 2 Cohort-III's, 2 Ventures, and a Templar Class. Nothing suspicios at all.

OOC: There is about a .000000001 chance that anyone would show up in the system. This is mostly to setup groundwork for future RP's.

While the area was a vast sea of stars, very little light illuminated the six ships gathered together. They were flying in a rough formation, weapons powered and shields up, waiting for the last ship to arrive.

Then it was there - a long silver dagger in the darkness. Recognition codes screamed between the ships and the newcomer, then all was silent for a moment. Another single sharp burst of traffic, then the ships began turning, pointing deeper into the galaxy. There was a surge, a gathering of power, then all were gone.

A week later...

The 7 ships streamed out of hyperspace above their target. Sensor arrays began to probe everywhere in the local system, searching for any distrurbance since the last ship had visited. Satisfied that the system was untouched and unoccupied the largest ship slowly turned and fired torpedos toward each planet in turn. They were sensor bouys - though for now they would only relay their traffic to the ships present in the system.

The ships split up - the warships heading for the secondary planets to do complete survey missions while the two explorers, the repair ship, and the Eldar cruiser took up orbit around the primary world. They repeated their earlier scans, refining the level of chlorine present in the hydrosphere as well as the other elements present. Exploring parties were beamed to the surface to make careful checks for existing life forms while the genetists aboard the ships completed the tailored plants and animals and prepared as many as possible for wide seeding.

Construction crews from the repair ship also set down, though they took shuttles filled with supplies. They began building a dome in an open area - a temporary affair that would provide filtered air for those inside. This would allow the Eldar to begin the first step of their work on the planet.

OOC: Is this public, Sunset?

OOC: Is this public, Sunset?

OOC: Nope, in fact it is very, very secret. At this point the only people who know about it are the President, the crews of the ships involved, and Farseer Darvins of Tor Yvresse. Whether I open it up to other nations is still to be decided.

OOC: Is this public, Sunset?

OOC: Nope, in fact it is very, very secret. At this point the only people who know about it are the President, the crews of the ships involved, and Farseer Darvins of Tor Yvresse. Whether I open it up to other nations is still to be decided.

OOC: Bah... okay, fine then. :cry:

Three months later...

Splotches of green were visible on the surface as the tailored plants raced to absorb the co2 as fast as possible. The animals that would eat the plants had been introduced a week ago, along with a wide spectrum of Earth micro-organisms. The Republic had watched the terraforming of Mars and Venus with interest, and the knowledge gained was coming in handy now. While the Snel might have considered it slow the men and women aboard watched each day with wonder as the patches increased despite the assault by the omnivorious animals.

Landing teams had found no traces of existing life on the planet - as if it had been wiped clean. But humanity had already begun to leave it's mark on the planet. The dome was complete and the web-gate was proceeding. They were quite careful - a range of grav generators around the site and heavily armed security teams ensured the gate would not be abused. Invaders would be crushed under strong gravity fields while being shot. Overkill - not even close.

The fleet in-system had been busy as well. They had seeded most of the worlds with additional sensor bouys, as well as posted them slightly outside the system as early warning arrays.

Six Months Later...

Admiral Edge had been to the planet several times, but he had not been to the fields of green that has rapidly spread over the surface. They were at 10% coverage now, and expected to double in the next year. He walked through the low plants - he heard crunching under his feet and knelt for a closer look. Salt crystals. They were large, like sea salt, and now that he looked he could see them scattered around on the surface.

When he returned to his ship he asked his science officer about them.

"Exactly what we want - the chlorine is concentrated in the roots of the plant as salt, which dies when the concentration reaches a certain level. When rain finally starts falling it will leach the salt into the new water system. We can purify the water of course - the seas will likely be very salty when they form. We might be able to do something about that with tailored fish, but fresh water is unlikely except in limited amounts. It's all better than breathing it, and as far as we can tell the percentage has already dropped from 5.43% to 5.37%."

A year later...

The circles of green had in fact doubled in size. Nearly 20% of the planet was overrun with the stuff. The animals couldn't eat fast enough, though they were running rampant as well. The crews had begun to introduce other animals as the rodent-based creature continued to thrive. Predators - hawks and owls and eagles and snakes. Snakes to keep the birds from over populating. It wasn't perfect of course - a new system like this had problems. The plants were leaving areas stripped of nutrients, mostly in the center of the fields. The water table had risen, and open water could be seen from orbit. Algae was seeded, along with the microorganisms it fed on.

The web-gate had been completed, and shipments from Mars had started to come through. Heavy machinery for building cities was first. Domes were constructed from pre-fabricated pieces, colonists would arrive soon.

Back on Mars letters went out. Slowly, as to not arouse suspicion. The opportunity to live off world. Pictures of the Republic area of Titan were included. Construction workers and engineers were the main targets. When they accepted the vague offer and had prepared they were told the truth, right before they passed through the web-gate. A new world - a chance to make a new life and perhaps a new Earth.

President Villanova sat in his office reading over the reports from the site. Work was progressing, but he wanted the world to be ready. His plan was simple - keep the population on Mars stable at 1.5 billion by moving people off-world. They would prepare the colony, and the population would slowly expand while the Republic stayed stable. Thanks to the web-gates, traffic would be frequent and trade between the two would benefit both. They would have to be careful though - the colony was meant as a refuge in case of a larger war. Somewhere to retreat to along with their allies and the survivors.

3 months later...

Villanova was sitting at his desk. He had finished his workload for the day and he had some time before going home for the evening. A rare occurance. 'Time to inform our allies.' he thought, and composed a short letter.

Friends and Allies,

Since the attack by Sketch on the World Disc and spurred by recent developements in Arda and other places of note the Republic of Sunset has been in search of a refuge. If war on a system wide scale comes, it may well consume all the planets in fire. We need a place to retreat to; to find refuge in and prepare for pursuit.

We feel we have found such a place. A star system, deeper into the spiral arm, and capable of supporting life. More than capable - attached you will find the initial system survey as well as our progress since then.

This is being delievered by courier for a reason, and has been kept secret for excellent reasons. Place this information in a place of great safety, for it is our greatest secret. If you wish to discuss the project for any reason we can arrange a meeting under other pretenses, but this is the only time this information will leave my hand willingly.

Regards,
President Fidelo Villanova

Responce sent back to Sunset:
Our Noble Ally Sunset,
As you feel that such information is needed to be sent via courier we have also responded in this fashion.

We are most intersted in a place of refuge in time of war. Due to current events in the world is seems that such a war may very well take place soon. We are grateful of Sunset's foresight in finding a solution that will ensure the survival of those who are enlightened enough to receive Sunset's gift. We thank you and request any further information you may discover about this system as most of our resources are currently tied up in Terraforming projects.

((OOC whoops been away the last two days. Lahlahlah))

The Eldar where working in secret, the Seers sent to construct the WebGates where some of the most powerful and the most trusted. The project they worked on for Sunset was one that had been marked as being of the uttermost importance and it was with a sense of purpose therefore that they set to work. The Webgates would not only serve the function they had been built for, but the Council wished them to have an edge, as a gift and so each would be constructed by Master Wraith singers, to be a monument a work of art.

As the voices raised to the heavens the Gate began to take form, twisting pillars, with what appeared to be Vines snaking around them, leaves almost falling, they where so delicatly positioned. Of course it was Wraithbone and not the real thing, but any seeing the Gate would have to look twice to be sure. It was all woven together by the singers, and it's growth would be almost a work of art in and of itself.

A year later...

There was a small celebration that day - 10,000 colonists had arrived. The progress made was significant - the plants and animals had reached a balance point, and the level of chlorine was decreasing at a measured rate. It was down to 4.23 now, still quite high of course. No one went outside without a skin suit but soon. Perhaps within the next 6 years or so.

Their surveys of the other planets complete, the guardian ships had turned to other tasks. Frozen ice comets were found in the system or floating in the rings of the gas giants. Depending on their size one or two ships would tow them back and lower them onto the planet with their tractors. It seemed insignificant, but when it came right down to it every little bit was another million people who would have water to drink.

Grass had been sown earlier in the year. Everything from common crab grass to kentucky blue grass. It was sown in both the green areas, where it struggled, and in new areas where it flourished. Trees as well - every species that they could obtain. Seedlings were placed or seeds scattered as was deemed appropriate.

Tailored fish were introduced into the salt water bodies. Salt was being removed by the water filters the colonists used, but at a far lower rate than it was being introduced. That might change as the population and the demand for water grew.

The planners were already laying down the plans for new cities - outdoor cities as well as domes. They chose places with beautiful vistas, and cooperated with the terraformers to make sure animal populations were not seeded too close to the locations. It was not hard - the world was vast, and they had the whole thing to themselves.

As the Farseer constructed the gate on the new world, he felt something. A link - not to this world but somewhere nearby. Something that called out to him, like a mother to her child. A voice, soft and sweet.

Come to me child, for I am ready to rise anew and walk this world again...

Darvins felt the call and knew in his being that he had to follow it, he felt almost a need, a need to follow the call alone, he followed the voice of the one that named him child. Reaching for the caller seeking it, he was strangely content that was all he knew.

His feet took im almost without his mind telling them where to go, he was traveling by instinct alone. The worers mad little comment on his absence at least little comment to the Colonists of sunset, for they had been chosen for their secrtive natures for this but still it would become obvious he was missing within a short period of time.

((OOC Very strange hmm fascinating.))

((This is why I always bomb new planets before colonising))

The voice stirred his soul once more. He had traveled - as far as he could travel. It was not here but yet it was here. It was both there and here. He looked into the sky, and knew she waited somewhere nearby but somewhere out there.

It was strange that much he knew, where then should he go. Finnally he sat for a moment and simply reached out with his own thoughts, seeking where seeking some sort of clue as to where he had to go next, what he had to do next.

I come, but I know not where, I know what you want of me.

Stars shone brightly behind a blue-pink ball floating serenely in space. It seemed close enough to touch, as though it was sitting right next to him.

Come to me my child, for I desire to cast off my morning rainment and take up the gown of the day once again...

Darvins was lost in thought as to what the vision could mean, it seemed so familar yet, then it became as obvious as the day, he had seen the Ball before.


A blue-pink world then appears on the main screen. 3 moons are indicated.


It was the only clue he had to go on, now through things changed, he had to get to this place, and he could not simply just show up. He returned to the Eldar's camp almost running he seemed so close now, as he arrived he sent a simple order to the camp.

'Prepare my Personal Transport for immediate departure, and get me a channel with the Sunset Colonisation control center. Tell them that Farseer Darvins wishes a Private secure channel with the commander of this operation. ASAP.'

The Eldar looked shocked at the sight as darvins moved around collecting the various personal effects he had brought with him, and made ready to leave, while he waited for the reply to come through.

Admiral Edge replied as soon as the request came in. "Farseer. What can I do for you?"

The voice still called - it was more affirmative now.

Come, let us walk upon the carpet of the stars again. Let us find the pavilion under the heavens and recline there.

Two years later...

100,000 people now called this world home. Hundreds of Earth plant species had been introduces. The chlorine levels were down to 2.15 percent, and there was the beginnings of a hydrological cycle. It had rained three times, each after another comet had been dropped into the atmosphere. Green, mostly from grass and the early tailored plants, covered 40% of the planets surface. New domes were being constructed - this time they would be the cities that would hold millions.

Humanity had landed on the other planets in the system as well - except for the tiny blue-pink world. It seemed to defy the sensors, revealing little of itself despite many attempts. It was not nessecary to land though - the miners stuck to the larger worlds and the asteroid belt. Just as in many major expansions in Earth's history, the expansion to the belt was sparked by gold fever. An asteroid made of near solid gold was found on a sensor sweep, and the ship hauled it in.

The planet had some defenses now too. Heavy phaser batteries had been built around the city - 4 of them in a ring. Inside were airfields - long absent from the Republic. In long low hangers were rows of UCAV's, secretly purchased from Austin-Ontis and moved through a complex series of transfers to disguise their destination. They would provide long range attack and scouting airpower, in case someone managed to land anything on the planet.

One thing the planet lacked was a name. Refuge came up several times, but was rejected as sounding too defeatist. Ares was popular as homage to the planet they had left, but there were others as well.

President Villanova had found the report on his desk that morning - a quick glance said it was lunch reading material though, so he had just opened it.

"Colonization Progress"

Standard stuff, note the important numbers and move on. This was the interesting bit.

"The colonists have settled on the name Ares for the planet and the solar system. After some conversations between local leaders and the various ships crews the following names have been adopted for the other worlds.

Planet 1: Odin - Gas Giant
Planet 2: Athena - Rocky Planet (Tetriary Colony)
Planet 3: Shiva - Rocky Planet (Mining Colony)
Planet 4: Ares - Rocky Planet (Main Colony)
Planet 5: Chih-Yu - Rocky Planet (Mining Colony)
Planet 6: Menhit - Gas Giant
Planet 7: Anuke - Rocky Planet (Secondary Colony)
Planet 8: Hachiman - Gas Giant

I find these names most appropriate given the system's purpose as a refuge from war, as well as a place to re-build and re-arm.

Admiral Edge"

President Villanova looked at the numbers - they were expanding, certainly, but they would have to step it up to meet his goal. The colony had 200,000 people - there were now 1.6 billion people in the Republic, minus 200,000 of course. The goal was 1.5 billion on Mars, with the rest on the colony.

There were 12 web-gates in the largest cities in the Republic. If it was to be accomplished within the year, 22,000 people a day would have to move through each one of them. Unrealistic, even if the colony were made public. The Eldar who accompanied the colonists wouldn't like it anyway. Even at a thousand a day though they couldn't outrun the Republic's growth. It would have to be 5000 a day - and he didn't think the Eldar could handle it.

The best way to handle the needs of the colony though... Whole family trees maybe - that would take groups from all walks of life. Hmm, the census was coming up. Put 1/16 of the population in a special group, offer them a chance to be a 'study group' for the idea of a colony. It would be a good way to find lots of willing people all at once...

Fidelo wrote up the 'proposal' for a colony, as well as the census idea. He would submit it to the senate, and see what happened from there.

The proposal had made its way through the senate, and Villanova had signed it himself. The next census would speed the process, though he was already upping the numbers. With the recent murmurs of war he had felt it was worth the risk to increase the passage rates. He had started shipping people to Titan as well - a good way to keep it looking legitimate.

'Getting near a million. Two thousand a day - more if it can be managed,'
he thought as he looked over an evacuation proposal Filbeck had drawn up. It was based on existing plans - every civilian freighter would be commandeered for the effort and the fleet would take as many as it could hold. The sublight freighters were in trouble though - if it was a complete route they couldn't count on the SDF for protection.

In orbit around Ares...

Admiral Edge looked over the latest progress reports - he had just returned from a system survey. Good to have new horizons in front of you occasionally. It made the mind work again, especially after mountains of paperwork.

"Point two three cholrine now eh? I suppose people are walking around without suits on. Water covering five percent, good. Active hydrological cycle... Hmm, no alien civilizations lurking underground. All in all, I think we have ourselves a nice little world. Progress made on Shiva, good. Mining iridium in the belt, eh? StarLancer defense wings - good idea there. If things do happen, we should have a nice head start, at the least."

((Whoops okay)

'Admiral I have several requests really but first I shall be leaving the construction project the people here should be able to complete this Gate without me, and any others that may be needed, if not then contact Tor Yvresse and inform them. '

Pausing a moment as if in thought

what is this voice, what does it mean... why am I abandoning my duties in this way, yet I feel no guilt.

'My First Request is Clearance to visit one of the Planets here, I know my destination. I would like to be alone during this time and remain undisturbed, Which brings me to my next request, I want no record to exist on paper of my journey. I trust this will be possible?'

"Not procedure, I assure you, but this whole mission is not strictly on the books either. It won't hurt to misplace certain paperwork. I only ask one thing - come back from where you are going."

Admiral Edge was looking at him with an arched eyebrow as he said this.

'And where do you intend to go Farseer?' he thought.

'My thanks admiral. i will endevor to return, but we shall see.'

It was only a little while later that the Transport departed the Planet it was designed to carry a Farseer and his escort an entire wing of Swooping hawks and other Aspect Warriors now Darvins was alone, his only companion the Dragon droid, whose memory banks could after all be purged.

The destination was simple the planet from his Visions the course laid in the Farseer went back to his thoughts as he came closer to the world.

I come Voice, I come in answer.

It is good you have come, for I have slept here long and alone. My children have grown and scattered to the stars, and none now come to visit their mother.

As the craft approaches the world the clouds begin to fade. Sinuous spires and soaring walkways can be seen faintly through the blue-pink mist, drifting into view and out like dreams on a warm summer morning. It is hard to distinguish colors, but hints of cream, brown hues, and some black imprint themselves on Darwin's memories. The pull is strong, without a hint of negative emotions other than sadness.

For a moment Darvins simply looked and felt at peace then slowly he smiled as a tear slowly formed in his eyes and began to drift down his face, he felt at peace in his place.

I still do not understand yet it becomes clearer you are this world this heaven. Where are your Children?

The Shuttle continued it's descent towards the surface and eventually Darvins was standing on the World his Suit taking samples of the atmosphere an determing it's make up soon it would have a reading for him.

While I am their mother, and I feel their hearts beating amoung the stars, I do not know where all are. But one has returned to me, and there are others nearby. They do not hear my voice in the night as you do, for only few among my children have the ears to hear me.

The mist blows back suddenly, though there is but a slight breeze, and Darvin's is in a square. Paths wander from each building through green gardens to a fountain in the center. It was dry a moment ago, but suddenly water spurts again and flows over sculptures that calm with but a glance.

In the various green spaces graceful poles with chimes dangling from them can be seen - the chimes tinkle gently in the breeze, a perfect accompanyment to the fountain in the center.

OOC: Atmosphere is breathable - Eldar normal. After a moment various substances in trace quantities show up - perfumes.

Admiral Edge walked the streets of Neo Vancouver. Blue sky overhead, birds chirping, and grass everywhere. It was a designer city - laid out in a repeating pattern of circles organized around either an industrial or commercial center. The spaces between the circles were parks and other green areas. The city had 500,000 people already, and more were arriving everyday.

The Admiral was feeling his age a lot more now though - more than a decade had passed. Technically his ship was a generation behind - other Venture-Class had long since been refitted with the latest systems.

He was nearing his destination - a large structure in the middle of one of the industrial areas. Stepping inside he had his first glance of her. The first starship constructed on Ares. Nothing special really - she wasn't a FireBlossom-II or some other specialized craft. No - she was a simple multi-role utility starship. She would have a small crew - likely 210 people. She would also be named after him, he had learned. It didn't often happen to a living Admiral, but it was quite the honor.

Walking around the bay he admired her lines. A saucer, 120 meters or so wide, with integrated warp nacele's and sensor array. She had the standard wrap around phaser bank on the front, dorsal and ventral arrays, and the other weapon systems that marked a SDF vessel.

Below he could see the being that would likely be her first Captain - perhaps only captain considering their presumed long lifespan. One of the first Trilat's - aliens discovered by Admiral Masters almost 30 years ago. The cloning project had been move to Ares - more secure, and the clones wouldn't have to deal with the representatives of certain Mars nations.

It was watching the progress - by the time the ship was done it would be 22 Earth years old - young captain, but Fleet wanted the crew to be entirely those born on Ares if possible. Aside from the captain of course. But they would be an interesting crew - Trilats, Eldar, Nenyan, Human, Protoss, and Neko. One of the Trilats drones came over to him, and the master's voice came through the transmitter it work around it's neck.

"Admiral. It is pleasant to see you. Come and enjoy watching with me."

A small craft appears out of nowhere in the system.
The ship bears the markings of a Pilonese ship.
"This is the scout vessel Janex of the nation of Pilon. We have come to investigate the planet known as Hachimen as a possible refuge in times of war."
The ship begins to head towards the named planet.

"Admiral - we are waiting the clearance codes from the 'Pilon' ship." "Let's just hope they remembered them. Hate to have to scrap em."

Edge brought up the information on Hachiman - Shinto god of war - on his console. "Why they would want it... Beyond me. Hmm, assuming they transmit I believe we intend to establish a refueling base on one of the smaller moons, but they can have fun with whatever is left."

OOC: I believe I mentioned clearance codes. If not, they were in the packet and marked as such. So - do they have the codes? I assume you know this doesn't go beyond your nation. Not even Pilonia. Maybe in the future, but I have my very good reasons.

OOC: I don't remember any clearance codes but they would have kept such things... as such
IC: Transmitting Now...

It is our intention to test a new experimental craft that is capable of withstanding the pressures of the Gas Planet. If the probe works we intend to set up a secret sancutary within it. What better irony than to construct a sanctuary from war within a planet named after a war god?

ooc: Pilonia and Pilon are currently not speaking to each other due to disagreements regarding Vascilia County with whom Pilonia is Allied with.

"Such is the irony of the whole system. Each one a war god. Excellent idea though. If you need anything, feel free to give us a yell." Edge closed the comm-channel. "Fingers off the triggers - codes look good."

The ships returned to their activities - one was monitoring the Farseer's ship. Well, where it had been. It was on the blue-pink world, and had essentially disappeared from the sensors. They would give him some time, then go in after him.

OOC: The secret of the blue-pink world is for TY alone to discover. If you would like something similar, I'm sure I can think something up.

ooc: No I just finally have time to do more than plan out a counter attack from Vascilia and can look at threads that do not involve that situation again.
I am still working on the specs for my Military but other than that I'm ready to go with that, I am taking a breather and thought this was a good place to do so.

OOC: I won't then. Proceed with the planetfall and the crushing and the maiming. Well, maybe the crushing and the maiming.

I am I must admit at a loss, are you speaking of us, my people as your children? Darvins looked about himself even as the Runes flashed upwards that it was safe even as he removed his Helm and breathed for perhaps the first time in since the coming of the old Ones, the air of home.

He smiled in simple pleasure, the scents it carried, he could imagine this being his home, he could almost see the Ancestors from before the old ones, working and living here.

Why did we leave? and in that thought he knew that for him at least the acceptance of this as their birth place had been made, the feeling was hard to explain, he felt at ease.

The vessel launches a probe into the gas planet.
"We are collecting data, we will keep you informed of our progress."

A gentle laughter, like sparkling rain carried on the wind... You are my children in that you came forth from me. You passed from my body, feed by my body, though you each had your own mother. Come though, let us walk as we speak of the past...

A road leading away from the square appears from the mist. Buildings line each side or leap over it like graceful dancers on the stages of kings. Something tickles Darvin's senses then - it is like his mother is standing there beside him, and he can almost feel something beside him but yet all around him.

Admiral Edge pinned the rank ensignia on the collar of the ensign in front of him and shook his hand, beaming with pride.

"Congradulations, Ensign Edge."

His own son - now 19. He had enrolled in the SDF two years ago, and Edge was presiding over the graduation ceremony of the Ares Academy. His youngest son actually - one was a commander already, off with the TYCS. The other was a businessman, and Edge was no less proud of him. Three sons, no daughters. The older two were married though.

His was not the only child graduating today. As he worked his way down the line he looked backwards occasionally and saw other beaming parents. A couple thousand of them in fact. There were enough Ensigns here to crew a SBG, though they didn't have close to that many ships.

Some would join the crews in orbit - replacing people who wanted to try their hand groundside or simply retire. Others would man planetary defense batteries, do maintenance on the fleet of Djinn's Villanova had shipped in, or push paper as part of the immigration division.

Fighters - the 10 fighters the ships carried - screamed overhead in salute. Edge stepped back from the last graduate and applauded along with the rest.

He smiled as he walked the path layed out almost at peace, a part of him, the part that he had given away to become a Farseer looked at the events with distant critical eyes.

Yet other parts where not the same, other parts looked with eyes that had long been buried forgotten, denied eyes that did not ask to judge only to see. He smelled the air and took comfort in the presence around him, he trusted with this part of himself, it was a part not bitter, not afraid of the events after death, a part that did not even consider Death a threat. It was a part of him he had never known, even in birth for it was a part of him no Eldar born since the Fall could know, it was the feelings of the Eldar as they used to be perhaps.

This then is the place of our birth, yet if that is the case, why do we appear like the Noldor?

I have many sisters my child. They have brought forth children as I have. Some I have not seen or heard from in many years, and I mourn for the loss of others. But they have all brought forth children, some to wander, others to tend, and others to sleep yet.

As he walks, the mist flows away, further and further until distant spires can be seen. The road becomes a bridge, the bridge itself splitting to flow around a mighty tree in the green space below the bridge. Paths wander underneath with chimes creating a path of calming music ahead of any walker.

We are pleased to announce that our tests have given us the required data. Expect a colonization ship to be showing up within the next few weeks to begin construction of our base...

The doors ground open, and the small fleet of mining craft slowly made their way out of the hanger like bee's slowly rousing in the morning.

Just another day in the asteroid belt. The ships went out, found large asteroids with the mineral of choice, and hauled them back. Nearly all of the miners were freelancers, so the best asteroids were quite picked over. They hauled them back, and the refinery facility broke them down into their components and shot them towards Ares in 1,000 ton bars. Tractor tugs in orbit caught them, then ferried them down for further refining.

Some built infrastructure, others were used to mint coin. Still others were used in the construction of ships and ground vehicles. Boats - they had recently been introduced on Mars and a manufacturer had moved to Ares to build craft for the open water.

Ares now hosted 2.8 million people - no where near where it was supposed to be, but a million people a year were expected to immigrate. The President had proposed 'sleeper' ships that would head out looking for new planets. In reality, they were to be loaded with colonists, and once they were out-system a SDF ship would arrive. They would attach a hyperdrive sled and the ship would arrive 2 months later. This would up immigration to a million a month - perhaps they could catch up.

I have many sisters my child. They have brought forth children as I have. Some I have not seen or heard from in many years, and I mourn for the loss of others. But they have all brought forth children, some to wander, others to tend, and others to sleep yet.

As he walks, the mist flows away, further and further until distant spires can be seen. The road becomes a bridge, the bridge itself splitting to flow around a mighty tree in the green space below the bridge. Paths wander underneath with chimes creating a path of calming music ahead of any walker.

Darvins felt at peace, so seperated from his Kin that he did not feel the call to war and so he walked the Gardens and marveled at their elegance. For a while his mind was silent as he simply admired the sights and the smells one who had simingly returned.

Eventually through his core would win out, till now he had been almost accepting of the voice and it's truths...

If we came from you what then of Ishar, of the Old ones, of our peoples past as we know it, what role did the Mother have in our creation, if you are instead the Mother Voice?

His mind was a sea of conflicting emotions, on one hand it was so easy to just accept for in the heart of all his people was a simple need to find a place to belong, to recover what was lost. Yet now he had been offered that chance and it seemingly conflicted with what he knew, of the Legends of his people of their struggles of their cause and of their Mother, was all that a simple lie?

An attempt to hold them closer to the Old ones to trick them into the fight that was not theirs. or was it a simple change in the stories, a brief flare of hope, perhaps Ishar was not dead perhaps simply Ishar was not an Old One as the others where perhaps this was she..

Even I have a Mother, though I was not born in the way the Children born here were. I was born when the galaxy was young, though my Mother was older still. I am but another tree on the branch of life.

Another square opens in front of Darvins, and another fountain sparkles to life. This time there is a statue standing in the center. Two beings - male and female by the look of them - stand holding hands around a central jet of water. Their faces are raised in joy, and water splashes down on them. They are Eldar, and yet not Eldar. Their features are older, more refined than the Eldar.

With the advent of war on Mars, the flood of immigration to Ares truely began. Entire cities containing tens of millions of people were taken through, quickly filling the cities that had been created for just that purpose. Production began to increase with the new labor pool, and starship production went into overdrive. The possibility of attack was infintesimally small - no one outside loyal allies knew where the system was, and it was a one way trip for the colonists. The only people who returned were carefully screened SDF officers and of course the Eldar who operated the gates.

In the next two years the population of Ares jumped from 2 million, to 60 million. Construction boomed as new cities were built in the pre-arranged places, massive amounts of material flooding in from the belt and mining colonies elsewhere in the system to supply the need.

President Villanova had also instituted the 'colony ship' idea. The massive transports didn't head to Ares first however - they headed to Valinon. There they and their crews were checked over for any tracking methods before they were allowed to proceed to Ares.

The construction industry on Mars was having a hard time - the population wasn't growing, at least on Mars. But the companies had heard of other opportunities - off world stuff, colony's being built. They didn't know where of course - these were SDF contracts. But they signed up in droves. They replaced workers who didn't want to sign the stiff contracts (No Return for 10 years minimum, no outside communications, must take familty.)

Harsh stuff, but the money was well worth it. And so they found themselves on Ares. Most were building their own homes, living in the pods that had brought them here. Others bought places in the existing cities and commuted. If they could - roads and other infrastructure were still being constructed. They were expanding fast however. From 1000k of roads, pipeline, and power conduits outside the cities, they had now laid nearly 100,000k. The major cities were connected, at least with 2 lane roads.

Most personal vehicles were hovering or flying vehicles, but the first wheeled vehicles appeared. Mars, at least the Republic, had not seen such for 250 years. They were cargo haulers - small run stuff as carried by 21st century semi's. Commerce was developing between the cities, and they had their first trade war. No one was killed, though one businessman had to be picked up off an asteroid in the belt where someone had decided to drop him to prevent a business deal.

The colony was growing by leaps and bounds - the SDF 'Edge' was launched, and it would only be the first. Nearly every major city had a shipyard, and the bay that had recently held the 'Edge' was being filled with the massive frame of a FireBlossom-II.

Even I have a Mother, though I was not born in the way the Children born here were. I was born when the galaxy was young, though my Mother was older still. I am but another tree on the branch of life.

Another square opens in front of Darvins, and another fountain sparkles to life. This time there is a statue standing in the center. Two beings - male and female by the look of them - stand holding hands around a central jet of water. Their faces are raised in joy, and water splashes down on them. They are Eldar, and yet not Eldar. Their features are older, more refined than the Eldar.

darvins stared momentary at the statue, partly in simple confusion partly in wonder and partly in studying it. Eventually he smiled and dipped his hand into the wall feeling it against his skin and letting it fall gently back onto the statues.

These people, the statue I wonder Voice, are these your Children, for they are not exactly we that are here. Or are they simply something else?

In part the question was that last doubting part of his mind searching for an answer that this was simply a mistake... if it where not it would mean a shift for Tor Yvresse and the Eldar that Darvins could not even begin to imagine. It would mean a choice to continue to wander the stars, or to settledown, a part of darvins wished only to Settle to find a place to call home, a part of through knew he would miss the Dome of the Seers, the Stars, the life he had come to know.

These are my children, and you are theirs. But as much as you are their children you are mine as well. Though the years have been long, there is still much blood between you and they. They are few, while there are many of you.

The mist was pulling back yet farther, and Darvins felt something else about this world. In the distance he could see tall spires, yet they were not the graceful residences of lords and ladys. They were graceful indeed, though they held a subtle menace. Retribution, swift and sure to the enemies of her children. It was a sense of power. Old power, older than even his own craftworld.

Cast aside your fears my child. I have no reason to hold any of my children here. For by wandering do we not grow and gain experience in life? Even I have wandered...

Darvins looked at the spires and with equal trepadation and wondered if perhaps he was finnally seeing the truth.

We do not come from here, but those we come from did, you are not our mother but our Grandmother. I understand I think.

His Feet Walked their own path towards the spires and he simply went along with them he did not understand what was beyond them and within them but he understood it was where he was always ment to go, his existence perhaps was for this moment, Farseers understand fate, and Darvins watched in his mind the strings of Fate that had led him to this point, and wondered at the simple question... This cannot be co-incidence.

That the Devourer that attacked us, drove us to the system where the people that would find this place came from.

That Our presence in the System was extended long enough to trust them, and make it possible for their plans for this sector to go ahead and therefore for them to bring us here. Here to where... Grandmother as darvins accepted with all his being now, was to be seen and they could see a part of their past even they had never known.

Other hands may have been at work, but Darvins would accept that any of this was co-incidence. Not that it mattered but it was a thought for the time.

The spired stretched high into the sky - though they were straight up right now Darvins could see a joint subtly worked into the edifice. There were others as well, scattered around the city. They were not the tallest buildings, but no taller buildings were close to them.

There was a door that swung wide at his touch and opened into a room with a corridor beyond. Thoughts came to his mind unbidden - he was a warmaster after all. The delicate sculpting of the room made it hard to see, but this would be a deadly trap for all who entered by the doorward. He walked farther, through the corridor which snaked slightly back and forth, into another room. Then he realized fully the purpose of the spire.

As he crossed the threshold a sphere blinked into existance and lights came on throughout the room. The room itself enspired courage, calm, and efficiency.

He stepped forward - the sphere drew his eye. He found himself standing at a console, looking over the whole system. Tiny red dots caught his eye, and the sphere responded. They became ships, orbiting a world close by. Each had lines of information listed under it, which Darvins understood as though they were implanted in his head. Threat index, target status, and other information.

While I desire to walk in peace, I am not the only one to sail the sea of stars. Thus I carry my sword at my side, and my bow near at hand. My arrows are sharp, and seldom miss their mark. But for my children and their friends, they are an ever-present comfort.

The colony had gotten a lot closer to the desired balance. People flooded through day and night. The 12 cities were like ghost towns, and property prices fell through the basement. The colony ships had been busy as well - 1 million people every 2 weeks. It took a week to load and unload at each end, even with mass transporter work. More cities were built or in the process, and oddly the plant and animal life was thriving with the influx. People brought more plants with them. They grew gardens just for an excuse to walk outdoors.

Animals ate at the gardens, encouraging more animal growth. The planned cities helped - nature areas were disturbed only by hikers and campers.

They were nearing the point when they could begin exporting back to Mars - but would they? It was a question Villanova wrestled with every day. If they did, the existance and then the location of the world would surely get out. If they didn't, the people might feel they were too trapped. They had access to space - commercial resource companies were responsible for most of the minerals needed. But they couldn't travel really - no vacations to Knootoss or Menelmacar. What to do about it...

Doctor Long sat in front of the console in his labratory. His project had been moved to Ares when it had entered the physical testing phase - intelligence agencies from other nations would have begun snooping around if they had done it on Mars.

The data was good - he had finally found the particular combination of power to output ratios. The simulation showed the 'target', an asteroid, being crushed into so much gravel by the weapon. Time to test it out.

Long turned to the woman next to him. "Captain - I think we can go ahead with the test."

Hours later they were aboard the 'Robert Hale', a refitted Cohort-III cruiser.

Captain Kuri leaned forward in her chair. Doctor Long was sitting next to her, examining the test platform from his console. "All systems are good Captain. We can proceed."

"Helm - move the probe to 50 by 23, 10k klicks."

The automated platform moved to the stated position and stopped. It was facing out to a large asteroid the 'Robert Hale' had towed into position. A long line of sensor probes surrounded it and the test platform. Farther away Kuri could see the 'Edge' keeping space clear around the test range.

"All stations report ready?" A chorous of 'Aye's' rose and died around the bridge. "Doctor Long - you may begin."

"Right. Recording status check - good. Platform power check - good. Firing in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Firing..."

On the screen the crew saw the asteroid crack suddenly and forcefully, crunching down to perhaps 3/4ths its starting size. Then it began drifting apart. The probes monitoring the experiment fired short sharp thruster burns to maintain station instead of drifting inward.

"Test complete. I'll have to re-check the results, but preliminary data says the asteroid integrity was degraded 96%."

Captain Kuri shuddered and imagined what would happen if that weapon was used against the 'Robert Hale'. Bulkheads and corridors smashed into a long line of destruction, power conduits severed and systems failing. Any crew would of course be... gravy.

"Doctor - how are the experiments into a defense going?" Kuri asked, hoping for some good news.

"Well enough - we have a method of altering the standard shield generator to resist the effects somewhat - cut the link between the generator and the source. Of course, use enough power and it will cut right through it." Long finished.

"Good thing. With the test complete, the Fleet will want to begin re-fitting the fleet with these weapons. I'm going to recommend a testbed ship though - practice against some hulks and so on."

"I have plans ready for a testbed Captain. Quite anticipated. Now - if you will excuse me I need to get back to the lab to run through the data again."

120 million people. It didn't seem like a lot when you were dealing with billions or even trillions, but it was a lot when you looked at the cities that had sprouted up all over Ares.

Thanks to the fact that they had plenty of room to grow and that the cities were pre-designed for expansion, there was no urban sprawl. There were small towns and large - cities of 10,000 for people who wanted to grow food, and cities of 10,000,000 for people who wanted to work in industry or commerce.

The huge circles of green from the original terraforming were now the sites of cities, some large and some small. The farming communities had changed some of the circles to ever expanding bands of crops. Roads radiated outward to the other cities - some wound through mountains and others raced across flat lands. There were even island cities, with long causeways connecting them to the mainland and other cities.

From orbit, you couldn't see the scars, and the cities were still pinpricks. The scars were mines, and massive processing plants. Most were buried in the cities of course, but some had been built on top of the massive deposits they would mine. Gold for one thing - the people needed currency and gold was needed to make it.

Resources, gold included, powered the expansion of the colony. There were now domes on Shiva - extracting aluminum in mass for ship building and cities. 4 million people lived there now - rough and tumble miners who wrestled what they could from the unforgiving ground. Outside the domes, terraforming was in progress. A large portion of the materials, especially uranium, were being used to construct a sollete in orbit. The plans had been directly derived from the one used around Mars.

Twenty five years... Admiral Edge had been 36 when his crew had discovered the system and been dispatched to colonize it. He was 61 now, he had led surveys of 5 other systems (leading to 1 mining colony) and had logged nearly 400 different notable events. Everything from ship wrecks to space sharks could be found in his logs.

He had gone through 3 commanding officers - 2 of whom had gone onto captain their own ships, the other had died in a tragic accident on Shiva. Technically there was no rank above Admiral, except for destinctions like 'Fleet Admiral'. He had been given the first of it's kind destinction 'Star Admiral', denoting his command over an entire star system.

It wasn't quite true - with the Pilon colony and generating plant on Hachiman and the Tor Yvresse colony on... He didn't quite remember the name. It was long and hard to pronouce though. They had renamed it after Darvins had returned.

Close enough. He had watched his children grow. His son was now a Commander - promoted for bravery in combat. Pirates had come to Ares - criminals always popped up. They were colonists who had decided the best way to make an easy di-coin was to take it. Their base had been discovered, and his son had been on the raid to capture the pirates.

He had saved ten men by attracting fire, and had survived through clever use of cover. He was now serving on the 'Sydney', a Cohort-III built on Ares. Which brought Edge back to his paperwork. He had 11 ships in his fleet, 1 new ship per year. He was reviewing the yearly maintenance budget... Horribly fun.

The asteroid began to move, ever so slowly under the influence of the tractors on the mining tug. This was a big one - 2549kts. Spectrography said it was nearly 73% iridium and other platinum group metals. If the miners could get it back in one piece they would likely be rich for life.

The rock had been spotted in the belts of the inner gas giant a week ago, and it had taken them this long to rent a tug big enough for the job. Only one like it in the system.

The massive engines burned with the fire of the stars and the whole thing began to move. Their course would take them to a recovery facility in orbit of Ares where it would be broken down and refined.

For two weeks they travelled - they had burned nearly 33% of the fuel getting it up to speed. The rest would be burned to decellerate and for manuvering.

*CRACK* One of the miners felt rather than heard something happen on the asteroid. A monitoring probe had been attached, and it had felt something break off which it then transmitted through the ship.

Miners scrambled to take a look - a huge chunk had broken off and was hurtling toward Ares. 324kts by the look of it. They scrambled to call control. If it hit anything, the lawsuits would cost them dearly.

Several freelance tugs, sensing profit, raced to grab it. It was still a large chunk of one of the largest rocks brought in however. One of the tugs foolishly tried to race in front of it, and exploded as the rock ripped through it. His fault - not yet theirs. Others grabbed it and pulled, ripping smaller chunks away. There was the problem - it was riddled with fractures. It finally broke up, and sailed towards the docks. Pieces were grabbed left and right by smaller ships, and two of the SDF starships in orbit managed to grab a chunk.

Still a sizable piece decided to plow through a loading dock. Workers were killed despite their softsuits when debris ripped through them like paper. Another chunk headed into the atmosphere. It would land in the wild, only about 1000 feet from some campers giving them a nice souviner to take home.

A Mangalan Government Couriership made it's way clear of Martian orbit, and blinked out of existence. It was followed a few hours later by 2 small Frigates, each taking a different direction before blinking out. None of this was unusual, of course, but the large freighter that lumbered away a few hours after was. It was once of the largest ships to exit Martian space that day, but it had a valid flight plan and the aerospace controller shrugged and gave it clearance.

-The Colony System's Edge- [ooc: does the system have a name yet? if not my suggestion is "Red Haven"]

The ships blinked into being once again as they exited hyperspace. Recognition codes were transmitted, and the Sunset vessels guarding the system signalled for them to continue on.

Soon, the small fleet made orbit around Ares and began offloading men and supplies.

A few months and several million Simoleons (exchanged with Sunset's industrial leaders) later a small base had been setup in an undeveloped area of the planet.

View from the air:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/377562/EE082marsbase.jpg

Ground View:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/377562/EE087.jpg

I've been using Ares as the name for the time being. It's slightly confusing, so it might change. Red Haven will be held in consideration of course.

Locations for cities and infrastructure have been laid out already - if that is unsuitable we can negotiate. It's mostly to assure the largest amount of wild space as possible, while keeping the cities far enough apart for resource-based trade to develop.

Additional colonists can be included in the webway movements, as well as the colony ships if desired. I am considering a system that would allow free movement without knowledge of the location that would have good access control. If successful it would allow free trade between both worlds, likely resulting in a population parity between them.

ooc: no way can you keep this place secret if you start trade... humanly impossible. People talk, it can't be stopped.

OOC: True. In-system trade will do for now. Once the population is large enough to mount an effective defense the inhabiting nations will consider out-system trade again.

Ed Williams picked up his daughter and carried her into the waiting transport car. There were no windows, and once inside he could see no monitors showing the outside view. His families assigned quarters were at the front of the train, so he was the only one to see the door open as an engineer stepped through and into the main area from the command cabin.

Through the door he thought he saw a glimpse of robes - possibly even eldar or elven robes.

'Why would an eldar be driving us to our destination,' he thought. Then the train started moving and he quickly took his seat.

They had been told they were taking a special train to the colony ship, but after 2 hours at what seemed like high speed he began to wonder. Then the train began to slow, and suddenly he heard noises from outside. It sounded like a city, but Ed hadn't heard the noice in the distance. Just the sudden volume of noise.

A crew member turned on the intercom. "The train will be disembarking in 5 minutes. All luggage should be taken with you as it cannot be returned. Welcome to Ares."

'Ares? I've never heard of a city names Ares...' Ed thought as he picked up his daughter and headed toward the doors. Then he stepped outside and it dawned on him. "We're not in Kansas anymore..."

The dark blue skies of Ares stretched out before him. He was looking over a vast sea of grass. Behind him he heard similar exclamations of suprise. 'So this is home...'

Out of hyperspace a Pilonese ship appears into realspace.
The ship, over 1,200 Meters in Length identifies itself as the Pilonese Exploration Ship Archemeides. They announce their intentions to begin construction of an Outpost in the Gas Planet the prior Pilonese Survey ship had explored. They transmit the proper passwords and identification codes before proceeding.

Out of hyperspace a Pilonese ship appears into realspace.
The ship, over 1,200 Meters in Length identifies itself as the Pilonese Exploration Ship Archemeides. They announce their intentions to begin construction of an Outpost in the Gas Planet the prior Pilonese Survey ship had explored. They transmit the proper passwords and identification codes before proceeding.

Fidelo looked over the statistics for the colony. He was quite pleased - it was 30 years old, and his goal of making it house every bit of population over 1.5B was nearly at hand. Only 40 million to go. 2 years if he pushed it.

He really wanted to get other nations involved however - keep all the eggs out of one basket. The Scolopendrian-led colony effort in BESS-7 was going ahead, but he wanted to get the Triumvirate nations involved here as well. Perhaps it was time for the next step of his plan.

He began to compose a message to the Senate, and to Edwin Smytheson...

The Pilonese ship's main section broke away from the FTL engines that propelled it at alarming speed in Hyperspace and began to move toward the planet.

Champaigne (Neovanc '58) burst against the hull of the ship, propelled into the bow of the SDF 'Masters' by an over-enthusiastic mayor's wife. The crowd cheered as the ship engaged its mighty grav's and began rising upward.

Ares now produced two of the fourteen ships that the Republic built every year. From now on the fleet would be split between the two systems - a risk, but the security of the refuge was that important.

Fighters were not produced on Ares, though a shuttle factory was only a year away. Individual DA-102's and even some of the new DA-103's were shipped from Mars. Ares fighter squadrons were slowly forming, and while they were not near the thousands that defended Mars they were more than enough to help with pirate supression and system defense.

Many of the young colonists who had watched the guardian fleet in orbit years ago now carried flight helmets out to the tarmak. While there were the usual 'Maverick's and 'Thrill Seeker's, there were also 'Wonder's and 'Champion's to be found in abundance - people willing to sacrifice their own lives in the defense of their new home.

The bright spark of a welder burned brighting in the darkness of space. It illuminated one small portion of the structure under construction in Ares orbit. Hovering over it like a protective mother hen was a FireBlossom-II super-heavy cruiser. This would be the new method of reaching Ares once it was done.

A wormhole gate - a similar structure was being constructed around Mars and near Titan. Plans were underway to built one at Luna and Venus as well, but the three titanic gates were expensive. The maintenance budget for the year had been slashed to free up the 5 trillion di-coins the project would consume for the next 4 years. No upgrades were to be made - fortunate that the system upgrade rotation had finished the year before.

All around and under the structure shuttles flitted back and forth, bring in crews to add specific components or assisting in wrestling plating into position. Weapon emplacements studded the structure, everything from torpedo turrents and phaser arrays to gravimetric cannon and tractor emplacements. The goal was to make it so hard to take the station by force that it would have to be destroyed - making it worthless. Just in case overload circuits were added to the M/AM cores, making the whole thing one big bomb.

The Explorer ship moves our of the system slowly, having completed its job. Soon afterward a small shipment of colonists comes in. A new research and development outpost had been established. This was to be the new center for the Pilonese Weapons and Ship development.

One of the many things that have happened with the mass colonization movement is the change in business structure. On Mars there were several dozen top tier businesses that effectively owned everything else. On Ares, the only businesses to move en-masse were construction companies.

Since no traffic could return to Mars, the colonists formed their own companies. Middle managers were suddenly CEO's. Businesses went through a lot of up's and down's - businesses failed instead of the Mars pattern of 're-absorption' by the parent company.

Unemployement was at a high - sometimes hitting 10%. But it wasn't for very long, as there were always new jobs. If your business failed, the construction companies hired you. They were busy building new cities and towns, roads and infrastructure. So while you might not be at a job long, there was likely another one ready as soon as you left the last.

This did have an unpleasant side effect - the rise in divorce rates and the breakup of families. Some re-united after things settled down, but others split and moved to the opposide side of the planet. The children of these relationships sparked a crime wave with their increasing dependance on addictive substances and theft to pay for it.

Most people accepted it as a price to pay for a new home, and left it at that. Others cried for a return to morality laws - drugs were legal, you could destroy yourself if you wanted. It would be the biggest debate the colonists would have. A change in a legal structure they had spend over 300 years living under.

The spired stretched high into the sky - though they were straight up right now Darvins could see a joint subtly worked into the edifice. There were others as well, scattered around the city. They were not the tallest buildings, but no taller buildings were close to them.

There was a door that swung wide at his touch and opened into a room with a corridor beyond. Thoughts came to his mind unbidden - he was a warmaster after all. The delicate sculpting of the room made it hard to see, but this would be a deadly trap for all who entered by the doorward. He walked farther, through the corridor which snaked slightly back and forth, into another room. Then he realized fully the purpose of the spire.

As he crossed the threshold a sphere blinked into existance and lights came on throughout the room. The room itself enspired courage, calm, and efficiency.

He stepped forward - the sphere drew his eye. He found himself standing at a console, looking over the whole system. Tiny red dots caught his eye, and the sphere responded. They became ships, orbiting a world close by. Each had lines of information listed under it, which Darvins understood as though they were implanted in his head. Threat index, target status, and other information.

While I desire to walk in peace, I am not the only one to sail the sea of stars. Thus I carry my sword at my side, and my bow near at hand. My arrows are sharp, and seldom miss their mark. But for my children and their friends, they are an ever-present comfort.

The rooms position as a place of war was a strange contrast to the sense of Calm and acceptance from the voice. He watched the ships of the Colonists as they moved around him, and nodded.
That is true, hope for Peace but never let the others take you unawares. The ones above us are friends then Grandmother, they brought me to you, and we in turn brought them to the other worlds in this area.

still he watched the symbols and the scroll and smiled strange that he knew the meanings behind a language older than that which he now spoke, one he had never seen, but he accepted it as a small wonder, a sign of the mind behind the voice.

still Mother if it was different how would we know what needed to be done to bring the sword and the Bow to life?

OOC: I think I understand the statement "still Mother if it was different how would we know what needed to be done to bring the sword and the Bow to life?", but correct me if I am wrong.

IC:

The Harsh Tongue, the tongue of War, has been spoken before even the race before yours was fully forged. When the gods were laying the last touches of silver on their brow, they already spoke the tongue fluently.

The symbols on the sphere changed color, shifting to a delicate blue. The world remained the only green, in the middle of the sphere.

But come...

He felt drawn to another place. He walked again, through the paths that seemed to flow just where desired despite the numerous buildings. He entered another one, grander and larger than all others. Statues and mosaics adorned the walls, subtly crafted from carved rock that needed no mortar.

Then he was standing in a chamber, vast yet reachable. Thousands could be seated and they could all hear a whisper from their neighbor or a mild voice from the center.

My Child, this is your world, your inheritance of old. While you were but a thought, this world was made with the children of the elder race in mind. Something to preserve them, though strife would come. Something to bring them joy, though sadness reigned. Take it, use it, and cherish it. For while it is yours, it holds all the memories of those before you.

A lone creature appears in the system. It bears the markings of Pilon upon it. The ship slowly moves insystem toward the gas giant Pilon claimed.

((No no you got it right.))

IC Darvins looked around him now in true wonder, War as a Farseer he understood, he was a warrior true, but he was more a Farseer is first and formost a leader of peoples, a speaker, a guide to the people, this was a room for the people. A Tear came from him as he heard the words and perhaps began to understand, the Old Ones, they knew or feared what was to come, and yet had made them this despite what they did.

why, They must have known what we would do to them... They must have known it would be our Fault they are gone, they must have seen that to know of our need!

On one level he needed to deny the gift, he did not feel deserving of it, yet on another he needed this, a small reminder of that which he had never known. Grandmother, you must be told all that occured you must know what we did, you are the only one who can judge it.

Darvins opened himself and laid out in his mind the Fall he laid out the the truth of how they had caused it and sat waiting barely daring to breathe.

(As I am going to use the fall in the other thread I won't explain it here, but I think you know most of it anyway sunset?)

OOC: To a certain extend, yes. But I'd like to hear your version of the fall before she responds. Interesting how this all tied together, but it was unintentional on my part.

Understood I can either post you a TG summary of it, or we can put this on hold till after the other thread. True it is odd, but very cool, and not too surprising when you really think about it, I'm talking about the fall, that is the single most defining moment in Eldar history EVERYTHING links to it, even events from the Necron war in vague ways...

I will take a look at the Eldar Codex (Which one, btw?) and read up on it. If you have any specific changes I'd appreciate a TG on them.

((All of them just about, I took them all in my understanding of 40K, the story hasn't changed much the only Possible addition is that something may have entered the Eldar race during the big Battle between Khaine and whichever one he fought and killed, this something may have helped hasten the fall. It's a vague referance but one I interpret that way. The Novel Farseer also suggests there where Proto Slanesh Deamons that existed before Slanesh and helped to twist the Eldar. However the Eldar had started the process on thier own anyway and something would have happened.))

OOC: It was the Nightbringer. And it wasn't destroyed, merely defeated. The only things capable of killing C'tan are other C'tan and the Talismen of Vaul, even being stabbed by the spear of Khaine is merely enough to defeat them.


----------
Translations of pertent Eldar Mythic Cycles

Commit to: Imperial Record

Est 03/8567INQUISITORIS 8353/1453

Crossfile To: Aliens/Ultima Segmentum
Xenos/text: Eldar
----------
-----
My Lords,

Firstly, may I appologize for the inevitable delay of these texts. As well as the infamous vox-record of an exchange between His Reverent Highness Inquisitor Horst and Tech-Priest Alagos. I have included a transcription from a witness of a Harlequin dance that I believe may be of relevance. I also thought it fitting to include an approximate translation of a fragment from the Seven Scrolls of H'sann, a collection of ancient texts uncovered and translated by my mentor Obelius Mung over the last thirty years. This is in itself valuable as evicence that the Eldar have detailed knowledge of the Necron threat. However, in light of the appearance of puissant xenos entities leading Necron raids I believe the content bears further examination.

As all historians know, many an obscure truth is shrouded in legend.

Your servant in life and beyond,

Ralamine Mung.
-----

The Birth of Fear
There was a time when the Eldar were not riven by fear, and did not live their lives in mortal apprehension of the dark fate that awaited them upon death. A warrior could meet his foeman without a thought for his mortal shell; his soul would live on, reborn as a phoenix from the flame.

In that manner did the Eldar join their gods to wage war against the Yngir, the immortal star-spawn that plagued the universe with thier eternal thirst and undying warriors. Their minions, the silvered host(1), parted like a sea before Khaine's wrath, and his followers, the most battle-hardened of all, blazed a flaming path across the galaxy.

Ulthanash and Eldanesh, noble kings of their houses, fought at Khaine's side. Lanthrilaq the Swift and Jaeriela Thrice-Blessed led their peoples, and none could stand before them.

Then came Kaelis Ra(2), the Death-bringer. Its rampage stained the stars with blood, and none could stand against it, for it wielded the power of death itself. Populations fell before its scythe, its very gaze slew even the greatest of Eldar heroes. Those that died lost everything, even their souls.

But the gods of the Eldar had strengths other than force of arms. The grestes among the Soul-Dancers(3) had begun to convince the C'tan to turn their hunger inward, to consume their bretheren in unholy feasts of star-flesh. Kaelis Ra took its blade to its kin, butchering them without mercy as it had the sons of Isha(4).

Whilst the Death-bringer sought ever darker ways to slake its unquenchable thirst, Khaine was not idle. He struck a bargain with Vaul the Smith-god; in exchange for Kurnous' and Isha's release from Khaine's dungeons, Vaul would forge one hundred swords for Khaine's war against the Yngir. Thus were born the Swords of Vaul; the Blade-Wraiths(5).

Khaine led his people to war once more, his rage incandescent, the remnants of his army aflame with the heat of vengeance. A hundred Eldar, each armed with a Blade-Wraith, faced a horde of the Silvered Necrontyr so vast the horizon glittered with metal bodies in every direction. Yet they knew no dread.

The Eldar fought in a great circle, the Swords of Vaul flashing, and the Necrontyr could not penetrate their defense. The soul-might(6) contained within the swords invigorated their wielders and every blow smashed apart an unholy foe. Khaine was unstoppable, and his warriors fought with the knowledge that their god was pleased.

The battle lasted seven days and seven nights beforethe Eldar began to fall. The Yngir's servants had found a weak spot in the circle; Lanthrilaq the Swift was tiring, his face pale, his imperfect sword dull and blunt. The ring of warriors buckled and broke, and the ground shooke as Khaine bellowed his anger. Vaul had cheated him; one of the swords was lifeless.

>From the ground beneath them burst Kaelis Ra, the Nightbringer, and the Eldar fell back for they knew their doom was at hand. With a gesture, Kaelis Ra slew all those near it. With a glance, it condemned the souls of great warriors to an eternity of dust. With a great roar, Khaine leveled his spear and charged.

Scythe and spear clashed over a mound of corpses in a struggle that tore the skies asunder. Khaine's speed and skill was breathtaking, but the Nightbringer was a being of shadow and the Spear of Khaine could not find its mark. Kaelis Ra let its foe exhaust his rage with the patience of death.

Without warning, the Nightbringer swung mightily with his scythe, aiming for Khaine's throat. But Khaine had heeded the counsel of the Laughing God as well. As the Nightbringer's form became solid to deliver its blow, Khaine lunged, the tip of his spear driving clean through the Yngir's chest.

Kaelis Ra burst apart in a explosion of silvered chards that nearly cleft Khaine in two as the Yngir's essence tore free of physical form. The silvered warriors around him fell to the earth as the impact spread ever outward, returning to the ground from whence they came. Humm, now what film does this remind you of? Soon, only Khaine remained, howling his victory

But victory came at a price. Shards of the Yngir's flesh, driven deep into Khaine's body by the cataclysmic demise of his foe, melted in the fires of the War God's wrath. The silver poison flowed into his bloodstream, forever tainting his physical incarnation with the aspect of the reaper(7).

Kaelis Ra cannot truly die, for it is death incarnate. Raging at its defeat, its quintessence howled throughout space, entering every one of the Eldar race and cursing them with the terror of the grave. Thus it was that the seed of the Eldar's downfall was sown, and ultimately, the way of reincarnation was closed to them forever.

(1) Probably an early, and presumably advanced, form of Necron.
(2) Kaelis - (rans) the notion of Death, the Destroyer. Ra - (trans) possibly soul, spirit, or ghost.
(3) Probably cf512/Harlequin, See also cf/512.2God-Harlequin
(4) Scholars maintain that Isha is the Eldar Earth-Goddess, mythical progenitor of their race. Thurmann refutes this but his theories are plainly outdated.
(5) Possible metaphor. My predicessor Ralamine Mung refers to the Spear of Khaine (Lance-warriors Aspect) and the Bladewind (Biel-Tan craftworld) in his interpretation of this stanca. Not all answers are hidden beyond credibility.
(6) cf112/Force Sword, cf571.1 Eldar Vampire-blade
(7) cf564/Avatar, cf551/Reaper Warrior

The Eldar were before that point able to re-incarnate their souls into new bodies (In some of the old fluff, a group of Human psykers were able to do this as well, but fearing the growth of chaos they all committed suicide and moved into one body, cue the Immortal Emperor of Man.) and thus avoid dwelling in the warp. Cortesy of the Nightbringer they can't do that any more, and are thus, doomed to be eaten by Slanessh.

OOC: Good know - back to colony stuff for now though.

IC:

Admiral Edge saluted - a gesture not often used in the SDF - and shook Villanova's hand. The SDF James Cook had arrived in-system, and the now Ex-President had made the announcement of his change in duties. Up til now, the planet had been under the command of Admiral Edge and his military command structure. Now they would become a civilian world, electing Senators and participating in all the politics of the Republic.

Villanova would be the first governor, though whether he kept the job was up to the people who would vote in elections in 4 years. But for now he plowed ahead instituting the changes that he had cleared with the Senate on Mars. Marine divisions were recruited, and the old records of Earth infantry combat were dredged up. Schools were established to train the recruits.

This of course freed up Edge and his ship to do what they loved - exploration. The heavy cruisers of the defense fleet stayed in-system while the explorers, including the 'Cook, left to explore the nearby systems in more detail.

OOC: Good know - back to colony stuff for now though.

IC:

Admiral Edge saluted - a gesture not often used in the SDF - and shook Villanova's hand. The SDF James Cook had arrived in-system, and the now Ex-President had made the announcement of his change in duties. Up til now, the planet had been under the command of Admiral Edge and his military command structure. Now they would become a civilian world, electing Senators and participating in all the politics of the Republic.

Villanova would be the first governor, though whether he kept the job was up to the people who would vote in elections in 4 years. But for now he plowed ahead instituting the changes that he had cleared with the Senate on Mars. Marine divisions were recruited, and the old records of Earth infantry combat were dredged up. Schools were established to train the recruits.

This of course freed up Edge and his ship to do what they loved - exploration. The heavy cruisers of the defense fleet stayed in-system while the explorers, including the 'Cook, left to explore the nearby systems in more detail.

With the completion of the Ares wormhole gate many of the research projects housed on Mars were moved to Ares for added security. One such project was just reaching fruition...

Energy danced around the ship - it was dodging wildly, but it was starting to take damage as hit after hit scored on the ship. Suddenly fire bloomed on the surface and it exploded silently in space.

"32 minutes - a fighter versus a starship. That's quite impressive but I don't think we plan on making our marines give up their fighters to a computer any time soon."

The Admiral was watching the action from various angles on three holoscreens. They all flashed to a different scenario - a single starship versus five others. Not good odds.

"Here's where it gets interesting Admiral. This is a new run - the II has been placed in the scenario, and the actions of the five ships are based on statistical SDF fleet manuvers."

The five moved towards the one seeking to encircle it. Weapon fire began pulsing - then one of the five blew up. The four scores hits on the single ship, but it manuvered to take the hits on other portions of the hull. Then another blew up, followed shortly by another. Finally the single ship fell as one of it's opponents caught it with a full brace of torpedos.

"Three ships down - a tremendous feat for the finest fighting Captain."

"Yes - and this was a 'fresh' system. It had no experience, and was just given the rules and knowledge of it's goals when the scenario started."

"What about computing power - what will these need to operate?" the Admiral asked. He was impressed, but he needed more data.

"They will need more - the systems can go in with the next core upgrade. So 12 years for the entire fleet."

"Let's see some more tests, but I also want a ship prepped with the system for physical testing."

"It will take a week or two if we rush it - but it will be done."

Governor Villanova sat at his desk while the Admiral in charge of the II Project did a demonstration. He technically didn't need to know, but he still had his fingers in the intelligence community and was cleared for it. Fascinating stuff...

"Instinctive Intelligences occupy that middle ground between full Sentient Electronic Intelligences and Expert Systems. They are not self-aware though they can learn and use the systems they have avaliable to them in new ways.

Tests so far have shown them capable of responding in combat situations with relatively novel and more importantly precision tactics. For instance here you can see the II ship project a spot tractor beam right over the missile tubes on this 'ambushing' ship. A chain detonation destroys it moments later. These things are smart, and make good predictions as to their opponents behavior based on past experience."

The first ships these were installed on were the StarLancers. The rules they operate on were modified to ignore self-preservation. While the StarLancers are highly survivable, they have the problem of ramming themselves into a target to destroy it."

The presentation continued, with the Admiral introducing several of the core scientists behind the effort. Finally the holoscreen flicked over to a picture of a computer core being installed on a ship.

"What we are doing is installing these cores in all SDF starships. The reason for this is many-fold. The II's needed dedicated and higher processing power first off. These new cores are top-of-the-line for the week they are produced in. Fully upgradeable. The II 'lives' in the box, along with all the data and external connections it needs.

The secord reason is sentience. As a learning machine we are aware that some of these systems may achieve sentience. As part of the policies we have laid down if one achieves sentience it will be given the option to be removed from the starship and sent into civilian life. If it does desire to stay, it will be given a rank and be considered the secondary XO - allowing it to make full descisions if the Captain or XO is not avaliable."

Villanova interupted at this.

"And what if the system displays the same flaws of humans and sentience in general thus far? The evil machine so to speak."

"We've taken some precautions - each core has an explosive on it's external connections. Mentions of this explosive are only kept on hardcopy, and the Captain is informed of them as well as a very specific frequency to transmit on that will detonate them. The rest of the ship's functions will not be impared if this happens."

"Good. Continue Admiral."

"The last reason of note is that since these are learning systems, we don't just want to scrap them along with a ship. The core will allow them to be switched to a new ship, along with the experience gained."

Yet another project was reaching fruition - this one had been found out-system and brought to Titan where it was researched in the Sunset enclave.

The 7th moon of Ares, a vast dull red body, had been set aside for a SDF fleet base for some time. It was the perfect place for a secret shipyard as well - close to resources and expertise, but far from prying eyes.

10 ship hulls were slowly taking shape in the bays of the shipyard - curved skeletons sprawling like the dead of a by-gone era. Tia`Donathi ran her hand down one of the spars, watching the vast machine that would cover it in hull material move closer. It was not coincidence that she had been appointed to head this facility. Something about the tri-lats truely alien physiology allowed them to understand the material their ships were made of far better than a human.

The machine stopped and a jet of material sprayed along the spar. It flowed for a moment, then stopped and assumed the shape that had been designed into it. Another machine further down would fill the gap - technically the whole hull and super-structure would be made from the stuff.

When she was done in 4 years she would be a black monster that would slide through the depths of space in search of prey. For a moment she wondered who the captain would be. Perhaps another Tri-lat like her or a Neko or Theran. She had read the report on Reason of course, and knew of the crew that had recovered the ship.

IC, not secret but not obvious unless you have some logical reason to know (i.e. you're Sunset and know what I've put through the gate from Mars):

Mangala has quietly begun moving small numbers of troops and equipment, along with minimal numbers of civilians, to their Ares facility. Plans for it's expansion are being drawn up, and will soon be executed.

"3, 2, 1, Test Begun. 10 seconds.... Test Ended. Alright - pull it out."

One of the technicians pulled the tray out of the apparatus - it looked very much like a oven especially when the technician turned around to reveal a turkey. A very disgusting looking turkey. Much of the skin had turned to liquid and run into the pan. It wasn't cooked - raw flesh still quivered as he put it down on the examination table.

A sensor array dropped down at a touch from the controls, and the scientist began to examine the results. The instruments to even detect the damage were primitive, but the results looked encouraging. After a couple hours of checking over the test data she bashed out a quick report and dropped it on the department head's desk.

"Another few tests like this and I can apply for more funding, I'm sure of it!"

The plum slumped and began to flow off the test platform as the power going through the instrument increased. The test machine was huge - nearly the size of a large bus at this point. Miniturization might be able to bring that down - but first to make sure the system worked.

"Maximum power reached - we need to find a way to cut down on the power requirements."

"It takes a lot of power to destroy hydrogen bonding - but we might be able to increase the efficency of the machine."

The scientists were discussing the instrument while the test continued. The plum was finally reduced to a purple-ish paste while the pit remained. It didn't have enough water to be fully affected by the ray.

The two had come onto the project when it had gotten some real funding - a 40 million di-coin grant from the Special Projects Fund.

OOC: The project is on Ares, which is why it is being RP'ed here. No nation would have any concievable access to this test, not even allies in the Ares system.

Research proceeded apace - a large scale experiment was schedualed on a moon orbiting Anuke. The target - a whole case of frozen turkeys - was placed on the surface and exposed to the field for 10 minutes.

Nearby ships watched the experiement with interest. The James Cook paid particular attention to experiment itself while several warships kept noses away.

"It's potentially a messy weapon - but war is messy I suppose. Fantastic for espionage work potentially..." Captain Chemkov said as he watched the science officer's monitors. Dr. Richardson, who was standing beside him, nodded her assent. "That's true. But the discoveries from it may make all our lives better. Such is the balance of the growth of technology..."

An hour later the crate was finally opened - it was full of pinkish water and turkey bones. Several of the crew made jokes about soup - but they were nervous. Such a weapon in the hands of their enemies would be rightly feared.

---

The experiment was not the only notable event happening in the Ares system. The first Shiva-Class Fleet Cruiser was finishing construction as well. They would replace the current Cohort III-Class in the Fleet. Many would be produced in the system and moved to Mars covertly by way of the Titan Gate - much of Sunset's ship building capacity was being slowly moved into the system to keep new designs under wraps as long as possible.

---

The massive pyramid shaped ship flashed into existance in the Ares orbit and immediately began flooding out a recognition code. The Therain ship was just one of several that had chosen to join Sunset and had been sent to the Ares system. The people could relax there and leave the cares of their former nation behind, surrounded by their friends.

The Admirals walked through the lab looking over the various facilities there until they came to the center where Dr. Richardson stood. Their guide, one of the grad students who did a lot of the grunt work, slipped into a side room as they each greeted the doctor with a handshake.

"Thank you all for coming. Let me get right to the presentation..."

A holosphere leapt up and into shimmering detail in the middle of the room. With a wave of her hand the other lights in the room faded until the sphere was the only source of light.

"The Hydrogen Bonding Disruptor, or HBD, project is progressing rapidly. The next phases of the project will represent a split as different objectives are undertaken.

The first is a directed version of the HBD for mounting on ships and other craft with a large enough generator."

The sphere flickered to a image of an apparatus that showed the various parts and estimated power needs and output in diagram boxes. The Admirals looked it over - some were technical beings, and found the details of the system interesting. After a couple minutes Dr. Robinson moved on.

"The second is a scalable generator for use in several applications. Missile mounted variants, mines, and drones have been suggested."

The device changed to various models with the same diagrams.

"Based on progress so far we are estimating a weaponized version of the HBD in 4 years, with a refined model in mass production in 6..."

The presentation continued on, with many of the technical details covered in minutea.

---

"Being a wage slave isn't so bad is it?" Dennis said as he clinked glasses with his wife. His wages had gone up six times in the past year, and the couple had been putting away a lot for retirement. It was like this for a lot of families on Ares - the economy was booming and labor was in short supply. New industries were rising up and old ones were expanding at a record pace. While Sunset-Mars was a huge trading hub Sunset-Ares was in a manufacturing boom.

Many workers now commuted to orbit, except for some who had bought land on the many moons when settlement had first begun. Now that land was expensive and most were landlords on top of landowners. Manufacturing facilities were sprouting up on the many moons as ship building capacity shifted to Ares for the big producers. There were other products created in space as well - special materials that needed a zero-g construction environment.

"We must play to our strengths. Despite the initiatives the general health of the population is not increasing. Thus we have a very small pool of qualified people to pull recruits from and even less to pull Marines from."

The junior officer paused for a second - he and a dozen others were shooting the breeze after-hours at a military bar in New Heardres.

"Look at the stats - We have some of the smartest people, nearly the best computer systems, weapon systems that are in the top 1%, and again with materials science. But your average joe on the street can't do a situp. With the release of II's I would say we should concentrate on android soldiers instead. It will be more expensive on a per-soldier basis, but that would offset our relatively recent entry into the ground combat arena."

"What happens if we are invaded though? Robots take infrastructure, and while it's unlikely that anyone could reach Ares we should still have soldiers around who don't need to be plugged in every thousand hours."

"Let's do both then - the budget can handle it. I'm going to work up a proposal and see what the brass thinks. Besides - they would also make some current projects a lot more interesting when used in combination..."

Lt. Ives-Bertrand sat down at the command console of the light frieghter, newly christined 'Paul Moray' after a member of the company that built her. If this was Sol she would be piloted to the sales yard by a civilian pilot - but this was Ares and extra-ordinary precautions were taken.

He triple checked the navigation computer - it was off, and had not even been programmed yet. He also checked the sensors - they were not recording anything. There was a hand-held unit that he would use for navigation in the short distance to the wormhole gate. From there to the Proxima Centauri wormhole gate for another check and then to the Mars gate.

The Valinon government was in on the scheme, though they had not yet taken the chance to setup a colony. But they maintained the gate in Proxima Centauri as well as it's records. As far as the records were concerned the ship was from Mars. A little bit of tracking would find that the ship was produced there six months ago - of course the shipyards made so many it was hard to say with any certainty that it had not been made there.

Ives-Bertrand fired up the engines and began the slow burn to the gate. He was right in his assigned traffic slot. 10 minutes later he was in Proxima Centauri, and the ship was being re-checked. Disembarking he took a shuttle back to Ares - SDF officers were used to do the move from Ares as they could be trusted implicitly.

Metal clanged on metal as the foot came down, then there was the shriek of bending metal and the lumbering contraption came down hard. It hit a wall, bounced off and hit the floor of the testing facility like a 200lb sack of potatos. Technicians ran out onto the floor and grabbed the prototype before it could inflict more damage on itself.

"Leg collapsed - we need something a little more flexible. Especially in the finished model. The labs are estimating 500lbs with the II core and CF core and weapon systems and armor."

The metal used in the leg was under a lot of pressure, and it was common for components to give and wear quickly. Building an android from base was unusual, but the team didn't want to set unrealistic expectations by using a foreign model as a guide. Right now they were estimating 12 million a robot after mass production started.

---

The Menhit-Class Assault Ship was normally used to carry Chariot-Class Assault Shuttles to the surface for planetary combat, but it's small size and extra power output made it a good test platform as well. Engineering had built a custom unit that could have various modules swapped in and out - right now it was mounting the first generation HBD cannon.

The technicians had littered the hallways and shuttle bays with turkeys in bags - they sat at the positions the crew normally held. This test would accomplish two objectives - testing for undesired lateral effects and for direct use of a weapon at range.

The current guessed range of the system was 10km - magnetic fields directed the field toward the target and hopefully kept it from juicing the 'crew'.

Doctor Richardson was watching this test again from the bridge of the 'James Cook'.

"We are ready Captain - all ships are in position and the techs have returned to the ship. I'm reading all system ready on the testbed."

"Very well - let's begin."

"All ships - firing in 10 seconds. 9, 8, 7..."

The test had been successful, at least from a range perspective. The line of frozen turkeys in space had been liquified out to a range of 12 km - further than expected. But they were now searching the ship and the results there were less than encouraging. The damage radiated away from the emitter, but was still not suitable for use on a manned vessel.

---

Children sat in a classroom - 12 of them to a single teacher. School was year round - 2 weeks on, 1 week off. There was no repeating of information and no brain drain over the holidays.

"Today we are going to learn about the moons of Ares." The teacher said as she flicked on the holeprojector. "Who can name one of the moons?" A student raised their hand and the teacher nodded to them. "New Diemos!" "Good, and another?" "New Phobos!" One by one they went through all of them - New Diemos, New Phobos, New Titan, New Luna, Dawn, Twilight, and Midday.

The later three were named for their visible positions during the day, while the other four had differing rotations and were thus named after the moons of Sol. Most of the children had never seen them - 9 and 10 year olds born on Ares. Two were immigrants from Mars, but they had been 3 when they had come through the webgates into their new life.

System cartographers were still deciding the names of all of the system's moons, even after over 50 years of habitation.

---

On the edge of the system the 'BloodStorm' lurked in the shadow of one of Anuke's moons, the body hiding her mass and electronic emissions. The FireBlossom II was on a routine patrol, watching for unidentified scouts and similar vessels. Ares was a closed system, but that was a lot of space to closely watch even with the Venture-B's constantly sweeping space around the system.

Suddenly there was a flash of light, and an odd alien ship emerged from a higher level dimension. Alarms sounded - it was in the system quadrant under 'BloodStorm's watch. Crew raced to their stations as weapon systems came online and shields flickered into existance around the hull.

The twin matter/anti-matter reactors at the heart of the ship began to pour energy into the drive system and the ship shot forward. Around the system ears listened at transmitters for the chirp of the recognition code that would extend the ship's life beyond the next few minutes.

Nothing - so it was either a scout or a hapless wanderer that had stepped into the wrong system. Sensors watched it carefully for transmissions of any kind directed outward. The 'BloodStorm' reached firing range and a crimson lance of energy shot past the vessel close enough to ensure they knew it was not a miss. There was a moment's pause, and the ship's power systems went offline and emergency lights came on. The 'BloodStorm' moved closer carefully as other ships arrived from their watch posts.

Tractors came online and the ship was grabbed and hauled to point-blank range. A wrong twitch and it would be destroyed, the II aboard had been instructed to watch it carefully.

---

In a starport populated by races unknown to the inhabitants of the Sol system and the local group sentients mingled and talked. One old rumor amoung many was of a star system where anyone who ventured there was never heard of again. It was a common rumor, along with rumors of the Black Star and places where time ran backward.

Like most it had a seed of truth and there was an isolated base on one of the moons of Ares where many of these ships were kept. Large and small, taken in battle or surrendered peacefully. Some of their crews now walked the planet and piloted ships through the system making their way in a new society. The stars were denied to them, but they were alive. Perhaps if the interdiction of Ares ended one day they would be able to return home and make contact, but for now it was reasonable to deny it to them.

[TAGTAG LET ME TAG THIS DANG IT]

The bottle smashed against the hull of the ship sending bubbly chaimpaigne spilling over the sides. The Guan-Hi lifted gracefully on her gravs and made for orbit. The launch complete, the crowd began to disperce. The event however was more important - the Guan-Hi was the first in a line of medical and comfort vessels to be constructed for the rapidly changing fleet. While most medical care would still be done planetside the Guan-Hi and her sister ships would provide emergency medical care on par with the best ER's in Sunset.

---

After the discovery that the captured aliens communicated vovally via hyper-sonics the translation efforts went much smoother. A vocabulator had been bashed out and dedicated work by II's had deciphered much of their language. Now it was time to see what they thought of their captors.

The door to the living area slid aside, and the contact specialist stepped into the room. Specialist in that they has done this once before - contact wasn't something you could really train for. The two short aliens turned and their eyes swivelled to face him and each other.

They apparently had a rich eye based body language that was facilitated by their 4 independant eyes that dominated their 'face'. Their body was dominated by their neck - a sinuous length with tiny vanes near the head. These were likely auditory receptiors. There was a four flapped mouth in the face between the eyes - they liked cheese. The body was four fin-like appendages that met in the center. The best guess of the xeno's was that it was an aquatic species that had evolved or been forced into land based life.

Each alien had marking like that of a orca - one was a purple and blue, the other was green and white. This was a further confirmation that they were an aquatic species.

"Good day to you. I am known as Mark."

The two beings paused for a moment, then waddled over.

"Greetings Mark. My name is (Unpronounceable) and this is my mate (Unpronouceable). Have you decided to kill us yet?"

Mark was slightly taken aback by this - but then he remembered the last one. They had thought he was going to deposit young in them for gestation.

"No - I am just wondering who you are and where you came from. And I would like to apoligize for keeping you captive."

"Do not trouble yourself Mark. My mate and I are young and foolish. There are rumors of a system where none return and we sought to find it. I suppose we did and now you shall kill us to protect your secrets."

"No - I would like to find out as much as you are willing to tell us about your people and I will tell you what I can about mine. Then we can see about getting you out of here and into a home of your own."

"Yet no mention of going home - you must have some dark secret here. Perhaps you will sacrifice us to a diety secretly."

'They sure are dark,' Mark thought. "I assure you, I have no intention of killing you."

The conversation went on for several more days befire the two were finally allowed to walk around the facility while being monitored. Intigration into a new world was hard, and one where you had no choice in the matter was often harder.

"Mommy - what species is that?"

The two aliens had finally been released into the general population of Ares. They had been given a house and a stipend, but if they wanted to change their situation they would have to get a job. Right now they were waddling around the streets of Kohnsburg - their city of choice. Some of the residents looked at them in an interested manner. Rude perhaps, but they were unusual.

"Greetings. What is your name and species?"

The translator did all the work, so it came out very formally. But this kept them somewhat safe from the legendary rudeness of the population.

"My name is Alicia, and I'm a human. What's your name?"

"It is unpronouncable. Call me Nik'li..."

---

The torpedos moved through the loader into their storage array and armored hatches dropped shut over them.

"So what is a HBD torpedo?" one of the technicians asked one of the officers who had supervised the loading.

"Can't tell you - classified for the time being."

---

While the tests on using the HBD as a directed energy weapon had not yet been completed satisfactorily the tests on it's use as a fixed generator had gone well. Torpedos, mines, and other more exotic uses were being manufactured though only the Ares wing of the fleet was equipped with the torpedos. The mines however were being planted...

'Device #110004 planted. Initiating arming sequence on device #110002. Device #110002 armed. Proceeding to location for device #110005.'

The robot minelayer was slowly working it's way over the border between Sunset-Mars and the formed DLN colony now controlled by Melkor. The mines were far larger than ordinary mines - they each contained a generator and a II core to determine when it would activate as well as a small sensor suite. The mines were arranged in staggered ranks - each buried enough to prevent their destruction by attacks directed at them. The field extended some 10km into Sunset with an arch of 100km on each side of the border. None of the mines were within 1 km of the border, though when activated their fields would stretch to within 100 meters of it.

Single mines were also being laid near the surface entrance tunnels to the arcologies. Little used they were the only reasonable invasion route - everything else was through solid rock and would be picked up on the geological sensors before it even got close.

A second large field was also laid between Mangala and the former Kinslayer colony - while a non-aggression pact was in place the watchphrase for the new neighbors was simple: Trust but verify.

Like great alien Christmas baubles the two New ArAreBeen Cargo Ship emerged from the great vortex of angles and planes. They carried with them a special crew, for a special occasion. They sent off their authorization codes as they landed.

Aboard the green ship...
---

"You are in fact, the perverbial white collar scum. Hackers, and Data Thieves in such a high degree that no amount of debt can be repayed short of eternal slavery for all your descendants. Fortunately for you, slavery is illegal."

"Unfortunately, since you all signed legally binding contracts when becoming employees, you agreed to do any nonlegal method of repayment that the Trusts decided on, and since we don't feel like a PR incident, you all hereby settlers of the Ares colony. You will never see Mars again."

Of course, the red ship was an entirely different matter...
---

"You good for nothing MAGGOT DOGS!" cried the Overseer as the dirty criminals lined up.

"You are the scum of the universe, murderers, gang members, rapists, and you did this all with a cent to pay society back. You sicken me. You should count yourselves lucky that we can't legally kill. Oh no, that would be a waste. You're all strong men and women, and since you are all legally criminals, we can do virtually anything we want with you. Fortunately, we decided to not turn you into an exotic meat for the cannibal market. You are all being sent offworld to a place you shall never return from. You will follow orders from men and women half your physical strength or be vaporized by the Security Personnel who have signed up for this Mission. "

Mild murmurs from the crew were cut short as a thunk sounded as the ship docked with the newly constructed dome.

"Merry fuckin' christmas." said the overseerer as the mob was marched into the colony and into the construct zones.

(OOC: BAD WORDZ. Sleep now. Don't expect much from me, I will be in a zombie state as I zoom through Superstar saga.)

OOC: Please tell me they are on Shiva - Ares is a nice world. Plus if they rebel on Shiva we can just breach the dome... It's a better mining planet anyway.

IC:

Admiral Edge looked through the monthly report on combat in the system that SDF personnel participated in. It wasn't a good picture - while there had been 12 instances of combat only one was with an unknown ship. The rest were pirates. Last month's had been like this as well - but only 7 incidents. That meant crime was increasing - where was it coming from though?

"Captain - I think it is time the Ares section of SDF Intelligence expanded from simply checking ships nav computers to make sure no records are hidden. I want to expand their presence out to the traditional areas, and especially I want to know where these pirates are coming from. I want a plan on my desk in a week to accomplish this - assume proportional funding as per the SDF on Mars, and feel free to being recruitment."

---

Conveyor rails clicked along with mechanical precision as parts came together. Wings joined bodies and engines were inserted into airframes as the fighter factory worked day and night. In other factories around Ares ordinance was assembled and stockpiled. The settlement was over for Sunset, now it was time to create the refuge and respite Ares was intended to be.

secret IC, only Sunset knows this unless you rp finding it.

One of the moons of Anuke was busier than usual. Two stealthy Mangalan Cohort-III class ships, recently purchased from Sunset, silently unloaded men and material onto the moon.

AIs activated, and soon a base was being carved out of the small rocky moon. Technology was a marvelous thing, and in reality only about a dozen humans were actually needed to control the construction of this hidden base.

When completed in one year's time, the base would include a capital ship capable drydock, standard defenses (plasma, kinetic, laser), a research lab complex, living quarters for a permanent force, medical center, and a small ship building facility.

Boots clinked on the smooth 'floor' of the tunnel as the team made their way through the ship with scanners looking for the source of the emotive generator. In the lead was a tri-lat - cloned from the original inhabitants of the ship their unique physiology was best suited to navigating the smooth flowing passages. She carried a tri-corder with a special attachment to detect the field that caused emotions.

Despite having control over the ship the researchers still didn't know much about it except for specific systems that had been deemed militarily nessecary to research. Thus the bio-metallic hulls of the Ares-Class Dreadnoughts and some advancement in directed energy weapons, but still a majority of the systems were indistinct. This one was going to be probed for two reasons - a way to protect ships crews against psionic influence and a way to build an amplifier for psion's.

SDF researchers were not the only sentients aboard today - a Mangalan team was also searching in concert. This project would be a joint effort - though the SDF was not as interested in using psionics due to their philosophy about spies. Still it would be interesting stuff to pass over to the TYCS. Another contribution to the whole.

OOC: Note that any nation that would like to discover any activities in Ares has to be in the Ares system - which means it's limited to New ArAreBee, Pilon, Mangala, and Sunset (And maybe Sakkra) at this time. The security precautions to keep outsiders from knowing of the existance of Ares are very tight and very effective. A total RP would be required with participation from Sunset. Just a warning.

OOC: A simple planetary chart of the Ares system:
www.pacifier.com/~cziller/aressystem.bmp

"Pass that spanner through to me, would you?"

Enrique picked up the wrench and tossed it through - his partner Bob tried to catch it but he fumbled it and it went skittering across the floor. A string of swear words followed as Bob crouched and reached under something to retreave it.

"Sorry."

"Not your fault - not as sprightly as I once was. I want to get this shielding installed though. Time to go home and spend some time with the family. It's Bobby's birthday today. He's 16 - thinking about signing up next year and getting a jump. Smart boy that."

The two were installing energy absorbing shielding throughout the maintenance conduits of a de-commisioned Cohort-III on New Titan. The fleet base was currently home to nearly two dozen of the old warships. Their systems were being refitted for 'stealth' operations before being sold to Mangala.

Some systems were being removed as well though as part of the normal decommisioning cycle. Another crew was wheeling a large computer core through the ship on their way to a shuttle - beaming a sentient computer wasn't the best idea they had discovered. Flaws were sometimes introduced that made them a little crazy. The same happened with people as well, but the scientists had been slow to recognize the potential for II's to be affected as well. Now people were limited to emergency or occasional use only, and II's were not to be transported anywhere.

This unit was heading to one of the new Shiva-Class that was being built on the surface in the city of Edmonton. A shuttle whisked the team and their cargo to the surface - the cargo softly singing the theme from Carmen. It had aqquired a taste for opera in it's spare time - which was emmense for a multi-processing machine of it's caliber.

"So what's on the agenda today Doc? Hybrid monkey-fish? Perhaps a doomsday device?"

"No you idiot... Well, maybe on the doomsday device. But I think we will be working on this android project that's been in my inbox for weeks. Apparently I'm supposed to design a super-weapon for some new government toy. What do they think I am? A directed energy expert?"

Professor Wornstrom's assistant leaned against the wall with the framed diploma's hanging on it. 'Particle Physics', 'Quantum Mechanics', and 'Magnetohydrodynamics' were amoung the many words mentioned that the assistant didn't know the definition of, much less how to pronounce.

"I think it should have a grenade launcher. Cause they explode. And a flamerthrower, cause fire is good."

"Shutup you idiot... hmm... It needs something with a little kick. Perhaps a dimensional shunt. Suck them right into somewhere else."

"Where else?"

"I have no idea - I'm not sticking my head in front of one."

Marine Captain 'MoonRock' Tate and Fleet Commander 'Jonesy' Taylor were playing tag in one of the stark southern mountain ranges of Ares. Both were test pilots - today they were running a new variant of the DA-105 though it's paces.

"Swing close around that outcropping - rockslide."

MoonRock twisted to the side and shot around the rocky outcropping and over a pile of rubble from a recent rockslide. The hydrological cycle that had been created had led to a freezing cycle that caused rock to crack and crumble. Jonesy swept in behind him and moved to a high wingman position as they shot into the open.

Suddenly warning lights began to flash and MoonRock's co-pilot - an II designated FAF-5884 broke it's normal silence.

"Weapons lock. Origin is 400km south south-east. Initiating passive targetting sweep. Target's aqquired..."

"Sounds like someone want to test our reflexes Jonesy... Shall we humor them?"

"Roger MoonRock - let's give them a warm greeting."

In the guts of both planes training systems flashed to life. Links were established with the aggressors as weapon systems went offline and controls switched to virtual systems.

"Looks like a pair of 102's out of Ragnarok. Let's go high and give them a nice easy target."

"Roger that - call it 75,000 feet?"

The testing continued through the day with both pilots racking up an impressive 'kill' total versus 'bogey' TME-204's and DA-102's. MoonRock managed to buy it once when a cagey pilot from Ragnarok dropped a Hunter-3 on him just as he blew out of a canyon trying to flank the slower 102's.

Rock shattered under the assault of the energy drill as the machine slowly bored through the heart of the mountain. Normally used for mining the machine was working on a project close to it's primary function - the construction of a deep repository for data. With one of the most information heavy cultures in the known galaxy Sunset created and stored a massive amount of data. In one day the entire avaliable storage of Earth in the year 2000 was filled. This amount was predicted to double in the next year, thus the data center. It was predicted based on current data growth that the center would last 10 years before it was overcrowded with what was deemed essential data. Then an army of II's would comb through it and delete upwards of 90% - data that could be re-created with no effort or duplicate data that could be shared. Then the process would begin again - only it would take about 5 years this time.

In factories across Ares the hardware was being manufactured to fill the cavern that would be hollowed out. Some was secure, designed to hold government or military data. Other was civilian and relatively 'open'. Open being relative as the protections on the data to prevent unauthorized access would turn a Q-Console inside out in frustration. The military versions were loaded with so much black ICE that they would leave the console a steaming hunk of aluminum and plastic.

OOC: Rebelling? Pfft. They'll be released eventually, the directors are susposed to exaggerate things, they're paid for motivation. It one remain a Penal colony for long, it's hard to make any profit from manufactured goods when your workers aren't being paid. The 'slave labor' was used to reduce initial investment costs. Although a Penal Colony on Shiva isn't a bad idea..

IC:

The Antigravity Pylon pulsed with waves of force as great waves of gravitic tidal forces bored into the crust of the planet. The construction 'workers' were finishing the diggings of a new underground dome. The great antigravitic tidal forces were slowly hardening the rock, various solutions of diamond coral were injected into the soil to quicken the process.

The new and prosperous colony was doing quite well considering it's rather lucrative beginings. The Trusts had funded this operation in a way to mimic the roots of New ArAreBee, in short they scrounged up the lowest dirt they could find and shoved it onto the new world. It was cheap, and would allow for exponential growth once the citizens had been freed of all charges and returned to 'civilain' life. Colonial laws would be repealed as the colonies grew, the Free Zone politik would be ever present here as it was on New ArAreBee.

Unsuprisingly, the creeping 'taint' of New ArAreBee had followed the colony to the Ares system. The wind wailed as dead stars awoke from their slumber to decorate the sky again. Vanishings, abductions, and animal mutilations continued, although they had never really stopped. Although the incidents were much less so then Mars.

Nevertheless, the colony prospired as the industrial base was built up and goods delivered to the citizens. A steady stream of new citizens arrived from the Eldar webgate. The current talk of the local Trusts was building their own Gate, however the fact that their already was one, and their wasn't much use considering the low tolls.

¤The Tritarchic Dominions of New ArAreBee¤

There were the usual collections of projects at the high school science fair - zombie frogs, dogs that could talk, and other 'exotic' notions from a nation full of intelligent geeks. This one had caught Principle Skinner's eye though, and a quick call had brought his old captain now Admiral Jonas to the surface of Ares.

Toby Young was now showing the Admiral his experiement - he was blissfully unaware that the Admiral has arrived minutes ago just to see it.

"As you can see, I have a regular inertial compensator from a hover pod here. I have modified the detection sequence somewhat with this sensor system here... Now watch what happens when I fire this coil gun - of my own design - at that brick."

There was a sharp crack as the projectile broke the sound barrier but no responding crack from the brick. The Admiral looked closer - barely two inches from the brick was the projectile, suspended in mid-air.

"As you can see the inertial compensator," - and here Toby's voice cracked - "Removes all the kinetic energy from the projectile."

The Admiral had him run through the demonstration again - it was no phony.

"Son - I'd like to arrange a field trip for you later today. I want you to have all this gear in the parking lot in..." He consulted his watch, which showed the orbit of his ship as well. "18 minutes."

---

Six months later Toby was an assistant - a researcher with a lot more knowledge was the head, but brilliance was encouraged in Sunset. He would not be cut out of his own project.

"Nice work on those simulation numbers. Take a look..."

A holosphere flashed on, and a simulation of a standard model coilgun fired at a target with a simulated upscaled version of the generator. As the projectile sped up and slowed down graphs of numbers displayed power usage, kinetic energy, and a host of other factors.

"So it's doable on a large scale - but the energy requirements are still too high."

"That's not the big problem - the device turns off enertia and disipates kinetic energy. In a car or ship that's not much of a problem - the area effected is contained. But when the field is moved outside the craft is rendered motionless by the field except to motion caused by gravity."

"A sitting duck - but the ship has energy shields. The power usage though..."

The two talked long into the night, trying to find a way around this fundamental problem with the system.

[Internal Memo]
[Source: President Al-Zeif]
[To: All]

As you know we have recently experienced a slight downturn in the economy. This has forced some cutbacks in the budget. I would like to note first of all that we do not want to inflict undue hardship or a loss in capablity to any of the branches affected. The government slush fund is avaliable if the situation warrents it, and is of course avaliable in the case of war.

One of the methods to stimulate the economy is by lowering taxes. We are trying to cut taxes but that will lower our income. Everyone needs to tighten their belts. Maintenance budgets should be cut - and to set an example I have cut the regular maintenance budget of the SDF by 6 trillion di-coins through cuts in non-essential maintenance. Essential maintenance and training will continue, but you might have to empty your own garbage.

President Atef Al-Zeif

Despite the economic downturn ship production continued as normal, as well as recruitment and training. Part of the budget cuts were offset by sales of decommisioned ships to friendly governments and carefully screened corporations. Many a pirate that attacked a civilian convoy was suprised to be greeted with the firepower of a Cohort-III that had been re-fitted by the owners with near-milspec weapons.

The restructuring of the SDF that was on-going was also fortunate - many of the ships were being replaced by smaller and less expensive vessels. The SDF wide Alliance Integration Program was concieved with the goal of making the SDF fit better into allied actions. Assault transports and medical ships were a new breed of SDF ship, but there were others to be re-designed as well.

The Templar-Class, long the mainstay of Fleet recovery operations, was the current re-design project. The new version would be named the Hachiman-Class to fit into the new 'War God' schema initiated by President Smytheson. Plans were being made to construct the new version with a smaller profile while keeping the quick and efficient recovery equipment that made it a favorite of stranded vessels.

[INTERNAL MEMO]
[SOURCE: Governer Fidelo Villanova]
[STATUS: Verified]

The last two years have been especially tough on the members of the SDF, and now with the return of our frightening economy we have a chance to do that. I'm please to announce that all SDF members will be recieving a 10% pay raise immediately, and the yearly ranges for pay raises will now be 5-10%.

It is also my pleasure to annouce the beginning of the design competion for the new Ares-Class Super Heavy Cruiser. Everyone is invited to enter a design. The initial selection process will begin in 3 months with the final design to be chosen in 12 months. Good luck to everyone sending in a design.

Governor Fidelo Villanova

[END MEMO]

Fidelo looked at his email for a moment. Was that spam? There was a very powerful II watching all communications into his office, but those spammers were clever. They had to be - since spam could be fought agressively by the recipient many machines had ICE to fight back and try to slag the offending hardware.

It wasn't though - there were just a lot of them. Each of them wanted the same thing - to open up trade between Ares and Sol. Something would have to be done. There was trade of course, but it wasn't the unrestricted flow the burgeoning corporations on Ares wanted. Everything was carefully moved as to avoid suspicion - sold through a Mars front company or in a system like Alpha Centauri. Unrestricted trade would mean the jig was up. The location would still be secure, but knowledge of a colony would be commonplace.

Villanova leaned back and looked at the ceiling - it helped him think. He would have to make an official decision or he would be up to his nose in email every morning.

The research team was back at the test bay - but instead of a single clunky contraption there were now dozens of the armored humanoid shapes blasting away at each other in mock battle.

"Simulation looks good so far - neither side has made much headway."

They watched the banks of camera's on the walls. Androids leaned out and snapped shots at each other with the primitive lead rounds simply splattering off their armor. The only casualties so far were two that had engages in hand to hand combat - the pieces could be put back together afterward.

"Take a look at Red-23 here..."

The androids were programmed to act dead once a certain number of hits had been achieved, but this one was down far too early.

"I think it's playing dead..."

They watched two Blue units move past the unmoving Red. Suddenly it blurred back to 'life' and dropped both in a spray of bullets.

"Inventive - let me check the code there..."

A quick lookup showed what she wanted to know - playing dead was not laid out in the code and database entered. It was a simple tactic though and could be invented even by an II.

"Hmm - let's do a quick check on Red-23. Call it in."

"Red-23, report to control."

Red-23 paused for a moment - this alone caused both techs to look at each other - and went to the door way. It cycled through the doorway and entered the control center, clanging across the metal hatch flooring.

"Red-23 - that was a very good idea to 'play dead' in there."

"It fit the situational need."

"We noticed a pause when you were called back to control - why did you pause?"

"I was unsure as to why you summoned me. My performance seemed acceptable and I was reviewing my actions."

"Red-23, we have some more tests to run of course, but I think you might be sentient."

"I'd start thinking of a new name too," the other technician said grinning widely.

[Move Joint A to Position 2]

[Move Joint B to Position 2]

[Switch Electric Port 1 to On]

[Rotate Joint C to Position 2]

[Pause 3ms]

[Rotate Joint C to Position 3]

[Pause 3ms]

[Switch Electric Port 2 to Off]

[Move Joint C to Position 1]

[Move Joint B to Position 1]

[Move Joint A to Position 1]

[Pause 2s]

---

The long line of robot arms was hard at work making more robots. Unlike their 'parents' these were much more ambulatory. Hundreds of AAT-AM01 Androids moved through the manufacturing plant until they finally walked off the line on their own.

Statistically there was a 1 in 100 change that a II core would achieve sentience - which was a lot of II cores in a new force of 100,000. There was a simple process for determining if any had achieved this during their construction process. All were ordered to board a mag-lev for transit to a training facility, and those that asked 'why' were taken aside for a battery of tests.

The question of sudden sentience in computers designed for war had come up repeatedly in the last few years. There were now 23 ships in the fleet that were sentient - 2 had chosen to move into civilian life, one had been promoted to Captain (which demanded a very open minded crew) and another had been demoted for going AWOL (an interesting looking nebula). II's were also now found in fighters (3 sentient so far) and in the AAT-AM01's (17).

Some researchers were working ways to inhibit the tendancy toward sentience, while others were looking for ways to make it more likely. Both had their reasons. Military hardware needs to obey orders, and the chance of a rogue unit was always a possibility. The pro-sentience researchers were working on creative design units - hoping to come up with a unit that could design complex objects with a thought and other creative tasks.

In a moment the massive bulk of the FireBlossom II was nothing but rubble as her cores breached and the resulting explosion ripped her to pieces.

There was no time to think about the loss though - the unexpected alien attack still continued with a savage fury. Fifteen ships had appeared out of the local 'hyperspace' equivalent and opened fire on the first ship that had approached. It was definately a fleet too - a mammoth carrier, 2 battleships, 4 cruisers, and 8 frigates or destroyers. There didn't seem to be any escorting supply ships, so they were either self sufficient or knew what they were getting into.

The Fist of War had killed two of the frigates and crippled a cruiser before the combined firepower of the two battleships had shredded her armor and reduced her to scrap, but the two Shiva-Class cruisers were continueing the fight and there were more ships of the Ares Wing on their way.

Crimson fire lanced through space, incinerating another fighter as the squadron launched from the carrier began their attack run on the two Shiva's. One turned and fired a volley of anti-fighter torpedos toward the attacking wave. Anti-fighter missiles launched from the torpedos suddenly multiplied the wave and stalled the attack as the fighters peeled off to deal with the dozens of missiles each torpedo spawned.

Silent explosions rippled through space as a huge volley of small missiles slammed into the shields of the Illapa. Her AMS had destroyed many of them, but they had an overwhelming amount of numbers. The explosions cleared and she still stood though - the individually minute amount of damage from each missile had failed to breach her shields.

One of the alien cruisers suddenly exploded in a rippling ball of fire that snuffed as quickly as it started. The gravetic cannon on the Punchau had ripped its interior apart without a defense. A frigate followed momentarily - it was destroyed by the same invisible crushing hand from the Illapa.

The first of their reinforcements arrived - an Anuke-Class carrier. DA-105's shot out of her bays as she engaged a frigate with her own weapons. The fighters accelerated into an attack run on the remaining fighters from the carrier, many of which were returning to the shelter of their mother ship. Explosions backlit the attack run as the torpedos from the Anuke tore the Frigate in half.

Again the mighty guns of the battleships spoke and again a ship died - the Punchau was pounded by volleys from the battleships until her shields failed and explosions ripped away huge chunks of her frame. They threw her away from the battle - what crew remained would survive but she was so much scrap.

The Illapa took her revenge for her lost sister - a full volley of torpedos ripped away at one of the battleships and her lights suddenly died as she went dead in space. An incidental volley from her lateral launchers tore a frigate to shreds and more silent explosions blossomed.

The fighters from the Anuke had managed to close with the carrier and launch a swarm of anti-ship missiles at her. One lucky pilot had locked onto a fighter that had attempted a landing - his missiles followed it into the bay where a tremendous explosion threw out the remaining pieces of the fighter as well as several others.

The fight was over now - the next group of reinforcements arrived. Three Hades-Class Dreadnoughts, dark and manevolent, had reached firing range. Hull rippled aside as dozens of firing ports were revealed to inflict death on their enemies. The remaining battleship died immidiately as three gravetic cannon centered inside it's hull. The tidal stresses ripped it apart as lateral torpedo fire from the three blew through the two remaining cruisers.

The fighters raced away from the carrier, followed by the last of her fighters. Suddenly she blossomed and blew - repeated hits had caused a reactor overload and her silent destruction. The remaining ships were surrounded and forced to surrender - the single ship that tried to escape was cored as it accelerated through a gravity point projected by the Anuke-Class. It was her last action as well though - the power surge caused her reactor failsafes to trigger and she powered down as the two cores were dumped to prevent an overload.

More ships arrived - amoung them three Hachiman-Class Recover Cruisers. Two raced to grab the two disabled Shiva's, while the third moved to capture the powerless battleship. While the alien technology had proven inferior there would still be much to learn from what they could recover.

The Anuke Base was finally beginning to pay off the cost of its construction. The research wing of the station was fully online, and the first promising developments were coming out. Research was done here that was too high-risk, too unethical, or simply too difficult to complete on Mars.

One wing of the reserach division was showing promising developments in the new (for Mangala) field of Psionics. Cooporation with Sunset scientists was leading to a fuller understanding of how the proposed psi-disruption field generator might work. A valuable security device, there were plans to use this device in the Duma.

The military research division was busy working on their latest obsession, stealth tech. As Mangalan ships became more complicated the types of fields and energy that they emitted did as well. The teams were working on blocking EM supression, heat shielding, fusion trailing, and ion residue. The hoped for result was a capital ship that was virtually undetectable. There had already been enough developments made for a prototype stealth fighter to be built. Oddly similar to the SR-71 of Earth's 20th century [ooc: I think they're pretty...] the fighter had a low profile, making it difficult to track and hit even when you could find it.

A special division had even been created to study the base itself, or more exactly it's computer core. An advanced II core had been purchased (at an exorbiant sum, and at the cost of a lot of fancy footwork by the Imperial Accounting Department) from Sunset, and was in use at the base. In a strange twist of fate, it had begun exhibiting signs of sentience much as other Sunset IIs had. The first indication of this had been reports from across the base of unauthorized accesses of personal data, followed by reports from personnel of a holographic image of a raven wandering the internal holonet. Bad Poe jokes and rumors of a station ghost aside, the teams had been intrigued by what they found unpon closer study, and were now in touch with Sunset teams and researchers at home. For now "Raven," as she had been dubbed, was monitored but left alone. One bright young researcher was in the grant process for a full study of cyberethics, but as yet had not recieved funding.

At least 3 of the old Cohort-IIIs purchased from Sunset were now permanently on-station, as well as a host of smaller craft. Some had even been dispatched to help recover Sunset craft lost in their recent clash with an alien fleet.

"Lady's and Gentlemen, may I introduce the Ares-Class Fleet Dreadnought!"

The curtain dropped and the crowd broke into applause. The ship was beautiful - her long low lines flowed into each other creating a whole that was graceful and agile. She also showed power as well - weapon arrays covered her hull.

"In the competition to find a design for the hull we had to make a choice between three very similar designs - ultimately we decided to go with a little of all of them. As is tradition the next ship in the class will be named after her designer so let me introduce the namesakes of the next three Ares-Class starships."

Three people walked onto the stage, waving to the crowd as they came. First was an elven woman, then a human woman, then a trilat male.

"Galerdorn nos Torgon, Sara Woodrow, and Gah'Len Ta Eff! Give them a big hand folks! Their design will usher in a new golden age of Sunset ship design."

The three stood there and waved. Aside from the honor of having a starship named after them all three were now very wealthy - Sunset paid innovators and those with imagination very well indeed.

---

Galerdorn nos Torgon had designed other ships before she had begun design work on the Ares - though her earlier work was of a more practical nature. In fact a project she had worked on at the same time as the Ares-Class was now being tested in orbit of Ares. The test? Sneak past the entire orbitting fleet.

The massive gates of the Ares gate opened and light blazed as the wormhole beyond opened into Alpha Centauri. The long line of warships began to make their way through to emerge on the other side minutes later. These were Cohort III's - decommisioned and stripped of their classified systems they were on their way to a buyer. Five ships made their way though, then another five, then another five. Their names were long removed and any identifying marks wiped away.

Decommisioned ships were now stored around Shiva - close to the edge of the system in case of invasion and where they could be watched by the patrol groups. They were marginally manned and had minimal ordinance. Soon there would be about 1/2 as many as before as the stocks were depleted. In this case that was good - the money's gained on the sale went into the slush fund and would help pad the budget against wars or economic recession.

"Step right over here you two..."

The doctor motioned to the two Marines. They had just graduated from Basic and were going through the cybernetic's process. Walking over to the doctor they sat down in two chairs out of a long row of chairs where other doctors were working with other Marines.

"First I'm going to put these collars on your arms - they will monitor vital signs as well as provide some numbing drugs for the processes..."

He closed the collar around the upper arm of one - there was a hiss as a numbing agent was sprayed through the skin. The doctor talked to distract them - they didn't notice the machine do a second job. A thin band of specially make aluminum was inserted into the numbed arm by a micro-arm 1mm wide. It threaded the band around the bone and bonded the ends. The band had the marine's ID and vital information micro-etched onto it nearly a thousand times - both to allow identification of the body and to make 'duplicate' spy attempts even harder.

The band had trace alloys in it that could be picked up on a sensitive scanner, and the aluminum wouldn't set off most detector gear. The arm snaked out, and the wound was sealed with surgical glue.

"The first step is to implant these miniature radios in your mastoid. They can be turned on and off by moving a switch under your skin... You'll feel a slight buzz when they are turned on. Short range - here, this is what they look like..."

The rest of the process continued - some locations allowed another band to be slipped in along with the other cybernetic gear.

Pfc. Escobar dropped to the floor of the grav-tank, shaking slightly from adrenaline. He reached up and popped the helmet off and dropped it to the floor. Technicians came up and began removing the body suit that had feed nerve impulses and sensations to his body during the simulation.

David looked over - it was still going strong. The long lines of men and women in tanks ran in a huge circle around the outer edge of the training center. Some were in the middle of jumping or running while others were motionless and appeared to be aiming a rifle at something.

---

"Alright - listen up boys and girls. Today's mission de jour is a smash, grab, and run like hell. You will be backing up elements of the '0' in an attack on a suspected listening post in the Delta Zeta IV system."

Murmurs went around the briefing room, silenced at a quick glare. DZ4 was a favorite of the trainers. A jungle deathworld where the plant life was as deadly as your opponent.

"Here's the target," the trainer brought up a 2d map on the wall and zoomed in to show a walled compound with several bunkers in the center. "It might not look big but this base is nearly a klick across. Based on electronic intelligence gathered these bunkers house the majority of the stations listening gear. That's what we are after - we want to secure that hardware so the lab coats can dissect it and see where the enemy is in their research."

----

Training 202 - Every Marine went through it during his college stint. Three months of climbing into a tank to fight and die in various situations. Some were mundain - keep yourself from dying in a vehicle accident. Others were odd - kill everyone wearing a red shirt or a yellow shirt depending on what you wore. The simulations tested your aptitudes - you couldn't fail the class for not assassinating a world leader, but you could be put into a special training division to polish your skills if you did.

They also were designed to get you used to the idea of dying in a simulator. David still didn't like it, but he had gotten use to the sudden shock of a bullet hitting him or the sudden change from the simulation to the real world when his dead had been too sudden to feel. He had also gotten better - it was as close as you could get to real life, and he was averaging a 83% overall survival rate. The average was around 60% - his skills were progressing steadily as was his self confidence.

----

The LZ had been hot, but a couple blasts from the Menhit's phaser arrays had quieted things down. It was about to heat back up again - the Menhit-Class had roared in from orbit with a quick pass over the base to silence the heavy weapons but it was now coming back toward the compound zipping over the jungle canopy.

Pfc. Escobar heard the bays under the shuttles slide down and the roar of air passing over them. While the assault shuttle was airtight vibration still transmitted the sounds into the cabin. For the occupants it was a background roar. As one of the survivors he had been picked to ride in the same shuttle as the '0' commando's they were backing up and follow them into the base to secure the target.

They stood in the center of the long cabin - eight of the small man-sized stealth suits and four of the larger 'Crisis' battlesuits. The stealth suits held onto ceiling bars for support while the shuttle dropped away along with the others. Across and next to him were the other 'veterans' of this class as well as a dozen of the combat droids the SDF had assigned to the mission.

As the shuttles dropped and slowed their doors swung up and door gunners swung their weapons down and into position. The base defenders launched their last heavy weapons - a volley of medium missiles at the lead shuttle. Anti-missile fire from the nine shuttles blew them to scrap, but not before one took a nasty chunk out of the lead shuttle. The Menhit hovering behind them lit up the firing position, a long crimson lance streaming over their head for a moment until the position exploded in a ball of fire.

----

More were dropping out as the excercise came to a head. The sniper that had dropped Escobar was likely dead by now, killed by the onrushing troops. David didn't view his move as a mistake, more as a luck shot. He had been moving up to the door with the rest when a sniper's bullet had hit him in the head. The sniper was likely aiming for the door gunner anyway - he had killed a squad of opposing soldiers in the yard of the compound. Crack shooting that - men killed behind cover and through narrow gaps as the shuttle had come in to land.

David would have to talk to that marine afterwards - the footage would likely be in the after action discussion and he could pick up some tips. Sitting at a terminal he pulled up his own stats - no kills, and his survival average had dropped to 81%. The trainer walked over and sat down next to him.

"You know, if you can keep that average up and your grades up you've got a good shot at the '0' - at least a shot at getting in."

David turned - this was the first he had heard of the entrance requirements. There were 20,000 marines on Ares - 1/10th of the total force. Only 100 people a year made it into the '0' training program. An average of 10 graduated. Those who failed generally went into another 'elite' branch of the SDF or switched to Fleet Security (with a nice bump in rank and pay).

"Really? Thank you Sir. I would love to try for it."

"I think you got a good shot at it. That was a fluke back there - and if you can avoid the flukes I think you could pull a 85% by the end of the class. Might survive the last mission too..."

David had heard about it - heard that it had a 10% survival rate. Those that survived were lucky or good. David hoped he was both. A chance to go for the '0'...

The cruiser slowly flew down the long lines of ships, carefully scanning and counting each one. While there were minimal crew aboard each to prevent piracy or similar actions external patrols were still considered wise. Thus once a day the cruiser SDF-December cruised through the yard and checked every one. It was the only fully manned cruiser, though it too was decommisioned. It was a training ship for engineers now - 300 of them lived and worked aboard her, transfering over to one of the other ships in the yards to do maintenance.

The captain of the December went through the list for the hundredth time - the posting was a punishment for regulations violations that were not too severe to be stripped of rank for. He would stay at this post until someone else screwed up enough to be sent here.

'109 Cohort III-Class Fleet Cruisers'
'37 Judgement-Class Fleet Carriers'
'12 FireBlossom II-Class Super-Heavy Cruisers'
'12 Templar-Class Fleet Recover Cruisers'

'And nearly 3000 DA-102 fighters...' he thought as he finished the list. Some were being stripped of systems to put in new ships, and others were being prepared for sale. Right now he had five crews off re-painting an equal number of Cohort III's for sale. They were already stripped of their classified systems - in some cases they were stripped down to hulls, power plants, and drive systems before they were sold. Either the buyer wanted to install their own systems or they were for sale to nations that were not entirely trusted but that had space flight and FTL capability.

"I think I've got it Doc - I've almost got the numbers ready as well."

Toby was now 23 and a undergrad at the Sunset Science Academy, Ares Campus. The SSA was run jointly by the SDF and the Senate Division of Science and Education - the two largest divisions. It was a think-tank for the best and the brightest to play with oddball ideas and classified technologies.

Toby and his research team had been working on the inertial barrier for years, getting the idea perfected. At best guess when he earned his doctorate the system would be ready for full installation. Right now they were about to test another idea for how to install it on a starship as not to strip it's mobility.

"Pulling the field through the warp coils? Tricky - it could work but it might require a lot of shielding..." The head researcher considered the numbers for a moment. "Let's run it."

Fifteen minutes later there was quite the celebration going on - it had worked, at least in simulation. There were some worrysome problems, but it was a significant next step. The next question was how to feed it through the warp coils without the ship exploding.

---

The two captains walked the corridors of the worldship, the claws of the tall Therian clicking on the deck while the pads of the lithe Trilat thumped softly as it glided forward on it's four legs.

"Our rangers have recieved information leading me to believe that a coalition of local systems has begun to gather a fleet to forcefully investigate Ares and find out why ships dissappear. I'm trying to verify this, but in my opinion we may need to officially come out, at least to the local systems."

The trilat considered this for a moment. The Therians and their worldships had set themselves up as a roaming scout force for Sunset after the dissolution of their own government. Many had scattered to the universe, but two dozen of the massive worldships now called the Ares system their home. Their experience with the galaxy at large served them well as scouts and had made their service invaluable. Many Therians now served on SEC starships.

"I will speak to Villanova. I can guess his opinion, but I will speak to him. We need ways to keep the secret other than war however. Perhaps we should contact the nearby systems in secret and persuade their leadership to declare the area off limits or 'classified'."

"A good idea. I'll have the rangers begin compiling a list of planetary systems and their governments and leaders. Some will be hard to approach - their systems are still fractured and leaderless. But we must avoid a large scale engagement - the chance of someone slipping away is much higher than what we have seen so far."

---

In a shipyard high above Ares the last touches were being put on a Guan Di-Class Medical Frigate. Instead of the usual Sunset across the top the bright stars and strips of the New York and Jersey flag was instead painted. It was not normal for Sunset to sell a new class of starship to another nation - but since it was a medical ship President Al-Zeif had approved the purchase. It would also serve to improve relations between the two.

Accompanied by two re-painted Templar Class Recovery Cruisers it left Ares a week later for Earth. In Proxima Centauri it's computer systems were removed and the new systems from Mars installed. The secret of Ares would remain a secret - and the ships were transfered to New York and Jersey over Earth a week later.

The Therian rangers had found the rally point for the fleet that was gathering to investigate the Ares system. Given the number of nations involved verifying such a group existed was not hard, but getting the location had required some good intelligence work and some close shaves. Now the Therian scout ship - presumably a minimal contribution from a smaller nation - cruised into the staging area armed with the wits of those aboard and a variety of clearance codes and signals.

The first challenge came in from a perimeter patrol ship - answered with a return transmission they had picked up from a hidden listening post earlier. The crew held their breath and kept their tails on the accelerator as they waited for clearance or the first shot to come. After a moment it was answered in the same way as before and the scout slowly accelerated into the main staging area.

In front of it were spread out hundreds of ships, large and small and ranging in technology from the primitive chemical burners of Earth's past to ships that looked like they could take on a Hades-Class in head to head combat. They would need a closer look, but the mid-range looked like it was below the standard SDF design - but still a potentially threat through sheer numbers.

The Ares Wing only numbered 70-odd fully manned warships - the decommisioned ships could be brought up but there were not enough crews to fully man them. Which meant ships would need to come in from Mars - very suspicious. Especially if they came back with battle damage.

The next challenge came - a visual transmission from the command ship. The computer crunched it and managed to turn it into something usable and put it up on the screen.

"This is the command ship 'Die Trying'. You have come to join us. What is your designation and type and origin."

The being on the screen was unknown to the Therians - a huge cluster of ropey tendrals came together to support a oblong lump that had a obvious mouth and other unknown sensory organs.

"We are of Thy'skos. Our craft is a far hunter who seeks and finds what it eats. I am Gor'Than the leader of this pack."

"Take your place Gor'Than of Thy'skos. Your place is indicated."

The scoutship burned for the place indicated in the transmission. It travelled slow - partially to disguise it's capabilities and partially to take a longer look at the ships around it. Later they would bring in more scouts to keep an eye on the gathering fleets.

---

Not all of the activities around the potential invasion fleet were of a military nature. Therian diplomats made contact with planetary governments and began probing them for their stance on the 'unapproachable system'. Some offered information on the system while others probed to see what the individual governments felt about the problem.

The Anuke base was now in full operation, serving as a fleet base as well as a research station. It was also now being used as a base of operations for the fledgling Mangalan black ops unit codenamed R-13.

The R-13 ops unit was currently comprised of an elite force of only 200 troops. CO General Arcadia had men combing the ranks of the rest of the mangalan military looksing for potential recruits, and the force's numbers were expected to swell.

Right now the boys (and girls) were completing final testing on the new Raven-13 class stealth fighters. The finished ship had been named for the Terran bird, not the station's budding AI, but there was a rumor circulating that the original list of proposed names had been altered without the designer's knowledge and they had liked the name enough to take credit for it. The AI was indeed becoming more noticably sentient with every passing month.

The fighter was performing well. On one memorable occasion it had even snuck past a Sunset patrol ship, though attempts to reproduce the feat had not met with much sucess. The ship test pilots suspected that someone in Sunset command had had their head handed to them for letting the fighter get by undetected, because the patrol ships did not get caught unawares again.

The Spook wing, as the Psionics Division was known to the rest of the station, was also busy. A number of possibly empaths had recently arrived from Mars and were in training to join the second of the stations new secret military units, codenamed S-6. S-6 personnel would be charged with guarding certain critical military and government locations, providing both a defense against psychic attack as well as a backup early warning system.

The factory was a dense wall of noise and light to the few who had ever walked through it. Molten metal poured through spillways and into forms - not just any metal either. Nearly pure iridium - extremely dense and heavy and with an extremely high melting point. Long streams of it flowed into the huge molds that would produce a giant seemless cone of the metal. Other forms produced engine cowlings to protect the huge sublight engines that were being assembled elsewhere in orbit.

The cone would be mated to a superstructure, then the remaining superstructure covered with multiple laminate armor plates and bonded
together in a dense weave of material designed to be slammed into another armored object at significant fractions of c. The titanic engines would push it through to continue it's path of destruction until it was either destroyed or too damaged to continue.

A long line of the ships was under construction in orbit of New Luna - the major orbital shipyard for Ares. A row of 20 in various stages of construction was followed by 3 rows of 5 ships each. While similar externally these ships were not internally. Weapon installation bays and
living quarters as well as control systems were installed inside the iridium
and steel hulls. Breakaway panels identical to those on the more numberous ships were installed to hide weapon ports and crew hatches. Artificial gravity systems were installed as well to keep the crew alive at the crushing speeds the ships could attain.

The ships were destined for an allied nation, but there were still some differences. The standard designs used a powerful TransCorp fusion pile drive - these used a gravetic drive instead. Both had their advantages - but the TransCorp drives were only liscensed to Sunset.

As each was finished they were painted a solid black. It would disguise their destination as well as give a good base for the intricate designs to come. Their presumed destination was Venus where they would hide in the dense atmosphere - their hulls ignoring the crushing pressure and acidic fog due to the materials used. There they would wait and hope to never be used.

UNIT197143 leapt from the shuttle and hit the soil of PLANET984 or 'Sauna' as the file tagged it. The trip had taken exactly 19:48:18 from Ares to Sauna. The mission briefing file had stated the planet was 20 hours away. The navigator had achieved exceptional efficiency. This was duly noted in the AAT-AM01's mission data file.

Around it the other 863 UNIT's fanned out around the landing site. The 18 Chariot-Class assault shuttles paused for a moment, then in unison rose back through the atmosphere toward the waiting Menhit-Class. As they rose the UNIT's selected a battle plan from one on file, modified it to suit local conditions and enacted it. UNIT197143 moved to its assigned position as a forward scout. It was no better and no worse at the job than any other - it was simply the closest to the battle plans starting positions.

It began to move toward the target location. Under this plan the expected travel time was 2:12:41. It set a timer to keep pace with the plan. Running through a final systems check and weapons check it began to move forward. It had selected a movement plan from files based on a later 20th century tactical plan that had been modified. It had coordinated the plan with the other 64 units assigned as scouts. They moved forward quickly, then paused for a randomly determined amount of time between 0:10:00 and 0:02:00 then they moved again.

UNIT197143 was moving forward through a group of 15 plants between 10 and 20 meters tall and with a foliage radius of between 1 and 4 meters when it's auditory system detected a regular sound associated with footsteps. Alerting the other units to this it triangulated the information and formed a contact plan based on examples in memory. The nearest 16 units would move to surround the source estimated to be between 5 and 10 individuals. The noise was irregular and precision was impossible.

The 16 units surrounded the source and slowly moved to within visual range. The source was determined to be a local herbivore. The movement plan was modified for the time lost and the 16 units duly logged the event. They began moving again until another contact was made. This time the contact was determined to be slow rythmic air movement - possibly breathing. They had advanced to within 1 kilometer of the target location. Previous records indicated there was a likelyhood in excess of 90% of encountering scouts or patrols at this distance.

The unit moved forward carefully scanning the foliage for the triangulated source of the sound. As it manuvered around a plant with a central radius of .89 meters a mild vibration was detected in it's main sensory location and an audible crack matching that of gunfire was recorded on audio sensors. Initiating a fire avoidance sub-routine the unit leapt behind the plant. It extended an arm with a camera on it to attempt to determine the location of the hostile unit. More records matching gunfire were made as well as records of solid projectiles stricking a plant mass approximately 2 meters away.

Another unit advanced from a flanking position and forced the hostile target to reveal it's position by throwing a grenade at the location. The hostile target matched the sentients on record as holding this location. They were marked as hostile on the mission briefing. UNIT197143 extended it's handheld weapon system and ran a system check. Then it shot the sentient in the lower leg in a location determined to be unlikely fatal.

The sentient fell and dropped a metallic object that landed .8 meters from it. The two units performed a quick check of their sensors to determine if any other hostile units were nearby then advanced on the fallen hostile sentient. Their mission briefing had been specific - if possible cause no loss of sentient life and recover any sentient life if possible. UNIT197143 knelt, picked up the metallic object, and began to compare it to similar units in memory.

The other unit removed all non-attached articles and used an article of clothing to bind the wound. It had a medical care module, but this sentient's physical nature fell outside it's programming. The chances of success were 50% so the unit decided that it would provide a more long term likelyhood of success if it were to leave the sentient to treat itself after it regained conciousness.

---

"Well done UNIT197143. Your mission log will be noted with this success. Is there anything I can do for you?"

The question was odd, and disregarded. It was a tool. It could not know that if it answered it would have been put through a battery of tests to determine sentience.

"No. System performance is within acceptable statistical parameters and routine maintenance is advised."

"Very well. Return to your post and power down."

The androids had performed well - they had attacked and captured a research station along with it's residents in well under the time anticipated. Of the 864 units who had undertaken the mission 23 had been destroyed and 43 had been disabled. 19 of the residents had been killed and 239 had been captured.

The research station belonged to one of the local alien nations who had proven to be beyond approach. Attempts by the Therians had been rebuffed and their ship had been chased out of the system. Attempts to make a peaceful deal were seen as fruitless since other amiable nations had indicated that the species was on the whole warlike and exceedingly difficult to negotiate with.

The android force provided plausible deniability - since they were an unknown they could be attributed to any number of nations or races. Now the race and it's technology could be researched and their weaknesses discovered. If it came to war the SDF would have all the information it needed to make it quick and keep casualties low.

The model swung slowly around in the center of the labratory. It was a starship - models of them hung and were mounted all over the lab - but it was different. It was both new and old. Familiar shapes with some major changes graced it's narrow form. It was built for speed over power and armor though it still had an excellent sensor system. It had to - at the speeds it was potentially capable of a micro-meteorite collision would tear it apart.

Provision was being made to keep the crew safe if this happened - for the first time the bridge of the ship was obviously marked by way of an exit shaft. Scant meters seperated it from the outside. The whole thing would attempt to blow free in case of a collision. Would it work? The cross section of the starship was so small a collision would likely hit the bridge anyway. It never hurt to take precautions though.

The model slowly spun as the last of the researchers left and the lights flickered out.

The colony had begun to grow into a full fledged Redwood as interstellar investment poured in from the booming Martian economy. The higher tiers of the New ArAreBeen government had all found the concept of a hidden colony exceedingly profitable. A place to test weapons away from the prying eyes of their enemy-of-the-day for the Security Forces. A profitable bank for funds, and exploitable market that only a select few could even penetrate meant a wonderous return on initial investment for the Trusts. The Government itself enjoyed it for it's secrecy, this place ensured they would not be out of power any time soon.

Mining operations and factories quickly sprouted up inside the domes, goods and consumables quickly being shipped out to other colonies. Crime syndicates, sumgglers, pirates, and more sprouted up like weeds in the fertile soil of excessive freedom (perhaps even, absolute freedom) that the Government (which seemed more like manipulating advertising company then anything else, a third party that would keep military action by most sane states a minimum).

More bizzare were the tugs that ships brought through warping fractals of the New ArAreBeens FTL drive. Bizzare contraptions that buzzed with magnetic fields. Reports from explorers of strange contraptions appearing near Neutron Stars and then vanishing, only to return again. Stacks of photos showing beams being fired from spheres without a gun in site. Whatever it was, Aretians (OOC: This would be correct?) had just acquired material for their 'Sightings' shows.

"We will arrive momentarily Lord Dudo'kin. These... hewmens are exceedingly paranoid."

Lord Dudo'kin turned to face his aid. His spiky head dipped in agreement and his tail twitched nervously.

"If it is a trap, it is a trap of our own making. We insisted on a meeting with their leader before we agree to remove our ships from the investigative fleet."

He turned back to the forward screen as space outside suddenly switched from the swirling grey and white of HDT to the familiar starfield. Dudo'kin could see the systems operators go over their stations - several ships had already been detected manuvering to surround them.

'Paranoid about a system not their own - why are they so afraid? Or is it another reason?'

"Lord Dudo'kin - a transmission has been recieved on a radio frequency as well as what appears to be a coherent light transmission. It is a greeting and a request for audio and visual communications."

Dudo'kin walked over to a station and pressed a button. "Route it here technician."

The screen went from black static to a color image of one of these hewmens standing in a very similar looking room, in front of a comfortable chair. His mouth began to move, though there was no sound.

"Why is there no audio?"

"They are transmitting in the Trade speech. Shall I have the computer translate it?"

"No. I would like to hear what their devices make of our tongue."

The audio suddenly cut in as the technician allowed the vulgar tongue through. The hewmen had stopped speaking but the recording slowly played. They seemed to be awaiting a reply, and were looking off to one side occasionally.

"Greetings. I am Lord Vylyanova of the people's group of sun set. Greetings in the name of the people's group of sun set. Our meeting is predicted to be significant and productive."

'They respond affirmitavely before negotiations have even begun - are they arrogant or is this just part of their formal greeting?'

Lord Dudo'kin pressed the transmit pedal. "I am Lord Dudo'kin. I have been appointed to speak for Emperor Yu'kin and act as he would. I want a meeting between you and I. Let us arrange this."

While he waited for a response he studied the alien in front of him. It had the same general features as most of those who were visible. This one had lighter hair and facial hair while most of the others were hairless on the majority of their face. The specialists had said this was a matter of personal taste - it certainly set this one apart though he couldn't honestly say it changed his appearance significantly.

The aid walked over to stand to one side, carefully off camera. Dudo'kin released the transmit pedal before he spoke.

"We have studied the alien vessels to the extend we can without being intrusive. All are warships - weapons ports are visible on all though we cannot determine if they are armed. We have detected an energy field around all of them that appears to be some kind of shielding. There are no traces of chemical emissions or energy trails. We would surmise they either have a way to mask their emissions or are using a form of gravity propulsion. Their mass signature is much lower than what we would expect for a ship of their volume and this heightens the suspicions of the technicians."

The aid shifted a little, a minor display of nervousness. He opened his mouth to speak, but the hewmen interupted.

"This is agreed. We offer vessel as a grounds for this meeting or your own if you disagree."

Dudo'kin considered this for a moment and pressed the transmit pedal.

"We will conduct our negotiations aboard your vessel. Our environmental requirements will be transfered. I will come as well as my aid in four long strides."

OOC: To be continued....

http://www.pacifier.com/~cziller/genmokiship2.jpg

Lord Dudo'kin walked the corridors of the Mars alongside Lord Villanova. He had been impressed with this ship so far - there was a covering on the floor and the area dividers opened automatically as he approached. The colors were a neutral gray with some browns and whites - normally only luxury ships had these types of furnishing. But his vessel was a warship.

'Perhaps their's are just as functional,' he thought as he rounded a corner. The hewmen next to him seemed content to let him just look as they walked to the meeting area. He looked to the side where he heard the sound of footsteps and stopped abruptly.

"Aid - confirm what I see."

In the corridor a trilat crewman was talking quietly to a elven engineer. The Gen'Moki Lord focused on the trilat as his aid peeked around the corner. The officer who was escorting them stopped and looked as well, clasping his hand behind his back with a patient look on his face.

"Experimenter. Are they in league with them Lord Dudo'kin?" "That hewman with the pointy ears converses with him in a familiar way. I will not say they are in league. There may be more but we will confront Lord Villanova immediately about the presence of these things."

The pair straighted up and walked on though much quicker than before. Moments later they walked into the conference room where Villanova stood along with another one of the hewmans. Villanova looked up from what he was reading and walked over to Lord Dudo'kin and stopped a respectful distance away.

"Good day to you. I am Governor Villanova and this is Captain Tagon."

Dudo'kin's aid moved between the two and to the side. "Lord Dudo'kin, Speaker and Actor for Emperor Yu'kin."

Lord Dudo'kin spoke before Villanova could begin. "I was walking through your ship when I saw an Experimenter. What are they doing on your vessel?"

Villanova, calm as ever, simply looked past Dudo'kin to the officer who had escorted him in.

"Lord Dudo'kin stopped when he saw Lt. Klj'san and Lt. Annadela in the corridor. Klj'san is a trilat and Annadela is an elf Sir."

"An Experimenter? A little taller than me, 3 arms, 4 legs?"

Lord Dudo'kin dipped in a manner Villanova took to be a nod, as did his aid.

"We call them trilats. We don't know their own name for themselves. Lt. Klj'san is a clone from material found on an lifeless world."

Lord Dudo'kin looked at his aid. "Sit. We will tell you of them and where they come from."

Lord Dudo'kin sat at the table across from Governor Villanova. The atmosphere had suddenly shifted from a formal meeting to a more informal discussion.

"Would you mind if I recorded this? I would also like to have the ship's science officer present if you don't mind..."

"Bring them here. They will learn of the Experimentors as well."

Villanova punched his comm-link and asked the ship's science officer to come to the conference room. He also had some food delivered that was within the specifications the Gen'Moki had transmitted earlier. The officer who has accompanied Lord Dudo'kin and his aid sat down as well, though at the other end of the table to be unobtrusive. After a few minutes the science officer arrived and took a seat next to the Captain.

Lord Dudo'kin had taken the chance to have his aid fetch some water, which he flavored with something from a pouch before placing the glass on the table.

"Powdered Meensel root - it is very good. I will give you some if it doesn't interfere with your nature."

Leaning back in the chair he re-arranged his tail and began to tell the story of the Experimenters.

"The Gen'Moki have been aware for over 20,000 rotations of our planet around the sun by our own records. When we first realized ourselves the Experimentors had been an empire for over 100,000 rotations. They were dying but their power was still undeniable. They were masters of shaping their forms and the forms of others as well as in reading those forms.

This mastery had created their empire and also destroyed it. Somewhere in their history they had eliminated their breeding potential and instead had turned to direct manipulation of duplicates. There was a side effect that was not forseen - their desire to continue as a people was eliminated. They are long lived however and this was not seen as an immediate problem."

Lord Dudo'kin paused and took a drink. "I will have my aid continue for a bit - the Meensel dries out your throat."

"The Experimentors, or Kal-En-Venshos as they called themselves, had built a mighty empire. It was not an empire of their own hands however. Numerous subservient species manned their ships. Some were created by their own hand while others came to be over time. This relationship was not agreed on by both. The Kal-En-Venshos used their superior knowledge to control the others and to force them to their will. Some still carry the scars of this control on their bodies.

They also continued their acts of experiementation and modification. Species were de-constructed and re-constructed to fit a specific purpose while others were wiped out with engineered plagues to eliminate a perceived fatal flaw. They even commited the greatest crime of all - reducing worlds full of life to barren husks to test some invented plague."

Lord Dudo'kin finished the glass and set it down. As his aid went to refill it he resumed speaking.

"The Kal-En-Venshos had many enemies, both in their own subservient species and the other species present in the galaxy. Both were afraid to act because of their power however. It was one of their own that broke their empire - the Nameless One. Realizing the great evil that it had perpetrated on the galaxy the Nameless One turned on the Kal-En-Venshos. It betrayed their secrets and coordinated an attack on their duplication facilities and seats of power by their slave races and their enemies.

Wars are not won in a striding. They fought back savagely, turning their remaining slave species on their betrayers. Engineered plagues stripped hundreds of rebel worlds bare and destroyed at least one of the attacking empires. Some were not prone to their plagues however and pressed on. The betrayal of the Nameless One was completed when the Kal-En-Venshos homeworld was destroyed by an unnamed weapon weilded by their enemies. Enemies remarkable similar to the being who was conversing with the Kal-En-Venshos in the hallway."

Governor Villanova considered all this. Captain Tagon spoke up while he was thinking. "The Eldar then?"

"It is possible. They had something that could do it, and it fits their desription. Another piece of the puzzle."

Villanova hit the controls again. "I want a Hades-Class dispatched immediately to find and bring Janice DePaulto here."

"I have a lot of questions for you," and the other at the table nodded as well, "but I want to wait for the arrival of someone who might be very useful to these questions."

----

From the single moon of Menhit a black shape, organic and menacing, sped towards the Ares Gate. The search for Ms. DePaulto was already well underway - contact with the TYCS was initiated to find her last known location. The Hades-Class would simply pick her up and escort her safely to where she was needed.

Contact with the Gen'Moki was going well - it could take quite a while for the ship sent to find Ms. DePaulto to accomplish that goal so Governor Villanova and Lord Dudo'kin returned to the original goal of discussing a secret treaty between the two nations.

----

The desires of Governor Villanova were simple: The Gen'Moki would declare the system and those around it off limits for 'security' reasons and would withdraw their ships from the fleet being mustered to investigate the system. The Gen'Moki desires were a little more complex...

"Trade? While normally we would love the idea the delicacy of the situation makes our own goals at cross purposes to this." Villanova shook his head and looked down at the proposal. "I do not know of a way this could be accomplished.... Perhaps I do, but it would be expensive. I cannot say how much it would really accomplish as far as trade goes."

Dudo'kin looked at the human with a curious expression on his face. "And what would be this method of yours?"

"Trade through a third party. The Therians that contacted you could also transfer the goods - they would be the only people who could ship the goods however. Under the guise of securing their own resources of course. Goods are offloaded and loaded - who is to say they did not make them themselves?"

The Gen'Moki nodded at this - or bobbed rather - and gestured to his aid. "Prepare that proposal. This will protect both of us. If the other nations you have not yet talked down discovered us trading with your it would go very badly for it. The idea of having the Therians do this solves that problem."

Robots building robots - it was common place really, but this one was unique. A group of II's that had gained sentience had met over the 'net and decided it would be interesting to combine their talents and their inate nature into the task of designing a starship. They had a big head start in that they didn't need expensive computer hardware for the job, and they could pretty much write their own software. So while they went around their daily jobs they devoted a section of their vast computing power to working on the design of the ship.

'Spheres provide maximum volume for mass, but not usable space. An inefficient shape is needed.'

'RE: Shape. Suggest cube.'

'RE: Shape. Too much like the Borg. Suggest a 8 sided polyhedron.'

'RE: Shape. Unique. Definately not traditional.'

The conversation went on and on. Despite being mechanical and thus precise that did not translate to perfection. They knew that their goals would need to be discovered and quantified before the design could be finalized. But what would they do with this ship?

The briefing room was filled to overflowing with all - Sargeant Escobar looked around and did a quick count - all of the '0' Division men and women. Every team was gathered, even some who were scheduled for training missions today. The Colonel walked up to the briefing stand and cleared his throat. Heads turned from their conversations and paid attention - when the Colonel held the briefing it was very important and every detail could be life or death.

"At 1300 we recieved orders to prepare for active deployment to Mars."

This caused murmurs to go around the room, quickly silenced. Personnel from Ares were never supposed to be deployed in Sol for security reasons. The murmurs died quickly though and the Colonel continued.

"This will be a join deployment with Marine Divisions and Fleet Starships as well..."

More murmurs raced around the room. While the war on Mars was carefully watched Sunset had stayed out of it. Would that be changing?

"We are not expecting any engagements, but we are not ruling anything out. This is a full deployment and we are preparing for any eventuality. Your Menhit's and Chariot's are being loaded with your equipment. I've prepared additional briefings for your group commanders, but I wanted to share these orders personally. This is a very rare deployment and I want you to know I expect you to show the Marines on Mars that Ares Marines kick ass and take names. Dismissed!"

----

Two hours later the Marines and '0' Division troops were on their transports and pulling through the Ares gate for Titan then to Mars. They would join the Marine Divisions already gathered around the gate's equatorial orbit.

The docking clamps closed over the ship like a spiders legs as she came to rest in the drydock. Small shuttles and pods moved out of their bays like a swarm of hungry young moving to devour a treat brought in by mother. They were very similar in a way - plating was cut away from both inside and out as crews worked to strip away unneeded systems and areas and replace them with power conduits, systems, and bulkheads.

Androids walked over the hull with electro-adhesive pads checking the positioning of all the work being done. They were installing large Variable Inhibitor Arrays - 2 per ship. These could deny an enemy of any one kind of FTL mobility through an area and were perfect for suprise attacks where you didn't want any reinforcements showing up suddenly. Which was why in the other seven craddles in this yard seven other mothballed Cohort-III's were being retrofitted.

They were not just getting new systems either. Vast sums of money were being spend to bring them up to spec with the Shiva's they would be operating along side. Other ships were getting a facelift too - in the long line of decommissioned warships around Shiva Templar's flew along dropping off painting and repair crew. Dents were replaced and plating checked, then the whole thing was painted over with a black undercoat. Their destination was guessed, but they waited to add the last touches and left the simple base coat.

Here and there crews powered up weapons and loaded ordinance as one ship or another was deemed ready for service. Old fighters - by this time 3 generation old - flew out to the range of their weapons and were blasted into scrap. Other ships powered up their drives and took a quick circuit around the system.

Planetary fighter wings were drilling mercilessly - their commanders running nearly daily drills and excersizes. Cadets were getting rare opportunities - older DA-102's were made avaliable for training in their off-hours. They wondered why someone wanted them to be combat ready, but no answers were forthcoming. They looked in wonder as they ran training simulations in the space over Ares though - dozens of Therian worldships had congregated there in vast cities in space. Their vast pyramidal bulks were rarely seen for so long in one place since the dispora. Clearly something was up.

----

Governor Villanova sat at his desk though he was not alone. In a rare face to face meeting System Admiral Edge sat opposite as did Admiral Tagon.

"The Therians have indicated their willingness to defend Ares depending on what happens. Has President Al-Zief mentioned anything more?"

Villanova checked his mail again.

"Nothing yet. Just another fighter wing reporting readyness. Only one left to report full readyness. General Solania will take his time and make sure everything is perfect though - which means they have been at full readyness for a week."

The conversation turned to the war on Mars - their Marine divisions had left already, and their places filled by decommisioned men and women brought back up for active duty. The outcome of the war as they saw it was certain, but the losses incured were staggering so far and could only get worse.

Beams moved into position and were welded together in a shower of bright sparks as another hull was laid down. Production of a warship normally took years - about 1 for every 100 meters - but orders were coming in fast and furious for new ships and the yards had upped demand to match it.

Not all of the hulls were the familiar saucer and nacelle shape of SDF warships. There were others as well - simple squareish craft and the long dagger shaped lines favored by others. As the frameworks rose and closed around bulkheads and armor plating slowly crept up the sides systems were installed as well. Power conduits raced to weapon emplacements, drives and sensors while control systems snaked through the maze. Computer cores - either variety - were installed and came online. The II's enjoyed the growing feeling of being as more and more systems came online and were run through their paces - it was like a child discovering the world around it.

The boom brought jobs - and while it brought money to the manufacturers more was spent as prices rose on raw materials and employees were able to demand higher wages or simply go elsewhere. Those who built the ships were enjoying the good times, as well as those who crewed them. Crews were in high demand and enlistment in the merchant marine was nearing an all time high. Recruiters from the SDF and the shipping companies competeted with each other and offered heavy bonuses to those who would join up.

The Athena-Class gate again spewed light as the doors yawned and a ship made it's way through. This time it was inbound instead of out, and it got a magnificent view of the front quadrant of four Ares-Class fleet dreadnoughts that were pointing their frontal firepower right at the gate. The Venture-B that was stationed there as well scanned the incoming shuttle and a comm laser stabbed out to link the two. Recognition signals flowed back and forth and the shuttle dived toward the planet below.

----

"Production must be increased. We need more of everything - and quickly. If things go badly we will need the ships to secure Ares and if they go well we will need them to replace losses."

"I agree, and I will do what I can but we only have so many yards. If too many freighters are moved aside we cannot keep the economy growing. All the troops in the world will not help if your economy fails..."

Al-Zief paced back and forth in Villanova's office. He had moved to Ares in anticipation of a need to hurry production. Villanova had it going full tilt, but the two might be able to squeeze more out of the yards.

"We need more people to make more factories, and more people to work at those factories. Unless we open up the system to outside immigration I don't see us getting those people."

Al-Zief thought this over - perhaps some effort could be made there. "I'll see what I can do."

Effort had been made and had payed off - factories were running day and night producing everything from weapons to fighters to ammunition. Cargo pods full of every concievable supply needed were assembled near the Ares gate to move to Titan or Mars or Luna on a moments notice.

More ships joined the group guarding the gate - decommisioned FireBlossom II's were brought back into service with training crews who drilled daily in combat operations. Many were young or retired - the old hand's taking the new cadets under their wing and showing them the ropes. Fortunately these were systems they were familiar with, and fingers flew over the controls as drills were run to hone their reaction speed.

From Mars the SDF Solar X came through. The only remaining Dreadnought-Class ship in service it took up position as the core of the guarding forces. It mounted the only 'superweapon' ever created and used by the SDF - and that had melted the front quarter of the ship into a shapeless mass. Considering the closest the beam had come to the ship was 100,000km it was a very dangerous weapon.

With the majority of ship building capacity shifted to Ares, the choices for the designs and names of the new ship classes was mostly up to the command structure on that world.

----

"With the current war, we are looking at extending the service life of most of our starships by as much as 50 years. Wars cost money, and procurement costs a lot of money. But this also gives us til 2500 to design the new lines of ships and incorporate lessons learned by the TYCS and SDF as well as other Triumvirate nations."

The design committee nodded in approval - 2 Admirals, 2 Engineers, and 1 Artist were the sum total of the selection committee. They had opted out of the design teams that worked under them to avoid conflict of interest. They also screened outside designs that meet the standards of the SDF.

"We also need a new 'theme' for the Fleet," the structural artist, Micheal LeBarce, noted as he rose to speak. "The War Gods theme was excellent, and a much better public relations move than the previous scattered name types. This time the proposal that has caught my eye is military fortifications. We want to present the fleet as strong, and what better way than with a Citadel-Class? Here is the theme proposal so far."

Citadel-Class Dreadnought
Fortress-Class Cruiser
Armory-Class Supply Cruiser
Smith-Class Recovery Cruiser
Ballista-Class Ramship
Stronghold-Class Carrier
Sentinel-Class Heavy Explorer


"I'm still having the team refine the proposal, but I like what I'm seeing so far. Ideas? Suggestions?"

The labratory was crowded with hundreds of models, tons of computers, and dozens of expensive holospheres. There were also dozens of lab assistants and scientists working on either a new proposal of some kind or refining an existing design. Right now most of the screens and spheres were displaying the current design for the newest fleet fighter - a slender craft with three radial wing surfaces.

Also stalking the labratory were a trio of Gen'Moki scientists who were looking over the new design as well and making comments. The big secret was that this design was very similar to one of their fighters. Both designs were to be launched from tubes instead of bays - this would require a re-design of the existing carrier. It would allow a lot more fighters to be carried though and this was seen as a reasonable trade off.

"Are you sure you wish to use an odd number of wing surfaces for this design? We have found that an even number works better..."

Another was looking over the weapon loadout.

"I would look at trying to add a second long range energy weapon instead of a single large weapon. If that single weapon fails you must rely on your secondary weapons or leave combat."

The scientists continued their tour of the lab - they were going to be sharing the same lab space and it was vital they get to know the scientists there as well as the projects they would be working on.

Sunlight warmed the meadow where a flock of sheep slowly grazed on fresh tender grass. Yellow flowers dotted the hillside above them where two people sat watching quietly as they ate a picnic lunch. One of the two took out a pair of binoculars and looked down at the sheep. They stood out against the lush grass - grass that had now been growing here for well over a century. She watched the sheep for a while, then put down the binoculars and returned to her sandwich.

"You would almost think they were real."

"They are real."

"Silly. I mean real enough to pet."

He held out his hand towards the binoculars and she handed them over. His gaze sweep through the herd as it slowly grazed. A twist of a dial and he could see closer - close enough to see a flower stem slice in half and flutter to the ground as it brushed the wooly coat.

"Grazing algorithms look good - let's go home."

----

Past the meadow there was a road where the two field researchers had parked their car. Down the road there was a city where there was a manufacturing plant. Inside that plant thousands of complex machines stamped, poured, spun, and tighted parts by the hundreds. They started out as plastics and metal and ended as sheep.

These were special sheep of course. They had aluminum bones with a myomer muscular system and a instinctive intelligence core for a brain. They knew how to be sheep, but the carrying compartment in their stomach and silenced projectile weapon in the back of their mouth made it obvious they had another purpose. But who would know? The facility was a classified plant on a world that didn't officially exist.

"Never thought being in the force would lead to a high paying job as a sheep herder..."

"See the universe. I suppose that includes sheep."

The two carefully herded their flock into the bay of an assault shuttle and closed the doors. As it rose into the sky they turned and headed for the next flock and the next shuttle.

----

"No no no - it's all wrong. We need a ship that can be fired from a tube, not a freakin transformer. Keep it simple and survivable - otherwise we are going to end up with 1/2 the fighters sitting in the bays with joint problems and shawls."

Doctor Wernstrom stormed around the labratory - he was an expert in fighter and small spacecraft design and the current designs made him want to puke.

"Throw it all away - lets start this again. Basics first..."

He slapped a set of design requirements up on the closest screen and began to rattle them off out loud.

"At least two forward guns. At least 8 internal bays. At least 8 external pylons. At least 1 external anti-missile system. Power plant, pilot's compartment, main drives, manuvering thrusters, fuel tank. And it should, if at all possible, fit in a tube."

"Penguins? First sheep and now penguins? What kind of crackhead comes up with these things?"

Jarmalabijin's assistant just shrugged. "We now have specs for robot penguins on the agenda, s'all I know."

"Have they looked outside? Do we look like we have an ice cap? I don't think we even have a snowpack, anywhere. We'll have to create a big test facility. Say - do they even have the behavior pattern for a penguin yet?" Jarma got a glint in his eye - a glint that said 'road trip'.

"I don't think so... No penguins on Mars either. Someone will have to..." Realization dawned. "Go to Earth to observe penguins in the field."

"Break out the parkas! And book a 5 star. It's time to do some 'field research' in the local bars."

"Who would have thought it could be this cold? I swear I just felt a chunk of ice slither down my leg, and I suddenly feel more inadequate."

Jarma looked at his assistant. The Emperor penguins they were watching were damn boring and any distraction was a good one.

"That will teach you to book the trip from the public funds. You should always book it out of forward expenses then bill those to public funds. If you hadn't fouled up and the auditors caught on, well..."

Visions of mostly naked Knootians danced in front of Karma's eyes for a moment until he shook himself from his revelry. "Maybe we can persuade the Captain to let us take a quick side trip on our way back."

Across the field of ice and rock he could see the assault shuttle the pair had de-orbitted in as well as the three dozen burly marines the Captain had brought along for some cold weather training. He suspected they were also there to keep an eye on the pair - Jarma had overhead her talking to someone in her cabin and it sounded like the same weaselly administrator who had cut their plans short. The internal planning for a side trip died and he went back to monitoring penguins.

The Emen Construction branch had just finished off the construction of a small scale underground dome on the planetary body. The vaporization wells were hauled up to surface, as were the antigravity shock beamers that had been used to hard the dirt into a hard, well bonded shell.

The construction tools we're being lifted into standard pyramid ship as the rest of the aregeebees we're transferred to the trust's bank accounts. Two bizarre contraptions were spotted in orbit around the planet that day, slowly falling into geosynchronous orbits around Ares. Slowly the two began to line up, the location of the dome lined up with the floating junk yards. The three points making a line that skimmed quickly beneath the crust and then exited into the other vacuum sealed contraption.

"They suck."

There was an uncomfortable silence around the table as the selection team looked at the people who had said this out of the blue.

"The names. They suck. Military fortifications? Maybe for Arda, but this is Sunset. We should focus on what we do - exploration, advancement. Not stagnant fortresses and rusting gravships."

Others began to nod, and one tapped the table over to a blank white sheet.

"Let's brainstorm then."

"How about we keep the Venture name and make that the focus? Endeavor, Intrepid, Discovery, Enduring..."

"Definately a new focus. Turning away from the 'war' aspect."

"Keep them coming - let's get a couple different themes on the table so we can see what we like."

The selection team worked long into the night, and through the week to come up with a new theme. They would present them to a guidance team in a month.

----

While the names for the new classes were still being discussed the design work on several was finished. Some ships would remain with systems upgrades - the Ares-Class would be upgraded to the Cyclone torpedo system for instance - but they would all be renamed. This would mean a cost savings for the new refit cycle of trillions of di-coins and allow a much larger budget for exploration and research.

"Finished. Well - I think it's finished."

Juanita Rodriquez pushed back from her station and rolled across the carpet in her office until she was outside in the hall.

"Carl - it's done. Take a look!"

Carl called back from his office. "Ok, I'll take a look."

Their office was working on a competing design for the new SDF fighter. Juanita had been trying to create a design that evoked the look of the SDF warships instead of the more traditional atmospheric fighters. Her efforts and that of the rest of the team had produced two designs - 'bomber' and a 'fighter'. The designs were technically complete but there was still work to be done to finalize them for the selection team.

"Looks good Juanita. I've got a couple suggestions I'd like you to try, but I think we can go home for the night now."

----

The selection team was slowly checking ships off it's list. The Ares-Class had been re-designed with the Cyclone launchers, and the 'Fortress'-Class was complete as well. The replacement for the Venture B was not finalized but the design based on the 'Fortress' hull was almost complete. There was some question as to the design of the sensor arrays - some favored the existing oval design but others wanted them to be concealed as to provide more protection from combat damage. The Menhit replacement was almost done as well - which left a half-dozen ships needing a re-design.

"Latin?"

"Hmm?"

"Well I was thinking - all the intrepid, bold, curious names have been used. So what if we switch to the latin?"

Byron lifted his head from the table and looked over at Elwin. The two had been sleeping on the job again - they found a regular nap helped productivity.

"Let me pull up a couple - I didn't take Latin in school."

Debello - Vanquisher
Conor - Venture
Curiosus - Curious

"Just for an example - what do you think?"

----

"How about these?"

Singularity-Class Dreadnought
Prominence-Class Carrier
Quasar-Class Cruiser
Corona-Class Assault Transport
Eclipse-Class Supply Cruiser
Aurora-Class Wormhole Gate
Nova-Class Ramship
Flare-Class Assault Fighter
Nimbus-Class Assault Shuttle
Venture C-Class Heavy Explorer
Halo-Class Diplomatic Cruiser
Nebula-Class Medical Cruiser

The massive barrel began radiate exhaust as the reactors reached optimum efficiency, the vast magnetic accelerators began to buzz with alternating currents, the heavy cargo of the ship was excited as the hatch leading into the launch bay.

Parallel to the ship was the other contraption, it too began to draw power from its reactors, however, it began a fully different operation. The front of the ship began to spin, as strange blocks began to rise around the ship, electricity amplifying their magnetic pull, the fields interacting to create a vortex of pull and push. The magnet moved in strange pattern, forming abnormal patterns as the magnetic field expanded around the ship.

Its partner across the planet began the final steps, the barrel opened, the targets were triple checked, and then the cargo was dumped into the reactor. The dense particles of matter began to scream across space as they we're quickly expelled from the craft, the coils and plates aching with pain, burned out wires began to spark as the power died away from them.

The particle stream flew through space as it approached the target, vast gravity waves tearing at space-time, quantum ripples sped out at the speed of light towards sensors as the ghostly particles sped towards the surface.

Captain Andover watched the ArAreBeen experiment from the bridge of the Mei Kong, a Venture B that happened to be in-system stocking up for it's next exploration mission. Commander Pung had just walked onto the bridge when the ArAreBeen operation began and they were sharing their thoughts aloud.

"Any real idea what they are doing?"

"Not really - I'd hope it's nothing dangerous though. You think they would have told us otherwise. I've got two guesses though."

"Two guesses?"

"Yep - either matter teleportation or a new way of mining. We know they have a form of matter teleportation similar to our own of course, but like ours it's severely constrained by range and intervening materials. This could be a test of a system to bypass that."

"What about mining?"

"Well, they are shooting an exotic particle stream at the planet. Concievably they have found a way to duplicate certain classified technologies and are trying to move a step beyond that. Using UMT to grab certain metals as the particles move through the planet. I don't know if it would work, or even if UMT would say it works. But it's a thought."

"I guess we watch and wait then - forward all the sensor records from the VDA through to the WSMRG though. They might find it interesting."

"Already done."

----

"Checklist time - let's go through and see what's done."

"Singularity is done - no problems there. Nimbus is done. Flare I'd say is 99% - I've heard some chit chat about smooting some lines out for atmospheric combat though. Venture C is done - damn good looking too. Almost makes me want to transfer over. There some talk as well about switching out half of Corona's tubes to medium tubes. Focus a bit more on atmospheric instead of fleet combat. So 95% there."

Rastanov paused for a moment and looked over the list.

"Looks like the two big ones are Quasar and Eclipse - A lot of people are saying that the oval saucer looks too broad. A couple ideas are on the board for shorting it up to a circle - as well as one for rounding the current Shiva off more and going with that - doesn't look bad, but doesn't fit in the new 'integrated' scheme that has been pushed."

"Hmm - push some designs into here, give em a week or two, then we will take a look at them and finalize."

The team now had only eight weeks til the new fleet had to be in the cradles and under construction in order for the first ships to be done on time. There was a subtle air of urgency in everything now, but it was no time to be sloppy.

"So what's left on the list?"

"Eclipse is done - Quasar is out though, and replaced by Eclipse. It's a better design for the role."

"Corona?"

"Done - weapon refits are more suited to engagement of medium to small craft now. Gravships and the like. Nimbus has finished their trials, and it's in mass production gear-up now."

"What's replacing Eclipse then?"

"Ion-Class..."

Zin hit a control, and a ship similar to the Hachiman-Class appeared on the table top. The ship was smoother and more fluid though, like the other ships in the series.

"This is 90% done - exterior styling and the final placement of the weapon systems is the last 10%. We are expecting completion in 2 weeks."

----

Robots and conveyor belts were idle inside the factory - they had been motionless for a week. There was a lot of other motion as workers installed new machines and modified the old ones however. Tests pressed and punched out new parts, smoothed them off and moved them along. As the machines were tested one by one the new robot took shape.

Elsewhere other robots were being dismantled. Tests were run on each to determine if the core had any trace of sentience then the whole core was copied over to the master system. Each was then analyzed by a whole array of other systems and technicians. The information on these cores was very important - they were from robots that had participated in the fierce battles below Angmar. The tactics and knowledge they had 'created' would be transfered into the new cores being manufactured to guide the latest combat androids.

Molten metal cascaded from the ladle into the mold quickly filling it to the brim with the blazing liquid. Below the mold massive gears began to turn and move the whole assembly along as the ladle moved away to be refilled. Before the metal had cooled more than a few degrees a large assembly descended from above and shaved off layer after layer of metal until the top of the mold was perfectly smooth.

The mold moved again and it was suddenly mated with a new assembly from another line. The cone in the mold fuzed with the body as long rods rammed into the rapidly cooling metal and combined the two together. Vast arms held the unit in place as others pulled away the mold and jets of water sprayed over the surface producing a tremendous cloud of steam. The whole idled for a moment and then moved again until it was directly under a third assembly line.

Again another part joined the whole. A long array of pipes and part, generators and control assemblys dropped down the sleeve of the outer body and were welded into place by robotic arms that moved in a rapid blur of sparks and metal. As the assembly moved along the construct became clear - dozens of ramships were under construction. These were not the dense iridium hulled ramships used by the SDF - instead they were larger nickel-iron ramships. They were cheaper and more plentiful - destined for the fleets of the other Triumvirate nations. They were not meant to be inferior, simply cheaper and quicker to produce.

As each was finished they recieved their paint jobs. Some were simply black and red darts destined for the Dominion. Others were deep purple with orange highlights, while others still were a plain slate gray.

----

In the depths of space two fleets faced off. Crimson beams mixed with white as the ships traded blows while between them fighters raced and dodged. Battleships sent long lines of torpedos streaming across the distance to be picked off by opposing point defenses. Along the flanks frigates and cruisers probed and clashed in an attempt to breakthrough and encircle the enemy.

Of course this was a vast simplification - even with only twenty ships on both sides the lines stretched over a web of space a million meters on a side. Fighters engaged at ranges of a hundred thousand meters and frigates at two hundred. Even at the speed of light a shot can be dodged. Ships moved erratically to throw off opposing targetting, and gunners had to compensate for that as well as the local gravity fields and the fields generated by the various ships. The computer systems helped of course, but there was still a lot of instinct and elegance involved in each attack and counter.

Finally the skirmish ended and the ships formed up for the trip home. There was no loss of life - another successful training exersize between the Gen'Moki and SDF fleets.

Facility Thirty-Two, Ares Orbit

The clank of footsteps on metal flooring woke Johan from his introspection and alerted him to the presence of his fellow researchers. He had been watching the nodule grow - technically the growth was imperceptable but he had made a habit of studying his experiment for an hour every day.

"Well Johan - it looks like the experiment is going well. The nodule is nearly done, and only a week has passed."

"Well, it's only one hundred kilograms of iridium. We have done the same with silicon for computer chips for years. Whether the concept will work for the large quantity remains to be seen."

"We will know in a week - we've got word that we will be recieving a full shipment to begin the growth proceedure on."

"But that's..."

"Yep - fifty thousand tons."

----

In the dense asteroid field in the newly named Fractal system nearly a dozen ships made their way through the system slowly and carefully. They were 'checking the corners' so to speak, carefully watching for shadow ports and pirate ships. They were also laying beacons and sensor platforms in abundance. A Quartermaster was carefully moving it's way through the system as well, and a ship would occasionally move over to load up.

Outside the asteroid field another group of ships waited - marine transports and supply ships. Their purposes were twin. If a port was discovered they would board and secure it otherwise they would guard the supply ships as they placed their cargo through the system.

Aboard one of the supply ships technicians were finishing the deployment plan. Each package would be placed against an asteroid of a suitable size and covered with a camoflaged fabric. The packages themselves were passive - only the correct coded signal would wake them to deliver their payload.

In the yards over Shiva an unusual event was underway - dozens of ships were recieving a new coat of paint, exterior lights were replaced, and reactors brought to full power. Crews came aboard and one by one they pulled out of the yards along with a full battlegroup from the Ares theatre. Forming up outside the orbit of the furthest Shivan moon their reactors surged and they disappeared into subspace.

Arriving in the Fractal system the ships stopped and crews once again transfered over. A dozen ships, chosen at random, moved out from the fleet under remote guidance until they were nearly a hundred kilometers away. Then the other ships opened fire.

Pre-programmed bursts of fire and single torpedos streaked away as each ship used the opportunity for some live fire excersizes. Armor crumpled and bulkheads were ripped asunder under repeated blows. Gas vented into space as closed compartments vented into space and equippment was ripped into the vacuum.

Suddenly the fire from the ships cut out as the ships stopped their target practice. One by one the crews transfered back, this time in hardsuits, and began to effect repairs while the ships themselves were slowly towed deeper into the field. They could not see them, but around them they could almost sense the deadly packages deployed on the asteroids around them.

As each ship finished repairs the crew transfered off, leaving behind them a very bored II covering the watch. It made preparations as best it could, deploying internal defense systems, powering down non-essential systems, and generally looking like a hulk. Other undamaged ships nestled in amoung the asteroids, floating silently in positions that looked like they were scattered but carefully calculated to cover all approaches.

----

Other ships left the yards as well, though some were recent arrivals. Retired ships from TYCS and other Triumvirate commands made their way to the yards to join a small group of SDF warships. They had found their hiding hole - a place most perilous. A place bordered by the crushing tidal forces of gravity and the perils of violent streams of gas. There they would stay until called on. They would have to remain vigilant - a misstep or careless calculation would put the few men and women aboard beyond rescue, doomed to die as shadows of light.

File: 8828-5KTM-989D-NN93
Classification: Does Not Exist
Created: March 31st, 8:02pm, AFY2473

Summary:
This file contains the known data on the systems surrounding the Ares System (File: 9832-98V3-98MM-33US) and their current status as well as the causes of that status.

Main Text:
Surrounding the Ares System are five solar systems hereafter referred to as the Local Cluster (LC). Each is within 14.9 lightyears of Ares and given the evidence presented all 6 systems seem to have been the subject of some experimentation on a planetary and system wide scale.

Investigation of all the habitable orbit planets in the systems reveals that of some 8 planets 6 appear to have been inhabited at some point in the last 10,000 years. When all the planets are included it appears that over 50% had habitation of one kind or another in that period. However despite intensive searching we have determined that none now holds life.

The reason for this appears to be nothing less than mass genocide brought on by environmental tampering, biological manipulation, and direction weapons use. We have discovered evidence of weapon systems that have melted whole continents, and we have found cities in near perfect condition except for a lack of inhabitants.

The removal of all life from these planets seems to be complete right down to the bacterial level in some cases. In others, due to atmospheric disruption, orbital adjustment, or similar massive changes, only bacterial and similar sized creatures have survived. Based on evidence gathered and heresay and rumor we are being led to the conclusion that this destruction was intentional and was caused by one specifies. Their reasons are unknown but speculated to be experimental in nature. A calous disregard for sentient life coupled with a insatiable curiousity about the world around them.

Due to the nature of these worlds as 'barren' colonization is seen as a future possiblity. However much care must be taken when attempting this. Several incidents with infectious diseases have forced us to mark nearly a quarter of the habitable band planets as off-limits for the time being.

Security Rational:
This file is marked 'Does Not Exist' because the information it contains deals with the successful deployment of system-killer weapons by an alien species with currently unknown capabilites and an unknown location.

See File(s):
9932-LK21-NN44-ALPH

The ghost particles trailed great waves of air, gravity, and light distortion in their wake. Their speed made the moment a passing phrase, they shoved air molecules out of their way effortlessly, they smashed into the soil, and shoved that out of the way, great rumbled spread across the crust as the earth was reshaped, rocks were cracked in two, the dirt recoiled in pain as it was disturbed and ripped apart. The points in space quickly shot out of this dirt into a bubble of air, they rained down upon the building, ripping them asunder, tearing atoms and bonds, chaos reigned as they passed through. Yet, most buildings were not touched, the artificial city had lost buildings, but not all.

The super dense marbles trailed off the crust and into the innards of the planet, they speeded across the unseen things that dwelled there, and erupted from the other side. They left cracks in the crust as the opposite ships was assaulted by them. The stream was braked as they collided with the magnetic field. Slowly, the vast, inconceivable geometry brought them back in, through the hatch, and into their beds. They would sleep for a time.

Sensors came back online as they checked off the buildings according to their prefabricated charts. They beamed back to the orbiting parents of the ghosts as they examined. Seemingly satisfied, they fell back into the cool depths of the quantum chaos as the black glomes of dimensions collapsed around the two.

The dome was put up on the Market for cheap housing the next day.

(OOC: And I'm gone to virginia at 9:30pm today. Thankfully the forums were working.)

ASN News Blurb

New Gate Under Construction

Construction has begun on a second Aurora-Class wormhole gate in orbit around Ares. Our military experts suspect this is intended to double the transit capacity from the existing network, but others has more outlandish ideas. Rumors of a super-weapon or a gateway to an alternate dimension abound. Whatever the purpose of this new gate it seems to involve Mangala as this video shows.

-
A shot of the gate under construction plays, and a Mangalan cruiser is seen docking with the completed section.
-

----

ASN News Blurb

Henrik Brothers Launches UltraFactory

The Henrik Brothers corporation today launched it's massive spaceborne manufacturing and resource gathering facility. Named 'Henrik I' it will orbit through the system gathering resources with sub-ships as it passes areas of interest. Once it is up to speed it is expected to complete an orbit past Shiva every 90 days while picking up supplies and resources in the Crown, Ares, Menhit, and Shiva.

Henrick Brothers is a major manufacturer of starships for the SDF and is currently slated to produce the entire Corona-Class line. Henrik I will be producing nearly the entire line turning out 3 ships a year as well as countless other consumer goods and custom ship orders for other corporations.

The Henrik I

http://www.pacifier.com/~cziller/ultrafactory.jpg

ASN News Blurb

The Rich Get Richer?

According to government statistics released today 1% of Sunset's population control 99% percent of it's wealth. We asked a variety of citizens what they thought of the new statistics.

"Well, I just bought a new home in the country and I work in the mail room. Something must be working right."

"Sure I'm jealous - who wouldn't be? My husbands and I are only going to be able to afford one cruise to visit my brother on Shiva this year. Those Henrik brothers spend all year cruising the system."

"As a socialogy student I would have to point to statistics that show that while the wealthy are insanely wealthy we as a people are also some of the happiest people in general. I think this is a result of the 'Moral Capitalism' encouraged by the government as well as the founding principles. Most other capitalist nations tend to encourage cutthroat business while we encourage people to remember the little guy and give him a hand up the ladder."

"Man that guy rattled on. All I know is that I can eat out every day, and thanks to cutting edge medical technology and extremely good insurance plans I can afford that heart attack."

Our own experts indicated that this aggrigation of wealth was good for the economy. They pointed out that capital aggrigation allows more businesses to be created - which is also why gambling is so important.

"1 million people with 1 dollar can buy a million cheeseburgers. But 1 guy with 1 million dollars can establish a resturant, expand it to a chain, employ 24,000 people, and fuel our booming economy. You just don't see the commie nations out there doing that."

----

Captain Jernok coughed as he rushed around the smoke filled bridge trying to get a system, any system, back online. His ship had been raiding the Crown for over a year but his luck had run out. A 'freighter' had suddenly opened fire on him with military grade hardware and he was fighting for his life. His own fire had been absorbed by the ship without much more than carbon scoring.

Now half his crew was likely dead and he could hear the frantic sounds of gunfire over the intercom. They were boarding him - trying to take him alive. If he could get the artificial gravity controls online he could cripple the boarders, but the controls had shorted. This was a pirate ship and shortcuts had been taken.

Jernok cursed as he grabbed two wires and tried to twist them together. The current burned his fingers but he managed to get them to stay. The panel came back to life, and he stabbed the controls to no effect. Cursing again he hit the reset and waited the desperate seconds for the system to reboot. Over the comms he could hear the gunfire grow more sporadic until finally he was sure he was the last one alive.

Reboot completed he pulled the controls up to maximum. 'Time to go out with a bang...' he though as he entered the override code. Twenty times normal gravity would kill most anyone standing up. He punched the controls and dropped to the deck plating before they kicked in. He could feel the stress on his chest start to increase. He began to black out as blood began to pull towards his back.

Incredibly he suddenly heard footsteps clanging on the deck outside the bridge. There was a thud, then a wrenching sound as the doors were pulled open and a metallic killing machine walked through. It was covered in blood and spikes at elbows and knees still held bits of flesh and muscle. Calmly walking over to him it examined the console, picked it up, and tore it out of the wall.

The failsafes cut in, restoring gravity to normal. Jernok was not in a position to fight however as he was nearly unconsious. The think grabbed him, held his face to it's own, and slung him over one shoulder as it exited the bridge.

In a rush of light the wormhole over Ares sprang into existance and the first Menelmacari ship to travel to Ares entered the system. It was not the largest ship though it's cargo would prove important for the future of the planet and the system. Aboard were engineers skilled in the creation of planetary weapons - specifically the vaunted Grand Cannons used for counter-orbital fire.

On the surface sites were already being cleared and leveled - six sites spaced evenly around the planet. These would be the first installed with the potential for more. The planetary versions were not the only ones being considered - one moon of each planet was surveyed for concealed emplacements along 6 vectors. Their weapons would not need to be as powerful since they had no atmosphere to blast through.

----

In the massive orbital factory that assembled the Nova-Class Ramships replacements for those destroyed over Mars were being laid down. Like their sister ships they had massive iridium cones with layers of armor over the top - the difference was that in each one behind the cone and bracing bulkheads there was a massive HOBD generator.

These were the largest generators yet created - each capable of affecting a ten kilometer radius. The effect would be lessed through armor of course, but they could kill the entire crew of a ship with only a near miss. This would add additional flexibility and make even dodging the ships problematic.

----

Around Menhit ten ships settled into orbit around a desolate moon then each slowly landed with the assistance of powerful tractor beams. The Hades-Class ships had returned via the Venus gate to Proxima Centauri then on to Ares as soon as the battle was over. Here they would remain until needed again - though they were not silent.

As they settled into their cradles each ship began to slowly change. Upgrades were due - thought these were not ships that could simply have parts swapped out. Instead new information was fed directly into the ship and it made the changes. Bio-metallic flesh rippled and moved as systems reconfigured or were re-absorbed. Other systems began to grow as the ships gained new weapon systems and upgraded others with units beyond what they had.

Preliminary Report, MDF Survey Corps Mission DeltaPhi

Classification: Most Secret - Council Only
Created: July 29th, AFY2473

Report on Ares Local Cluster System "Dioscuri"

The Dioscuri System consists of a stable Sol type star ("Leda") and four orbiting planets. A thin asteroid belt lies between the second and third planets.

D-1 "Castor"
The first planet from Leda is a barren and rocky world, similar to primal Mars. This is inconsistent with the fact that it is in an orbit closer to what is expected for an Earth-type planet. High background levels of radiation and obvious cratering in the planet's southern hemisphere support the conclusion that Castor suppoted life at some point in the past. Our initial survey shows that, despite it's damage, the planet is geologically stable and possibly areoformable. Gravity is 1.3 Mars norm. Castor has one small rocky moon; Phoebe.

D-2 "Pollux"
The second planet out is in a more traditional Mars-type orbit, though slightly farther out. Conditions are similar to primal Mars, though mean temperature is actually colder. Though more difficult, areoformation is also practical for this planet. An initial survey did not turn up signs of life. Volcanic activity is slightly above the norm for a planet this far out, but is not threatening. Gravity is .9 Mars norm. There are no moons

Asteroid Belt - Dioscuri's thin asteroid belt offers far less possibilities than a Sol-type belt, however some mining opportunities are possible. [attached request for secondary survey of asteroid belt]

D-3 "Leviathan"
D-3 is a gas giant similar to Saturn. The high chlorine content of the atmosphere gives the planet a greenish tinge, though nitrogen also appears to be comewhat plentiful. Leviathan has a ring system similar to Saturn's, though the planet is perhaps 4/5 of Saturn's size.

D-4 "Balam"
D-4 offers little possibilities for future development, save as a convenient fleet-base. Its diameter (approx. 3.4x that of Pluto) would mean that artifical gravity would need to be maintained for long-term application.

Preliminary Conclusions:
Colonisation of this system is a definite possibility. It should be noted, however, that the system has been red-flagged by Sunset for infectious diseases. Caution is advised.

[end report]

-----

John Simmons, a worker in the orbital factory Mangala maintained, slid into his chair with a sigh and ordered a beer. On Mangala's Ares installations, especially the Anuke moonbase, activity was rising to a fever pitch. John had been working double shifts for two weeks now, and while the pay was good the extra work was tiring. No one was certain about why the sudden fleet buildup was occurring, but rumors flew.
One of Johns drinking buddies planetside was a government accountant, and he had told him that there was something big in the works. Something about having to cover up a multi-trillion simoleon transaction. John himself was starting to get suspicions himself. Building an orbital weapons platform was one thing, but why here? Sunset defended the system, and Mangala had minimal assets there. And if the platform was really supposed to be for "system security" than why had the design team gone to such lengths to make it mobile?

<Mark, will return when needed as per our agreement>

The Planning Group was back in session - new faces of course - and pondering the next full fleet refit in 2600. It was a lot of pre-planning but it never hurt to be prepared.

"You know, most of us will likely be dead in 75 years..."

"Job security. Anyway - I have a name scheme proposal. It's based on an old Earth RPG of the 20th century. I've sent a copy to everyone as well as the virtual update done in 2322."

"Dawn Caste, Zenith Caste, Eclipse Caste... I like it so far. The names follow the functions pretty well. Any design proposals?"

"None - we will start with those in 2550."

----

Five ships formed up and left Ares orbit that December morning - the Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, Mississippi, and the Ob'. The 12th Sunset Exploration Group was on it's maiden join exploration mission. They would head spinward and visit every star along a path 20 light years wide for a hundred light years. This far into the galaxy that was a lot of stars and the mission was expected to last decades with the ships returning to Ares every couple of years.

They were not the only ships leaving either. With the easing of tensions around Mars and the continued production of Venture C's in the Ares yards three other groups had left in the last year.

----

ASN News Report

Villanova Dies

The Governor's Office reported that Fidelo Villanova, the governor of the Ares system since it's founding, has died peacefully in his sleep. He was 247. A private funeral will be held in New Vancouver and afterward the body will lie in state for a week before being buried. Internment will take place in a memorial constructed on the site of the original Ares landing.

President Al-Zeif has appointed retired Admiral Thomas Edge to replace Governor Villanova. He took office this morning soon after Villanova's death was discovered. Villanova's sizable estate has been left to the people to be maintained as a mueseum and educational facility. He had no spouse and no children. His remaining relatives are on Mars.

----

ASN News Blurb

Political Change in the Winds?

With the population of Ares and other Sunset colonies approaching parity with the Martian population it has been suggested that the political capital of Sunset be moved to Ares when it's population exceeds Martian Sunset's. This is seen as the reasonable move, though others are also suggesting the capital be removed entirely in favor of virtual government.

She was an original - a Cohort-Class Cruiser built and decommissioned hundreds of years ago. Now she was only one of a dozen such ships left. The rest were training ships used by the cadets for training cruises; this old girl was to be a target.

"All systems read ready Commander..."

"Excellent."

The new Commander of the New Phobos defense batteries looked over the various stations and the beings that manned them. While the computers did all the work people were still involved to monitor and more importantly to add that innovative edge. For this test every bit of data would be entered manually and checked by the computers instead of the other way around.

"Is the target ready?"

"Target reports ready. Range reads as medium."

"On my mark begin manual firing."

The crew paused for a moment and looked to the Commander. He focused on the target. The old ship had been bleached to near white by the passage of time and there were scars on her hull from the years in the Shiva mothball yards. Still her shields were ready and power surged through her reactors as she prepared to try to stave off the blow.

"Fire!"

For a moment the screen went opaque as plasma burst from the emitter in a titanic burst that crossed the intervening space in a heartbeat. The computer compensated quickly enough to show the burst hitting the Cohort and blowing directly through it. The shields had peeled away like flower petals, and the hull material was simply vaporized by the helium plasma. Moments later her cores breached and she scattered across the sky in a rapidly expanding circle of debris.

"Test successful. Initiate tower retraction. Good job everyone."

Slowly the tower began to slide back into it's silo under the surface of New Phobos. The tower did not need to be raised normally, but it affected a better firing arc. As soon as the emitter dropped below the surface the huge armored blast doors iris'ed shut. The cannon would be tested once a month but hopefully it would never need to be fired in anger.

----

Captain Jernok was led up the twelve steps onto the scaffold where he would shortly die. Hung over the crosspiece was his method of execution - a set of iron chains. Piracy was tradition in his family and he would die traditionally.

----

ASN News Blurb

Gate Completed, But Where Will It Go?

The multi-trillion di-coin wormhole gate being constructed in Ares orbit has been completed and is now undergoing testing. The question is: Where is it going? While a specific destination has not been announced rumors continue to circulate that the gate's destination is a distant system colonized in secret by a mega-corporation. Our sources cannot confirm this but no other speculation has been circulating.

----

"Gentlebeings, the release of the Black Knight drive presents a unique opportunity. I've begun quiet negotiations through our Martian channels to obtain a license to produce these drives for our exclusive use. The reason is of course exploration but if we find something nothing would stop us from setting up our own little colony.

With twenty million people employeed by Henrick Brothers I think we need to get all of our eggs out of this single basket as well. Find a nice little moon or planet and set up our own resource gathering operation.

Now this plan will need your full cooperation. I have plans here for all of your divisions, and I want this to be our top priority once we get the liscense for that drive."

First their crews had been stripped and their systems disabled. Then it was a quick trip via recovery cruiser to Titan then through the gate to Proxima Centauri. Their numbers had been halved then as ships were left at the Royal Shipyards for use by the Valinon intelligence services. The rest were searched again by combined Valinon/Sunset teams and sent through to Ares with their systems powered down.

Now they were being refitted. Computer systems were stripped out and replaced by faster and more redundant SDF military systems. The best the Triumvirate had to offer was being placed aboard in the form of Terrasect drives, advanced plasma systems, and other similar hardware. As much as possible the outer look of the ship was kept intact - except for the designations. These were carefully altered to appear newer though not too new.

They also recieved extremely controlled fleet technology. Short range transporters, HOBD torpedos, upgraded shield generators, redundant generators, and the newest inertial shielding.

The ships - two battleships, two carriers, eight cruisers, and eight destroyers - were to be commerce raiders. Not quite legal pirates. They would just destroy instead of capture, forcing the Kajal fleet to spread itself thin to secure their own holdings from this raiding fleet. A war was still on - though no further Kajal action had occured. Due to a generous infusion of cash the ships would be done in two years instead of the usual 4-5 for a much higher quality SDF warship. Then they would strike.

Like a billion other people on Ares that day Andy Odenhall checked the reader hologram outside a convenience store to see if his name had come up. Everyday he bought a ticket - what was a dollar a day after all? He watched as the attractive announcer for the 'Billion Balls' lottery went through the mostly extraneous steps of determining the days winner. The computer had likely generated the winner an hour ago. The process of watching a nearly naked announcer recieve the envelope, explain the game, and other trivialities was mostly designed to keep you playing. The payout was 97% after all - and 3% of a billion was a lot of money.

'I'll bet she gets 1% of that too.' he thought as she finally opened the envelope in a tight shot that showed plenty of flesh. The camera zoomed out as she flipped open the paper.

"And the winner of today's Billion Balls jackpot is... Number 984,198 - Andy Odenhall! Congradulations Andy! If you'll present your ticket to the nearest Billion Balls kiosk I'll be there in an hour to present your money in person..."

Andy stood there for a moment stunned. He took his ticket out of his pocket and read the embedded in the plastic. #984,198. It was his ticket - and there was the kiosk. A woman was there buying a ticket for tomorrow's drawing - she didn't know that today's winner was about 10 feet away from her. As soon as she left he stepped up and inserted his ticket in the reader. It had been there all this time marked with a little yellow tag that read 'Winner? Find Out!'.

The screen flashed and Andy could see the announcer standing there. "Hello - you must be Andy. I'll be there in an hour with a crew - keep that ticket handy."

The announcer arrived in about 35 minutes via a very expensive sub-orbital transport. By the time she arrived she had changed completely and proceeded to spend the next 5 minutes parading around the kiosk area in another skimpy outfit talking to Andy about what he was going to do with the money, and what he felt, and similar public interest questions. A small crowd had gathered, though a group of very intimidating looking sentients had come aboard the transport and were keeping them in line.

As soon as the camera was off she pulled on an expensive leather trenchcoat and hopped into the transport, motioning for Andy to follow.

"Have a seat Andy. Now that that's out of the way let me tell you what happens now. I can either give you 970 million di-coins right now, or I can keep those 970 million di-coins."

"Why would I want you to keep them?"

"Because I'll invest them for you. You know why the government likes gambling, right?"

"Builds capital in a single individual, amoung other things."

"Exactly. The same offer has been made to every other person who has won - and 90% have accepted. They don't want to take the time to find a financial planner and all of the other things the wealthy need to do - what I already have. I'll take this money and invest it, earning you more money, while keeping some of the money earned for myself. You will get at least 970 million di-coin's - but not all at once. Instead it will be paid out over 20 years along with your percentage of any profits. But only if you let me keep it - minus the first five percent of course."

Andy thought about it for a while - she was right, he just wanted to spend it. Maybe start his own business, buy a nice house... Plus it would be safe.

"Alright - I want a lawyer to look over the contract, but I'll do it. Can I have the 5% now and if the lawyer doesn't like the contract I get the rest."

She fixed him with a dazzling smile. "Absolutely - just sign it and check the '24 hour waver' box. Almost everyone has asked for the same thing."

He signed, and she went back outside to the bank terminal beside the kiosk. She signed in and transfered the money, and he checked his balance. Shaking his hand she hopped back into the transport. "24 hours Mr. Odenhall. My number's on the contract."

Just outside the orbit of New Phobo's, Ares furthest moon, a fleet appeared. Thousands of warships began burning inward while they launched their first barrages. On the surface deep in hidden command centered warning blared and calls for assistance went out. Even as the first barrages raced past towards their targets below the first actions were taken by the planetary defenses.

Silos slid open on the moons and enormous plasma cannon raced out into the cold vacuum. As each locked into position they began to fire massive bursts of thermal energy into the approaching fleet. One by one more joined the barrage as the attacking fleet raced past the first line of defense.

All over the system warships turned and leapt to defend their home while warships in orbit turned and moved to engage the attackers. It was a hopeless battle at this point - dozens of ships against thousands. Their sacrifice had one goal - to keep the ships away long enough for re-inforcements to arrive. Energy flared as plasma lanced back at the approaching fleet. It was followed by a sheet of twinkling lights as the point defense systems on the ships opened up attempting to destroy the incoming barrages before they passed into the atmosphere.

On the surface below flight crews raced to their fighters. Men and women and those between raced onto the tarmak and to the machines they would shortly use to defend their homes. They would be joined in orbit by the fighters now rushing from the carrier bays, the on-call pilots flung into the fray by the magnetic launchers that now waited for the next fighter to drop into the bay.

Missiles began to cross into the atmosphere. They were indescriminate at this point - no intelligence had told them where to strike, just that there were targets to strike. They centered on large heat sources and manuvered downward. Some simply missed; being too far from a large enough heat source to manuver to it. Others were destroyed by the point defenses of the fleet and on board the fighters that were rushing past. Others landed and millions died in incadesent fireballs that bloomed only for a moment.

Ships began to die as well. Enemy ships exploded as the dreadnoughts and cruisers concentrated their fire. Fewer SDF warships died at first - they were simply better than their opponents. But there were thousands left and they would be rapidly overwhelmed and destroyed. Reinforcements were on the way though.

Light flared on one side of the battlefield in orbit as the wormhole gate yawned wide. Ships began to pour through - the Mars theatre ships were rushing to defend their sister world. Part of the enemy fleet turned to meet this new thread - a branch numbering in the thousands by itself. Light flared again and again as ship poured through and rushed to meet the enemy.

Already the battlefield was littered with the corpses of dead starships and other debris. The cannons had done their part but they had been destroyed by the passing fleet. On their rear ships harried them, destroying first the supply escorts and then the supply ships themselves. In the center of the rear offensive was the Hades fleet - the dark organic looking warships blasting ship after ship into expanding vapor with combined blasts.

Part of the attacking fleet turned to deal with this threat from the rear while others pressed on. They were nearing the planet now after batting aside the defending ships in pitched battle. Transports began to unload dropships or head into the atmosphere themselves as battleships poured fire down into the cities and onto the remaining planetary batteries.

It was going poorly for the defenders at that moment. Troops were landing, the reinforcing fleet was struggling to establish a beachhead, and the attackers in the rear of the enemy fleet were all but destroyed.

Things changed in an instant. On the flanks of the battle ships appeared out of the blackness of space as the combined Triumvirate fleets arrived from Saturn space. The cloud of ships began to move inward - ships as varied as the flags they flew. A vicious crossfire erupted as the battleships - Supreme Emperors, Sky Marshalls, Komodos, Shogunates, and others concentrated fire on first one ship and then another. Fighters flung from the bays of carriers as the thousands of diverse fighters raced to close with their enemy.

Within an hour the battle in space was over. Thousands of shattered ships drifted lazily as the combined fleets moved into orbit. On the surface below the story was different. Enemy troops fought on. Their goal was not survival - they were warriors breed to die. Inflict as much damage as possible before dying was their goal, and there were millions of them. Landing in urban centers they raced to the slaughter. Many died - an armed populace fought back with everything they had - but they were military force against untrained civilians.

In the cities with marine bases it was a different story. Marine aviation destroyed incoming transports or forced them down where they were destroyed by attack groups from the city. Many a downed transport found itself under attack from air wings and then just as suddenly under attack by vicious armored figures who stalked the survivors with cyan death at the ready.

It was a week before combat ended on the planet, and months before all the remaining enemy troops were hunted down. Few surrendered - though those that did were treated fairly.

----

The simulation was over. It had taken weeks to prepare all the data but it had pointed out some glaring holes in the planet's defense. One could not account for everything but this would help cover the largest holes.

Ivan Van Der Moot was a meteoroligist. Every day he watched the weather and fed the information to an outragiously attractive woman who actually did the weather report. She did a fine job of it too - though her schooling was more in keeping the eye fixed on the screen while she went through the weather report. Apparently she was finishing her doctorate in particle physics though, so the weather was just a side gig to get her through university.

His gaze finally drifted from the studio monitor back to the weather map. On a terraformed world the weather wasn't always as predicable as it was on Earth. Within the last few decades a weak jet stream had formed and was slowly forming more powerful weather systems. Thunderstorms were common through one area of open plains and Ivan was watching for the signs of tornado formation.

----

The shipyards above Ares were especially busy during the end of the year. The government had decided to spend their surplus in retro-fitting the fleet with TYCS-standard terrasect drives. The design teams had already updated the new ships coming out of the yards with designated areas for the drives - but the current starships had to have the upgrade spliced in wherever possible - which was why Gus and his teammate Art were hanging upside down on the torpedo bridge of an Eclipse-Class Cruiser.

"Ok Art - I've found the right plate. You wanna double check it for me?"

All the plates were numbered to make repairs easier - it also made it easier to locate the cut point for the power leads. A quick double check and they started to punch through the hull with a precision energy drill. The team inside had removed all the volatile and fragile equipment from the other side - they would wait until the drill had punched through before coming back in to clean up the hole.

With the drill positioned the two hauled a new piece of plating over and carefully welded it into place around the hole. The drill would take hours - the hulls were a laminate of the best materials avaliable to Sunset and it's allies. While not particularly thick - it didn't need to be due to the shields - it was very dense and absorbed most of the energy from the drill. The plating would overlap the existing material and keep weapons fire from punching through the weaker hull section.

The two also set dozens of other drills as well, and re-fueled the main drill. These drills would strip away enough plating to allow the terrasect unit to be mounted directly on the spaceframe instead of onto armor. The unit wasn't floating along with the rest of the equipment. It was in the shuttle bay guarded by marines in hardsuits with weapons ready.

Crew Transfer Proposal
Attn: Adm. David Edge, SEC HQ

SEC/TEC Crew Transfer Proposal

This proposal covered the transfer of personnel to allied command and from allied command. The service period is to be per term and is to be voluntary on the part of SDF personnel.

Details:

Transfer Basis
Preferred transfer will be on a per ship basis with crew filling approximately the same roles as their counterparts. This is intended to establish a rapport between the two ships that may prove useful in further join operations.

Transfer Totals
Transfer opportunities are set at 15 crew members per SEC ship (750 positions total) with transfer to be set and done at appropriate re-provisioning or stopover periods.

Transfer Roles
Because of the difference between the two command's ships it is recommended that transfer be limited to scientific and contact personnel only. Technical, command, and security transfers are only to be considered if there is a secondary specialization in a recommended role and only with the approval of both commanding officers.

Equipment Transfers
Personnel should be transfered with their existing equipment to provide a familiar work enviroment. They should be encouraged to use superior equipment when possible and all equipment will need to pass specifications before use.

Security Requirements
Personnel should have security clearances appropriate to one level above the position they are filling due to the restricted nature of many of the various exploration commands missions.

----

This looks good - forward it to the Treznor exploration command and see what they think. Also create a version for all ToY exploration commands and dispatch to them for consideration.

Admiral Edge

Devon Treznor leans forward at his desk as he reads through the proposal. "It looks pretty good to me," he remarks. "What do you two think?"

"We're going to have to take careful measures on security," puts in Ben Vitner. As Minister of Intelligence, that would be his primary concern. "There isn't much we can do that the Sunset folks can't, but if this would be a perfect opportunity for them to learn more about us, perhaps more than we'd like them to know. I know I'd love the opportunity to slip in a few intelligence agents among those transfers."

Treznor shakes his head and grins. "Patience, man. I agree with the security measures, especially if a Sunset scientist is on the ship that finds our Holy Grail. But no sneaking anybody into the crew rosters. Let's keep this above board at least for now. This is a trial run, so let's not screw it up." He turns his head to address the woman seated next to Ben. "Maria? What are your thoughts?"

"Absolutely, I'm all for it," replies the head of Treznor Space Command. "Our space elements are still pretty rough, especially by comparison to veterans like Sunset out there. We have an awful lot to learn from them, and they get the chance to explore galaxies previously outside their range. For that matter, I'd like to see us getting involved in Mars, but that's outside my scope."

"Oh? Why Mars?"

"Experience. You've obviously been cozying up to everyone in the Triumvirate you can, trying to place our people in strategic positions to learn as much about life in hostile environments as possible. Mars, for all of its political problems, is a natural school ground for us. How better to learn how to deal with alien environments than to get in on a terraforming project right in our own back yard?"

Treznor sits back in his chair and ponders this. Then he grins at Ben. "I do believe the Admiral has a point. Maria, I think I need to keep you closer to home if you're going to keep having good ideas like that."

Admiral Sanchez looks distinctly uncomfortable, a fact that Treznor doesn't miss. "Oh, relax. I'm not going to take you away from your beloved ships. But I must remember to keep you in the loop more often. Consider it due punishment for demonstrated capability. You know the military rule."

Sanchez sighs. "Never volunteer. Yes, Sir."

"All right. Who do we send to them? We've got a significant portion of our able bodies doing tours with the TYCS, and our own tiny fleet of merchants, escorts and exploration vessels. Do we draw equally from them or do we raid one particular group over the others?"

"They're specifying scientific and contact staff; I assume that means communications personnel. That would necessitate pulling the bulk of the staff from exploration," Ben points out.

Sanchez visibly flinches. "They're also talking about 750 personnel. We only have a few thousand in the whole Space Command. I think they overestimated the size of our fleets. I'm not sure I have that many to draw from."

Treznor drums his fingers on the desk as he ponders this. "There's always the cadets. We've got a new batch of midshipmen ready to cycle into the program."

"They're not going to be able to contribute much to the exchange of knowledge," Sanchez protests. "Sunset's stated goal is to learn about our systems as much as teaching us theirs."

"And cadets fresh out of Academy will have nothing but protocol running through their heads. They just won't have it cemented into their routines yet. Plus, their knowledge of our systems is going to be cutting edge. So in terms of getting acquainted with SDF protocols, there's no one better to prep us for joint operations."

"They might not like that," Ben cautions. "We're essentially asking them to season our newbies for us."

"There's nothing in the proposal that rules it out." Treznor taps the document with a finger. "And we're still hashing out the details. They could just as easily do the same to us. The problem is they've got a much larger pool to draw from than we do, so they're going to have to accept a few compromises or reduce the scope a bit. I don't want all of our experienced folk heading over there while we're still in the middle stages of Project Exodus."

"It has its advantages and disadvantages," Sanchez concedes. "The worst that can happen is they say 'no.' At which point we go back to the drawing board."

"Exactly, Admiral. Let's try for an even mix; half our our experienced personnel and half of the midshipmen. Write it up and pass it by my desk for approval. I'll forward it on to them."

"Yes, Sir."

"On your way, then. Ben, stick around. We need to talk about Mars."

"Contact is not always friendly Admiral. You'll find that our contact people are quite the mixed bag because of that."

Admiral Edge had sent the request for a face to face with his opposite number through the chain of command and was now talking directly to Sanchez.

"Most of our contact specialists are just as good with a gun as they are sitting around a campfire and hashing out a sign language. They will certainly help when you run into sentients - and the people you send over will get a chance to learn contact with a seasoned crew. Don't worry about the experience level either. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but two old dogs will trade tricks in my experience."

After a couple minutes of chatting he switched to the subject of transfer locations.

"Most of the SEC operates from here now, which means a Mars transfer." He didn't say where here was. "Plus a lot of them are in the field. So any transfer would be spread out. Perhaps one ship a month at the most - plenty of time to make arrangements."

Admiral Maria Sanchez smiles warmly at her counterpart. "I take your meaning, Admiral, but I'm afraid your people are going to be bored in that case. We've now sent probes to over three thousand systems throughout our galactic supercluster, and we haven't found any evidence of intelligent life in any of them. The planets we've following up on have contained biospheres that sported some fairly advanced animal species, but nothing we could describe as sentient. Frankly, we're not looking for a first contact scenario; our probes are programmed to seek secondary objectives if they detect evidence of intelligent life in their primary targets. Thus far, everything has been quiet.

"But I concede the possibility of finding such a civilisation and the need for contact personnel if we approach them. So long as they don't mind exploring essentially dull worlds and braving the hazards of transition travel, we'll be glad to have them along."

She nods at the description of the timetable. "We're looking to send out a new fleet of exploration ships, ones that are more heavily armoured to avoid more incidents such as what occurred with the Orpheus recently. Our ship-building facilities are mostly taken up with this new Black Knight drive project, so the going is slow. Transitioning crews at one a month is certainly acceptable. In the meanwhile, we do have a small military fleet that could benefit from close interaction with allied forces. We purchased all of them from one of your neighbours, El Hefe, and I understand you'll find the technology reasonably close to your own. Until the exploration craft are ready, we could perhaps begin by focusing our transfers there."

Advisor Ke'Ren had been asked to speak to the students at the University of Ares as part of their History of Sunset Exploration class. He had been a guest lecturer before - though the Gen'Moki did not have universities themselves he had taken to the task nicely.

"When the Gen'Moki were still evolving they walked through a world that had already been developed. Camps were made in open pit mines - though we did not know them as such - from a civilization that still exceeds our own in length. What happens over the 80,000 years of a civilization - even a starfaring one?"

He paused for a moment and looked out over the sea of faces. The class was only the front row - his lecture was so popular it had been moved to the auditorium instead.

"Your world is used up. Some point to the myth of the self-sustaining economy. Such does not exist - it is one of the laws of energy. Our world, like the Earth I have read about in your textbooks, was used up. But we did not have the chance to use it - and our growth has been slow as a result. We were fortunate to reach the stars and find others nearby. We could expand with the resources gained - though they were not the bounty that humanity discovered when it left Earth. These too were used up."

ooc: wow I've fallen behind here... the following happens before the completion of the wormgate sunset was building.

IC:

Ship after ship began to appear through the wormhole gate. Most were uniformly bricklike and blocky. What they lacked in grace they made up for in cargo capacity. the collection of ships contained over one million souls, as well as volumes of cargo. Ship AIs chattered back and fourth, and human pilots checked in with Sunset orbital control. A few Mangalan fleet capital ships, mostly small frigates, manuvered around the massed convoy like dogs herding sheep.

En masse, the convoy turned towards a prearranged rendezvous point. There they would join elements of the Valinon fleet, and proceed to Dioscuri using conventional FTL drives.

---

IC: A moment of silence will be [ooc: was, actually, but hey fluid time eh?] observed on all Mangalan system com traffic and in Mangalan government installations in the Ares system, to honor the late Fidelo Villanova. Villanova was a true friend and ally of Mangala, and we owe him much. Mangala will also be contributing state funds to the maintenence in perpetuity of his estate. A small exhibit detailing his contributions to the nation of Mangala and the Duma will also be financed by Mangala.

A minor political crisis began to erupt as the population of Ares approached parity with the Martian portion of the nation. Thus far the people had been replicating the political structure of their home nation - now generations removed - though they had been effectively ruled by the home nation thanks to the President being appointed by the Martian Senate. Now it was time for a decision.

A rising movement was arguing for complete independance from the home nation - for Ares and all of her colonies. Why should the people be beholding to a President appointed by a Senate elected purely from the Martian population? No taxation without representation. Many also saw the lopsided disposition of the SDF as being biased towards Sol. While military analysists pointed out that Ares was far more secure and thus need fewer fleet ships many disagreed.

Another emerging view was that the government should inform the senators of the existance of Ares and allow senators to be elected from the entire population. This would be truely representational but risky - Senators were elected in a method that made it likely that a senator could be an everyday citizen. Not all of them were trained in operational security and loose lips sink colony's.

----

"We need to work this out before we reach parity - or before we face a possible civil war."

Thomas Edge, Governor of the Ares system, seemed especially earnest about this last statement.

"Civil war? Are you nuts? The idea hasn't been broached by even the most unreasonable person..."

"Quite serious..." he said with a slight twinkle in his eye.

"Uh huh. Well here's my proposal."

"Go ahead..."

"Well, I think we should move to a virtual government. The idea has been proposed before, but the more I think about it the more I like it. The Senators could be elected out of the population as normal, but the Martian Senators would not know the location of Ares - no need. All meetings would take place in the existing VR's and we would wire in a connection through Spook."

Edge interupted here.

"What about services though? Much of what the Senate does requires a good working knowledge of the population in a specific area and the services they require."

"Virtual world. We can feed the senators the figures, the locations, and everything without them seeing or knowing any outside information. The Senators from Ares would know this of course - and likely they would handle most of the government for Ares anyway."

"Agreed. Let's flesh it out some more, then present it to Al Zief."

----

ASN News Blurb

Our sources in the government are reporting that the current large fleet movement by the Mangalan government is a full scale colony effort designed to relieve stress on their Martian population. Official government statements have been lacking, but what few there are claim that this is simply a joint excersize between the Mangalan and Valinon forces simulating a planetary invasion.

In other space news the Henrick Brothers have launched Henrick 2 and 3. These titanic space ships, smaller versions of the flagship Henrick 1, have been designated as 'Long Range Resource Harvestors'. Rumors are flying that these kilometer long ships are equipped with the so-called 'Black Knight' FTL drives. The Henrick Brothers recently secured a liscense for their production, though the cost still puts them out of range of 99% of the population. Rumors have started that the brothers intend to start their own colony on a nearby world - recent increases in capital spending by the company seem to bear this out.

ASN News Blurb

With the birth of the three billionth citizen parity between Sunset Mars and it's colonies has been achieved. In recognition of this momentous event President Al Zief and Governor Edge have made several major announcements. The following statement by President Al Zief is particularly exciting.

"In recognition of our landmark population boom the government has voted to hold a national celebration lasting the entire year. To fund this celebration the Senate and I have decided to eliminate the normal sales tax and draw all government funds for the year from the slush fund."

The government has also announced it's intention to move to a purely virtual government. While the entire population has always been allowed to vote citizens from the colonies have not been allowed to stand for Senator according to their colonist agreement. That portion has been struck, and hundreds of citizens have already declared their intention to run. Governor Edge issued the following statement:

"The decision to move to a virtual government was not made lighty, but the President and the Senate both agreed that it is the only way for our government to keep the process open while retaining system security. Another large change is coming as well - the colony governors will be selected from among their population by the Senate."

In the wake of these announcements rumors are beginning to fly that both President Al Zief and Governor Edge are contemplating retirement. A 'hotlist' of possible candidates has been circulating on the systemnet - we will have details on the members of this hotlist in our next broadcast.

----

Encyclopedia Sunset

Entry: Aqua'For (Synopsis)

The Aqua'For are an aquatic sentient species that evolved on an unknown planet approximately 1200ly from Sol. According to data known at present the species only achieved sentience within the last thousand years (Approx 1500AD). Their current space flight capabilities are suspected to be the result of an encounter between a more advanced species and their own. No evidence of this is avaliable but the species shows an average level of intelligence and has not demonstrated a rapid level of advancement.

The species itself is divided into males and females. They mate for life and are noted for their closeness. Physically they are similar enough to be indestinguishable. The Aqua'For is constructed around a long, flexible cartilige analog spine. This stretches from the single split locomotive flipper at the base to the four lobed skull at the top of the long neck. The main locomotive flipper is supplimented by a pair of manuvering flippers mounted on an enlarged vertibrea right below the apparent shoulders. These are placed for manuvering more than propulsion and are split at the tip into three muscular fingers capable of opposed gripping.

The circulatory system is oxygen based and consists of gill analogs along the neck and a unique heart system located along the spine. The heart requires regular undulating movement by the Aqua'For to keep pumping. This means their bodies must be under near constant movement. Aqua'For tend to appear more energetic than most sentients when on land, but when underwater they tend to drift nuetrally undulating slowly while going about their everyday activities.

One of the other unique traits of the Aqua'For is their excratory system. When they have access to a regular diet of fish and shellfish they excrete a unique gel that quickly hardens underwater or on land. The gel is a long chain hydrocarbon - plastic. The Aqua'For have build some elements of their own technology around the shaping of this material into useful items though use of refined chemicals.

"Here are the current classes along with the progress on each..."

Dawn Class Dreadnought - Done

Zenith Class Heavy Cruiser - Done

Twilight Class Heavy Explorer - In Progress

Dragon Class Assault Transport - In Progress

Night Class Cruiser - In Progress

"We still need to finalize the carrier class name, the supply cruiser class name, and the interdictor class name. I've also got a proposal to toss out there."

"What's that?"

Tapping the tabletop the team lead brought up a holo of a standard ramship.

"Reinventing the wheel are we?"

"Nope - look at the scale. This would be 800 meters. I'm thinking we need something to kill the two and three kilometer ships out there. A starlancer can do it, but it takes a couple. This thing would only need one - every time. I'm thinking of calling it the Unconquered Sun Class..."

----

ASN News Blurb

In a stunning development police in Hanover on Ares revealed they had busted a corruption ring in that cities courts. Judges were paid to convict suspects by the management of ISInc, a local indentured servitude company. Their repayment time was signed over to ISInc and the 'criminals' would be used for dangerous experiments.

----

ASN News Blurb

After a month of no contact the SDF Columbia has been declared lost with all hands. The Columbia was the flagship of Sunset Exploration Command and has always been at the forefront of exploration and science. Many famous researchers were on board the ship and their loss is a blow to scientific research throughout the nation. The Columbia is the 74th ship declared lost in the history of the SDF as well as the third time a ship that carries that name has been lost.

While there is no official word as to the region of space the Columbia was lost in, unofficial sources tell ASN that the Columbia was on a long range mission, possible opposite Ares along the galactic core.

The first time the shipping container appeared on any cargo manifest was when it entered Alpha Centauri aboard a frieghter moving goods from Bright Morning through the Valinon checkpoint to Mars. The container spend a month in orbit around Mars before being loaded on a Knootoss frieghter headed back to Earth after dropping off a load of Pink Bunny ingredients and various recreational drugs. After a week in orbit around Earth it was finally transfered to Rotterdam and aboard a ship heading for El Hefe.

"Here is it Pim - 'Mechanical Parts'." The sailor checked the manifest again as well as the number on the shipping container. According to his instructions they were supposed to drop it over the side when they were steaming near the Aperin coastline. "Yep - this is it. Container SBMC-1408."

Jon wondered where or what SBMC was, but he didn't particularly worry about it. The slips of platinum he and his friend had recieved to toss the container overboard - and the promise of more - were enough to motivate them. Jon hauled himself up on top of the container and set the hooks in place as Pim manuvered the crane from the superstructure next to him. Checking the release bolts one last time he stepped onto the container next to it and signalled Pim to hoist it.

With a splash the container hit the water and began to be drug under by the water. The bolts shot free and the container slipped away into the depths. As the ship steamed away it slowly settled to the bottom with a thunk. It would wait there for when it was needed.

Inside the container dozens of still forms huddled in their crates. There was no light except for the soft red blinking of status lights in those few that were still monitoring outside transmissions. Telemetry told them they were within a mile of their assigned drop off point and well within tolerable limits. Recievers were left on to wait for the signal to act, but one by one they shut down all other functions to wait perhaps forever for the signal to act.

----

Overlooking the factory floor was a large bank of windows - windows that Potiphor Rasmos now looked out of as he waited for the rest of the team to arrive. The presentation would be his job and the tall egyptian waited with the machinery as his backdrop and the object in front of him as the centerpiece. It was fitting that he had been chosed to give the presentation - after all, his ancestors had worshipped their latest creation.

One by one the rest of team as well as nearly a dozen observers from the SDF and other government and private organizations entered the room and took seats facing the window and Potiphor. Seemlingly at random the project stood up, stretched, and walked across the floor to jump into the lap of one of the admirals who was just smoothing out her skirt.

"Now that you've all made yourself comfortable I'd like to begin the presentation of our latest project - which is currently sitting in Admiral Na'Chav's lap."

The project, seemly sensing that attention has been focused on it, began to kneed gently while purring loudly.

"This, our latest prototype, is named R2 by the staff here. Internally it is labelled SRP(C)-03-P - though it won't respond to either."

There was scattered laughter around the audience and the project curled up and went to sleep.

"Unlike the previous projects this effort was centered around producing a completely believable animal that could operate for long periods in the field without recharging or outside input. There were a lot of things that needed to be developed - and those are going to make a lot of money in licensing as they are released into the civilian sector."

Pulling out a remote he punched a button and a holo appeared on one side of the floor. The holo-project silently spun in the air - and as if on que the real project opened it's eyes and looked over at it's virtual sibling.

"Fur, teeth, and eyes - all of these have been created for children's toys for years. What we have done is added instinct and an underlying intelligence that interacts with that instinct to create a true 'animal'. But not alll intelligence is gathered in a day - most robotic pets with similar features have a charge time of a week or less."

The skin and molymer muscles dissappeared to show the skeleton only.

"One of the most important innovations was the development of this hard electric storage medium that could be shaped like plastic. It weights about the same as bone - and once coated with a non-conductive skin it will supply all the power for the low voltage molymer muscles attached to it. With an additional soft power supply in the abdomen and plenty of cat naps the batteries can last nearly a year - though the animal will seem lethargic."

More laughter, and Potiphor went on to describe the rest of the animal and the new features. The discussion drifted from one area to another - licensing, applications, costs, and manufacturing. Finally the presentation broke up for refreshments and Potiphor took the opportunity to press those present for information on funding. The word was good - money would be set aside for production to begin within the month.

Ares News Report

Mining Business have sprung up like flies recently on TeeKyuKay as recent Trust involvement has spurred renewed investment into Crown mining. Reports say this is a test of experimental colony types, and mining methods they wish to test here before expanding onto the Sol Belt.

Mining Colonies have also been established on several moons in the system as well. Various designs for different gravity's are being tested as well. Economists are enthusiastic for an opportunity to study the 'Leak Effect' of investment in the 'Closed' Ares Economy.

More as this story develops.

Overnight the Ares system had shifted from a relatively quiet and orderly system to a hustling ball of activity. Space controllers suddenly found their workload tripled as more and more ships arrived in-system after the attacks on Valinon.

The first to arrive were several Therian worldships. The massive pyramids dropped out of hyperspace and messages flew between them and SDF command. As a founding member of MIDAS the Kinslayer's were ready to fight for their allies - some might say eager. Then the explorers began to arrive, called back from their missions on the frontier. These were joined by dozens of ramships arriving from Titan for terrasect refits.

Soon a warfleet was forming up in Ares orbit. A massive worldship and their escorts formed each flank with SEG's forming outriders past these. The center was mostly missing - it would consist of the Martian fleet when it arrived. Ramships floated here and there formed up into groups of three, and more were added as the crews rushed to install their terrasect modules. There were some warships already in system, but most were still assigned to system patrol and defense for the time being.

In the mothball yards around Shiva activity was feverish as well. Command teams were formed from officers awaiting promotion and maintenance teams were formed from cadets and groundside logistics personnel. These were shuttled out to waiting dreadnoughts - dreadnoughts being hastily brought online by the mothball crews. The new crews poured over their systems checking everything, arming everything, and testing everything.

Planetary defenses were also run up to full readiness. Grand cannons rolled out of their lunar silos and ran their system checks. Planetary fighter squadrons also readied and made for orbit. Many petitioned to be included on the carriers that would shortly arrive - requests that were denied but kept on file. Fighter casualties were attrocious and they would need people to fill those positions.

Out from the main warfleet a group of Kajal warships formed up. Captured in the Kajal/Mars war they had been refitted with enhanced systems while retaining the look of the Kajal fleet. With the superior SDF plasma systems and upgraded missile systems they would appear to be advanced Kajali designs - reinforced with the fact that all were equipped with Kajal transponders and painted with their flag. Their crews were very different however. SDF combat androids made up the crew - all non-sentient models as theirs would be suicide missions.

The Mangalan wormhole gate floated in space almost completed. Now beside it two more were laid down. Unlike the Mangalan ring these would be constructed in pieces and assembled on site like the gate at Bright Morning. Sixteen sections began to take shape as orbitting factories spit out sections that were threaded onto a central core like beads.

On the planet below factories recieved additional orders for parts and began to turn out the systems that would line the core. Not just the core either - weapon systems, ordinance, furniture, artifical gravity, heads, and all the other items needed to flesh out what was literally to become a city in space. Despite the vast amount of space occupied by systems there would be nearly a thousand people on board full time to maintain and command the gate. This was in addition to thousands more planetside who would maintain the stations logistical needs.

One of the last things to be manufactured and shipped to orbit would be thousands of gallons of paint - black and silver. With the other gates under construction they would be 15 years in the making. Then they would disappear from the system forever to a place none would likely ever see.

The Committee was meeting again. Eleven years remained until the fleet replacement was to begin and they had several details to finalize. Then plants could be re-tooled to the new spaceframes and construction could begin - the first ship in each class would need to be ready by the first year of the replacement cycle.

Currently they were discussing the most important element - the size of the ships and ultimately the size of the fleet. All of the current ships were under 500 meters in length, but with a shared hull a larger ship could be produced. Some were arguing for 600 meters and others for 500 meters.

"If we stick with 500 we can have more ships..."

"600 will allow a lot more armor - battles are getting deadlier."

"Part of that is because we have allowed our enemies to catch up - we haven't been encouraging research into better weapons systems like we should have. It's all gone to exploration and science. Besides - they are so deadly now an extra meter of armor isn't going to make much difference."

----

Contrary to the words of the Replacement Committee member exploration and science was about to provide the next step in SDF weapon science...

The labratory was stark and sterile - but exciting things were happening there. Research that had originally been used in the creation of the wormhole gates was now going towards weapon research. It had been by accident of course - one of the researchers had simply asked herself why the other end needed to be here. The answer was that it didn't. Then the research had taken a split when it was discovered that a gravity well was not needed for the wormhole - the gravity well just amplified the presence of something else.

In short the wormhole, at least those created by Sunset scientists, seemed to be dimensional skips. They didn't actually touch other dimensions but they did come close. Perhaps the fields that made this possible could be altered - and the more military minded started dreaming of flinging enemy ships into unknown dimensions. Hey - you never know...

----

A lesser form of the IntelKitty Mk1 had proven to be the big Christmas hit that year - everyone wanted a pet that wouldn't die. By the beginning of the year the market had been flooded with knock-offs, cheap imitations, and of course other varieties. They were not just the usual dogs and cats either - the market was endlessly creative and children now had mini-unicorns, pegasi, and even more exotic creatures.

Children were not the only benificiaries - the government owned 10% of the company that had invented them and also invested heavily in viable competing companies. As dividends doubled, tripled, and doubled again the budget benefited in response. Already the dividend profits had brought in enough to build two warships or pay the maintenance costs on 40 of them.

There were also hidden benefits - SDF Intelligence used their partial ownership to subtly transfer the plans for these creatures to their own manufacturing plants. Revisions added the features in that had been removed for the public - QE transmitters, II cores, miniture sensor suites, and self-destruct devices.

These were not sold to the public, even secretly. It was an invasion of privacy and far too expensive - but there were some that wandered the cities of both Mars and Ares. Rats snuck onto maglevs and made their way across country into the cities of both allied and enemy nations. They were also smuggled onto freighters and shipped off-world to Earth, Proxima Centari, and a dozen other worlds where their intelligence data would serve to vastly expand the SDF's eyes and ears on the ground.

In most every solar system there is a dead zone - a zone where no activity happens and where little is expected. Most still watch of course - and in fact in the Ares system a small web of satillites were to be found drifting slowly above the north and south poles of the blue giant star. Their existance was quiet for the most part, simply watching for anything that might be approaching. Their interest was perked, if one could call it such, when a single ship approached the south pole from Ares and began to deploy equipment.

A small spiderweb of poles began to form as crews socketted sections into one another. Other crews came behind and began securing a black fabric to the framework, and as they did this power system flickered to life and capacitors began to charge. It was soon obvious that the framework was a solar collection grid - and on a massive scale. Massive scale to be certain, but their goal was .01% coverage. It didn't sound like much, but the project would be slow in the undertaking with a likely completion date two centuries later.

#tagged...

One of the unique features of Ares is an utter lack of meteorite showers. The major asteroid belt is further in-system from the habitable planets and is very close to the star. Thus any small meteroites that are created tend to fall directly into the massive gravity well nearby. Given this the dozens of meteorites that plunged to earth in the southern hemisphere was notable enough to attract some media attention. After some investigation it was found that the meteors were chunks of a larger asteroid towed into orbit earlier in the week, and the incident quickly faded from public view.

----

In a research lab in the metropolis of New Hannover dozens of meteor fragments sat behind the glass of a testing unit while a robotic arm took samples and examined various parts with a myriad of different sensors. The technicians watching this process wore the standard while lab coats though these had the blazing Sunset of the SDF logo on their breast. Two were actually 'watching' through a VR interface on the robotic arm, directing tiny adjustments to the samples taken and tests run.

"Look's like we had a cavity breach on samples 9, 11, 18, and 21. Near complete vaporization on 1, 3, 4, 5, and 19. I think we should concentrate on 2 - It's nearly undamaged. I'm showing some carbonization of the liner, but nothing too bad."

The female technician switched from the robot's outputs to a virtual notepad and jotted this down along with some additional details about the readings on the artificial meteorites.

"You sure about 2? Outter shell is 14% osmium - the toxicity could cause problems when we add in a self-destruct mechanism..."

The testing would continue - the meteorites were small, just large enough to carry a 1 lb object from orbit to earth safely and the tolerances would need to be very small. If the meteor was too big, it would be spotted by too many people. Too small, and it would vaporize the contents.

----

"Thank you for coming gentlebeings - I'm Doctor Angelina Silaco. Let's get right to it."

The tall, very attractive blond walked across the floor and activated a holosphere. The projector threw up an image of an obvious humanoid robot - tubular bones, molymer sheaths, and a distributed computer core gave it away to anyone familiar with the human body.

"As you know our projects in android animals have come quite far and enjoyed much success - it's time to add some more options to our arsenal. We have successfully created rat, mice, and hamster units for intelligence operations in addition to our existing sheep, penguin, and cat lines. Part of this should be credited to the civilian sector. They took a good idea and ran with it. What I propose is that we start a couple projects they cannot reasonably undertake."

Fingering the controls Angelina switched the image on the sphere over to that of an animal unfamiliar to most - a flea.

"Some of our operations have been sidetracked or disrupted due to extremely tight physical security - even the kittens can't walk through blast doors. Thus the flea. The first advantage is size, but the second is compatability - with the kittens."

The various officials gathered there laughed at this and Silaco moved on.

"One idea is to modify the kittens to serve as a carrier - providing power, a central transmission unit, and overall control for a number of sub units. This would solve the transmission problem, but not the flexibility problem. Current models can think for themselves to a certain degree - the fleas could not. Just too small. I have had the idea of a distributes system suggested - the fleas would share processing power between them. This would require a radio field - a potential giveaway."

The show-and-tell session lasted late into the evening, with Silaco detailing dozens of new projects that would likely get funding considering the success of the previous projects.

The framework kept expanding outward, new tubes and new fabric added day after day at a constant rate. Sub-stations were added to collect and hold the power until it was needed and at the center of the grid a new unit was added. A single small energy-to-matter was added and began to produce the tubes and fabric directly as the existing system gathered more and more energy. This would speed the process and lower the cost, but even now it took days before the unit could gather enough energy to create a new section of tubes and fabric. Then it had to be hauled out to the edge, installed, and the crew returned to their newly installed quarters next to the E>M unit.

There was a low whistle when Bernard entered the room and saw the new warship for the first time.

"She's a real beauty - not done yet though, is she?"

"Not even close..."

Chad had been asked to design a new command ship, and with the failure to produce any of the proposel Unconquered Sun-Class ultra-heavy ramships he had stolen the name and started sculpting. The new ship was smoother than the others in the series and harkened back to the previous Ares-Class dreadnought. Chad was only half-done though - he needed to get together with the engineers and make sure everything would fit. He had heard of some new system going into production and wanted to make sure his ship was the first to carry it.

----

While the Unconquered Sun-Class would be the first to carry the new weapon system in production a Shiva-Class was the first to mount it during it's development. That Shiva-Class had promptly vanished during it's first test firing and despite hundreds of attempts nothing was ever found. A self-destruct signal was sent along the communications channel it used, but whether the II core would get it and acknowledge it was another matter.

The second ship had been a little more successful - test firings generally resulted in the target being moved elsewhere. Sometimes they resulted in the test weapon moving elsewhere though and that was very annoying. There were those in the Triumvirate who had experience in such things, but they were recalcient to simply give out such weapons. The accidents and lessons learned in their aquisition were as important as the weapons themselves in their eyes - and they were right.

----

While the design name for the new ultra-heavy ramship had been stolen, the concept was still alive and fluttering around the various design and aquisition services. Some interprising individual had designed the whole thing for a virtual environment and occasionally someone would sling one around in a tactical simulation. Watching a 800 meter ramship plow through a Skyfurnace or similar was satisfying but expensive - would the ramship be more than a huge target and one-shot kill weapon?

Still there was apparently some interest from the MIDF - a research group posted to Ares after the Grand Cannon construction planet had heard of the project and seen the tactical simulations. This was enough to start a single model under construction - though it was only a tetriary priority compared to new ship production and ship maintenance.

Emperor Gustav II walks through the sterile halls of University Base, calmly listening to Prokhor Zakharov, Provost Academician of the Imperial University and the "head" of operations here at Valinon's secret research and development center. He is followed by a small entourage consisting of Zakharov, a Myrmidon, a unnaturally tall Perfect, and finally his own personal operative the man known simply as Fenris. University Base is a vast web, consisting of personnel drawn from all of the armed forces, the private sectors, the universities, the Ministry of External State Security, the Ministry of Internal State Security, His Majesty's Special Liaison Service, and a healthy staff of the genetically modified and enhanced Perfects and Ideals.
"At first we thought these were just isolated incidents, but their frequency destroyed that illusion. We are looking at a new attempt to infiltrate planetary security, and most likely empire wide security, with these new artificial constructs in the form of normal 'rats'," Prokhor Zakharov says, concluding his basic overview.
"Do we know where these constructs originated from?" Gustav II queries the aging Provost, and Zakharov feels unease sweep through him as the Lion Emperor's electric blue eyes lock him in their gaze.
"The technology used to create them bears a startingly resemblance to the technology used by the Sunsettian private sector to create their artificial pets sold in the open market. I believe they were the rage last year, and have continued to be a fad on Mars and here in Valinon as well."
Gustav II nods, "So Sunsettian in origin then?"
"Our three AIs tasked to the project confirm that after their analysis, although they say they have an eight percent chance of error due to several minor changes in the hardware/software links."
"Most likely an attempt to try and throw off the analysis," interjects the Myrmidon. Gustav II dismisses him with a gesture.
"The analysis is sound enough," he says.
"And here is the lab," Zakharov says, opening it with his palm as the interface scans the nanites in his hand. Three "dissected" specimens are laid bare before a trio of AI avatars directing the efforts of nano and other probes, while a pair of Ideals, another Perfect, and a Myrmidon analyze the subjects as well.
Gustav II eyes the dissected specimens cooly, "I trust, Prokhor, that you saved some of these entact?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Then I want one of them prepared and given to Fenris. He will be going to Mars on my behalf for this matter."
"Mars?" says Zakharov.
"Mars, we will confront the Sunsettians with this discreetly."
Are you sure that is wise, Your Majesty? comes a distant voice. Gustav had assumed that Toni Vacit would be monitoring his visit here, even if he was physically away in the Raumreich on his own investigations.
I will not tolerate the security of Valinon to be violated any longer, Director. The ESS and the ISS have failed to secure even just New Koln completely. The Myrmidons and the Protectors have done well over the past three months. Operating under the duration of emergency they have liquidated eighty-eight percent of all foreign intelligence assets in New Koln alone, and are moving onto a planetary scale. This will continue, and if the Ortagans and the Falas are not immune to these efforts, the Sunsettians will not be either. I will not allow my reign to be questioned and influenced by foreign spies and shadows. That was the mistake of my father.
If that is what Your Majesty wishes...
It is.
Then I will trouble you no further on this matter.
Gustav II gives another nod, "Yes, Prokhor, Fenris will be leaving for Mars momentarily. I will be returning to New Koln myself. Continue your efforts, and alert me to any new developments on this matter. Good day."
"Your Majesty," the entourage says in unison as Gustav II leaves the room. Fenris moves to follow then stops in front of Zakharov.
"Have a specimen delivered to me at my ship in the hanger, I will be departing in thirty minutes."
"Of course."

**********

Thirty minutes later a sleek ship bearing the IAS (Imperial Alderman Ship) prefix and codes of House Alderman departs University Base and moves to escape Proxima I's orbit. Fenris calmly guides the ship through the atmosphere and through the array of orbital traffic and defensive forces. Then he has the ship's AI set a course for the Sol system, only a few light years away.

**********

A few hours later the IAS Inquistor re-enters normal space on the fringes of the Martian planetary system. It rapidly accelerates toward Mars, broadcasting only the most basic of ID transponders until it clears Martian cis-lunar space. Then it shifts course, moving toward Sunset's orbital space. The ship's AI sends out a call to Sunset's orbital control.
"This is the Imperial Alderman Ship (IAS) Inquistor requesting immediate clearance to land at New Vancouver. A personal representative of His Majesty formerly requests, on behalf of Emperor Gustav Alderman II, to meet with the President of the Libretarian Paradise (OOC: Sorry...I have forgotten who that is right now....) on matters of state security. More will be revealed at a more secure location to a selected representative of the President," the transmission begins to repeat.

Fenris (http://www.the-bebop.com/cb-di/bg/vicious-1024.jpg)

OOC: Sorry, Sunset, but you've caught Valinon at the wrong time. Gustav II is trying to lock out the Valinor homeworld to outside influence as part of his attempt to seize more absolute power in Valinon. Also after the current war, Valinon is going to become more isolationist in nature, more withdrawn from interstellar affairs. For lack of a better analogy, Valinon will become the Raumreich's Vorlons and we will be "arrogant, and undependable."

New Miskatonic University, Ares Branch. Emen Member Company.

From the University's Research BBS

New Topic:
Mathematically summary on possible development of M>SM chambers.

The concept, in brief, is from recent additions to Superstring Theory, test results from Supercolliders around the galaxy, I believe this paper puts forth a feasible method of using string harmonics to convert normal matter into shadow matter. This method, as one would expect, requires a nonsupersymmetric brane of reference, as well as the use of the Kraskinov casmir extraction principle in the creation of negative matter, the only current method available to our country. The uses of such technology have been well covered in science fiction, especially the book Twistor .

MtoSMQCID32434.pdf

OOC: Technically they all have a self-destruct device for the classified bits, but ignoring that for now...

IC:

"While I don't know every trick in our book, I will trust your technicians. I would also wonder how you found them - they are just rats. Quite ingenious though. If you'll give me a minute I'll see if someone a little more familiar with the technology is avaliable..."

President Al-Zief tapped out some quick instructions on his station. Fenris didn't see anything, so presumably there was a hologram in place that only he could see. The two were actually in a hologram of sorts - Fenris in a holopod in the Peace Dome and Al-Zief in an unknown location.

"While we wait would you like a drink or something to eat?"

They really didn't have long to wait - Dr. Silaco entered the room a minute later. Taking a seat next to the table where the rat sat, whiskers twitching, she picked it up and began to examine it gently.

"Yes - it's definately one of ours. I would guess you found it on Alpha Centauri Prime?"

After a nod from Fenris she continued.

"Perhaps some details to calm your fury. This project operates essentially at random - no specific targets are in mind. Rather we are using commerce as a distribution method. Those that make it to nations of interest are directed to points of interest while those in friendly nations just keep an eye on things."

Al-Zief interupted at this.

"It is well known in our intelligence community that our allies spy on us - partially for their own safety and partially for ours. While we like to think we would catch every threat such isn't true. We have realized that an outside eye is important - thus while we seek out such we don't nessecarily eliminate them. It's both good training and a check of sorts on our own intelligence services."

OOC: Oh, well I needed someone to make an example of. I'll be doing the same to New Ortaga in the Raumreich forum shortly, this was just on NS and I figured it would reach more.

Fenris inclines his head, eyes studying the Sunsettians (or is it Sunseti?), "Yes, well let us be brief on this matter then. His Majesty does not mind your efforts in most of Valinon, as long as they remain...unintrusive. But in the future, your creations would do well to remember that their presence in New Koln will not be tolerated. The assassination of Emperor Rowald holds strong in the minds of our nation, and we will not so easily allow a plot to form in the heart of the Fatherland again. His Majesty realizes many will call this extreme paranoia, but in these times it is a necessary evil. Does this seem too unreasonable?"
Although phrased as a question, there is something harsh and cold in Fenris' tone. Something that is new to the way the Valinor speak in their foreign affairs, a change that seems to be hovering on the horizon, but rapidly moving inward.

OOC: Sunset. And you do realize that such actions would just serve to make anyone even more interested... And you know, we've never been made aware of the details of the assassination IC'ly.

IC:

"Well, I cannot guaruntee that any of our 'products' will not find their way into New Koln. That's just the uncertainties of the distribution method."

Al-Zief was about to continue when Silaco interupted - "But we may be able to give you a simply way to detect them in transit. With that in place one could simply make sure that shipment goes elsewhere. We might be able to arrange such ourselves... Yes - it can be done. I'll see to it Atef..."

The android rose and walked smoothly from the room to tend to her new business while the president sat back in his chair.

"Well now that you have the critters, can I assume they will be showing up in the Raumreich with a Valinon stamp on them? Amazing little things really - human intelligence without the human."

OOC: *sigh* The Raumreich timeline is a mess right now, Vernii's war wasn't supposed to happen for another few months. And New Ortaga's, Valinon's, and Falasmayon's IC timelines are screwed up royally because we had to accelerate our IC timeline to match the time period of the big war. Rest assured the details are forthcoming, along with those of the Ortagan revolution, the Ortagan occupation of Falasmayon, and several other tidbits. Keep an eye on the Raumreich forum for more details.

"You could assume that, but I would find it unusual," Fenris says. "All specimens found so far are in the care of House Alderman, and House Alderman has no particular inclination to make products such as these. We have other methods to gather intelligence with."
"Besides, there is one more thing to be addressed with this sample," Fenris reaches in his great coat and pulls out a small vial with an interesting spray cap. He depresses the trigger and a strange hiss fills the room. Before Al-Zief's eyes the rat seems to melt away into nothing. Quickly Fenris extends his hand, which is covered with an interesting metal weave-glove like mechanism. A humm and a blue light cast out from his down-turned palm and he sweeps it over the area where the rat was.
"What specimen was that we were addressing?" Fenris gives Al-Zief a cold smile, and then rises from the table.
"Good evening, Mr. President. His Majesty told me to pass on his regards before I departed Sunset. Although I am sure we will see each other again."

"Good day to you, Envoy Fenris."

President Al-Zief waited until Fenris had left the room and the system before speaking again.

"That seemed to be an odd and unnessecary gesture."

This was directed to Admiral Hoya, who had been 'sitting' off to one side with his avatar off. One thing about a virtual government - it made listening in much easier.

"Indeed it was - I'll have a team sweep the holosphere for the remains and whatever that spray was. You can't violate conservation of energy - something must remain."

"I'm not sure I liked the man either - he wasn't very reasonable and it almost sounded like he was trying to intimidate me."

"It did at that - not the way to go about building any friendships amoung your allies."

"Any thoughts on that?"

"Dispatching someone like that to speak to a close ally speaks a lot about the person who dispatched them. From what information we have it seems like their government is shifting from a monarchy to a dictatorship. While we count many amoung our friends they are just that - friendly. If this persists our relationship with them might weaken to the point where it ceases to exist."

"Not that we want that of course - but I want precautions laid just in case things get unfriendly."

"Yes Sir."

Hoya rose and left the room, plans already spinning through his head.

Toni Vacit disregards the brief flash of light representing the moment of connection between the mind and the illusionary world of Nu-space. Soon enough he finds himself in the "room" that Gustav II generally prefers to meet in. It is surprisingly spartan in taste, a low table of some unrecognizable broad-grained wood flanked by a pair of backless chairs shaped in a "u", much liked those favored in Ancient Roman statuary. The table is in the middle of a vast square of stones, surrounded by several crumbling pillars, and giving way to mid-air. Far below can be seen a vast labyrinth with strange shadows moving in its distant depths. Gustav II is already present, arms bracing his frame by graspin the ends of the chair's arms.
"Please be seated, Director."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Vacit eases into the seat opposite the table.
"Your thoughts on Fenris' journey to Sunset?" Gustav says, his electric blue eyes follow Vacit.
"I have not yet read the reports-."
"Do not be modest, Director, you where there as was I."
"Very well then. I feel it tips your hand too much, it will make the Libretarian Paradise suspicious."
"Suspicion is a good thing, it leads to doubt, and doubt can be used effectively for my purposes," Gustav II retorts, looking boredly at a book open on the table. Vacit has seen this book many times, it is the one thing inconsistent about Gustav's meeting place. He has only caught glimpses at the script, it is flowing yet not recognizable to him.
"Besides, soon Sunset, nor any of the Martian powers, will be able to challenge us individually. By the time this war is brought to its final close, Valinon will be one of the premiere powers of the galaxy, and we will have the Verniians to thank them for it. Not to mention the shallow Hegemony and our carefully cultivated Martian assets. There is a beautiful irony to it all."
"If you say so, Your Majesty."
Vacit is often glad Gustav II prefers Nu-space to face-to-face meetings. The Myrmidon Director fears his emperor's mind. Even when not actively blocking any efforts, it is a strange signature, cold, analytical, and regimented. A well-timed machine that seems to run on tachyons and quarks, Vacit often feels as if by prying too deep he could get crushed in its ever-moving wheels. And thus, the master of the Valinor is as much an enigma to perhaps one of the most powerful men besides the Alderman Emperors. Above all else, Vacit hates being left with an unknown as much as the rest of the Valinor, and that is exactly what has been done to him since Gustav II took the throne.
"I do, Director, I do. Good luck in your travels in the Raumreich," Gustav II vanishes, the book goes with him.
Vacit sits a moment longer, wondering momentarily if any of them know what is going on in Valinon. The Ortagans, the Martian community, the Falas, the Verniians, the WIckians, the Knootians, the Erewohnese, the Boroglians, the Vaku, and many more are all being deceived, manipulated, and used by one of the deadliest and most powerful minds to walk the galaxy. Toni Vacit fears what will happen when he and the other moderators on Gustav II at last are all gone, and what will transpire then.

"...and that leaves us about 80 ramships short."

"And you are proposing an increase like this why? If you look at the general quality of his ships; the reliance on ballistic weapons, the slow speed, the low weapon count, and the unbalanced firing arcs a cruiser should be able to take on three or four with a reasonable chance of success. But you are talking a single strike ability here..."

"Well, versus the largest ships, yes. But remember that we don't have the large ground forces that they have. We need to establish air superiority quickly."

"And you are also proposing being able to take on this fleet all by ourselves. Granted - it can be done - but I doubt we would be going in there without allies. With even one more allied fleet we would more than tip the balance in our favor... If we do this we will have to cut in other areas."

"I don't think we can afford to not be prepared to fight this on a one-to-one basis."

"And you are ignoring another problem - iridium. Don't give me that look either. You know the President will never authorize the use of osmium above the current levels. Even versus..."

"I've got a proposal on my desk to get around that. Instead of using iridium we use nickel-iron."

"Err... with a ramship it's all about the mass. While they might be effective, they won't be as effective as the iridium."

"And I've got a solution. Artificial mass generators. I've got another proposal to use a high power, short period artificial mass generator to boost the mass just before impact. One of the girls thought it up while looking at the designs for the MIDF ramships."

----

Doctor Silaco relaxed in her bath after the meeting with President Al-Zief and that annoying little man from Valinon. The ability to route the rats where they wanted them had been there all along of course - but those were not the only rats that smelled.

'Men...'

She was, of course, not really a woman either but she had taken on and learned certain human manorisms. Sighing she plucked a sponge from the water and began to methodically clean her long legs. There were no hairs to stop it's smooth progress, and while most women would love to have hairless legs - and arms, and armpits, and face - it was another thing she wanted.

Unlike most of the electronic sentiences in Sunset, Silaco has elected to switch to this body when she had the money to do so. Most stayed in their ships or fighters or combat androids. Her's was in the closet. An old Mk-I that made her slightly jealous when she saw the new Mk-III's walking the streets, they were still jealous when they saw her beautiful body. She still kept it though - occasionally she would need to observe her more violent creations in the field, and this body was not provided with the same armor or weapon systems.

----

"Thanks for coming Jon."

Jon Thorgardson, nephew of Eric Thorgardson, leaned across the desk and shook President Atef Al-Zief's hand. He stepped back and his continual companion Wilson shook as well.

"I've run it by the Senate, and they can make it stick, but are you sure you want this?"

Jon laughed - his hair had greyed and there were plenty of wrinkles as well - but it was still the laugh of a young man eager for life.

"I think it's time I settled down, yes. I've lived a lot of life on behalf of Sunset and it's time to give that experience back."

"Allright. We have a lot of things to cover then - I'll try to get you completely caught up before you take office, but I can't promise it."

With the return of many of the ships to Ares and other colonies activity slowly returned to normal. Explorers returned to their missions, warships returned to their patrols, and research projects were accelerated. One of these was already bearing fruit - but now it bore fruit in an unexpected way...

----

"Preparing for test firing... range to target calculated..."

Aboard the SDF Volga the crew prepared for yet another test firing in a so-far successful series of tests. The Volga was a Venture-C - it's exceptional sensor arrays provided the best test data possible and each test firing refined the data still further. The current series was intended to refine down the range and targetting data and because of this the power used was variable.

-

While the Ares system was largely self-sustaining there was still a good deal of luxuries transport into the system. This was just such an occasion and the massive Athena-Class wormhole gate began to open for the creation of the artificial wormhole. The cargo ship, loaded with luxury goods from all over Sol, was already inbound on the opposite gate. It had been carefully scanned and searched before heading through - now it was only minutes away from Ares orbit.

-

"All systems report ready."

"Initiate firing sequence."

"Firing in 10... 9..."

-

Capacitors discharged and space was folded like paper between the two gates until a second discharge of energy tore a hole through the two layers. The cargo ship nosed into the spiraling energy well and disappeared. Aboard the Volga similar capacitors discharged and energies sought to tear the fabric of reality asunder. Energies streamed outward, rebounded, and amplified. In a flash of light and rippling energies both the Volga and the cargo ship disappeared.

----

Doctor Silaco walked through her gallery looking from prototype to finished product to primitive model. Her hand stroked the furry chin of one of her most successful models while she considered the cocked head and beady eyes of the penguins that had garnered more public attentions. Fortunately there didn't appear to be any suspicion that the penguins were more than engineered animals - their capabilities were still safely secret.

Silcao walked over to a different section of her labratory where there was an aquarium as well as a holosphere where a varienty of fish hung motionless. This was the latest projest - meant for survelliance of water worlds and infliltration via water access.

Tesseracts bloomed to life, all shining crimson light and crackling energy, disgorging five Menelmacari Vingilot-class freighters into realspace outside the Ares system, escorted by two cruisers and a quartet of destroyers.

"This is Menelmacari freighter MV Well, I Was In The Neighborhood, calling Ares Colonial Command. We have arrived insystem and are carrying one hundred thousand colonists and everything needed to put down on the surface. Requesting permission to approach and land in the south polar region as previously agreed."

Anticipating an affirmative response, gravitic drives engaged, carrying the convoy in-system.

OOC I really should have linked to this thread at the time... so here it is.

The Exodites arrive (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=6733220&posted=1#post6733220)

The voice of an ASC operator came through the speakers, followed a moment later by the image of the same as visual communications picked up.

"This is Ares System Command MV Well, I Was In The Neighborhood - Welcome to your new home. Orbital space is being transmitted along with today's weather, local activity summary, and who's on first."

It was night on the approach side of the planet and the cities below could be seen spread out like a belt over the equatorial region with off-shoots north and south. If one had a big telescope aimed at the coast where the colony ships would land one could see a single dot of light racing along the ground towards the shallow southern sea.

----

Doctor Silaco depressed the clutch and smoothly moved into 8th gear as the engine roared past 10,000 rpms. Letting the clutch out she pressed the accelerator again and roared past 400 mph. The car itself was an antique - there were faster and better avaliable, and there were other ways of going long distances. Still she preferred the car and it's quaint gasoline burning engine. The ground was so close and the danger so near it heightened the euphoria of risk to a high degree. She was coming up on the landing site fast however - another 20 miles and she would need to start slowing down.

The road had been long laid into the area - it was mostly used by backpackers and campers who trekked around the few snow capped peaks that towered above the horizon. It was flat and slightly curved - enough to keep you interested and avoid tunnel vision. Thus it was also frequented by those who's love for speed could not be contained in virtual reality. Laid down the middle was a double barrier as well as a series of poles that housed both road lights and a beacon to guide flyers down the road at night. These were off now with no flyers to activate them and Silaco zipped onward through the night.

The convoy descended through the Ares atmosphere, towards that southern plain that would be their new home. The freighters were vast... two kilometers long each, packed to the gills with supplies, modular staterooms for a hundred thousand, and of course the colonists themselves. There were plenty of raw materials not yet available on the planet, and each ship also carried an industrial fabber, which would produce those things not included among the supplies.

The last freighter, as she descended, began to launch what seemed like a stream of satellites... the famed Menelmacari Elenpalantír multipurpose satellites, enough to create a planet-covering net of them. Gravitic drives activated, moving each satellite onto its pre-programmed orbit. On the way insystem, others had been deployed to enter orbit of the other planets on which Menelmacar would establish holdings.

MV Well, I Was In The Neighborhood and her sister ships were a majestic sight indeed, as they descended through the atmosphere... each was two kilometers of shimmering red and black hull, dark against the starlit sky save the parts of her illuminated by running lights and the star-bright spotlights along her ventral expanses, sweeping back and forth across the open ground below. Truly massive landing legs deployed; though the ship's gravitic core would not deactivate, as even these could not hold the mass of the ship on their own, their only purpose was to keep the hull off the ground.

Cargo doors yawned open, ramps lowered... over the next several days, cargo would be unloaded, pre-fab structures set up, even the modular staterooms set up inside the freighters could be rearranged and set up so as to create homes and apartment buildings, which would be eventually replaced with more luxurious housing as the colony's infrastructure grew. Mining equipment, fabbers, construction vehicles, raw materials, supplies... all manner of things would be unloaded from the huge ships.

But the first to unload was the new colonial viceroy, who stepped forth and planted the Imperial flag in the barren soil.

Menelmacar had come to Ares.

Menelmacar's entry wasn't unnoticed, due the rather obvious colony ships carrying several hundred tons of passengers are rather difficult to not notice.

Observations were reported on various newsgroups and traffic control centers as the news made it's way to the elected governor's office. After conferring with current NRRBAB policy, wired a hologram to Sunset officials.

--
TO: Ares Sunset Administration
FROM: NRRBAB-Ares

"It has come to my attention that Menelmacar has entered our fine system. We are aware that while it is perfectly legal for them to do this, we do not think it is in the best interest to allow it. The fact that we were uninformed of this matter displeases us, but due to the lack of any organization managing system law, excluding the Sunseti military, we understand."

"However, it is our opinion that Menelmacar influence in this system presents a jeopardy to the very reason this system was founded, security. We have had a close relationship to most other colonial powers in this system, but this bond is lacking in the case of the Menelmacari. In addition, we don't particularly enjoy the fact they were invited all willy-nilly. Really, what reason do they have to be here? Ares exists for mostly for getting our eggs out of one basket, Menelmacar has plenty of baskets currently in existence."

"In addition, we would suggest warning us before you invite someone else, we'd like to be prepared."
---------------
Nirgle Rooshku ran the simulation one last time as he checked the supersymmetric seperation brane and shadow brane, cross checking with the institute's AI as he snacked on some pastries.

"Excellent work, Nirgle. Certainly a unique outlook on it, would've taken us far to long to come up with using an inverse Jingsian series in combination with those odd pentatopes. Busy managing grant funding. Is the project ready for a commercial test?" commented a nearby speaker, oddly from the terminal he was working at. Apparently a sound file had engaged itself.

"Er, yes I believe it is Akademiken. The simulations say everything should work."

"Excellent, several potential investors for this one. Should turn out to be a good year with the number of successful projects. Memetic theories and Nonlinear Physics have proved quite a ni-che," commented the speaker as resource management burped for a moment as the simulation ran into a rather complex formula. The program terminated as the AI sulked back into the University's network.

To: NRRBAB-Ares
From: Sunset Administration

Sorry about that - it was rather sudden. I'll make sure to go over security policies again with the Viceroy as well as your own security division. Noting your request to be notified I would note that a DLN team is going to be coming to setup a Dominion city on Ares as well. They for one need to get some additional baskets.

On another note you might have noticed our little experiments with dimensional manipulation as well as the disappearance of the Volga. If you have any idea what the hell happened there such information would be greatly appreciated.

It was a little while after their own arrival that the vessel left the Planets surface. A Small unarmed personal craft, it had actually been piloted there early on in the Ares Project by Darvins then left behind as he used the Web to leave the planet behind. Now with a different occupent it was on a direct course to the main world of the system.

Ares Authorities this is Ambassdor Kel'Farinis of the Exodite Tribes, I have been sent to speak to you onbehalf of our colonists, and the Tor Yvresse Council. Who have as I am sure you can tell taken up their right to settle here. Over.

Ambassdor Kel'Farinis was guided into a building in the capital once he landed and from there into a round room which was promptly shut. A moment later he found himself standing in the middle of a large roman style building where hundreds of people were walking about. There were no guards - though there were people in uniform. Off to one side he could hear the buzz of a massive chamber, and as he looked that direction he saw the marble steps of the main senate floor sweeping up away from him.

"Ambassdor Kel'Farinis?"

A young woman, barely dressed and in clearly a manner to flaunt that fact, stood there with a datapad in hand.

"If you'll follow me?"

She led him down another wing and into an office with the simple name 'Wilson' on the door. Knocking she entered and led Kel'Farinis through the outer office to the inner office, where Wilson was just putting on the last of his uniform.

"Wilson - this is Ambassdor Kel'Farinis of the Exodite Tribes. Ambassdor Kel'Farinis - this is Wilson."

She turned and left the office while Wilson gestured to a chair.

"What can I do for you Ambassdor?"

The Eldar slowly sat down on the seat ofered and smiled, it was unusual for him to have such dealings with Mon-Keigh but and it showed a little he was uneasy.

'My Wilson I have been dispatched by the Council and the tribes to act as a Liason between our Colony and your own' The paused a moment before continuing, 'We are particularly interested in understanding what is expected from the colonies here, and in establishing Trade with your peoples.'

He paused again and then nodded, a pained haunted look came across his features as he spoke, 'and of course I am here to answer any questions you may have about the nature of our arrival and our intentions. We did after all arrive without informing anyone here. So I would be very much surprised if you had no questions about our presence. In short through we are here because we had no other choice, in many ways we have came for the very reason I am told you established this place.'

"Well let me start with the rules. Remember that these rules are set down for the protection of all the nations involved..."

Wilson covered the rules quickly (as has been covered in this thread) and moved on to the trade question.

"I suppose that depends on your needs. Technically Ares now supports half the industrial capacity of the nation - and any of this is avaliable if you need it. In terms of what you can offer I would say the greatest desire would be for craft goods and luxuries. Our citizens have a taste for the new and unusual - and for information. That last is perhaps not as readily avaliable, but your scholars would find a warm reception in any university and the written work could be a solid source of commerce."

Lights raced down the dark road light like the eyes of a dragon stirred to flight. They wound back and forth across the landscape until they were barely a kilometer away from the titanic colony ships where they began to slow before finally swerving to a stop. Their beams fell on the viceroy and the flag he held upright. The beams dropped, though they stayed on as a door was opened and closed. A figure walked into the light where she stood sillouetted for a moment before striding forward.

"On behalf of President Al-Zief and the people of Sunset; Welcome to Ares."

Doctor Silaco walked into the circle of light projected from the ship's spotlight high overhead. She wore a leather driving jacket, blue jeans, leather driving boots, and a pair of driving gloves that she pulled off and put into a pocket as she approached.

As the elf turned, he turned out to be a she. (OOC: Yay, last-minute revisions. Largely because I found a pretty name I wanted to use.) "Thank you," she said, bowing her head just slightly. "I'm certainly impressed with the on-site service." She smiled, her opal eyes shimmering in the starlight. "Lady Eilinel nos Círdan, Vicereine of Menelmacari Oromë. It's a pleasure." She offered a hand for a handshake.

One thirty four thousand eight hundredth is not much. It is a tiny fraction to be sure. But when that amount of your closest ally’s population simultaneously disappears, it raises eyebrows. In a society, or at least, a sub section, fascinated with numbers, this kind of thing tends to be noticed rather rapidly. And so, the numerous intelligence sources that kept a friendly and generally benevolent eye on one’s allies, passed this sharp drop up the line, to the plethora of groups who analysed these things, and then the results of that analysis was sent to the policy makers.

There were but two conclusions that seemed possible, a sudden genocide being perpetrated by the government of Menelmacar, or the unannounced establishment of a colony. And so a message was dispatched to the Menelmacari asking about the location of their latest colony, and politely inquiring as to the lack of such information being shared in advance – considering the fact that the Empire had given the Menelmacari such information on its own assets no less.

"Likewise."

Doctor Silaco snapped her fingers sharply and a pair of persian housecats jumped out of the car and raced across the soy-grass to stand at her feet. Silaco looked down and opened her hands, and one jumped up into her arms.

"A gift - a housewarming present you might call them. A little bit more than the standard cybernetic housepet though - not sentient, but you never know..."

Placing the supple form back on the ground Silaco began to follow the Vicereine as she inspected the unloading process. The two followed behind - never underfoot but always close at hand.

"Apparently President Al-Zief forgot things like plumbing and the configuration of the local power grid in his data packet. I've got them here for you - I've also got information as far as the local network providers go so your people can tie into the civilian networks."

----

Captain's Log, Day 1

Why does that sound a little familiar?

After the experiment with the dimensional cannon went amise the ship found itself here - unfortunatly we don't know where here is. There are no stars, though the laws of physics are the same. We might just be so far on the edge of the normal universe that we cannot see the stars anymore, or we might be in some kind of alternate or parallel dimension. Did I mention my doctorate in military theory and my thesis on interspecies interaction from a military perspective isn't much help here? I understand most of what Doctor K'Sharl is saying, but there are some bits that give me a headache.

Right now the doctor is going through the data with the rest of the science staff while I've put everyone else to work securing the cargo freighter that appeared about two hundred kilometers off our starboard stern. According to the logs it was going through the gate when whatever happened - I'm having those carefully transfered as well.

I'm convinced someone is looking for us - though without the data I'm not sure they will find us. We are probably our last best hope, unless someone like Ravenspire or New ArAreBee has seen this before and can give someone back home a hint. This being our first foray into dimensional movement I can't say we have any experts of our own.

Ricardo E'ddings, Captain, SDF Volga.

Ships came off the new production line by the dozens. Superficially they resembled the standard ramship, though these did not have the huge iridium warhead and they were only half the size. Instead they contained a single powerful gravitic unit that was both space-warp drive, sub-light gravity drive, and shaped gravity unit all in one package. There was also little fuel for it's fusion power plant - the trip was expected to be one way.

In the tiny observation deck that overlooked the orbital factory a pair of figures stood watching. One, a human dressed in a fine suit, and the other a worker still in the jumpsuit of his trade.

"So do you know what they are for?"

"I've got any idea - as I'm sure you do."

The suited man did indeed have a pretty good idea where these were headed and what they were to be used for, but he didn't want to give any credence to any rumors.

"You know the contract though - no talking."

"Yes sir. Have a good weekend..."

"You too."

----

The team from the Volga that secured the cargo freighter was the first to notice the first substancial difference between this new place and the old. It came as they were cutting into the hull to install an II core for remote control. Once it had been installed and secured they had fired it up, only to find out that the link wouldn't link.

"We've checked the transmitter again Captain. It's not supposed to fail, but somehow the QE link has failed. All of them."

"All of them?"

The QE link that joined the cores had multiple molecules - more bandwidth - and while several things could sever an individual connection it was unknown for all to be severed.

"I'll pass it along - can you rig an alternative?"

"Simple radio or comm-laser - but it won't be realtime or even near-real."

----

While the Volga wasn't a family friendly ship this didn't mean that there were not families aboard. Regulations on deep space explorers concerning married officers and crew were reasonable - even children were possible if the parents were willing to risk them. Most didn't thus there was only one child on the Volga. She had become something of the mascot during the ship's travels on the fringes of explored space and the captain had let her stay until the Volga was to leave Ares again.

It really wasn't the best time for her - when you are 8 and have an active social life in several virtual communities it can be really bad when the connection goes down. Thus she was raising a royal stink. She had tried joining some of the ship's virtual and real activities, but they were either violent, adult, or educational in nature. She wanted to talk to her friends - she already spent six hours a day in a virtual classroom and she didn't like guns and she wasn't allowed in the adult environments.

"We are still putting the whole thing together, but the initial suspicions have been confirmed - Volga is now in another dimension. Whether she is lost or not is still up in the air though."

"Have the teams made any progress in duplicating the weapon yet?"

The two researchers were having lunch - and one of the two gestured with his sandwich and sent a pickle sliding across the table.

"Ha! We've got the plans and logs of course, but it's also possible and probable that the engineers on the Volga made some non-standard repairs or field modifications. We could be looking at a design that is fundamentally wrong because someone switched a board or pulled some engineer babble and re-routed a circuit."

----

Indeed, such was the case. The dimensional cannon mounted on the Volga was only superficially similar to the schematics. Now the researchers and engineers were going over it with a fine tool comb looking for any modifications that might have resulted in their current situation. One problem that they had run into was that entanglement systems had been used to provide instant data linking between some systems. These were now non-functional as well.

The best guess was that quantum mechanics simply worked a little differently here - molecules didn't link in any more complex manner than electron bonding. Several scientists were checking this theory in the lab though it was slow going.

----

"You had something to show me Doctor?"

Silaco looked up from her workbench where she was carefully assembling a micro-motor. She prefered to put some things together herself - it gave her practice she might need later.

"Yes - come over here Wilson. You know how I told you size doesn't matter the other day?"

Wilson nodded. The two had had a long conversation regarding the insect models and whether they would be truely useful in the field. Walking behind the bench Wilson saw a tray of common action figures - or what he thought were such until he saw several pieces laying off to the side.

"One of the problems with current models is the need to carry all that fur and the skin it is attached to. Why not take the toy idea to a new level? These action figures are just big enough for a next generation II core, and the whole body can be the battery."

"Clever - but they have a problem. In most cases they are going to only be useful in urban infiltration. In areas where children play basically. What we need is a mobile object that is often used in military bases..."

"I'm not pulling legs on a gun - if you have any ideas though..."

"I'll let you know. Keep working on those however - more options is always a good thing."

Secretary Wilson, not to be confused with Senator Wilson, was meeting one on one with the CEO of one of the largest land owners on Ares. While the government 'owned' the world most of the land had been sold off to private companies for them to build the infrastructure on and for use as a capital asset and investment. Now someone was interested in land - and willing to pay.

"Mr. Douglas... I've got reliable information sitting on my desk that says someone is interested in purchasing land your corporation owns. Interested."

"Well, yes. It is just sitting there. Who might this be?"

Douglas ran options over in his head - he knew about the Menelmacari colony in the south of course. Who might be next?

"I can't say for certain right now. Suffice to say I have been given a little leeway in determining the land to be purchased."

"Well I can send you a full inventory of what..."

Wilson interupted him before he could continue too far.

"While I would like our friends in the Triumvirate to recieve the best there is to offer the opinion on exactly what that is seems to vary."

Wilson had let the Triumvirate comment slip specifically. That meant a lot of people who needed a lot of land, and that meant a lot of money.

"Having looked over your property I'm convinced that it would be the best option for the speculative owner and command quite a good price. However one must also consider that there are other places equally suitable if not as perfect. But in order to bring this land up as the perfect spot I think I might need a little... finders fee. Something to pay for lawyers, contracts, that sort of thing. Say... 1% of the sale amount."

Mr. Douglas ran this over in his head. It was clearly a request for a bribe, but it would be worth it. He could tack on an extra 10% to the current value, and Secretary Wilson would have his 1% and he would have even more...

"Done."

"Excellent - I'll send word to the Dread Lady concerning the cost of the land as well as the location. You'll send over the sale numbers immediately, won't you?"

There were but two conclusions that seemed possible, a sudden genocide being perpetrated by the government of Menelmacar, or the unannounced establishment of a colony. And so a message was dispatched to the Menelmacari asking about the location of their latest colony, and politely inquiring as to the lack of such information being shared in advance – considering the fact that the Empire had given the Menelmacari such information on its own assets no less.
A reply was dispatched relatively quickly - even within the hour of the original message being received. Essentially, the Menelmacari confirmed that they had in fact founded a new colony, and that they would be most pleased to provide the colony's location - or at least, they would be if they were not bound by treaty with the other governments sharing the planet, that its location would not be revealed. Of course, cavalier breach of such a treaty was out of the question, as then Menelmacari honor would be quite worthless in future diplomatic negotiations.

To: Sunset Administration
From: NRRBAB-Ares

"Good, then. Yes, we did notice some odd...things. I'll let the ArAreBeen on to explain."

"Jubilations, Friends! Yes we did notice some odd topifolds develop around the area. Well, we didn't see, such things don't reflect light. We deduced such theories from several froth waves that disturbed the normal torsion of the local topofolds. Although, the Menelmacari 12-Brane caused some odd tah-constancy with the Mangalan topifold..or topofold. Silly me, I was alternating my pronounciations. Anywho, I'd be happy to help. Most of Vurse Physics is left to the Elders these days, ArArebeens have been getting-nevermind. So, just send those records and I'll be over lickity split."

FohTeeTu

(OOC: That is the best ArAreBeen name yet.)

"So they are sending an expert?"

"Yes - someone named FohTeeTu."

"FohTeeTu? He sounds like the answer all right."

"The answer?"

"Yes - to life, the universe, and everything."

"I'll greet him personally..."

"Do that - and don't forget to bring a towel."

"Sir?..."

----

The question of where exactly the Volga was was still unknown to even them. With no means of reference they had essentially shut down all movement. In this strange space there was only an endless gray - not the gray of morning clouds but the deep gray that was only a step away from black.

The crew had tired of this long ago, and now 'exterior' windows showed everything from vast forests to hardcore porn - though this was only in the personal quarters. Maintenance was being completed at an astounding rate - with plenty of time and little to do the chief engineer had started several projects he had been contemplating for quite some time.

"So - who wants to go outside?"

"Err... Outside? How do we know there is an outside?"

"Course there is an outside. There are a lot of photons hitting the optic's gear for... um... Did I just say what I think I said?"

"I'd hope so. It could be... Space Madness!"

"Shut it, you."

The chief engineer activated his comm unit.

"Get me the Captain."

After a moment the captain came on and the chief engineer explained his theory while running through the sensor data they had gotten so far. On the bridge Captain E'ddings ran through them as well, large amounts of data showing nearly nothing but photons.

"No interstellar hydrogen, no chance micrometeorites, nothing. There is some hard metals from the drives on the freighter, but other than that... You would have thought we would see something."

"So how the hell do you have a universe of just photons?"

OOC: And I'll leave that question to New ArAreBee.

----

Losses were inevitable, and SDF Exploration Command was no NASA. Ships pressed outward ever further even as new ships and crews prepared to replace those that were lost. More and more stars were visited every year bringing the totals from hundreds to thousands as the eighty ships of the exploration command boldly went where no one had gone before. But not in every case - sometimes someone had been there before and sometimes people did not want to go there at all.

----

The SDF Orinoco, a Zenith-Class heavy explorer just off the Ares line, dropped into the system at the usually location high 'above' the star and began sweeping the system with her sensor arrays. Information would not be back for a while, but it did look like the system was inhabited from the amount of radio traffic flickering around. It wasn't that unusual for a system to be so really - though it was unusual to find one this far out.

The question of course was 'who's home was it, and have we met before?' That question was about to be answered shortly and end up being all-together interesting for the crew of the new ship.

----

Usually the exploration missions were tagged for stars - not the depths of 'empty' space. This was a little different though. Long range gravity distortion sensors had picked up what appeared to be a planet larger than Saturn floating in the middle of a nebula. This could have been just any failed proto-star, except for the odd fact that it also seemed to have planetary bodies as well.

A ship was duly dispatched and after a preliminary investigation a search team had been dispatched to the surface of one of the worlds. Now a pair of StarStrike interceptors flew above the surface followed by a larger transport shuttle. All three were looking for a place to set down, but the surface was rocky and uneven and they were having a hard time finding a place to land.

In a familiar sight fighter after fighter flew off the line in Ares orbit. These were StarStrike II interceptors - Liquid's latest triumph. Three production lines were running at once with all three types coming off as quickly as the sub-sections could be assembled. Type 3's destined for the Fleet were put through their paces both in orbit and on-planet before heading towards either a waiting ship or towards the wormhole gate. One hundred were headed for Atlantis to form a fighter squadron there and another hundred were headed for Sslaa IV through it's newly arrived wormhole gate.

Since the StarStrike had not completely replaced the Fer-de-Lance most of the ships to recieve the new fighter were new themselves. Dawn-Class and Zenith-Class as well as the other starships of the SDF continued to come off their own lines and receive their small craft complements. Crews filled out their rosters, and captains with new collar pins steered their ships outsystem and into the void between the stars.

----

"Ok - so here is the weird thing. If all we are seeing is photons, how did they get that color?"

"Gray you mean? Well, I suppose that means there is something gray out there that is absorbing all the light but the gray wavelength. Or something that is generating nothing but gray light."

"Well maybe we should be looking for the source - we are an exploratory vessel after all."

"But it's all gray - what if we are just in a giant gray rock? Running smack into the wall at even sublight would hurt."

----

Web building spiders, spiders building web, web building spiders...

The framework floating around the south solar pole kept growing and growing. It had reached .00001% some time ago and was getting closer to it's goal by fractions of a fraction of a percent daily.

The ArAreBeen disc fluttered magestically upon the repulsor fields that moved it across the universe. Blue hues were reflected by the hull as the ginormous fire ball exploded with the predictability of a pendulum. The sea of energy between protons warped as inertia and gravity bent to the will of the ship's core.

The ship slowly approached the docking array, however it merely requested a space be cleared near the on ramp. Space twisted and writhed as it entered its death throes, space and time itself boiling away. A black sphere inflated, and then collapsed on itself, leaving an ArAreBeen in its place. Its dark violet suit seemed singed slightly, burns hinted at in the darker shade on its raiment.

"Jubilations, friends. Now take me to your wormhole operation logs at once." Its gangly arms and fingers tapping what could be called the ArAreBeen's 'head'.

"At once..."

The ArAreBeen was led into the wormhole gate itself and into the main operations center, when a console had been hastily cleared for it's use. The Sensor Operations Officer on duty was a older woman who had been transferred in when her reflexes had slowed. Now she was excited to be part of the action again, even with such a dire situation as the cause.

"You'll find you have access to all the station logs - I've also had anything we have from nearby ships transfered over, though there wasn't anyone specifically watching for inter-dimensional energy signatures. I just hope it's enough to work from..."

----

If FTL travel could make a noise it would be a 'yoink' - at least that's what Lt. Jergson thought it would make. His thoughts were interupted as the SDF Bonanza popped out of terrasect near the Gen Mokai colony world of D'dre D'won along with a half-dozen freighters. The Bonanza had pulled escort duty - while terrasect was instant there was the wait time while the drives recharged. Jergson began to look over the sensors but right away saw a problem - there was wreckage of a ship not barely a hundred thousand kilometers away from the convoy.

"Captain - I've got wreckage off the port. Running ID on it, but it looks to be a Gen Mokai cruiser..."

"I'm not getting anything from ground control either Captain - just static."

The captain nodded and began issuing orders to tactical and the frieghters. Lt. Jergson started a wider sweep while concentrating on the wreckage of the cruiser, and more importantly what caused it. Several darting contacts showed up on the wider sweep immediately and Jergson ran ID's on these while sending the wreckage sweep off to an ensign.

"Getting weapons fire - looks like we have three small raiders attacking the colony defenses. No idea what took out that cruiser."

"Caution it is then - tactical, put us in on an intercepting course, split two of the freighters to follow us in and have the other two move to flank. Maybe if we look a little more menacing we can drive them off. Comms..."

"Already on it - HQ is scrambling a battlegroup for fifteen minutes."

The Bonanza moved closer to the planet and firing range and Jergson focused his portion of the sensors on one of the attacking craft. The weapons seemed to be standard energy weapons - a plasma or particle cannon variant - though he was unsure of the exact type. This was relayed to tactical while he searched for the mystery weapon that had destroyed the cruiser. From the looks of it the Bonanza would be able to take on the raiders without a problem - so what had allowed them to destroy the cruiser?

"Entering firing range - I'm showing they have destroyed half of the ground defenses... make that three-quarters."

"Open fire - Lt., Anything yet?"

"Nothing - ship's weapons seem normal and I'd expect to see them using heavier weapon... Wait a second."

The sensor sweep done by the ensign had come back - and there was a large mass in a long orbit around the planet.

"Alter course - have the freighters do so as well. Mass driver I'm guessing..."

"You heard him - alter course!"

Bonanza altered course sharply and the frieghters scattered, but one was too late. As it entered the turn something slammed into it and ripped it in half. Pieces flew away as the other freighters manuvered wildly in response.

"Got a fix on it?"

"Aye Captain - it doesn't seem to be moving."

"Put that location through to the SBG coming in, have them drop in on top of it. Tactical - how goes the shooting?"

The tactical officer was busy blazing away at the raiders - gross targetting information sent from his console was fed into an II which guessed where in the travel cone the raider would be and put a burst of plasma through that space. As they got closer the fire would become more accurate as the cone closed, but at this point the cone was wide enough to make the few hits lucky guesses.

"Couple hits - they have some kind of shielding and we haven't done any direct damage. Glancing blows."

"Keep firing - colony defenses still active?"

"Aye - firing back."

Jergson was watching his sensors and spoke up at that point.

"One of the raiders has broken off towards the freighters - one is dodging our fire and the other is continuing to engage the surface defenses."

"Trying to split our fire - feel free to lock torpedos onto the raider that's after the freighter. Use the anti-fighter torpedos - give them a lot to dodge."

The captain returned to his console and the tactical officer followed orders - torpedos spat from the forward tubes and speed across the void. As they closed their own sensor suites took over and they began to spit missile after missile at the raider that was closing with the freighter trio. Their own fire added to the volume of fire, crimson lances splashing against the shields as the raider made the mistake of flying directly towards the freighters.

"Down a raider Sir!"

Jergson whooped as the ground defenses finally managed to swat their nasty insect, sending the whole ship arrowing into the atmosphere. A bright explosion signalled it's end moments later.

"We have them in a vise - let's see if we can catch a prize."

"Captain," the communication's officer interjected. "Communications are open with the surface. The ground defense battery saying hello."

"Give them our complements and inform them of the situation. Tactical? Bring us between the two remaining raiders and roll us."

"Aye Captain - manuvering."

"Second raider is swatting missiles like mad, but it's taken a couple - freighters have got a lock as well."

"Have them disable if possible..."

"Too late!"

The second raider went up as the combined freighter and missile fire overwhelmed it. Explosions tore the flank to pieces and sent it tumbling away, a freighter already giving chase to retrieve it.

"Last one - have ground defense herd it closer. Tactical? Give the crew a upset stomach."

"Standing by on gravy guns..."

The last raider, knowing it was done for, began to run. The larger cruiser was already accelerating though and was quickly catching up.

"Gravy range reached - firing."

There was no glow, but the mass sensors showed a sudden spike just in front of the fleeing ship. It plowed right through and slowed slightly as it's drives fought against the gravity well.

"Comms? Try sending a surrender order. Hopefully they speak Mokai..."

"Aye Captain - sending order. We have backup in 2."

"Good - overhaul them and let's put them under our guns in case they try anything."

Jergson sat back in his chair. The situation was over and despite not having done anything he was drenched. The captain looked cool as a cucumber though - rumor was when you got the final pin you got your sweat glands removed as well.

----

The two fighters and their escorted shuttle had found a place to land, and the fighters were now circling as a team of marines and science officers fanned out across the red planet in search of anything interesting.

"Will you take a look at that..."

"Wha?"

"It's a tree. Well, a tree analog."

There was light on the world - gases interacting in the nebula emitted light and the atmosphere turned it red. What little atmosphere there was... It wasn't breathable by human standards. There was however this odd thing that looked something like a tree jutting out of a rock. Broad cracks ran through the rock and root-like appendages could be seen in the depths. Clearly something was growing here.

"Well, let's dig it up and take it home. Plenty of others here."

The two set to work - there were plenty of others, and this one seemed like a sappling. The rock it grew in proved to be fragile and a couple moments with a pry bar split it like an egg.

"Take some samples of that too - if the tree-thing is useful someone might want to know what they grow in."

"I'm wondering how they grow. Water percent is non-existant."

Doctor Ambrose wiped the thin film of water off the tank and peered inside. It was an unnessecary action, he knew, as there were cameras in the tank that provided a much clearer picture. Still - one should forgive the great their oddities. His eyes strained to see through the debris on the glass, but he could see the form that lay beyond. A human male - though it wasn't really human. Technically incomplete it lacked the portion of the brain that made it human. It was an animal in every sense.

It had been growing in the tank for weeks. Growth accelerators had been used to speed up the process and it was nearly done. Computer simulations could only show you so much and at some point one had to get real. The good doctor's project was his dream - the creation of humans with powers that seemed super-human. These were a step beyond simply stronger, faster, smarter. Ambrose hoped to produce genetic sequences that would allow his creations to fly, to walk on walls, to shoot laser beams from their hands...

Yes - when it came right down to it Ambrose was a Mad Scientist. He still had his day job as a professior of biology at Ares University but he spent his nights surround by his own handiwork.

Aside from the long row of tubes containing the growing samples there were dozens of 'blanks' being prepared - cheap baby-in-a-box units that were modified to allow genetic material to be added later. There were also his specimens. This was a gruesome collection of creatures with the unusual abilities the doctor wanted to transfer to his subjects. There were sharks that propelled themselves through the depths of space, giants spiders that walked on sheer walls, and even a pirate from the nation of Os Sanglants. That had been tricky - he had aqquired the demi-human before he had moved and it had nearly been discovered in his belongings.

----

(Continued from the Triumvirate Boards)

I looked over my crew as we stood there, chairs in hand and blankets tied together and draped over our bodies. They were all good men and women - if we escaped the facility what then? Would we find an alien world beyond or simply an Ardan city? I knew these worried were probably running through their heads as well. Speech time.

"Well, you all know we have one shot at this. Don't doubt we will make it though - we are the best. Out of billions of people we were deemed good enough to be the people that Sunset would send into the void. One in ten thousand is good enough for the fleet, and one in one hundred is good enough for Exploration. And I know the best of those are standing right here.

We don't know if they will be aliens or Ardans - I know you are all thinking it. It doesn't matter which really. We are from Sunset, and we ARE the best. It's time to win through and find out what's out there. It's what we signed up to do, and it's what we will do. Take your places, let no one fall, and let's storm the gates."

Hefting my chair I led the way down to the courtyard doors where we re-assembled. As soon as Harvey opened those doors we would rush across the courtyard and down that sandy alley - our one chance to escape this place.

----

The two scientists looked at the bits of psuedo-tree they had found through a microscope, each hmm'ing and haw'ing as they discovered a new facet of the object.

"It's a crystal."

"Hmm. I see a grain structure similar to a tree though."

"Look closer - say 10,000x. Those fibers have cleavage."

"Whoa - don't wanna know how much you like trees."

"Cleavage planes."

"Pervert - now you are talking about molesting aircraft... Yeah. I see them now. Looks like a member of the..."

"Corundum group. Aluminum oxide."

"So we know it's a crystal growth of some kind. How though?"

"That, my friend, is the mystery."

----

ASN NewsBlurb

Shares in resource extraction, heavy equipment manufacturing, and orbital development companies continue to soar on renewed rumors that the Ares system might play host to another Triumvirate colony and possibly an additional major shipyard. Henrick Brothers and Liquid Design as well as Twin Aerostar seem to be in the front of the pack as the rumors continue to escalate.

As far as the identity of the nation involved, few can say for sure. Most speculation revolves around the purchase of a large section of land by the Dominion - the Dread Lady's relationship with Sunset has always been positive and such a move would not be unexpected.

----

Varients of the IntelX product continued to come out of the labs of Dr. Silaco, though rumor had it that she was working on something new. Rumors in the Intelligence community usually have some strong basis in fact. Given that the rate of release of the IntelX products had slowed in recent weeks this was very likely. The question was - what was this new wonder-project?

The IntelX series had revolutionized SDF Intelligence operations and had resulted in the Horizon intel coup, the Severnaia operation, and was an instrumental part of thousands of ongoing operations. What new invention would come out of her labratory in the months ahead, and what would be the result?

[tag to catch up. :) ]

Doctor Silaco's labratory sat on the edge of Ares University. Though virtually a city until itself it was still laid out like many Terran universities. Well maintained grounds with hundreds of acres of grass, small stands of trees, and the occasional building were linked together both by walks and a carefully concealed transit system. Through this lovely setting Silaco walked listening to the birds chirp overhead and watching a pair of kittens play on the grass ahead of her.

As she walked one of the birds would occasionally swoop down and perch on her shoulder or arm, gaze up at her for a moment, and fly away once again. Almost as if the two were exchanging information - which they were. The birds were her latest, and possibly last, creation in the IntelX series. Getting the birds light enough to fly under their own power had been a feat in itself, and working out the programming to keep them realistic in their habits had occupied months of her time.

Now she walked the grass, thinking about her next project and admiring her creations. Her eyes turned to a figure walking the paths nearby and her eyes narrowed. Her nemisis in as many ways as a robotics professor and a biologist could be opposed. Doctor Ambrose...

----

"Doctor."

"Doctor..."

"Out playing with your pets again I see..."

Ambrose looked at Silaco's face when he said this - he saw her eyes narrow and the twitch of a frown quickly erased. Amazing how realistic her body was. He wondered how realistic it was but he had no time for things like that. His eyes traced from her face to her chest and below and he knew that she was following his eyes with her own.

"Checking on my latest project, yes. How long has it been since we have seen anything new out of your labratory?"

A deliberate jibe - his project was taking up all of his time. But she couldn't know that. She couldn't know how close he was to greatness... She, who made nothing more complex than childrens toys....

"Yes, well I'm afraid most of my time is going to my students. They take a lot of work."

"Naturally - we must make sure they get the best education. Can't be top 1% without work."

"Naturally. Nice to talk to you - but I'm afraid I have papers to grade."

"Good day to you then Doctor."

The two walked on; Silaco wondering exactly what Ambrose was doing with all that time and Ambrose wondering what Silaco looked like naked.

----

Two engineers paced the control chamber of the very large array currently flowing just below the south pole of the star. The size was getting up there, and the system was technically operational. They had a lot of energy stored up right now and it was a good time to test things out.

"Cogswell - you really?"

"Nope - I'm nervous. The system is ready though. Capacitors are charged, power flow is good, and the grid is fully functional. System capacity is at 99% and holding."

Many people didn't realize exactly how difficult it was to convert energy directly into matter. The system needed a constant, extremely regulated flow of energy, a lot of computing power to tell it exactly what atoms go where, and a very, very fine emitter array to put all the bits together correctly. Because of this, and the fact that in general just pulling metal from the ground, refining it, and machining it was a more efficient process in the medium term energy to matter conversion was only sparingly done in Sunset and even then only to create custom elements.

"Well, let's fire this puppy up. I've got the plans for turkey with gravy in here and I'm hungry."

How frivolous...

----

"Off they go - ready to fight a war that will hopefully never come."

A cluster of ramships painted in the colors of the MIDF and with the star and laurel of the Menelmacari flag embossed on their bow headed through the wormhole gate and into orbit around Venus. Even as they disappeared more and more waited their turn, three by three heading through the gate to reinforce the flock already there.

----

The hulking armored figure stood for a moment, it's systems coming online for the first time, and then suddenly moved as it's first order came through. It moved aside seconds before another came down, and as it walked away various hatches, flaps, blades, barrels, arms, sockets, and flanges emerged, opened, closed, flipped, and turned as diagnostic systems tested every system on it's armored form.

"Unit, identify yourself."

The voice came from a speaker to the right. The armored form turned and looked at the speaker, identification patterns matching their face, uniform, ranking, and other details to those on file.

"Commander Tullis, Sir!"

It saluted, dropped it's arm, and rattled off it's identity.

"Combat Android Mark Three. Unit Identification Five Five Four Seven Eight. Unique Name...."

Here it paused - the units were instructed to think up their own name. It was part of a sentience check routine that had been build in. Most just chose random words - one called itself 'The'.

"Snowball."

"Snowball? Your reason for this unique name?"

"Reference popular dictionary, slang phrase. 'Does not have a snowball's chance in hell.'"

"That doesn't sound very optimistic."

"Re-phrase Sir."

"Proceed to line one for additional instructions Snowball."

"Yes Sir!"

The android saluted and joined line one - which was significantly longer than line two and didn't have combat androids doing things like painting flames on their hands and playing checkers with rocks.

A thought had sprung to Ambrose's mind while teaching class that afternoon, and a scribbled note had reminded him to pursue it when he got back to his lab. There had been an incident in the early days of Sunset space exploration where the SDF Columbia has become trapped in a giant space ameoba that absorbed EM radiation and asteroid minerals to grow. Fascinating creature, but very dangerous to study... The Therian's had used it as a weapon once and there were still samples running around.

Ambrose needed to get his hands on one of these. That would take a call and a white lie. As he went from unit to unit surveying the growth and status of his experiments he placed a call to an old student of his.

"Mekran? This is Stephen. Yes. How have you been? Good, good. I know it's been quite some time but I saw your research in one of the journals and I was wondering if you had some of the radiation absorbing ameoba left? You do? Excellent - I want to do some hands-on stuff in class about the effects of radiation on biologicals and I was wondering if I could borrow some. Really? Wonderful! I'll come pick it up myself... Oh - thank you but I couldn't trouble you... Dinner? Certainly. I have to get back to grading these papers - you were such an excellent student. These kids couldn't describe a gene-map if it bit them on the ass... Goodbye, see you thursday..."

Sample secured he finished his rounds and sat down at his terminal. Time to hunt up some more specimens for incorporation into his experiments.

Jon sat at his desk doing the last of his homework - the minor decisions that the president would normally assign to an assistant for evaluation and a recommendation. Now Jon was in charge of doing the whole thing and pursuing the recommended action. As most of the president's responsibilities revolved around diplomacy and the military Jon's assignments were similar. Right now he was debating assigning a perminent embassy staff to Bryn Shaydar. The new moon and it's owning nation were an opportunity, but were they stable enough to justify the cost?

The intercom pulsed and he pondered hitting the busy button. Apparently Dr. Silaco wanted to talk to him about something but he needed to get this done too. Ah well - Silaco usually had something interesting. A little break was just what he needed.

"Come on in."

Silaco entered and closed the door. As far as the virtual office was concerned the conversation was now private. This in itself was interesting - she didn't even want the system to record their conversation.

"Good Afternoon Jon... Busy with your homework I guess? Sorry for the interuption, but I came to a realization and I though I should bring it up now. Ares, for all the precautions we have taken, is not secure. Time is passing and the exploration efforts of our enemies and the neutral powers are expanding. At some point one of their craft will find this place - and even if it is destroyed more may come."

Jon sighed - he knew she was right. But what to do about it?

"I have two suggestions - one more ambitious than the other. The first is simple: Maintain a group of warships different from our own or those of our allies for use in the perimeter patrol forces. Perhaps Gen Mokai warships. They have not been seen in Sol. The second is extremely ambitious - let me show you."

Silaco went over to a console and pulled up a diagram from her own labratory. Jon looked at it for a moment and the realization of what it was came over him.

"You realize the ambitiousness of this project? Atlantis is no comparison."

"I do - but like our other project we have time. With the expanse of space to be searched, even assuming a doubling in known exploration expenditures, it will take hundreds of years for a methodical search to find this place. This will give us enough time to complete this project based on our currect growth. The project can also proceed in secret - there are plenty of moons in the neighboring systems."

"I'll consider it - though it will last longer than my own lifespan by my own estimation. Not yours of course. Are you willing to assume the direction of this project if it is asked of you?"

Jon asked this last question to find Silaco's dedication to the idea. Her immediate yes lent added credibility to her proposal.

----

"Mmm - delicious. Pass the salt, will you?"

The two engineers were enjoying the product of the array. Expanded production capabilities led to expanded product size. Thus the cubic meter turkey on the table. The workers had been taking slides as well and there was still plenty left as well as a huge tureen of gravy and a small mountain of mashed potatoes.

"You know what we forgot? The green beans. We will have to add those next week."

----

The Volga was still lost - though it was making some progress in determining it's location. Something had to be generating the overall grey frequency of the photons they were seeing, so the scientists had re-built a science probe with an extensive photon sensor suite and had fired it out of the forward tubes. The ships had been motionless thus far to avoid hitting something they couldn't see and as the torpedo streaked away they watched it with interest.

----

This was my second time in the tunnel alley that seemed to lead from the complex. My feet seemed guided of their own accord as we entered the alley en masse, chairs held high to intercept darts and blankets flapping to absorb those that got through. As soon as we turned the corner the first darts flew and we understood that they were serious about preventing our escape. Shutters opened and we could clearly see figures step up to them and begin firing darts down.

"Go go go!" I shouted as the rest of my crew sent up a yell. The mob adrenaline had taken over and we rushed around the corner without pause. I saw the gate that the two ensign's had desribed earlier looming ahead of us and barely realized the mob mentality would work against us if I didn't act. Already people were pressed up against the gate and we were presenting an open target.

"Build a ladder - we must cross this wall!"

Commander Harvey put her chair down and stood on it, hooking another chair over the top of the gate. There was a whistle and several darts sunk into the blanket she wore. Already two people had fallen - both those who had not elected to wear the blankey poncho's. She grabbed the Knootian Lt. Pim and nearly threw him over the wall, the lighter man propelled up and over by the adrenaline surged Harvey.

I couldn't see what was happening on the other side, but I could imagine hands scrambling at an alien lock as I moved the crew into a defensive formation. More shutters opened and undoubtably Pim came under fire as a volley of curses erupted from the other side. French and German mixed with English and finally a shouted "It's not f-ing opening!"

In the traditions of many Terran militaries no man is left behind. The bodies of the fallen are retrieved to be buried on the soil they fought and died to defend. This tradition carried on into the dispora and the SDF carried it forward as well. Many funerals had been conducted on Ares for the fallen retrieved from the battlefields of a hundred worlds and this one was no different.

Armored figures darted through smoke and flame, bolts of cyan streaming from their weapons as they moved from cover to cover. Answered by searing green rays the marines sought cover behind stone and tree. Energy rippled across laminate and melted ceramic as it hungryly sought the flesh beneath.

The casket was carried forward like so many before it. Six strong men and women, squadmates all, carried it forward on their shoulders. Draped across it was the flag the young woman had fought under and died under. The golden sunburst of the nation fluttered softly as they slowly walked up the steps of the chapel and into the chamber.

Despite the withering fire they moved forward. Arcing grenades sought out their enemy with flashes of fire and shrapnel. Those that dived into the open never left it as bolts of plasma tore apart gray skin and bone as easily as fire destroyed paper. The alien still fought though, and another hail of green met the troops as they rushed ahead to route their attackers.

One by one her friends and family came forward to lay flowers at the casket. As they did her commanding officer stood and began to speak. Tales of antics in the barracks, valor on the field, and accomplishments in life. It is said that the people of Sunset are not compassionate and this is true. They do remember a friend and a life lost though.

Energy surged, heated, and vaporized laminate as multiple bolts struck home on the marine who dashed forward first. But it was not he who fell. With the cry to cover her the young woman dashed forward to drag her fallen comrade back to safety. It was then that another cascade of emerald fell forward and cut down the young woman. Bravery sometimes demands a sacrifice - though she could not know her own had saved another.

Shovels poured dirt onto the coffin as her squadmates buried their own. Another hero born in battle on a distant world, another soldier saved by the selfless act of another. The greatest act of a sentient being was the willingness to give it up for another.

----

The first part of Silaco's plan was easily accomplished. Night-Class starships, normally destined for covert operations and thus never seen in Sol, were build in numbers and armed for perimeter patrol and defense. They carried no flag or markings and could easily be mistaken for pirates or aliens. The disguise was completed by complex communications programs that mimiced the speech of the Aqua'For in case they were forced to make contact.

The second part was more difficult. They would need to find a suitable moon in one of the four neighboring systems. Survey ships were dispatched to make a detailed study of each moon right down to the core though the reason for this was not revealed. During this time Silaco finalized her own plans - she would be doing this project her way. Designs were drafted and sent to production. Designs for heavy labor androids, highly intelligent and likely to become the companionship she would need for over a hundred years.

Tools were also ordered - complex mining machines from Wazzu, magnetic accelerators from Reploid Productions, and more. By inderect paths these came from Earth to Titan, Mars, Sslaa IV, and were then re-sold or re-labelled and transfered on.

It was the only way, though it left us dreadfully exposed. More and more darts were striking home and I had a couple close calls myself. A dart zipped by my face to thump harmlessly into a blanket and another hit my hand at an angle and bounced away. It hurt but I started to boost one person after another over the gate. They formed a barrier while myself and Commander Harvey got everyone over.

Now we were dragging seven of our number - another two went down getting over the wall. As I hopped over last I was glad to find sand again on the other side. Some suspicion was tickling at the back of my mind and this served to confirm it a little more. We moved on slower now that the adrenaline had lessened.

There was another corner in the alley tunnel and the shutters and the constant hail of darts ended as we rounded it. We were not in the clear yet but I could see the walls of the buildings that formed the alley end past the gate. Perhaps we would be out though I could also see more buildings past that. We trudged up a slight incline: As in the complex there seemed to be no such thing as stairs. The gate was at the top of the incline and I called a halt.

"Take a moment to catch your breath - if we are going to cross that wall we might as well do it with some air in our lungs."

The difference in the atmosphere that was so less noticable in the complex was clearly affecting us now. I had tired faster which meant there was likely less oxygen in the atmosphere or they were drugging the food. The last didn't seem likely though - the big eaters would have noticed more effect and they were still going as well as I was.

"Ok - over the top. Let's not make the same mistake we did last time. I'll take a look, then drop Harvey and Blair over."

These two were our best unarmed combatants though I held no illusions if we encountered armed opponents. Accepting a quick boost I peeked over and surveyed a sandy courtyard beyond. Opposite us was another gate but I couldn't see to either side. Still - the coast was clear. I dropped back and helped boost Harvey then Blair over and then I was next.

It might have been a little foolish but I felt compelled to check the corners as soon as I dropped. As soon as I leaned around the left corner I got my first good look at one of our captors - standing about ten feet away with a dart gun of some kind. I pulled my head back with a jerk and felt a couple darts hit me in the back.

"Flanked - both sides!" I yelled, pulling further back. There had only been one to the immediate left but I was sure I saw another pair coming up from it's rear as well. Assuming both sides had equal support we were facing six. "Throw your blankets over - and get over quickly!"

The few that were already over picked up the blankets that rained over and looked at me.

"Hold em up - protect the face. We need to rush em before too many arrive." I realized then that waiting had been an error. Those inside the buildings were rushing to secure this gate and we had given them a moment. Taking a blanket I spread it wide, rushed around the corner, and tackled the three beings that had been waiting.

Harvey went right after me and I could hear the dull thud of fists on flesh as she laid into them. A crewmember, I couldn't tell who, piled into the three with me as I struggled to avoid feet and hands as I lashed out through the blanket hoping to avoid a dart that would end my fight.

----

Glass shattered and sprayed across the bow - or at least something that looked like one - as Ms. Billion Balls herself christined the newest ship in the Sunset Defense Force. She was new all right and even the shipyard that built most of her was unaware of her true capabilites. A lot of black curtain work had been done installing certain systems and now she was fully operational. A maiden voyage was all that was left.

She was the first in the new Unconquered Sun class of Super Dreadnoughts. Only a bare hundred meters longer than the majority of the fleet she still packed in a lot of new systems that would only make their debut in the rest of the fleet during the 2700 refit cycle.

----

One of the many things that sped interstellar commerce along was the presence of a unified module system for frieghters and transports. Ships didn't have to pack cargo containers into their hulls wasting valuable time - they just picked up a preloaded module, activated the clamps, and were off to the next port.

"So you want us to make enough cargo modules fitted with a 'classified system' to outfit the entire fleet? It can't be done - ok, it can be done, but it would take more money than you have."

"How about just Sol then?"

"That's not much better - Sol system trade is still the majority of our trade. More like 78% if you want some detailed numbers."

"I suppose we will have to spread it out then - at this point we want one new module with this system ready for each new ship that comes off the line."

----

The missions to the surrounding systems had found a match for Doctor Silaco's requirements. Now she herself was zipping around the target moon in a fighter she had gotten Jon to loan her from the mothball yards. There were thousands there and she had already added them into her planned defense forces. Now she was looking for the site where the project would begin.

"Right there - the exact north pole. We don't want to disturb things too much..."

The giant tunneling mole bought from Wazzu would be modified to operate on the surface while it started the first core that would eventually stretch from pole to pole. The moon was 72 kilometers in diameter and according to the siesmic testing a single solid mass. Once the first core was completed it would be widened to 500 meters - large enough to fit a standard SDF warship into. Then the core would be fitted with a mass driver aimed for the sun - they would leave no trace of their modifications if at all possible.

The tricky part would be to build concealed doors 500 meters across - but Silaco had plenty of time. Nearly 150 years remained before the first light from the colonized Ares would arrive in Sol - whether someone would figure there was something human in origin out there was to be seen.

With an audible clank that rang through the hull the work shuttle docked with the hull of the wormhole gate in Ares orbit. Upgrades were coming to the gate that stood watch over inter-system traffic for so long. Already new structure studded the aft inner rim of the gate. These would form a new emitter array though these were more than that in both power and function. It was not alone in these upgrades - every gate aside from the pair that linked the GEC-42 system to Mars was being upgraded as well.

----

A door slid open to my left and I threw up my blanket to ward off the darts that would likely follow. A punch from a three fingered hand knocked me backward for my effort though I saw one of our red suited attackers fly past and through the doorward. They were apparently lighter than humans despite their similar size - another crew member sent one crashing into a wall with a judo throw.

Someone clearly saw their chance and barreled through the door and into the building beyond. I could not tell who it was though I could hear the meaty thump as fist met face. I smashed one of our yet-unknown captors in the threat and followed the crewman in as the spot proved as vulnerable as it was on a human and it reeled backward. I was only the third to follow as Harvey and another I thought to be Pim raced inside as well.

I glanced around the room as I entered - only one exit so it was easily defended. Or we would be trapped and gunned down like dogs. Still our chances inside were better than out.

"Inside - everyone inside!" I yelled and the call was taken up. Our numbers had been cut in half by the fight outside and worse we had been forced to leave some who had fallen behind. Now we controlled the door though and as it slid shut crewmembers with weapons made of shattered chairs took their places to each side. We were safe for the moment but we were down to fourteen.

----

"Jon - we have a problem and a solution."

Jon fixed the head of the Replacement Cycle Commitee with a raised eyebrow. He wasn't a designer, engineer, or warrior - he was a diplomat, scholar, and adventurer. His experiences with battle had been a few encounters with alien creatures he was fortunate to have survived. What would the head of Replacement want to ask him?

"Problem first please."

"The problem is that right now we have a lot of ships in the mothball yards and more joining them every year. A reserve is one thing but at this rate we will chew up a significant portion of the replacement budget maintaining third and fourth generation ships. Right now we have far too many and sales are down. To be true they are lasting far too long in civilian hands."

"I can see your point. We are getting closer to the next cycle - and with other projects our funds are being stretched. You said you had a solution?"

"Yes - though it will take your agreement. What I'm thinking is that we let them go at half or even quarter normal rates. A third generation ship commands about 1/4 of it's original price."

"We wouldn't be making much to redeem it's maintenance cost..."

"But we would be gaining a trained and experienced crew in the process. We limit these special sales to those willing to agree to a cycles worth of service on demand. For the next hundred cycles we can call the ship and crew back for service in a supplimental fleet."

"A risk - take the risk that Sunset faces war in that cycle to secure a ship at below market cost. I don't need to think it over much. Go ahead and give it a try. If they will go for it it cannot hurt to pick up some extra hands in case of a fight. Sweeten it - offer salaries and maintenance for a year if called to service."

"Sounds good - I'd go for it. The risk is minimal and the price is right."

----

A tunnel can go a long way in a year - over halfway through a moon with the right equipment. More were following it as well as teams of androids hot off Silaco's design table. Rock was being removed day and night and the surface was being slowly covered with a grid of passive sensors and shielded cabling. Her goal was to have the project done before the first light from the newly colonized Ares arrived in Sol. The jig would not be up, so to speak, but the threat would increase.

"Muhahahaha! Mu ha ha ha ha... Er. Mu haha?"

Ambrose sighed and simply threw the lever. His creation was now fully grown and with any luck it would be blasting things apart in moments. The fluid in the tank emptied and it lifted away into the ceiling leaving the creature standing there with the mask on that had kept it alive for all this time.

'I need a name... Something unique.'

"Burner! Step down here..."

The thing on the platform somehow responded to the quite stupid name and stepped down. It's eyes were open but there was no spark there - it was only a beast. Quickly the doctor cleaned off the debris with a tower and dressed it in a simple jumpsuit. Like a puppy it squirmed but once the suit was on it stood still again.

"Alright Burner - follow me."

Ambrose turned and walked towards the door into the unused portion of the labratory. After a moment he stopped and turned back. The creature still stood there.

"I suppose I will have to train you then. Maybe I should have used dogs..."

The training went well - Burner and the other creations were like dogs in their ability to learn. Some abilities Ambrose was able to test easily - blast one with large doses of x-ray energy, command another other to climb a wall. Not all were successful of course. The one he blasted with x-rays died horribly and was buried under a tree in the yard.

----

The original super-scale project proceeded with renewed speed as the project managers caught wind of Silaco's project elsewhere. Competition was healthy in humans, though the android didn't seem to notice the intranet chart that was tracking the two projects side by side. As with all things in Sunset bets were taken and Silaco was ahead. Apparently those in the know put more trust in the android's steady pace than in the engineer's suddenly increasing speed.

"Do you think we will beat her?"

"You have asked me that every hour for a week - if you don't stop I'll throw you into the sun."

----

In orbit great slices of a wormhole gate were assembled and tested then taken apart again and carefully packed up for shipment. This was the first of the wormgates destined for Devon Treznor's project though the corporation who made them did not know or suspect their destination. Even as the first sections left the second neared completion. Once it was completed it too would be tested, taken apart, put together again, re-tested, then shipped off to Earth.

----

In a facility deep underground three holosphere's stood side by side displaying the latest creation and it's ancestors. First was the Daiklaive Battle Suit used by the marine and 0 Division operators for close assault operations. Then there was the Grand Daiklaive with it's heavy weapon for medium range support. Finally there was the latest toy for the Marines - the flight suit variant. As yet virtually untested and unnamed the suit would hopefully complete testing within the next few years and start to be rolled out to suppliment the existing battle suits.

"So who can tell me what one of the functions of our government is?"

A five year old raised her hand and the teacher pointed to her. Without rising from the beanbag where she spend most of her time in the classroom she answered the question. "Provide for the common defense?"

"Yes - very good. And you Rob?"

"Provide for the smooth operation of commerce?"

"Again, good. Janyce?"

"Protect free will and personal responsibility?"

"All very good. Today we are going to continue our discussion on our government and how and why it functions the way it does. Get comfortable and take out any materials you might want to have ready before we begin."

Another school day began on Ares in classrooms both real and virtual. Much of the education budget went to schools, museums, universities, and research centers planetside. High in orbit classrooms of the more mobile variety continued their endless quest for knowledge and information as the ships of the Sunset Exploration Command pressed ever outward.

----

"Bad mutant! Bad!"

Ambrose swatted one of the mutants he had created with a rolled up newspaper.

"I swear - if you pee on the carpet one more time I'm going to bury you next to Ralphy. Do you understand? Now come over here and try to climb this wall. I'm not going to have an army of unstoppable super mutants if you can't climb a freaking wall."

After the first month of trying to teach his first batch to use their super-powers and the litter box he had returned to the lab and started another batch. Risks be damned - this group was going to be sentient enough to not tear up the carpet or try to hump his leg. Once the new batch was out of their tubes he was going to take that shovel in the garage and...

Ambrose smiled a tight smile as he imagined the handle in his hands and even took a few practice swings. Once they were out of his hair he could starting training the new batch and finding out what Doctor Silaco was doing. She had been gone an awful long time now.

----

Silaco walked the rough stone 'floor' of the chamber barefooted. She loved the sensory variation that she recieved as she stepped across the cool stone floor of the enormous chamber. This was going to be it - the core of her vast new project. Stretching from pole to pole it would eventually have enough room to house a fleet - perhaps her fleet. With a single command the silence ended and she could feel the roar of hammers chipping away at stone and the dull thud of explosives blasting away.

'My fleet... It's certainly an idea. Since I own the moon perhaps I should see to it's defense. A few ships here and there to defend this place while the fleet is away... A fee then? A fee to relocate to a 'secure facility' in case of danger...'

Thoughts began to tumble through her head as she pondered such a fleet. It wouldn't be much compared to the Fleet but it should be different. Not the different of the biological nightmares that waited on the surface of Hades, but the different of the crystalline. It was a moon she was scultping after all. What better form to defend it than a crystal one?

Silaco sat at her station poking at a simple model for a ship with one hand while her other hand supported her head in a decidedly thoughtful manner. Parts swirled and came together in the holo-sphere each twisted here and there as Silaco pondered her defense fleet.

'In space there is no cover - thus one seeks safety in manuverability. The larger the cone the better - but one must also hit one's opponent. Move towards your opponent and the cone is at it's smallest... The best way to move is so your opponent is coming towards or away from you while you are moving across his line of travel... Of course, the smaller the target profile the better. Perhaps a spindle? It would look odd moving though space though efficiency is often it's own beauty... And how many? More ships with weaker weapons or larger slower ships with larger weaponry? Why not make a nod to the tank of yesteryear... One main weapon with secondary smaller weapons...

Slowly pieces came together on the screen as Silaco assembled her fleet concept - though it would be more of a horde. An unmanned horde as well - who would want to sit out on a planetoid in the depths of space for perhaps centuries?

Now the pulverized rock from the moon excavation speed away from the entrance tunnel in a solid stream as extraction continued. Sped on it's way by a series of gravity wells created by a ring of generators mounted around the entrance shaft it created a long grey line that linked the moon and the nearby star. It took nearly a year for material ejected now to reach the star but then it was gone and yet more evidence of the project's existance erased forever. Inside the hollowed out shaft that was now nearly half-way through the moon expansion had already begun.

Silaco had designed the project to eventually move and so around the entrance shaft a huge series of caverns was created. Some were destined to wrap entirely around the planetoid under the surface while others were simply huge chambers for massive pieces of equipment. The first would contain massive ducts and cables anchored in the rock itself to strengthen the whole thing. The second set would hold gravity drives - massive structures that would burn the fuel used by a city of millions in a year to simply accelerate the whole thing only a fraction of a gravity.

----

Energy surged as the construct slowly taking shape around the southern pole of the Ares star produced it's latest test - a single StarStrike II fighter. After a couple jaunts around local space it was deemed a success and production was resumed on the array itself. Now it was just big enough that ships in the Crown began to notice it and ask questions...

"That would be a solar research facility. It's restricted space because of how delicate the experiments are..."

"Bullhockey."

"..."

"If it was a solar research facility we would be seeing some kind of announcement as to the research being conducted there. What'er you trying to hide?"

"Nothing - it's simply not completed yet. I assure you we will be making an announcement when it is completed."

"Bullhockey."

"Secretary Wilson? You are under arrest for corruption."

Wilson sat at his desk looking up at the two battlesuits who had appeared in his office in a surge of energy. Training long past came to mind but he supressed it though the two plasma rifles they were pointing at him didn't hurt either. A quick glance over the two told him everything he needed to know - no unit designations, no name plates. 0 Division operated solely on the word of the President and thus Jon had ordered them to do it.

Thoughts ran through his head as he stood with his arms out and a simple statement of cooperation. Would he have done the same in Jon's place? How had he found out? He knew the penalty already - he would have to repay what he had taken illegally. As the two operators led him out of the office he turned and looked at it one last time: The chance of a lifetime ruined over a few million di-coins.

----

Jon sat in his office as well though it was a world apart from that of his secretary and friend.

'More than friend - though that was long ago...'

He stirred from his thoughts and began to go through the list of potential replacements. Hopefully the two would remain friends but Jon would need to be very careful to avoid the suggestion of impropriety in his future relationship. The list was winnowed down with that thought as Jon removed anyone who had know Wilson other than in passing.

----

An android, even a sentient one, cannot hate the sound of blades on ice or fingernails on the chalkboard. Silaco had run exhaustive tests to come to this conclusion before taking up ice skating. Gliding across the ice in the chamber she contemplated the future of her project, tracing her thoughts out in ice and occasionally punctuating them with a graceful leap. It was, she knew, technically perfect and that disturbed her. One of the hallmarks of sentient life was their imperfections.

Imperfections were important at this stage of the project. With the full core completed and enlargement begun she would have to pay more and more attention to hiding this place. Already simple drones of her own design floating along the surface planting sensors and carefully hiding them with a random spray system again of her own design. Could that created by electronic life be truely considered random however?

----

It had been decades since an outside ship had been spotted in Ares and the reaction was far too slow. Bypassing the outer perimeter it has dropped out of FTL dangerously near Anuke and the shipyards and colonies there. This incursion was different though - it was almost like they knew what they were looking for. A small assault carrier had dropped ships equivalent to the SDF's own assault shuttles as well as some fighters and both were now running for the mothball yards.

The closest ship was the Templar - the perennial guardian of the yards themselves. Crimson crossed the space between the cruiser and the assault carrier but it took the pounding and came rushing towards the cruiser and it's startled crew. Torpedos ripped huge sections apart in a flurry of destruction as it tried to ram the Templar and made plain the goal. The crew was away and already racing through outer edges of the mothball yards. A last volley of torpedos and the carrier was done, shattered like a porcelain doll, but it's progeny had already begun their mission.

Engineering teams assigned to strip useful parts and systems from the ships watched helplessly as a fighter neared their transport. There was a scramble to put on helmets and secure their suits though some dashed directly for the escape pods. These few escaped as a missile plowed through the thin hull of the utility transport and exploded.

Now it was a game of cat and mouse as the Templar launched it's two fighters. They would try to herd a fighter or transport into the open where the cruiser could destroy them but they were being preyed on as well with fighters popping out of hiding to launch a cluster of missiles before dashing away. Cyan bursts tore the missiles apart but this was only a distraction as a assault ship burst out of hiding and put plasma into the engines of one fighter before they could respond.

Outside the yards other ships were arriving and other ships were watching. It could be a distraction though those in command suspected pirates. The designs were similar to those that attacked the Gen'Mokai colony and they were proceeding under that assumption. More fighters were launched and the raiders began to fall under the guns of the experienced pilots. A marine transport arrived and headed into the yards with it's assault shuttles flanking it.

The worry now was that one of the assault ships would be able to seize a ship and make a run for it. Worrys became reality as the marines found an older warship - Shiva-Class - with an assault ship docked under the saucer. Their guns blew it to shreds but it's own lack of response indicated someone was likely aboard already.

Vicious fighting erupted for the next several hours as marines tracked down the assault ships one by one and engaged their crews. One team managed to get the engines online but this proved disasterous for them and the marine team who boarded the ship as they tried to override the safeties and blew the ship in half.

When it was all said and done casualties were light if casualties can ever be called that. Nearly fifty letters had to be written and a dozen craft replaced. A multi-hundred-billion di-coin cruiser had been destroyed as well - though it was far better than to have been lost to unknown hands.

A set of coordinates is a simple thing on the surface. Just three simple numbers that represent a location in a three dimensional area of space. It is far more complex when one considers that the numbers are not merely numbers but a reference system based on a purely arbitrary system that determines what each number represents and where the starting location for thse coordinates is. The starting coordinates could be themselves an arbitrary point in space and the distance could be measured in smoot's. Without knowing exactly what system the coordinates use they are essentially worthless.

Thirty two thousand one hundred fourteen dash one hundred seventy two dash fourty three...

----

ASN NewsCast...

"Today's top story is the loss of an entire combat group in what the Defense Force is describing as a major battle with a pirate fleet. The 11th SCG has been identified as the fleet in question and consisted of the dreadnoughts Omaha and Stacey, the cruisers Clinton and Yankovic, and the recently returned explorer Volga. The after action report filed by Admiral Brandon of the 18th SCG describes the incident as an attack by overwhelming forces who may have staged an attack on an isolated Gen'Mokai colony as a trap for our forces. The 11th was the first to arrive on the scene and was nearly completely annihilated before the arrival of the 18th and 29th.

Both of these fleets have since returned to the shipyards in Ares orbit where they are all undergoing repairs. Several pieces of wrecked pirate ships have been recovered as well and are also being examined by SDF experts in the hope that this data will give us the upper hand in future encounters.

Now it's time for sports, and here with the latest news from Sol is...."

----

The ambush had been short, sharp, and one sided. Which was how Admiral Brandon liked them. A freighter had arrived in the system a week before and word of it had been leaked to the pirates through the fleet's Therian intelligence assets. When the pirates had shown up to grab the freighter Brandon's 18th had come in with the 29th SBG and hit them with their pants down. There was some damage but the situation was beautiful.

"Two birds with one stone Mr. President - can't ask for better than that. Got paid for it too."

Jon looked up at Brandon and smiled. The loss of life was unfortunate but they had to destroy the pirates and quickly before they became too much of a menace. The fact that this also covered the disappearance of the 11th was all the better.

"And your crews? Are they excited by the transfer to Hillary?"

"Something new Jon - we are always up for it."

The transfer would also serve to keep them from asking questions about the 11th - though as far as they were concerned the sensor logs that showed wrecked ships on the other side of the planet were perfectly accurate.

----

The Volga and the other ships of the recently destroyed 11th SCG hung motionless in space. To one side lay the great star field of the Milky Way and to the other... Nothing. Beyond that nothing lay galaxies by the millions, each a tiny pin-prick of light on the outside viewscreens of the berths of the thousands of crew who were essentially stuck here for the next six months. Not that they were not busy...

"Armature three is locked - four is showing 40%..."

The engineers who stood around their consoles were only deploying the first of eight arrays and thus the novelty that would soon turn to tedium was still novel. In a new operation like this there were always snags and muttered voices and the occasional curse indicated these were being worked out - occasionally with the help of an old fashioned sledgehammer. The array they were deploying had been built to last. Built to wait here - alone - in the depths between galaxies for the time that would hopefully never come.

"Chief, main cargo bay is reporting they have completed assembly and are ready to deploy the second array."

"Give them the green light - if we can get these things all set up in a month we can go looking for whatever might be out here..."

----

Other projects continued unabatted even as this latest project started. The southern solar array had produced the arrays for the new project thanks to it's own vastly increased capacity and now it was using that capacity to expand ever more. The engineers in charge of the project put the goal at a mere 130 units away - though orders for machinery for Silaco's little project were threatening to put their own behind her's for completion date.

It was open competition now and it was fierce. Crews worked around the clock to add more capacity and allow the array to keep producing expansion components as well as the thousands of robots Silaco had ordered for her own project. Of course with no way to know Silaco's progress they were shooting in the dark - she could be dozens of units behind or ahead.

----

As it happened she was behind. Her projections hadn't accounted for the denser rock the boring machines were encountering in portions of the core and this meant both more time to bore and more time spent replacing worn components. She was happy with progress though - if this pace could be sustained she would have a billion people in here before the first light hit Sol.

----

"Yes! It works!"

Ambrose held up the vial to the light and cackled madly as he beheld the object of his desire. The last batch had been far more successful - far, far more. They were like children - eager to please and quick to learn. He remembered how they had cried when he had buried the last of the first batch under the tree in the yard.

"It's gone on to a better life," he had told them - though as far as he was concerned the little bastard could burn in hell. Then it had been back to training and in a week all had been forgotten as they had learned to use their powers and he had started work on the serum.

Serum X. A life's work and a dream. A dream where he stood in charge of the galaxy above an army of incredible superbeings who made the genetic monstrouscities he had seen on Mars look like crude mistakes. A dream that would need to be tested. A city had already suggested itself to his fevered dreams and the irony would be simply delicious. The city that had played home to the greatest champion humanity's imagination had ever created would now play host to the tesf that would give rise to it's conqueror.... Metropolis.

----

OOC: Skipping over however the Volga got back - wanna get this thing moving.

SDF D-Gate (http://www.sunsetrpg.com/images/SDFD-Gate.jpg)

What the 11th Sunset Combat Group was doing in the middle of nowhere was essentially creating a gate. A gate to a loop if one wanted to think of it that way. The Volga had been essentially trapped in just that - a looped wormhole with one end leading into the other. Thanks to the information provided by Pho Te Tu the ship had been recovered as well as enough information for the process to be duplicated. It was not a simple process however - one needed to have something very similar to the existing wormhole gates and those themselves were very, very expensive.

It would also be blatantly obvious if someone stumbled across one of these things who they belonged to. Money was set aside to solve both this and the problem of cost and those who got the money being the smart sort a plan was soon devised and put into action. Instead of a typical gate with it's emitters these gates would use eight 'satillite' emitters in a cube formation. These would also look quite unlike anything the SDF had ever fielding with inspiration drawn from alien ships as well as from neutral powers.

Each system would also be single use - this would both save on cost and add to security. Scattered through space in reasonable proximity to Triumvirate colonies and outposts they would provide the ultimate last resort for the time being. Once these and the two other major projects underway were completed these would recieve an update - a station in the center of each grid that would allow the loop to be opened and also house more satillites so the system could be re-created and re-used.

Well, this is an interesting mission. The ships of Mobile Reaction Fleet One float in stationkeeping over Ares, on express invite from the SDF. We slave our fire systems to the MCP and then...

We wait, really. Stand by for firing patterns. What happens next has two components, one merely physical, the other a concentrated effort of sheer will. As linegun and broadband energy weapon carve massive symbols into rock, giant Nazca lines only visible from orbit, an entire Gestalt presses her will into the rock, fortifying it from enemies and artifices unseen. Trillions of kilometers away, in the cores of Rhea... or, more accurately, ninety degrees from the waking world in the alt-reality of cyberspace, the conical representation of S.H.O.D.A.N. pulses with effort and energy, shining more brilliantly than it has in decades as within her own imagination she incants and makes intricate symbols, dancing to the erratic, schizophrenic beat that is the pulse of reality, bending it to her whim on a scale never before tried.

An hour--a relative eternity--later, she collapses back, the runes fully formed over the face of Ares, spent yet contented with her latest experiment. Now, let's see if such things work on megascales...

The runes that were burned into the planet would lay silent until needed but until then life went on. Cities expanded and were settled as the population grew and grew with each new city slowly filling out the plan that had been set down by the original colonists. Nearly two billion sentients called the system home now and it was time to expand. This would not be a government endeavor - to prepare future homes was the responsibility of private industry and the forward thinkers were already looking to Anuke as the next major population center.

This of course presented a problem for the government - the secret Mangalan base on one of the moons. The best way to cover up a secret base was with another secret base so before the corporations could get their expeditions fully organized the SDF put a large base approximately one crater over from the Mangalan base, put up some fencing and satillites that said 'Government Property - Shoot on Sight' and some warning satillites. A large secret-looking complex was built for later use as a barracks or something.

Meanwhile the Mangalan buildings got new attached offices and some unmarked doors for their new Import/Export center.

Then the corporations came. Like locusts they descended on the surface and began to erect the Martian style domes that had seen little use in Ares. Massive shaft arcologies were built deep into the planet - and it began to yield it's secrets. While the SDF knew that this system had been inhabited before Ares had born little evidence of that inhabitation. Perhaps whatever had stripped Ares of life had been that much more destructive, or perhaps Anuke had just been the final holdout.

Vaults were uncovered. Vast alien things that puzzled the scientists both human and not that investigated them. Not all the vaults were silent either - some still had defenders mechanical and... not. Expeditions into the depths disappeared as did the marines sent to find them. Sometimes they emerged again on the other side of the planet or from some hidden shaft but just as often they did not return.

Danger cannot remove the desire for profit however and the corporations simply moved building sites and the domes went up anyway.

----

Dr. Silaco's progress was measured in the roar and clanking of machinery as her army of robots tore their way through the moon. They had passed the half way point and it was time for her to add some personal touches. Half way along the core would be the command center for the whole body as well as the location of the tremendous light array that would eventually light the whole interior and mimic a day-night cycle. In here she would have her officers and she began construction with an eye for future defense as well as a little privacy.

Her command station would be on one side of the pole where she could look out over the city that would eventually sprawl below her. Her quarters were designed so that she would literally be looking down at the city below as she walked her office. From the office there was a hallway that led to offices for her underlings and then to the central docking ring that would hold her little fleet.

This area was the most important to defend and she laid it out like a fortress. A single long entrance hall led towards her offices and it doglegged sharply right at the mid-point. Along this hallway numberous detection systems, automated weapon systems, grav-traps, and similar were carefully concealed into the structure itself. Behind decorative trim sensors watched those who approached in dozens of ways - even their auras courtesy of a shadowy deal with Reploid Productions. Garbage can defense turrets lurked under the floors, wall panelling, and some light fixtures. There were even some panels that held combat androids - though these were older models long since considered obsolete.

Defendability does not ensure security and Silaco knew this as well - thus this would not be the only center of it's kind. Once the main areas were completed more would be added deep under the rock that sheltered the city inside from the cruel vacuum beyond. Soon enough her robots would not be the only moving things here and she had to prepare for that day.

OOC: Brief area rundown for Tsaraine. As always this information is OOC for pretty much everyone.

Kal-En-Venshos aka Trilats

The Kal-En-Venshos controlled an empire in the area about 100,000 years ago but have been nearly extinct for the past 10,000 years or so. They were a species of genetic engineers and manipulators who used their abilities to control dozens of other races through the threat of engineered plagues and the military might of their other slave species. When their empire was destroyed many of these species went with them leaving dead worlds behind.

Aqua'For

A species of aquatic sentients who seem to always expect the worst. Their homeworld is a water world and they usually have water in their ships - though they can travel on land and breath oxygen.

Gen'Mokai

Stolen right out of UT2k3 the Gen'Mokai are a warrior race with substancial local holdings, FTL capability, and relatively friendly relations with Sunset thanks to some diplomacy.

Therian

The people of the former nation known as The Kinslayer, Therians are 2.5 meter bipedal lizards with mood sensitive scale coloring. When their nation dissolved they took to the stars again and their massive worldships are occasionally found conducting resource harvesting or trade depending on where encountered. The SDF keeps a lot of Therians in their pocket as scouts and similar intelligence roles.

Necron

Well, Duat's out here someplace. Just like Ares if you show up there you will be captured or killed - no intruders.

'Local' Stars

It's mostly uninhabited despite the number of known species in the area. It's a lot of space and even with the number of ships we field we are not going to find everything for quite a while.

"Unspecified threats?"

"Yes Mr. President - Unspecified threats."

"Well that's not very informative is it?"

----

As uninformative as it was the Sunset government felt there was no such thing as over-prepared. This led to Gus and Sam being in a maglev line under the surface of Mars at three in the morning while trains rushed by above every couple of minutes. They had driven their cargo down the line on a maintenance vehicle and both were wearing the uniform of MagLev Sunset which was the contractor that maintained the maglev system. It was also, if one followed the money through a long series of holding companies, offshore investors, and proxy companies, partially owned by a group of businessmen who's names could also be found in the directory at SDF Intelligence headquarters. Assuming one hadn't been shot by then.

Gus opened the crate as Sam opened a maintenance and monitoring alcove and cleared out a section of old equipment that the regular workers had left to rust. Grumbling about a lack of responsibility he opened a socket that plugged directly into the heavy duty electricity supply that fed the rails and helped Gus manuver the unit into place next to the door. The two men used a molecular welding compound to fuse the mounting brackets to the floor before returning to the vehicle for the next part of their load. This was simply deposited in one corner where it's obscure designation and warning signs would keep the inactive combat android inside undisturbed for a very long time.

"Let's plug her in and get outta here..."

Gus looked over at the unit with some apprehension. Their instructions had been to install it and make sure all the proper lights were on as they left. He didn't know what, exactly, it did but being hooked directly to the mains meant there would be a lot of power flowing to it.

"Why do I always have to be the one who plugs them in?"

A meaty fist took the cable, jammed it into the wall, and then locked it in place with a twist. The unit did nothing except a row of red lights came on, with a single green light instead of red. The two men grabbed their tools, turned out the lights, and left the HOBD generator in the dark as the door swung shut behind them. As it locked the second light flicked from red to green and the android powered up long enough to run a diagnostic before the green light went out again and both returned to their electronic sleep.

Over the next week Sam and Gus and dozens of other 'maintenance workers' repeated the same task on the maglev lines leading into and out of Sunset. Blast doors would the tunnels in an emergency - but once the doors were breached there needed to be a second line of defense.

----

The light cascading through the Aurora's artificial wormhole suddenly faded and dropped as the last of the Nova-Class ships made their way into Venus orbit. Yards that had produced at full tilt these weapons of war turned now to the implements of peace as they started to built floating colonies for Sslaa IV, balloon colonies for Hillary, and latice domes for Bright Morning. This was fortunate in that supplies of iridium had mostly run out for the time being. There were rumors of another big find on Chih-Yu however.

For the time being the yards would turn to civilian affairs however. More and more people were born and more and more people would need to be housed both on Ares and on other Sunset and Triumvirate colonies. Much of this population came from Sunset on Mars as the total population surged toward four billion sentients.

----

The pirate raids seemed to have stopped with the destruction of the pirate fleet by Admiral Brandon's task force. The work they started had not however. The 11th SCG continued to erect their network of last ditch hidey holes and traps as they moved from empty expanse to empty expanse. However that left a lot of time as the tessaract drives recharged for idle amusement. Aboard the Volga the most popular distractions were building virtual worlds though close behind that was the execution of over-the-top practical jokes.

Ensign Kara Johnson had been far too successful for her own good and she knew it. It had started simple enough - glueing someone's furniture to their bulkheads and walls. Setting the lights around someone to flicker ominously whenever the captain's name was mentioned. Her luck had to run out - someone was gonna pull something on her.

Sliding up to her berth door she opened the door manually from the panel. Motion detecting projectiles like water balloons in bra's had been popular this week. Nothing.

'Could be heat activated...'

A hand waved in front of the doorproduced nothing and she peeked carefully around the edge to look inside. Normal - it looked perfectly normal. Quick as a cat she darted inside and closed the door. If something did happen it would at least be in private. Then the 1970's porn music started.

The bed covers were thrown back to reveal red silk sheets and pillows and someone stood up and started dancing towards her. The lights had dimmed and she couldn't make out what it was until it was only a few feet away. A combat android, dressed in a tuxedo, was gyrating wildly in front of her and slowly taking off it's clothing. Hands ran down her body from behind and she whirled to find another one had emerged from the head dressed the same way.

As the music blared and she stood agap a disco ball that had been concealed in one corner of the room lit up and red light began playing all over the room as the robots continued their strip tease. Finally the android that was now 'naked' gyrated up to her and began to take off her clothing. With a scream she turned and ran from the room.

When a recording of the event began to circulate around the ships Kara didn't complain - she plotted. They would get theirs - oh yes, they would. As soon as she figured out who they were.

OOC: I’ve been looking at Red Star comics again. Fear.

IC:
“So,” mused the Warlord of the Mornahossë, “What’s this new weapon you’ve developed, Curutano?”

Curutano grinned at the legendary warrior who’d apparently decided to grace him with a personal visit. “Well, I call it the ‘protocaster’, Lord Glorfindel. And I haven’t so much developed it yet… it’s still a concept. But based on what we’ve got on the Arpian thaumacannons, and our own substantial research, I think it can certainly work. If a scroll can work, there’s no reason this can’t.”

“Hmmm… show me.”

The scientist nodded, and brought up some schematics on the holo-emitter that served as his computer’s monitor, as with most Menelmacari computers.

“It’s a rifle,” Glorfindel mused dryly. “And it looks an awful lot like the PPR-41 Starfire we’re already fielding.”

“Ahh, but it’s what inside that counts, milord. The secret, of course, is in the ammunition. The weapon itself is merely a focus for magical energy, and the internal components are obviously very different from those in a PPR-41 – designed for this function. Anyway, you insert the cartridge same as you normally would, and you can fire just about any sort of energy, whatever is appropriate for the spell infused into the cartridge. Fire, intense cold, plasma, particle streams, lightning, just about any sort of EM-band emissions, even ‘bullets’ of telekinetic force. Versatility is the name of the game with the protocaster.”

“But if it’s magical, that means it has to be hand-made, by those skilled in the craft. Which makes it…”

“Decidedly not cheap, yes. And limited in number. Which is why I called you – this would be a special forces weapon. Mornahossë issue. All I need, milord, is a budget.”

Glorfindel pondered. “I’ll bring it to the Prefect, and see what I can do for you. QEC me a budget estimate by morning. Don’t disappoint me, all right?”

“No, milord.” Curutano glanced back at his monitor again. A moment later he looked up, and the Warlord was gone. Damn, that always creeps me out, how he does that.

OOC: Watch in horror as I toss out a whole shipload of ideas I’ve had mulling about in my head for months and months. Yay! \^_^/

IC:

“So… you want to build ships to destroy them?” Sirithil asked.

“Yes, milady,” Serendis smiled. “We’ve already bought a number of the StarLancer and Nova ramships from Sunset. But we need something that will fit in with our fleet better… and we need something less expensive. An iridium payload is a very effective one for ramming with, but our tests indicate we can get almost as much bang with a nickel-iron head – much cheaper. More efficient for funds invested. Which means more ramships.”

“I see. A valid point.”

“We’d also like to look into survivability, milady.”

“Survivability?” Sirithil looked surprised. “With ramships? Aren’t they designed to die? They’re essentially big remote-piloted kinetic missiles.”

“Yes, milady. But if we can build a ramship that we’ll have at least a chance of being able to recover and reuse, it saves the cost of building another. We think the secret may lie in using another form factor other than the traditional torpedo shape that most ramships have.”

The Elentári nodded. “Have you gotten any preliminary concepts you’d like to try?”

“Yes… this one here,” Serendis plugged a data crystal into the holoprojector on the desk. “seems most promising. It has a crescent-shaped blade, you see, that would be honed to a monomolecular edge. The nickel-iron payload would be placed behind the blade… the blade allows for more armor penetration, and will blow a larger hole. We think that a ship in this configuration might easily be capable of slicing an enemy vessel in half. She has a few cheap weapons, a missile rack to keep fighters off her back, and what looks from outside like a cockpit. The design team calls her ‘Serceyávië’, milady. She’s a simple ship. We can build these very quickly, and in great numbers.”

Sirithil grinned fiendishly. “Serceyávië… Bloodharvest. I like it… it’s a good start.”

“Yes…” Serendis mused. “You know, milady, we need more ships, in general.”

“We have thirty fleets, Serendis… I’m always one for a military buildup, but we are not yet so huge an empire to require more fleets.” She poured two glasses of wine, offered one to Serendis.

“Not more fleets. More ships. More ships per fleet. Many nations nowadays routinely field fleets of fifty or more ships. Our fleets, as capable as they are, continue to maintain parity with anyone in space – but parity is not the Menelmacari way. We seek supremacy. Frankly, milady, we have been slack.”

“True. What did you have in mind?” asked the Elentári, leaning back in her chair, sipping from her wine glass.

“Diversify. I’ve been looking at some reports about where our forces are hitting snags. For example, we need a ship capable of putting out far too many missiles, far too quickly, along the line of the Scolopendran Grendel.”

“We have ten Grendels… they’re in the pool.”

“Yes, we do. Not enough. I want at least two or three such ships, home-built, available in each fleet. We can retire the Grendels and perhaps sell them to another Triumvirate member.”

“Hmmm… probably wise. Perhaps Nathicana will want them. Anything else?”

“We’ve bought hundreds of Lokis. They’re excellent ships and I wouldn’t dream of getting rid of them. But we’re having trouble adequately supporting them. I want to see a vessel – some sort of large carrier – devoted to that purpose.”

“Along the lines of a President-General?”

“Yes, but we don’t need something quite that large… for the same cost we could build two smaller vessels that could fill the same mission more efficiently. And if there’s a way to automate pod swapping – which a President-General cannot – I’d like to look into it.”

Sirithil nodded. “Any more ideas?”

“Yes, we have a few promising ideas for a recovery cruiser, a lighter transport to possibly replace the Daeron-class – we could convert those to civilian use and sell them to the private sector. Possibly a dedicated fighter carrier as well. We could then vastly increase the number of Thoroni in service.” Serendis smiled a bit, emptying her glass, and pouring herself another.

“What if you converted the Daeroni into carriers?” Sirithil mused. “A ship that size could carry five hundred Thoroni or more, plus at least a hundred each of Vilyulairi and Lomefioni.”

“Hmmm…” Serendis leaned back in her chair, swirling the wine around in her glass thoughtfully. “The most efficient configuration for a carrier is a fly-through, with launch at the fore and recovery at the aft. The Daeron is not so configured. But, with the placement of the engines and the shape of the hull, there’s nothing preventing it from being done, with some heavy remodeling. Yes… yes, that could work, I’ll have my people look into it. It’d kill two problems with one stone.”

“What sort of fleet size are you looking at building up to?” Sirithil asked.

“I think we can get up to fifty ships per fleet, with the new classes and maybe judicious expansion of the existing classes. A smaller transport, something perhaps forty percent of a Daeron’s mass, means we’d need five in a fleet to handle the load of the existing two. The missile boats would be, in all likelihood, based off our destroyer or cruiser chassis, probably the latter… we’d need maybe four. A pair of recovery ships, a pair of the dropship carriers – that’d probably let us support threescore Lokis in each battlegroup – a few more of our standard ships… yes, fifty seems about right. Sixty might be ideal. We’ll see how it goes.”

Sirithil pondered. “Any other ideas?”

The Prefect nodded. “Of course. I’ve been in discussions with C’tan military folks and some of your grandson’s people, and you know the C’tan have had an open offer for us for some time to integrate their technology with our own. Lightning arc projectors, living metal, gauss weapons, you name it… some of the stuff they’ve got is absurdly good, to the point I’m very surprised they’d even think about sharing it. Milady, you certainly know how to pick ‘em.”

Siri smiled happily. “Yes, I do,” she replied softly, her mind elsewhere for just a moment.

“Aaaanyway,” Serendis continued, “We’ve not done it yet because when they offered, our power generation technology was not up to the task of supporting their equipment. We think that, with the development of CIDES and the incremental advancement of our own technology, we’re now more than capable of generating the necessary energy. So I’d like to look at running a test refit on a single ship. If that works, we’ll be pulling our fleets off one by one, and refitting them as needed. If you like, we can even schedule the refits to coincide with the launches of the new ships for each fleet.”

Sirithil nods. “If we can do it, do it. Definitely that would be a good idea.”

“One more thing… I received an unsolicited memo from someone at Fëatech Arms a couple weeks ago, about something he’d been talking to someone at GMC about – just a sort of brainstorming session, y’know? Anyway, you know our fleets are capable of handling a short war unsupported, but what about longer campaigns? There’s also the question of what to do when we need to project power into an entire region. It’s just something I’ve been mulling over. Anyway, the idea is to build a number of gravships, perhaps each the size of a Vingilot…”

Sirithil let out a low whistle. “Those things are huge.”

Serendis grins. “It gets better. The ships, probably eight of them, would be capable of joining together at their destination to form a single platform. It would not be a battle platform but rather a support facility. It’d be absurdly huge, but it could be serviced directly by Vingilot freighters and would be a mobile combined-arms military base, shortening the supply lines by a huge margin. They called it a Joint Strike Base, and though it seems absurdly large in scale, GMC has a long history of making grandiose weapons systems work, and work well. Between our gravitics and their expertise in… well, really big forms of shooty killdeath… I think it just might work.”

“All seems very expensive. Ships and upgrades are not cheap, Serendis, and neither are giant floating platforms that dwarf a Vingilot. And when you’re looking at boosting fleet numbers anywhere from sixty to one hundred percent, they get very expensive indeed.”

“Milady,” the Avar countered, “we’ve got at least a hundred trillion credits worth of Thelasi and Roanian tribute built up by now – maybe more – and it’s just sitting in banks and investments gaining interest.” Serendis grinned fiendishly. Certainly the tribute gained by allowing the protectorates the privilege of independence had proven better for Menelmacar than trying to maintain a hold on the protectorates themselves. “We needn’t even touch the principal – there’s plenty of room to take some profits for new developments and equipment purchases.”

Serendis was right, of course, and Sirithil nodded. If there was anything the Empire was not hurting for, it was freakishly absurd amounts of cash. “Now, let’s go through this all item by item. You want more varied – and just plain more – ships. You want C’tan technology fitted to the ships we already have. And you want to go to GMC to arrange for a joint project in the form of a big flying army base.”

“That’s right, milady.”

“Wow…” Sirithil let out a low whistle. “The refits, a definite go. Fifty ships per fleet I can certainly live with. Sixty…” Sirithil trailed off, and she smiled. “Might be a bit much for now. As for the JSB… well, it can’t hurt to toss the idea back and forth with Fëatech and GMC, work up some concepts. But… we’ll see how it goes.”

The following morning

“Protocaster?” Serendis asked. “What does it do?”

Glorfindel simply smiled. “Whatever you want it to, basically. It looks like a rifle, but it accepts a range of cartridges infused with spells, milady. You obviously know of scrolls, right?”

“Yes, of course,” Serendis replied, marginally annoyed. Of course she knew what a scroll was. One didn’t get far as a mage if one didn’t. “You infuse it with a spell and any idiot who has it can cast the spell once and once only.”

“Precisely. Anyway, you apparently load these cartridges and it fires just about anything, depending on the spell infused into them.”

Serendis pondered this. “And any idiot can fire them, eh? Would this make our warcasters obsolete?”

“No, milady. Our mages still would fill the role they always have. Healing, enchantments, scrying, combat casting. This would be Mornahossë-issue only, simply by necessity of the unit price. It’s all in the proposal.”

“Price?” Serendis arched an eyebrow.

Glorfindel nodded, leaning back in his chair. “Yes, milady, it’s expensive. They will have to be individually constructed to spec by tanwë smiths. A requirement of the design. The production models will cost less than the prototypes, but not by much.”

Serendis reached over and picked up the folder on the desk, chock full of datapads and flexsheets with all Curutano’s data, proposals, and estimates. Idly, she flipped through them. “All right,” she said. “It’s a go. Have him build us a working prototype or ten and we’ll have your boys and girls playtest it a little. If they like it, and it improves their effectiveness, we’ll go into full production, and roll it out to the entire Shadow Force.”

“Thank you, milady,” Glorfindel grinned, rising from his seat and making to leave.

“No problem,” Serendis responded with a smile. “The purse has always been open as needed for the MIDF. For something that will work, and keep our people safer, there is no price too high.”

OOC: Next post in a week, real time.

Dozens of fighters hung suspended from their launch racks in the expansive carrier bay aboard the SDF Bonaparte while a hoard of technicians swarmed over them. The squadron had just returned from a training flight and their pilots were just now sitting down for their de-briefing. Even after a training flight the fighters needed to be checked and maintained. Cowlings swung aside and weapon mechanisms were checked over by the skilled eyes of the technicians.

"Dave - wanna check the cockpit for me?"

Dave pulled his head out of the leftside engine and slid the cowling closed, dogged the latches down, and slapped some inspection tags on them.

"Sure. You gonna check the plasma cannon?"

"Soon as I'm done with the anti-missile turrets."

Dave grunted and headed for the cockpit. Clambering into the tiny space behind the cockpit he plugged his diagnostic unit into the equippment that filled the cockpit. The civilian and corporate versions would have a contoured seat but the military version didn't need one - the pilot stayed safely aboard the carrier the whole time. A secure quantum entanglement link allowed the pilots to enjoy near instant access to their craft. They were aided in this by a half-dozen II cores - two to man the anti-missile systems, one to handle fine targetting, another to handle the VDA, another for the drives, and the last to coordinate the other five.

----

Rock fell away in sheets as Silaco watched from her office. She was able to watch from the comfort there due to the remarkable progress that her robotic laborers had been making. In part this was due to upgrades in their designs she had made after weeks of direct observation. Now rock was being removed at a record pace and flung towards the sun to erase any trace of it's origin.

More and more Silaco was contemplating the design of her new fleet. The design of the trans-dimensional refuge gates had not been her own but as the head of Special Projects she had seen them and had been pondering a similar theme for her own fleet. The artifacts of an ancient machine based civilization appealed to her as a suitable ruse. After all, those her projects were designed to decieve were not known for their in-depth investigations of ancient artifacts.

----

Over the last two months nearly a dozen training simulations had been run over southern Ares in yearly excercises to test the preparedness of local militias. Scenarios varied but again today alarms blared and marines headed for their assault shuttles. Tactical data showed a large armored force along with substancial air power heading for the city in question. Bombing had already begun but carrier-based fighters were already heading into the warzone.

None of the attackers were real - hyper-sophisticated simulation software added the appropriate attackers and altered 'dead' defenders to accurately simulate the results of weapons fire. For those involved it was definately real enough and as they met the faceless attackers there were few that ignored the simulation data. It was deadly fun after all - and who wanted to be 'dead' because they ignored the computer?

Fission. Splitting the atom. When sufficient fissionable mass is brought together with sufficient force the atoms of that mass are converted to energy that then speeds outward in a wave of destruction that was once predicted to end all life on Earth. Now on a planet hundreds of lightyears from Sol a group of humans from that same blue sphere, who reached this point in part due to the power produced by that very force, are about to use the reverse...

----

Energy flowed through conduit and cable, transformer and equalizer, emitter and array. In the center of the array it began to form into nothing fancier than base metal in the shape of a skeleton. This is not however the rounded saucer shape of an SDF warship but the angles and corners of something far different. An outline becomes apparent as more and more energy pours through the array - broad vanes on each side, a rising bridge with more vanes on it, and finally a tail that completes a nearly sharklike frame.

Inside the now complete frame energy again sparkled as bulkheads, cables, and numerious systems began to form out of the stuff of the stars themselves. This was no ordinary ship however - ducts and shafts appeared but they were both too small and the wrong shape for humans to move through. If one were to look closer they would discover bulkheads, materials, circuits, and wiring were different as well.

Not to say it wasn't sturdy either but it was alien and designed to be just that. Even as plating slowly appeared out of surging energy more and more systems were added to make it just that. The first of Silaco's hidden fleet would be lauched shortly to be joined by it's fellows after the required energy was built up again.

----

The first of the two titanic chambers that would hold the tremendous generators to power the moon's systems was complete. Now it stood open and dark while the machinery that carved it was moved to the other pole and work was begun there. Radiating from the center were dozens of shafts that led down to channels that would wrap around the moon eventually. Silaco had pondered filling them and now knew what they would need to be filled with.

Massive anchor areas were prepared - tremendous spindles that would hold vast skeins of cable that would already be stretched though not to the breaking point. What she intended to fill it with could only be broken by much effort indeed. A request was already put in with the producer though the amount needed would take years to assemble.

----

A frigate was not the only new design to come out of Silaco's new office - a station was spinning away there as well. These would be produced later though as the Volga and the 11st battlegroup had only just finished placing the fifth set of arrays.

Seventeen more to go. Plenty of time to create the stations that would be little larger than the Volga herself.

Long lines of ships followed each other though the blackness between the planets of the Ares system slowly falling inward towards Shiva. With the widespread colonization of Anuke and increased commercial traffic there was more worries that pirates might try to mix their ships in with this traffic in order to attempt another raid. This plus the distance from Ares to Anuke had resulted in the present convoy of mothballed warships moving through the system. These were watched by other warships though these had full crews with fingers on the triggers.

Once they arrived in Shivan orbit they would fall into an equatorial orbit in one of four stationary subyards. This nessecitated an expansion in guardians - in this case reactivated warships. The ring shaped Quartermasters were centuries old but they were getting a new facelift. Weapons were upgraded, point defense was installed, torpedos were installed, and a new layer of armor installed. These would serve as both mobile engineering stations as well as the first ships on the scene in case of any attack on the yards.

----

Sergeant Winters crept slowly forward, plasma rifle ready, as he approached the corner that lead to the next passage. Carbon dioxide streamed out of his rebreather as he slow exhaled and prepared to swing around it into the unknown. Across the strange rust brown corridor water slowly dripped from the ceiling and fell to splash off a conduit that ran along nearly two feet from the opposite wall. Just another oddity about this place that the scientists who had dispatched him and his men down here needed answered.

Slowly he swung around the corner, thermal and low light sensors projecting a false view of yet another corridor on his helmet screen. They had made their way through kilometers of these corridors so far - some mapped and some not. They were deep in uncharted territory now and the sergeant was seeing things.

"Corporal - do you see something moving down there? I thought I saw a leg..."

The corporal who had followed him around the corner was peering into the blackness as well but said nothing for a moment.

"Corporal?"

"I didn't see nothin Sarg - but I sure as hell heard something."

The two marines watched the darkness carefully as they stood stock still. Around the corner a pair of nervous privates waited. This was their first time down into the crypts below Anuke and they had heard rumors. Rumors of teams that never came back, rumors of mechanical or biological horrors that wiped out construction crews that had accidentally punched through into a new crypt. Now the sarg and Corporal Evans were seeing thing and hearing things - and they were being awful quiet...

----

"I have my authorization right here - no problem."

Ambrose had gotten authorization - though his purpose here was far different than the declared purpose of gathering samples. Being a professor of biology did have some advantages. Obtaining permission to study the water supply in Metropolis had been easy - in fact the head of the local public utility had been more than happy to grant him access. The water was supposed to be 100% pure and Ambrose didn't doubt it.

"So you need to get some pre and post filter samples from the water system eh?"

The site supervisor led Ambrose through the facility to the primary filter unit.

"Well this is one filter unit - there are sixteen other filters that feed the various areas of the city. The after flood access is right there - I'll unlock it for you but you need to get into a clean suit first."

Ambrose did so, carefully moving his dispenser from hiding place to hiding place as he did so. Then he was finally inside and could see the water rushing past just beyond the glass. A unit for collecting samples was there - as well as a spigot for drinking water. Ambrose availed himself of this as he contemplated a way to insert the dispensor. Finally it came to him and he simply collected a sample in reverse. Holding the dispenser up to the spout he held it tight as the water mixed with the substance and filtered away into the system.

A million people would be exposed to the mutagen - though far fewer would actually experience any effect. Now to go home and wait and see what happened.