NationStates Jolt Archive

As the freighter (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/GR-75_Transport.jpg) began to power up, there were a bit of problems so to speak, but Robert and Anthony were ignorant of this. As they approached the bridge, they could see the small screw working. As the pilot approached his seat, his supervisor, an obnoxious young man who graduated from the University probably, approached Robert and his guest. He was wearing a military-esque uniform, a tight jump suit that is Trek-esque, but with a corporate twist aka logo.

The man looked at Robert. "Excuse me, what are you doing here?"

Robert looked at him blankly. "This ship is under Government control for the time being. You don't mind if I become the Supervisor for a while no?"

The man was taken aback. "Ummm, errr... no! Besides, what do I get out of it?"

Robert sighs. Bloody hell. He thought. He started to speak. "Fine, the Government will rent this ship. Payment will be wired tommorow to your bank account now can you leave?"

The Supervisor's eyes lit up. "Yes sir!" He then, thus, ran from the ship.

Robert smiled. "Good."

As the ship took off, anybody could see the beauty of space. The planet's mostly water surface shone brightly in the sun. The stations orbitting, multitudes of ships travelling back and forth from station to station. Of course it wasn't like this on all of the Commonwealth, Rosanica was the only majorly defended planet. As the ship started to leave the station a message was heard.

"Freighter, do you need an escort?" Said a random CF-7.

"Who is this?" Robert said inqusitively.

"Oh!" The pilot said. "Foreign Minister! Errr, I'm Red 90. Do you need an escort?"

Robert puffed. "Well yes, we're heading to the Belt."

"Oh! Well sir, I will gladly escort you." The pilot said. "Lead the way."

And thus both ships entered hyperspace.

Robert turned to Anthony. "Right then. While we're in hyperdrive. Why don't you decribe how it's like in your Empire?" He sat on a metal chair that were conveniantly placed. We sure have alot of them. "We don't get many foreigners if you didn't notice by now."

(Ah there you go. I promise it'll get more interesting.)

“The Empire is vastly different than the Commonwealth. The main difference is we are spread about in pockets, depending upon where we found a world we wished to investigate. It would almost be compared to an actual empire of the ancient days. Back then empire were composed of individual city-states that banded together or were forced through conquering into a single political entity.”

“When we expanded, we were searching for specific worlds and when we found them uninhabited, we claimed them. This resulted in several worlds scattered around the galaxy. If we had actually claimed all the space that contained our systems, we would not only be hard pressed to defend the immense space in between, but several other nation’s territories would be right in the middle of them.”

“That is why we took the old city-state concept. We make each system including an area around it our domain. Where they were close, we connected them into clusters. It was easier to defend them in small groups that in one huge sprawling mess. Since we actually started out as an island nation, it was just like each was it’s own island surrounded by the ocean of stars.”

Anthony looked out the window at the sparkling blue of the planet fading away behind the freighter.

“The resulting mentality of each system was one of self sufficiency. On an island, you made do with what you have and do the best you can. Shipping materials back and forth would take too much time and really would not be worth it in the long run.”

Anthony turned back towards Robert.

“That was when we decided to take our technology and use it to connect each of our worlds in a network of wormholes. It took years of research and even longer to gather the materials needed but once we were done, it worked wondrously. Our islands were now connected together even though they were across the galaxy, or even in different ones. It worked so well that we decided to expand it and allow other nations to benefit commercially with the Worm Hole Network That is how the ITH developed.”

“Thanks to the ITH, the Empire has whatever it needs at it’s fingertips through trade with it’s partners. The citizens of the Empire are free to pursue what they wish and many of them decide to help the Emperor keep Balrogga the way it is.”

“Because of this freedom, I was able to become one of the instructors at the Imperial College. Over the years, I have helped shape the minds of countless citizens allowing them to make the most of their existence.”

“Because of this, I truly believe the Empire is one of the happiest we know.”

“Now, could you tell me about your Commonwealth?”



OOC:

I wasn't sure what you wanted so I had the Professor break into a lecture of a sort...

Robert nodded. "How interesting."

He cleared his throat as he began to speak. "Well... the Commonwealth came into existance a few thousand years ago, my history isn't up to par right now. You see, colonists from some far off planet, maybe your Earth, found Rosanica. Our current planet. It used to be a massive flower field before it became the city of what it is today. Though it's called the Cassiopeian Commonwealth because apparently that's the first thing a colonist said when he/she saw it. Only an old wive's tale though."

He continued. "We spread through out the system slowly. But of course, we had obstacles. Mostly pirates. They annoy us to no end. Though we've mostly confined them to the Belt. Actually the story how we found there were minerals to mine in the Belt is amusing. There was another battle going on, us vrs. those pirates. And the amount of crashes were... gratuitous, though as the asteroids broke apart... well, apparently dust and diamonds and things of that nature could be seen. This was reported and tested on other asteroids. And thus the rush began. This was thirty years ago really. Since then our economy has gone high because of the constant trade. And economists say the boom won't go away for awhile... there are plenty of asteroids. That and, it's only a specific region. We've yet to explore more."

He paused. "But that's enough of that. The Commonwealth is a simple Republic really, the planets having an equal say in affairs. We have colonies, but they're either in moons or in asteroids. As you can see we're quite protective of Cassiopeia, there aren't as many stations in the other planets. But we try our best. We would've expanded beyond the system, but as you may have noticed. We're a bit xenophobic. Why it took the President half his term, five years, to approve communication with other nationstates."

He continued. "Yes our culture is quite interesting. Music plays a large part of Commonwealth life. 1/3 of the budget goes to musical education, musical history, and whatnot. In fact one of our biggest musical acts are playing, the Imperial Light Orchestra."

The freighter was still in hyperspace.

He looked at Anthony. "I'm interested to know about yourself." He said with a wry smile, he was starting to like this guy.

“I hardly know where to start. I have done so much and a lot of it is classified just as the actions we are taking right now are classified. I will tell you what I can.”

Anthony took a seat on one of those foldable metallic chairs that seemed to be a national export or something. They sure had a lot of them.

“Well, when I was younger I was able to benefit from the Emperor’s policies and entered the University in Balrogga City. The instructors there discovered I had a talent for shield penetrating so they worked to enhance the ability and I was quickly instructed in the various other assorted skills. I was a fast learner and I excelled at my studies to a point I outdid a few of my instructors.”

“Upon several recommendations I was elevated into the student teacher position and I began upon the first steps of my own teaching career.”

“Within a few years I graduated with my Masters and was promoted into the teaching staff as a full fledged professor. I taught Defenses with my talent enabling me to slip past the student’s best attempts which forced them to practice and become stronger. Because of this I was sending well trained graduates into the Empire, and attracting attention as one of the best instructors. I was nominated for several awards and even won a few. They were mostly academic and only appeared in the records but they did show me I was appreciated.”

“I eventually worked my way into becoming the head of my department and held that chair for several years until I was called into service by the Emperor himself. I retired from teaching and joined the Diplomatic Corps.”

“Ever since then, I have been bouncing around the universe acting as the voice and hand of the Empire. That is why I am here today.”

Anthony looked at Robert.

“Now, could you please tell me about yourself too?”

Robert sighed. "My life? Where to begin. I was raised in one of the colonies, a moon orbiting one our planets. Names aren't important. I... was raised by a Jewish mother. My father died fighting pirates. I went to a normal school, avoiding death using whatever wit I had. The colonies were unsafe during that time. When I was eighteen I went to the Interplanetery University of Cassiopeia, quite hard to get in."

He continued. "When I graduated I was assigned to Colonial-Government relations. I cannot tell you the amount of times I have almost been killed because of the stubborness of people. Blegh. Anyway, after many many many many years, I was appointed Foreign Minister. This was, two years ago. And I'm fifty. That's when I met the President personally, he's an eccentric young man I'll tell you. He's fourty-two years old. Still thinks he's twenty one, but he hasn't destroyed us yet so..."

All of a sudden the freighter got out of hyperdrive. There they were. They were right outside the Belt. On the outside were the smaller asteroids. This is where the traffic was the heaviest. There were also small mom and pop facilities on these small asteroids, disposable asteroids. There ships of every make, timeline, and what have you going back and forth. It was quite a sight. Scattered about were CF-7s going back and forth patrolling, it helped scare off the pirates yet they always found a way back in.

The pilot spoke up. "This is RMC 51, entering travel lane." He said through his little communications thing.

Robert looked out the massive window of the freighter. "Welcome to the Belt, Anthony." He said bemusingly. "You should enjoy the view while you can. Take pictures of the asteroids if you want. This is a public area really. See the rocks with some strange metal sticking out? Small mining droids. Though, those are just temporary, they always go out of business. Tell me Anthony." Note this is the first time he said his name personally. "Do you think we could get a Wormhole in here? Plus I'd like to think your personal opinion on the sights that you see. I assume it's quite different hm?"

Robert looked out the massive window of the freighter. "Welcome to the Belt, Anthony." He said bemusingly. "You should enjoy the view while you can. Take pictures of the asteroids if you want. This is a public area really. See the rocks with some strange metal sticking out? Small mining droids. Though, those are just temporary, they always go out of business. Tell me Anthony." Note this is the first time he said his name personally. "Do you think we could get a Wormhole in here? Plus I'd like to think your personal opinion on the sights that you see. I assume it's quite different hm?"

Anthony thought for a couple seconds before speaking.

“Most people will only see rocks bumping into each other. Some will see the possible minerals they might be able to pick out of the stone. Still others see the possible haven for piracy.”

“What I see is the human spirit. You have humans going against all odds trying to eke a survival by mining the stones. You have those mom and pop services they set up to become successful. You have freighters and fighters flying about everywhere both attempting to get their routes done and back home safely. You have your military vessels only wishing to provide a safe place for all the others.”

“Each and every mining facility, every little way-station, even those mining droids, the freighters and all the crews on every ship out there represent the Hope humanity as a whole shares with each other. There is not a single thing out there created by the Commonwealth or its citizens that cannot be attributed to Hope. That is the single most redeeming quality that humanity possesses. Even the most hardened criminal has some sort of Hope to allow them to get through the day.”

Anthony turned to the window and spread his arms in a gesture that was to illustrate everything before him.

“Everything out there is a Testament to the Hope of the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Anthony turned back around.

“I don’t mean to sound melodramatic, but I am being truthful here. Just the fact your citizens are out there shows me what promise the Commonwealth holds in the future.”

“As far as the Wormhole, as long as it is at the edge of your system, the ITH would be able to place it where you wished. I know they refuse to place one within a system because it would bypass any security you might possess. I also think it might mess with inner system mechanics but I have never looked into it. It stands to reason that a wormhole places too close might draw in asteroids. Even if it doesn’t swallow them, they would be thrown off their normal course and possible result in a planetary strike or some poor chap flying by autopilot slamming into something that wasn’t where it was supposed to be.”

Robert smirked. "Well I guess outside the system is fine. Also, have you considered drama?"

The freighter now entered the Royal Mining Company's space. The asteroids were far more stable in this area, they just seemed to stay still. Also there were massive asteroids, with ships leaving to and fro. Yes they were so big that they had hangers. Then there were the... errr, special asteroids. They were hollowed out, you could see it too since they looked like massive rock rings floating around. There were spider-esque droids on them, cutting with lasers, Robert knew that Anthony would be bewildered so he started to explain.

"You see that strange rock floating about?" Robert said amusingly. "Well its resources ran out. So much so that it was practically hollowed out, of course now since it's useless these droids are cutting it. Slowly. If they blasted, small rocks would form and start interfering with other operations. And well that won't give them their cash... or us our cash."

The pilot interjected. "Do you hate us RMC folk Mr. Minister?" He detected that Robert said that last statement with a bit of hate.

Robert sighed. "Not hate, they annoy me. First they hold a monopoly over mining. Second they think what they mine is their space and not Cassiopeian space. Now they want their own fighters! Companies do not have starfighters. I don't care what anybody else says. They say it's to defend from the pirates. Then again, they have done good. Still..."

The pilot laughed. Naive as he was. "Mr. Minister, the RMC has followed all Cassiopeian regulation. Any independent look into Senatorial corruption was proven false. I think you're a bit paranoid."

Robert mumbled. "Paranoid my..."

The freighter approached a particularly large asteroid. This was the freighter's hanger. "This is RMC 51 am I cleared to land?"

"You're cleared."

The freighter started to land on the hanger. As it entered anybody could see another freighter already unloading its cargo. The roof was half metal and half rock. The only metal being lights hanging from the top. The floor meanwhile was all slick. On the floor you could also see a Royal Mining Security Force (now refferred to as RMSF) officer walking out and about. They were dressed like Imperial officers, like of those from Star Wars. Though there were also pilots conversating about the last pirate attack, and a few RMSF soldiers (who looked like those guards from Naboo) were patrolling the hanger. Ahead was a door to the main part of the facility, though I'll get more into detail later. Yes I, the Narrator, am sentient.

Robert led Anthony out of the ship. The officer rushed towards the pair. "You!" He said pointing at Robert. "I surely hope you're not here to annoy me again."

Robert smirked. "Not at all Holden." The two obviously knew each other. "This might make you happy, we have a foreigner in our midsts. He hails from the Balroggan Empire. And I know how you lot are always looking for new investors."

"Ah!" Holden shouted. He immediately got a smile as fake as Pamela Anderson's breasts. Pop culture reference for the win. He shook Anthony's hand. "Hello! My name is Holden Fay, tell me what is your purpose for being in our humble mining facility?"

Robert let out a small heh, he found all this all amusing.

Anthony gave Robert a knowing look before he turned to the eager entropeneur.

"Well, the Empire has been considering establishing an Embassy here. We were also considering the feasibility of constructing ourselves a base here using our own materials and methods or using local labor and resources to have one made for us. It would all depend upon the numbers I present to the Emperor."

Anthony paused to allow the possible profits to firmly grip his imagination. Just to add the icing to the cake, he continued.

"Also, since it will be the primary base in the galaxy, it will also have to be able to accomidate military vessels."

As they left the busnessnam behind them with visions of profits running through his head, Anthony turned to Robert.

"I didn't actually lie to him. If we are to establish a trade hub here, we could take one of those hollowed asteroids and use a fusion torch to slag the surfaces creating a duel layer that will hold an atmosphere and then fill the center with a repair facility for the trade ships."

Robert got an evil smile across his face. "I see. I just hope it helps the Commonwealth, and I'd prefer it if you and your corporations do your dealing through the Cassiopeian Government." His face went to its usual emotionless self. "You can see why I dislike them so much, money at any cost. Then again they are a corporation."

He paused. "Just play along with him, he's the only one who can give us a tour unfortunately..."

Holden meanwhile had a different thought. "Yes that would give us more money and make us more self efficient..." He mumbled while Robert whispered to Anthony. He then perked up and turned towards Anthony. "Oh! Anyway, I assume you came here for a tour. Well, this is one of the larger facilities. It's been around for a month or two. So it'll take awhile until this asteroid is clear. Of course, with our efficiency it should be in no time."

Robert raised his brow. "...and leave us with nothing to mine soon enough." He mumbled.

Holden continued. "Right, come this way."

Holden lead the pair through the door that was in the hanger. Down a small hall and there it was, a lounge. massive lounge where people could get food, eat, and entertain each other. It gets quite lonely in space. In the front you could see a massive television screen. To left was the cafeteria where people got food, duh. The rest of the cafeteria was just tables and whatnot, where people sat and talked. There were many miners, though it wasn't so much that there wasn't an empty table. And trust me there were plenty. The roof of course was made of half rock, the other half being the lights that dangle from above.

Holden turned to the pair. "Well I'm going to leave you two in the cafeteria. Get something to eat if you want. I have to tell my superiors of your presence, paperwork and whatnot." Thus he left.

Robert and Anthony walked over to an empty table. Robert looked at Anthony embarrassed. "Not all Cassiopeians are like this... but with that what do you think so far?"

Anthony looked around the room at the miners eating and talking together in small groups. There were a few of them sitting near the television watching some sort of program. It looked like a news station with continuous broadcasts but he could tell the stories had a decidedly corporate view. The group watching the show seemed to out of boredom than if they actually wanted to see what was going on. He looked over and saw the same bored look on most of the other miners eating their lunches without much enthusiasm.

“Well, in my opinion it seems the corporate mentality has sunk into the workers. These facilities are great but there is very little in the way of hominess in the design. If you look around you can see the only enthusiasm is between friends discussing personal stuff. The rest are bored.”

After Robert looked, Anthony continued.

“I think the room needs a drop ceiling composed of acoustical tiles, plant life, and other aspects of home. Everything here is only here to either impress at first glance or because it is needed. All calculated based on the credit instead of upon what is needed for their spirits. So they feel trapped. Confined. Imprisoned.”

“It is the Corporate Way.”

“Now don’t get me wrong, the achievements are great but there is more to a facility than the walls and equipment. The people inside running the base provide the heart of the place.”

Robert sighed. "Yes well, it is a Corporation. What can you expect?"

A miner spotted the pair. "Ah! Mr. Minister." He sat down right next to him. "I'm Johnny Doe, I'm a supervisor. I'm glad to have you with us." He then spotted Anthony. "Oh you're that foreigner everybody is talking about." He spoke in a distinct cockney accent.

Robert tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

The miner chuckled. "Why you're the talk of the town good sir!" He said. "The miners haven't seen a Cassiopeian from the City, even less a foreigner. My you haven't noticed everybody bloody staring at you? Bloody 'ell you're a bit dense ey good sir?" He laughed raucosly. "Ah it ain't that bad in the mines. They let us sing and do whatever we want, there's a few entertainment options but they're usually broken." He smirked. "But yes they are a bit jaded. Have you heard Minister? They're using explosives now."

Robert's eyes opened widely. "Explosives?!"

The miner chuckled. "Don't worry sir, it's for defense. Lately the pirates have attempted mining takeovers. I dunno how but usually we have to fight 'em off with mining lasers. Still... can you do me a favour Minister? Can you ask 'im when to give us a vacation? We have family sir. Anyway, good day." He then got up and left.

Robert blinked and look at Anthony. "I have a feeling your tour is going to take a little longer..." He said begrudgingly.

"Well, I am willing to continue observing. Perhaps my presence could be used to assist you in gaining what you need. They might want to put a good face forward to impress a potential customer."

Anthony made it clear Robert should do whatever was necessary to help the workers if he wanted.