25-05-2004, 23:27
Introduction
An advanced civilization once dominated in an empire that spanned several star systems. Ruled by an Emperor and Council, the star empire wielded much power and influence. For almost 2000 years, it was one of the biggest in the universe. However, seven centuries years ago, it collapsed. Even that empire couldn't withstand the corruption, civil war, and attacks from the outside that plauged its latter days. To make matters worse, several stolen WMDs literrally destroyed the stars the empire posessed, litterally wiping it off of the galaxy.
New empires rose and fell and the great civilization was long forgotten. However, several thousand survivors managed to band together and form a small colony. Calling it the Harmony Colony, they built a massive shipyard made from the salvaged hulls dozens of abandoned capital ships. They laid the foundations of a peaceful society, basing its constitution on equality and pacifism. A Council was formed, representing all races, genders, and religions. The principal of the Harmony Colony made many people immigrate, with hopes of freedom.
Seven centuries later, the population went up from several thousand to six million, with a steady flow of people. The old shipyard has since been abandoned, replaced by several very large colony ships - Harmony A, Harmony B, and Harmony C - along with smaller ships. Equality A and Equality B tow several asteroids at one time, allowing the colony fleet to spend years in deep space without worry of running short of supplies. Equality ships also store supplies. The Harmony Colony also has several trade centers - Prosperity A, Prosperity B, Prosperity C, and Prosperity D - to make sure the colony has everything it needs. The fleet moves through space, usually stopping in orbit around planets for several months at a time for trade and diplomacy.
Harmony A - 18:00 Colony Time
"Captain," an officer said, "there's warships headed toward us - Several squadrons of fighters and corvettes, a few dozen frigates, and some capital ships. I don't think that they come in peace."
"We're unarmed!" exclaimed the captain. "Who'd send an agressive force to a peaceful fleet?"
"I don't know," replied the officer, "but even if we had weapons, that fleet could probably take us out." Several beeps came from a nearby computer. "We're receiving a message. It's from the fleet!"
"You have entered Deep Space Pirate territory," a voice said over the transmisison. Our civilization numbers well over a billion. Surrender your ships now or prepare to be destroyed."
"But we're a peaceful peoples! Please leave us alone!" pleaded the captain. There was a sound of laughter. The captain turned to an officer and said, "Cut the com-link. Arguing with them is no use." Once the connection was cut, he ordered, "Warn the Council. We may have to relocate soon - very soon. Also, send out a distress beakon. We'll need foreign aid."
The beacon is launched. Any nation within range of Deep Space is welcome to come and help the peaceful colonists.
An advanced civilization once dominated in an empire that spanned several star systems. Ruled by an Emperor and Council, the star empire wielded much power and influence. For almost 2000 years, it was one of the biggest in the universe. However, seven centuries years ago, it collapsed. Even that empire couldn't withstand the corruption, civil war, and attacks from the outside that plauged its latter days. To make matters worse, several stolen WMDs literrally destroyed the stars the empire posessed, litterally wiping it off of the galaxy.
New empires rose and fell and the great civilization was long forgotten. However, several thousand survivors managed to band together and form a small colony. Calling it the Harmony Colony, they built a massive shipyard made from the salvaged hulls dozens of abandoned capital ships. They laid the foundations of a peaceful society, basing its constitution on equality and pacifism. A Council was formed, representing all races, genders, and religions. The principal of the Harmony Colony made many people immigrate, with hopes of freedom.
Seven centuries later, the population went up from several thousand to six million, with a steady flow of people. The old shipyard has since been abandoned, replaced by several very large colony ships - Harmony A, Harmony B, and Harmony C - along with smaller ships. Equality A and Equality B tow several asteroids at one time, allowing the colony fleet to spend years in deep space without worry of running short of supplies. Equality ships also store supplies. The Harmony Colony also has several trade centers - Prosperity A, Prosperity B, Prosperity C, and Prosperity D - to make sure the colony has everything it needs. The fleet moves through space, usually stopping in orbit around planets for several months at a time for trade and diplomacy.
Harmony A - 18:00 Colony Time
"Captain," an officer said, "there's warships headed toward us - Several squadrons of fighters and corvettes, a few dozen frigates, and some capital ships. I don't think that they come in peace."
"We're unarmed!" exclaimed the captain. "Who'd send an agressive force to a peaceful fleet?"
"I don't know," replied the officer, "but even if we had weapons, that fleet could probably take us out." Several beeps came from a nearby computer. "We're receiving a message. It's from the fleet!"
"You have entered Deep Space Pirate territory," a voice said over the transmisison. Our civilization numbers well over a billion. Surrender your ships now or prepare to be destroyed."
"But we're a peaceful peoples! Please leave us alone!" pleaded the captain. There was a sound of laughter. The captain turned to an officer and said, "Cut the com-link. Arguing with them is no use." Once the connection was cut, he ordered, "Warn the Council. We may have to relocate soon - very soon. Also, send out a distress beakon. We'll need foreign aid."
The beacon is launched. Any nation within range of Deep Space is welcome to come and help the peaceful colonists.