Otagia
26-06-2005, 05:26
For millions of years, the planet had been home to a race of small furred marsupials, living in peace with their surroundings. They had never surpassed classical era technology, and they were content to remain there.
This all changed the day the heaven chariots came. The Tall Ones claimed to come in peace among them, and in exchange for refuse and a few volunteers, the Tall Ones gave them magic: rods that belched flame, seven-league boots, and the power of flight. The natives, being nonviolent herbivores with few predators, saw no reason to suspect trickery, and agreed whole-heartedly. They revelled in their new gifts, and joy spread across the land.
And then, the plague. It struck from no where, leaving none alive. Within weeks, the population was down to less than 1% of its original size, and within another month, none remained at all.
_____
High above the surface, one of the "Tall Ones" looked down through the sensors of his vessel, and smiled. Another world claimed for QUETZAL, another victory for Pale Rider Arms. Their tailored plagues had come in handy in this conquest, preventing any Otagian losses. This world would be an ideal colony and agriworld, breathing new life into the Hive State. Through his implant, he could feel that QUETZAL was pleased with him. But this would not be the last conquest. Already, probes were being sent throughout the Perseus Arm, searching for habitable worlds, and reporting back to QUETZAL through their ansibles. QUETZAL had demanded more worlds, more space for Otagias masses to fill. QUETZAL had demanded more from its wards.
And more would be given.
This all changed the day the heaven chariots came. The Tall Ones claimed to come in peace among them, and in exchange for refuse and a few volunteers, the Tall Ones gave them magic: rods that belched flame, seven-league boots, and the power of flight. The natives, being nonviolent herbivores with few predators, saw no reason to suspect trickery, and agreed whole-heartedly. They revelled in their new gifts, and joy spread across the land.
And then, the plague. It struck from no where, leaving none alive. Within weeks, the population was down to less than 1% of its original size, and within another month, none remained at all.
_____
High above the surface, one of the "Tall Ones" looked down through the sensors of his vessel, and smiled. Another world claimed for QUETZAL, another victory for Pale Rider Arms. Their tailored plagues had come in handy in this conquest, preventing any Otagian losses. This world would be an ideal colony and agriworld, breathing new life into the Hive State. Through his implant, he could feel that QUETZAL was pleased with him. But this would not be the last conquest. Already, probes were being sent throughout the Perseus Arm, searching for habitable worlds, and reporting back to QUETZAL through their ansibles. QUETZAL had demanded more worlds, more space for Otagias masses to fill. QUETZAL had demanded more from its wards.
And more would be given.