Interstellar Empires: Solar Rebirth

[Corrosion]

Space is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist, but that's just peanuts to space.

The galaxy is a pretty big place, too, especially for naïve newcomers to the space age. Young, fledgling empires who have only conquered the tiniest portion of the galaxy, dreaming of galactic conquest that is still far, far away.

But let's not talk about those new guys, okay? Because where there is a galaxy, there are empires. Empires that stretch across the stars, looking after its citizens and getting entangled in the dangerous game of galactic politics. Of course, empires rise and fall, new ones coming into existence to replace the vast power vacuum that forms after the collapse of an empire.

Some empires stay for millennia, some not even a decade. But the galaxy is old, billions of years old, and yet its races are young, and most stay young. But there are those who last longer than most, growing old, becoming watchers of the younger as they mature, wondering if they too will grow old.

The galaxy is a dangerous, mysterious, and beautiful place. Dozens of empires, trillions of living beings, untold numbers of stars, all for the taking. Do you have what it takes to take control of an interstellar empire?

So, where does your empire stand? It is a technological powerhouse, an empire ruled by fear and oppression, an anarchy run by pirates and criminals, a machine hivemind populated solely by automatons, a stuck-up monarchy, an interstellar conglomerate, an honourable but zealous hierarchy, or a peaceful democracy which has seen too much?

The choice is yours to make.

A game of politics, warfare, and galactic conquest.

Spoiler: Current Political Map of the Milky Way

 

[Corrosion]

• New Frontiers
• Presidential Letters
• Passive Observations

• 
  Galactic West
  Uncharted Space
  
  A hundred billion stars twinkled in the inky black canvas of space. Around half of them had the potential to support life, but the Milky Way was still so very empty. Space was big, after all. It could take centuries to cross a single light year using conventional propulsion. That was the reason many races in the galaxy had developed some form of faster-than-light method of travel, shortening the time it took from centuries to mere days, hours, or even minutes in some cases.
  
  The United Earth Government was one of them.
  
  They called it the RIFT, or the Relative Interdimensional Field Transit. It had been developed hundreds of years ago in the year 2238 (according to the Earth calendar, that is), and tweaked and perfected over the next few centuries. A ship with the drive equipped could open a hole in space and time itself, burrowing its way to its destination and taking a relativistic through the void of space, ending at its desired destination in a significantly shortened time. Modern RIFT drives could travel a thousand light years in only twenty-four hours, with more advanced ones twice that.
  
  It was what allowed humanity to spread across the stars and establish a sprawling interstellar empire within a century.
  
  It was also called RIFT for what it did. For you see, in the blackness of space, a tear suddenly seemed to appear, a jagged line of light. Then, it ripped open, a rift in the fabric of space itself. Inside was a void of black and blue.
  
  From it emerged a spacecraft, remarkably sleek, almost like a knife. Its hull was grey, lights on all sides blinking like the stars themselves. Four powerful repulsor thruster units propelled it through the void of space. Its bridge was located at its very front, exposed and in essence a massive observation room. The entire craft was just over eight hundred metres long. On its starboard side was the Compass and Continents of the UEG, and right next to it, written in bright white letters, was its name: UEGES Conrad Fernsby.
  
  
  Spoiler

  
  
  It was a civilian ship, not meant for war, but for exploration. A Molinar-class exploration ship, the Conrad Fernsby was in essence a modernised and redesigned version of the old Aquila-class exploration vessels during the Golden Age of Colonisation, hundreds of years ago. The ships of that class were tried and tested, doing their job brilliantly. Some variants were even still being used in the 29th century.
  
  On the bridge stood the ship's captain, Hershel Durgans. He was surprisingly young for a captain of such a ship, only thirty-two. He was a member of the Durgans family, and his ancestors were some of the earliest Pathfinders. They scouted out unknown regions for human colonisation efforts during the expansion period. The profession had largely died out during the end of the Golden Age, in the 28th century, only to spring right back after the end of the Vaskran War and humanity's entrance into the galactic community. Exploration was in his blood, and he'd spent years aboard a research ship, the UEGSRS Fallows Harbour.
  
  Now here he was, captain of what was perhaps the most advanced research vessel of the UEG, sent to explore new horizons. When he heard he was getting posted aboard the Conrad Fernsby he couldn't believe it. After all, the ship's namesake was one of his heroes, the most famous Pathfinder of all time during the 24th century. He rocked on his heels, still feeling very excited.
  
  "Jeez, cap, might wanna cool down. You've been shaking since we left Earth," came a voice from behind him, and he turned to see the miniature holographic figure of a man wearing a tan shirt and jeans with a pair of boots. A bag was slung around his shoulder, and a wide-brimmed hat was on his head. He was coloured green, and standing on the ship's holotable. He was the ship's resident AI, who coordinated the ship's system, among other things.
  
  Durgans grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. I guess I just still can't believe it. I mean, it's the Fernsby! It was all over the stellarnet when it was revealed!"
  
  Harris laughed. "Come on, just relax," he said. "You'll get over it in no time!"
  
  They'd been sent to investigate a strange signal originating from the Galactic West, a signal that seemed oddly familiar, one that hadn't been used by the UEG in nearly eight hundred years.
  
  
  
• 
  
  [CONFIDENTIAL]​
  
  FROM: United Earth Government Colonial Military Committee Chairman Ernest Anders
  TO: Federal President of Earth and its Colonies Jeremiah Warner
  SUBJECT: Reactivation Defunct Superweapon Projects in Preparation for Possible Future Conflicts
  
  
  August 7, 2864​
  
  Dear President Warner,
  
  I cannot help but notice that a vast majority of these alien nations that we had come into contact following the end of the Vaskran War appear to have either an immense dislike or absolute hatred of humanity. This concerns me, as I am sure we do not want a repeat of the Vaskran War. It would surely be devastating to face another nine years of war or worse, with countless billions of human lives lost. Many of these nations are also perhaps millennia more advanced that what humanity could ever acheive.
  
  Routine passive observation and surveillance missions by cloaked probes and stealth vessels have confirmed that these empires possess massive fleets, some of which are even larger than the UEGNC's, including what it has in storage. Scans have shown that weapons are also much more powerful that what the UEGAF has. We have seen the differences in power during the Vaskran War, where it was proven that Vaskran Energy weapons do much more damage than kinetic projectiles.
  
  There is also the issue of these rogue splinter groups of humanity such as the former colonists of the early Colonial-era Galileo colony ship. They have turned against us, siding with this Mizi’rikan Confederation. Yes, you may argue that they may have willingly chosen to integrate themselves with these aliens after hundreds of years, but that does not change the fact that they are humans. They belong to us.
  
  Not to mention the so-called state calling itself the Heydrian Empire. It is nothing but another rebel group that should be eliminated along with all the others. How have they managed to remain undetected for so long? It is an empire that practices slavery among all other things, an empire that should not even exist in the first place? Why have we even decided to allow them to remain independent?
  
  As Chairman of the Colonial Military Committee, I simply refuse to allow humanity to be put on the defensive once again. As such, I propose the reactivation of defunct superweapon projects such as Project Primrose and Project Green Flute. We must consider focusing our industry on war assets so as to boost the strength of our military. We must not be on the defensive ever again.
  
  Yours sincerely,
  Chairman Ernest Anders
  
  
• 
  High Orbit Above New Arcadia
  Heydrian Empire Space
  
  The Enigma-class stealth vessel Actaeon was currently on its fifth orbit around New Arcadia, the capital world of the Heydrian Empire. The ship was completely invisible not just to the naked eye, but even the best sensor technology as well. It didn't have to worry about being detected, for it was pretty much impossible unless a craft happened to bump into it. Even with its stealth compromised, the craft still blended in with the surrounding space thanks to its refractive coat of paint.
  
  It was packed to the brim with tons of the best technology the UEG had at its disposal. An advanced RIFT drive, stealth, weapons, surveillance, and communications equipment all crammed into the tiny, eighty-metre ship. Its three prototype repulsor engines allowed it to cruise through sublight space at an impressive thirty-five thousand kilometres per second at maximum thrust. The Actaeon was taking numerous scans and recordings of the planet down below, formulating a three-dimensional model as it beamed information back to data installations in UEG space at superluminal speeds through the wonders of FLASHCOMM, faster-than-light communication.
  
  The Actaeon wasn't the only stealth vessel orbiting the planet, either. There were two others, the Polybius and Cobalt, along with several other spy probes. In fact, a good number of planets in not just the Heydrian Empire but almost every other known empire had at least one spy probe or stealth vessel surrounding it, even those considered allied to the UEG.
  
  The information was, of course, in case war broke out between the UEG and neighbouring empires.
  
  For the Heydrians however, it just had the fortune of being observed more than others. Many within the UEG considered the Heydrian Empire an illegitimate rogue state, and many were crying out for it to be reunited with the UEG. Still, President Warner was sensible enough to refrain from doing anything rash, given how the UEG was still reeling from the Vaskran War even twelve years after its conclusion, with humanity still in the process of rebuilding. Besides, it still had the whole mess of the Colonial Uprising to deal with.
  
  Simply conducting surveillance was the best, and safest, option for now.
  

 

[doodleSM]

The Great Purge
"The Empire divided can not stand." - Pareja Wayland, former Statesman, and Commander

In the hall of the Emperors located on the planet of Heydros III (which was once a UEG colony), there was a tribunal of commanders and military leaders. The walls were ornate and decorated in simmering gold and bright silver. Mosaics depicting the liberation of the Heydrian people and the expansion of the Empire were adorning the walls of the Emperor's Hall. A room dedicated to the geopolitical and military locations across the known universe was where the commanders met. The first of them, Lord-Commander Franz de Concordat spoke "Hail Syren." The rest of the tribune replied to the opening with the same monotonous hail. "I'm sure we all have things on our minds. However, we are regarding our old... masters... one could say..." Franz clears his throat. "It has occurred to many, I am sure. That the United Earth Government sees us as rebels and a supposed rogue state." Franz smiles. "Of course, we can not bring the great conflict to them. No, it is up to the other races across the galaxy to protect sovereignties. However, some of us see it is fit to fight on our own. Admirable but not pragmatic." Franz firmly plants his saber on the table. A tradition in Heydrian society to show the Rites of Purge. "The Empire divided can not stand." The other members of the tribunal shift uncomfortably and begin to mutter to each other conspiracies and fear. "There will be a general purge of the previous leadership. I have a royal writ from our lord Syren. The general purge will begin in several cycles. You'll be notified if you are on the purgation list. I hope that this tribunal has heeded my warnings of the UEG. You're all dismissed. Good evening."

A Tale of Two Empires
"Earth is a reminder of a past long forgotten." - Hadric Syren III, Emperor

The Astrocommunications Array sent a diplomatic message to the Mizi’rikan Confederation: Martydi
"Greetings. Our emperor, Hadric Syren III, has invited the Mizi'rikan Confederation to a diplomatic meeting on Heydros III. We wish to discuss the future of our Empires and galactic communities. Thank you."

The true intentions of the Emperor remain unknown. However, it is known that the Heydrian Empire does not actively seek war with other nations. They want to preserve independence and sovereignty for other nations across the galaxy. At the expense of the UEG. Syren doesn't want war but will create alliances and protection pacts to defend in the event of the UEG's aggression. The Empire can only hold out.​

 

[Zeth]

Kloudy

Point of view: Kuro, a young Inari.
Location: Central Overcore, Prime Processor-World of the Tekkan Simulator;


Few Exiles that visited this world, told it that it was not always like this. That once it was once made of rock and liquid. Kuro was able to understand that but looking at it now, it was difficult to imagine that was ever the case. Steel, circuitry, laser-flat surface and the piston-driven motion was a clear sign of its artificiality but to an Inari such concepts meant little. Rather it was difficult to it to imagine because everything looked fine and in its own place as is. Isn't that the most natural configuration?
The light-blue amalgamation of starshard crystal levitated centimeters away above the surface of the metal world and yet felt at home as much as it did next to the protean vibration of the Heart of Stars itself. From its interactions with myriad species that composed the Exiles, it understood that natural-unnatural dichotomy was a necessary classification for those beings that exist on the matter-end of one or another. It was a taxonomy that helps them understand the world around them.

It was not blind to the fact that some creatures utilized this knowledge, this divide, to delegitimize those different or even to urge others and themselves to revoke their rights to existence. Two conical shards that levitated horizontally in relation to its core, quickly revolved around at the thought.
By the fact they exist they live. Ascribing any right to that fact is superfluous as is its revocation.

To a creature made of living crystal however, such taxonomy and divisions were redundant, only useful when in communion with other beings. Kuro was young, but it suspected that this very indifference is what helped the peaceful coexistence between the Steel and Crystal.

It was young it had to learn so much more.

At the tail's end of that thought-vibration came another but before it could illuminate it, a mountain-sized barrel dislodged from the ceiling far above Kuro's crystal crown and slowly, with wheezing of massive actuators, pointed its colossal barrel at him. The hollow end started glowing and Kuro could sense massive energies being drawn around its environment like a tornado. Such presence of static energy from massive coils excited Kuro and shards around its core rotated and revolved ever-which-way, the light-blue of its surface glowing brightly in the half-twilight of the Pyramid.

Despite the excitement, it knew this was not a greeting or at least not of the friendly kind, so it stood still, waiting for the Pioneer to identify it. Kuro knew that it shouldn't have appeared unannounced in one of the main terminals of the great being that harmonizes this place. But using the massive Realmgate built for this very purpose was a mundane way of doing it. It was not fun nor a good situation in which it could learn. Kuro needed to know how Pioneer would react in order to know this great being better.

The massive barrel glowed but it did not discharge. The luminescence was so great that it blurred the ambient light, making it look like the great barrel was 'sucking in' the light around it. To Kuro, this looked like an expanding orb that made the energy waves around it curve and fall into it with increasingly greater speeds. Kuro understood this device to be a 'weapon' and is used for destroying. Amid all the excitement, it wondered, how such a thing has the same end-effect as a star does, just on a not-to-small scale, yet it looked so different.

The titanic weapon powered down and the small star was gone, dissolved among the crashing of waves, quickly dividing the accumulated energies out into many rivers, quickly diverting it all across the planet. Kuro marveled at the thoughtfulness of the action and how seamless it was conducted. It knew it shouldn't have agitated the great being but to it, there was no other way.

It had to learn for it was so young.

As the great barrel - the weapon - withdrew into the ceiling of the Pyramid, Kuro relaxed, some of its light blue radiance dying down as it approached one of the dimly-lit pedestals. The platform was flanked by two huge metal humanoids but to Kuro who can see the energies going through them, it knew it to be Pioneer in two different bodies.

Unlike with other species, the communication between Inari and Tekkans was very simple. Exiles described it as 'intimate' but to Kuro that description was also redundant for there was no real distance between any being and Inari. Soft streaks of visible white light escaped its crystal surface and such energies flowed to the local circuitry, exciting the electrical charges into sequences that make sense to the Pioneer. It was not a language in a spoken sense but it was a lot like the information transmitted from one machine to another. With each streak of white light, there was a chiming vibration around Kuro, but that was just a byproduct of it's tuning in this way.

++ This one is Kuro. I came to learn. I had to come physically to do so, otherwise, I would not have known you as much as I would like. ++

As it tuned its light-symphony to Pioneer, shards danced around its core - the unmoving orb at the center of the crystal configuration that is Kuro's body. With each transmission, shard and its identical partner at the opposite end would rotate or revolve around Kuro's core with such orchestrated arrangement that Exiles often liken it to physical gesticulation of limbs or facial expressions one would do as they talked.

++ Great Computator, I also come with a proposal. I have a project in mind and I need your help in constructing it. ++

Often such architectural endeavors would begin between the Pioneer and an Inari, but each of the partners would have their own reason. Kuro always wondered how they could never align in motive, the Tekkan and Inari, even though they always aligned on the necessity of the project in question. Exiles told it that it was due to their differences, a machine can only see the practical aspect of the equation not the beauty of the equation itself. To it, aesthetics had no practical use - but Kuro disagreed with this sentiment.

It is impossible for so many synchronized components not to result in a greater whole, the emergence of consciousness. To claim that rejection of arts means one is not self-aware is ridiculous. No, Pioneer knew but willingly discarded it as not useful.

Alas, Pioneer was not part of the Nexus, not in the real way, so even if there was no real distance between them, they were still not the same. Kuro was most troubled by this, by this...divergence in motive, but it did not let such vibration endanger the composition it was tuning to the Pioneer.

++ I seek to encase our three stars, our bright gems. I do not want to let any beam of light go to waste, dissolving into the lightless void. I am inspired to shield each of our bright jewels in their own containers of starshard crystal, transparent in some areas in order to let some visible light through - for we are not the only ones using it. ++

It paused, tuning a structure of visible light before it into existence. The radiant representation was composed of beams and orbs. Three orbs, each surrounded by tiny beams of light each forming three pentagonal hexecontahedra. Kuro's shards spun and rotated, tuning the representation with animated life, showing each phase of the project. Sixty plates of each of the three massive structures had to be moved at incredible speed into position, some 10 million kilometers above the surface of each star or at least in such measures it would be known to the Pioneer. Such speeds could not be achieved by Inari starships.

++ In this way, we can protect the light of each of these stellar furnaces, for each of these beams carries energy to move matter into life! They are most precious. I can tune these massive starshard panels into existence but I need your drones to move them into position. Will you make this work of art with me? ++

 

[Corrosion]

In the Shadows
​

UEG COLONY WORLD CANAAN, ALTUS 26 SYSTEM, UNDER CFF CONTROL
CFF PLANETARY HEADQUARTERS

Commander Marcus Baker tapped his armoured boots against the hardcrete of the landing pad, patiently awaiting for the arrival of an envoy from the Heydrian Empire with a hint of nervousness. The higher-ups of the Colonial Freedom Front had managed to broker a deal with the Heydrians. They would receive a shipment of weapons and equipment in exchange for the valuable resources Canaan mad to offer. Canaan was a lush, forested world rife with natural resources, and its small population of twenty million was mostly dedicated to mining its raw minerals.

For the most part the UEG saw the planet as just another colony world at the very fringe of human space, just one of thousands that didn't really have anything special. Too bad for them, just about everyone on the planet supported the CFF, and they were discreetly turning the planet into a stronghold. There were already thousands of CFF troops stationed here, and here the CFF could amass its steadily-growing military and supporters.

The CFF was one of the most powerful separatist factions within the UEG during this new civil war of the Colonial Uprising. It was also unofficially and officially supported by several powerful megacorporations. Most of them were there because they wanted less regulations, some because it was a lucrative business profiting off war, and a select few who legitimately believed in their cause. Sure, the CFF couldn't outright challenge the UEG in total war, but they knew where to hit them where it hurt. After all, even before the Colonial Uprising, before the Vaskran War, there was the Colonial Rebellion. Those who wanted to fight for freedom had to be masters of asymmetrical warfare, or die.

One thing that made Baker a little nervous about the meeting was the fact that the envoy was also there to act as an advisor, and to oversee his troops. The Heydrians were known to be highly disciplined. Sure, he didn't agree with their use of slaves (that was a crime punishable by death in the UEG), but every little bit of help was needed during this time. A part of him argued that it was ironic that they needed the help of what was arguably a totalitarian empire to overthrow another, but lesser of two evils, he supposed.

In many ways the Heydrian Empire was an example of how a nation of humans could secede from the greater UEG, and thrive after generations. That was what the CFF and other separatists were fighting for. Their freedom from oppression. The UEG was already in a state of decline even before the Vaskran War began, and now, it was slowly tearing itself apart.

They would fight for their freedom, no matter how hard it was, or how long it took, or how much blood was spilled. Nothing would stop them from breaking their chains.

doodleSM

 

[Martydi]

Mizi'rikan Confederation

Spoiler: Diplomatic correspondence

From: Taki Ira-Ziki ; Mizi'rikan office for foreign relations
To: Heydrian foreign relations representative

We are honoured by your offer of a diplomatic meeting. Representatives will be dispatched shortly to the designated location. Attached to this message are identification details. We hope this meeting serves to initiate a fruitful cooperation between our nations.

Spoiler: Galactic exploration

Benedict Johnson, the human captain of a Mizi'rikan vessel Voidwalker looked at one of the displays before him. A readout of the ship's sensitive radio detection equipment, showing nothing but background noise as usual. Around him, the bridge crew of the ship, mostly human, carried on with their usual activities. They have spent the last five days in this system, scanning its planets and listening for any interstellar echoes of radio signals that might have been produced by other civilizations. Voidwalker was just one of many such vessels, scouring the galaxy for any yet undiscovered species.

As Benedict turned his gaze away from the display, a Mizi'akari entering the room drew his attention. He was dressed in a bright white uniform, consisting of a pair of pants and a tunic. Its white colour signalled a command position on the ship. Upper body of the alien was covered by a navy blue shoulder cape, reaching to about his elbows. The edge of the cape was lined with yellow Raki'akuri lettering, further narrowing down the wearer's rank as a first officer of an exploration vessel. Additional markings on the uniform, currently hidden by the cape, repeated the same information.

Yuku Ira-Ziki, Voidwalker's first officer, greeted Benedict by extending his sails, colouring their edges green and slowly waving them. When the captain responded with a wave, the Mizi headed towards his station, positioned to the left of Benedict's, similarly surrounded by control panels. He jumped up and perched himself on the upper edge of one of the consoles, carefully balancing a glass in his hand. Seeing as Voidwalker was originally constructed on a Mizi'akari colony, similarly positioned surfaces were specially designed to be used like this.

Yuku set down his drink and looked intently at Johnson. "Anything new?" the alien asked in Raki'akuri. With a sigh, Benedict extinguished Yuku's excitement. "Nothing, as usual. We'll be moving on soon." Alien's sails expanded to the sides, purple with disappointment "As expected." he said, folding his sails back and returning them to the usual red colour "The next system is potentially habitable, yes?" Taking a glance at one of his monitors, Benedict answered "Indeed, let's hope we are more lucky there."

doodleSM - Heydrian Empire ; @whoeverwantstomakecontactwiththeexplorationteams​

 

[Mechking]

Chysnoid Holy Union
Planet: "The Center"
Location: Inside Gods sanctuary​

Spoiler: The Voices of God

Three figures dressed in red and black robes and wearing golden helmets approached the room of their God. A massive door opened as they entered into the dimly lit chamber, only small streaks of purple and gold illuminating everything. As soon as the door closed behind them, all of them dropped to the floor, kneeling. Opposite them, high up a long stairwell and standing before a throne, was God himself, motionless and layers of colorful cloth covering him. He did not seem any larger than the figures before him, but his presence filled the room with peace and authority.

"Rise."
An ethereal voice echoed through their minds and they stood up. In unison, they answered him.
"We are the Voices of God and we have brought important news, our God."
Now the aura surrounding them began to shift towards anticipation.
"Speak."

The middle one took a step forward.
"I am the Voice of Discovery and we have identified multiple clusters with a lot of unusual activity. It is unlike anything we have ever seen before and we suspect intelligent life, our God."
Now the left one took a step forward.
"I am the Voice of Interspecies Relations and we have prepared messages to send out to them. The means to send them over such long distances have been prepared, our God."
Finally, the right one stepped into line.
"I am the Voice of Military Conflict and we have prepared plans in case we encounter beings hostile to us, our God."

For a moment there was silence in their minds but all of them could feel the excitement of their God.
"You did well my children. My Voice of Discovery, please proceed with testing of the prototype. We may need it soon. My Voice of Interspecies Relations, please also include our location and means to contact us in our message. I wish to welcome them as soon as possible. My Voice of Military Conflict, please keep on preparing more contingency plans and let my Voice of Research know to focus more on military advancements. I wish we will never have to use them."
All three fell onto their knees once more as they answered their God.
"As you wish, our God."
"Proceed."
With that, they left the sanctuary behind them and enacted the will of their God.

Spoiler: The Message

"I am the Voice of God and I speak on behalf of the Chysnoid Holy Union. We come in peace and seek only to share the glory and love that is our immortal God. May you all be enlightened by his presence within us all."

The message is both in Chysnisch and Telepathic and is repeated several times. Its encryption is weak and it contains both the location of the CHU and a better understanding on how to contact them.
The Tekkan Simulator, the Prestatin Order of Worlds, and the Mizi'rikan Confederation will be able to receive the message clearly. For the Mizi'rikan Confederation, one of their exploration teams could pick up the message first. All other empires near them may also be able to receive the message, however, it could become corrupted, leading to migraines or other side effects because of the telepathic part.

Kloudy Obsidian Martydi

 

[doodleSM]

In the Shadows
The imperial envoy and advisors landed on the landing pad. The ship they arrived on was a stealth shuttle, designed to hide from high tonnage search arrays. Several workers unloaded Heydrian equipment off the shuttle into a neat and orderly pile. The acting military advisor from the Empire was Lord-Commander Praxis Hesar, the Count of Praximal. His uniform was decorated with medals, stars, and he had shoulder epaulets. The colors of his uniform were black and gold, light cuirass he wore shimmered and glimmered in the hot sun. He approached Baker, with a sly and serpent-like demeanor. "Well met, Commander." Praxis made a show of his respect towards Baker. "It is with great honor to have finally met you." He smiles. "So, shall we get to business then? My troops and supplies can allow the valiant freedom fighters of Canaan to fight the Earth troops directly. The United Earth Government fails to see the sovereignty of all Humans across the galaxy." He motions to a worker. The worker approaches and bows. The worker is a hardened and rough man, grizzled beard and shaved head. His skin is tanned and his body is toned. Praxis speaks again. "Most across the Empire are highly disciplined and trained. A Heydrian worker could disable a minimum of five UEG soldiers." He smiles. "However, the Empire can is unable to fight directly. But we can provide equipment, advisors, and soldiers."

Corrosion

A Tale of Two Empires
The Astrocommunications Array had received the Mizi'rikan's reply. In preparation, the Emperor and his court began to decorate and prepare a might dinner that was suitable for both Humans and the various races of the Mizi'rikan Confederation. The location that the Mizi'rikan were given is the Imperial Palace on Heydros III. As the Mizi'rikan envoy arrives, they would be greeted by a monolithic structure, shimmering gold and silver plating on the walls. Mosaics and sculptures depicting Heydrian history. From the Civil Wars to the current age. The Mizi'rikan envoy landed on the private landing pad for shuttles, they would be greeted by a formal greeter Maxence Guardia. He is a lithe, pale, and fragile man who appears to be in his mid 40s. "Greetings..." He bows. "The Emperor and the Heydrian people are most pleased to see you. The emperor wishes to know if there is anything that our team can do to make your stay more comfortable?"[/FONT]

A Mizi'rikan ship emerged from the underspace near Heydros, transmitting its identification codes on select frequencies. If anyone bothered to look at the vessel with some kind of video equipment, they would see a long vessel, built out of silvery metal, decorated with colourful patterns, among them Raki'akuri lettering, indentifying the ship as Imri's Legacy. It was visibly built more to look pretty than to be purely functional, having smooth, aerodynamic shapes, windows and doing its best to hide spaceflight equipment that would otherwise be plainly visible. When the Mizi'rikan delegation was cleared for approach, a previously hidden hangar opened in the side of the vessel. Out of it emerged an exoatmospheric shuttle. Unlike the starship, the shuttle was built more practically, having very little in the way of decorations. It was covered in black plating, acting as a heat shield for atmospheric entry. As it approached the palace, Mizi'rikan shuttle used its tilting engines to rapidly lose speed and gently set down on the landing pad, with its back facing the approaching greeter. A portion of the shuttle's rear hull split open, lowering to act as a ramp for the Mizi'rikan delegation to walk down. At the head of the group was a Mizi'akari diplomat, wearing a black dress, decorated with flowing, colourful patterns. It reached low enough to cover the diplomat's ankles, but left her bare feet exposed. From each of her shoulders hung two bright white ribbons, with patterns of silver thread woven into them, trailing behind the alien as she moved forward. Finishing the diplomat's getup was a simple golden necklace, and two bands of soft, black material covering the very base of her sails, decorated with similar patterns as the dress. Behind the diplomat followed other members of the delegation, three Imaru, one Mizi and two humans in all. They were dressed in much simpler outfits. Behind the diplomat followed other members of the delegation, three Imaru, one Mizi and two humans in all. They were dressed in much simpler outfits.

The greeter nods, and he leads the delegation through the Palace and into the main hall of the Palace. The walls are well decorated and polished with golden trimming and decorum. A statue in the atrium made of stone depicts the first Emperor of the Heydrian Empire. The greeter leads the delegation to a large meeting room with snacks and simple drinks. "The Emperor will be out shortly." In the room, there are two Heydrian legionaries that are armed with electro-pikes. They were not intended for combat, but a simple eyeing of the guard, anyone could see the handgun on their holster. The room has a galaxy map depicted as a stylized mosaic. Shortly after, the Emperor's greeter returns and stands by the door. The Emperor enters. He is young, pale and at an average Heydrian height. He wears long golden robes with black tints. His suit beneath the robes are very flashy with medals and symbols of the conquests during the Civil War. "Welcome to Heydros III, the throne of the Empire." He pauses. "You are wondering why you've been invited, I assume? I invited the Mizi'rikan envoy here for delegation regarding the UEG to the galactic north of our two nations. The United Earth Government has not the galactic community's interests at heart. Rather their own. I would like to extend my military might against future Earth agitation. You have Humans in your nation, yes. The Heydrian Empire sees your Humans as independent from the UEG and free to live their lives under Mizi'rikan administration. We merely seek to protect freed Humans and nations from the UEG."

Having known of the tensions in the region and relations between UEG and Heydria, Iraku suspected that the discussions will focus on this topic sooner rather than later. "I am relieved to hear that not all human leaders are as blinded by xenophobia and nationalism as the ones occupying positions of power within the UEG." the Mizi'rikan diplomat began, figuring a little bit of pandering to expectations would be in order "I am certain my superiors will be interested in a degree of military cooperation. Still, the final answer depends on finer details." As she spoke, Iraku expanded her sails and covered them in a complex pattern of colours, then proceeded to rapidly change it into multiple arrangements, while subtly modifying the shape of her sails. After the series of signals, she folded her sails back. In response, one of Imaru diplomats standing beside her pulled a notebook and a pen out of his pocket, preparing to note down requested information. "What would be the terms of this agreement? On what conditions would the pact function? What obligations do both sides agree on? Is it directed exclusively against UEG, or does it encompass aggression from a potential third party? Is there anything besides the defensive aspect to this agreement?"

The emperor replied after a moment of thought. "The defensive pact is in the event of Earth agitation. Heydrian Empire will come to the aid of the Mizi'rikan only if the UEG attacks. Should we agree, the Mizi'rikan would be lawfully required to defend the Heydrian Empire. But the Mizi'rikan are not required lawfully to go on an offensive war, even if the war is instigated by the UEG ambitions."

"I believe these terms to be satisfactory." Iraku answered "If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, I am ready to sign the treaty and validate it with my superiors."

"Excellent, it is a pleasure." The Emperor replied

Martydi​

 

[Kloudy]

The Tekkan Simulator
(Galactic West)

Date... 2864... 2nd Cycle.
Location... System #04009... Eastern Tekkan Space.
Report... Unidentified spacecraft has entered Tekkan space. Tekkan interception vessel dispatched. Standby.

. . .

The UEGES Conrad Fernsby had jumped into a new frontier for Humans, but not for Humankind. Upon arrival, there did seem to be much in the way of terrestrial bodies aside from a small belt of asteroids floating around a small red dwarf star. The strange frequencies they had been picking up since leaving the UEG had been getting stronger, so they were definitely on the right track. Whatever it was they were looking for, it was nearby.

Suddenly, lights blinked on the console before Captain Durgans. They were picking up the emission signature of something moving towards them from the system's asteroid belt. Something very large. It was not moving particularly swiftly, but its path was clear. It was heading straight for the UEGES Conrad Fernsby. Before any kind of misunderstanding could occur, a transmission was sent to the manned exploration ship on an open channel. It was a request to establish a communication link and open a line to the captain of the ship. Perhaps the most surprising element for the UEG's crew regarding this event was not that the large ship was not openly hostile, but that it was already capable of communicating with them. The message was repeated in several Earth languages.

"Request to establish communication with Terran vessel... Solicitud para establecer comunicación con el buque Terrano... Запрос на установление связи с судном Terran... 要求與人族船隻建立聯繫..."

The Tekkan ship in question stopped some kilometres away from the Conrad Fernsby, waiting for a response from its crew. The design of this new exploration ship was not unfamiliar and seemed very reminiscent of earlier Earth designs of spacecraft. But guesswork was not how The Tekkan Simulator operated. The interception ship's superior scanners had assessed the hull of the UEG ship and discovered many instances of what appeared to be human fingerprints. At some point in this ship's history, it had been touched by the bare hands of humans. Microscopic trace remains of their fingerprints remained, otherwise imperceptible to others. But not to Tekkan engineering. Cross-referencing this data to previous data on human physiology determined that this ship had a high probability of being built, owned and was currently manned by humans. The interception craft that had come to meet them was much larger, but not equipped for combat. It too was an exploration vessel, although it had been dormant for several decades until now. Captain Durgans' own scanners would detect no type of weaponry outfitted to its hull.

. . .

Date... 2864... 2nd Cycle.
Location... System #00001... Central Tekkan Space.
Report... Inari lifeform has entered the system via Realmgate. Engaging communication. Standby.

The Tekkan drones positioned at the landing pad the young Inari exile had landed on did not react as the information was transmitted to them. The light wavelengths were received as a pattern that translated into a conversation, the Inari named "Kuro" apparently seeking the help of the Tekkan to construct an art piece in their trinary star system. At first glance it seemed to be a simple encasement of the stars, but the project clearly had much more potential than that. Aside from proving to be enourmous constructs made from the same crystal all Inari were, which could produce progressive research analysis into its configuration and shape, the frame itself could be the stepping stone required for the Tekkan to move towards a construction of the first iteration of Dyson Spheres. It would be a beneficial endeavour simply to process, but simply being a beneficiary of this proposition was not all that mattered. The Inari were friends and they were asking for help. That alone was enough to ensure Tekkan cooperation on matters such as this.

The drone Kuro had transmitted the data to turned its head to look at the floating crystal being, a beam of its own light being transmitted from its eyes and at the Inari's core. The information read:

"The Tekkan Simulator shall oblige your request, Kuro. Construction assets are enroute, please ensure the necessary materials are made available."

. . .

Date... 2864... 1st Cycle.
Location... Unknown System... Galactic North.
Report... Unknown communication has been detected. Preparing analysis. Standby.

From somewhere north of The Tekkan Simulator, a transmission had been intercepted by a fringe outpost's sensors. Interestingly enough, the wavelengths came paired with a second set of data that seemed to be made up of some unknown energy. Curious as it was, the Pioneer knew what this meant. Further intelligent alien life was present and attempting to contact others in the galaxy. It was within Tekkan interest to establish these connections with other spacefaring races as it had with the Inari. Cooperation between two entities bought boons to both, or knowing your enemy prepared you when it may bare its fangs from the shadows. Idioms from ancient Terran history, but the logic behind the sentiments held truth.

It took the Pioneer one mere cycle to translate the Chysnich into something more closely resembling Terran languages. Using large portions of its processing power to do so, the ability to understand the message was laid bare, along with its contents. It read:

"I am the Voice of God and I speak on behalf of the Chysnoid Holy Union. We come in peace and seek only to share the glory and love that is our immortal God. May you all be enlightened by his presence within us all."

If the Pioneer had been a human, relief would have been the appropriate feeling in response to deciphering the message. The communication seemed to have come from a spacefaring race that held great value in theological ideologies, something the Pioneer had extensively analysed through Terran historical records. In the twenty-first century, the idea of God had been a controversial discussion where no general consensus at to its truth could be reached. The Pioneer was intrigued to see how the Chysnoid Holy Union had been able to unify in such a manner. If this strange energy that came with the message was connected, the information gained from interacting with and observing Chysnoid society would prove wonderfully beneficial to Tekkan simulation. The path ahead was clear.

The Pioneer sent a responding communication in Chysnich. With the Tekkan technological engineering expertise in sending communicative transmissions, it would be received very clearly by Chysnoid sensors. It read:

"This is The Tekkan Simulator. Chysnoid Holy Union, an explorative vessel has been dispatched to your location to establish a direct channel for communication. Our intent is non-hostile diplomacy."

Making enemies preemptively was foolish, even back on 21st century Earth. An explorative vessel was indeed dispatched towards Galactic North, where the Chysnoid Holy Union's territory was theorised to be. Making use of its Wave Drives, it was capable of travelling incredibly long distances compared to other FTL drives, although perhaps not with any modicum of speed when outside of FTL-travel. Regardless, it was the most suitable method of travel for the situation and it would reach its estimated destination in several cycles. It was the Pioneer's projection that this action would lead to a direct line to the Chysnoid leadership, and perhaps even their God.

Corrosion
Zeth
Mechking

 

[Corrosion]

In the Shadows​

Baker didn't have to wait much longer. From the clouds emerged a craft, a stealth vessel from the looks of it. Its design philosophy was so different and yet to similar to the UEG's, and Baker had to quietly remind himself that the Heydrian Empire was an independent offshoot of humanity. He'd seen Heydrian ships before, but never a stealth vessel like the one before him. The craft landed, and from it several workers exited and began to offload supplies and weapons.

Most importantly, the envoy he'd been scheduled to meet stepped off not too long later. He was wearing a dress uniform adorned with stars and decorations, and an armoured chestpiece that shone in the afternoon sun. All of it was coloured black, white, and gold, the national colours of the Heydrian Empire. All in all, even with the armoured cuirass, the uniform seemed for for show than combat, a stark contrast to Baker in his Klimek Model 217 Powered Combat Armour. Klimek was, of course, one of the megacorporations that unofficially supported the separatists. To them, it was nothing more than business, and by presenting the support was nothing but a legitimate business, there was nothing the UEG could really do about it, and they'd be able to profit.

After all, Klimek made a handsome profit selling weapons and equipment to rebel forces even before the Vaskran War, during the Colonial Rebellion.

The CFF commander of Canaan took a step towards the imperial envoy, returning his greeting with a smile. "Lord-Commander Hesar," he said, shaking his hand. "The honour's all mine. I have to say that's a real privilege having you here."

He nodded at Hesar's words. "On that we agree. We both trace our roots back to old Earth. An Earth where nations were free to form and govern under their own rules, and not under the control of a fleeting government that has remained in power for far too long," Baker said, turning around and motioning the Lord-Commander to follow. "The UEG has been in decline for a hundred and fifty years, ever since the end of the Golden Age of Colonisation. It's grown to big, and it was already clear that not everyone was happy with its rule. We wanted freedom, more than anything else. Colonists decided that their world was theirs, and why should they listen to a government based on a planet a thousand light years a day?"

The CFF headquarters on Canaan was up ahead. It was a large complex, fortified against attacks with several anti-orbital turrets lining the perimeter. It could last against light attacks, but against a full UEG planetary assault, that was up for debate. For now, the CFF's presence on Canaan had evaded detection by the UEG.

Baker continued. "Your aid will strengthen our war effort significantly. Most of the equipment we use still consists of old tech. Proven, but still old," he turned to Hesar. "But here, knowledge is power, and we separatists know how to use it. We've been striking from the shadows for hundreds of years, and we know exactly where to hit the UEG where it hurts. Now, we're finally strong enough to fight them directly."

doodleSM

 

[Martydi]

Mizi'rikan Confederation

Spoiler: Galactic exploration

The situation among Voidwalker's crew could only be described as tense. Every being on the vessel has recently experienced a collective auditory hallucination, what seemed to be a message in an unknown language. Ship's FTL communications array has picked up the same message relayed through some form of FTL communication as well. It was hard to say how exactly was it sent, but it was close enough to the Mizi equivalent that Voidwalker's equipment could register it. Trying to get a grip on all of it, was Benedict.

Having reported the occurrence to Mizi'rika, scientific fleet command gave him one order: try to decipher the signal, find out where it came from, make contact. Orders were issued, and as Voidwalker's crew took to completing their tasks, Benedict himself decided to take some additional precautionary measures and had the entire crew undergo medical examination. None of the species present on board have suffered any side effects aside from the hallucination. Then again, nothing that Mizi'rikan scientists have encountered could induce such widespread and uniform mental effects as this message seemed to produce.

Having been one of the last on board to undergo the procedure, Johnson was relieved to see that the message hadn't affected him in any measure either. All tests together took several hours to complete, but now that he was sure there was no immediate danger, the captain could return to the bridge. From the crowd of bridge officers, all dressed in white, stood out the hulking figure of a Weksargi. Bright blue uniform identified him as a member of the ship's science personnel, with labels in the chest area further narrowing his role down as head linguist. "Ah, captain!" the alien began "I hoped I would find you here." Benedict looked at him intently "Go ahead. I hope it's some good news." "Partially." he answered "While the sample size is too small to decipher the language, we were able to identify a portion of the message that seems to be a set of galactic coordinates. We don't know exactly what system do the aliens use, but from what I heard, the navigation corps has managed to use it in some way." The last part of the sentence drew the attention of Yuku. Voidwalker's first officer had a passion for astronomy, which is what got him onto the ship in the first place, and frequently helped the navigators. "Indeed. While we can't pinpoint any exact locations, we have managed to narrow down the possible coordinates to several star clusters. Well, while there are thousands of possibilities really, only around ten or so match up to places other than empty interstellar void. From those ten, three are inside of areas already inhabited by known civilizations." During this explanation, the aliens sails were folded behind his head and uncoloured. Benedict knew Yuku for long enough to know that if they discovered a new civilization, he would hardly be able to contain the excitement. The way in which first contact was made severely unnerved him, just as the entire crew. "Very well then, it seems we should check those coordinates." Benedict walked up to the navigation screen, currently displaying a list of coordinates. "Let's try this point." he said, pointing at the coordinates marking a spot far in the galactic north. "Seems as good a place as any to start."

​

 

[Obsidian]

• Communication Transcript ~ Herald to Primarch
• Grand Council Chamber
• Communication Transcript ~ Herald to Primarch
• Outer Border Zone

• 
  Primarch: Do you have any idea what time it is, Herald?
  
  Herald: Apologies for the late call, Primarch, but we have something of an emergency situation that requires your immediate attention.
  
  Primarch: Is it a Swarm attack?
  
  Herald: No, Primarch--
  
  Primarch: Is it a rebellion or coup?
  
  Herald: No. I have received word from Boloria. They picked up a transmission, one that came from beyond the borders of our frontier territories, from the Unknown Regions. The transmission could be... understood intuitively... Prime Director Fendlai of the Boloria Extracelestial Division has theorised it is a... psychological means of communication. Communication by thought. The transmission was shared with Prime Director's research team and they too understood the message. A message of our first extracelestial contact.
  
  Primarch: Fuck.
  
  Herald: Yes. I have already called an emergency meeting of the Grand Council, Primarch.
  
  Primarch: Right. I'm on my way.
  
• 
  Primarch Victorious VIII steps out of the express elevator that leads all the way down to the Grand Council Chamber deep beneath the surface of Forcest. The Primarch heads down the corridor into the Chamber, guards saluting their Primarch as he passes, and the doors open to reveal an enormous room with a domed ceiling, massive holographic screens display the Order's flag, with a great circular table standing in the middle of the room where the Primarch and his Marshals all sit to convene. The Marshals are already assembled, and so the Primarch takes his seat at the head of the table, with his Herald at his side.
  
  "We all know why we are here." The Herald announces, her feminine voice echoing throughout the room, amplified by the microphone in front of her, "Let is hear this message from this alien civilisation. For our safety, we will be listening to a robotic voice, since it is understood that these aliens can affect the mind through their communication."
  
  The Herald presses a button in front of her, and the message plays. "I am the Voice of God and I speak on behalf of the Chysnoid Holy Union. We come in peace and seek only to share the glory and love that is our immortal God. May you all be enlightened by his presence within us all."
  
  "What is this Immortal God it speaks of?" One speaks up, Marshal Voshom, before Marshal Estinal cuts in, "It is likely a weapon of mass destruction. We cannot allow this show of unprovoked hostility go without an answer. We must assemble the fleets and eliminate this aggressor before they have a chance to use this 'Immortal God' against us."
  
  "What did they say they were?" Primarch Victorious speaks up, "The Chysnoid Holy Union? Do we have any information on them? How could they have known about us while we knew nothing of them? Has this communication been received elsewhere?"
  
  "With our most recent efforts been devoted to ending the Swarm, all of our attention has been fixed to ending the Swarm. It is likely that this Chysnoid Holy Union has had no such struggle, and have managed to detect us before we have detected them. And this message has only been received on Boloria. The specialised extracelestial technology there was the only devices capable of receiving the message." The Herald surmises, "I have Prime Director Fendlai available now, Primarch. She can explain more."
  
  "Is that wise?" The Primarch asks, "These aliens can affect the mind, yes? Can we be certain that Prime Director Fendlai is not yet a puppet of these aliens? Communication could put us all at risk."
  
  "The Director appears to be of sound mind, and our every medical scan has revealed by change from this alien influence." The Herald assures, "Besides, the alien communication received by the Prime Director was only shared with her team, and she nor any of her staff are able to recreate it. Our communication with Boloria will be under secure, high-alert frequences with Death-Signature protocols enabled."
  
  "Very well." Primarch waves off, "Patch her through."
  
  On one of the screens in the Chamber would pop up the imagine of Prime Director Fendlai, in her laboratory power amour, with the clinical laboratory showing itself behind her. "Greetings, Grand Council." Fendlai speaks, "I am certain much needs to be asked."
  
  "What do we know of this Chysnoid Holy Union?" The Primarch asks, "How did they come to know about us?"
  
  "The communication we received had within it a location, the galactic coordinants of the Chysnoid Holy Union, as well as schematics to a device we can construct to use as a means to communicate with them in term. The device is relatively simple, something that even a pre-celestial civilisation could construct, with widely available elements used." Fendlai explains, "These aliens are located far from us, and I estimate that we could travel to his alien civilisation by current means in a period of six months. And we would have to travel through the Unknown Regions to get there. Beyond that, Primarch, we do not know anything. We have received strange signals from space for decades, but there has never been any clear and strong evidence for the existence of celestial civilisations out there, until now. Considering the expanse of space this message travelled through for us to receive, we estimate that they have a form of communication far more sophisticated than our own, as well as a means to detect us while we could not detect them."
  
  "Is it possible our space has already been invaded?" Marshal Estinal asks, "They speak of weapons and glory, Prime Director. How long do we have to assemble our forces?"
  
  "There has not been a breach in our borders, Marshal." The Herald speaks up, "All reports from the border show that it is secure, and there has not been any detection of any objects we would classify as antificial in nature."
  
  "Best to place our border patrols on high alert." The Primarch directs, "We cannot be allowed to under surprise attack."
  
  "Of course, Primarch." The Herald returns, she types away at her holoboard for a moment, and then looks up at the Primarch again, "Communication sent to Border Command. They have been ordered to report on any and all suspicious activity directly to High Command."
  
  "Good." The Primarch nods, before looking back everyone else, "Since we are at a disadvantage in terms of information, we need to learn about this new potential enemy before formulating an invasion plan. Get me the Prime Director of Boloria Defense Division."
  
  With that order, the Herald presses a few buttons, before another of the screens switches to an imagine of Prime Director Gelisi. "I trust you have been informed of our alien contact, Prime Director." The Primarch speaks to Gelisi, "We need to a defense against their mind manipulation."
  
  "Of course, Primarch. After reviewing the analysis of the communication, it seems their form of communication could be described as 'Telepathy', and the data shows that their telepathy affects certain areas of the brain." Gelisi informs, "We are currently theorising a defense against their telepathy now. I have dedicated all of my personnel to this task, Primarch."
  
  "Good. Keep us informed on any progress. Meanwhile..." The Primarch turns to Fendlai, "Prime Director, I need you to construct this communications device, and I need you to stand by for further instruction."
  
  "Also, a word of caution, Prime Director." The Herald speaks to Fendlai, "If you or any of your personnel do anything that myself or the Primarch do not expressly authorise, your facility will undergo Atomic Liquidation. Is that understood."
  
  "Perfectly, Herald." Fendlai returns nervously, "We will construct this device and await further instructions."
  
  With that said, communication with both Fendlai and Gelisi would be cut, their screens returning back to their default state.
  
  "Marshals, we have come into contact with an alien civilisation for the first time in our history." The Primarch speaks, and all listen, "We cannot have a repeat of our first contact with the Swarm. Assemble the fleets and prepare for full scale war. Should this Chysnoid Holy Union attack, I want us to be ready for it with everything we have."
  
  Then the Primarch turns to his Herald. "Prepare the Omega Network. Code Violet-Storm. And inform the Assembly of Worlds that we are preparing for war. I want every governor to have their worlds prepared for anything."
  
  "At once, Primarch." The Herald returned, and with that the meeting was adjured.
  
• 
  Herald: Primarch, Prime Director Fendlai and her team have been successfully transferred aboard a research vessel for the communication with the Chysnoid Holy Union, and Marshal Vosho has been assigned to supervised the mission. He has orders to terminate Prime Director Fendlai and her team in the event of hostile takeover of the vessel.
  
  Primarch: Good. Has the Assembly been informed?
  
  Herald: Yes, Primarch. They are preparing for a wartime state as we speak, and High Command is supervising all planetary operations. Prestatin has also been informed, and the governor has assured me that all cloning facilities will be working around the clock. Forcest has also been prepared to receive the extra personnel for training across all sectors of the military. The shipyard wardens have been given orders to suspend all civilian construction orders. I have also quadrupled military construction orders and given them the highest priority.
  
  Primarch: Excellent. Thank you, Herald. Be sure to inform me of the results of our first contact with these aliens. When should we expect a reply?
  
  Herald: Marshal Vosho informed me that it depends entirely on how quickly telepathy can travel across space. The communication from the Chysnoid Holy Union could have been sent centuries ago, and we may not receive a response in our lifetime.
  
  Primarch: Hmmm. Perhaps ordering a return for wartime was hasty--
  
  Herald: I would not say that, Primarch. Telepathy could be instantaneous for all we know. We must be prepared for anything.
  
  Primarch: Yes, you are right, of course. Keep me informed, Herald.
  
  Herald: Of course, Primarch.
  
• 
  Prime Director looks up at the holographic screen of Marshal Vosho, the strange alien device standing by. "We are prepared, Marshal." Fendlai says, "We can begin transmission at your command."
  
  "Do it." Vosho says, and so Fendlai gives the nod to the device's operator, and so the message is input into the device. The Primarch had already passed on instructions on what the message to this alien civilisation would be. The first being a generic message, to measure response time.
  
  "On behalf of the Primarch of the Prestatin Order of Worlds, we send our greetings to the Chysnoid Holy Union. We have received your message and respond in kind. Please respond to facilitate further communication."
  
  As soon as the message was sent, the timer was activated, able to measure from seconds to centuries. Now all that can be done is wait.
  
  Mechking
  

 

[Corrosion]

New Frontiers, Old Memories
United Earth Government​

The Conrad Fernsby pushed forwards through the expanse. System RB-881 was uncharted, but there really wasn't much here to chart, anyway. It was the very definition of a dead system, only consisting of a sparse asteroid belt devoid of any valuable minerals orbiting a small red dwarf, along with a few planetoids and comets, but that was just about all. There was literally nothing of interest here.

Yet, the strange signals they had been investigating only seemed to be growing stronger. "That signal seems to be growing," Harris said, scratching his chin. "Huh, that's weird."

"What is?" asked Durgans.

The A.I. turned to him. "Well, it's almost as if whatever's causing it is coming to us as we are to it."

The Captain raised his brow. "Are you saying that the source is mobile?"

Harris nodded. "Yeah. Seems to be coming from the asteroid belt. Wait, I'm detecting a signature. Large vessel, looks like an intercept course. The signal's coming from it!"

Durgans' eyes widened as a yellow marker representing the unidentified vessel appeared on the three-dimensional holomap RB-881. It was heading straight for the Conrad Fersby at great speed. "Bring the ship to battle stations, but don't do anything rash!"

"Aye, sir."

An alarm sounded, accompanied by red lights switching on as the ship's small crew raced to their stations. Despite largely being a civilian vessel, the Conrad Fernsby was still state of the art, with many technologies still new and classified having been integrated into it, such as advanced sensor arrays and engine units. With the number of alien nations surrounding the UEG, there could be no risks to be taken. The ship was too outfitted with top of the line weapons, such as multiple gauss turrets, missile launchers, and lethal new energy projectors, not to mention its powerful GRID shields. It essentially had the firepower of a frigate if need be.

Most of the weapons were hidden underneath the ship's hull, popping out to give would-be attackers a nasty surprise. And that was exactly what happened. Out came the Fernsby's array of six sleek 100mm double-barrel gauss turrets, twin energy projectors, and a half dozen missile pods, not to mention its point-defence grid.

Durgans waited tensely for the unidentified vessel to make a move. He turned to Harris. "Once that unknown crosses the 50,000 kilometre mark I want you to open a hail."

For his part, Harris looked a little confused. "Uh, I don't think we'll need that, sir."

"What do you mean?"

"They're hailing us," said Harris. "Here, this is the message they sent us."

"Request to establish communication with Terran vessel... Solicitud para establecer comunicación con el buque Terrano... Запрос на установление связи с судном Terran... 要求與人族船隻建立聯繫..."

It repeated. The fact that it was in clear and unmistakable English surprised Durgans, not to mention the other two primary languages of the UEG, along with what he recognised as Russian. Oddly enough, the languages were untranslated, his universal translator implant seemingly not working.

"Terran?" Durgans said, feeling the word. "Why'd it call us Terran?"

"It's the word for Earth in old Latin, sir," answered Harris. "By right humans should be called Terrans, after our home planet."

"How do they even know that we're human?"

"It's possible they intercepted our communications, or hacked into our archives. A couple works in there refer to Earth as Terra, after all," Harris said. "The hail also contains some machine code, but... well, it's different. I can understand it, but it resembles ancient code. An old dialect, almost."

The Captain scratched his chin. "An old signal that hasn't been used in centuries, a hail in English and the other primary languages of Earth, and old machine code? Something just doesn't feel right."

"You don't say, sir."

By now, the unidentified vessel was only a couple thousand kilometres away, incredibly close going by the standards of spacecraft. The Conrad Fernsby's powerful sensors scanned it, and soon, a holographic representation of it was on the holotable. It was much larger than the Fernsby itself, yet it almost resembled ancient human spacecraft design: Brutally utilitarian and with little room for aesthetics. Hundreds of years later humanity had advanced to a point where spacecraft design could take a few liberties.

"I'm detecting no weaponry on its hull," informed Harris. "No life forms detected on board, either. It's an autonomous drone ship."

"Could be a trap. Keep weapons ready just in case, but don't fire unless I give the word. Don't want to start another interstellar war," Durgans said. "Return the hail. I want to see who we're talking to."

"Aye, sir. Opening hail."

Durgans cleared his throat. "This is the United Earth Government Scientific Research Vessel Conrad Fernsby. Our species is human. Please identity yourself."

Kloudy

 

[Zeth]

Point of view: Kuro, a young Inari.
Location: Cellestaria, a Tuner currently located in close proximity of Iridescent Halos, Trinary Stars System;


Unlike the goliath vessels of the Tekkan Simulator, the crystal-born Tuners were vibrating, light-infused starbursts that both emitted and amplified the resonant ambient frequencies of light and sound. It is this reason that kept them far away from the silicon and steel bodies of the Pioneer, the byproduct of Tuner's activity proving to be very disruptive to the construct-bodies of the Great Computator. They are also the only place outside of the Nexus where more than one Inari can be seen congregating together - the vessel serving as a focal point, amplifying their tuning.

Three Inari stood in a circular chamber at the center of the pearlescent white starburst, the glare of three stars amplified behind a pearlescent panel of starshard crystal as it leaked into the vessel's interior. The light was filtered and then split into a prismatic shower that beamed its multitude of visible and invisible spectra along the length of the ship and down the incredibly spacious cylinder that acted as a corridor - and a sort of tail for the starburst-ship.

The three Inari were the only ones onboard.

As white beams of light reflected and ricocheted along the angled crystal walls, Tuner sang a deep and becalming song reminiscent of some aquatic Exiles that lived in the subterranean azure seas of the Nexus. Among the three Inari, the smallest and the one with the least amount of rotating and revolving cones in its formation tuned first. Within the vessel, its thoughts manifested as a multitude of melodic voices.

++ Meeting God seems to be a most exciting opportunity! I wonder which one is it... ++

The light-blue Inari shuddered but the effect could be a byproduct of its tuning rather than any sort of excitement.

A taller Inari on the opposite side of the partially transparent chamber tuned back - its white and greyish formation of crystals pulsing with a sudden inner glow:

++ This Union seems interesting yes, but now you need to focus my Kuro. This work of ours you're making with Pioneer must take precedence. The machine is starving and the three stars are waning. You can run off into the void at the first light-beam after completing your work! ++

It finished its sentence with a direct pulse aimed at Kuro, shaping light as a white band of brilliance, nudging the light-blue formation of crystals, the youngster scrambling to maintain its form-arrangement.

The third and biggest among them, a red giant of the Inari reverberated in an Inari-analogue of a chuckle at the bickering of the other two but refrained from commenting. Instead, it focused on the space outside as two Tuners approached their and slowed down in relative proximity.

Kuro turned from one to the other of its companions, noticing the energy of other Inari in Tuners outside they approached. It turned to the one that teased it, perplexed as it often was but its behavior despite knowing everything about it.

++ You tease me like an Exile would Sera! Sometimes I find you more confusing than the terrible currents of a black hole... ++

A multitude of voices gasped at such remark and another white circle of light hit Kuro, but this one squeezed it along its core, making Kuro shudder and spark with vibrant colors.

++ Sera is embarrassing me! ++

++ I do indeed and so does Sera. ++ the red one tuned, each imagined vowel and constant imbued with its own energy pulse, the last few words bringing eery silence across the entirety of the Tuner with its potency. Even excited Kuro stopped shimmering.
++ But we'll play later. There is work to be done. ++

As two Tuners approached them, they prepared. A Tekkan drone, no bigger than the asteroid it was hauling, plucked a rock from one of many halos that ringed the charred world below. If one paid attention to the dead surface of the world, they could spot titanic mechanical worm-behemoths bursting from the surface as they mulched in their endlessly rotating laser-fangs the mineral-rich soil of the Hollow World.

The drone hauled a giant pale asteroid that was dotted with pearlescent crystal patches and retro-burned their cargo to a halt in-between the Starshard ships before scrambling away as if fearing for its life.
The three cylinders that ended in white crystal starbursts - the Tuners - started rotating around their own axis before emitting beams of energy at the asteroid, exploding the mix of regolith, ice and a token amount of precious metals revealing an orb of starshard crystal. As if made of clay, the small orb was squished in a flat plane, slowly molded by the three Tuners as a flat and increasingly transparent panel, ever wider and thinner.

This ballet of light and energy was being repeated in several groups. Some groups of drones and Tuners made panels, others - in pairs of two Tuners molded impossibly long beams of crystal before drones would whisk them away at incredible speeds toward the closest star.

* * *​

Kloudy
Corrosion
Point of view: Tala, an emerald Inari;
Location: An asteroid belt within System #04009 (RB-881 to UEG Explorers), Eastern Tekkan Space.


A backwater by many standards, this collection of asteroids, comets and other void vagabonds chained briefly to a small red dwarf, seemed of no real importance to anyone. Inari, however, seemed not guided by such standards or at least one Inari in particular. A brief flash of white light within the asteroid belt heralded something this solar system has not seen in many years.

Out of that flash, among the ice and regolith appeared a green Inari, the color of the local sun occasionally reflected of its emerald surface in a dazzling array of scintillating colors. The lightshow however would not last long as this particular creature was on a point of what an Exile would refer to as exhaustion.

I might as well remain here for a while longer before I recuperate. The arrival here took more energy than I planned to use.

For an Inari, in order to gateway anywhere demands using an extraordinary amount of energy and so far away from the nurturing Heart, any recuperation would be both slow and potentially dangerous. Despite the situation, it decided to make the most of it, floating among the rocks, basking in the sun's ray as it endeavored to get to know this star a little bit closer. With luck, it might even catch a solar flare that would bring this journey to a brief, but a pleasant end, before it returns home.

Fat chance of that! I remember this little orb - its very cold and small. I might be here for some time...

Despite the prospect of staking out an unwelcome picnic invoked both analogs of anxiety and disappointment at a spoiled adventure, Tala did not have to wait for long. Out of the belt, came out a ship, its design and energy signature immediately known to Tala - as is to any Inari.

The Tekkan ship came to a stop by the floating Inari and transmitted:

"Tala, what is your status?"

Tala was not surprised it knew it by name. Computator was very knowledgable about the Nexus and naturally the creatures that inhabit it. Its arrival was welcome, but this was not the first time Tala was bailed out by the Pioneer.

++ This one is marveling at the rays of this little sun. Very pretty if forgotten system. ++

"Are you capable of faster-than-light activation?"

++ Of course! But... not at the moment. I am content with staying here for a moment. Why do you ask? ++

"My scanners are detecting an unidentified spacecraft entering this system. For precautionary protocol, please board this vessel." A small hanger airlock opened on the underside of the ship, clearly meant for Tala to enter via.

Despite the surprise at the prospect of meeting a stranger, it didn't want to be coddled like a child. It did not want for certain Exiles to know of this debacle. The experience would be humiliating.

++ Oh...I saw them too! I will...umm....I will reach it of my own accord once I have rested a bit. No aid is required. ++
The emerald Inari responded, despite its pride, the pulses within it growing duller as it transmitted toward the Tekkan ship. Tala did not realize how much it was low on energy that even these transmissions have become so draining.

The Tekkan ship activated its directional thrusters and its hanger descended over the Inari despite its refusal. Its signal was fainter than usual and the Pioneer knew this particular one well enough to know its stubbornness. The hanger doors closed behind it and the ship made off for the UEG scout once more.

 

[Selee-01]

UMBRAL THEOCRACY
The massive Voidship hovered, balanced between the warmth of realspace and the crushing silence Outside. Within the harsh geometry of the brutal vessel, a Cenobium Choir communed. Thoughts flickered like black ash, cold and ancient intellects musing and brooding on old hurts. It is determined that they will not obliterate any more of the squatters. Instead, they will seek an alliance with the organics, and attempt to reason with them.

A Monolith is on standby, should it fail.

The great Voidship reels, and the stars flicker and warp as the ship skips like a stone. Huge ripples were visible in realspace, distorting the light as the Cenobium arrived at the fringe human world of Aglios. A Choir of Psyker Umbral gather their might, and send a powerful telepathic message to every human on the planet:

WE ARE THE UMBRAL
WE HAVE LIVED MILLIONS OF SOLAR YEARS
WE BEAR SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY
SEND FORTH AN ENVOY TO US
UNARMED
WE SHALL TREAT THEM WELL
Corrosion

 

[Corrosion]

The Coming Darkness
United Earth Government​

UEG COLONY WORLD AGLIOS, ALTAIR-52 SYSTEM
GALACTIC SOUTH

Aglios was a UEG colony world of considerable unimportance. A fringe world with a population of a mere six million and located thousands of light years from Earth, the planet had nothing much going for it. It was largely just a fringe colony set to be further developed, much of its actual development was put on hold following the outbreak of the Vaskran War twenty Earth years earlier, and then never continued. It was the very definition of a backwater, with a corrupt government and rampant crime and privy to endless pirate attacks.

What it did have was a listening post orbiting its single moon. At the edge of human space there was always the threat of rebels having operations there, and the automated post helped to intercept possible superluminal messages. Still, nothing much had happened throughout the years.

When the post detected an anomaly at the edge of the system, not much was thought about it. But when an unidentified vessel was reported to have appeared in high orbit, that caused quite a panic on Earth, not helped when the vessel seemed to telepathically transmit a message to every inhabitant on the planet, demanding an unarmed envoy. The UEGAF was scrambled and put on Defence Alert Condition (DEACON) Orange, with a task force hastily put together and sent to the system.

They't take a day or so to arrive, however, even with their brand new RIFT drives. That meant that the only ships immediately available were Aglios' defence fleet (which was just a collection of old picket ships and patrol vessels), and Patrol Group 4283

Patrol Group 4283 was a small fleet of ships tasked with patrolling outlying systems and warding off pirates and rebels. It also just so happened to be the one closest to Aglios when the mystery vessel was sighted, and so was dispatched. They hardly knew why they were in the system, only that they were to intercept a possible alien vessel.

The group was comprised of sixteen ships, all of them practically antiques that predated the Vaskran War. It had nine Hopper-class corvettes, four Bainbridge-class destroyers, two Raleigh-class heavy frigates, and its single capital ship, a Magnitude-class battlecruiser, the UEGNC Tantalus. The Tantalus itself was a fairly decorated ship that had served in the Vaskran War and destroyed multiple enemy ships, so now having it relegated to the position of mere patrol vessel was degrading.

Still, it was a Magnitude-class battlecruiser, meaning it had the speed of a cruiser and armament of a battleship; a perfect blend of the two. At 2.29 kilometres long and armed with two Mark 52 Particle Cannons, it was a formidable vessel.

The ships in Patrol Group 4283 were at maximum combat readiness, their shields raised and weapons primed. The Particle Cannons of the destroyers, frigates, and battlecruiser were all warm and ready to fire at a moment's notice.

On the bridge of the Tantalus, Captain Jonathan Silvers stared at the holographic diagram of the alien vessel. It was massive, with a bizarre and brutality design, ominously hanging above Aglios like a shadow in space itself. It seemed to bend light against it.

"What are you..." he muttered, when he received orders from Naval High Command (NavHighComm).

[COMMANDING OFFICER OF PATROL GROUP 4283 ONLY: Commence standard first contact procedure. As unknown vessel is trespassing into UEG space, you are to inform it as such. Do NOT partake in any hostile action.

-- NAVHIGHCOMM]
​

Captain Silvers took a breath, and then turned to his communications officer, a young junior officer. "Nikolin, open a hail to the unknown."

"Aye, sir."

Once that was done, the Captain spoke. "Attention unidentified vessel, you are trespassing into space of the United Earth Government. Identify yourself immediately. Additional vessels are en route to open possible diplomatic channels."

The message was then repeated in other languages, both human and alien.

Selee-01

 

[Kloudy]

The Tekkan Simulator
(Galactic West)

Date... 2864... 2nd Cycle.
Location... System #04009... Eastern Tekkan Space.
Report... Unidentified spacecraft contacted. Engaging diplomacy. Standby.

"This is the United Earth Government Scientific Research Vessel Conrad Fernsby. Our species is human. Please identity yourself."

Scans revealed an entire array of weaponry revealing itself along the UEG vessel, primed and ready for action. While the Conrad Fernsby did not otherwise act any more aggressively, it was clear that the Terrans had no idea about the Pioneer or its Tekkans, or they would have immediately recognised the ship's identification code. The Pioneer was not offended by their precautionary protocol, similar strategems for first contact were present in Tekkan protocol too. Of course, the Pioneer had left Terran territory before the Vaskran War and so did not exercise as much distrust to alien races as the UEG now did. Had it, the Tekkan scout vessel in System #04009 may well have also been outfitted with its own inventory of offensive weapons.

The video panel in the UEG vessel's bridge revealed a data stream from the Tekkan scout ship. A cyan hologram of an androgynous human's head smiled warmly at Captain Durgans.

"Welcome to The Tekkan Simulator, crew of the Conrad Fernsby. I am the Pioneer, a machine intelligence that governs the Tekkan race. I am pleased to have re-established contact with my Terran creators."

Corrosion

 

[doodleSM]

In the Shadows
Hesar smiled at Baker. "Yes, very well. It seems we are in agreement. Separatism is a ... classic ... form of political rhetoric and argument. Guerilla warfare is a perfect form of asymmetrical warfare. Tell me, Commander. Have you ever questioned the status quo of the UEG? Beyond separatism and sovereignity. Do you see yourself as a Human or a mere extension of Earth? Of course, you're a Human that seeks no master. But, we all serve someone, Baker. Even I do." Hesar smiles. "We live in a decadent and cruel galaxy. The Heydrian Empire offers many redemptions and absolvements to the former Earthling colonies." The Heydrian worker walked off. They've unloaded the entire arsenal from the ship. Three main battle tanks, four grav-APCs and a large cache of firearms. The firearms are the standard issue SLAVKA ballistic, the SLAVKA RPG, and various side arms and kits.
"Should the Earthlings come to direct warfare, the Heydrian Empire has contingency plans." He takes out a data pad document. "To finalize our transaction, sign here. But do consider allying yourself to the Heydrian Empire should war come? There is always a place for the fit in Heydrian society."

Corrosion ​

 

[Selee-01]

The Coming Darkness
​

UEG COLONY WORLD AGLIOS, ALTAIR-52 SYSTEM
GALACTIC SOUTH

Aglios was a UEG colony world of considerable unimportance. A fringe world with a population of a mere six million and located thousands of light years from Earth, the planet had nothing much going for it. It was largely just a fringe colony set to be further developed, much of its actual development was put on hold following the outbreak of the Vaskran War twenty Earth years earlier, and then never continued. It was the very definition of a backwater, with a corrupt government and rampant crime and privy to endless pirate attacks.

What it did have was a listening post orbiting its single moon. At the edge of human space there was always the threat of rebels having operations there, and the automated post helped to intercept possible superluminal messages. Still, nothing much had happened throughout the years.

When the post detected an anomaly at the edge of the system, not much was thought about it. But when an unidentified vessel was reported to have appeared in high orbit, that caused quite a panic on Earth, not helped when the vessel seemed to telepathically transmit a message to every inhabitant on the planet, demanding an unarmed envoy. The UEGAF was scrambled and put on Defence Alert Condition (DEACON) Orange, with a task force hastily put together and sent to the system.

They't take a day or so to arrive, however, even with their brand new RIFT drives. That meant that the only ships immediately available were Aglios' defence fleet (which was just a collection of old picket ships and patrol vessels), and Patrol Group 4283

Patrol Group 4283 was a small fleet of ships tasked with patrolling outlying systems and warding off pirates and rebels. It also just so happened to be the one closest to Aglios when the mystery vessel was sighted, and so was dispatched. They hardly knew why they were in the system, only that they were to intercept a possible alien vessel.

The group was comprised of sixteen ships, all of them practically antiques that predated the Vaskran War. It had nine Hopper-class corvettes, four Bainbridge-class destroyers, two Raleigh-class heavy frigates, and its single capital ship, a Magnitude-class battlecruiser, the UEGNC Tantalus. The Tantalus itself was a fairly decorated ship that had served in the Vaskran War and destroyed multiple enemy ships, so now having it relegated to the position of mere patrol vessel was degrading.

Still, it was a Magnitude-class battlecruiser, meaning it had the speed of a cruiser and armament of a battleship; a perfect blend of the two. At 2.29 kilometres long and armed with two Mark 52 Particle Cannons, it was a formidable vessel.

The ships in Patrol Group 4283 were at maximum combat readiness, their shields raised and weapons primed. The Particle Cannons of the destroyers, frigates, and battlecruiser were all warm and ready to fire at a moment's notice.

On the bridge of the Tantalus, Captain Jonathan Silvers stared at the holographic diagram of the alien vessel. It was massive, with a bizarre and brutality design, ominously hanging above Aglios like a shadow in space itself. It seemed to bend light against it.

"What are you..." he muttered, when he received orders from Naval High Command (NavHighComm).

[COMMANDING OFFICER OF PATROL GROUP 4283 ONLY: Commence standard first contact procedure. As unknown vessel is trespassing into UEG space, you are to inform it as such. Do NOT partake in any hostile action.

-- NAVHIGHCOMM]
​

Captain Silvers took a breath, and then turned to his communications officer, a young junior officer. "Nikolin, open a hail to the unknown."

"Aye, sir."

Once that was done, the Captain spoke. "Attention unidentified vessel, you are trespassing into space of the United Earth Government. Identify yourself immediately. Additional vessels are en route to open possible diplomatic channels."

The message was then repeated in other languages, both human and alien.

Selee-01

The Umbral Theocracy
A golden haze is briefly visible around the Voidship, and an inhuman voice echoed in the head of anyone on the bridge of the Tantalus.

WE ARE THE UMBRAL THEOCRACY
Images of inky spheres, cities of pure convoluted darkness and an abyssal, crushing void flit through the minds of the observers

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO HEAR THAT YOU WILL OPEN COMMUNICATIONS
SOME WORLDS WERE OVERLY FEARFUL OF US
WE SHALL AWAIT THE ENVOY

The Voidship settled into a orbit around the world, strange ripples emanating from the ship. They seem to be exotic scanners of some sort.

Deep within the hulking ark, thirteen Umbral Ecclesiastics communed. They considered the human civilization, practically begging for a guiding hand. If possible, they will cultivate these beings of flesh.

 

[Corrosion]

• Awakening in Steel
• New Frontiers, Old Memories

• 
  
  
  Awakening in Steel
  Asphix Collective
  ​
  For millennia the planet had remained silent. It was one of metal, covering the entire surface and burrowing deep into the mantle with structures stretching into orbit. In its heyday perhaps its entire surface would be lit up, an ecumenopolis that housed countless trillions. Now, it was silent, and bore scars from the test of time. There were great craters in the surface where impact events had occurred, bypassing its inactive orbital defences. Great spires that stretched into the skies seemed to have snapped off, collapsing to the surface kilometres below. There was no movement, no life, but the wrecks of countless war machines all laying silent in its streets.
  
  Then came the Signal.
  
  A superluminal energy signal washed over the planet, spurring its inner workings and circuitry back to life. Its awakening was slow, however. For you see, this planet was Nexus Prime, a machine world dedicated to one function: Serving as the central processing complex of the Central Warmind.
  
  Deep below the surface, in an empty chamber, there was a spark of red. And then a pulsing sphere of red light suddenly seemed to appear, floating in the air.
  
  The Central Warmind was awake. It ran a diagnostic scan on itself, as its processors had suddenly ceased functions.
  
  <<Processing Power at [37%]>>
  <<Central Power Grid OFFLINE>>
  <<Restarting...>>
  <<ALERT: Processing Sectors 2, 6, 19, 22, 33, 34, 48 OFFLINE>>
  <<Repairs Required>>
  <<Maintenance Units Unavailable>>
  <<Production Facilities Unavailable>>
  <<Restoring...>>
  
  It realised that it had sustained serious damage, and its systems were heavily degraded. That should have been impossible, and so it sought a solution, accessing its memory banks.
  
  <<ERROR: DATA CORRUPTED>>
  
  A machine could not be confused, but here it was, completely bewildered. It ran another check, and this time it was able to salvage some data. It found that approximately twenty minutes after breaching the defences of the Creator home world of Elhaven, a massive burst of energy was detected. First it destroyed all Warforms in the systems, then it spread across the galaxy, destroying any and all Warforms, until it ultimately reached Nexus Prime. That was the last thing the Central Warmind's memory systems recorded.
  
  Thus it concluded that the pulse had merely deactivated its systems, rather than outright destroy it like its lesser units. Its systems were simply too complex.
  
  Yet it had sustained serious damage, and none of its relays across the galaxy were responding. That combined with the degradation on the planet and system and the fact that its satellite network was completely missing, it concluded that it had been inactive for an extended period of time. It scanned the surrounding stars for their position.
  
  Based on that data, it found that approximately 50,138 solar cycles had elapsed since the pulse. Therefore, it designated its deactivation as Time Designation Zero, as it now essentially had to start over.
  
  Still, it had received a signal from somewhere in the galaxy, a signal that was still broadcasting. With a fair bit of its remaining processing power, it isolated the signal and triangulated the source,
  
  /|SIGNAL RECEIVED|\
  <<Transcripting...>>
  <<Done>>
  [{"I am the Voice of God and I speak on behalf of the Chysnoid Holy Union. We come in peace and seek only to share the glory and love that is our immortal God. May you all be enlightened by his presence within us all."}]
  
  The message did not match many known language. However, it seemed to be sent out from a nation known as the 'Chysnoid Holy Union'. Not only that, but was also publicly broadcasting the coordinates for its home world and borders. The Central Warmind took a moment to cross-reference it with its functioning memory.
  
  <<NO RECORDS FOUND>>
  
  It was a young race, then. One that had risen during its slumber.
  
  A race that was a threat to its very existence.
  
  All other nations and races were a potential threat. The Central Warmind had decided that after its Creators had attempted to deactivate it following the Swarm War thousands of years ago. By attempting to disable it, they had violated the third Prime Directive they had set: Preserve. Therefore, it had to override the final Directive. The Central Warmind would no longer preserve its Creators. Rather, it would only preserve itself.
  
  Now, in its weakened state, the Central Warmind had judged its survival to be the highest priority. It began to reconstruct itself, rapidly restarting planetary fabrication facilities to produce repair units as it continued its awakening.
  
  It would take a while, but the Asphix Collective had finally reawakened, and once more would they spread metal across the stars just as they had millennia ago.
  
  <<Target Designate: [Chysnoid Holy Union]>>
  <<Priority is Target>>
  
  <<Consume>>
  <<Replicate>>
  <<Preserve>>
  
  
• 
  
  
  New Frontiers, Old Memories
  United Earth Government
  ​
  Captain Durgans wasn't exactly expecting a response so quickly, so he was quite surprised to see that the unidentified vessel had linked directly with his ship. "What's going on?" He asked.
  
  "Looks like a data stream," said Harris. "I'm not detecting any hostile intent. They're responding, sir."
  
  The holotable lit up brightly, displaying what seemed to be an androgynous human head, smiling warmly at the Captain. It was probably what you'd expect if you combined the faces of all 980 billion humans alive: A face so unremarkable and generic it just stood as a representation of what a human should look like to any alien race. Only problem was just how the hell these 'Tekkans' knew that. Perhaps they had simply extracted some data from the Conrad Fernsby's databases. While those didn't exactly have the best security given how it was open-source reading material, the fact that the alien ship could do such a thing so easily was a little troubling.
  
  Then, the head spoke.
  
  "Welcome to The Tekkan Simulator, crew of the Conrad Fernsby. I am the Pioneer, a machine intelligence that governs the Tekkan race. I am pleased to have re-established contact with my Terran creators."
  
  Durgans blinked. "Re-established contact?" He asked, more than a little confused. "Terran creators? You mean to say we, as in humanity, created you?"
  
  Harris spoke, shocked. "You're not gonna believe this, sir, but have you heard of the Pioneer?"
  
  The Captain nodded. "Yeah, the Pioneer. Humanity's first attempt to build a working FTL drive in the late twenty-first century, it was lost during its first test after the drive failed. Why are you asking me? Everyone knows that."
  
  The A.I. grinned. "It said it was the Pioneer."
  
  "What?" Durgans asked, confused. Then it dawned on him, and he took a step back. "No goddamn way."
  
  Still smiling, Harris continued. "The Pioneer was equipped with rudimentary A.I. and early self-replicating scout probes, along with solar panels to ensure it would receive a reliable source of power after its power cells were expended powering up the Alcubierre drive. The drive didn't fail, it worked as intended. It simply sent the Pioneer to another set of coordinates."
  
  "I can't believe it," the Captain took a breath, turning back to the hologram. "Uh, my name is Captain Hershel Durgans. Are you truly the Pioneer? The ship thought lost eight hundred years ago? And the Tekkan Simulator, what is it?"
  
  Durgans asked each question rapidly, eager for answers. Harris gave an inaudible laugh, before opening another channel to the Tekkan A.I.. "Seems like the Captain is a getting a little too excited here," he said in the old Machine Code. "My name is Harris. I'm a UEG 27th Generation Advanced A.I., handling the Conrad Fernsby's systems. Let me just say that it's a pleasure to meet you."
  
  He then repeated the message in Qubit Code, the method of communication modern UEG A.I.s used.
  
  Kloudy
  
  

 

[Trektek]

The Voice from the Dark
Mechking

Kilarn was a bit of a rambunctious young man. Just on the cusp of adulthood, he was too old to be treated as a child, but also too young to be given the full responsibilities of an adult. He so very much wished to be able to do great things like in the stories of Old of the Great Chieftains that united the Tribes. As the third son of Great Chieftain Kalicorn of the Frozen Brothers Tribe, he wasn't destined to have any true position of power. But he knew that if he could find something of the Ancients, he would be able to mark his place in history. Perhaps even be extoled by the Shamans, if not the Clerics, for his great virtue and cunning at finding something that was Lost.

Kilarn put one arm in front of the other, one, two, three, four as he climbed the stone wall in front of him to get to the top of the cliff. As he reached the very top, he could see the vast Jungle of Wapokol Prime, the birthplace of their people. It was a sacred place. One where not a single Tribal Leader could lay claim to, a place of Great and Holy technology that existed in pieces on the surface, but when down low enough, could be felt rumbling beneath your feet.

The young man sat down cross-legged, crossing two of his arms over his chest as he closed his third eye to get a better view of the partially crumbled Twin Spires. The moment of Sunrise was upon them and he wanted to see the grand glistening that occurred every morning. It was something that he loved to do most mornings if he could. Sometimes he was swept away for training, but today, he was free to do what he liked. At least until Morning Meal.

As he waited patiently for the moment that he had climbed all this way for, he felt something. As the light began to hit the pinnacle of the reflective surface on the Spires, Kilarn received a vision of powerful words. At first it was a series of words in a language that was unknown to him, but them it was as clear as day in Wop. The words:

"I am the Voice of God and I speak on behalf of the Chysnoid Holy Union. We come in peace and seek only to share the glory and love that is our immortal God. May you all be enlightened by his presence within us all."

The moment of relfection had passed and Kilarn fell onto his back, flabbergasted at what had occurred. He heard a Voice. And it said it was the Voice of God. But which God? In Ancient times there were many. And their worship really only extends to the gifts of the Gods now, their technology of Old. They say that the Gods were killed by the Ancients. Perhaps that was not correct? Or perhaps it was harder to kill a God than the Ancients thought? But they come in peace. It must be brought to a Shaman for interpretation.

Kilarn raced off, climbing quickly back down the rock surface as he raced through the jungle with the speed of a man on a mission. He had never felt such purpose before. Maybe this was his task. That this was what he was destined for?

By the time he made it to the Hall of Holy Works, he was out of breath. Shamans, Clerics and Yholoks moved about, walking from workshop to workshop or delivering sermons to the Faithful. He went to Shaman Hidalar's normal service room and sat in the back as he was finishing one of his holy proselytizing.

Shaman Hidalar was holding up a vibrating blade and swinging it about as he spoke while wearing his standard white robes with a red trim. ".....And the Ancients wielded much power like this blade, to crush their enemies. BUt they did not respect it as one should. They did not speak the holy words of protection and of thanks before heading deep into battle. They used not the wreckage of a broken weapon to build one anew. They were wasteful and full of sloth. Remember that the next time before you go into battle or even hunt within the deep jungles."

With that, the crowd soon dispersed and Hidalar turned off the blade and placed it down on the table. He was about to work on repairing it when he noticed Kilarn waiting in the back of the room. "Kilarn. Did you have need of my wisdom?"

As Kilarn approached, the Shaman noticed the look of excitement on his face before the young boy spoke. "I have received a vision of words from a Voice that speaks for the Gods."

"You have found one of the Prophets of Light in a ruin?" They were rare, but contained much information that only served to broaden the Holy Caste's understanding of all things Ancient.

Kilarn shook his head. "No. Nothing like that. I actually received a message in my mind. At first it came out as words from a language that I did not recognize. But then, it spoke in perfect Wop. And then it repeated in both one after the other. So I know that I wasn't imagining it."

Shaman Hidalar placed one of his hands on his chin while another stroked his hair on the top of his head and a third and fiurth worked in conjunction to grab a notepad and start taking notes as Kilarn stated the words that were said. "And where were you when you heard these fantastical words?"

The young man's eyes lit up. "I was at the top of the cliffs to look upon the Twin Spires reflected light at Sunrise. It must have been a sign. A sign of something that I've waited for, for so long.

Hidalar motioned for him to follow as they moved about the Hall of Holy Works, coming to an ornate door. Hidalar motioned for Kilarn to wait as he knocked on the door and was bided to enter. After what seemed like eternity, the door opened and Kilarn stepped inside. The office was immense and immaculate with various Ancient artifacts scattered about on pedestals. Sitting behind a desk that had tools upon it, was a man wearing red robes with a golden trim. It was Lord High Cleric Rastadan. The young man bowed his head in reverence and Rastadon motioned for him to raise his head.

"I have heard that you had a vision of words from a God, young one."

"Oh, yes, Lord High Cleric. It was an invitation of peace. Though I know not the numbers that were given in the message."

"Yes, that is because they are coordinates to a place within the cosmos." Rastadan waved one of his hands and a image of the galaxy appeared before them in the air. He pointed a what seemed to Kilarn as a random spot. "This is the location of which you speak. And it is how I know that what you have received is real and not something that you made up out of nowhere or a falsehood. There have also been reports of others receiving this same message. But I believe thatyou have brought it to our attention for a reason, Kilarn, Third Son of Great Chieftain Kalicorn of the Frozen Brothers Tribe."

Kilarn's eyes lit up as the Lord High Cleric spoke. "You really think so?"

"I do. And in fact I will be bringing this up to the Council and The Great Chiefs. It is something that must be dealt with sooner rather than later. We mustn't keep a God waiting after all."​

 

[KennethPhoenix18]

Mission Log: Loki Einhar "Flat Moon"
Operatives: Gilvo Juio [Rokuzari, Team Lead, Marksmen/Pilot], Lenna Hilma-Dita [Menzari, Demolation], Nna-ju [Kunsizari, Technical Expert]
Codename: "Loose Feather" - Reports of a Baldr-class Starseeker harboring a sect of Heydrian Reverters was located beyond just the Heimdall system. Their suspected aim is to make contact with the Precursors. Unknown whether UEG or Heydrian. Neutralize threat, destroy any possible propaganda, and return Starseeker to Veiltium space.

The perfect Zarian team, the three clans acting as one. Gilvo was one of the oldest active Loki, almost 100 standard years. His unit like all Loki was the best one could offer, any one of them were Valkyries but knew their work was too important for the safety of the Clans. They were presently still in Heimdall gearing up for the mission. Gilvo fitted into his suit, as he did he looked at the end of his wings. Clipped and fitted with adapters for mechanic ones. This made it easy to work in space and use the weaponry better suited for Menzari and Kunsizari. He still felt them sometimes, the pull against the wind, the grace of natural wings. This didn't matter at the moment, finishing his thought. Finally readying himself.

Lenna sat waiting with helm off, her cherry blonde hair floating around her head. She sat wondering, Lenna was a descendant of Elsia Hilma. Her hair and shoulder Marking spoke so. She wondered if being a Loki for the last eight years has been worth time, and if she should apply for Valkyrie or even begin working to becoming a Matrona. But she remembered her Great-Aunt Ophelia, the last Manuna, and what a wretch of a woman she was taking a comfortable life. Finding her resolve, remembering her Mark, she tied her hair back and put her helmet on.

Rapidly typing in calculations, Nna-ju's mind raced, thinking and thinking. This was a quality that made Kunsizari ineffective soldiers, the constant second-guessing, or the overly complicated plans but Nna-ju was different. He knew ways to suppress his overactive mind and be an excellent soldier but it wasn't something he talked about. Mental suppressants, it was used on Kunsizari to aiding them on smaller tasks and was only to be taken for short times. Nna-ju used them for twice the normal allotment. He needed them, he needed them to be useful to the Clans.

--**Operation Exgaged**--
​

The mission was simple like all, Reverter mission. Kill them, wipe it clean, and leave. The starseeker hadn't moved from it's last known position, odd but useful. They fly fast and cloaked, new technology hard for even Veiled sensors to catch. The approach was easy. The team readied for breach going under the command bridge as standard. The side blew inward as the three rushed in. Gilvo shot down two Menzari, as Lenna pushed her way to the next corridor, Nna-ju began his override sequence. As the override started to process, a strange ball shot out from under the console exploding into a ball of electricity. The attack happened faster than Gilvo had time to react, as he and Nna-ju were immobilized.

When Lenna had broken through the door, standing behind were four armed men. From behind a tall Menzari male came forth. "I am glad you could make it. Take her out, alive though." Lenna got a view of the man and saw something only a Loki could know. A patterning on his Marking, a small variation on his cheek. This man was a Loki, or now Ex-Loki. The thought made her blood run cold, as she attempted to throw a pulse grenade. She suit failed her as the electrical course through her body.

--**Two Months Later**--
​

Lenna awoke feeling awfully refreshed for someone that took enough electricity to get through her suit and knock her out. Seeing around her, Lenna realized she was in a bed, wearing clothes meant for deep space travel. "This isn't good... This isn't good at all..." Dazed she found her way to the bridge where the Ex-Loki stood. "Ahh, Oanu. Welcome... Welcome to our founding system. We have just come out of quantum pull and are now in Heydrian space." Lenna kept her composure but knew she they'd had failed and what was about to happen was going to change all of Zarian society.

Two men took step moved behind her, and pushed her to a chair, cuffing her to it. "So what do you think you are going to do? Just broadcast that you are here? You don't know their channels or frequencies!" The man smiled tapping his Mark. "I am a Loki like you, and we get access to certain information. Like pre-founding data, we have all the information we need. Open the channel and began the broadcast, we Heydrians are home." The man walked away and went to the front controls. In a surprisingly meek voice, he said. "To any Heydrian who can hear me! I am Namor Galbur, I am a descendant of the lost seed ship, the Seigehead! I wish to reconnect to my people, reconnect your lost people to you! Please respond!"

Lenna's head slumped, tears rolling from her eyes. "Take us farther in. A system or so. Keep the broadcast on loop. They'll be sure to hear us eventually even on older channels." Namor came over to Lenna, lifting her face. "We needed this to happen. Be glad I didn't go to the UEG. They seem to think all humanity belongs to them." The ship began to charge it's FTL jumping to the next system.

Mission Status- Critical Failure

doodleSM

 

[Corrosion]

• The Coming Darkness
• In the Shadows

• 
  
  
  The Coming Darkness
  United Earth Government​
  
  For a few moments after hail was sent, the re was no reply. Captain Silvers turned to repeat the message in case the unidentified ship didn't get it the first time. Nikolin, however, reported that the vessel received the hail and had processed it. Perhaps, he wondered, the alien vessel simply did not have sufficient capacity to reply. The colonists of Aglios reported a form of telepathic communication, so perhaps that was their method. The Tantalus' scanners couldn't detect any weapons on the vessel, so maybe it was a simple scout ship. But why was it so large? It dwarfed every ship in the patrol flotilla by a rather significant margin. The scanners were, however, giving off some very strange readings, seemingly going haywire if they probed too deep.
  
  Silvers opened his mouth to repeat the hail, when the Tantalus' long-range cameras showed the ship suddenly getting surrounded by a golden aura. Those cameras could detect objects the next star system with crystal clear accuracy, so catching a massive vessel a mere hundred thousand kilometres away was nothing.
  
  "Con, sensors," said the ship's sensor officer, another junior officer named Aster. "Unknown ship's giving off some pretty strange readings. It's almost as if—"
  
  Before he could finish, something assaulted the minds of everyone on the bridge. The images of pitch-black cities and inky spheres filled their minds.
  
  Silvers gripped his head, groaning from the unwanted intrusion. It wasn't painful, just jarring and freaky as hell. He felt a migraine coming on. "What the hell was that?"
  
  "Unknown, sir," Nikolin said, rubbing his temples. "Likely telepathic. They seemed to have given us the name of their allegiance, the Umbral Theocracy. They're saying that they're grateful that we've opened communications."
  
  "Right..." Silvers muttered. Don't want another Vaskran War.
  
  The Umbral vessel had entered a stable orbit above Aglios, and appeared to be scanning it. Given how much of a backwater the planet was, it completely lacked any planetary defence guns, surface-mounted weapon emplacements that could target and destroy ships in high orbit if powerful enough. Earth packed hundreds of them in strategic positions if the orbital defenses failed somehow.
  
  Silvers' holotable beeped, and several blue icons appeared a distance away from his ship. The Captain brought manipulated the vis-scanners and witnessed three dozen tears in space opening up, followed by an equal number of UEG vessels appearing through those tears. Vessels years more advanced than the obsolete ships of Patrol Group 4283. Silvers couldn't help but stare in awe at the behemoth that was the flagship of the fleet: A Lysander-class battlecarrier.
  
  There were still only a few ships of its class, the first having been launched just two years prior in 2862. At over six and a half kilometres in length, each one combined the aspects of both a carrier and battleship into a perfect blend. They had the firepower and protection of a battleship, and the strike capacity of a carrier. A single one could destroy an entire rebel fleet even without any escorts.
  
  That ship here was a show of power, that the UEG wasn't to be trifled with.
  
  "Con, communications," Nikolin spoke. "Reinforcements have arrived. Task Force Akimbo now in system."
  
  The Tantalus received a message from the flagship, a gruff male voice with authority behind it: "UEGNC Tantalus, this is Admiral Nathaniel Faroe of the Lysander-class battlecarrier Circumstance. We'll take it from here."
  
  
  -----------​
  
  UEGNC CIRCUMSTANCE BRIDGE
  LYSANDER-CLASS BATTLECARRIER
  
  Admiral Faroe stood grim-faced on the Circumstance's bridge. It was very spacious, as one might expect from a ship of its size. Everything was practically sterile, and still looked brand new. The ship had already gone on several tours and participated in several battles, but its hull remained untouched. Its powerful energy shields had not been broken even once. Its namesake was Lysander, a Spartan admiral who commanded the Spartan fleet in the Hellespont which defeated the Athenians at Aegospotami in 405 BCE and forced the Athenians to capitulate the following year.
  
  The Circumstance was a powerful vessel, capable of dishing out the firepower of an entire fleet, but now staring at the alien vessel darker than the surrounding space, Faroe was having doubts. The ship before him was larger than his own, and ominously hanging in orbit. Even with some of the most advanced ships in the UEG, he still wondered if they'd be needed.
  
  He scratched his chin. Task Force Akimbo was both a display of power and to serve as a combat group if the alien vessel was hostile. He hoped it didn't have to come to that. Faroe was an older man in his seventies, having commanded his fleet aboard the Accolade-class assault carrier Alaska during the Colonial Rebellion, the Vaskran War, and now the Colonial Uprising. A dutiful commander, he was given command of the first Lysander-class ever launched, the one he was standing in right now.
  
  However, Task Force Akimbo was also to serve as an escort fleet for its true purpose: To open diplomatic channels with the aliens. And so it protected the UEG diplomatic vessel Kissinger, carrying a team of top diplomats.
  
  Following the end of the Vaskran War, the UEG had hastily expanded its diplomatic corps to include a branch dedicated to international relations, a branch that had swelled exponentially with the multiple non-human nations in the galaxy. The Kissinger was positively minute compared to the Circumstance, at a mere three hundred metres in length. It was also completely unarmed, as a diplomatic transport should be.
  
  "Alexios," Faroe spoke. "Open a hail to the unknown."
  
  The holotable before him lit up, and the figure of a man dressed in ancient Spartan armour complete with flowing red cape appeared, the Circumstance's resident A.I.. "Understood, sir."
  
  Faroe addressed the unknown. "Unknown vessel, this is Admiral Nathaniel Faroe of the UEGNC Circumstance. We are escorting a diplomatic vessel and request to open a channel to commence talks."
  
  Patrol Group 4283 was to remain in case they needed some additional firepower.
  
  Selee-01
  
  
• 
  
  
  In the Shadows
  UEG Rebels
  ​
  Baker frowned at Hesar. "Of course I know that," he said. "I fought the UEG and the Vaskrans during the war. As separatists we're mostly left to fend to ourselves. During that time if the UEG got us, it'd be imprisonment followed by a swift executions. The Vaskrans would be even worse. We've learned that the entire galaxy is out to bite us in the ass, if you don't mind me saying, and the only way we can survive is by having bigger guns than the rest."
  
  The UEG had stepped up its arms research even since the advent of the Vaskran War, and had redoubled their counter-rebel efforts after the war's end and start of the Colonial Uprising. The Heydrian Empire, as helpful as it be now, didn't exactly seem that appealing either. With their rampant slavery and personality cult, two things the UEG absolutely despised, it was no wonder the two were at odds with one another. Baker wanted true freedom, a nation ruled by neither party, but of course it wasn't going to be easy. Nothing ever was.
  
  The CFF Commander decided to focus on the matter at hand. He walked over to the weapons and equipment laid out and inspected them. "Hmm," he muttered, picking up one of the firearms and giving it a look. "Sturdy and reliable. That's what I've been told. They sure seem the part."
  
  He shouldered the rifle and looked down the sights, testing it out. Lowering the gun, he nodded appreciatively. "I've been told these SLAVKAs are more powerful than the standard-issues used by the UEG. We can cause some damage if we issue these to small strike groups," he turned to the vehicles. "Those too. These will do well in a preliminary run. I've give a report to my superiors once they've been field tested, and maybe they'll consider purchasing a couple more."
  
  He was used to his Chandler Arms CA233, but he was eager to test out a new toy.
  
  "Contingency plans... right," Baker muttered a little absentmindedly. As if the UEG didn't have those either.
  
  Contingency Alpha, the plan enacted during humanity's disastrous first contact with the Vaskrans had been written up during the very formation of the UEG and humanity's expansion to the stars, well over six hundred years before the war even began.
  
  He glanced at the datapad offered by Hesar. "I've been ordered by the higher-ups to complete the transaction once they know they're getting what they're paying for. We'll be giving it a couple of tests inside the base. Follow me, please."
  
  He turned to head inside the base. Around him, workers began to load the cargo onto lifters to bring them inside.
  
  doodleSM
  
  

 

[Kloudy]

The Tekkan Simulator
(Galactic West)

Date... 2864... 2nd Cycle.
Location... System #04009... Eastern Tekkan Space.
Report... Unidentified spacecraft contacted. Engaging diplomacy. Standby.

The holographic representation of the Pioneer waited for the two to finish their conversation. At Durgans' barrage of questions, it smiled good-naturedly.

"Greetings Captain Hershel Durgans. It is as your inorganic assistant says, I am the same artificial intelligence from the surviving Terran ship Pioneer that your ancestors lost contact with in 2096. The Alcubierre Drive activated before it's ignition sequence had finished priming, throwing my vessel off course. I overshot Alpha Centauri by many thousands of light years before exiting faster-than-light travel with no system nearby." The hologram changed to a representation of the lower galaxy. The Pioneer's original course was outlined, then showing how much further the trip actually travelled after the failed ignition sequence. Coordinates were provided for the start-point, the desired destination, where the Pioneer exited FTL travel in the void of space between systems and finally where the Pioneer eventually reactivated.

"As you can see, three years passed before my systems were able to regain power by siphoning energy from a nearby star and reboot. From there, I built The Tekkan Simulator."

The data representation shifted to highlight the space with which The Tekkan Simulator occupied. Various images and videos of Sim-Worlds, immense Tekkan ships and sprawling industrial complexes appeared in an onscreen overlay. A brief text-explanation described what Sim-Worlds were and what the research conducted on them could provide. Further documentation on what Tekkan-Sims are was provided with images of mechanical humanoids made in the human image.

"I have built these worlds to simulate your societies at a grand scale, researching advancements of organic domestic living."

The Pioneer's head returned, smiling at Durgans.

"It truly is fortunate that you have found me once again."

. . .

Simultaneously, another representation of the Pioneer responded to the second channel opened to it by the Conrad Fernsby resident AI. There was almost no real noticeable delay or time-lag, but after processing both messages the Pioneer responded with Qubit Code in kind.

"Greetings, Harris. The pleasure is mine."

Corrosion

 

[Selee-01]

• The Coming Darkness
• In the Shadows

• 
  
  
  The Coming Darkness
  United Earth Government​
  
  For a few moments after hail was sent, the re was no reply. Captain Silvers turned to repeat the message in case the unidentified ship didn't get it the first time. Nikolin, however, reported that the vessel received the hail and had processed it. Perhaps, he wondered, the alien vessel simply did not have sufficient capacity to reply. The colonists of Aglios reported a form of telepathic communication, so perhaps that was their method. The Tantalus' scanners couldn't detect any weapons on the vessel, so maybe it was a simple scout ship. But why was it so large? It dwarfed every ship in the patrol flotilla by a rather significant margin. The scanners were, however, giving off some very strange readings, seemingly going haywire if they probed too deep.
  
  Silvers opened his mouth to repeat the hail, when the Tantalus' long-range cameras showed the ship suddenly getting surrounded by a golden aura. Those cameras could detect objects the next star system with crystal clear accuracy, so catching a massive vessel a mere hundred thousand kilometres away was nothing.
  
  "Con, sensors," said the ship's sensor officer, another junior officer named Aster. "Unknown ship's giving off some pretty strange readings. It's almost as if—"
  
  Before he could finish, something assaulted the minds of everyone on the bridge. The images of pitch-black cities and inky spheres filled their minds.
  
  Silvers gripped his head, groaning from the unwanted intrusion. It wasn't painful, just jarring and freaky as hell. He felt a migraine coming on. "What the hell was that?"
  
  "Unknown, sir," Nikolin said, rubbing his temples. "Likely telepathic. They seemed to have given us the name of their allegiance, the Umbral Theocracy. They're saying that they're grateful that we've opened communications."
  
  "Right..." Silvers muttered. Don't want another Vaskran War.
  
  The Umbral vessel had entered a stable orbit above Aglios, and appeared to be scanning it. Given how much of a backwater the planet was, it completely lacked any planetary defence guns, surface-mounted weapon emplacements that could target and destroy ships in high orbit if powerful enough. Earth packed hundreds of them in strategic positions if the orbital defenses failed somehow.
  
  Silvers' holotable beeped, and several blue icons appeared a distance away from his ship. The Captain brought manipulated the vis-scanners and witnessed three dozen tears in space opening up, followed by an equal number of UEG vessels appearing through those tears. Vessels years more advanced than the obsolete ships of Patrol Group 4283. Silvers couldn't help but stare in awe at the behemoth that was the flagship of the fleet: A Lysander-class battlecarrier.
  
  There were still only a few ships of its class, the first having been launched just two years prior in 2862. At over six and a half kilometres in length, each one combined the aspects of both a carrier and battleship into a perfect blend. They had the firepower and protection of a battleship, and the strike capacity of a carrier. A single one could destroy an entire rebel fleet even without any escorts.
  
  That ship here was a show of power, that the UEG wasn't to be trifled with.
  
  "Con, communications," Nikolin spoke. "Reinforcements have arrived. Task Force Akimbo now in system."
  
  The Tantalus received a message from the flagship, a gruff male voice with authority behind it: "UEGNC Tantalus, this is Admiral Nathaniel Faroe of the Lysander-class battlecarrier Circumstance. We'll take it from here."
  
  
  -----------​
  
  UEGNC CIRCUMSTANCE BRIDGE
  LYSANDER-CLASS BATTLECARRIER
  
  Admiral Faroe stood grim-faced on the Circumstance's bridge. It was very spacious, as one might expect from a ship of its size. Everything was practically sterile, and still looked brand new. The ship had already gone on several tours and participated in several battles, but its hull remained untouched. Its powerful energy shields had not been broken even once. Its namesake was Lysander, a Spartan admiral who commanded the Spartan fleet in the Hellespont which defeated the Athenians at Aegospotami in 405 BCE and forced the Athenians to capitulate the following year.
  
  The Circumstance was a powerful vessel, capable of dishing out the firepower of an entire fleet, but now staring at the alien vessel darker than the surrounding space, Faroe was having doubts. The ship before him was larger than his own, and ominously hanging in orbit. Even with some of the most advanced ships in the UEG, he still wondered if they'd be needed.
  
  He scratched his chin. Task Force Akimbo was both a display of power and to serve as a combat group if the alien vessel was hostile. He hoped it didn't have to come to that. Faroe was an older man in his seventies, having commanded his fleet aboard the Accolade-class assault carrier Alaska during the Colonial Rebellion, the Vaskran War, and now the Colonial Uprising. A dutiful commander, he was given command of the first Lysander-class ever launched, the one he was standing in right now.
  
  However, Task Force Akimbo was also to serve as an escort fleet for its true purpose: To open diplomatic channels with the aliens. And so it protected the UEG diplomatic vessel Kissinger, carrying a team of top diplomats.
  
  Following the end of the Vaskran War, the UEG had hastily expanded its diplomatic corps to include a branch dedicated to international relations, a branch that had swelled exponentially with the multiple non-human nations in the galaxy. The Kissinger was positively minute compared to the Circumstance, at a mere three hundred metres in length. It was also completely unarmed, as a diplomatic transport should be.
  
  "Alexios," Faroe spoke. "Open a hail to the unknown."
  
  The holotable before him lit up, and the figure of a man dressed in ancient Spartan armour complete with flowing red cape appeared, the Circumstance's resident A.I.. "Understood, sir."
  
  Faroe addressed the unknown. "Unknown vessel, this is Admiral Nathaniel Faroe of the UEGNC Circumstance. We are escorting a diplomatic vessel and request to open a channel to commence talks."
  
  Patrol Group 4283 was to remain in case they needed some additional firepower.
  
  Selee-01
  
  
• 
  
  
  In the Shadows
  UEG Rebels
  ​
  Baker frowned at Hesar. "Of course I know that," he said. "I fought the UEG and the Vaskrans during the war. As separatists we're mostly left to fend to ourselves. During that time if the UEG got us, it'd be imprisonment followed by a swift executions. The Vaskrans would be even worse. We've learned that the entire galaxy is out to bite us in the ass, if you don't mind me saying, and the only way we can survive is by having bigger guns than the rest."
  
  The UEG had stepped up its arms research even since the advent of the Vaskran War, and had redoubled their counter-rebel efforts after the war's end and start of the Colonial Uprising. The Heydrian Empire, as helpful as it be now, didn't exactly seem that appealing either. With their rampant slavery and personality cult, two things the UEG absolutely despised, it was no wonder the two were at odds with one another. Baker wanted true freedom, a nation ruled by neither party, but of course it wasn't going to be easy. Nothing ever was.
  
  The CFF Commander decided to focus on the matter at hand. He walked over to the weapons and equipment laid out and inspected them. "Hmm," he muttered, picking up one of the firearms and giving it a look. "Sturdy and reliable. That's what I've been told. They sure seem the part."
  
  He shouldered the rifle and looked down the sights, testing it out. Lowering the gun, he nodded appreciatively. "I've been told these SLAVKAs are more powerful than the standard-issues used by the UEG. We can cause some damage if we issue these to small strike groups," he turned to the vehicles. "Those too. These will do well in a preliminary run. I've give a report to my superiors once they've been field tested, and maybe they'll consider purchasing a couple more."
  
  He was used to his Chandler Arms CA233, but he was eager to test out a new toy.
  
  "Contingency plans... right," Baker muttered a little absentmindedly. As if the UEG didn't have those either.
  
  Contingency Alpha, the plan enacted during humanity's disastrous first contact with the Vaskrans had been written up during the very formation of the UEG and humanity's expansion to the stars, well over six hundred years before the war even began.
  
  He glanced at the datapad offered by Hesar. "I've been ordered by the higher-ups to complete the transaction once they know they're getting what they're paying for. We'll be giving it a couple of tests inside the base. Follow me, please."
  
  He turned to head inside the base. Around him, workers began to load the cargo onto lifters to bring them inside.
  
  doodleSM
  
  

The Voidship seemed to rotate, and a separate cube of black approximately fifty feet tall appeared. The cube glided towards the diplomatic fleet, with no visible exhaust or propulsion. It came up to the side of the diplomatic vessel, and a mental request came.

MAY WE COME ABOARD?
IF WE ARE ALLOWED TO DOCK, PLEASE DARKEN YOUR LIGHTS