NationStates Jolt Archive

Op-Ed column in the Great Woody Times, 16 February 2048

The debate on overpopulation is unending as of late, and has raged in Parliament for weeks now. UN population projections show that The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts will have a billion mouths to feed and house within twenty years. As Evil Woody Thoughts is an archipelego nation, it has four choices: do nothing, and let people starve and the economy tank, expand through land reclaimation, expand through war, or expand through space colonization.

So what option do we take?

The first choice is utterly unacceptable, and is recognized as such by nearly all parties in the debate. Evil Woody Thoughts has used the second before; Woodyeen Island, a 110,000 square mile volcanic island similar to Japan in its geography, was summoned fourth from the Middle Atlantic some fifteen years ago. Yet it too is overcrowded, and replicating that feat would send trillions of tons of ash, sulfur, and carbon dioxide into an atmosphere that cannot handle it. Due to the loss of the Gulf Stream Current, brought on by global warming, Evil Woody Thoughts has gone from a semi-tropical climate to that of boreal forest in the last fifteen years, along with the nasty declines in crop yields that go with such a change.

The Arms Manufacturing Industry recommends war as a means to expand, but the only nations worth declaring war on would probably end up conquering Evil Woody Thoughts themselves. This is not achievable unless we spend more than half our GDP on defense, no matter what the ludicrous Prime Minister Whitfield says. To follow such a policy would also mean disaster for the economy.

The 'easy' way out seems to be space colonization, though we simply do not have the technology, nor the time to research and develop it. This means we would have to purchase it, and it cannot be bought but dearly. However, given the choice between endless war, becoming an arctic wasteland, and becoming another Bangladesh, it might be the least painful way out of our population woes.
---------------------------------------------------
*The next day in Parliament*

Prime Minister Whitfield banged his gavel. As the controversial space appropriations bill was to be voted upon today, the MPs were bickering and arguing amongst themselves. As the MPs ignored the gavel's bang, the Prime Minister bellowed, "Order! Order!"

Finally, most of the MPs shut up.

The Prime Minister continued, "We have debated PB 723 endlessly for the last two months. Three hours have been allotted today. Then we vote on it, and none of this parliamentary maneuvering crap that you always seem to pull. Mr. Adam Fritz, you are the first recognized speaker; you have five minutes."

Adam Fritz immediately denounced the bill, saying "And what if there is no one from which to purchase this technology from? What if we get swallowed into some evil interplanetary empire?" he started.

It wasn't long before he was cut off by "And how much in bribes did you take from the Arms Manufacturing industry? Wasn't it something like $700 million?"

This accusation was quickly met by cries of "Here, here!"

The personal attacks and mayhem continued for the next three hours, until a member of the Green Party whacked Mr. Fritz with his cane.

"ENOUGH!" bellowed the Prime Minister. "Will you vote on this goddamned bill before some MP gets the idea to become a suicide bomber over this!?"

Ten minutes later, the votes returned, 26-24. So it was, all funding to the Ministry of Commerce had been redirected to a Technology Acquisition fund.
-------------------------------------------------------------
21 February 2048
location classified

Prime Minister Whitfield arrived, via helicopter with armed escort, at what passed for Area 51 here. He came because this military base had the finest communications equipment Evil Woody Thoughts had to offer, as it was home to the nation's SETI program. Maybe galactic powers-that-be would respond to an offer to be made richer instead of random radio transmissions.

After being led into an underground room, the Prime Minister himself coded the wide-band transmission:

Greetings from Prime Minister Whitfield, the leader of the Evil Empire of
Evil Woody Thoughts. We are looking to purchase space vessels for
interstellar colonization, as we are experiencing overpopulation problems and
are looking for a permanant solution. This is a peaceful offer. Ideally, we
would like to purchase faster than light technology. Please broadcast any
offers back to Earth, specifically to Evil Woody Thoughts. As this
transmission is not encrypted, it should be traced easily enough. We hope
any arrangements will lead to increased prosperity for the entire
galaxy.

The Prime Minister, brushing a tear off his face, hit the TRANSMIT button.

(OOC: Yeah, I wish to ignore the fact that it's gonna take umpteen million light years for a radio transmission to cross the galaxy, but meh. I just wanna transition to FT)

The Dominion of Theao can offer slowship tech, ideal for transporting large volumes of people/goods over vast distances or highly experimental, and dangerous ftl scout ships. Please state which you would be intrested in.

The Unified worlds of Siesatia could offer multiple modes of transport...

Stargate link to uninhabbited world of choice (reccomended.)

3 Colony ships, built to your specifications

Colony ships, on loan

The actual technology, to build. (This is not reccomended, it could create international issues)

Cyrian space has a few propositions which you might be interested in.
First of all, we have a number of cargo freightors which have now become obsolete. They are still fully functional, but they are only capable of speeds up to four times lightspeed, and so they are easily outcompeted by ships currently in use. However, these ships could easily be reoutfitted for transport and colonization purposes. In past emergency situations, these ships have held 20,000 people each, albeit not very comfortably. We would be willing to sell you seven of these ships for seven million us dollars worth of gold and copper. We will provide a specialist to instruct you as to their operation free of charge, and we will pick up the fee ourselves.
Also, we have recently begun terraforming operations on a planet in the milkey way system, named Jalspen (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=398375)
We would be willing to cede a portion of the planet to you in exchange for your efforts towards said terraforming operation. we could easily part with a peice of the planet the size of, say, the earth continent of Austrailia.
In any case, we welcome you to the stars, and hope that our people's can prosper together!
(Cyrians, by the way, are blue furred, six fingered aliens.)

The Ascendancy offers another option, one based on a Drive technology that serves the republic well at the moment, but is not as of late our prefered choice of Interstellar travel.

The Kearney-Fuchida Jump Drive is the mainstay of our extra-Republic Exploration fleets. It's a poor tactical option for military vessels, but is excellent as a inital drive type for an entry star faring race.

The main catch is that the drive is dependent on the KF Drive being chraged via solar sails, at JumpPoints usually at the Zenith and Nadir Points, or the upper most and lower most points of a Star System, where the points are the gravity 'poles' above and below a stellar body, aka star. These points are the most stable points of a System normally speaking, but there are others within Systems at other points, but are constantly moving.

To jump to another point other than either of these Z/N Jump points, risks great damage to a vessel. However a 'pirate point' can be reached via the help of a combination of powerful navigation computers, even better pilot calculations, and most of all: luck.

The Ascendancy is willing to sell over long term KF technology, and the ability to construct JumpShips, or the lightly armed versions of our Fleet vessels. We can also help in construction of DropShips, large craft that can launch from a planet surface, and dock onto a JumpShip, to be then Jumped to another System. We are willing to assist in building DropShips of a lightly armed nature.

Our 'proce' inferred, is to be the following:

1. Be a major trading partner with the Ascendancy and it's Republic worlds.
2. Exchange of long term in stance, diplomatic ties.
3. Assurance that the technology will be used in commerce, and if military, for self defense.
4. Come to the Ascendancy Homeworld via transport to be determined after agreement of the above by your party.
5. Monetary payment will only be demanded, if the above number three is violated, within a ten year time frame. After that, your technology should be strong enough hold your own, despite our wishes. Before then would only invite disaster.
6. We are willing to foster your colonists on some of our terraformed worlds, as even a nation of our size cannot fully colonize all our current worlds. Several continents on several worlds in the Republic need to be explored and, aye.. exploited of resources.

We expect all this over the long term, and are doing this to do the same for another civilization, as done for us twenty years ago, due to the auspices of a race that has long since left their devices to us.

This also is one of our... how to say.. requirements as per accords of our own, that we must abide. We have as much to gain from this, as you do.

Having said all this, be assured this is 'not' a hoax. And any others that laugh at our offer in reading this, simply do not know of what the Ascendancy was created for. Our own accords in fact demand this, and we shall pursue this agenda.

As such, we now await your reply Prime Minister Whitfield.

Sincerely,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky
Gaian Ascendancy First Throne

Cyrian space has a few propositions which you might be interested in.
First of all, we have a number of cargo freightors which have now become obsolete. They are still fully functional, but they are only capable of speeds up to four times lightspeed, and so they are easily outcompeted by ships currently in use. However, these ships could easily be reoutfitted for transport and colonization purposes. In past emergency situations, these ships have held 20,000 people each, albeit not very comfortably. We would be willing to sell you seven of these ships for seven million us dollars worth of gold and copper. We will provide a specialist to instruct you as to their operation free of charge, and we will pick up the fee ourselves.
Also, we have recently begun terraforming operations on a planet in the milkey way system, named Jalspen (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=398375)
We would be willing to cede a portion of the planet to you in exchange for your efforts towards said terraforming operation. we could easily part with a peice of the planet the size of, say, the earth continent of Austrailia.
In any case, we welcome you to the stars, and hope that our people's can prosper together!
(Cyrians, by the way, are blue furred, six fingered aliens.)

"We are quite interested in your offer. We would very much like to purchase your ships, and will quite easily be able to mine $49 million USD of gold and copper by the time you get here. Our research and development priorities have been so far devoted to geology, which is why we've fallen a bit behind in other technologies.

We appreciate the offer of ceding part of your planet, but we were looking for an uninhabited system of our own."

Prime Minsiter Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

(OOC: I'm assuming you meant seven million dollars each for the ships, as you'd have to be desperate to get rid of them for one million/ship. Of course, you could have accidentally typed 'million' instead of 'billion'...let me know if I need to correct this.)


The Unified worlds of Siesatia could offer multiple modes of transport...

Stargate link to uninhabbited world of choice (reccomended.)

3 Colony ships, built to your specifications

"Siesta, we are most grateful for your offer.

We would like to take advantage of the oppurtunity to have custom-built ships for us. Specifically, we will need to be able to defend ourselves in space; please outfit the colony ships with heavy energy and particle shielding, and a modest complement of turbolasers and, if possible, a weapon that disables electronic systems. If we were to, ahem, quietly reverse engineer the technology, would international powers notice? How much will this cost? We must assume it isn't free..."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

(OOC: I'm kinda thinking about ion cannons from SW, or something similar, but my nation doesn't ICly know about them yet, and we don't really know about turbolasers except in a regular setting, either.)

The Ascendancy offers another option, one based on a Drive technology that serves the republic well at the moment, but is not as of late our prefered choice of Interstellar travel.

...snip...

Our 'proce' inferred, is to be the following:

1. Be a major trading partner with the Ascendancy and it's Republic worlds.
2. Exchange of long term in stance, diplomatic ties.
3. Assurance that the technology will be used in commerce, and if military, for self defense.
4. Come to the Ascendancy Homeworld via transport to be determined after agreement of the above by your party.
5. Monetary payment will only be demanded, if the above number three is violated, within a ten year time frame. After that, your technology should be strong enough hold your own, despite our wishes. Before then would only invite disaster.
6. We are willing to foster your colonists on some of our terraformed worlds, as even a nation of our size cannot fully colonize all our current worlds. Several continents on several worlds in the Republic need to be explored and, aye.. exploited of resources.

We expect all this over the long term, and are doing this to do the same for another civilization, as done for us twenty years ago, due to the auspices of a race that has long since left their devices to us.

This also is one of our... how to say.. requirements as per accords of our own, that we must abide. We have as much to gain from this, as you do.

Having said all this, be assured this is 'not' a hoax. And any others that laugh at our offer in reading this, simply do not know of what the Ascendancy was created for. Our own accords in fact demand this, and we shall pursue this agenda.

As such, we now await your reply Prime Minister Whitfield.

Sincerely,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky
Gaian Ascendancy First Throne

"We appreciate your offer, but we need more information before coming to a decision. Specifically, is the fourth condition supposed to be some sort of diplomatic mission? Would we establish a permanant presence on your Homeworld, and what would we do there? Please elaborate on your intentions regarding our presence on your Homeworld. After we receive clarification, we can proceed with a decision."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

(OOC: The name Kerensky sounds familiar...from where did you derive it?)

(ooc: 7 million per ship is right. Originally it was one million, but that doesn't seem too unrealistically low, as these are basically the oil tankers of space. Also, they are each outfitted with a pair of plasma guns, but those are fairly weak.)
Very well, how many of them would you like to remain as cargo ships, and how many would you like refitted for transport?

Also, we would like to offer you aid in developing your first interstellar space station, in the interest of furthering trade possibilities between us. You may buy alloys at a large discount, and we will assist with construction.

(ooc: 7 million per ship is right. Originally it was one million, but that doesn't seem too unrealistically low, as these are basically the oil tankers of space. Also, they are each outfitted with a pair of plasma guns, but those are fairly weak.)
Very well, how many of them would you like to remain as cargo ships, and how many would you like refitted for transport?

Also, we would like to offer you aid in developing your first interstellar space station, in the interest of furthering trade possibilities between us. You may buy alloys at a large discount, and we will assist with construction.

"We would like three cargo ships and four colony ships, and we gratefully accept your offer for aid in building a space station. Are all of these alloys found on Earth, are do some of them possess characteristics unknown to us?"

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

((OC- Battletech. I've used the name for several years of roleplay, based on Battletech rps where my character was a Colonel in them, and even was (rp wise) a distant blood relation to the Kerensky's that led the Exodus from the Inner Sphere.

...even rped a game where the character actually went to the Clan Homewolrds during the Serpent operation, and challenged the Council, Clan Wolf specificlly for a Kerensky Bloodname.

..and yes, it was hell in getting the Bloodname, but not without precedent, considering Natasha Kerensky did the same at one point. (..and any BT fan knows about Phelan Kell as well....)

...so that's where the name comes from. =^^= ))
----------

To reply to the concernns about the fourth.

1. Yes, a diplomatic mission. One that will teach you about being a part of the greater cosmos.
2. The establishment of permanent embassies would be the end result of this mission, and therefore, your civilization would learn from us how to be a part of the stars.
3. The mission would include transport aboard one of our Flagship vessels of the Republic Fleet. This would give you first hand experience in the star travel concepts we offer.
4. The Ascendancy covers 15 Star Systems, and about, belive it or not, 67.2 percent of the worlds are to one degree or another, habitable. However, much of the territory is unexplored, and much of it still contains Ascendant technology in Caches, far more than we can fully depoly with out poplutaion at the present.

Ask more questions as needed, as we are open to many of them. However note, our proposal, is one based on your transmission. Our situation is one where we are in a position to offer the same, that was given to us.

This offer is not given lightly, not to every civilization. This is one given, as a part of our 'own' test. If you accept to become our guests, you will learn why we are taking this course.

However, you are completely free to use the other options as given, as is your right as a sovereign civilization.

We feel however, that we both have much to gain from this act.

Return regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky

The alloys could be made from metals on earth, but you do not possess the technology to make them, and certain metals go into them in abundance which you have little of on your planet. Our strongest alloy, diamondmetal, is created by pressurizing carbon melted into a metal substance until the metal itself takes on diamondlike properties.

((OC- Battletech. I've used the name for several years of roleplay, based on Battletech rps where my character was a Colonel in them, and even was (rp wise) a distant blood relation to the Kerensky's that led the Exodus from the Inner Sphere.

...even rped a game where the character actually went to the Clan Homewolrds during the Serpent operation, and challenged the Council, Clan Wolf specificlly for a Kerensky Bloodname.

..and yes, it was hell in getting the Bloodname, but not without precedent, considering Natasha Kerensky did the same at one point. (..and any BT fan knows about Phelan Kell as well....)

...so that's where the name comes from. =^^= ))
----------

To reply to the concernns about the fourth.

1. Yes, a diplomatic mission. One that will teach you about being a part of the greater cosmos.
2. The establishment of permanent embassies would be the end result of this mission, and therefore, your civilization would learn from us how to be a part of the stars.
3. The mission would include transport aboard one of our Flagship vessels of the Republic Fleet. This would give you first hand experience in the star travel concepts we offer.
4. The Ascendancy covers 15 Star Systems, and about, belive it or not, 67.2 percent of the worlds are to one degree or another, habitable. However, much of the territory is unexplored, and much of it still contains Ascendant technology in Caches, far more than we can fully depoly with out poplutaion at the present.

Ask more questions as needed, as we are open to many of them. However note, our proposal, is one based on your transmission. Our situation is one where we are in a position to offer the same, that was given to us.

This offer is not given lightly, not to every civilization. This is one given, as a part of our 'own' test. If you accept to become our guests, you will learn why we are taking this course.

However, you are completely free to use the other options as given, as is your right as a sovereign civilization.

We feel however, that we both have much to gain from this act.

Return regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky


(OOC: Regarding the name, that's what I thought, and I was hoping to get access to Battletech technology for ground combat eventually ;) However, I'm only a casual fan of BT, as I learned about it through the computer games.)

IC: "We deeply appreciate your offer, and wish to accept it. However, if the Ascendancy doesn't mind, we also intend to make use of the assistance that other nations have offered us, and I could find no provision in your offer that prevents us from doing this. Thank you for your invitation."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

>Recorded Message<

So, you want to fly into the murky depths of outer space, eh?

For but a couple simple concessions, we are willing to provide your nation with technical specifications and structural designs for several fundamental starship types in the "Colony Ship / Cargo Ship" categories. We are also willing to provide you with basic metallurgy sufficient to get you started on your trip to the stars, as well as technical specifications for an FTL drive that should suit your needs quite well.

The slipstream drive is relatively fast, to say nothing of energy efficient, and operates like the warp drive in many respects. You just don't have to worry about those pesky little prominent nacelles.

In return for these concessions we ask only for the following:

1) A nice steady supply of raw materials. We LOVE raw materials. Iron, Superconductors, Plastics... yum... Considering that all of the alloys we can teach you to craft are somewhat cheap to manufacture, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

2) A stake in any mining operations you might happen to initiate (I.E. we help you mine for a percentage of the haul)(see number one for why)

3) Trade relations in General... Preferred Trading partner would be just GREAT.

4) Trading of Diplomatic Contacts and maybe the establishment of ties.

--If we REALLY like you, you might even get in on some of our more lucrative technologies. Or more advanced Metallurgy, Computer Technology, Robotics, and FTL technologies may be granted if we think that you're "Great at Parties" or some such...

Sirzan Aktei, Godulan Diplomatic Relations, PrimeLine Division

Encoded Transmission
We are williing to allow for you to take some of our more obsolete ships off our hands. The Galactic Corvette was our first venture into intersteller travel, and severed us well for a total of 100 years. It was recently replaced with the Monolith, which is considerably larger.
The Corvette is a multi-tasking vessel, with the capacity to expand upon the intial design. Indeed, the original Corvette had several variations upon a single theme. It has exstenstive cargo-holds, along with a capacity to hold nearly 1000 souls in moderate comfort. The vessel can also be used in military operations as a troop transport, and as a skirmish vessel. We have included stats and a picture below:

Length: 400 metres
Width: 100 metres
Depth: 100 metres
Volume: 4,000,000 cubic metres
Gross Mass: 500,000 metric tonnes
Hull Construct: Adamantium/Titanium mesh - Inner and Outer hull.
Weapons: x 10 Ion cannons, x 35 Laser banks
Shields: Basic (Double Front, Rear, Overlapping) - Radiation and Energy Projection
Armour: Light to Medium
Impulse max. Speed: 500kph
Max. Light Speed: 1.5
Consumables: 6 months - 1000 people
Powe Supply: Simple Mk5 Warp Core, capable of providing in the range of 50 terrawatts of power
Computer System: Binary system, with processing power of 34 kiloquads per second
Communication System: Systematic Systems Deep Space Radio Mk6 - Range=10LY
Hanger capacity: 15 Viper class Interceptors
Facilities: Hologrid, shooting range, transporters
Optional Extras: Tractor beam
Variations: Corvette/M (Military) - Increased shields, armour, weapons, and hanger capacity.
Corvette/X (Experimental) - used as testbed for transwarp project-unsuccessful
Atmospheric Capable: YES
Image:http://www.synapse.ne.jp/~save/mechanic/starship/cc1.jpg

We are willing to provide technicians to you in order to help and further your understanding of this ship. Furthermoe, we are willing to supply you with the appropiate number of Viper-Interceptor to fill all hanger bays. Price is not fixed, and can be agreed to differing terms

Snake Eater Foreign Secretary
Ramon Maschio

"Siesta, we are most grateful for your offer.

We would like to take advantage of the oppurtunity to have custom-built ships for us. Specifically, we will need to be able to defend ourselves in space; please outfit the colony ships with heavy energy and particle shielding, and a modest complement of turbolasers and, if possible, a weapon that disables electronic systems. If we were to, ahem, quietly reverse engineer the technology, would international powers notice? How much will this cost? We must assume it isn't free..."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

(OOC: I'm kinda thinking about ion cannons from SW, or something similar, but my nation doesn't ICly know about them yet, and we don't really know about turbolasers except in a regular setting, either.)

The jump in technology might be noticed, should use of it extend to your military...
The cost for the following ship is about 40 Billion for all 3 to be payed off at your convinience. (Fairly cheap for a high quality Colony ship.)

Ent Class Export Colony Ship - Evil Woody Special Edition

Power: Plasma (Needs refueling at a Star every 10,000 lightyears)

Hull Composition: Titanium/Steel Alloy

Armor: Titanium/Steel Alloy 6 Feet thick

Shields: Class III Radiation/Energy Weapon Deflector Shields

Weapons:
50 Ion Emmision Pulse Cannons (Disables power sources and shields)
20 Mid Yield Turbolaser Cannons
4 Torpedoe/Skipper Missile Launcher

Hanger Compliment:
30 Atmospheric Scouts
10 Raptor P3X40 Fighters (I'll get you the stats later)

Might we also suggest some protection, as there are many threats. A small cruiser or two would deter anyone stupid enough to get too close.

The jump in technology might be noticed, should use of it extend to your military...
The cost for the following ship is about 40 Billion for all 3 to be payed off at your convinience. (Fairly cheap for a high quality Colony ship.)

Ent Class Export Colony Ship - Evil Woody Special Edition

Power: Plasma (Needs refueling at a Star every 10,000 lightyears)

Hull Composition: Titanium/Steel Alloy

Armor: Titanium/Steel Alloy 6 Feet thick

Shields: Class III Radiation/Energy Weapon Deflector Shields

Weapons:
50 Ion Emmision Pulse Cannons (Disables power sources and shields)
20 Mid Yield Turbolaser Cannons
4 Torpedoe/Skipper Missile Launcher

Hanger Compliment:
30 Atmospheric Scouts
10 Raptor P3X40 Fighters (I'll get you the stats later)

Might we also suggest some protection, as there are many threats. A small cruiser or two would deter anyone stupid enough to get too close.

"We would very much like to purchase these ships, and inquire as to further details about the cruisers, for a total of $120 billion (subject to any necessary changes if we end up ordering a couple of cruisers as well). However, as the banking systems on Earth are quite primitive by your standards, and are incapable of wiring money across the galaxy, we do ask that you accept cash on delivery; we can pay in either United States dollars or gold bullion, using current Earth futures pricing as an exchange rate. We will work on remedying the banking problems after we establish our first colony in space."

Also, by bringing up the hangar compliment of these ships, we assume these are included; if not please adjust the pricing as we feel that a fighter defense would be useful."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

Encoded Transmission
We are williing to allow for you to take some of our more obsolete ships off our hands. The Galactic Corvette was our first venture into intersteller travel, and severed us well for a total of 100 years. It was recently replaced with the Monolith, which is considerably larger.
The Corvette is a multi-tasking vessel, with the capacity to expand upon the intial design. Indeed, the original Corvette had several variations upon a single theme. It has exstenstive cargo-holds, along with a capacity to hold nearly 1000 souls in moderate comfort. The vessel can also be used in military operations as a troop transport, and as a skirmish vessel. We have included stats and a picture below:

Length: 400 metres
Width: 100 metres
Depth: 100 metres
Volume: 4,000,000 cubic metres
Gross Mass: 500,000 metric tonnes
Hull Construct: Adamantium/Titanium mesh - Inner and Outer hull.
Weapons: x 10 Ion cannons, x 35 Laser banks
Shields: Basic (Double Front, Rear, Overlapping) - Radiation and Energy Projection
Armour: Light to Medium
Impulse max. Speed: 500kph
Max. Light Speed: 1.5
Consumables: 6 months - 1000 people
Powe Supply: Simple Mk5 Warp Core, capable of providing in the range of 50 terrawatts of power
Computer System: Binary system, with processing power of 34 kiloquads per second
Communication System: Systematic Systems Deep Space Radio Mk6 - Range=10LY
Hanger capacity: 15 Viper class Interceptors
Facilities: Hologrid, shooting range, transporters
Optional Extras: Tractor beam
Variations: Corvette/M (Military) - Increased shields, armour, weapons, and hanger capacity.
Corvette/X (Experimental) - used as testbed for transwarp project-unsuccessful
Atmospheric Capable: YES
Image:http://www.synapse.ne.jp/~save/mechanic/starship/cc1.jpg

We are willing to provide technicians to you in order to help and further your understanding of this ship. Furthermoe, we are willing to supply you with the appropiate number of Viper-Interceptor to fill all hanger bays. Price is not fixed, and can be agreed to differing terms

Snake Eater Foreign Secretary
Ramon Maschio

(OOC: As I do watch science fiction, I know an impulse speed of 500 kph is absolutely nothing for a spacecraft, and it probably should be increased at least ten, if not a hundred, fold.)

IC: "We would like to purchase five regular Corvettes and five military variants. We, unfortunately, must rely upon cash on delivery for a payment method, as our banking system here on Earth is incapable of wiring money across the galaxy. We offer a total of $500 billion in United States dollars or gold bullion (your choice, the amount of bullion would be determined by futures prices for gold here on Earth). As we don't really have any experience with starship pricing, please feel free to make any counteroffers.

Also, we would like to inquire as to the installation of hydroponic farms in these vessels, so that their supplies may be extended."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

-----------------
Between the ships I have on order and the Gaian Ascendancy's assistance, I probably should stop accepting offers for spacecraft now, as any more would be beyond my ability to support them, at least until I am able to build an industrial society in another solar system. Offers of tech are still appreciated though.

(OOC: As I do watch science fiction, I know an impulse speed of 500 kph is absolutely nothing for a spacecraft, and it probably should be increased at least ten, if not a hundred, fold.)

IC: "We would like to purchase five regular Corvettes and five military variants. We, unfortunately, must rely upon cash on delivery for a payment method, as our banking system here on Earth is incapable of wiring money across the galaxy. We offer a total of $500 billion in United States dollars or gold bullion (your choice, the amount of bullion would be determined by futures prices for gold here on Earth). As we don't really have any experience with starship pricing, please feel free to make any counteroffers.

Also, we would like to inquire as to the installation of hydroponic farms in these vessels, so that their supplies may be extended."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

-----------------
Between the ships I have on order and the Gaian Ascendancy's assistance, I probably should stop accepting offers for spacecraft now, as any more would be beyond my ability to support them, at least until I am able to build an industrial society in another solar system. Offers of tech are still appreciated though.


OOC: Notice the fact that it is a very old spacecraft. also, I wasn't really concentrating when I wrot e it, so some statistics may be need alteration

IC: Given that you must pay cash, a representative from our government will be transported to the sirface at coordinates of your discretion. US Dollars is perfect, as the current exchange rate is 2.4 Snake Lira to the dollar (seriously, theres sites that do this).Following confirmation of payment, we shall deliver the corvettes. As for the hydroponic farms, you are in luck. It was just recently decided that they should become standard on all Snake Eater vessels, and the systems are still compatible. The corvettes will be delievered, with tecnicians, 24 hours after payment is confirmed

Snake Eater Foreign Secretary
Ramon Maschio

Most of these ideas are great but what you need is Trans-demionsional travel technology. Sure others Claim to have it. but their technology is..... limited. my technology can propel you through 3 trillion different demionsions. why do that you ask. lets say someone with inter-demionsional warp comes after you , simply skip over 300 demionsions. think about it here one second 6 galaxies away in the other. all this can be given to you for....
....Free. ;)

OOC: Notice the fact that it is a very old spacecraft. also, I wasn't really concentrating when I wrot e it, so some statistics may be need alteration

IC: Given that you must pay cash, a representative from our government will be transported to the sirface at coordinates of your discretion. US Dollars is perfect, as the current exchange rate is 2.4 Snake Lira to the dollar (seriously, theres sites that do this).Following confirmation of payment, we shall deliver the corvettes. As for the hydroponic farms, you are in luck. It was just recently decided that they should become standard on all Snake Eater vessels, and the systems are still compatible. The corvettes will be delievered, with tecnicians, 24 hours after payment is confirmed

Snake Eater Foreign Secretary
Ramon Maschio

Please send your representative to the following coordinates:

27.46 degrees North
31.08 degrees West

*uploads map of Earth with latitude/longitude lines so you know how to find these coordinates*

We will have several armored cars waiting with the money. Armored cars don't carry weaponry; they are used to transport large amounts of cash here on Earth.

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I RP as an archipelago nation in the North Atlantic, a bit west of the Azores. Although it is a large made-up archipelago. Ignore the RL maps that say that these coordinates are oceanic, for land exists in my RP universe. ;)

Oh, and one One Ring=$1.90 US. But I'm paying in USD, as was made clear in my offer.

Please send your representative to the following coordinates:

27.46 degrees North
31.08 degrees West

*uploads map of Earth with latitude/longitude lines so you know how to find these coordinates*

We will have several armored cars waiting with the money. Armored cars don't carry weaponry; they are used to transport large amounts of cash here on Earth.

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I RP as an archipelago nation in the North Atlantic, a bit west of the Azores. Although it is a large made-up archipelago. Ignore the RL maps that say that these coordinates are oceanic, for land exists in my RP universe. ;)

Oh, and one One Ring=$1.90 US. But I'm paying in USD, as was made clear in my offer.

For security reasons, the representative is being sent with an armed guard. This is not a hostile intent, but we feel that being back oon Earth for the first time in over 150 years maybe some things have changed. The representative shall be with you shortly. The Corvettes you requested are already on the edge of the system

Most of these ideas are great but what you need is Trans-demionsional travel technology. Sure others Claim to have it. but their technology is..... limited. my technology can propel you through 3 trillion different demionsions. why do that you ask. lets say someone with inter-demionsional warp comes after you , simply skip over 300 demionsions. think about it here one second 6 galaxies away in the other. all this can be given to you for....
....Free. ;)

OOC: I was hoping to acquire tech that I was at least somewhat OOCly familiar with, like a fusion of SW and Battletech, so I could RP it more efficiently later. And I really don't know how I would RP this without being called teh ubergodmodder.

Prime Minister Whitfield called the commandant of the Woody City Air Force Base to appraise him of the situation. The phone rang twice before the commandant answered it.

"Hello, Brigadier General Majefski, Woody City Air Force Base."

"This is Prime Minister Woody. We are expected to have extraterrestrial visitors shortly. They are not hostile. Treat them as friendlies. Remember that ruckus a week or so ago about purchasing space tech from phantom nations? Well, they are coming to sell us some. And Woody City AFB is near the coordinates that we gave them."

"Yessir. Weird spacecraft are friendly. Got it. I'll tell the relevant personnel about it right away."
-------------------------------------------------------
"We accept the presence of your armed guards. Be advised that we have an air force base approximately eight miles from your landing coordinates, but they have been ordered to treat you as friendly."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

Prime Minister Whitfield called the commandant of the Woody City Air Force Base to appraise him of the situation. The phone rang twice before the commandant answered it.

"Hello, Brigadier General Majefski, Woody City Air Force Base."

"This is Prime Minister Woody. We are expected to have extraterrestrial visitors shortly. They are not hostile. Treat them as friendlies. Remember that ruckus a week or so ago about purchasing space tech from phantom nations? Well, they are coming to sell us some. And Woody City AFB is near the coordinates that we gave them."

"Yessir. Weird spacecraft are friendly. Got it. I'll tell the relevant personnel about it right away."
-------------------------------------------------------
"We accept the presence of your armed guards. Be advised that we have an air force base approximately eight miles from your landing coordinates, but they have been ordered to treat you as friendly."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

Our scans confirm your statement, and the representative of our government, who goes by the name of General Harrell, shall be landing very soon. We thank you very much for the warning, and may we enquire as to the name of the CO of your armoured car column?

The ships shall be completed in 3 months time (6 Hours RL). The cruisers we have availiable can be seen on the ESUS Channels... The following transmission is the location of said ESUS Channels: http://www.esusalliance.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1058

The cash on delivery method is prefered. USD is acceptable, it can be traded at the intergalactic currency exchange at a later date.

Our scans confirm your statement, and the representative of our government, who goes by the name of General Harrell, shall be landing very soon. We thank you very much for the warning, and may we enquire as to the name of the CO of your armoured car column?

The commanding officer of the armored car column is Colonel Mike Stanghelle. We will expect your arrival shortly.

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I was hoping to acquire tech that I was at least somewhat OOCly familiar with, like a fusion of SW and Battletech, so I could RP it more efficiently later. And I really don't know how I would RP this without being called teh ubergodmodder.


I know thats a problem but i am trying to get my tech known before its widely used. but its still open if you want it

The ships shall be completed in 3 months time (6 Hours RL). The cruisers we have availiable can be seen on the ESUS Channels... The following transmission is the location of said ESUS Channels: http://www.esusalliance.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1058

The cash on delivery method is prefered. USD is acceptable, it can be traded at the intergalactic currency exchange at a later date.

"We wish to add four D1L0 IV Destroyers and two TE3X40 Battle Cruisers to our order, bringing the total to $580 billion USD with the colony ships. This fleet should be sufficient for an interim defense of said colony ships."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

The General materilised on the surface of Earth. It had been nearly 150 yrs since Snake Eaters had stood on the Earth. He signalled silently to his escort, who spread out to cover the area. This was just SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures). In the distance, he could see the dust driven up by the armoured car convoy

"Gentlemen, the space aliens have arrived."

As Colonel Stanghelle uttered these words, a hushed silence fell over the armored car escorts. Slowly, Colonel Stanghelle approached the alien landing site, his hands clearly free of weapons, only to find that these extraterrestrials were human? He had half expected to see little green Martian men.

OOC: Prime Minister Whitfield didn't tell Col. Stanghelle that the party in question was returning to Earth. And I need to start studying for a physics quiz soon :(

"Gentlemen, the space aliens have arrived."

As Colonel Stanghelle uttered these words, a hushed silence fell over the armored car escorts. Slowly, Colonel Stanghelle approached the alien landing site, his hands clearly free of weapons, only to find that these extraterrestrials were human? He had half expected to see little green Martian men.

OOC: Prime Minister Whitfield didn't tell Col. Stanghelle that the party in question was returning to Earth. And I need to start studying for a physics quiz soon :(

General Harrell laughed at the expression on his opposites face, "you look surprised Colonel, that we are not little green men, but human" He signalled to the guards, and they lowered their weapons. Harrell extended his hand, and shook Stanghelle's hand. " I assume the column behind you is our payment? Do you mind if I check it?"

As you already know, I have a FT store front to help you with defences. Might I suggest to join the G.E.? It has the best security any FT nation could hope for.

General Harrell laughed at the expression on his opposites face, "you look surprised Colonel, that we are not little green men, but human" He signalled to the guards, and they lowered their weapons. Harrell extended his hand, and shook Stanghelle's hand. " I assume the column behind you is our payment? Do you mind if I check it?"

Colonel Stanghelle thought to himself, "Damn, this General Harrell dude read my mind." He reciprocated with the handshake, and stammered, "I was not told exactly what to expect, and we have certain, er, preconceptions about what extraterrestrials would look like, namely from science-fiction movies and such. I suppose I should emphasize the fiction part of that. But come now! Your payment awaits you."

Stanghelle gestured toward the armored vehicles, and ordered the guards to stand at attention.

OOC: Huntaer, I saw your storefront, but I already have about as many starships on order as I can support in an initial colonization RP. *must resist temptation to place teh überorder and wank* When I relocate a good fraction of my industrial base off of the Earth, and develop the ability to support larger fleets, I'll probably place an order or three :)

3 months later........

The massive colonization fleet came out of FTL. All gleamed in new paint, the only thing missing, was the names, each ship had come unnammed. It was up to the buyers to do that.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/UthRptr2/Freya1.bmp[/IMG]]Captain Freyete Irontail ([IMG) sat in the chair of the lead ship. She punched in the comm button, and sent a communique to Evil Woody.

The Unified Worlds of Siesatia Hails Evil Woody Thoughts onboard the newest Colonization vessel."

3 months later........

The massive colonization fleet came out of FTL. All gleamed in new paint, the only thing missing, was the names, each ship had come unnammed. It was up to the buyers to do that.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/UthRptr2/Freya1.bmp[/IMG]]Captain Freyete Irontail ([IMG) sat in the chair of the lead ship. She punched in the comm button, and sent a communique to Evil Woody.

The Unified Worlds of Siesatia Hails Evil Woody Thoughts onboard the newest Colonization vessel."

OOC: Your picture link doesn't work. I'm also assuming you brought an extra ship to take the payment home; it is COD after all :D


IC: The SETI equipment at Woody City AFB detected the presence of ten ships, nine without marking and the tenth with Siesatian markings. SETI was also able to trace the transmission to one of the unmarked ships.

The lowly second lieutenant on the receiving end wasted no time in calling someone important. Five minutes later, Admiral Douglass answered the transmission.

"The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts greets the Unified Worlds of Siesatia. First on our priority list is payment; we have $580 billion United States dollars, in $100 bills, waiting for you. As we ordered three colony ships, four destroyers, and two battlecruisers, we assume your tenth ship came to take the big wad of cash back home?"

(OOC: Regarding the name, that's what I thought, and I was hoping to get access to Battletech technology for ground combat eventually ;) However, I'm only a casual fan of BT, as I learned about it through the computer games.)

IC: "We deeply appreciate your offer, and wish to accept it. However, if the Ascendancy doesn't mind, we also intend to make use of the assistance that other nations have offered us, and I could find no provision in your offer that prevents us from doing this. Thank you for your invitation."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

-----

((OC- Well, as you can tell, I'm flooding myself in BT technology, books, games and all. In fact I intend to eventually field a Tourman as high as 30 - 45 Galaxies, if not higher. That's not including the Conventional, Naval, Aero and Combat Vehicle Tourman Sections.

..it's a fun thing. =^^= ))

--

IC: If you are still willing to accept our offer at some point, we will be ready to provide the above.

Regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky

I suggest you specifically DON'T join the GE, and instead join the ESUS. Certainly, we do have a minimum level of roleplaying ability that we expect, but I'm sure you could pass, and the GE limits who it roleplays with...

IC: If you are still willing to accept our offer at some point, we will be ready to provide the above.

Regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky

"We wish to accept your offer, provided that we may take delivery of the assistance already offered us by other entities, and that in some cases, we have already paid for. As we have not signed any binding alliances with the powers offering this assistance, only short-term deals, we feel that this is a reasonable stipulation."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I won't be able to access teh Internets starting at about 1900 GMT today, and I won't be able to return until late Sunday night. And I had hoped to use BT for ground combat and an eclectic mix of techs, mostly SW, for space combat, hence my emphasis on not limiting myself to only one tech base. Besides, that way, I have more flexibility in future starship design :)

"There is no problem with this. We stand ready to send the Excellency McKenna Class Battleship as our escort, and can send a DropShip to bring your reperesentatives.

If this is agreed upon, please send the area of Terra (Earth) to send the DropShip.

We can send such a vessel within two weeks of agreement of this transmission. ((OC- Give it 1 RL day..)) From there, we can begin the process indicated. You are welcome to bring as many representatives as wished, though less than one hundred would be preferable.

My family and I would also like to meet your equals during this mission, to show our intent of sincerity.

Honored Regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky

"Please send your dropship to the following coordinates:

26.213 degrees North
29.673 degrees West

This will put you on the military section of Great Woody Airport. We will shut down military operations on the airport before your arrival, and you may perform orbital scans to verify this. While this may seem a bit odd, the military base at Great Woody Airport is the only open space near our seat of government large enough to accomodate a dropship without creating logistical nightmares for us.

I would very much like to meet you in person, Lord Excellency Kerensky, and I hold the highest office that exists in Evil Woody Thoughts. I can also arrange for you to meet Admiral Douglass, the military Chief of Staff, and for you to attend a session of Parliament, so that you may meet its members. If you would rather our entire delegation be present at the time of the dropship landing, that can be arranged as well. All told, our delegation will be fifty-two in number, plus twenty journalists with press passes. As you could imagine, this will be the biggest event for the Evil Woody Thoughts media to cover since we summoned forth Woodyeen Island from the sea nearly three decades ago.

Perhaps we can apply our extensive knowledge of terrestrial geology to make space terraforming a bit easier for us.

We look forward to your arrival."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I won't be able to respond tomorrow night; don't be surprised if I don't respond until Sunday. Silly RL stuff...

Oh, and if you could provide me with some links to BT space combat tech info, I'd appreciate it...the games that taught me about BT cut this aspect completely out except for the dropships.

Evil Woody Thoughts, your transmission was picked up the moment you sent in by our stations on Earth. Yes, Aliens have been watching you for all these years - Us. We have always kept Earth under watch - your pity conflicts amuse us. As For your Erathquake weapons, cute, but nothing you'd worry us about anyway. With this is mind.

We are willing to go a step father than most nations in this prospect. Although your transport seems to be arranged your fleet escorts are not. If you wish, we can provide safe passage through our territory to safely colonise any place you desire. You are sure to be headed through Gitsernaki (OOC: We are in a war with them, they are a fictonial creation of mine) territory if you are not careful, and even Ghargonian lands. Both nations are hostile to all or most travellers, although we have the good graces and a level of companioship with Ghargonia. Few can offer better security than us. We already know where you are, as my sources in our Earth-bound Ally of Zotrannsia know all about you. I know all about you, more than you know about any Xenonian.

It will also allow you to meet another Alien Species up close, although I doubt you would call us "Alien". Arrange a meeting place, and tell us the exact area so that we can flood the area with communications blockers. I doubt most nations would prefer to see a spacefleet capable of annhilating Humankind on this little planet, enter their atmosphere. We will land wherever you wish.

If you betray us, then you will see the power Humankind has gathered from the stars.

Arkady Gregorovich, President Speaker of Xenonier.

Colonel Stanghelle thought to himself, "Damn, this General Harrell dude read my mind." He reciprocated with the handshake, and stammered, "I was not told exactly what to expect, and we have certain, er, preconceptions about what extraterrestrials would look like, namely from science-fiction movies and such. I suppose I should emphasize the fiction part of that. But come now! Your payment awaits you."



General Harrell looked over the armoured cars, uncomfartably aware of the large numbers of eyes following his every move. When he had finished, he turned to Stanghelle, "All seems to be in order. I have only a small escort of Colonial Marines with me, so I will need some of your men to help with unloading all the money, and depostiting it at the drop point. There is too much to transport normally, so my ship is sending a LightningSword dropship down. Do not worry, it is not detecable on any radar system you may have"

I suggest you specifically DON'T join the GE, and instead join the ESUS. Certainly, we do have a minimum level of roleplaying ability that we expect, but I'm sure you could pass, and the GE limits who it roleplays with...

"We wish to remain neutral with respect to both the GE and ESUS at this time, due to a lack of information about either alliance."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I've seen the GE recruitment thread; are there similar threads floating around about ESUS?

General Harrell looked over the armoured cars, uncomfartably aware of the large numbers of eyes following his every move. When he had finished, he turned to Stanghelle, "All seems to be in order. I have only a small escort of Colonial Marines with me, so I will need some of your men to help with unloading all the money, and depostiting it at the drop point. There is too much to transport normally, so my ship is sending a LightningSword dropship down. Do not worry, it is not detecable on any radar system you may have"

Colonel Stanghelle turned to the twenty or so men under his command. "You heard General Harrell--as soon as their dropship lands, help them load the money for transport. Oh, and do try to make our honored guests feel more comfortable."

Colonel Stanghelle turned to the twenty or so men under his command. "You heard General Harrell--as soon as their dropship lands, help them load the money for transport. Oh, and do try to make our honored guests feel more comfortable."

Harrell approached his highest ranking NCO, Master.Sgt. Kilian,"Sgt, you and your men take your helmets off, and lay your weapons down. It doesn't do great things for our relationship with these people, and we anna keep it sweet, understood?"
"YesSir!"
"Good. Hop to it"
As he was speaking, a low humming filled the air, gradually growing louder by the second. Yelling over the hum, which was now a roar, Harrell yelled,"Stanghelle! Take a look at the LightningSword dropship!" The ship emerged from the clouds, and was beautiful in all sense of the word (If you are a 40K fan, check out the Tau dropships, its tht design). It touched down with great ease and grace, and lowerd the ramp at its rear.
"Load it up!"yelled the chief loadie, who was hanging out the back by this point, his headphones round his neck.

Harrell approached his highest ranking NCO, Master.Sgt. Kilian,"Sgt, you and your men take your helmets off, and lay your weapons down. It doesn't do great things for our relationship with these people, and we anna keep it sweet, understood?"
"YesSir!"
"Good. Hop to it"
As he was speaking, a low humming filled the air, gradually growing louder by the second. Yelling over the hum, which was now a roar, Harrell yelled,"Stanghelle! Take a look at the LightningSword dropship!" The ship emerged from the clouds, and was beautiful in all sense of the word (If you are a 40K fan, check out the Tau dropships, its tht design). It touched down with great ease and grace, and lowerd the ramp at its rear.
"Load it up!"yelled the chief loadie, who was hanging out the back by this point, his headphones round his neck.

OOC: I don't know the slightest thing about 40K; maybe if I had a faster graphics card I would. Laptops have their tradeoffs :(

IC: Colonel Stanghelle had to yell over the dropship's engines. "Leave your weapons in the armed vehicles and start loading! Double time!"

"Yessir!" The unit unholstered their weapons (small pistols) and put them in the passenger compartment of the armed vehicles, and then proceeded to start extracting large boxes, all of which were stuffed with $100 bills. The loading would probably take a couple of hours...

OOC: I don't know the slightest thing about 40K; maybe if I had a faster graphics card I would. Laptops have their tradeoffs :(

IC: Colonel Stanghelle had to yell over the dropship's engines. "Leave your weapons in the armed vehicles and start loading! Double time!"

"Yessir!" The unit unholstered their weapons (small pistols) and put them in the passenger compartment of the armed vehicles, and then proceeded to start extracting large boxes, all of which were stuffed with $100 bills. The loading would probably take a couple of hours...

OOC: I'll see if I can hook you up with a link.
http://uk.games-workshop.com/tau/gallery/8/
This is just a troop carrier, but the basic design is similar

IC: As they were loading the ship, Kilian found himself next to another of similar rank, "Tell, me what is Earth like these days? Its been so long since I was here last, things have changed"

"We have a small cargo vessel to deliver the money to a Siesatian base safely, however, we need to be dropped off at the Siesatian Moonbase."

IC: As they were loading the ship, Kilian found himself next to another of similar rank, "Tell, me what is Earth like these days? Its been so long since I was here last, things have changed"

Kilian caught the attention of TSgt Chris Bielski, who summarized the answer quite concisely--"F***ed up. Why else would we seek to leave?" Bielski further elaborated, "In the last thirty years, we've gone from a semitropical climate to a Scandanavian climate. I remember being able to play on the beaches in light clothing in January as a kid. Now, people wouldn't dare let their kids do that.

Oh, and we didn't exist a hundred and fifty years ago. Good thing we didn't, as the twentieth century was pretty nasty. World wars all over the place. Evil Woody Thoughts came into existance in the late twentieth century and developed a keen specialty for geology, and reclaimed an island the size of Japan from the Atlantic Ocean by inducing volcanic eruptions. Don't ask me how it works--ask a geologist if you run into one. When yet another war broke out between AMF and the RWC, Evil Woody Thoughts declared neutrality but at the same time militarized its expertise in geology. We developed what is basically an earthquake ICBM, never came up with a catchy name for it though.

However, we don't dare reclaim more islands because it'll screw up the climate even more. So we have to expand into space. I do hope that you have done better in the heavens?"

"We have a small cargo vessel to deliver the money to a Siesatian base safely, however, we need to be dropped off at the Siesatian Moonbase."

"Very well, we can schedule a resupply stop at Siesatia then, and drop your people off there. But we need to load your cargo ship with the money, and also finish up with the logistics of the launch. Oy, what a mess."

Admiral Douglass
Chief of Staff, Evil Woody Thoughts Armed Forces

Kilian caught the attention of TSgt Chris Bielski, who summarized the answer quite concisely--"F***ed up. Why else would we seek to leave?" Bielski further elaborated, "In the last thirty years, we've gone from a semitropical climate to a Scandanavian climate. I remember being able to play on the beaches in light clothing in January as a kid. Now, people wouldn't dare let their kids do that.

Oh, and we didn't exist a hundred and fifty years ago. Good thing we didn't, as the twentieth century was pretty nasty. World wars all over the place. Evil Woody Thoughts came into existance in the late twentieth century and developed a keen specialty for geology, and reclaimed an island the size of Japan from the Atlantic Ocean by inducing volcanic eruptions. Don't ask me how it works--ask a geologist if you run into one. When yet another war broke out between AMF and the RWC, Evil Woody Thoughts declared neutrality but at the same time militarized its expertise in geology. We developed what is basically an earthquake ICBM, never came up with a catchy name for it though.

However, we don't dare reclaim more islands because it'll screw up the climate even more. So we have to expand into space. I do hope that you have done better in the heavens?"

You could say that we have done better for ourselves," said Kilian, heaving another crate onto the dropship," Snake Eaters occupies 5,000 LY of space, close to the galactic edge. Over 300 starsystems, so many people. We evoleved into a highly-militaristic nation. We are, as you may have noticed, slightly taller than the average human, due the slight reduction in gravity on Snake Eater Prime. Feel free to drop in on us. I doubt the Assembly would mind. After all, they did approve this sale." He paused, and looked around,"It's such a shame. My grandfather said Earth was a paradise, well, parts of it anyway" He helped Bielski lift another crate,"Do you reckon that you will come and see us?"

You could say that we have done better for ourselves," said Kilian, heaving another crate onto the dropship," Snake Eaters occupies 5,000 LY of space, close to the galactic edge. Over 300 starsystems, so many people. We evoleved into a highly-militaristic nation. We are, as you may have noticed, slightly taller than the average human, due the slight reduction in gravity on Snake Eater Prime. Feel free to drop in on us. I doubt the Assembly would mind. After all, they did approve this sale." He paused, and looked around,"It's such a shame. My grandfather said Earth was a paradise, well, parts of it anyway" He helped Bielski lift another crate,"Do you reckon that you will come and see us?"

Sgt. Bielski, after taking a moment to catch his breath after handling his own crate, replied, "Well, I can't speak for the politicians who determine our foreign policy, but I'd imagine that we would at least trade heavily...We don't really like the situation, either. A single switched vote in Parliament, and this space colonization program here would have been defeated. It was highly controversial. Evil Woody Thoughts has nearly always tried to be a paradise, with the exception of a brief period when this country became extremely right-wing. Traditionally, with that one exception, we have sought to be a voice of region and moderation in foreign policy, and we would frequently accept immigrants that other countries considered 'undesirable' and desired to exterminate. Our foreign policy is pretty much based upon preventing genocide through this sort of diplomacy, and trade. Only once have we fought an offensive war, and that was during the Right-Wing Lunacy period. However, we have been forced to maintain a strong military by the events around us, against our will.

Economically, we have been extremely fortunate up to this point. We have among the highest per-capita incomes in the world, and our income inequality is lower than most capitalistic countries. But the land we have can no longer support the growing population, especially with the degrading climate. Our traditional solutions would aggravate this, as it's impossible to put a sulfur dioxide scrubber on an erupting volcano. So reclaiming land ain't gonna work in the long term. While we do have fairly strict pollution regulations, some other countries do not.

The Earth that you know of is but a history course for me. However, Earth was a paradise when I was a kid, at least this little part of it. But that is now lost."

Sgt. Bielski, after taking a moment to catch his breath after handling his own crate, replied, "Well, I can't speak for the politicians who determine our foreign policy, but I'd imagine that we would at least trade heavily...We don't really like the situation, either. A single switched vote in Parliament, and this space colonization program here would have been defeated. It was highly controversial. Evil Woody Thoughts has nearly always tried to be a paradise, with the exception of a brief period when this country became extremely right-wing. Traditionally, with that one exception, we have sought to be a voice of region and moderation in foreign policy, and we would frequently accept immigrants that other countries considered 'undesirable' and desired to exterminate. Our foreign policy is pretty much based upon preventing genocide through this sort of diplomacy, and trade. Only once have we fought an offensive war, and that was during the Right-Wing Lunacy period. However, we have been forced to maintain a strong military by the events around us, against our will.

Economically, we have been extremely fortunate up to this point. We have among the highest per-capita incomes in the world, and our income inequality is lower than most capitalistic countries. But the land we have can no longer support the growing population, especially with the degrading climate. Our traditional solutions would aggravate this, as it's impossible to put a sulfur dioxide scrubber on an erupting volcano. So reclaiming land ain't gonna work in the long term. While we do have fairly strict pollution regulations, some other countries do not.

The Earth that you know of is but a history course for me. However, Earth was a paradise when I was a kid, at least this little part of it. But that is now lost."

I pity you, and your nation. I reckon, that unless teh Assembly goes crazy, you will always be welcome in Snake Eater space.

OOC: Gonna start an RP soon, of a revolution within Snake Eates, well, I'm considering it at the very least. Interrested?

I pity you, and your nation. I reckon, that unless teh Assembly goes crazy, you will always be welcome in Snake Eater space.

OOC: Gonna start an RP soon, of a revolution within Snake Eates, well, I'm considering it at the very least. Interrested?

OOC: Well, maybe if you put it off for a little while--next week, I'll RP the actual colonization and it'll probably take all week. I won't have internets access between this afternoon and Sunday night (I'm GMT -6 btw). If you wait until I have a reasonably developed space economy, I'll probably join the RP. But I feel a viable, established space presence is a prerequisite to participate.

This thread was intended for the acquisition of ships/technology, and methinks is nearing the end of its life. I'll start a new one after I get back and I tie up some loose ends on this thread.

IC: Sgt. Bielski couldn't get that out of his head. I pity you, and your nation. The sentence seemed to endlessly repeat itself, and he took a moment for self-reflection before he managed a somber, "Yeah. I pity it too."

http://www.iuploads.com/uploads/1f2e4bd166.png (http://www.iuploads.com)
eight ships come from the void of space, at first stretched out between an uncountable number of wormholes, then emerging without warning to glide into a gentle orbit. A call went out.
"This is Naldizarr, from Cyrian Space. We've got your ships, and the ship to carry away our price in. We're requesting clearance to enter your atmosphere and land."

"Please send your dropship to the following coordinates:

26.213 degrees North
29.673 degrees West

This will put you on the military section of Great Woody Airport. We will shut down military operations on the airport before your arrival, and you may perform orbital scans to verify this. While this may seem a bit odd, the military base at Great Woody Airport is the only open space near our seat of government large enough to accomodate a dropship without creating logistical nightmares for us.

I would very much like to meet you in person, Lord Excellency Kerensky, and I hold the highest office that exists in Evil Woody Thoughts. I can also arrange for you to meet Admiral Douglass, the military Chief of Staff, and for you to attend a session of Parliament, so that you may meet its members. If you would rather our entire delegation be present at the time of the dropship landing, that can be arranged as well. All told, our delegation will be fifty-two in number, plus twenty journalists with press passes. As you could imagine, this will be the biggest event for the Evil Woody Thoughts media to cover since we summoned forth Woodyeen Island from the sea nearly three decades ago.

Perhaps we can apply our extensive knowledge of terrestrial geology to make space terraforming a bit easier for us.

We look forward to your arrival."

Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

OOC: I won't be able to respond tomorrow night; don't be surprised if I don't respond until Sunday. Silly RL stuff...

Oh, and if you could provide me with some links to BT space combat tech info, I'd appreciate it...the games that taught me about BT cut this aspect completely out except for the dropships.

---

((OC: I'll give the specifics of BT space combat later, there's no real link that I know of, and it all really acts alot like normal space combat, other than in scale of speed, dropship/aerospace tactics, and the fact it's all really made for supporting planetary invasions. ))

--

IC:

Return Message: Have your military frequencies set at 1406.775 Mhz, and await the following code words on your nets, in whatever receving format you decide to use.

Code Words: Ascendant Teachings

The Code words will be followed by two DropShips being sent down from our vessel. The rest will be obvious. And the numbers you've indicated will hardly be a problem for us.

Also know that your terraforming techniques will interest our Terraform-Techs in helping to streamline our own efforts. Even we can learn things from others.

Myself, my wives, and my Strategic and Tactical Advisors will accompany me, and I look forward to our meeting.

Eternal Regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky

---

*Three Weeks later*

The Flotilla was delayed by a week, due to the situation with the Neo Zeta situation, but still, it would not keep a man from his word.

Therefore, and 42 Jumps Later, the Mackenna Battleship Angel Galaxy, Texas Battleship Silver Wolf and High-Mobile SDF Deadnought Angelisus entered the Sol System. They carried with them the ilUniverse Command SuperNova Trinary, and the 1st Seraphim Cluster. The entire Goddess Wing Cluster also were attached.

Aleaic, Tsunami, Arashi, Azusa, Funaho and Masaki (who starred down their husband to come along...,) Tsutsumi, Seto (who prodded her way into the affair..,) Yurika, Akito (who got dragged along..,) Ifurita, and Makoto (who got dragged along.. =^^= ) all watched the grand viewports of the Angel Galaxy as they finally returned to the Sol System for the first time since they left to become a part of the stars.

They deliberately took a course to pass close to the Outer Planets, and passed close to Pluto first.

Aleaic couldn't help but enjoy the view. "That's our old home.."

Tsunami leaned on Aleaic as he looked out.. "It's interesting to see our own System up close like this for the first time."

Aleaic only nods.

It would take six hours for the Gaian Fleet to come within local Earth-Terran Space. Somehow despite the beauty of White Sapphire, Earth still held a magical moment for the first time upon seeing from space.

No one else ared interrupt the moment until the vessels reached mid-orbit.

OOC: Go to www.esusalliance.co.uk and into the Application forum. The stickied threads will tell you what to do... if you want information, view the other open forums.

From: Lord Barbarossa
The Shadowy State of Snake Eaters
To:Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

Sir,
Having confirmed the payment with Gen. Harrell, I am pleased to inform you that the Corvettes you requested are currently in orbit around the Earth. If you require, I shall instruct them to remain, and transport the neccesery people to the ships in order to begin familirisation. Be advised, an Akira class starship is providing extra cover, so do not be alarmed if you discover this.

http://www.iuploads.com/uploads/1f2e4bd166.png (http://www.iuploads.com)
eight ships come from the void of space, at first stretched out between an uncountable number of wormholes, then emerging without warning to glide into a gentle orbit. A call went out.
"This is Naldizarr, from Cyrian Space. We've got your ships, and the ship to carry away our price in. We're requesting clearance to enter your atmosphere and land."

"Clearance granted to land at the following coordinates:

26.213 degrees North
29.673 degrees West"

Air Traffic Control
Great Woody Airport

---

((OC: I'll give the specifics of BT space combat later, there's no real link that I know of, and it all really acts alot like normal space combat, other than in scale of speed, dropship/aerospace tactics, and the fact it's all really made for supporting planetary invasions. ))

--

IC:

Return Message: Have your military frequencies set at 1406.775 Mhz, and await the following code words on your nets, in whatever receving format you decide to use.

Code Words: Ascendant Teachings

The Code words will be followed by two DropShips being sent down from our vessel. The rest will be obvious. And the numbers you've indicated will hardly be a problem for us.

Also know that your terraforming techniques will interest our Terraform-Techs in helping to streamline our own efforts. Even we can learn things from others.

Myself, my wives, and my Strategic and Tactical Advisors will accompany me, and I look forward to our meeting.

Eternal Regards,

Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky

---

*Three Weeks later*

The Flotilla was delayed by a week, due to the situation with the Neo Zeta situation, but still, it would not keep a man from his word.

Therefore, and 42 Jumps Later, the Mackenna Battleship Angel Galaxy, Texas Battleship Silver Wolf and High-Mobile SDF Deadnought Angelisus entered the Sol System. They carried with them the ilUniverse Command SuperNova Trinary, and the 1st Seraphim Cluster. The entire Goddess Wing Cluster also were attached.

Aleaic, Tsunami, Arashi, Azusa, Funaho and Masaki (who starred down their husband to come along...,) Tsutsumi, Seto (who prodded her way into the affair..,) Yurika, Akito (who got dragged along..,) Ifurita, and Makoto (who got dragged along.. =^^= ) all watched the grand viewports of the Angel Galaxy as they finally returned to the Sol System for the first time since they left to become a part of the stars.

They deliberately took a course to pass close to the Outer Planets, and passed close to Pluto first.

Aleaic couldn't help but enjoy the view. "That's our old home.."

Tsunami leaned on Aleaic as he looked out.. "It's interesting to see our own System up close like this for the first time."

Aleaic only nods.

It would take six hours for the Gaian Fleet to come within local Earth-Terran Space. Somehow despite the beauty of White Sapphire, Earth still held a magical moment for the first time upon seeing from space.

No one else ared interrupt the moment until the vessels reached mid-orbit.

From: Lord Barbarossa
The Shadowy State of Snake Eaters
To:Prime Minister Whitfield
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

Sir,
Having confirmed the payment with Gen. Harrell, I am pleased to inform you that the Corvettes you requested are currently in orbit around the Earth. If you require, I shall instruct them to remain, and transport the neccesery people to the ships in order to begin familirisation. Be advised, an Akira class starship is providing extra cover, so do not be alarmed if you discover this.

Somewhere in Evil Woody AFB:

Lieutenant Domalgowski looked up at the blinking LED. SETI was recording a new transmission, so he would have to decode it. He hated the midnight shift. When he went to the SETI comm room, he actually discovered two transmissions, one from the Gaian Ascendancy and one from Snake Eaters.

Upon reading the transmission sent from Lord Kerensky, Lt. Domalgowski set a receiving SETI frequency on 1406.775 Mhz. Not quite military, but the military had enough access to it, and it would have to do until morning. He also advised the proper authorities about expected future transmissions from the Ascendancy.

He then read the transmission from Snake Eaters, and, upon consultation with the bean counters, broadcast this reply:

Receipt of payment confirmed. Please leave ships in orbit. We are still recruiting crew; this is expected to take three weeks. Please leave someone here to train them. We will pay any extra expenses incurred as a result of the wait.

*Three weeks later*

Lt. Domalgowski was on the midnight shift yet again; it seemed to be his lot in life. He had begged his commanding officer for a transfer, but to no avail. Maybe he could become one of the colonists...

The thought quickly vanished from his mind as SETI detected new transmissions. These, however, were not directed at Evil Woody Thoughts; they seemed to be internal chatter amongst ships in a starfleet. Lt. Domalgowski did some data analysis, and determined that the fleet was likely of Gaian Ascendancy origin, and was orbiting Pluto.

Broadcast of codeword or not, they would be here shortly.

Aleaic was still looking at the massive view of Earth, splayed all across the Angel Galaxy's Observation Chamber, when an aide came in through a set of Tritanium hatches.

"We've achieved stationary orbit over the Coordinates."

Aleaic looks nods. "Very good. Send the Code Words."

The aide leaves, and then Aleaic looks over at Lord Azusa. "Tell the DropShips to ready our arrival."

Azusa nods and relays the same to a waiting attendant.

--



To Evil Woody Thoughts Command:

Ascendant Teachings

T-minus one hour.



--

Meanwhile the three large vessels began preperations for the Drop, as ten OmniFighters were readied.

Lt. Domalgowski sipped his coffee. As the sun rose, he couldn't help but count down the minutes left in his shift. When he was only fifteen minutes away from leaving, a transmission came over the 1406.775 frequency:

Ascendant Teachings

Aw, dammit, he thought to himself. He would spend fifteen minutes just looking up the protocol; the words seemed familiar...from a few weeks ago...

He thumbed through some records before he came across the list of Expected Transmissions. Ah, yes, the Gaian Ascendancy "we're here" callsign. He should have known from all the activity earlier in the night.

He picked up the phone and radioed Great Woody Airport ATC, and told them to clear any Gaian Ascendancy dropships that might want to visit in the next few hours.

ATC processed the command, and twenty minutes after the codewords were transmitted, ATC radioed dropship clearance to the orbiting Gaian Ascendancy ships.

A heavy clank was followed by a heavy hiss of escaping air and maneuvering thrusters.

Also was the sounds of OmniFighter engines as they shot by the DropShip.

Tsunami was in the forward view, as the DropShip hovered away from Angel Galaxy, rotating to show the view of the three Gaian Warships, framed by the Earth as they moved away. Also could be seen, was the second DropShip coming away from Silver Wolf, five OmniFighters around it as well.

There was no anticipated interception, other than the local aerofighters that may meet them. However prudence was in kind with practice. The Gaian fighters would escort all the way.

Tsunami was admittedly captivated by the sight, however the pilot.. "Ma'am, we'll be making an atmospheric entry in a few moments. It'll get pretty rough."

Tsunami nodded, but only chimmed back. "That's how I usually play." ..and then headed back to the passenger seating area. The pilots only looked at each other. "What did she mean by that?" ..the other shrugged.

Then.. "Hey! Not now Tsui! We're landing already!!"

The pilots then noted.. "Ah..."

Prime Minister Whitfield had arisen early this particular morning, with the intent of reading unrelated intelligence reports. However, when Admiral Douglass notified him that the Gaian Ascendancy had arrived, he started making phone calls to MPs and other assorted people he wanted to bring to meet Lord Kerensky.

Only about half of those he called were able to come on such short notice, but Lord Kerensky could meet everyone else at that afternoon's Parliament session, if he agreed to it. And he made sure to bring a few geologists with, too, as word had reached his ears that the Ascendancy was interested in learning how, exactly, Woodyeen Island came to be, as well as the implications it had for terraforming.

Within the next half hour, the Prime Minister's motorcade, roughly half of the MP's, three geologists, and the twenty members of the press corps who had passes to this event converged on Great Woody Airport to watch the dropships land.

Like great mechanical whales, the Tunneler class freightors descended to the coordinates given. The crews of the ships piled out and assembled on the remaining ship, waiting to load the payment for the ships they were bringing. Seven technicians remained in the ships to be sold to the humans. One Cyrian, the diplomat, walked to the local facility to make contact and assure that arrangements had been made.

((OC - Having fun yet? =^^= ))
--------

The viewports outside the DropShips was by now, a glowing red inferno, as they raced past several times the sound barrier at a strong attack angle. However the hull was easily able to handle the temperature, as it was designed to counter three times extra the stress, which usually accompanied an Assault landing.

This was barely a 'warm-up' for the hull.

The same couldn't be said for the shaking. Not too teeth chattering, one wouldn't want to bring a china tea set with them. Funaho kept that in mind.

Arashi was holding one of Al's hands as the DropShip plummeted. "Good thing the dentist never has to fill in my teeth."

Aleaic just chuckles. "You kidding me? This is the fun part."

Arashi just eyes back. "Better than last night huh?" Aleaic stammers, but his other 'attached' hand adds in. "That's our hubby, love and war himself."

Al just slit eyes Tsui. "Girl.."

"Hey, don't get on Sis like that." Arashi stamps in.

Al tries to coutner and finds each attempt 'stamped' upon by his wives in succession. The jabbering even raises to the level of the thunderous shaking.

Funaho just sips a tea flask. "Kids." Azusa just nods.

--

About eight minutes after the inital burn-in, the DropShips enter a shallow, conical spin to kill more speed and cool off the aft portions. The fighters had already shot ahead in formation and were allowing the DropShips to catch 'down' to them.

At about 14 miles, they entered Terra's nominal atmosphere. They could now be seen by the naked eye as they came in, a pair of glowing white spirals.

At that height they returned to a landing position, and began to extend their landing gear.

Stattic sonic booms followed in their wake as they skipped through the atmosphere.

Like great mechanical whales, the Tunneler class freightors descended to the coordinates given. The crews of the ships piled out and assembled on the remaining ship, waiting to load the payment for the ships they were bringing. Seven technicians remained in the ships to be sold to the humans. One Cyrian, the diplomat, walked to the local facility to make contact and assure that arrangements had been made.

Upon the Cyrian landing, Ground Traffic Control notified the military that Cyrian diplomats had arrived to demand payment for some spacecraft, only to be told that armored cars with the payment were already loitering by Terminal Three. GTC sent the following transmission to the waiting Cyrian ships:

Your payment is waiting at Terminal Three. It will be brought to you
shortly. Our technicians, unfortunately, are busy, and will not be available
until this afternoon. On behalf of the government which we serve, we wish
to thank you for doing business with us.

((OC - Having fun yet? =^^= ))
--------

The viewports outside the DropShips was by now, a glowing red inferno, as they raced past several times the sound barrier at a strong attack angle. However the hull was easily able to handle the temperature, as it was designed to counter three times extra the stress, which usually accompanied an Assault landing.

This was barely a 'warm-up' for the hull.

The same couldn't be said for the shaking. Not too teeth chattering, one wouldn't want to bring a china tea set with them. Funaho kept that in mind.

Arashi was holding one of Al's hands as the DropShip plummeted. "Good thing the dentist never has to fill in my teeth."

Aleaic just chuckles. "You kidding me? This is the fun part."

Arashi just eyes back. "Better than last night huh?" Aleaic stammers, but his other 'attached' hand adds in. "That's our hubby, love and war himself."

Al just slit eyes Tsui. "Girl.."

"Hey, don't get on Sis like that." Arashi stamps in.

Al tries to coutner and finds each attempt 'stamped' upon by his wives in succession. The jabbering even raises to the level of the thunderous shaking.

Funaho just sips a tea flask. "Kids." Azusa just nods.

--

About eight minutes after the inital burn-in, the DropShips enter a shallow, conical spin to kill more speed and cool off the aft portions. The fighters had already shot ahead in formation and were allowing the DropShips to catch 'down' to them.

At about 14 miles, they entered Terra's nominal atmosphere. They could now be seen by the naked eye as they came in, a pair of glowing white spirals.

At that height they returned to a landing position, and began to extend their landing gear.

Stattic sonic booms followed in their wake as they skipped through the atmosphere.

"Damn, why didn't they warn us to bring earplugs?" thought Prime Minister Whitfield as the sonic booms reverberated throughout the atmosphere. As he looked up to see a pair of white spirals, he had no doubt that the fundamentalist wingnut segments of the population would have a heyday with today. He fully expected to be called the Antichrist over this, but meh...

He stepped out of the limo just as the dropships touched down, looking around for the other members of the delegation. His eye caught the geologists and a few clusters of MPs. He quickly gathered them as the press/papparazzi (sp?) snapped pictures.

When the copper and gold arrive, the cyrians begin loading it onto the freightor.

(ooc: Isn't anyone going to meet with my diplomat? six and a half foot blue aliens from space visit the planet, and no one's interested in talking to them?)

When the copper and gold arrive, the cyrians begin loading it onto the freightor.

(ooc: Isn't anyone going to meet with my diplomat? six and a half foot blue aliens from space visit the planet, and no one's interested in talking to them?)

As the Prime Minister herded the various dignitaries together, the sight of tall, blue creatures loading crates onto one of their craft caught his eyes. No, these aliens couldn't be Gaian, for they were human. He ran through the list of races with whom Evil Woody Thoughts had ordered spacecraft--Oh, yes, those must be the Cyrians, he thought to himself.

He was somewhat reluctant to approach the Cyrians without armed bodyguards, for they appeared to be much stronger than him, and as a gesture of goodwill toward the Gaian Ascendancy, he had forgone the usual security detail. Nevertheless, out of a sort of diplomatic necessity, he approached them, not knowing how the workers loading the copper would react. He could see no one that looked like a diplomat. He walked up to the nearest Cyrian worker, nearly seven feet tall, bringing with him those dignitaries with the courage to approach.

"Greetings from Prime Minister Whitfield of Evil Woody Thoughts. I apologize for the lack of a proper reception committee, but as you might be able to tell by these dropships, we have our hands full with somewhat unrelated events. May I inquire as to the location of your diplomats, and help you with that crate?"

":: 50,000 meters. Begining retro-fire deceleration. ::"

The Council members feel the heavy 'jerk' as the Retrograde Thrusters first fire, and then are followed by the Main Thrusters. Maneuvering Thrusters keep the DropShip level, as it drops fast..

..and fast, being about 700 Kph. However within seconds, the retros slow the decent quickly to more reasonable speeds as the Airport comes into view, edging through the bottom of the viewports. "Large base." Tsunami quips.

---

Outside on the ground, and it can't be helped, the roar of the descending DropShips deafens the surrounding area, as they center on the wide area where the DropShips could land.

..it was unknown what the thrusters would do to the tarmac area, especially at the touchdown point, but it was too late to worry about that.

At 5,000 meters, the thrusters fire at full force, now slowed to a simple 75 kph. The struts, already deployed, begin to flex in the afterflow from the Thrusters, as the two vessels draw to both terminal speed, and ground contact.

..finally, the ultra-heavy whine of the trusters reach open dump, as they drop heavy cyclic amount of raw fusion energy into the Thrusters. This occurs from 1,000 meters on down to touch down.

The sound could be heard for hundreds of kilometers around, the noise is so heavy. Finally, the two vessels reach Touch-Down Point, and the Struts take a gentile shock to them, as the DropShips reach ground contact.

The ground takes a good 'bend' into it, as they settle. As soon as the touch down, the engines snap off, and the noise dies away very quickly.

":: Welcome to Great Woody Airport, and Earth for that matter. ::"

Aleaic takes a breath and stands up. "Well, time to meet our part of the Agreement." Tsunami and Arashi only smile.

--

About five minutes later, the DropShips drop two gangways, Excellency One designated by the very large silver-blue Galaxy emblem upon it's side, the other only has a standard CAG Cameron Star pin upon it.

First out of the ramps from both vessels, are the Angel God guard contingents. The males and females of this group, twenty strong by count, each hold an angelic etched and monicered Key Staff of ivory and globes of crystal. Their uniforms are white combat suits, with blue and silver detailing, as well as monogramed detailings of angels and angelic feathers. Their hair color runs all the gamuts, all long for their sexes. Otherwise they look quite human.

Second out are two Timber Wolf OmniMechs, and two Wing Zero Gundam Custom-IIC Mobile Suits. They pair up at the entrance ramps as flank guards.

..then comes the Gaian lords themselves. Aleaic first, followed by Tsunami and Arashi, and in following Azusa with Funaho and Masaki, Seto and Tsutsumi, then Yurika and Akito, and finally Ifurita and Makoto, with two more Angel Gods behind them, the Lieutenants of the Angel God Corps.

All are dressed in royal fashion, Gaian robes or many colors or preference. ((OC- If you've seen the Juraian's in Tenchi Muyo, you get the pic..)) Aleaic's colors are where the Angel God's get their's. White with blue, gray and silver lined in everywhere such can be done. Also all over are Ancient's Script, and monicer patters of galaxies of colors of white, blue, silver, and jewels of the same coloring. However none of this is gaudy, set up just right. The same for his wives and Advisors.

They come down and see the large gala awaiting them. Aleaic looks around and blinks. "Dear goddess..." ..in a whisper.

--

((OC - http://www.freewebs.com/gaianknight/ascendancycouncil.htm

For ya to see what they look like. =^^= ))

Kill off a third of your people.

:eek: :sniper:

((OC- The Angel Gods fire off their Ignore function of their Key Staffs..

..ignored and moving on.. =--= ))

*Fires teh Üb3rpwnz0r 1.G.N.O.R.3. cannon at Corporate Greediness. We now resume our regularly scheduled RP, already in progress*

Prime Minister Whitfield excused himself from his conversation with the Cyrian space workers, leaving contact information to forward to the diplomats. He then hurried off to meet the arriving dropships.

He reached the rest of the delegation when the dropships deployed their enormous gangways, and found it difficult to divert his gaze from the Timber Wolf OmniMechs that stepped out. He had heard rumors of these from his Gaian diplomatic contacts, but he never had been able to imagine them in reality. Nevertheless, he managed to pay enough attention to other things to notice the approaching Gaian delegation.

Prime Minister Whitfield stepped forward, separating himself from the twenty-five Members of Parliament, three geologists, and the gaggle of press reporters that had come to this reception. He stepped forward alone, for as a sign of goodwill and extreme trust, he had forgone the usual security detail. Not that such a detail would do much good against two OmniMechs, anyway. He gave a deep bow to the Gaian delegation.

"Greetings from Prime Minister Whitfield of The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts. Behind me are twenty-five Members of Parliament, our closest equivalent to your Grand Council (ooc: your link has about five different names for what I'm trying to refer to--which is it?), three geologists per your expressed interest, and of course, members of our press corps who are most interested in your visit. We welcome you to Great Woody City, our seat of government. If you would like, I can arrange for your delegation to attend this afternoon's Parliament session; I do believe they are debating additional appropriations for our new space program today. Perhaps your, er, escort will pique the interest of the MPs..."

((OC- The Ascendancy Council is the main power body. The Senatoria acts like a Senate and a Representa that acts as the popular Representatives, both in one.

The BloodHouses are Clan like, where sibiko genetics created the inital BloodLines that the Ascendancy needed to expand from the original volunteers that came to White Diamond/Sapphire. They also function alot like the Battletech Clans, though the rough parts are relatively segregated out, other than for Tourman training.

The Council is the usual term...))

--

Aleaic comes up and bows in reverant Japanese style. (Blame Arashi.. =^^= )

"It is an honor to meet you Lord Whitfield. I am Lord Excellency Aleaic Kerensky. These *guesturing behind him* are my inseperable wives Tsunami and Arashi.

And behind them are my trusted Advisors. Lords Azusa and Tsutsumi of the Strategic Advisory. Lady's Yurika and Ifurita of the Tactical Advisory. Lord Makoto of my BloodHouse Advisory, Lord Akito of my Senatoria Advisory.

Lady Funaho of my Intellegence Advisory, Lady Misaki of the Ascendancy Command Bodyguard. And Lady Seto of the Foreign Affairs Advisory.

We, as speaking of my civilization, are proud to have come to your nation and world. All that you have offered we accept.

Do please excuse my guard assets, it's standard procedure."

Tsunami whispers over. "It is?" Arashi just shrugs. Aleaic pretends to ignore all that. "They will remain with the DropShips to maintain guard. Do please have your troops inspect them. We have too many in our Tourman quite bluntly.

We also would be honored to be a part of your nation's Parlament sessron this day. We anticipate a couple of days to allow you to ready all your passengers for the trip to our System.

..until then, I will enjoy our stay here." Aleaic smiles quite openly.

"Greetings from Prime Minister Whitfield of Evil Woody Thoughts. I apologize for the lack of a proper reception committee, but as you might be able to tell by these dropships, we have our hands full with somewhat unrelated events. May I inquire as to the location of your diplomats, and help you with that crate?"
The crewmember, struggling under the weight of the crate full of gold, glady accepted the offered help. The cyrian said something very odd.
"glalnthint."
then looking slightly annoyed, he pulled a small capsule out of his ear, shook it, and replaced it. He tried again.
"Thank you... was that in your native tongue?"
after getting an affirmative, he continued, glad for an excuse to stop working.
"I'm Kalrik. Our diplomat, Ghalna, went looking for someone to talk to. I think he went to that building over there." The cyrian points to the main airport building. (terminal? I don't know)
"and those over there, are the ships you guys ordered. A bit old, but they've been run over with a fine thistled brush. The technology's a bit dated, but everything else about 'em is good. They even sent you guys some of our wildlife to study."

Elsewhere, Ghalna the diplomat walks into an airport terminal, looking for anyone who might know what's going on here. He thought it very strange that no one was sent to meet him, and wondered briefly if he was at the right place.

Aleaic comes up and bows in reverant Japanese style. (Blame Arashi.. =^^= )

"It is an honor to meet you Lord Whitfield. I am Lord Excellency Aleaic Kerensky. These *guesturing behind him* are my inseperable wives Tsunami and Arashi.

And behind them are my trusted Advisors. Lords Azusa and Tsutsumi of the Strategic Advisory. Lady's Yurika and Ifurita of the Tactical Advisory. Lord Makoto of my BloodHouse Advisory, Lord Akito of my Senatoria Advisory.

Lady Funaho of my Intellegence Advisory, Lady Misaki of the Ascendancy Command Bodyguard. And Lady Seto of the Foreign Affairs Advisory.

We, as speaking of my civilization, are proud to have come to your nation and world. All that you have offered we accept.

Do please excuse my guard assets, it's standard procedure."

Tsunami whispers over. "It is?" Arashi just shrugs. Aleaic pretends to ignore all that. "They will remain with the DropShips to maintain guard. Do please have your troops inspect them. We have too many in our Tourman quite bluntly.

We also would be honored to be a part of your nation's Parlament sessron this day. We anticipate a couple of days to allow you to ready all your passengers for the trip to our System.

..until then, I will enjoy our stay here." Aleaic smiles quite openly.

Prime Minister Whitfield returned the bow, then stepped back to introduce the geologists. "This is Dr. Podelefsky on the right; she is our chief geologist, followed by Dr. Hornbern and Dr. Follett. The Members of Parliament will now introduce themselves..."

One by one, the twenty-five MPs bowed and stated their names and committee memberships.*

Prime Minister Whitfield then continued, "We are honored to have you as guests at Parliament today. The session begins in five hours. In the meantime, there is enough time for a private meeting with our geologists, and I will see if we can pull some technicians to have a look at the Timber Wolves."
------------------
*OOC: I don't maintain a full roster of MPs, so I ripped off the Illinois State Senate roster; I guess I have one now :D

Teh roster of MPs present

Pamela J. Althoff
Larry K. Bomke
Bill Brady
J. Bradley Burzynski
James F. Clayborne, Jr.
Jacqueline Y. Collins
Dan Cronin
M. Maggie Crotty
John J. Cullerton
Gary G. Dahl
Miguel del Valle
James A. DeLeo
Deanna Demuzio
Kirk W. Dillard
Gary Forby
Susan Garrett
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis
William R. Haine
Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson
Don Harmon
Rickey R. Hendon
Mattie Hunter
Denny Jacobs
Michael Jacobs
Emil Jones, Jr

The crewmember, struggling under the weight of the crate full of gold, glady accepted the offered help. The cyrian said something very odd.
"glalnthint."
then looking slightly annoyed, he pulled a small capsule out of his ear, shook it, and replaced it. He tried again.
"Thank you... was that in your native tongue?"
after getting an affirmative, he continued, glad for an excuse to stop working.
"I'm Kalrik. Our diplomat, Ghalna, went looking for someone to talk to. I think he went to that building over there." The cyrian points to the main airport building. (terminal? I don't know)
"and those over there, are the ships you guys ordered. A bit old, but they've been run over with a fine thistled brush. The technology's a bit dated, but everything else about 'em is good. They even sent you guys some of our wildlife to study."

Elsewhere, Ghalna the diplomat walks into an airport terminal, looking for anyone who might know what's going on here. He thought it very strange that no one was sent to meet him, and wondered briefly if he was at the right place.

OOC: Gaian Ascendancy, this conversation started immediately before the arrival of your dropships; for the sake of this RP, please assume it finished before your delegation arrived.

IC: Prime Minister Whitfield, disturbed to hear that the Cyrian diplomat was wandering the terminal, called a random gate with his cell phone. As he had a son who worked in the airline industry for summer wages, he had some idea of how this worked. A gate agent at Gate F9 answered.

"Foxtrot 9, how may I be of assistance?"

"Prime Minister Whitfield here. I need you to page someone named Ghalna; tell him to pick up a white courtesy phone. Leave a message that he is to call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 593 02 4939 029. Also note that our diplomatic corps has been a little preoccupied with the Gaians as of late."

The gate agent was surprised that she found herself handling foreign policy; nevertheless, she recorded the message, and bid goodbye to the Prime Minister. A minute or so later, "Ghalna, please pick up a white paging phone" was broadcast through the airport PA system, audible in all terminals.

He then placed a quick ten-second call to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the gist of which was "You need to get to the airport NOW."

As the Gaian dropships neared the ground, the Prime Minister heaved the crate of gold at Kalrik's feet into the transport, and then excused himself as politely as possible. He then hurried off to the dropship.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Steve Janssen, rushed off to his vehicle and sped toward the airport, wondering what was so urgent...

"Ghalna, please pick up a white paging phone"

Galna felt very fortunate that he had been briefed on earth technology, and thus knew what a phone was, after some reccolection. He walked over to the phone and placed it to his ear, then realizing that he had it upside down, he turned it around.
"hello? This is Galna speaking."

Galna felt very fortunate that he had been briefed on earth technology, and thus knew what a phone was, after some reccolection. He walked over to the phone and placed it to his ear, then realizing that he had it upside down, he turned it around.
"hello? This is Galna speaking."

A previously recorded message greeted Galna.

"The Prime Minister himself has inquired as to the whereabouts of the Cyrian diplomatic corps; unfortunately, he now has other urgent matters he must attend to. He has spoken to one of the Cyrian workers in person, and was informed that you went into the terminal to look for someone to talk to. You are requested to call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 593 02 4939 029. They will help you in sorting out events as of late."

The diplomat puzzled over this for a moment, and then seeing the numerical pad, began dialing in the numbers. This was not difficult for him, as the translator chip in his ear was able to guide him to the correct numbers.
"hello, this is Galna, the Cyrian diplomat."

Aleaic greets the geologists, and after a flurry of shaking hands between the Woody MPs and the Gaian Council members.

Aleaic after.. "Do please take us to where we can discuss and await." Aleaic nods, expecting his party to be led.

Azusa though adds. "Be sure to limit the technicians to looking and touching, not including any dismemberment of the Mechs please."

The diplomat puzzled over this for a moment, and then seeing the numerical pad, began dialing in the numbers. This was not difficult for him, as the translator chip in his ear was able to guide him to the correct numbers.
"hello, this is Galna, the Cyrian diplomat."

"Greetings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We apologize for the confusion, and we have dispatched the Minister of Foreign Affairs to your location. Please stay at your present location so that he may find you. He should be not ten minutes away by now.

We have traced this call to the white paging phone near Gate K19, and will relay this information to our diplomats. We apologize for the confusion."

Aleaic greets the geologists, and after a flurry of shaking hands between the Woody MPs and the Gaian Council members.

Aleaic after.. "Do please take us to where we can discuss and await." Aleaic nods, expecting his party to be led.

Azusa though adds. "Be sure to limit the technicians to looking and touching, not including any dismemberment of the Mechs please."

Prime Minister Whitfield nodded and said "Please follow me." He led the Gaian delegation to his motorcade, which had three spare limosines waiting for transport of the Gaian delegates. The Prime Minister informed the Gaians that the meeting would take place in the Prime Minister's Mansion.

(ooc: I'll deal with the 'Mech inspections later, when I don't have RL physics exams to worry about)

((OC- Sounds fun.. =oO=;;; ))
-----

Aleaic and his wives took the limo with the Prime Minister. The other Council members split up (in familiar pairs) into the other two.

Aleaic asked the geologists to accompany the P.M's limo to start asking questions right away, once they got going.

"Tell me in summary about this event of yours that was mentioned. And how it would affect terraforming?"

Arashi and Tsunami traded looks between the P.M., the geologists, and the scenery outside as it passed by.

Dr. Podelefsky answered Aleaic's question. "We spent about fifteen years and a couple of trillion dollars researching specialized explosives that, when detonated would cause earthquakes, and deep drilling to utilize these explosives. When, at last, we had a large enough supply of explosives, we set up several drilling rigs, drilled to a depth of approximately 40,000 feet, and buried the explosives there. We then detonated said explosives, causing massive earthquakes powerful enough to split tectonic plates. The location also held significance; we detonated these explosives near the junction of the North American, Eurasian, and African Plates. As we detonated these explosives less than 2,000 feet away from the Earth's mantle, we were able to split the plates, forming a new one, and the resulting, er violence, forced magma upwards, forming new volcanoes. This was our first experiment, in 2014, and it yielded an archipelago similar to Hawaii.

Shortly after this success, we embarked on a larger-scale project to the north, involving only the North American and Eurasian Plates. This project required more than two hundred drilling operations, and about eighty times as many explosives, but formed a contiguous island in much the same manner. It took more than a decade just to manufacture the required explosives, for they are extremely expensive, costing about ten times as much as high-grade nuclear material. This operation was completed in 2033, and resulted in the Woodyeen Island which has been previously mentioned..."

Just as Dr. Podelefsky finished her briefing, the motorcade pulled up to the Prime Minister's Mansion. Prime Minister Whitfield whispered in Aleaic Kerensky's ear, "Perhaps we can continue this discussion inside...oh, and we do not give out this information lightly, either. Especially that which you are about to see."

Aleaic for a moment though ran this through his mind. "A forced tectonic magma displacement.

..impressive if.. violent.."

When they reach the mansion. "..endearing abode." Tsunami chimes in.

Arashi though, used to the Imperial Palace Tree, and chambers hundreds of meters square, holds her judgement. And her tounge as well....

When they reach and get out collectively, the Gaian's allow themselves to be led.

Prime Minister Whitfield led everyone inside the mansion, into a medium-sized conference room. The MP's were asked to entertain themselves in the mansion's wetbar, as there was not enough room in the conference room for them all. However, there was plenty of space available for the Prime Minister, the geologists, and the Gaian delegation. The Prime Minister asked all to be seated, and then turned things over to Dr. Podelefsky.

Dr. Podelefsky started by repeating the same briefing that she had given to Aleaic Kerensky earler, for the benefit of the Gaians who had taken a different limosine, and then continued, "For obvious reasons, this procedure should only be performed several hundred miles, at least, from inhabited areas. I assume that you are most interested in its applications for extraterrestrial terraforming, and having not dealt with other planets yet, unfortunately, all we can offer is conjecture. The many volcanoes that would be created in large-scale operations would all emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, along with other noxious gases, when erupting. If the more toxic, sulfuric gases can be removed, this could give barren, atmosphere-lacking planets a quick, relatively easy, though thin, atmosphere of CO2, rendering said planets more habitable for plant life. Also, this technology could also be used to create continents on oceanic planets, making them more terran. However, before this technology can be used on planetary scales, the costs of manufacturing the necessary explosives must be brought down by a factor of at least ten to make it more practicable.

Also, I should add one more thing. The same technology that allows us to drill nearly to the Earth's mantle can also be used to slant-drill 'magma vents' that redirect excess magma back down into the ocean, effectively rendering the volcano dormant. However, in order for this to work, the magma must have a place to be redirected to, so this is currently employed only on volcanic islands. As far as your acquisition of this technology goes, the Parliament must authorize it."

Snake Eater ships request permission to transport technicians to surface, to begin training of sutible candidates

Makoto mentions after. "If a planet could be forced to extrude large amounts of CO2 and other such gasses, then they could be laced with microorganisims to start to change the atmosphere and environment into a more terran like environment."

Yurika though quips.. "Still sounds a long and violent way to do it. Plus we haven't explored that kind of terraforming as yet. We've been leaning towards passive types of terraforming."

Funaho though adds. "Tests are ongoing upon seven worlds that are terraforming canadites. There's not exactly a rush, but we shouldn't dismiss this method, if a resource can be found to duplicate the explosives component of their method."

Aleaic nods. "Then they'll have to come in person and see such in action. One of the worlds in the Tukayyid Cluster System was such a canadite was it not?" Funaho nods.

Aleaic nods back, but then changes the subject. "However, this isn't an expectation of payment for serveces render in our part. Ours is extend the hand of what you need, in the longterm method.

I presume you're much more intrested in what we are about to provide to your civilization, verses what our meager questions are.

Aleaic then nods over to Azusa, who then produces a small holo-generator from his robes, palm sized, and extends it to the Prime Minister. Aleaic adds. "This is only part of what we are prepared to teach you Lord Whitfield."

OOC: Didn't brother reading all of it, Mind if I join in? I have a very cheap FTL system which could probably be maintined by MT engineers if they understood it. And I'm willing to give it away, as many units as you want, for free.

OOC: Didn't brother reading all of it, Mind if I join in? I have a very cheap FTL system which could probably be maintined by MT engineers if they understood it. And I'm willing to give it away, as many units as you want, for free.

OOC: I'm kind of saturated with offers from other FT nations right now, and the RP with the Gaian Ascendancy is taking up most of my free time. Besides, I don't want to accept thirty million offers, lest I acquire a bigger fleet than I can support without being derided as a wanker. I discussed this a little bit in the middle of the thread (I'm guessing this is the part of the thread that you didn't read.) Thanks for the offer though, maybe I can RP with you in the future after I establish a viable space presence. :)

Snake Eater ships request permission to transport technicians to surface, to begin training of sutible candidates

"Landing clearance granted. Follow the same course, and land at the same location, that you did when taking delivery of payment. Admiral Douglass, Chief of Staff of the armed forces, will meet you."

National Air Traffic Control

(OOC: As opposed to local airport ATC)

Makoto mentions after. "If a planet could be forced to extrude large amounts of CO2 and other such gasses, then they could be laced with microorganisims to start to change the atmosphere and environment into a more terran like environment."

Yurika though quips.. "Still sounds a long and violent way to do it. Plus we haven't explored that kind of terraforming as yet. We've been leaning towards passive types of terraforming."

Funaho though adds. "Tests are ongoing upon seven worlds that are terraforming canadites. There's not exactly a rush, but we shouldn't dismiss this method, if a resource can be found to duplicate the explosives component of their method."

Aleaic nods. "Then they'll have to come in person and see such in action. One of the worlds in the Tukayyid Cluster System was such a canadite was it not?" Funaho nods.

Aleaic nods back, but then changes the subject. "However, this isn't an expectation of payment for serveces render in our part. Ours is extend the hand of what you need, in the longterm method.

I presume you're much more intrested in what we are about to provide to your civilization, verses what our meager questions are.

Aleaic then nods over to Azusa, who then produces a small holo-generator from his robes, palm sized, and extends it to the Prime Minister. Aleaic adds. "This is only part of what we are prepared to teach you Lord Whitfield."

Prime Minister Whitfield looked at the holo-generator with a perplexed look on his face, before he finally said, "Terran science fiction writers have dreamed of these for at least eighty years. Nonetheless, the Parliament will have more questions than I, for I am proposing to release technology that we have very closely guarded ever since we discovered it.

I warn you, the Parliament will not be as diplomatic as I have been, for it often degenerates into partisan shouting matches. If your society recalls the 'debates' in the British Parliament of old, you will know what I am talking about. Also be advised that I am being far more open than my political party, the Übernationalizt Party, ever has been. I remind you that the authorization to seek help from more advanced nations passed the Parliament by a single vote"--here the Prime Minister paused for emphasis--"and that of the twenty-five MPs in the delegation that met you today, only two belong to the Übernationalizt Party. Also consider that the Übernationalizt Party holds a strong plurality in Parliament. Furthermore, this nation has a very strong tradition of isolationalism and neutrality; only recently has this tradition begun to show a single crack. Nevertheless, a small but significant faction of the 'nay' voters simply believed that this project would be a waste of resources, and that we would never receive a response to our request for technology. They might be persuaded to vote in favor of your proposals this time.

Though I exert a strong influence over what issues the Parliament considers, I am no lord. It is up to the MPs, not me, to ratify your proposals."

The Prime Minister looked at his watch. "The session begins in an hour. We should leave now." As he summoned the twenty-five MPs, the roughly half of Parliament that supported him, he mulled over the political costs should he fail in this...

Aleaic listens and nods. "Then I suggest bring some of them along as well.

However we will delineate the terms we are offering, and will only ask that your Parliament wait until after our tour and subsuquent return to this world before your Body enacts a vote."

Aleaic though noted the already terse atmosphere between the MPs, both between each other and their P.M. As they were shuffling out, Lady Seto guestured Aleaic over, with Tsui and Arashi acting as a 'sound block' by crowding in a bit.

"You may wish to be careful Al. These people are more jaded than we have been used to as of late. They also seem far more willing to use trickery and political gamesmanship for their own ends.

..I only err to the side of caution by saying this." Seto finishes. Aleaic just sighs. "A bit too readily noted. Still.. we were 'used' to the same once ourselves when we once resided here on Earth.

But this is our chance to let them see a world not under such restraints. It might shake them up a bit.

..but only a step at a time." Seto smiles. "You're finally getting it 'milord'." Aleaic bites his cheeks to hold back a cheesy smile.

Moments later they follow the Woody party out to the limos again. Aleaic reaches P.M. Whitfield simply and then mentions within his earshot.

"All will be fine my friend."

OOC: Point of clarification--are you asking me to defer the vote, or continue as scheduled? I need to know in what direction I should take the RP...

Aleaic listens and nods. "Then I suggest bring some of them along as well.

However we will delineate the terms we are offering, and will only ask that your Parliament wait until after our tour and subsuquent return to this world before your Body enacts a vote."

...snip...

Moments later they follow the Woody party out to the limos again. Aleaic reaches P.M. Whitfield simply and then mentions within his earshot.

"All will be fine my friend."

On the surface, seems slightly contradictory...

Oh, and the adjective used to describe that of Evil Woody Thoughts nationality is Woodian, btw ;)

((OC- Before a vote, though the Gaian's can't control your goverment's actions anyway. It's mainly words..

..and Woodian be it so.. =^^=

..and the spirit of intent is the whole point to the Gaian's.

Besides, Whitfield looked like he needed a friendly boost. ))

"Landing clearance granted. Follow the same course, and land at the same location, that you did when taking delivery of payment. Admiral Douglass, Chief of Staff of the armed forces, will meet you."

National Air Traffic Control

(OOC: As opposed to local airport ATC)

"Confirmed. LightningSword dropship is in-bound, ETA 15 minutes

((OC- Before a vote, though the Gaian's can't control your goverment's actions anyway. It's mainly words..

..and Woodian be it so.. =^^=

..and the spirit of intent is the whole point to the Gaian's.

Besides, Whitfield looked like he needed a friendly boost. ))

During the brief ride to the Parliament building, the Prime Minister asked Lord Kerenskky if he would be willing to give a brief introductory speech, for the benefit of those MPs who had not attended the delegation.

(OOC: Do you have Winblows Messenger? We probably should coordinate the Parliament session over IM to make it more efficient; otherwise it'll take forever to RP. TG me your contact info if you have it and you're willing to give me IM info. I also have AIM, though it is secondary and I never use it, so I'd prefer WM.)

"Confirmed. LightningSword dropship is in-bound, ETA 15 minutes

Your approach is confirmed.

-ATC

In a bunker somewhere on Evil Woody Air Force Base, Admiral Douglass received notification that the technicians Space Eaters had promised were inbound. He took one last sip of his coffee, and then emerged from his underground hiding place. As he walked across an empty field to the projected landing zone, a heavy snow squall flared up, seemingly out of nowhere...

Admiral Douglass sighed, as he was reminded of the climate change that would eventually force most of Evil Woody Thoughts' citizens to leave the planet.

((OC- Actually I don't. Do you have a link to it I ca download maybe tomorrow? Actually do you have IRC? I find that more open as a messenger area, since there 'is' a chat room in irc.esper.net for NS that has a roleplay section.

It might make it more open for others that want to watch such an open PM session. Just a thought...))

--

Aleaic nods.. "In fact I was counting on that. If you don't mind me revealing tidbits that we've discovered..

..such as the Class-M world we discovered that would suit your needs perfectly.

..not to mention the vessels we have slated for your nation." ..put with a smile.

((OC- Actually I don't. Do you have a link to it I ca download maybe tomorrow? Actually do you have IRC? I find that more open as a messenger area, since there 'is' a chat room in irc.esper.net for NS that has a roleplay section.

It might make it more open for others that want to watch such an open PM session. Just a thought...))

--

Aleaic nods.. "In fact I was counting on that. If you don't mind me revealing tidbits that we've discovered..

..such as the Class-M world we discovered that would suit your needs perfectly.

..not to mention the vessels we have slated for your nation." ..put with a smile.


OOC: Meh, I don't have a link, try microsoft.com, I guess, and I have no idea how IRC works (and my computer can be really funny about internets programs :p ). That just means this is gonna take until RL 2048 to RP...oh well. And it's the debate, during which I had the crazy idea of Lord Kerensky answering questions, that would take forever; I thought we would agree on answers over IM so I could post the entire transcript at once instead of roleplaying it over days. But meh.

IC: The motorcade pulled up to the Parliament building, and Prime Minister Whitfield led the Gaian delegation, along with the twenty-five MPs that had been with him all day, up the steps and into the chamber. The MPs took their seats, and the Prime Minister led Lord Kerensky and company up to the podium from which he would preside over the meeting. After the party entered the building, Prime Minister Whitfield whispered into Lord Kerensky's ear, "Reveal that which you must."

The Prime Minister waited for all of the MPs to be seated before he initiated the formalities that would start the meeting, beginning with roll call, and then having the secretary read the previous meeting's minutes, and so on.

After fifteen minutes of various bookkeeping chores, the time came for serious business. Prime Minister Whitfield started, "Two months ago, to this date, the Parliament came to one of its most difficult, most divisive decisions in its history. You *motions toward MPs* approved by a single vote a summons to the stars for assistance with space colonization, something only remotely undertaken by a nation with a tradition and deep pride in possessing the best geology technology on the planet. And that summons has been answered, most notably by the Gaian Ascendancy, whose leaders have offered more help, and more friendship, then we could ever have imagined. Today, you will vote on the most extensive friendship treaty that this nation has ever considered.

The Gaians wish to address the Members of Parliament directly, and I have granted said request. After their leader, Lord Aleaic Kerensky, addresses the Parliament, there shall be three hours allotted for debate, after which point there will be a vote on your individual voting machines. Thirty yea votes are needed for the ratification of the proposed treaty.

Ladies and gentlemen, I yield the floor to Lord Aleaic Kerensky."

Galna still sits in the airport terminal, next to the phone. One time a man who looked to be a member of a security force came toward him, and he was worried until the man talked into the radio device he had and then walked away. Shortly therafter, a somewhat young human walked over to him.
"That's one hell of a suit you've got going on there."
The cyrian looked to the teenager. "this is not a suit, this is my body." He raised his hand, adorned with three fingers on each side of the palm, to demonstrate.
"...what the... What is up with your hand?"
"I am not sure if you have heard of the recent desicion made by your government to contact the starts requesting technology-"
"Yeah, I've heard of that. Big political stink about it."
"I am from the planet Cyria, several billion lightyears away. It is a part of a three species conglomeration dubbed Cyrian Space. I travelled here to sell seven spacecraft to your government. I regret that I am unfamiliar with the way things work around here, as I am still waiting for a contact in order to establish relations."
"You mean your an alien?" the teenager asked.
"from your perspective, yes."
To pass the time, the Cyrian Diplomat ended up sitting with his back to the wall, telling this teenager everything he knew that wasn't a secret about his planet.

Your approach is confirmed.

-ATC

In a bunker somewhere on Evil Woody Air Force Base, Admiral Douglass received notification that the technicians Space Eaters had promised were inbound. He took one last sip of his coffee, and then emerged from his underground hiding place. As he walked across an empty field to the projected landing zone, a heavy snow squall flared up, seemingly out of nowhere...

Admiral Douglass sighed, as he was reminded of the climate change that would eventually force most of Evil Woody Thoughts' citizens to leave the planet.

The LightningSword dropped out of the sky, it's engines flaring blue in an attempt to keep it stable in the heavy winds. As the tailramp dropped, a number of men and women in obviously thermal clothing emerged onto the planet Earth. None of them seemed surprised at the weather, and they looked as if it didnt't bother them. As Admiral Douglass approached, the obviously senior technician extended his hand in greeting,"Greetings Admiral, we are your technicians"

Galna still sits in the airport terminal, next to the phone. One time a man who looked to be a member of a security force came toward him, and he was worried until the man talked into the radio device he had and then walked away. Shortly therafter, a somewhat young human walked over to him.
"That's one hell of a suit you've got going on there."
The cyrian looked to the teenager. "this is not a suit, this is my body." He raised his hand, adorned with three fingers on each side of the palm, to demonstrate.
"...what the... What is up with your hand?"
"I am not sure if you have heard of the recent desicion made by your government to contact the starts requesting technology-"
"Yeah, I've heard of that. Big political stink about it."
"I am from the planet Cyria, several billion lightyears away. It is a part of a three species conglomeration dubbed Cyrian Space. I travelled here to sell seven spacecraft to your government. I regret that I am unfamiliar with the way things work around here, as I am still waiting for a contact in order to establish relations."
"You mean your an alien?" the teenager asked.
"from your perspective, yes."
To pass the time, the Cyrian Diplomat ended up sitting with his back to the wall, telling this teenager everything he knew that wasn't a secret about his planet.

Steve Janssen ran through the terminal as if he was late for a flight. This is gonna be interesting, he thought. I get to deal with teh Cyrian diplomat that is probably going to want to vaporize me for taking too long.

Sure enough, he found a tall, lanky, blue creature sitting on one of the benches at Gate K18, across from the white courtesy phone at the next gate, talking to a teenager. He knew immediately that he had found who he was looking for, and approached the Cyrian diplomat. Somewhat reluctantly, but being careful not to reveal this in his expression, he waited for a break in the conversation, then said, "Greetings from Steve Janssen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. You must be Galna? I apologize for the wait and the confusion, but our diplomatic corps has been overwhelmed as of late..."

(OOC: I'm splitting hairs with NS time here; for purposes of this RP, it is currently mid-morning at the airport and mid-afternoon at the Parliament building a few hours away. This is necessitated due to the disparities in the availability of the RPers in this thread...the Cyrian diplomat has been waiting by the phone for 15 minutes or so, not six hours. I love fluid time :D)

The LightningSword dropped out of the sky, it's engines flaring blue in an attempt to keep it stable in the heavy winds. As the tailramp dropped, a number of men and women in obviously thermal clothing emerged onto the planet Earth. None of them seemed surprised at the weather, and they looked as if it didnt't bother them. As Admiral Douglass approached, the obviously senior technician extended his hand in greeting,"Greetings Admiral, we are your technicians"

Admiral Douglass nodded, and extended greetings. Then he continued, "We have recruited a few pilots from the Air Force and a few physicists and mechanics. They are currently on this base. Unfortunately, we do not expect to be logistically ready for our journey for another nine months or so, and we are still in the process of recruiting potential space personnel. This process should be completed within two to three weeks, thankfully, though the recruitment of settlers will take longer. Our volunteer trainees are sequestered in underground facilities; follow me..."

((OC- Actually the fun part might be the questions. And at least five questions at a time with answers to each would be fine and speed things along.

I can also prod when to stop questions and move things on to the 'real' trip. ))

--

Aleaic, and his party were led to the podium area, where (expectantly) seats awaited them. Of them all, Seto and Funaho were most interested in the workings of a foreign governmental body at work.

When the P.M. spoke, Aleaic was full attention, though a bit light of the stomach when the time for him to speak came. Aleaic rose with 'great' reverent movements, knowing every eye was on him.

..all he thought of to calm his mind was simply the first time he was the student council presidential candidate, as he debated against Jinnai. It all felt no less different.

Aleaic drew up to the podium, no speaking cards or anything else prepared. Every word was from his heart. The bevy of microphones and such upon the podium made him glance quickly, but also shunted aside.

...and then simply. "Thank you Prime Minister Whitfield. And thank you to not only this parliamentary body, but to the citizens of your nation as well for allowing us to visit your graced lands. And from one formerly native human of this Earth, I will also say it is good to be home, if for a short time.”

Aleaic pauses before ‘really’ beginning.

“You have asked for what pertains a major paradigm shift in almost every way that your civilization can conceive of, that will eventually impact in ways you have also not conceived. All you know of that you can in front of, now has to begin to expand on that ability of thought.

I can imagine that the thought in fact, is overwhelming, as it was to us when we first began our own first steps. But our first steps were not done alone. Ours were long and tedious, but filled with suprises and wonder, by an entity that we only are now learning is still apart of our cosmos. And yours I might add...

..but it is because of that assistance, that we hold one of our tenants very dear. The ability to teach that which we have been given as well.

In fact, it is.... a requirement.......”

A breath..

“The Ascendancy is currently a Republic that spans 80 Star Systems, over 72 Light-years. We deploy 26 separate Fleet Groups, 25 various Galaxies of various advanced technology, and several types of Jump Capable Systems to deploy them all with. Our commerce is actively bringing new amounts of resources to all these worlds, and their populations increase daily, both through natural means, and with full admission, controlled cloning techniques.

We send exploration fleets out everyday, both to explore, and contact new races and civilizations. Every day technical breakthroughs are made, and are applied to both civilian and military equally. Heath and Education have very little limits, and life expectancy is the same. Social equality and political freedom is, while it may seem hard to believe, finds a dynamic in our realm, that we are proud of.

My people are a heavily honor and justice driven culture. We see all peoples as potential friends and allies first, and such has brought your intentions to our ears. We value competition amid the stars, and desire to spread that even further.

However we are far from delusional. Space is a magnanimous ‘and’ malevolent mistress all the same. Even we have archives of those that died in the line of duty, as well as of their own forthwith, both military and civilian alike. And some of the descriptions of pain death in space, is rather accurate. I will not infer falsehoods. Space is for the strong, and if you reach far enough for it, you will grow stronger for the attempt made.

My hosts. We have come here today, because a request was made to join our expansive community. We are here to meet that request, and give you the following, as to ensure that you will succeed in the first steps into that larger universe you look up upon each night.

We have prepared the following details, assets, and most importantly, worlds for your colonization.

We have a full dedicated Fleet Yard, where we will provide, ten jump capable JumpShips, and one Frigate Class WarShip, along with twenty DropShips, such as you’ve seen at your national AeroPort today, all that can be added to the other assets other open minded nations have given your nation. Already your Fleet is impressive.

Add the second, we are prepared to provide long-term technical assistance, up to a point, that your civilization can stand on it’s own as a star faring race. At minimum, we are prepared to assist for ten year. Maximum hasn’t been set, but that is not an imperative in our minds.

More, we are prepared to take in qualified candidates from your nation, to become students of our New Aurora Institute of Science Academy. Here, we will teach much of our learning to your own, and thereby, you will become adept on your own of the ways of the stars.

We also will open a long-term trade treaty, so that we may first assist your growth, and then make you into an active trade partner when you become self-sufficient as a nation. Almost every legal trade commodity you can think of, is amid our assets we commerce upon. And if you must concern, yes a small criminal element exists in our realm. No one is perfect. But this is mentioned, because the amount of corruption, belies only a pathetic portion of a much larger, and thriving economy. You will gain benefit from this, as will we from a stable trade partner.

We have learned that your nation holds technical capacities, we have not made avenues in. Technical trade concessions also is among our assists. This includes military grade technologies, though even we must admit, is only a portion of what the universe has available. However we add in one tidbit we are willing to share, which is our reverse engineering technical abilities. This will allow you to take small versions of technology bases, and understand it, and create more of it. This is one of the hallmarks of our advances of technology.

But above all these, and knowing other nations have offered the same, we have slated three M-Class worlds for your civilization to colonize. Only one you would recognize as ‘Earth-like’, as the other three lie in the imaginations of extravagant artists. They lie in three separate Star Systems within 18 light-years of our realm, and would recognize your claim over all three Systems. We will provide defense assistance, including installing orbital defensive stations, two fleet docks, several defense screen platforms and satellites, and a single orbital elevator upon each world. Trust us, we can provide what we promise. We will teach you how to harvest planetoid bodies and Oort Field Clouds to establish continuous resources for building materials, as well as deploy several molecular reformation stations, such that we use to reform atoms of any kind, into those that we need for construction.

Oh, and if that wasn’t enough. We will provide the most current star maps of the region, about 500 area light-years around our realm. We’ve been busy...”

Aleaic takes a deep breath, and unknowing, so does the Council behind them.

“We provide all this, because we are required to. Why we will refrain detail of just yet, but pertains to those we mentioned that helped ‘us’. That requirement isn’t frowned upon, but it also isn’t a free lunch. If you choose to accept this offer, and vote accordingly, then we expect you to go at it with all your passion and foresight.

If you truly wish to join the nations of the stars, you must prove your worthiness. Not to us, but to ‘yourselves’. There is a saying of this world that I learned from my own Father long ago.

~ Catch a fish for a man, and he’s fed for a day.

..teach a man to fish, and he’s fed for a lifetime. ~

Forgive the gender inflection, as well if the version is off, but the intent is core. At some point, we will not be able to teach you anymore. Not because we wish to quit such, but at some point, you will only see us as ‘equals’. When that day comes, the parent will become the brother... or sister if preferred. The Ascendancy wishes strong allies, and to create one from a friend, only strengthens us. And moreso, it will be all your own work. We can only provide the materials and direction, but the drive is your own. We await the day that the drive becomes unquenchable of it’s own fruition.

Souls of the Woodian nation, I welcome you to the stars.”

Aleaic then awaits for the flurry of questions. =^^=

--

((OC2 - Took me awhile to compose this decently enough, sorry for the wait. =^^=;;; ))

The MPs applauded Lord Kerensky, some rose and gave him a standing ovation, others merely applauded politely.

At this point, a transcription of the proposed treaty appeared on each individual MP's touchscreen:

The Kearney-Fuchida Jump Drive is the mainstay of our extra-Republic Exploration fleets. It's a poor tactical option for military vessels, but is excellent as a inital drive type for an entry star faring race.

The main catch is that the drive is dependent on the KF Drive being chraged via solar sails, at JumpPoints usually at the Zenith and Nadir Points, or the upper most and lower most points of a Star System, where the points are the gravity 'poles' above and below a stellar body, aka star. These points are the most stable points of a System normally speaking, but there are others within Systems at other points, but are constantly moving.

To jump to another point other than either of these Z/N Jump points, risks great damage to a vessel. However a 'pirate point' can be reached via the help of a combination of powerful navigation computers, even better pilot calculations, and most of all: luck.

The Ascendancy is willing to sell over long term KF technology, and the ability to construct JumpShips, or the lightly armed versions of our Fleet vessels. We can also help in construction of DropShips, large craft that can launch from a planet surface, and dock onto a JumpShip, to be then Jumped to another System. We are willing to assist in building DropShips of a lightly armed nature.

Our 'price' inferred, is to be the following:

1. Be a major trading partner with the Ascendancy and it's Republic worlds.
2. Exchange of long term in stance, diplomatic ties.
3. Assurance that the technology will be used in commerce, and if military, for self defense.
4. Come to the Ascendancy Homeworld via transport to be determined after agreement of the above by your party.
5. Monetary payment will only be demanded, if the above number three is violated, within a ten year time frame. After that, your technology should be strong enough hold your own, despite our wishes. Before then would only invite disaster.
6. We are willing to foster your colonists on some of our terraformed worlds, as even a nation of our size cannot fully colonize all our current worlds. Several continents on several worlds in the Republic need to be explored and, aye.. exploited of resources.

We expect all this over the long term, and are doing this to do the same for another civilization, as done for us twenty years ago, due to the auspices of a race that has long since left their devices to us.

This also is one of our... how to say.. requirements as per accords of our own, that we must abide. We have as much to gain from this, as you do.

Having said all this, be assured this is 'not' a hoax. And any others that laugh at our offer in reading this, simply do not know of what the Ascendancy was created for. Our own accords in fact demand this, and we shall pursue this agenda.

*ADDENDUM REGARDING THE FOURTH CONDITION*

To reply to the concerns about the fourth.

1. Yes, a diplomatic mission. One that will teach you about being a part of the greater cosmos.
2. The establishment of permanent embassies would be the end result of this mission, and therefore, your civilization would learn from us how to be a part of the stars.
3. The mission would include transport aboard one of our Flagship vessels of the Republic Fleet. This would give you first hand experience in the star travel concepts we offer.
4. The Ascendancy covers 15 Star Systems, and about, belive it or not, 67.2 percent of the worlds are to one degree or another, habitable. However, much of the territory is unexplored, and much of it still contains Ascendant technology in Caches, far more than we can fully deploy with out poplutaion at the present.

Ask more questions as needed, as we are open to many of them. However note, our proposal, is one based on your transmission. Our situation is one where we are in a position to offer the same, that was given to us.

This offer is not given lightly, not to every civilization. This is one given, as a part of our 'own' test. If you accept to become our guests, you will learn why we are taking this course.

However, you are completely free to use the other options as given, as is your right as a sovereign civilization.

[OOC: I took the liberty of correcting spelling mistakes[/OOC]

Prime Minister Whitfield then resumed his position at the podium. As he passed Lord Kerensky, he slipped him a note that read, "Now the real fun begins. Don't say I didn't warn you." The Prime Minister then proceeded to make opening statements. "Members of Parliament, Lord Kerensky has agreed to accept questions. For efficiency's sake, he will answer five questions at a time. The question/answer session shall last one hour or until you run out of questions, whichever comes first. This shall then be followed by the balance of the three hours that have been appropriated for voting on this proposal; this time will be for internal debate only."

Immediately, several MPs stood up to ask questions, mostly from the Übernationalizt Party.

"Dave Syverman of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

Syverman had a fiery tone in his voice as he asked, "Regarding your fifth condition, how much monetary payment would you expect? Is this a backhand way of raping our national sovereignty and making us your puppet state?"

"William Petersen of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"You made a vague reference toward wishing to acquire our own unique technologies. Ever since we have first tested our earthquake-inducing technology, we have closely guarded it, primarily to maintain a monopoly on its powerful military deterrent potential. Why would we do anything different, especially considering that it might fall into the wrong hands if our security forces do not closely guard it?"

"Kimberly Lightford of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"Just what trade concessions do you want us to grant you, and how do we know that this won't turn into a modern version of seventeenth-century mercantilism?"

"Terry Link of the Capitalizt Party is now recognized."

"Exactly how extensive are the reverse-engineering rights you are willing to grant us, and will we have the right to sell technology gained in this manner to third parties?"

"Jefferey Schönberg of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"How far do you expect us to go in terms of long-term diplomatic ties? Are you expecting us to eventually become one of your provinces, or would we retain sovereignty to deal with other foreign nations as we pleased?"

The Prime Minister then stopped soliciting questions, and said, "Here are the first five questions for the Gaian Ascendancy. I yield the floor to Lord Kerensky."

The MPs applauded Lord Kerensky, some rose and gave him a standing ovation, others merely applauded politely.

At this point, a transcription of the proposed treaty appeared on each individual MP's touchscreen:

*Yada yada..*

Prime Minister Whitfield then resumed his position at the podium. As he passed Lord Kerensky, he slipped him a note that read, "Now the real fun begins. Don't say I didn't warn you." The Prime Minister then proceeded to make opening statements. "Members of Parliament, Lord Kerensky has agreed to accept questions. For efficiency's sake, he will answer five questions at a time. The question/answer session shall last one hour or until you run out of questions, whichever comes first. This shall then be followed by the balance of the three hours that have been appropriated for voting on this proposal; this time will be for internal debate only."

Immediately, several MPs stood up to ask questions, mostly from the Übernationalizt Party.

"Dave Syverman of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

Syverman had a fiery tone in his voice as he asked, "Regarding your fifth condition, how much monetary payment would you expect? Is this a backhand way of raping our national sovereignty and making us your puppet state?"

"William Petersen of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"You made a vague reference toward wishing to acquire our own unique technologies. Ever since we have first tested our earthquake-inducing technology, we have closely guarded it, primarily to maintain a monopoly on its powerful military deterrent potential. Why would we do anything different, especially considering that it might fall into the wrong hands if our security forces do not closely guard it?"

"Kimberly Lightford of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"Just what trade concessions do you want us to grant you, and how do we know that this won't turn into a modern version of seventeenth-century mercantilism?"

"Terry Link of the Capitalizt Party is now recognized."

"Exactly how extensive are the reverse-engineering rights you are willing to grant us, and will we have the right to sell technology gained in this manner to third parties?"

"Jefferey Schönberg of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"How far do you expect us to go in terms of long-term diplomatic ties? Are you expecting us to eventually become one of your provinces, or would we retain sovereignty to deal with other foreign nations as we pleased?"

The Prime Minister then stopped soliciting questions, and said, "Here are the first five questions for the Gaian Ascendancy. I yield the floor to Lord Kerensky."

As Aleaic heard the question, he decided to start in another vein.

"I put forth that in the time since your first contact with us, that we have expanded rather quickly. to grow from 15 to 80 seems unrealistic, but know we have done so. And are fully prepared to defend them.

However know that colonizing worlds is unlike anything you are used to on Earth. some colonies are no more than 10,000 souls, with enough military support and WarShip partol protection to sustain them into a initial state of self-sufficency. However many many of the worlds colonized also have resources other don't, and in decent quantities. Trade between inter-Republic worlds tends to rely on such trade commodities, and such tends to gain the colonies involved, the extra capital and external resources to grow quickly. Added before, the limited sibiko-cloning, and self-sustaining colonies are quickly attained."

Aleaic then turns to Dave Syverman and his question.

"The terms are simply to ensure that your nation doesn't try to pull something against another race while under our graces. If the situation were reversed, ask yourselves if we were under your tutalage, and then attacked another world while under 'your' name, would you prefer to be dragged in unintentionally into a conflict because of it?

Just because we deploy a large military, does not mean we go looking for trouble. We hope to teach you that there are better things than causing conflict.

..and there is 'no' underhanded or backdoor intention to create a puppet state. When the time comes, you will become independent, pure and simple. We are not lawyers, nor care to think in such regards. Our word is our word."

William Petersen's question is next.

"I can only say in words here, what we do in practice.

..it might interest you all to know that the Ascendancy employ's no nuclear stockpiles in our Tourman, or anywhere else for that matter. Nuclear weapons in our mindset, is a poor way to act tactically. However we have deployed a powerful screen of defensive assets and controls to prevent the same occuring to us.

As a result, stratetgic and tactical control coordinates and deploys all the non-nuclear assets we control, and thereby, in conjunction with the Foregin, Science, and Intellegence Advisories, created a command-control structure, soley for technical information and control. All the information we are prepared to teach you, has already been carefully screened, and information not deemed top secret by our forces is on such an agenda.

We are not stupid. Even we intend to hold 'some' of our secrets as our own, and as such, understand your concerns, concerning this technology.

..but let me answer it in this way.

Rather than expect concessions for this technology, lucrative trade agreements will be instead employed. In this way, your nation will profit greatly from trading us this technology. Sounds strange, not to us...

..our intention is nothing less than testing ways to reform new worlds into habitable ones. Terraforming on the greatest scale. In this, you hold a possible key we need, that even 'we' have not employed as yet.

But to make any of this work, one other key ingredient is needed.

Trust... it's our intention to build 'that' up first, before we seek this technology. Besides, you have far more technology to gain, than we would in the long run."

Kimberly Lightford of the Übernationalizt Party next..

The idea is to strentghen 'your' nation, more than ours. As I already mentioned, our own trade capabilities are very strong. Why should we bother with external trade, unless owr own profit wasn't our first priority. Indeed, profit is not our goal.

..cooperation is the goal.

To us, the following is the most important to our society.

1. Honor
2. Justice
3. Strength
4. Family
5. Knowledge

Money, simply isn't one of our major issues. To put it another way, if you worry only about money, then you miss out on the 'greater picture'. Is money really important when you look upon a gaseous nebulae, knowing that your very eyes are made of the same materials that the stars themselves are? Is money important when you hold a child in your arms for the first time?

Is money even important, when glory is better achieved in other measurements.

80 Star Systems
Hundreds of Mechs, vessels, and souls to make them work
Technology breakthroughs every day

These and others... did I mention anywhere that money was a priority? In fact our commerce and trade, are more for the health and well being of of the Ascendancy and 'all' of our souls, rather than for a monetary gain.

Aye commerce invariably brings in money issues. But if that must be imposed upon, we have more than enough economic strength to draw upon. We would only shame ourselves by imposing overly mercantile intentions upon your people. We're supposed to be 'helping' you, not making slaves." ..the last part puts with iron in his voice.

Then Terry Link of the Capitalizt Party is next.

"It's the ability we wish to teach. When we began this process, it was because we knew that all the assets we had been given would have be learned by taking them apart. Luckily for us, we were gifted by both 'instruction' of various sources, as well as scientific advisors of extreme capability and resourcefulness."

Aleaic ignores the light coughing from his advisors behind him. (private thing..)

"..we are willing to teach you how to take technology of any kind, and with enough dedication and open mindedness, you can then create new models, as well as understand how to get the most out of your technology. This can work with any level of technology.

As for selling it to other nations, know that other nations might not act as reasonably as we have, if access to this capability was known wide and at large. It may not be of wise impart on your own as well. However we can only ask the following.

For the duration of the minimum ten years, we would ask that the capability be retained within our 'trade sphere', or more as a security measure to prevent being taken advantage of by another party. After all..

..our fleet uses four seperate types of technology, and intergrates them all seemlessly into our forces. Without reverse engineering, we would be forced to rely on outside sources to meet our needs. This is on essence, poor strategy for defending one's own home. I would impart this as wisdom for yourselves as well.

After the ten years, we will not hold you back from selling it. But by then, you may understand what may happen by selling it. But also by then, both our fleets should be much more advanced, and the issue may not be as tender. Still, one can never be too careful."

Finally, Jefferey Schönberg of the Übernationalizt Party. The tone of the Übernationalizt Party questions was becoming clear to the Gaians by now. Still it was understandable..

"After the time spent to bring you up to self-sufficency, you 'will' be fully independant. Heck, does a parent want a child to be in the same home forever? Normally no, and despite my own daughter living in the same palace as her mother and I, she lives in a seperate portion of it. She even is quite busy on her own account as Space Advisor throughout the Ascendancy.

When the time comes, your nation will be independant. Will be, not an if. The trade that follows full independance, would be to continue ties between our nations. How this will turn out, we cannot predict, nor try to. The future is entirely out of our grasp.

But 'making' a future is in both our grasps. When the time comes, your own decisions are you own, and we would only be there as... how to put it.. a friendly voice."

Aleaic awaits the next questions...

Prime Minister Whitfield resumed his position at the presiding officer's podium, remarking, "Thank you, Lord Kerensky. We now begin the second set of questions."

This time a few MPs stood up, representing a broader range of political parties. Most of the Übernationalizts, with the exception of two, sat down grumbling to themselves, though the expression on a small minority of Übernationalizts' faces lightened a bit.

"Chris Lauzen of the Green Party is now recognized."

"As you have no doubt learned by now, we have started on this course primarily as a means of relieving overpopulation. As such, we have acquired enough transport capacity for roughly half a million souls, and we will presumably build more once our spacefaring capabilities are brought up to speed. Is it possible to build up the support infrastructure necessary for this many people on an uninhabited planet before the colony fails for lack of resources? What is the 'ideal' population to establish a new space colony with?"

"Carol Ronen of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"Who defines 'when the time comes' for independence--our government or yours?"

"Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party is now recognized."

"Why would we wish to go through the expense of cloning, and create more mouths to feed, when we already have a large population, educated by one of the finest educational systems in the world, to evacuate?"

"Todd Sieben of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"How do we know that your adherence to your values of 'honor' is not the same as that of Imperial Japan, which broke its own customs of honor to attack the United States before it had declared war a century ago?"

"Jacqueline Collins of the Capitalizt Party is now recognized."

"You said that money is not important compared to the glory of other achievements; yet how can those achievements be achieved and maintained without money?"

By this point, only a couple of MPs remained standing. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Whitfield intervened. "We now have the next set of five questions. I again yield the floor to Lord Kerensky."

Prime Minister Whitfield resumed his position at the presiding officer's podium, remarking, "Thank you, Lord Kerensky. We now begin the second set of questions."

This time a few MPs stood up, representing a broader range of political parties. Most of the Übernationalizts, with the exception of two, sat down grumbling to themselves, though the expression on a small minority of Übernationalizts' faces lightened a bit.

"Chris Lauzen of the Green Party is now recognized."

"As you have no doubt learned by now, we have started on this course primarily as a means of relieving overpopulation. As such, we have acquired enough transport capacity for roughly half a million souls, and we will presumably build more once our spacefaring capabilities are brought up to speed. Is it possible to build up the support infrastructure necessary for this many people on an uninhabited planet before the colony fails for lack of resources? What is the 'ideal' population to establish a new space colony with?"

"Carol Ronen of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"Who defines 'when the time comes' for independence--our government or yours?"

"Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party is now recognized."

"Why would we wish to go through the expense of cloning, and create more mouths to feed, when we already have a large population, educated by one of the finest educational systems in the world, to evacuate?"

"Todd Sieben of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

"How do we know that your adherence to your values of 'honor' is not the same as that of Imperial Japan, which broke its own customs of honor to attack the United States before it had declared war a century ago?"

"Jacqueline Collins of the Capitalizt Party is now recognized."

"You said that money is not important compared to the glory of other achievements; yet how can those achievements be achieved and maintained without money?"

By this point, only a couple of MPs remained standing. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Whitfield intervened. "We now have the next set of five questions. I again yield the floor to Lord Kerensky."

Kerensky took another breath and started again, Chris Lauzen of the Green Party was number six.

"Enough infranstructure is available for your colonists, for as we speak, six seperate habitation nodes are being constructed. Enough for your inital population estimate. Resources can be discovered on the worlds slated to your nation, as well as the trade that will be established to help sustain those colonies.

But you will not be limited to just those three mind you. You will be allowed to expand out as you begin your own exploration efforts. And mind you also, resources among the stars comes from more than simply planets of a Terran nature. Gaseous planets, planetoid bodies, cometary debri, Oort Clouds, nebulae expanses, and more can be derived certain resources, and many items can be molecular recomposed into items you may need. Replication I believe is the term.

Again, another reason to expand your minds for opritunities."

Carol Ronen of the Übernationalizt Part comes next.

"I would like to immediately say 'you'. But realisticly, that will be determined by the self-sufficency factor. Would you prefer that we declare you fit too soon? It might as well be considered abandonment.

..no, a more reasonable approach will be conducted, with a set of basic guidelines that 'both' sides will agree upon. That will be determined during the inital work to establish embassies upon both nations.

But when the time is right, and we both will know it, and preferably 'both' at once, then you will attain independance. And the words are as such, no loopholes.."

The next question by Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party makes Aleaic cock an eye.

"Who said you had to? Cloning was our choice, and one made due to circumstances of need. It is 'not' a requirement or anything else for your needs, or for becoming independant.

And evacuate? That imparts a crisis to precipatate. Nay. None of what we are assisting with, expects of you to be forced to do anything, nor feel you are leaving your world by force. You asked for help, and help is the objective.

Those that wish to remain have the right to do so."

Todd Sieben of the Übernationalizt Party comes next, and Aleaic suddenly uses a harsh tone.

"I was, and still am, an advid student of history. I well know of such acts, as well as similar others. Hitler's breach of the Non-agression Pact that led to Barbarrosa.

The 'honor' of the Allied States and Central Powers that dragged all of Europe into World War One, due to a single individual.

..there are many, large and small, that show human nature does not put 'honor' first in it's myriad of acts. But we from Earth, have not retained the ideals of Earth. Words though have lack of effect, where effect of action speaks volumes.

One's honor mind you, is another's treachery. And we would not expect less to be questioned of our integrity. but remember what we put second behind honor. Justice..

The ideals become even harder to maintain, when you combine the two. combine all five, and it becomes fantasy.

However, many seek life, and meld it by fantasy as a craft. All ideals come from a mindset, no one else can match with pure equality. What happens then, is a melding of the best of the ideas of many different forms of 'equality', and from that, a general guideline becomes what the five words have become of us. The Ascendancy arrived at our concept of honor, justice, ssrength, family and knowledge, from a combined mindset, and not a single one.

That mindset, sees the breach of our honor, as a disgrace that words cannot be easily described. And more, cannot be detailed here.

As for the intent of the question, I control the activites of my forces, and they are under the Clan Tourman Military Doctriine, and my Advisors and troops 'knows' it.

There will be 'no' breach of that kind of honor, as long as I live.

..and I intend not to go anywhere for a good long while."

Finally again, Jacqueline Collins of the Capitalizt Party for round two.

"Money is there, and it sustains as a measure of our activites, assets, commerce, and other iotas. However money is a byproduct more than a riding measure.

There comes a time when a civilization grows, that money either rules and retards a certain amount of growth, due to the money itself, or rather greed for, that holds souls back.

When souls do this, they become conservative. And if our civilization had kept to that tennant, we would 'not' be here today.

My fellow souls and mortals. do not hold yourselves back because of this worry. Money cannot help you to answer the truly large questions, nor help you understand the glories that await you out there.

Besides, money was once only a tool, not unlike other tools. It should be treated as 'only' a tool, and use it to reach the new heights seeked. If and when you go into space, at one point, you will understand that.

However you have your own mindset about such things. While ours developed differently. If so, it can remain."

Aleaic takes another sigh, and a glass of water.

Steve Janssen ran through the terminal as if he was late for a flight. This is gonna be interesting, he thought. I get to deal with teh Cyrian diplomat that is probably going to want to vaporize me for taking too long.

Sure enough, he found a tall, lanky, blue creature sitting on one of the benches at Gate K18, across from the white courtesy phone at the next gate, talking to a teenager. He knew immediately that he had found who he was looking for, and approached the Cyrian diplomat. Somewhat reluctantly, but being careful not to reveal this in his expression, he waited for a break in the conversation, then said, "Greetings from Steve Janssen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. You must be Galna? I apologize for the wait and the confusion, but our diplomatic corps has been overwhelmed as of late..."

(OOC: I'm splitting hairs with NS time here; for purposes of this RP, it is currently mid-morning at the airport and mid-afternoon at the Parliament building a few hours away. This is necessitated due to the disparities in the availability of the RPers in this thread...the Cyrian diplomat has been waiting by the phone for 15 minutes or so, not six hours. I love fluid time )
Galna got to his feet, and extended his arm to shake Steve's.
"Don't worry about it. I was just passing the time telling this boy about our species." He turned to say goodbye to the boy, and then turned back.
"Would you like me to show you the ships we're selling you? And we need to go over trade details and so on. Really, anything else you want to know, I'm here to establish the relationship between Evil Woody Thoughts and Cyrian Space."

Prime Minister Whitfield returned to the podium and cleared his throat. "That was the second round of questions. We have twenty minutes left in the question and answer session. Are there additional questions?"

Only one person rose, Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party.

"Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party is now recognized."

Ira did not have a question, however, instead she said, "I would like to make a point of clarification."

"Go ahead."

"Lord Kerensky, I believe you misconstrued what I said. When I used the word 'evacuate,' I did it because we voted, albeit narrowly, that an evacuation was necessary in light of certain climactic changes and other problems that we face. I in no way intended to imply that your civilization was forcing us to evacuate." She shot certain members of the Übernationalizt Party a dirty look as she said this.

Prime Minister Whitfield recognized the point of clarification, and then asked if there were additional questions. No one stood.

[OOC: I'll allow you a response to the point of clarification if you respond to this RP tonight before I go to bed; otherwise I'll move on to the internal debate. I would like to speed up this RP a little so I can get to the actual colonization :) ]

Galna got to his feet, and extended his arm to shake Steve's.
"Don't worry about it. I was just passing the time telling this boy about our species." He turned to say goodbye to the boy, and then turned back.
"Would you like me to show you the ships we're selling you? And we need to go over trade details and so on. Really, anything else you want to know, I'm here to establish the relationship between Evil Woody Thoughts and Cyrian Space."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs found it most difficult to conceal the look of relief on his face. "Yes, a visit to the ships would be most worthwhile, though you would have difficulty returning because of security. You can walk in from the tarmac, but you can't go out to the tarmac without proper security clearance. Fortunately, I have it, and I can escort you." He allowed himself a slight grin. "Please show me what door you came in through."

"Alright, we'll start with that."
Galna led Steve out the door to the tarmac, where Steve's clearance was checked, and then out to the ships.
http://www.iuploads.com/uploads/bc89e36ffa.png (http://www.iuploads.com)
"These are the ships that will from now on be in your possesion. They are each equipped with a pair of small plasma cannons, thrusters capable of speeds just under the speed of light, and a wormhole drive. The wormhole drive allows the ship to generate a series of wormholes in front of it, allowing it to effectively travel through more space in less distance. It is a very hard to grasp concept, but in effect it allows us to go many times faster than the speed of light. These ships are somewhat opsolete, and are capable of eighteen times the speed of light, meaning that the nearby star systems, the stars you refer to as alpha and proxima centauri, could be reached in three earth months of time."

(OOC: Other space nations: What multiple of lightspeed do you usually use? I'm not sure which one I should use. Keep in mind that the math on the estimate above is correct, as Alpha and Proxima Centauri are 4.3 lightyears away.)

"Alright, we'll start with that."
Galna led Steve out the door to the tarmac, where Steve's clearance was checked, and then out to the ships.
http://www.iuploads.com/uploads/bc89e36ffa.png (http://www.iuploads.com)
"These are the ships that will from now on be in your possesion. They are each equipped with a pair of small plasma cannons, thrusters capable of speeds just under the speed of light, and a wormhole drive. The wormhole drive allows the ship to generate a series of wormholes in front of it, allowing it to effectively travel through more space in less distance. It is a very hard to grasp concept, but in effect it allows us to go several times faster than the speed of light. These ships are somewhat opsolete, and are capable of fifty times the speed of light, meaning that the nearby dual star system, the stars you refer to as alpha and proxima centauri, could be reached in one earth month of time."

(OOC: Other space nations: What multiple of lightspeed do you usually use? I'm not sure which one I should use. Keep in mind that the math on the estimate above is correct, as Alpha and Proxima Centauri are 4.3 lightyears away.)

OOC: I am familiar with the concept of wormholes as my physics professor is making us read a book on the physics of Star Trek. I believe subatomic particles have been made to go through wormholes IRL, IIRC. :D

Furthermore, I'd like to wrap this thread up soon and start the actual colonization RP, which will start in July of 2049 (a little over a year from this meeting), and I'll throw in a little bit of research/training/a very small bit of reverse engineering in the new thread. I had hoped to start that thread a week ago.

IC: Steve, after several seconds of deep thought, said, "I think I remember a physicist telling me that they had created wormholes for atomic particles at the National Atomic Accelerator, but that the energy requirements for creating large wormholes were ridiculously high. Interesting. We'll have to have some engineers and physicists look at it; you could probably explain it better to them than you could explain it to me."

"I am not a technician, and so I only know the basics myself, but I do know that this method is much more fuel efficient than it would be to simply thrust over the same distance. The real problem with wormholes is not generating them, but keeping them stable. A natural wormhole will turn almost any peice of matter into something resembling a very long worm. We are able to expand the width of the wormhole, but we have only been able to efficiently create wormholes leading to a space several meters directly in front of the origin point. So a ship will emerge from the end of one wormhole to create another. Thus it travels, for instance, a lightyear, but it has actually moved eighteen lightyears."
Galna showed Steve the insides of one of the ships, and some basics of the technology.
while leaving the ship, Galna looked to Steve.
"We should probably discuss agreements of trade and so on, as well as preparations for the construction of a space station capable of holding and launching starships in orbit above your nation."

(ooc: by the way, I've changed the speed of the freightors, as the speed I gave them is much, much too fast, in retrospect.)

Prime Minister Whitfield returned to the podium and cleared his throat. "That was the second round of questions. We have twenty minutes left in the question and answer session. Are there additional questions?"

Only one person rose, Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party.

"Ira Silverstein of the Socialist Party is now recognized."

Ira did not have a question, however, instead she said, "I would like to make a point of clarification."

"Go ahead."

"Lord Kerensky, I believe you misconstrued what I said. When I used the word 'evacuate,' I did it because we voted, albeit narrowly, that an evacuation was necessary in light of certain climactic changes and other problems that we face. I in no way intended to imply that your civilization was forcing us to evacuate." She shot certain members of the Übernationalizt Party a dirty look as she said this.

Prime Minister Whitfield recognized the point of clarification, and then asked if there were additional questions. No one stood.

[OOC: I'll allow you a response to the point of clarification if you respond to this RP tonight before I go to bed; otherwise I'll move on to the internal debate. I would like to speed up this RP a little so I can get to the actual colonization :) ]

((OC- do ya one better..))
----

Aleaic listened to the words and was suprised.

He shot a worried look at his Advisors, and then at P.M. Whitfield before responding.

"I must admit. We had either missed that part, or was ill informed one way or another.

Is this true?" Aleaic put with a staight tone.

"I am not a technician, and so I only know the basics myself, but I do know that this method is much more fuel efficient than it would be to simply thrust over the same distance. The real problem with wormholes is not generating them, but keeping them stable. A natural wormhole will turn almost any peice of matter into something resembling a very long worm. We are able to expand the width of the wormhole, but we have only been able to efficiently create wormholes leading to a space several meters directly in front of the origin point. So a ship will emerge from the end of one wormhole to create another. Thus it travels, for instance, a lightyear, but it has actually moved twenty five lightyears."
Galna showed Steve the insides of one of the ships, and some basics of the technology.
while leaving the ship, Galna looked to Steve.
"We should probably discuss agreements of trade and so on, as well as preparations for the construction of a space station capable of holding and launching starships in orbit above your nation."

(ooc: by the way, I've changed the speed of the freightors, as the speed I gave them is much, much too fast, in retrospect.)

OOC: Caught the change.

IC: Steve Janssen thought about trade possibilities for a moment, and realized he hadn't really been given specific instructions. He had simply been dispatched in an emergency to try to head off the intergalactic incident that would occur had Galna been wandering the airport for all day without any sort of help, for he knew that an ignored diplomat did not a happy diplomat make. Yet, his instructions were simply to get to the airport and placate the diplomat; he had absolutely no guidance whatsoever on treaties. He knew that the Ministry of Defence had looked on this as primarily a one-time purchase...oh, what to say...

Finally, he said, "Probably our most urgent needs center on training. Not only must we train crew, but also half a million colonists for the rigors of life a few hundred light-years away. And we hope to eventually evacuate enough colonists to exceed natural population growth, that is, we want our Earthbound population to decrease. This takes lots of expertise that we do not have.

At the moment, I do not know what you can provide us that will not be redundant with the assistance offered by others. Know this though...as most of our colony ships will constantly be going back and forth between Earth and whatever systems we end up colonizing, we will need automated or semiautomated orbital defenses. We do not have the capacity to tie up our ships in permanantly guarding systems at the moment; we need every available resource for transporting colonists. I would guess that we most urgently require orbital defence platforms and a shipyard.

As for possibilities of trade--we don't even know what we really have to trade yet. I suppose we could mine more copper and gold easily enough, in exchange for knowledge of your specialized metal alloys. However, any trade treaties would need to be ratified by Parliament, and I hear that the Gaian Ascendancy, the other civilization that has proposed such long-term relationships, is having quite a time convincing Parliament to go along, for we have been isolationist until now."

((OC- do ya one better..))
----

Aleaic listened to the words and was suprised.

He shot a worried look at his Advisors, and then at P.M. Whitfield before responding.

"I must admit. We had either missed that part, or was ill informed one way or another.

Is this true?" Aleaic put with a staight tone.

Prime Minister Whitfield answered, "Yes, it is true, we are seeking to reduce our numbers on Earth because of overpopulation and dramatic climate change. This is why we sent the wide-band transmission seeking assistance in faster-than-light propulsion, among other things."

Aleaic silently growled to himself.

Then he made his response. "I will be blunt before other questions arise.

If you wish to bring your civilization into the stars, you have to realize one thing. Do not do things that make you rushed. We are ready to assist you in every conceivable way.

But all that can only work to it's utter effectiveness, if you lose the ideas that 'got' you into this trouble in the first place!

People, you MUST end this conservatisim that has led you to enact a drastic course, with no garauntee of success. Yes getting ships is simple. But surviving in space is far more difficult. It gets really ugly at times up there, and it does no good if your minds are still too close to home, and that home is going up in flames!"

He sighs and calms down a bit.

"..and I can guess 'why' the climate has changed so drastically. Suddenly 'that' much is clear. Well...

..I will hold off other judgement, but impart this bit for you to hopefully follow as you vote.

This all, what you are about to embark upon, is not only for your 'current' civilization..

..but for the future ones as well. Your children, will have a hope, that is lacking upon this very ground. Your names and deeds, will be carved on soil and rock not of this planet. And your children will speak of names that one day, could rise prominetly as... well.. spirits and gods.

I believe your new day has come."

Aleaic looks about. "Any other questions?"

Finally, he said, "Probably our most urgent needs center on training. Not only must we train crew, but also half a million colonists for the rigors of life a few hundred light-years away. And we hope to eventually evacuate enough colonists to exceed natural population growth, that is, we want our Earthbound population to decrease. This takes lots of expertise that we do not have.

At the moment, I do not know what you can provide us that will not be redundant with the assistance offered by others. Know this though...as most of our colony ships will constantly be going back and forth between Earth and whatever systems we end up colonizing, we will need automated or semiautomated orbital defenses. We do not have the capacity to tie up our ships in permanantly guarding systems at the moment; we need every available resource for transporting colonists. I would guess that we most urgently require orbital defence platforms and a shipyard.
"We've brought technicians to train your first crews on the maintainence of the ships. And I doubt that you will be sending any colonists hundreds of light years away, as that would require, even in our most advanced ships, years, supposing that you do not stumble upon a natural wormhole."
"obviously, you will need defences. Even in Cyrian Space, we are plagued by the Flaming Fist pirate organization. Fringes of them, and of every pirate organization in space, are likely to be present wherever you are going, and some of your own citizens will, as time goes on, get hold of starships of their own and begin their own pirate networks. Arrangements could be made with the Cyrian Space military to send a couple of cruisers and destroyers to defend your shipments and colonies, and trade agreements in orbital weaponry can be reached. Neither of us have the power to make these trade agreements, I'm just here to get a feel for what needs to be done."
"We have colonized a number of worlds, and have a number of populated space stations, so I may be able to arrange for people who are qualified to train your citizens in what is required."
"Most of the trade that will have to occur will be on the colonies you plan to make. There are things you will require we will be able to provide more cheaply than you are. Oxygen, water, other necessities. We would like to assist you in providing for the needs of your citizens."
(ooc: Basically, I want to be a close ally and trade partner. When you start your colony, some of your defenses will likely be Cyrian.)

The MPs sat in stunned silence, as Lord Kerensky had just convicted more than half its members.

The Capitalizts looked around nervously; although they generally opposed environmental regulations, they did so out of personal greed, and knew in their hearts that had the world had stricter environmental regulations fifty years ago, the current problems might have been headed off. Though Evil Woody Thoughts had some of the strictest environmental laws in the world, the Capitalizts had, with a small degree of success, lobbied for relaxing enforcement.

The Übernationalizts had been even more damned, for they were the most conservative. When, thirty years ago, the first dustings of snow were recorded below 10,000 feet elevation, the government had requested that the governments of Decisive Action, now VoteEarly, Kahta, and Canad a regulate emissions more, for they knew that those were the nations that were primarily responsible for damaging the Gulf Current upon which Evil Woody Thoughts relied on for its subtropical climate. DA and Kahta had agreed, as they were experiencing even more bizarre weather, but Canad a refused. The Übernationalizt Party, in its promotion of isolationalism, persuaded the government to drop the issue.

The Socialists and the Greens, the two parties that strongly favored environmental regulation, had "I told you so" written all over their faces. And now, there existed a strange alliance between Socialists, Greens, and Capitalizts to solve this problem, as even the Capitalizts were now realising that going green would save money in the long term. Yet the three parties put together only controlled 24 seats.

The MPs sat in silence, contemplating the future of Evil Woody Thoughts, indeed, humanity. The land was already at its maximum capacity, and that capacity would at best hold steady for twenty years, then decrease by about three million a year...

Finally, Prime Minister Whitfield, who had long planned to break party lines and sign the treaty, should it be ratified, broke the silence. "The time for questions has elapsed. We now begin the internal debates..."

As he said this, he looked up at the skylights. They were covered in white. In May.

"We've brought technicians to train your first crews on the maintainence of the ships. And I doubt that you will be sending any colonists hundreds of light years away, as that would require, even in our most advanced ships, years, supposing that you do not stumble upon a natural wormhole."
"obviously, you will need defences. Even in Cyrian Space, we are plagued by the Flaming Fist pirate organization. Fringes of them, and of every pirate organization in space, are likely to be present wherever you are going, and some of your own citizens will, as time goes on, get hold of starships of their own and begin their own pirate networks. Arrangements could be made with the Cyrian Space military to send a couple of cruisers and destroyers to defend your shipments and colonies, and trade agreements in orbital weaponry can be reached. Neither of us have the power to make these trade agreements, I'm just here to get a feel for what needs to be done."
"We have colonized a number of worlds, and have a number of populated space stations, so I may be able to arrange for people who are qualified to train your citizens in what is required."
"Most of the trade that will have to occur will be on the colonies you plan to make. There are things you will require we will be able to provide more cheaply than you are. Oxygen, water, other necessities. We would like to assist you in providing for the needs of your citizens."
(ooc: Basically, I want to be a close ally and trade partner. When you start your colony, some of your defenses will likely be Cyrian.)

"Well, right now, the direction of the government still has a slight bit of uncertainty...the Parliament is right now deliberating over similar arrangements proposed by the Gaian Ascendancy. That vote will give me far more information on our policies than I am able to provide now. It's expected to be a close vote, hence the uncertainty.

I personally don't know how far these systems are..."

Adam Fritz, the sole Independent, was the first to stand. The Prime Minister, somewhat eager to break the uneasy and unusual silence, wasted no time in opening his mouth. "Adam Fritz of the Independent Party is now recognized."

"Four months ago, I opposed the appropriations and authorizations for this...project. I did so out of a suspicion that our transmissions would go unanswered, and that money that could be used addressing this problem in some other manner would simply be thrown out into the vacuum of space, never to be seen again. I have since been proven wrong, as evidenced by the presence of Lord Kerensky and his advisors in this chamber. I wish to submit an editorial from February into the record, as it will provide a useful reminder of what faces us should we turn back, as well as a useful summary of what we face to our honored guests."

Prime Minister Whitfield recognized Adam Fritz's request.

Adam Fritz then read his editorial into the Parliamentary Record:

The debate on overpopulation is unending as of late, and has raged in Parliament for weeks now. UN population projection show that The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts will have a billion mouths to feed and house within twenty years. As Evil Woody Thoughts was an archipelego nation, it has four choices: do nothing, and let people starve and the economy tank, expand through land reclaimation, expand through war, or expand through space colonization.

So what option do we take?

The first choice is utterly unacceptable, and is recognized as such by nearly all parties in the debate. Evil Woody Thoughts has used the second before; Woodyeen Island, a 110,000 square mile volcanic island similar to Japan in its geography, was summoned fourth from the Middle Atlantic some thirty years ago. Yet it too is overcrowded, and replicating that feat would send trillions of tons of ash, sulfur, and carbon dioxide into an atmosphere that cannot handle it. Due to the loss of the Gulf Stream Current, brought on by global warming, Evil Woody Thoughts has gone from a semi-tropical climate to that of boreal forest in the last fifteen years, along with the nasty declines in crop yields that go with such a change.

The Arms Manufacturing Industry recommends war as a means to expand, but the only nations worth declaring war on would probably end up conquering Evil Woody Thoughts themselves. This is not achievable unless we spend more than half our GDP on defense, no matter what the ludicrous Prime Minister Whitfield says. To follow such a policy would also mean disaster for the economy.

The 'easy' way out seems to be space colonization, though we simply do not have the technology, nor the time to research and develop it. This means we would have to purchase it, and it cannot be bought but dearly. However, given the choice between endless war, becoming an arctic wasteland, and becoming another Bangladesh, it might be the least painful way out of our population woes.

It has since become more apparent that, despite its uncertainties, space colonization is the best option available from us. Days after this editorial was published, we voted to start down this path. And now, spare us the insolence of turning back, for the nation of Evil Woody Thoughts will then be remembered as the nation that condemned hundreds of millions to death, out of nothing but cowardice."

At this point, Jeff Schönberg of the Übernationalist Party immediately stood up, and was recognized by the Prime Minister.

"And what was the price paid for your impending vote to sell out our national sovereignty? Have we now become a nation of whores?"

Adam Fritz immediately rose for a rebuttal, and the Prime Minister could immediately tell where the debate was going...straight into hell. He resisted the temptation to roll his eyes, and then recognized Mr. Fritz.

Barely able to control his voice, Mr. Fritz bellowed, "I have never met a Gaian official until today. It is folly to assume that I have been paid off by them. Do you now want the Gaian Ascendancy to declare war upon us? Are you trying to bait them? I could think of no better way than to impugn the integrity of foreign leaders before you have even met them, than to accuse them of offering bribes before you even know what unit of currency they use. I implore you to silence, before you anger the Gaians enough to withdraw their most generous offers!"

This shut Jeff Schönberg up in a hurry.

Carol Ronen then rose, and was quickly greeted by "Carol Ronen of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

Carol turned to Jeff Schönberg and asked him rather bluntly, "Would you rather have a fifty percent chance of successful expansion and subsequent national glory, or a hundred percent chance of national decline?"

Jeff Schönberg slumped further into his seat. He had been quickly and thoroughly shamed. And along with Mr. Schönberg, most of the Übernationalizt Party had been either shamed or intimidated into silence. For several minutes, the chamber once again sat in an eerie silence.

After about ten minutes, Jacqueline Collins of the Capitalizt Party rose, and asked a series of questions about logistical and cost uncertainties. The Capitalizts and Socialists debated this point, in a mostly civilized manner, for about forty minutes, before someone noted that most of the $4 trillion initial appropriation had remained unspent and could act as a reserve fund.

Finally, just before the time limit expired, Chris Lauzen of the Green Party rose, and was recognized.

"As the debate has recently turned to mundane details, I wish to remind you of something. The environment on Earth has been altered permanantly. For all intents and purposes, we have brought on a new Ice Age, and this is what brought us to this position. Lord Kerensky was correct in pointing out that decades of conservatism and isolationism blinded us to the problem that we faced. And now, we not only have the chance to address this problem, but we have also been offered help in addressing it. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, I suggest we take it."

A fitting last comment, Prime Minister Whitfield thought to himself. He then banged his gavel and said, "The time limit for debate has now expired. Please cast your votes on your keypads now."

The Übernationalizts were deep in thought, and held up the vote count for a full twenty minutes. Finally, the (extended) time limit for voting ran out, the Prime Minister announced the totals: "We have 34 YEA votes, 12 NAY votes, and 4 not voting. This treaty is ratified, and I shall sign it." He banged his gavel again to signal the dismissal of Parliament.

(OOC: Would have typed up a longer, more detailed debate worthy of two hours, but I ran out of time to type before I had to go. :P)

OOC: I would like to move on to the colonization RP. GA, feel free to RP Aleiac's reaction to recent Parliamentary events, CS, feel free to submit diplomatic proposals on this thread so I can include my response to them on the new thread. I'll type up the colonization RP later tonight; it'll start about fourteen months later. I'll edit it to reflect other posts if necessary.

I wanted to start this other thread a week ago, so I hope you all understand why I'm kind of in a hurry...

Okay, here's a rundown of the proposals made while you gear up to colonize.

Treaty of friendship: Cyrian Space and Evil woody thoughts will engage in mostly free trade, with low tariffs, and free trade between citizens. Cyrian Space will maintain an open border with Evil Woody Thoughts, and embassies will be exchanged. Cyrian space will come to the defense of Evil Woody Thoughts should it be attacked with little or no provocation.

Treaty of colonial support: Cyrian Space will make available it's military forces at a low service fee to Woodian colonies, and will allow food, atmospheric gasses, and other necessities of life to be lent on credit at a fixed* interest rate of .1 percent compunded annually. Cyrian Space will provide the best quality resources possible at the lowest prices possible for sale to Woodian colonies. Cyrian space will maintain open lines of trade to all Woodian colonies, and will offer aid in the event of catastrophe.
*Fixed means that the interest rate does not change. After reviewing the proliferation of "Credit cards" with "fixed interest rates" on your planet, we felt a need to mention this.

Non Piracy Agreement: Cyrian Space and Evil Woody Thoughts will do all in their power to prevent the proliferation of piracy, in and between the two nations. Evil Woody Thoughts will not grant assylum to Pirates fleeing Cyrian space, and will allow Cyrian Authorities to apprehend them. Cyrian Space will do likewise regarding pirates from Evil Woody Thoughts.

Treaty of Education: Cyrian Space will accept Woodians to it's institutions of learning, for a yearly tuition fee of $9000. (Cyrian's typically get this for free, but they pay for it through taxes.) Cyrian Space will also provide basic survival training for free.

Any input you want to make on these proposals would be good.
Any other agreements you want to make with us should go on the table.

*Fixed means that the interest rate does not change. After reviewing the proliferation of "Credit cards" with "fixed interest rates" on your planet, we felt a need to mention this.

OOC: LOL :D

Okay, here's a rundown of the proposals made while you gear up to colonize.

Treaty of friendship: Cyrian Space and Evil woody thoughts will engage in mostly free trade, with low tariffs, and free trade between citizens. Cyrian Space will maintain an open border with Evil Woody Thoughts, and embassies will be exchanged. Cyrian space will come to the defense of Evil Woody Thoughts should it be attacked with little or no provocation.

Treaty of colonial support: Cyrian Space will make available it's military forces at a low service fee to Woodian colonies, and will allow food, atmospheric gasses, and other necessities of life to be lent on credit at a fixed* interest rate of .1 percent compunded annually. Cyrian Space will provide the best quality resources possible at the lowest prices possible for sale to Woodian colonies. Cyrian space will maintain open lines of trade to all Woodian colonies, and will offer aid in the event of catastrophe.*Fixed means that the interest rate does not change. After reviewing the proliferation of "Credit cards" with "fixed interest rates" on your planet, we felt a need to mention this.

Non Piracy Agreement: Cyrian Space and Evil Woody Thoughts will do all in their power to prevent the proliferation of piracy, in and between the two nations. Evil Woody Thoughts will not grant assylum to Pirates fleeing Cyrian space, and will allow Cyrian Authorities to apprehend them. Cyrian Space will do likewise regarding pirates from Evil Woody Thoughts.

Treaty of Education: Cyrian Space will accept Woodians to it's institutions of learning, for a yearly tuition fee of $9000. (Cyrian's typically get this for free, but they pay for it through taxes.) Cyrian Space will also provide basic survival training for free.

Any input you want to make on these proposals would be good.
Any other agreements you want to make with us should go on the table.

Regarding the Non-Piracy Agreement: We would like the rights to apprehend pirates fleeing Cyrian space ourselves if it is more convienent for us, i.e. if we already have warships stationed in the area. We will extradite pirates apprehended in this manner to the Cyrian judiciary. Cyrian space would have reciprocal apprehension/extradition rights and responsibilities concerning pirates fleeing Evil Woody Thoughts jurisdiction.

Treaty of Education: We would like to extend similar rights to Cyrian students who wish to study at Woodian educational institutions. The tuition would be $9,000 per year or equivalent to expenditures per student at the institution in question, whichever is less.

Cyrian space shall be eligible for a discount, as yet to be determined, on any storefronts we may happen to open in the future, in appreciation for its low-interest loan colonial support. (OOC: When I have some decent industry established, I'm planning on acquiring generic SW tech and then reverse-engineering it. :D )

With these modifications, ratification of this treaty is very likely in light of recent votes in Parliament.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Evil Empire of Evil Woody Thoughts

All the modifications have been voted as acceptable by the Cyrian Space Representative Forum.

I started the new thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8324981#post8324981).

Adam Fritz, the sole Independent, was the first to stand. The Prime Minister, somewhat eager to break the uneasy and unusual silence, wasted no time in opening his mouth. "Adam Fritz of the Independent Party is now recognized."

"Four months ago, I opposed the appropriations and authorizations for this...project. I did so out of a suspicion that our transmissions would go unanswered, and that money that could be used addressing this problem in some other manner would simply be thrown out into the vacuum of space, never to be seen again. I have since been proven wrong, as evidenced by the presence of Lord Kerensky and his advisors in this chamber. I wish to submit an editorial from February into the record, as it will provide a useful reminder of what faces us should we turn back, as well as a useful summary of what we face to our honored guests."

Prime Minister Whitfield recognized Adam Fritz's request.

Adam Fritz then read his editorial into the Parliamentary Record:



It has since become more apparent that, despite its uncertainties, space colonization is the best option available from us. Days after this editorial was published, we voted to start down this path. And now, spare us the insolence of turning back, for the nation of Evil Woody Thoughts will then be remembered as the nation that condemned hundreds of millions to death, out of nothing but cowardice."

At this point, Jeff Schönberg of the Übernationalist Party immediately stood up, and was recognized by the Prime Minister.

"And what was the price paid for your impending vote to sell out our national sovereignty? Have we now become a nation of whores?"

Adam Fritz immediately rose for a rebuttal, and the Prime Minister could immediately tell where the debate was going...straight into hell. He resisted the temptation to roll his eyes, and then recognized Mr. Fritz.

Barely able to control his voice, Mr. Fritz bellowed, "I have never met a Gaian official until today. It is folly to assume that I have been paid off by them. Do you now want the Gaian Ascendancy to declare war upon us? Are you trying to bait them? I could think of no better way than to impugn the integrity of foreign leaders before you have even met them, than to accuse them of offering bribes before you even know what unit of currency they use. I implore you to silence, before you anger the Gaians enough to withdraw their most generous offers!"

This shut Jeff Schönberg up in a hurry.

Carol Ronen then rose, and was quickly greeted by "Carol Ronen of the Übernationalizt Party is now recognized."

Carol turned to Jeff Schönberg and asked him rather bluntly, "Would you rather have a fifty percent chance of successful expansion and subsequent national glory, or a hundred percent chance of national decline?"

Jeff Schönberg slumped further into his seat. He had been quickly and thoroughly shamed. And along with Mr. Schönberg, most of the Übernationalizt Party had been either shamed or intimidated into silence. For several minutes, the chamber once again sat in an eerie silence.

After about ten minutes, Jacqueline Collins of the Capitalizt Party rose, and asked a series of questions about logistical and cost uncertainties. The Capitalizts and Socialists debated this point, in a mostly civilized manner, for about forty minutes, before someone noted that most of the $4 trillion initial appropriation had remained unspent and could act as a reserve fund.

Finally, just before the time limit expired, Chris Lauzen of the Green Party rose, and was recognized.

"As the debate has recently turned to mundane details, I wish to remind you of something. The environment on Earth has been altered permanantly. For all intents and purposes, we have brought on a new Ice Age, and this is what brought us to this position. Lord Kerensky was correct in pointing out that decades of conservatism and isolationism blinded us to the problem that we faced. And now, we not only have the chance to address this problem, but we have also been offered help in addressing it. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, I suggest we take it."

A fitting last comment, Prime Minister Whitfield thought to himself. He then banged his gavel and said, "The time limit for debate has now expired. Please cast your votes on your keypads now."

The Übernationalizts were deep in thought, and held up the vote count for a full twenty minutes. Finally, the (extended) time limit for voting ran out, the Prime Minister announced the totals: "We have 34 YEA votes, 12 NAY votes, and 4 not voting. This treaty is ratified, and I shall sign it." He banged his gavel again to signal the dismissal of Parliament.

(OOC: Would have typed up a longer, more detailed debate worthy of two hours, but I ran out of time to type before I had to go. :P)


---

Aleaic had returned to his seat when the debate began. As it began, Azusa leaned past Al's wives to speak..

"Youth, there are times I think you still require lessons in tact."

Aleaic nods. "I know.. I know..

..but then parents do the same thing to their kinseths. And sometimes the same has to be done on larger scales."

Azusa nods. "I will tell your own parents thus."

Aleaic blinks. "Oh sure, and then a leader of a star race gets grounded for a few weeks. Peachy..." ..which makes Tsui and Arashi giggle a good bit.

They then sit and listen to the debate, making mental notes on ways to ensure that their fears come to nothing...

..and then the vote, and a slight pensive, sigh of relief is made. Thus because just about half the vote wasn't For.

..and incumbent electors tended to act like those that elected them.

"We got out work cut out for us." Tsunami quips as the session ends.