NationStates Jolt Archive


New Horizons

Dread Lady Nathicana
05-08-2004, 19:07
It was time. In fact, it was far past time. With the advances in technology that had been slowly filtered into the Dominion, the knowledge that much more was out there just waiting to be experienced, the brief taste of such things on Mars, the military service, both in the Dominion fleets, and the Triumvirate combined forces, and the burgeoning population, expansion had become not only a want, but a need.

Plans had been set back months due to Calabrese's efforts, something that had irritated Nathicana almost as much as the attempt to overthrow her. She had hoped to use him in one of the new capacities these plans provided, but now ... him, she would keep close, and utilize his skills Earthside. There were others. There were always others, vying for position, honing their talents to their best advantage, and of course, assisting in culling the weak from contention. It was simply the way things worked.

She had been watching Treznor's efforts with interest, along with the colonization plans of others such as Sunset, Sakkra, and the interstellar research groups of the Triumvirate, when reports came through.

Nathicana sent off first a request to the Sakkran Emperor, concerning the Sslaa system (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=6713508&posted=1#post6713508). It was, after all, a much delayed missive, and she had been much relieved to see the planet they had in mind seemed to be as yet unclaimed. It would of course be a change from the comfort of the Dominion, but where there is a will, there is always a way. Years of infighting and striving, despite the level of success the nation enjoyed, had not produced a soft people after all. Challenges tended to be sought after, and this would be just such an opportunity. I think we will have an overabundance of volunteers, for all these projects.

Next, she composed a second missive, this one containing several requests. Nathi hoped they would be well recieved. When finished, she sent it off along the usual encrypted lines.


To the Triumvirate High Council, First Among Equals:

Salutations from the Dominion. I'm sure you are aware of the growing pains nations often go through, having dealt with such situations yourselves. We are at such a point in my own where thoughts of expansion, both of neccessity and a desire to offer our citizens more opportunities and a better way of life than is developing in our more crowded cities. Another concern is for the environment, which has suffered due to overpopulation in some areas, and is threatened with urbanization in others due to our need to provide for our populace.

Bearing this in mind, I wish to make a formal request for either or both, depending on your ability to grant and your willingness to offer, space on the Ring and Titan. These would of course be predominantly civilian colonies, with whatever military assets we feel would be warranted being negotiable. I cannot help but think that given our own fleet needs and that of their crews, and those of our people serving with the joint forces, that such outposts would be mutually beneficial. We have until now relied on what space on the WorldDisc as we have, and your own facilities within Saturnspace. I realize there may be a concern given our NDA ties, so let me assure you than any such activity within your bounds would be used for Dominion assets alone, in defense of Triumvirate interests. We have yet to conflict on such issues, and I for one do not foresee it becoming a problem in the future.

My next request falls along those later concerns. We wish to build a space station in a Trojan orbit with Saturn, outside the bounds of Trium space, but close enough for convenient use if desired, and would appreciate having your 'blessing' as it were on the project. The plans for this outpost are of a non-military nature, serving as a docking station, and waypoint for my own citizens, and those of any friendly, NDA, or Trium nation who wishes to make use of it. With outward expansion, increased trade routes between planets and out of system, it stands to reason that such an exchange point would be in our best interest. Facilities for repair and medical needs, warehouses for trade interests, living quarters and business space for catering to the needs of the occupants and visitors, recreational opportunities - this is what we forsee the station providing. We would hope it to be a neutral ground of sorts where both alliances and such nations with whom we have amicable relations, could profit and mingle, while providing ourselves with a solid base of operations and tarrif free transfer point.

The reason we ask of course, is to allay any concerns of such an operation close to Triumvirate space yet outside your jurisdiction. The distance from the boundaries we hope to negotiate with you, and keep all parties assured of our non-threatening intent, given the dual interests we have. I find such efforts do much to avoiding misunderstandings and suspicions later on.

I look forward to seeing your response, and understand that such decisions may take some time. Until then, my thanks for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion


A third note was sent as well, short and to the point, along secure channels.


To President Atef Al-Zief of Sunset,

We have had in our keeping for some time the coordinates for a place set aside by your nation for relocation in the event of some unforseen disaster. Til now, we have let this offer lay dormant. I wish to formally request permission to send a forward team of engineers and crews to start laying the foundations for a viable colony. One must always look to the future, after all, and I cannot help but think that now is the prime time for such preparations.

With thanks,

--Nathicana D'Aquisto


Nathicana poured herself a glass of wine, then settled back into her chair with a thoughtful expression, looking over the plans and proposals displayed on the screen in front of her.

Now to see just how many of these opportunities we will actually have. The funds stashed quietly away from our sale to the Imperium should at least cover the station, if not more than. After that, those accounts we've been padding for colonization will be hit hard. Calfa is going to be screaming, no doubt.

Sipping her wine slowly, she tapped several keys and accessed the next area of interest, perusing it quietly, plans continuing to form in her mind.

Lets see how those prototypes are coming ...
Sunset
08-08-2004, 05:00
Dread Lady D'Aquisto,

A pleasant suprise to see someone firmly interested in our offer. While previously the Menelmacari have expressed interest they have yet to do anything about it - and thus we assume their interest is as fickle as always. Approval is heartily given and I've attached a copy of the security rules just in case.

I should mention that there are several options for colonization and you might wish to vary the team depending on your primary interest.

There is the planet itself - most of the population lives here and it had the best existing infrastructure. It also has a pre-planned city layout and while the layout has been optimized to provide growth, access to resources, and a nice layout some might object to this kind of planned approach.

There are also dozens - literally - of moons that could be built up in a variety of methods to house a considerable population. Most of the primary moons are in use, but there is still plenty of room avaliable even on these.

The final option is a colony on one of the secondary planets. This would involve more terraforming though it would offer much more expansion in the long run, as well as access to resources.

Atef Al-Zief,
President, Libertarian Paradise of Sunset
Dread Lady Nathicana
08-08-2004, 05:49
President Al-Zief,

If you could perhaps direct us to the information regarding these other planets available, it would be appreciated. Resources, as always, are a concern, as well as a thought to the future for growth. Although, in the interim, I would think a solid base of operations within the guidelines you have set on the current planet, would be in our best interests. It would provide a stable and hopefully, mutually beneficial colony from whence we could then expand, should the other options prove viable.

Information on the current residents as well would be beneficial, so that we might do a bit of research to be a bit more prepared in our dealings. It wouldn’t do to inadvertently offend with some thoughtless action or word. We like to know just what we’re getting into.

I am certain the planned layout would provide no problems, as we are willing to work within the parameters you have set forward for this venture. Organization and order have always been appreciated in the Dominion, after all. And the important thing in our minds is setting up a safe haven for many of the reasons discussed in your initial transmission where the offer was originally made.

Our plans for such an outpost would be of a civilian and scientific nature, with what military force may be present being an auxiliary force to be used in defense of our holdings. Thoughts and concerns you may have concerning this would be appreciated as well, as it is our intent to continue along the lines of peaceable existence there.

--Nathicana D’Aquisto
Sunset
08-08-2004, 06:56
Lady D'Aquisto,

Here is a run-down of the planets from the first crew to visit the system:

Ares System Rundown (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=281494&page=1&pp=15)

Currently the residents consist of ourselves, some measure of Mangalan's, and a New ArAreBeen manufacturing city. It is good to live among friends and things run smoothly - plenty of room for everyone. So far we have not bothered with things like borders - ownership is enough to define who's laws apply where. I suppose such might need to be codified in the future.

As far as location goes what might you be interested in? I cannot offer the canals of Venice - water is not rare by any means but there are few large bodies. Much of the planet is rolling hills with the occasional plain, mountain peak, or winding river. The only major body of water is a south polar sea though as yet it is not heavily or more than lightly populated.

As far as a military presence goes we are unconcerned - however if you wish to liason with our own forces your people would be welcome on both wilderness patrols, planetary patrols, and the occasional out-system patrol. Much of the Exploration Command is also based here and if someone wants to hop a ride to a distance world I'm sure it could be arranged.

Atef Al-Zief
Dread Lady Nathicana
11-08-2004, 01:19
President Al-Zief,

We are pleased to hear we will have such good neighbors. Though our dealings with both Mangala and New ArAreBee have been few, to my knowledge, they have always been amicable. For this new undertaking, we find this approach of ‘no borders’ intriguing. I agree that among such rational people as ourselves we should find little to contest, as it is in our best interests to work together to not only coexist, but thrive. Our people will be made aware that laws change depending on who’s sector one is in at the time. As most laws I find are somewhat standard, again, I foresee little problem with it. Perhaps at some point it would be good to have a representative committee to lay out such details. It is inevitable as the populations grow that there will eventually be a need for it.

As for locale, I would think an area of warmer, milder climate would suit my people best, if such exists. If there is a spot containing a goodly mix of mountain, hills, water, and a bit of plain, that would be wonderful. Yes, I know – the best of all worlds, but one never knows ‘til one asks. We have quietly been putting funds away, and laying plans for the time we journeyed forth to take advantage of your generous offer, and indeed, to consider other options. We hope to make this a solid permanent colony, and a safe haven for our culture and people, as your original missive suggested.

Military issues should be no problem then. The Rangers suggestion that was put before the Trium council some time back seems to be a good option here, as well as a cooperation between standard forces and those in the immediate area. I am certain we can find several in the scientific community who would enjoy the opportunity to explore as well, via your Exploration Command – your offers are appreciated.

Once the finer details of location have been arranged, we will send out our forward teams to begin construction. In the interest of boosting the local economy, we would prefer buying and trading what raw materials there are available in system and save our transport space for things such as personal items, flora, fauna, and assorted tools, vehicles and other such necessities.

Again, our thanks for the opportunity. We look forward to working with you and our new neighbors in this venture.

--Nathicana D’Aquisto

In the meantime, the preparations continued.

"A new life awaits you in the off-world colonies.
A chance to begin again in a golden land
of opportunity and adventure!"

http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/newworld2.jpg

Commercials showing or describing this new distant Eden were shown on the television, prior to movies at theaters, over the radio, in printed brochures and other visual media. Mentioned as well were applications for renewed military service, and the chance to colonize a more hostile environment on Sslaa 2, the desert planet.

And, as expected, the applications poured in by the thousands. The newly established Ministry of Emigration, Off-World department, found itself nearly swamped with demands. This in turn provided difficulties for the offices handling the current load of noble claims. Questions of such titles carrying over were a concern. Further questions of new claims for new territories came up. Overall, unforseen problems and difficulties abounded, and one by one were 'sent to committee' to quell the demands until answers could be properly given.

Nathicana sat in her office looking over the reports and rubbing her temples. Reaching into her desk, she took out a bottle of headache meds and washed them down with a quick gulp of her water.

"I knew it was going to be difficult, but ye gods ... "
Sunset
15-08-2004, 07:19
Lady D'Aquisto,

That specific mix of terrain is possible though the distances from each are all variable. A quick check of the map reveals half a dozen locations next to the few rivers that flow south as well as low hills and plains. The hardest thing to find would be mountains. Most were leveled in whatever cataclysm removed the previous life from this world and while some remain distances vary from dozens to hundreds of kilometers from the city sites. Most are set on the junction between a plain and low hills to allow better air flow as well as enhanced scenic value for the residents. Perhaps a mountain gracing the horizon would be acceptable?

Atef Al-Zief
Dread Lady Nathicana
15-08-2004, 07:33
President Al-Zief-

That would be more than acceptable. I trust in your judgement in allotting us such a location, since you are the ones with the bigger plan in mind. I am certain that our citizens will be quite pleased. We already have applicants eager to make the relocation here, and in our other pursuits. We are trying to assess which applications are best suited to the environments, challenges, and politics unique to each region, so as to better blend with the current residents. I look forward to the specific coordinates and clearance to begin sending our teams through for initial construction.

--Nathicana
Dread Lady Nathicana
27-01-2005, 16:23
(ooc: For those intereted in the Machiavelli Station, it has been split and moved here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=392682). Thanks. Will be continuing other developments here - hadn't thought it would get the attention it did.)