NationStates Jolt Archive

"So?" The woman stood there, at the window. The giant disk in the sky, always visible, never gone. Jupiter. It made one feel small. And so, the two people in the room in one of the colony domes at Ganymede felt: Small.
"Well, we have our orders. Establish closer relationships to Kaenei, to advance jovian security, generally a closer contact to our relative... well, neighborhood." It was a relatively small, dark haired man who answered.
"Who will do it? Assuming they let us in."
"I heard Mr. Morden is already on his way. Not sure who will accompany him. But most likely one of us."
"Well, not too bad. Anything else?"
"Well..." The man hesitated. "I heard that since they expanded the fleet once more, they are interested in expansing the outposts as well."
"We`re already building a craftworld together with the rest of the WTE. Or, at least, a few of them. Thats why we have this damn high traffic volume."
"Yes. But it seems they still have some ressources left. I`m not sure, but it looks like things are changing at home. Our society is moving. Moving away from mega capitalism too... well..."
"Something else. I understand. So, no nasty surprises for Kaenei, aside from our humble request to build an outpost on Europa?"
The man nodded. "Yes. We can be honest, and friendly."
"Good." The woman answered with finality. "I will write and send the message. I just hope they accept, i doubt Mr. Morden would like such a journey without any use...."
"Well, he could enjoy Jupiter." The man chuckled. The women, however, just sighed and left the room.

About an hour later, the message was sent.

From: The Corporate Oligarchy of DA
To: Kaenei
Subject: Closer Diplomacy

"It is now quite a while ago since men expanded off world, since we reached out to walk among the stars.

The galilean moons are one of the places in our system where our dream became true. Many nations decided to found colonies, bases on this moons. Both our nations had this dream, and both of us succeeded.

However, Considering the relative proximity of our colonies, we on Ganymede, you on Europa, one can`t help but to notice the lack of relationships between us.

Jupiter and it´s satellites are a great place for people, for the economy, for science. For dreams. We think it is necessary to share this dream.

We are interested in strengthening our ties with our neighbors. Especially with you.

There are many issues to discuss: Cultural exchange, economical cooperation, and many, many other things.

Admittedly, our government also has considerable interests in building yet another outpost near jupiter, this time on europa, and we are interested, no, we believe it`s vital to have the cooperation and friendship of a nation already present on europa before going this way.

We are interested in learning more of you. In strengthen... no, to be correct in building ties between us, and would like to know if you would agree on accepting two of our diplomats to discuss matters of 'mutual interest'."

Sincerely,

Susan Ivanova, DA Outpost 'Ganymede'

Great plains of white stretched outwards, pockmarked by craters vast and deep, twisting mountains of ice and rock that stretched skywards and the occasional slit in the surface that plunged unbeleivable depths towards the centre of Europa itself.

Sandwiched between one such breach, and cooled within the shadow of a great mountain of ice, Lliaren'Jovia nestled.

Her towering spires of sparkling plasteel metal intermingled amongst domed habitats that formed the "city of Jupiter". Recognisably human with an air of alien mistique that lended itself a Kaeneian edge.

Deep within this sprawling alien bound metropolis, city adjunct Anna G'Revensa pondered over the deliciously interesting communique that she had finished reading for almost the fifth time in a row.

A request, and permission for an invitation indeed....

Anna had already sent a copy of the message to Terra. She had done so almost before she had finished reading it originally, and knew a swift reply would be forthcoming. Even with this assured advice and knowledge she felt an unsusual tingle at the possibilities that were simply held and restrained on a data screen.

Though authorisation and debate with Administration one were being sought, she had the ability and power needed to take the situation to another level. Taking only a second to confirm, she allowed the Serene Union a branch from which it might learn.




The Xindel'a^ floated silently through the freezing void of space. Her sleek, silvery hull reflecting the serene surface of Europa below. From her frame a thousand ports were lit with the internal light of the illumination grid. From within those ports further her crew continued their sacred duties, to maintain the ageless wonder that might allow their fragile selfs travel through the heavens to the stars themselves.

With a burst of light, her engine bays rose to life, pushing the craft free of the shackles of the Jovian moon and allowing her a right to roam through space.

She would carry her organic life to a neighbouring world. A small, rocky land that was likewise to Europa ensnared for all eternity within the gas giant Jupiter's hell-like grasp.

Ganymede.

The white surface of ganymede. Ice, as eternal as the universe, covering anything.

Inside the ice, the spherical 'domes', the Ganymede colony, yet another example for the utter lack of inspiration Angstians have, since it hadn´t a unique name. It was just that: The 'Ganymede Colony'.

Slowly, a shuttle descended from a ship in Ganymede orbit. It had arrived about thirty minutes ago, a small transporter, about hundred meters in diameter, a black sphere. It looked somewhat frightening, despite the fact that it was completely unarmed.

The shuttle descended into the thin, almost non- existing atmosphere of Ganymede, and finally into one of the domes.

"There he is."

Ivanova could hardly wait. Finally, something interesting... This was the problem with the colonies: Aside from Mars, where about 3.6 million people lived, the off world colonies were fairly... well, boring. 840000 colonists in sixteen colony domes... It was, i fact, like a village in the middle of nowhere. This talks were a fairly good chance to make things more... interesting.

A single man left the shuttle, short, black hair, looking fairly handsome.

"Mr. Morden, i guess?" Ivanova extended her hand. The man took it, smiling. "Indeed."
"Well then. Welcome on Ganymede."

---

It took them an hour or so to go through the necessary details of their 'mission', but finally, they finished their work. As things went, just in time, since the C&C just got sight of yet another vessel approaching Ganymede... An unannounced vessel.

"Origin?"
"No idea. Technology comparable to ours: Organic. But different style... wait... just a second... Yes. Matches Kaenei style ships. We see them sometimes, although not often..."
"Yes, yes. Ok, looks like they enjoy coming unannounced. I mean, yes, there was an invitation, but they could at least say 'yes' before coming..." Ivonova looked slightly annoyed.
"Well... don´t you want to call them?" This was Mr. Morden, looking fairly amused.
"Ummm... well, yes..." Ivanova hesitated for a second, then continued. "Ok. Open channel."

"Kaeneian vessel, this is C&C, DA Ganymede. We assume you`re here due to our... invitation. Well... Welcome, i would say, although announcing your arrival would be nice... ummm... Anyway, you`re interested in landing or shall we come aboard?"

>>>Transmission to: Ganymede Coardinates [Locked] S.W Hrutia'n Ridge <<<
||From: Xindel'a, [transmission copied and stored via WorldDisc transmission redundencies]||
||Re:Contact ||

The Xindel'a lacks the ability to planetfall. As such, this limits options to either dispatching a landing craft, or hosting your party aboard. We would prefer the latter, and an oppertunity for you to meet us within our own, more comfortable sorroundings.

Our knowledge indicates you have easily the ability to arrange your own surface-to-orbit transport. Your craft will be accomodated within our appropriate docking bay providing it is within certain size and mass restrictions.

We look forward to your arrival, go now in peace.



A. Zdrilic,First Captain/.

S.S.U Xindel'a, WorldDisc

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/480214/Logo.jpg

>>>Transmission Terminated<<<

"Certain size and mass restrictions... can`t they say what restrictions?" Ivanova muttered. "Well, give them a positive answer. I think a class II shuttle will work."

About fifteen minutes later, their shuttle started.

For once, Ivanova was glad she was on ganymede. Escaping the gravity well on such a moon was fairly easier than escaping it on earth.

Slowly, or at least it looked slowly, considering the vest distances of space, they moved towards the Kaenei ship.

Arriving, the docking bay of the Kaenei ship opened, and they were finally inside.

"Interesting design."

Leaving the shuttle, they could admire the ship some more... despite the comparable technology, it looked significantly different from everything they knew... well, it`s always interesting to discover something new, and they would use this chance.

Organic.

The entire ship seemed almost alive in its function. Every panel, hatchway or lighting unit seemed to be sculpted to interact seamlessly with its counterpart. The bay they stood in was cavernous and massive. To accompany them other small vessels were also present. Shuttles, transports and unmanned probes remained silent alongside the alien newcomers.

No other life joined them in the bay, though the minutes ticked past quickly, and their impatience grew somewhat. Eventually, the pale lighting that had provided the poor light allowing them sight within the bay abruptley cut, plunging the delegation into total darkness.

Before a curse or reflection could be uttered, a large door unsealed itself only a few feet from their startled glances. The familiar lighting patterns continued through the doorway and faded into the distant, brilliantly gleaming silver corridors. But still no one, Kaeneian or otherwise appeared to direct or greet. They remained still for several more minutes, unsure of actions or consequences should they make for the semi-obvious exit. As they hesitantly stepped forward, a gentle voice seemed to resonate from the walls themselves.

"Gentleman, I am Ashley. Yourselves and your craft have successfully completed post-flight security checks. I am pleased to announce that you are cleared to continue inside. I do hope your stay is a pleasent one."

As quickly as the melodic female voice had spoken, silence reigned once more. The light continued to shine, casting a long shadow towards their apparent destination. Mystery and intrigue were certainly factors, a healthy curiousity of the unknown could tempt even the most fearful of hearts.

"They certainly have a strange sense of hospitality."

Morden smiled as usual, hiding his true emotions. Ivanova however, being the less-than-diplomatic person she was, made no secrets of her... opinion.

"Indeed... It reminds me of horrible science fiction movies from the twentieth century... how stereotypical."
"But it`s quite a show. Lets enjoy it. And to be honest: It`s far more impressive than our more conventional ships."
"Well..." Ivanova didn´t finish the sentence, as the suddenly, a voice - Ashley - spoke to them.

"Well..."
"Well what? Lets follow the path."

That they did. Following the shadow, they 'explored' the ship. Or so they felt. It took them a while, but finally, they arrived at their apparent destination.

"Well..." Ivanova sighed. "Who would have thought that?"

Entry doors that barred their progress only a moment before parted quickly, a slight rush of air betraying a slight varience within air pressure between the chambers. Within the centre of the room they now found themselves facing stood a cylinder that reached down from ceiling to floor. Multiple conduits ran from it, pulsing with intense electromagnetic energies that channeled themselves to the purpose of something grander. Further up this immense structure hung a thick disc, which resembled a polished mirror. The mirror flickered slightly, as arcs of a purple lightning dancec across its remarkable surface.

Just below the disc, a large statue hung. Its form that of an Angel of sorts. Her wings extended, her head bowed slightly. Her arms were bound to the pillar by thick data trunks and connection ports, her legs as similiar. Wether it was nothing but an illustration, or something altogether different, persay compeletly alien to the two figures who had now only thought of entering this strange room.

"Gentleman, I have introduced myself previously, and you now stand before my central processing adjunct. As you know, I am Ashley. It is customary that since we have had neither experience nor knowledge of your nation or people, our safety is paramount until your hearts are searched and your aims are true. I will hear your requests. I would ask you be honest and true with me, I will not waiver or be led away by half truth and lies."

The lightning receded from the disc, and the voice fell quiet once more. Spotlights powered up from mysterious locations within the cabernous roof, pointing towards two chairs and a table that stood before Ashley.

The walls of the room were oddly adorned. Great channels were cut into the wall, where rivers of liquid ran. This liquid was coloured a peculiar blue, and kept inside these channels by a thin, plexiglass covering. It flowed both speedily and almost ceased, depending on the section ot inhabited. The final suprise lay on the ceiling. A beautiful murial depicted, but it was not of a standard theme. There were no people, it was not an image of a city, or even a thing. Instead, painted the width of the roof a star chart was depicted, but representing no system these strangers would care of or even recognise. To the south west rim of this system, one small, blue jewel was set. What this represented was both unknown and unanswerable, and of little importance in the meantime.

Once more, the disc illuminated.

"Please, take a seat and begin...."

Mr. Morden looked curious at the stature and it`s... connections. While it somewhat resembled DA tech, and their habit of 'joining' a pilot with a vessel, it was still remarkably different. Especially since at least it seemed to be artificial.

Still, her statue, her form let them shiver. For some reason, they thought it to be beautiful, a form, no, a being given a perfect form.

"Gentleman, I have introduced myself previously, and you now stand before my central processing adjunct. As you know, I am Ashley. It is customary that since we have had neither experience nor knowledge of your nation or people, our safety is paramount until your hearts are searched and your aims are true. I will hear your requests. I would ask you be honest and true with me, I will not waiver or be led away by half truth and lies."


Ivanova blinked, looking at Morden. He still seemed to be calm, but he was obviously as confused as she was. They watched the walls, the ceiling, clearly admiring their... well, at least they believed it to be decoration. Something DA ships never had. Their ships represented what DA was: Efficient, but without beauty, without rest or a significant culture. No sweet lies, just the hard truth of life.

"Please, take a seat and begin...."

They sat down, and Morden quickly communicated with Ivanova. Funny, asked for honesty and truth... Isn`t there a saying we never tell the complete lie?
Ivanova chuckled for a moment, but quickly straighened up. Then, Morden begun to talk. For a moment, he pondered asking what exactly Ashley was, but he decided to do this part later... if he would ask at all.

"Well..." he begun, smiling. One couldn´t see it, but he DID imagine something... else to... well, 'talk to'.

But then, he somewhat liked their straightforward behaviour.. although it was something he, personally, didn´t use.

"Well... as mentioned in Ivanova`s initial message to you..." For a moment he looks to Ivanova, only slightly, it`s hard to notice... "You said it yourself. We know nearly nothing of each other, while being in close proximity, being in the same..." He hesitates. "Regional sector. We think it would be... useful to strengthen, or rather, to create ties between likeminded nations... like the two of us." He looks at the... statue in front of him, his hands resting on the table. "There are many things we can do. Economical ties... coordination of jovian diplomacy..." He smiles. "In our world, one cannot have enough friends. And it`s always better to know... more. Of course..." He continues, his hands still resting on the table. For a mere second, he looks down on them before facing 'Ashley' again. "We are not exactly altruistic. Well, we are, but we do not exactly forget our interests. So... As mentioned in our initial message, we are somewhat... interested in an outpost in Europa... We could possibly do that without help, but in the current political climate, we would like to have the... support of natives." He stops, suggesting that he finished... at least for now.

The room darkened considerably, the spotlights that had formed a concentric circle around the ceiling dimming. In concert with this fall the disc suspended upon the column flashed not in its previous purple, but an odd shade of green, the colour a stark and unwelcome break from what little routine had been displayed previously.

Finally, after a minute of almost total silence, the room returned to its previous definition of normality. The strange liquids that flowed through the channels increased their pace.

All this action seemed random, incorrect. But regular patterns were visible and continuing. An almost absurd parallel formed as it became strangely apparent what the change in conditions could mean.

Much like the human brain fired and sparked as thoughts were processed, and memories retrieved so did the apparatus before the two beings. As though an artificial system, opened for convenience demonstrated the power of thought on a level above the organic.

Finally, Ashley spoke.

"In one thousand years of living on your Terra, we have not interfered nor attempted to subvert the myriad of nations that we have come accross. We have caused the death of thousands becuase we did not step in when such a thing was possible. We have saved the life of thousands by restraining the stinging fist of revenge. We have kept and maintained neutrality as though we ourselves wrote the definition. However we are not without interests nor aims. We have observed the Mars debacle unfold. Untold numbers will perish, vast facilities will be raised to the ground. We have observed that Sol becomes overcrowded. Whilst we prefer nothing so petty as a "claim" against anything we did not construct ourselves, I find myself curious as to your choice."

And yet more activity was forthcoming. The floor panelling between Ashley herself and the seated Der Angst citizens began to unfold. Sinking down beneath the deck they disappeared from sight, leaving two oddly shaped chasms in the deck floor. The lights now moved inwards, taking their bathing light and reflecting it fully on the central pillar. Without previous warning or action, two beams of brilliant aquine flared from the recessed sections. The beams met each other in mid air, only a short distance in front of the foreign citizens. The hum continued to build as the area in which the beams mixed began to fluctuate. Within seconds it became apparent an image was forming, a fuzzy and non-descript sphere. More time passed still, and the image cleared, improved and increased in size. Eventually the fully three dimensional model of a rotating Europa came into being.

Apon the surface, a single red rune was lit, and pulsed slowly.

"You see before you the location of the City of Jupiter. She lies four hundred Terran miles south west of the Ulliantor Mountains, which border the frozen sea of Dunorst. By the rune size and arrangement, the size of our settlement can be gathered. Please approach the projection, and approximate where you intend to found your own colony. Simply touching the sphere will suffice."

Another high pitched whine sounded, and the room darkened considerably once more.

"I also need now from you further information. What will your foundation seek? If you establish yourself on Europa, what will you seek from her, and do you offer any reassurance of sorts what will limit or control your expansion?"

Though the question was delivered in a mellow enough tone, it seemed mysterious such an important question would not bely some sort of hidden, less enthusiastic undertone.

Morden and Ivanova looked curiously at the rooms chaning patterns, it`s... well mysterious reactions. Both noticed electromagnetic fields significantly reducing their telepathic abilities... not that it mattered much, though.

But both came to the conclusion that the entire room, perhaps even the entire ship, was nothing but a single intelligence...

Not that they knew for sure, though.

"In one thousand years of living on your Terra, we have not interfered nor attempted to subvert the myriad of nations that we have come accross. We have caused the death of thousands becuase we did not step in when such a thing was possible. We have saved the life of thousands by restraining the stinging fist of revenge. We have kept and maintained neutrality as though we ourselves wrote the definition. However we are not without interests nor aims. We have observed the Mars debacle unfold. Untold numbers will perish, vast facilities will be raised to the ground. We have observed that Sol becomes overcrowded. Whilst we prefer nothing so petty as a "claim" against anything we did not construct ourselves, I find myself curious as to your choice."


Morden tries to answer, but again, the room is filled with activity, and so he waits, until the holographic image of Ganymede is finished.

"You see before you the location of the City of Jupiter. She lies four hundred Terran miles south west of the Ulliantor Mountains, which border the frozen sea of Dunorst. By the rune size and arrangement, the size of our settlement can be gathered. Please approach the projection, and approximate where you intend to found your own colony. Simply touching the sphere will suffice."


Mr. Morden smiles, although his look seems to be somewhat... concerned. "Well, we understand your policy of neutrality... Still, it`s dangerous times we live in, the expansion of the imperium to Mars as well as to the Jovian system... Rogue nations... It´s simply preferable to have... friends." He hesitates. "Thats why we prefered to contact a nation with holdings on Europa beforehand... It makes things much... safer. Anyway..." He looks at Ivanova, who hs the plans ready.

"Well, yes... We`re mainly interested in this sector..." She touches the sphere, marking a sector of about 50000km^2, approximately at the north- west of the City of Jupiter, beginning about 100km from it`s border.

"This would give us considerable opportunities, regarding transnational cooperation... if it is wished. If not... well, it`s still nice to have a trustworthy neighborhood."

[quote]"I also need now from you further information. What will your foundation seek? If you establish yourself on Europa, what will you seek from her, and do you offer any reassurance of sorts what will limit or control your expansion?"
/quote]

"Well..." Mr. Morden continues the dialogue. "Regarding our expansion, Ivanova already showed you the area we plan to use. And we have no interests in expanding our claims. And... ummm... what we seek from Europa... Well, we generally just want to expand our presence in the jovian system, which is more logical than spreading our presence elsewhere, all alone in the night... generally, a base for scientific and technological experiments, mining operations within the complete jovian system... insane wishes of our superiors..." He smiles. "Thats about it, i think."

The lighting pods swivel once more, casting their enhancing light back at the central core, back at Ashley herself. The liquid that coursed through the sealed wall channels sped themselves up, flowing quickly up and exiting through tightly cut conduits in the high chamber roof. The holographic interface flickered as its resolution fell sharply. The crisp lines fragmented into shards, and the planet literally exploded into a shower of degrading pixels. Within a few short seconds, the image had disappeared totally, the generating plate blank and empty.

Lightning danced across the column plate in a familiar pattern predicted the voice to return; "Such is the nature of time, as it speeds itself through our lifetimes without a second pause, continually looking to the future we must find that you still meet our expectations. To say, we do not just consider the next decade, or century. We must be able to reasonably predict events a thousand years from now if certain factors remain constant.But what we envision is not for discussion here. You are presenting your case diligently. And currently I can see no reason why your requests cannot be granted. The Serene^Union is not one to squander chances.

Sudden and without warning, all lighting died. Save for the ruddy and almost useless glow of the perimeter gloworbs, the room was bathed in darkness. Before fear or doubt could register the spotlights refocused and came back online. Now they shone brightly at the Angel-statue that lay outstretched and secured to the very top of the central core. In the brightness, the eyes of the structure opened slowly, a second look needed to confirm that it was not madness nor mistake that imagined the events unfolding.

"I am Ashley."; Now the voice did not come from the walls as before, or from the plate that had glowed with the violet tendrils of energy, but the mouth of this statue, which had been immobile and totally inactive until now.

"The Serene^Union grants you access to the ice world Europa."

Seconds ticked by, until a minute passed. Allowing the announcement to sink in fully, Ashley asked, "Do you have further to add?"

"Do you have further to add?"

"Well... yes." Mr. Morden still smiled, since he somewhat 'succeeded'. However, this hadn`t been the point of his mission. They could have settled themselves. The point was, they wanted to do it safely. "As mentioned at the beginning, we`re fairly interested in cooperation... It isn`t a necessity, but it would be useful. In any case... A mutual defence agreement of some sort would be... most useful for both of us, i`m sure." He hesitated. "If thats not possible... well, it would be a... a shame. We will honour your permission and build the outpost, However, we feel that in the interest of good neighborhood, such a treaty would be most useful."

No activity signals processing, and nothing indicates a decsion is being debated or concluded. Silence reigns onwards as the minutes stretch by. The liquid channels adorning the chamber do not hasten, and they do not slow, indicating nothing out of the ordinary is in progress.

Eventually the voice sounds, but it is remarkably different in that without accompanying sounds and actions, the voice ehoes loudly, vibrating against the table the two organics are sat at.

"A mutual defence pact with the Serene^Union is hereby granted under my authority, which is gifted by the Aengelis Ministorium directly. From the time you settle on Europa, her soil is yours to defend and maintain. If you require assistance it shall be duly given. We are united in our wish to maintain her form for the generations that may come, or until a time that both our nations leave her frozen terrain, never to return."

With that, the lighting within the room darkens somewhat, and the spotlights which sorround the core in concentric fashion rotate upwards, casting a glow against the starmap apon the ceiling.

"You have taken the first steps towards forming a partnership with the Union. Though we cannot promise you riches beyond believe, limitless land or never-ending resources we still believe such an exchange can only benefit yourselves and the people of your nation."

The entry door, sealed shut since the arrival of the visitors opened with a hushed swish, a slightly drop in temperature betraying the unnatural warmth within the chamber.

"If that is all gentleman, I have all I require. You are free to return to your craft if that is what you so wish."

"A mutual defence pact with the Serene^Union is hereby granted under my authority, which is gifted by the Aengelis Ministorium directly. From the time you settle on Europa, her soil is yours to defend and maintain. If you require assistance it shall be duly given. We are united in our wish to maintain her form for the generations that may come, or until a time that both our nations leave her frozen terrain, never to return."


Mr. Morden and Ivanova both stand up, and bow slightly to... well, whatever. "We´re honoured." Mr. Morden replies, satisfied with the results and... well, sorta intrigued by this ship... it`s strange, even for Angstian standards.

"You have taken the first steps towards forming a partnership with the Union. Though we cannot promise you riches beyond believe, limitless land or never-ending resources we still believe such an exchange can only benefit yourselves and the people of your nation."


"Well, we were never too fond of limitless... things. Mainly because they do not exist." Replies Ivanova.

"If that is all gentleman, I have all I require. You are free to return to your craft if that is what you so wish."

"Well... Then, hoping for good, if not excellent contacts with Kaenei in the future..." Mr. Morden bows again, then both, he and Ivanova, leave the room, slowly.

After a while, they reach their shuttle, and finally, they leave the ship, their shuttle taking them back to Ganymede...

"Well, after all, it was interesting..."
"Yes, but they are sorta... odd." Ivanova hesitated. "So... when we will begin the work?"
"Not sure... I think the work will begin in a months or so."
"Mhm... will need a new structure... with three colo..."
"Not you."
"Damnit."

~ A few months later ~

The mighty vessels followed europa in it´s orbit around jupiter, the giant planet ruling the view, covering the stars. It was a considerable amount of them... three exploration fleets, protected by a military fleet... with the Imperium always looking at the jovian system, it was better to make sure one could defend oneself.

The giant, black spheres, thats what they were, had their hangar bays open, and vessels decended down... However, only few were reusable, most of them were small 'transporters' with a small thruster to survive the landing process, their hulls supposed to act as building material just the same way their actual cargo was supposed to be used.

This style of operation was necessary, since DA still worked with conventional propulsion systems... one had actually two vessels in the fleet that used recently developed quantumgravitic tech, but that was mostly to actually win energy for the conventional ion/ plasma engines, only about 1% of their acceleration capability was based directly on this technology.

Once the transporters hit the ice on Ganymede, ice that was quite literally 'eternal', automated drohnes as well as worker crews took them and installed the temporary quarters on the surface.

The danger of being hit by asteorids was comparatively low, or, as it was officially stated 'acceptable'. Two drohnes were hit, but nothing else happened, so the work could continue as planned.

It would take a while, especially since one couldn´t simply plant an 'eye'. It wouldn`t survive. First of all, some sort of exosceleton had to be created, this included work in the ice... down to a depth of about four, no, five kilometers, sometimes even six.

Inside this exosceleton, countless small 'levels' had to be created. The giant amount of water, or ice, that had to be removed was... impressive, to say the least.

However, heater tubes to melt the water worked fairly efficient. Admittedly, they needed not lots, but literally a horrible amount of energy (setting up several dozen power plants just for them was one of the first things that had to be done), but once finished, they worked, and they worked well.

The work went on, never tobe finished, the crews exhausted...

But soon, soon they would be ready.

Max Tannenberg, Professor for astronomics and Xenogeology, lead the project, and so far, it went well. Almost perfect, so to speak, and that was necessary, since the smallest mistake could ruin anything...

But they would never be stopped.

Weeks.

It took weeks for them to do the basic work.

But finally, the first exosceleton was completed, and the inner construction could begin.

Millions of tons of ice...

All of it had to be melted, removed, for the construction to continue.

The 'weather' was, as one could expect, as usual: Cold.

In fact, very cold, considering the fact that europa is, in fact, a giant snowball in space.

Well, sorta.

The transportation problem, however, wasn`t a problem. They used 'sleighs'. Of course, not sleighs how one knows them on earth, but giant, motorised, sleighs in as much forms and versions as cars on earth...

You haven`t really lived before driving a 16- ton sleigh with another 16 tons of cargo on Ganymede`s ice, trying to maneuver it between all the little mountains, the canyons you simply cannot see until you`re one or two meter in front of them, and the giant construction site.

But despite all the dangers, it`s fun.

And in the end, slowly, all so slowly, the construction continues, the domes grow...

And one day, it will eventually be finished.

Slowly, the buildings grew, so did the tunnels that connected the different 'cities'... As a matter of fact, they were giant spheres, their thick walls embracing the buildings, the people... the city.

On the surface, a considerable infrastructure had been developed, the giant sleights using them extensively.

There was still much to do...

However... The first regular crews came...

Finally, finally, the base was operational.

In orbit, the compulsory shipyard/ space station above the base was nearly finished as well...

Again, much work was to be done (Although much less than on the ground), but the most important arts were operational, and slowly, the normal, boring live on an outer space station begun to rule the setting...

Not long... not long, and they would be ready. Weeks, no, days...