NationStates Jolt Archive

Talbott, not much of a system to look at, really... but holy DAMN the view!

Situated in a remarkably colorful molecular cloud, shaded with blues and reds and a panopoly of secondary hues between them, Talbott was a Binary Star planetary system. Both of the stars, Oberon and Titania, respectively were your typical G-class stars, destined for a long and happy life as the two stars danced the eons away. The leader of the survey expedition, whose name was... well... Talbott (duh) had decided that the names seemed oddly apt for a system that looked very much like a Midsummer Night's dream.

Surrounding the star were the following, in order: A single lump of molten rock in orbit around the two parent stars so closely that every now and then it actually orbited between the two primaries, was named 'Puck' by Talbott, who then left the naming of the other major features to the rest of his crew.

Next up was a large Gas Giant, greenish in hue, two times jupiter in mass, and 'Galni' by name, drifting lazily approximately 2.5 AU away from its host and host to an extensive number of surprisingly decent moons, two of which were actually earth sized and one of which holding a nitrogen atmosphere that might actually be suitable for terraforming.

Beyond this, the 'Mosaic' asteroid belt, so named for being so dense and thick that one could actually play connect the dots with the reflecting glints of the asteroids from Galni's moons. The asteroid belt also played host to several decently sized planetoids, one of which was also earth sized and the rest reaching no larger than Mars, every one of the major planetoids strangly spaced 'just right' so that they kept each other in orbit with their respective gravitational pulls.

Leaving the system for further reaches was another binary, this time a double planet system as two medium gas giants, waltz and tango by name, due to one being bright blue and white while the other was yellow and orange. This group also played host to an extensive moon system, although their largest moons were nowhere near as large as the ones held by Galni or the Mosaic, the largest one massing at approximately that of Europa, give or take a gram.

And on the outer boundaries... paydirt.

An ice field for as far as the eye could see, given the name Outland, glinting in the fading sunlight and the eerie glow from the surrounding nebula, it was well and truly a sight to behold. From Waltz and Tango, one could see the great band of ice reflecting prismatic hues back, like a giant rainbow spanning all the way across the night. Plus it was a good source of water, which was fortunate because water would be tremendously useful for terraforming efforts.

Above Galni a surprisingly massive Godulan fleet consisting of Two Widowmakers, 'Diamondeye' and 'Sledgehammer' respectively, ten DawnRunner Battlefleets, and a massive number of supply and construction vessels.

A single DawnRunner fleet had been waiting in-system for their arrival, after sending back initial survey information and being told that a colonization fleet was on the way once it had been determined that the system was uninhabited and well away from prying eyes.

"Welcome to Talbott, dear friends! Enjoy the view while you can, we're gonna be too busy to enjoy it for the next few years," Came the comm message from Admiral Talbott, leader of the survey expedition from the 37th DawnRunner Battlefleet.

"Whoa." "Daaaaaaaamn..." "Soon as we get this joint up and running, I'm bringing my kids here to see this!" "Wowzers!" "Look! That ice field out there is like a giant rainbow!" "This system is just so cuuuuuuuuute..."

Within minutes, the Supply and Construction vessels had commenced initial operations on various planetoids, and the battlefleets had released their entire complements of Defensive satellites. Some two thousand in number, which immediately scattered into the system, they would be joined later by defensive units brought in via secondary convoys.

Talbott leaned back in his command chair and enjoyed the now active view as ships spread out through the system and set to work. "I love this joint," he murmured to no one in particular...

OOC is this open btw is your nation human?)

Open-ish. I just don't want people bursting in saying "HEY! THIS SYSTEM IS OURS'N'STUFF!", starting wars with each other like what happened in Thorn, things like that. I won't mind people wondering about the sudden blaze of activity in what would otherwise be a system inhospitable to life and toodling over to investigate.

Oh, and Genetically Enhanced Humans / Cybernetic Humans / Alien-Human Symbiotes in roughly equal measure.

Bibbitty... bobbitty... BUMP

OOC: *Waits for GZ to claim the system and Kanuckistan to send in a mining ship.* :p

ooc: check you Tg

The Kriovalian Starsweepers did their job admirably, if the term can be applied to a nonsentient machine. Silently scanning activity around nearby star systems was the primary function. Transmitting interesting data back to their masters throughout the galaxy was their other skill. So when one chanced upon the X85742 double system, it recorded and reported. And then its mechanical eye wandered elsewhere. The information sped through the galaxy, aided by faster-than-light relays. Seventeen seconds later, it arrived in Torokara.

"It would appear that we have new neighbors," Varik said, looking at the console. "X85742. Interesting. Thought that was a total dead zone."

"Military establishment?" Kiv asked, though he highly doubted it.

"No, looks like a settlement or mining operation, but it could be something else. Doesn't look like a good place to built a fleet though."

"Well," the Commander said, "let's see how they're doing out there." Raijin motioned toward the Diplomatic Director.

"Already on it," Koro replied quickly, and then resumed the message he'd been working on.

Hail and welcome! We never thought that anybody would move into that system. Nice view though, isn't it? If Krioval may be so bold, what brings you to the X85742 system? We are always looking for neighbors with whom to trade.

Director Koro Vartek
Diplomacy and Trade
Armed Republic of Krioval

OOC: *Waits for GZ to claim the system and Kanuckistan to send in a mining ship.* :p

The only way I could describe that situation when it first happened was "Psychedelic"

Oh, and Krioval, might wanna have a separate name fer the stars. The Godulans gave those names to the stars when they first entered the system. Beyond that its all well and good...

The Theao world ship had finished processing the system and had begun scanning for systems with things they needed/wanted. The scanners passed over a few possibles before hitting one that had many of the wanted supplies.
The planetoid began the process of jumping(warning citizens, powering engines, ect). The world ship jumped into the binary star system. Once there they noticed another group and sent out a contact group to find out what the deal was.

The message wafted into the system, which was now quite heavily populated, as the DawnRunners and the Widowmakers had spread out to provide whatever assistance was needed as supply vessels continued to flood into the system.

Adjutant General Arcturus was forwarded the message as soon as it was received, taking it in the makeshift office that would be the Diamondeye's Commander's secondary control center until the "Apocalyptus" finished construction and arrived in-system.

He had the Widowmaker send a reply out on a similar bandwidth:

TO: Director Koro Vartek

Greetings and salutations! We had not expected anybody to notice our arrival in this system for some time, so you must understand that this message filtering in not even a day after our arrival is somewhat... intriguing.

Nevertheless, by saying the word 'Trade' you have spoken the magic word and we do OH so wish to inquire as to whether you happen to have a massive surplus of raw materials. Steel, Plastics, Superconductor gizmos, so on so forth, we are ALWAYS on the lookout for such things.

We have several commodities in which you might be interested in return. Further communications requested.

Adjutant General Arcturus, Commander, Godulan StarNavy, Talbott Sector

OOC: How big is the worldship?

ooc: 5300 Km diameter, basically it's an armoured hollowed out moon

Arcturus had just finished ordering the message sent out when an Adjutant at sensors leaned back in his chair, jaw agape.

"Uh... sir... damn... big ship..."

Arcturus walked over to the adjutant's chair and looked at the new blip that had apparently popped onto the screen just seconds ago. "Huh... looks like a hollowed out planetoid judging from gravimetric readings. Doesn't look too heavily armed though, considering.

He turned to the Comms adjutant. "Send them a signal. Ask them about origin, purpose of visit, typical stuff, tell them that they'll have to station the ship a bit further out though, and that they'll need to rely on shuttles for further contact if they have them."

One of the crusiers (contact) began travelling toward the Godular fleet, when they recived the message.
"Sir the fleet is asking our origin, purpose of visit that sort of thing."
"Tell them that we came here to do large scale mining and resource gathering, origin is not that important."

"Unknown fleet, we came to do large scale mining and resource collecting. Our origin isn't that important and further information can be discussed when we get there."


ooc: The World ship has about 2km thick armour and lots of weapons.
It hosts the entire civilian population of Theao.

The Ankhmeti Tombship 'Gravis Mortis' drifted through the Talbott system. A huge pyramid, crewed by the dead. Built in the Old Days of Ankhmeti Supremacy . It was built to move to distant systems undetected, with not even lifesigns. A crew of 10,000 was sacrificed, then their bones integrated into holy droids. The ship moved unpowered towards the system. Suddenly, a micrometor managed to breach a shield, smashing through the central shaft, bringing the reactors online. Once more the pyramid blazed into life, as it was supposed to a thousand years before. The droids buzzed and hummed, and came online again.

POWER CONSERVATION OFFLINE
LIFESIGNS PRESENT
TAKE COLONISTS OUT OF STASIS
COMMENCE DIPLOMACY
USE COLONISTS AS DIPLOMATS
COMMENCE aCTIVITY

OOC: There are 11 DawnRunner Battlefleets and 2 Widowmakers in the system. That comes to approximately... lessee... 13 primary vessels and about 200-ish Battleships, Cruisers, and Support Carriers. Each Dawnrunner fleet is fully capable of slagging a planet in hours, and the Widowmakers excel at it. I can only hope it doesn't come to the point where these numbers are actually... necessary.

"For being on the outskirts of the galaxy, this joint sure sees a lot of traffic. You sure there wasn't any interruption when we surveyed this thing for the past two weeks?"

"Yes, sir."

"Huh... Comms, reiterate to that odd planetoid that it will have to stick to the outskirts of the system and rely on shuttles for any further communications. I don't trust their reluctance to note their origin. Tell them that this system has been claimed and is in the process of undergoing development operations, so any efforts at mining are unfortunately out of the question."

"Sir, the weird Pyramid is coming online..."

"Hail them until they respond or shoot at us... we all know what to do in either event."

"Ensign contact the U-fleet and ask them if they are intrested in trading as well as if there are any resources we can mine from this system."
"Yes, sir"

"Unknown fleet, are you intrested in trade and are there any resources that we may mine?"

TO: Director Koro Vartek

Greetings and salutations! We had not expected anybody to notice our arrival in this system for some time, so you must understand that this message filtering in not even a day after our arrival is somewhat... intriguing.

Nevertheless, by saying the word 'Trade' you have spoken the magic word and we do OH so wish to inquire as to whether you happen to have a massive surplus of raw materials. Steel, Plastics, Superconductor gizmos, so on so forth, we are ALWAYS on the lookout for such things.

We have several commodities in which you might be interested in return. Further communications requested.

Adjutant General Arcturus, Commander, Godulan StarNavy, Talbott Sector

To Adjutant General Arcturus:

I am sure that your needs can properly be met. Krioval isn't exactly known for having a wealth of raw materials, mind, but our industrial capabilities are quite strong, and I'm sure that there's something we can arrange. Besides, if we don't have it now, there's probably some planet or asteroid near enough to us for resupply. Perhaps we could arrange a meeting between our two governments to iron out details of any trade agreement.

Director Koro Vartek
Diplomacy and Trade
Armed Republic of Krioval

Their was a small distortion, right before a Blue Ship that looked like Two Six pointed stars attached with one veritcal and the other Horizontal. The ship was blue in Hue, and was escorted by Twelve ships that looked like Smooth blunted Cones. The Ships noticed larger amounts of activity then what had been when they had left and the units made the message.

To: The Ships in System
From: Force Leader Keji of House Shizunwa

We request permission to set up a Shadow Gate in the area, to allow ferring of people through.

OOC I am expecting this to be denied, the Tsurani think every nation thinks as they do, and will allow the Tsurani land on the area. Of corse, this is a lie, but then, this is fun

"Ensign contact the U-fleet and ask them if they are intrested in trading as well as if there are any resources we can mine from this system."
"Yes, sir"

"Unknown fleet, are you intrested in trade and are there any resources that we may mine?"

We are always willing to trade, but as previously stated, this entire system is undergoing development, and mining will unfortunately be out of the question. Perhaps a few contingents of Ant Drone Robots to assist in any subsequent mining efforts.

We suspect that you will find our Robot and Computer technologies somewhere in the range of 'beyond the pale'

To Adjutant General Arcturus:

I am sure that your needs can properly be met. Krioval isn't exactly known for having a wealth of raw materials, mind, but our industrial capabilities are quite strong, and I'm sure that there's something we can arrange. Besides, if we don't have it now, there's probably some planet or asteroid near enough to us for resupply. Perhaps we could arrange a meeting between our two governments to iron out details of any trade agreement.

Director Koro Vartek
Diplomacy and Trade
Armed Republic of Krioval

TO: Koro Vartek

Our industrial capacity is prodigious in our own right, as we focus on the crafting of specialized alloys, shipbuilding, and robotics. However... there might be something you can assist us with...

To: The Ships in System
From: Force Leader Keji of House Shizunwa

We request permission to set up a Shadow Gate in the area, to allow ferring of people through.

OOC I am expecting this to be denied, the Tsurani think every nation thinks as they do, and will allow the Tsurani land on the area. Of corse, this is a lie, but then, this is fun

OOC: This is actually a harder decision than you think... as I recently became an AoN HighLord when people weren't looking. (Should prolly introduce myself on the boards, but they didn't look busy at the time and I couldn't think of anything to say) PS Thanks Gronde.

Arcturus leaned back at the sound of a loud buzzing from the comms station, a strange light had popped on and was causing everyone to turn, as truthfully they hadn't seen that thing go off before.

"Ally alert," Arcturus said to himself as if to remind himself of what the button was. He tapped the small panel next to the blinking light and saw what appeared to be a small search engine filtering through a list of nation names and ship designs.

It had hit a match. AoN affiliate. They were gonna be getting fast transit gates to the system anyway! Having too many gates in the system would be just as bad as leaving the system undefended, so the AoN Gates would have to suffice for now.

TO: Force Leader Keji of House Shizunwa

Denied and unnecessary. As we are AoN affiliates, there will be large jumpgates installed post haste. Two of them, as a matter of fact, installed on the outskirts of the system to prevent them from accidentally falling into a planet. As further elaboration, we are leery of adding further gates to the system.

"Are there any minerals, elements or compounds that you will not be processing from this system.? Also we would be intrested in what you consider 'beyond the pale' for robotic and computer tech. Also we wish to trade for organic materials."

Unfortunately, we use everything we find. From Iron to Uranium to water. We have honed our refining and metallurgy to the point that nothing is wasted, and truth be told, we don't want this joint to turn into nothing more than a dust heap... I mean, LOOK AT IT... that view! We aren't gonna ruin this place by sucking it dry. Although we have noticed a few asteroid fields further out beyond the ice ring. Further scanning of one of them revealed a relatively high titanium content. Sending coordinates, you have permission to mine that as it does not affect the view, and in return for a percentage of whatever you acquire, we will provide you with an impressive supply of Ant Drones that can help both with construction and mining.

As for what constitutes 'Beyond The Pale', we have spent the vast majority of our existence refining robotics and computing technologies that were provided ot us free of charge by a very good... if very elusive friend of ours. We have been learning and improving those technologies, and have progressed far from that which we were initially given.

What most would consider ground-breaking technology in such fields, even in this day and age, we very often see as relics of eons past.

TO: Koro Vartek

Our industrial capacity is prodigious in our own right, as we focus on the crafting of specialized alloys, shipbuilding, and robotics. However... there might be something you can assist us with...

Interesting. The suspense builds already. We would like to hear more. As to our economy, we focus a great deal on biological enhancement rather than cybernetic, though we get by in that regard as well. I await your response

~ Koro

The World ship headed toward the asteroid they had been given to strip moving quite a bit faster than would be expected.

"We would be intrested in seeing how your comtech and robotics compare to our own as ours are highly advanced as well. Also we must decline the offer of Ant Drones as our method is most efficiant at processing resources in the manner we require."

OOC: Early on in Godular's history, the Emperor Fenix gave the Godulans his entire robotics technology tree, along with massive amounts of AI and computer technology, with only one stipulation: Don't make the same mistakes we did.

Keep in mind, this was back when Godular was a Post-MT nation. Since then, Godular has gone fully FT and essentially continued progressing along the technology line for what would amount to several centuries of strenuous research and development.

The Godulan Ant Robot Swarms form the effective cornerstone behind large-scale mining and construction projects, as one can simply program them with a certain task, such as 'Mine >Insert Material Name Here<', or 'Build This' >insert construction specifications<. The ants can very easily mine hollow an iron-titanium rich asteroid up to and including 1000km across within a week. The ants also maintain a rather interesting Hive Mentality. More than 200 ants together creates an interesting combined entity capable of improvisation and adaptation on a magnificent scale.

Other applications of our Robotics technologies are found in Godulan Spyfly Swarms, which effectively make Godular completely terrorist proof, as one cannot tell whether that roach under the couch is real or planted. Furthermore, Godulan Cougars and StarSpiders are the primary reason that we fear no boarding party, and have no need for boarding parties of our own.

Honestly, what would you do if you saw a 7-foot-tall at the shoulder metal cat stalking down the corridor with an assault blaster attached to its back and a flamethrower in its mouth? What would you do if we had programmed it with the protocols enabling it to feed on organic flesh? And don't even ask about the Starspiders.

Cybernetics, of course, are as much a Godulan forte as robotics, and the Godulans are easily capable of transferring a human brain into a robotic body so realistic that the new body's fingernails and hair grow like normal, while maintaining an amazing boost to strength and speed.

And finally, Godulan computing. Quantum computers? FEH! Doorstops! Wait... I misspoke, Doorstops have more computing power than those hunks of wasted metal...

TO: Koro Vartek

Actually, its not all that climactic. By the way you sent us this message, you have scanned the area surrounding the system quite well, and we have not yet had the chance to scan the nebula more deeply. If there is any chance you could provide us with in-depth scans of the nebula around Talbott and the surrounding chunk of space, we would be very grateful.

~Arcturus

TO: Koro Vartek

Actually, its not all that climactic. By the way you sent us this message, you have scanned the area surrounding the system quite well, and we have not yet had the chance to scan the nebula more deeply. If there is any chance you could provide us with in-depth scans of the nebula around Talbott and the surrounding chunk of space, we would be very grateful.

~Arcturus

In hopes of solid relations between our two countries, Krioval is willing to send the preliminary scans at once. More detailed scans can be provided, but they aren't exactly cheap to perform. I apologize for being so direct, however we cannot fulfill requests for more advanced telemetry without some arrangement for our compensation. If you would like, our Starsweepers and Explorers will be deployed in strength to your position; they will be unarmed. We hope that this arrangement will be mutually beneficial.

~ Koro

Just the preliminary scans will be sufficient, we intend to scan more thoroughly when the Archonal Command arrives with more support.

From the looks of it, this nebula is a veritable warren of staging areas and hidey-holes. A very defensible system indeed. Looks like there are a few more unused systems in the nebula as well... a very good pick on our part...

Just the preliminary scans will be sufficient, we intend to scan more thoroughly when the Archonal Command arrives with more support.

From the looks of it, this nebula is a veritable warren of staging areas and hidey-holes. A very defensible system indeed. Looks like there are a few more unused systems in the nebula as well... a very good pick on our part...

Transmission complete. Enjoy the system. Perhaps we'll send a trade representative when your operation is at full capacity.

~ Koro

It would be appreciated. Thank you for your time, and these scans.

"We have stripped the asteroid of all usable metal, we shall send you 5% of the mass by magbucket. Thank you and good-bye." The world ship transmitted as well as launched a drone carrying the ore as the ship disappeared.

Keji moved his hand over his face wearily. First those Shadow Creatures had insisted on showing him around his house now this. He shook his head and nodded to the coms officer.

Replyer: Keji

We are sorry to bother you, but the Empire is not exactly Stable at the moment.......to be honest, this could make or break the Blue Wheel Party for the Next Three months. We would like to set up the gate right near one of yours then, and allow you to guard it with what ever you feel is nessersary. However, this little act will possibly establish the one the Emperor named Steward in his absance. Because of the Plotics of our Empire, almost no one will listen to him unless a party that supports him has enough support in the High Council. I swear, on my Honour, the honour of my house and the Honour of the Empire the Blue Wheel Party will work against any movement into this system.

Upon further consideration, we will allow the 'Shadow Gate' to be constructed. Further out from the system. A station will be constructed to assist in whatever commerce you wish to conduct in Talbott or the remainder of the... oh... that brown-nosing bastage... >remind me to give Admiral Talbott a thorough ass-chewing for naming this damn thing after me< Arcturus nebula. Coordinates for construction of the gate are being sent with this message.

We look forward to further communications.

Keji Bowed to the Camera, and then moved his wings so they formed a point, the Tsurani Version of a Salute.

"Strike Leader, move our ship to the ordered location, then initate the gate Understood?" He said in a athoritive voice.

"Yes SIR!" The man replied, before roaring orders over the deck.

From the outside the ship dissapered, then reappered at the designated locaction. The Fact was, the ship had made a small jump, with engies that would in the near future be increased in power to allow majorly quick transportation. Keji Nodded, and the ships two starical parts moved and connected, making it "Two Stories" So to speak. The center of the ship then opened, and a huge projection began to make a Black hole (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/Scoote/212200220631PM.jpg) in the middle of a Blue Pulse. The design was much more graceful then the old designs ((Shown)) And looked like the Star Of David, with a hole in the middle. The Five escorts moved through the gate, and the thing stood their by itself.

"Success my Lord, on Two counts. We Now have the gate established, and the Warparty, the Party for Progress and the Technology Parties Support us in the council." Keji nodded and smiled, he could make force commander for this.

"I wonder when my ship is gonna get here," Arcturus mumbled to himself as he walked back to his office. The Diamondeye's captain could handle succeeding operations, and the Adjutant General couldn't help but wonder what his new command center would look like. Giving the small box of personal effects sitting in the corner a thoughtful glance, he returned to his seat and began reading through the paperwork that had filtered through during his comms session.

Some hours later, a trio of DawnRunners materialized in-system, with their typical complements of support craft and developmental vessels, and sent a comms message to the Diamondeye.

Archonal Command Ship 'Apocalyptus' will be arriving in system tomorrow, transit will be completed over Galni. Commencing pre-assigned development operations.

Arcturus had just finished reading his paperwork by this point, and simply started tidying up his datapads and missives, since they were really the only things meant for him in the office. Packing was easy when ya didn't unpack anything along the way...

The day passed without incident for the most part, and the next day passed in a bustle of activity as more Defensive drones, supply ships, and construction platforms arrived and dispersed into the system. Already a goodly number of mining centers and refineries were set up, along with an almost unnatural amount of plante-based defensive platforms. Even now, the system boasted twelve PPD Cannon installations, enough to make even the most massive of fleets to shiver with dread.

Then, at approximately 10:30pm ship time, a new trio of DawnRunners materialized at random spots in the system, transmitting a message to all ships in the vicinity.

MAKE WAY! MAKE WAY FOR THE 'APOCALYPTUS'!

The new DawnRunner fleet that materialized closest to the Diamondeye continued:

Adjutant General Arcturus sir! We believe that your ride has arrived.

A muffled "'Bout damn time!" erupted from the General's office on the Diamondeye, followed by the General leaving said office with a box of personal effects, heading towards the transporter bay.

Several minutes later, a massive, matte-black, wickedly edged, six-bladed arrowhead came into existence over one of Galni's moons, flanked by two more DawnRunner battlefleets and a veritable swarm of supply ships and defensive drones.

At 30km in length, the vessel one no contests on size, but what it lacked in bulk it more than made up for in surprising agility and overwhelming firepower. It was the Godulans' second Archonal Command Ship, the Apocalyptus, and where it went, people paid attention.

Several minutes later, Adjutant General Arcturus sat in his new office, mucking about with the nifty-keeno gadgets and gizmos he had at his disposal, including a decently sized command center that he could manipulate on his own. It was nowhere near as comprehensive as the primary command center or the battle command chamber, but it would help him speed up communications and with whatever situations might develop while he was in sleep mode.

And his chair was comfortable! Arcturus sighed with glee as he sat down into his new office chair, remembering that the office chair on the Diamondeye had been form fitted to its captain, and now the Apocalyptus's chair was form fitted to him.

Arcturus loved his job.

Le bump

Bumpification

"I wonder what's going on with their mining expedition?" Raijin said, not overly concerned. Trade agreements took time, and so did most exploratory digs.

"I could contact the General and see how they're progressing," Koro said brightly. The week had been slow in terms of diplomatic incidents, and the young Director was interested in doing *something*.

"Might not be a bad idea."

To General Arcturus:

How is your expedition faring? We haven't heard from you in a few days, and while that's not entirely unexpected between nations just initiating diplomatic contact, we'd rather make sure that nothing has gone horribly wrong. If there is any way we can assist, within reasonable limits, naturally, please let us know.

Director Koro Vartek
Diplomacy and Trade
Armed Republic of Krioval

TO: Koro Vartek

The colonization effort is proceeding swiftly enough, however we have not actually begun the mining and full-scale development process yet, as we are still approximately a week away from completion of the first of our mining centers.

Our numerical presence in this system is continuing to swell, and we have actually been able to send out a pair of DawnRunner fleets to take more detailed scans of the nebula, and with the preliminary scans you gracefully provided us, progress is quite smooth.

If you wish, we can expand the station we intend to use for the traders from Tsurani, to make more room for your trade vessels. It should not take but a week to complete construction.

Thanks again for the scan information.

Adjutant General Arcturus, Commander, Apocalyptus Division, Talbott System

TO: Koro Vartek

The colonization effort is proceeding swiftly enough, however we have not actually begun the mining and full-scale development process yet, as we are still approximately a week away from completion of the first of our mining centers.

Our numerical presence in this system is continuing to swell, and we have actually been able to send out a pair of DawnRunner fleets to take more detailed scans of the nebula, and with the preliminary scans you gracefully provided us, progress is quite smooth.

If you wish, we can expand the station we intend to use for the traders from Tsurani, to make more room for your trade vessels. It should not take but a week to complete construction.

Thanks again for the scan information.

Adjutant General Arcturus, Commander, Apocalyptus Division, Talbott System

We look forward to meeting with you, and the other nations interested in trading. If there is anything else Krioval can help with, please do not hesitate to ask.

~ Koro Vartek

You have helped enough already with the provision of the preliminary nebula scans and system information, but your offer of further assistance is appreciated.

Adjutant General Arcturus

It would seem, after further inspection, that development of the Talbott system and the >mumble< Arcturus nebula should have been given a higher priority than Thorn.

Already, deep scans had provided the Godulans with two entire star systems almost as rich in resources as Talbott, and further forces had been dispatched to commence preliminary developmental procedures. These new systems, dubbed 'Algemron' and 'Aegis' respectively were complex in their own right, as well as suitably defensible. Already the known drones had been dispersed throughout the nebula entire, with thousands more arriving to take their place and further disperse throughout the area.

And Arcturus' assessment that the nebula was a veritable warren of hidey-holes and staging areas had proven more than slightly accurate. Protoplanetary discs abounded throughout the sector, and dust clouds light-years in length and width meandered throughout the nebula, blocking out external scans with pleasing efficiency.

This place... was a treasure trove, and Arcturus was glad that he was the one in charge of it all...