Sol Reborn

[Fishman Lord]

The future was bright. Humanity had taken it's first steps towards becoming a great starfaring species, establishing colonies on Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt, and even Europa. A few million humans were no longer animals of Earth, but interplanetary colonizers. Plans to establish a space elevator on Earth were being finalized, expeditions to worlds even further out were being planned, a Venus colony was very close to being launched, and humanity's future was certain.

Then, disaster struck.

In a matter of months, old rivalries boiled over, and human nature consumed itself. Earth underwent the greatest war, the Last War. Complete nuclear annihilation scorched the world, and in the aftermath only a few tiny remnants of humanity remained on Earth in bunkers. The extinction was shaping up to be one of the greatest in all of history, and the colonies were left stranded and cut off.

Now, the colonies are attempting to rebuild. The shattered remnants of a great species work to regain contact and survive without the homeworld's support. Colonies once ruled by nations and corporations were now on their own, forced to establish new societies and governments. Once pushing forward in a great effort to establish humanity on other worlds, now these groups simply struggle to survive.

Can you lead your colony and humanity to claim Earth, the Solar System, and maybe even in thousands of years the Galaxy as your own? Or will humanity fade away, lost as an obsolete civilization that destroyed itself? It is up to you, the survivors of Mars, Luna, the Belt, and Europa, to decide the fate of Earthkind.

--

Welcome to my solar system colonization RP! As you might have guessed, this RP is all about the last of humanity colonizing the solar system after Earth is totally ruined. You'll start with a small colony, maybe a few million people at most, with a chunk of wherever you start, meaning the Moon, Mars, the Belt, or Europa. You'll be starting small, but as time passes and technology progresses, more worlds and options become available to you. By the end, several planets may be terraformed, Artificial General Intelligence may exist, and the first generation ships to other systems may be departing!

The science is going to be fairly hard, so things like terraforming will take a long time, in the hundreds of years. Technologies will also try to stay realistic, so don't expect Star Trek-esque teleporters or the Force.

Navigation
CS: https://www.rpnation.com/threads/sol-reborn-cs.353249

 

[Fishman Lord]

Prologue

Washington D.C., United States of America, Earth. January 18th, 2112
President Hernandez sipped her coffee, barely registering what was going on around her. The talks with Russia had gone... poorly. Only a miracle could save the planet at this point. China had refused to move its nukes out of Ecuador. India and Pakistan were nuking each other for the third time in a hundred years. While the national leaders huddled on their planet on the brink of collapse, the CEOs were fleeing on their private shuttles en masse, and millions were trying to escape to the Solar System. Hernandez was just waiting for the inevitable notification that nukes were headed their way.

Suddenly, she was dragged by the arm by a Secret Service agent. "What the hell are you doing?" Hernandez asked, thinking she would fire him before realizing the USA would most likely cease to exist before she had the chance. "I'm sorry Madam President, but we have been told to ignore your wishes of waiting out for the people. We're bringing you to the bunker. If we're lucky, we'll make it." President Hernandez pulled and tried to escape, but the agents were too strong. "I'm going to die with my people, you fucker! Even if we make it to the bunker, the bunker busters will kill me, and I'll die a lonely coward instead of with my people." "I'm sorry Madam President, but if there's even a chance the USA can be preserved and you can be saved, then its our orders to try and save it." Hernandez shouted, "You're the secret fucking service! Your orders come from the President! Me! Do you understand?" The agent replied uncomfortably. "There's been a coup of sorts. The military isn't trying to take you out of power, but they've taken emergency control for the impending attack, and keeping you alive is part of that emergency plan." Hernandez, resigned to this fate, let herself be dragged to a car and be driven to the bunker.

When they arrived at the bunker, President Hernandez spoke again. "I'm still the goddamn president, and I need to send a message to the Colonies. Don't deny me this part, this has been planned out for years." With her wish granted, she spoke into the mic. Just in time it seemed, the first nukes were starting to hit, and Washington D.C. would be gone in 8 minutes. The message would only take a second to reach the Moon, but it would take several minutes to reach Mars and beyond. This was a one-way communication. "This is the final message from the United States Government. I, President Hernandez, hereby grant all powers and responsibilities of the government of the United States of Americ..." The message was cut off, no longer sending. Either the military had shut her down or the nukes were already interfering with their transmission. Hernandez sat back and cried. Earth was done for. Humanity's fate now lay far away from its home.

--

Sol Reborn

Chongqing, Elysium Coalition, Mars. July 12th, 2112
Zhou Wuying surveyed the city from the Prefect's rover. He'd seen it a hundred times, the original colony carved into a mesa with hundreds of habitats and domes spreading out from this original site. It had been a major destination for all Chinese until half a year ago, when Earth was lost. The last immigrants had arrived four months ago, almost a million people escaping from a dying planet, cramped on refugee ships for months. They had been sent throughout the Elysium colonies, who were growing closer and closer. Finally, just a few days ago, Prefect Zhou Wuying had signed the final draft of the Elysium Treaty to form a new nation, the Elysium Coalition. It was in many ways a successor to China, but in many others a new hope and a new nation.

Zhou's first order of business back home was also one of the nation's first brushes with foreign policy. "Prefect, we have finally established communication with the Utopians. As we suspected, the American colonies there have banded together for a sort of 'United States of Mars'." "Good job. Get me on the line with them, this contact is a great step in rebuilding humanity." Zhou Wuying cleared his throat and said in his best English, "Greetings from Chongqing. My name is Zhou Wuying, and I am Prefect of the Elysium Coalition. We are a coalition of Chinese, Chilean, and Ecuadorian colonies, located on Elysium Mons and the surrounding area. To advance humanity, it is in all our best interests to strengthen our bonds and establish ties between our two nations. Earth may be lost, but Mars is a glowing beacon towards the future." RIPSaidCone

Next up was a meeting with the genegineers, former workers of DNterprises before it was destroyed in the Last War. The fate of them and their extremely ambitious project had been left up in the air, but they had been absorbed into the government during the Treaty and their project given major funding. Now, Zhou Wuying was to observe the current results. They brought him to a special enclosure, with three African Grey Parrots flying around. "These creatures are seemingly average parrots, but watch this. Jingwei, come to me!" The largest parrot squawked out in surprisingly understandable Chinese "Yes, Sir!" and flew to his arm. The parrot then asked "What do you need of me?" The Scientist smiled and gave the parrot an average coin. "Nothing. This is your allowance." The parrot squawked happily and flew away. Zhou Wuying was unimpressed. "That's not language. It's just trained to move its mouth in a certain way in response to stimulus." The Scientist smiled again. "You focus on the wrong thing. Keep watching." The parrot named Jingwei flew up to another parrot eating some sweet potato. Then, shocking the Prefect greatly, they began to barter. "Give Sweet Potato and will give coin." "Like sweet potato better." "You give coin scientist, scientist give carrot." "Will give half sweet potato for coin." "Agreement." Jingwei gave her coin to the other parrot and got half the sweet potato in return. "It still isn't enough for them to be considered people. They only know up to 500 words and people still argue they don't know the content of what they say, only the outcome. Still, they have the same intelligence as a small child, and I believe that we will have fully sapient organisms within the next few generations we create, perhaps within the next 5-10 years. Faster with more funding. However, we could release the current generation as 'smart pets' or even as assistants around the house'." The Prefect was very impressed. "What you have done here is excellent. I shall see to it that you get your funding. Once this is complete, you may even be given back the assets of DNterprises. The Free Market could definitely bring you the money you need if you managed it correctly."

Finally, rovers were deployed to Marscow and the Tharsis colonies. The communication satellites had been down since the war, so physical meetings were the best way to communicate with people who weren't close by. Establishing communication with the other Mars colonies was vital, and once that was complete the Solar System at large could potentially be recontacted. A rover was also sent to the former Chinese colony of Szechuan at Tartarus Montes to potentially bring them into the Coalition.
Wandering Grim Hollow C CommieLord

 

[Albion]

It was a cold day, a terrible day for humanity. The Commissioner General had watched from Luna as the world exploded, seemingly all of a sudden, though in truth it had been staggered. He had watched with growing horror as America lit up like a Christmas tree. He had attempted to send long range transports to evacuate any civilians he could, but they had not made it in time. He knew, then and there, that humanity was no longer a vast civilization with billions - at most, they had a few hundred million and, thank god, no more nukes. He had been working hard the past six months to consolidate their power, stock up on supplies, and ensure that his government was stable and working, but after that he had turned his attention elsewhere. Thus, he had sent a message to his fellow Lunar colony. It would be necessary for Luna to band together in these coming days, as they were among the most powerful colonies.

It was this reason that he found himself in a long range transport, strapping in, fully decked in his military uniform on display as the leader of their nation, a show of power but also patriotism. He had twelve Sentinels in his transport as well to escort him, though they were chattering quietly about some things. He felt disheveled, probably from his thoughts of Earth, and he took a few moments to compose himself. He had rid himself of his suit - no longer the bulky things of old, but they were still not all that comfortable. He heard the pilot come on over the speakers. "Good afternoon, Commissioner General. Fuel checks and safety examination are complete, we'll be lifting off in about three minutes. Everyone make sure to get strapped in." The speaker clicked off suddenly, and the Commissioner was left considering this meeting.

He knew that there were a good deal of ties between the Lunar Autocratic Nation and the Children of Terra. They were both, after all, settled by a good deal of EU citizens, and he hoped they could have a solid relationship. War on the moon would not happen between them, not if he could see to a union. A countdown began over the intercom, the computer voice finishing just as the engines throttled up, lifting them up vertically. The gears raised themselves, he could hear, and he felt that feeling in his stomach he hadn't felt in twelve years, not since he was a young pilot throttling around Taiwan, destroying drones and sending missiles at the robot carriers. They continued lifting up vertically until the engines turned near horizontal. They maintained their altitude and sent them careening towards Mare Nectaris. Flying swiftly, he knew it would be a few hours yet until they reached Mare Nectaris.

The hours were long, though he spent them strategizing. They had sent five diplomats other than him to the minor Lunar colonies, to look into a diplomatic annexation or a union in an attempt to conglomerate. But, due to the Children of Terra being the other major Lunar Colony with the larger space dock, he had been sent himself. He watched as Colony IB-7 slowly came into view on the horizon, and he prepared himself.
Crumbli Fishman Lord (because im meeting with the npc colonies)

Domestic Affairs

Work is now beginning on expanding and growing the space port at Tyche and the possibility of a shipyard is rapidly being considered.
A new city named Gaea is being designed, to make a new food city and alleviate pressure from the other cities. Work should begin in six months.
Military exercises are widespread, with multiple drills taking place. Warplan Ares 4 is designed, which allows for the speedy annexation of the minor Lunar colonies nearby, though it requires low resistance to being conquered to be quick.

 

[General Deth Glitch]

The United Colonies of Ceres

A radio officer reported to the Committee building, about a Quarter of the Committee had already arrived. A meeting was to be held to discuss the long term future of the Colonies now that their Mother nations were gone. The Officer had, as most did, a grim look to him. He was not alone, most had close family still on earth, cousins and grandparents mostly. None were unaffected but the Chairs were quick to bring stability and direction immediately after the crisis and immediately made efforts to support smaller, now isolated, colonies on 'The Rock' The Radio Officer walked into the Officer of the Low Chair, she was having a chat with Maelic when he arrived. "Ma'am, the American Colony in the Synoin Sector has made a request of fuel and oxygen. They claim that their last shipment was meant to arrive from Earth three days ago but after the... well they lost contact and believe it has gone rogue. While they beleive they can reach a level of sustainability in the near future they are telling us that these resources will be vital to the colonies survival." Maelic didn't give the Low Chair a chance to respond, interjecting "Of course, We have always had good relations with the Yanks, If they are unable to pay us currently, or made a valid trade. Then let them know that this is a loan, not a gift. We cannot provide hand outs to the entire belt and still provide for our own. But we must do what we can." The Radio officer nodded in response and curtly left at which point the Low Chair, Gertrude Müller responded "You are aware you were fully out of line there and besides, we cannot afford to provide such treatment to everyone on Ceres. Once word gets out every-" "Once word gets out, everyone will look to the United Colonies for stability and guidance. We will shine a beacon in the dark and, most importantly, feel like a mighty trustworthy and fine place to trade through. You must remember, the Chinese will want to trade with the Chinese and the Yanks likewise. We are not alone on this Rock and if we want them to trade with us rather then their own small colonies then we need to give them a reason. We cannot provide aid to everyone colony but the Belt is rich. If we can unlock the wealth and provide the Colonies of Mars, the moon and wherever else, the endless supply of resources they will wish for their terraforming then there may be a time when we can help all the colonies of Ceres, the entire Belt, even. However, in the interim, they owe us. We can demand that debt at anytime, it would cause outcry true and I would not advise it, but if they too prosper, we can request far more then we gave and we may even seem them requesting integration. Our governments do not exist to stop such actions anymore. We need to look to the big picture Gertrude. Now, we need to re-establish stable communications with the inner planets. If we can establish a stable ring of satellites just inside of the Belt and hope that they are wise enough to tune in then we are done. Its not as hard for us as it is them. We have no atmosphere like Mars and even the moon has a far larger gravity to counter." With that he left. Gertrude then began making plans to have a ring of twelve communications satellites manufactured and sent into equidistant orbits just within the inner edge of the belt, they would soon be on their way.

 

[Shireling]

Aboard Hecate One
Somewhere between Earth and Mars
​

"On your feet." The burly security officer lifted the small, portly form of Andrew Byron, CEO of the Hecate Corporation, from the floor of Cell D in Hecate One's small brig. The other cells were crossed with around twenty men and women in various colored suits and ties, looking on nervously as Byron was hauled onto his feet and taken out into the hallway.

A man in a ornamented grey uniform with round spectacles over his eyes stepped forward from behind the nearby desk and held out his hand.

"Your codes, Andrew."

Byron looked visibly appalled. "My codes?" He stammered out.

"Yes. The security override codes. We would like to be able to use the Mark 12's without them trying to kill us. They're deactivated right now."

Andrew Byron's fat neck rose with a prodigious lump. "And what if I don't give you the codes?"

The bespectacled man sighed and slowly reached his hand towards Byron's head, tapping the black metal outer covering of the neural implant that he wore. "Then I take them from you."

Byron's eyes went wide. "You wouldn't, Vemmheir. Honestly, you throw me in prison? Strip me of my leadership? I am the owner of this company! This ship!"

"Oh really? So funny to hear legalisms and moralizations from someone who ordered the killing of more than a hundred refugees."

"Desperate times, Vemmheir. Them or us."

"By us, you mean you. We have enough supplies for everyone, but it just wouldn't be comfortable enough for you, would it Andrew? It would be uncomfortable to share a bunk with some poor urchin wouldn't it Andrew? Wouldn't it?"

Byron fell silent.

"The codes?"

"Alright." Byron sighed, then fixed his eyes on Vemmheir's shoes. "The code is: up yours!"

Vemmheir glanced to the security officers on either side of Byron. They lifted him off his feet and began dragging him to the medbay.

"You did this to yourself, Andrew."

"Vemmheir! Your bastard! Alright! I'll talk! I'll talk! Jesus Christ, I'll tell you!"

"Too late for that, Mr. Byron." Vemmheir said coldly, taking his glasses off and wiping them with a handkerchief. The piercing screams of Byron were heard for about thirty minutes as the autodoctor forcibly removed the neural implant on Byron's head so that the security codes could be lifted from it. When Byron was finally carted back in, he had a gaping hole in the side of his head and a burn wound from the autodoc cauterizing the wound. Byron's head was slumped forward as he labored breathing.

Vemmheir then stepped forward and addressed all of the investors and the partially-lobotomized CEO. "You have all been tried and sentenced by a jury of your peers to death, for mutiny, sedition, and 894 counts of attempted murder. Sentence handed down by a tribunal of good standing on this ship. Do you have any last words?"

Silence.

"Very well. In accordance with the laws governing this vessel, you will now be executed. May God have mercy on your souls."

The room was filled with agonized wails and pleading for mercy as another dozen or so security officers removed the investors from their cells and marched them down the hall and into the airlock. Vemmheir watched on from the window as the chamber was sealed and the oxygen evacuated. The investors coughed and wheezed, and finally laid down as they were slowly asphyxiated. Finally, the doors were opened again and a two men in EVA suits entered and began throwing the bodies into space.

Vemmheir turned to his lieutenant and sighed, covering his mouth with his handkerchief. "God, I hope I don't have to do that again." He muttered and made the sign of the cross.

His lieutenant, a pretty but aging blonde named Elise Bishop put a Styrofoam cup of coffee in his hand. "Drink up, boss. It'll be a long onshift."

Vemmheir sipped coffee and sighed. "Elise, you think I should get lasic?" He tapped the left lens of his glasses.

"Nah," she punched his arm lightly, "it suits you. Makes you look like an egghead."

"Thanks. Have you sent any signals out to the nearby colonies?"

"We sent an identical message to Mars, Ceres, and the Moon. Honestly, there are so many little outposts waiting on our supplies that we can no longer deliver that some might be left in the dark. We just send out an all-notice dispatch."

Hecate Corporation Dispatch
@All Factions
​

This is Ferris Vemmheir, Captain of Hecate One. Any and all colonies waiting on supplies from Hecate-affiliated ships will be sadden to know that these shipments cannot be completed at this time. We are sorry for the delays.

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Arcadia, United States of Mars
Alder Memorial Bridge
January 19th, 2112
01:23AM

It was a dark and lonely night in south-west Arcadia, a particularly sad one as well. With the American colonies still reeling from the news that had only just broke the day before of Earth more or less destroying itself in a colossal nuclear showdown of unmatched proportions, as such the government had designated a week of mourning for the loss of both their homeland and their homeworld with most non-essential workers in the colonies taking the few days off to grief and to either mourn for lossed loved ones back on the homeworld or to embrace the ones they still had. However that unfortunately wasn't the case for one Dia Callahan, the sixteen year old strolling down an otherwise empty sidewalk across the Alder Memorial Bridge, said bridge being the quickest road connection from the southern half of the city to the northern half. She was looking down at the ground below, kicking her boots idly across the ground, the only nearby sound being that of said footwear scraping against the material upon which the ground was made from. Indeed it was a lonlier night for Dia than it was for most, having been smuggled onto one of the last evacuation shuttles out of the mainland United States, technically she wasn't supposed to be on Mars yet here she was. And without anyone else to keep her company, her parents having been the ones to smuggle her onto the evacuation shuttle, they hadn't had time to get themselves onto one and as such they had both paid the price, and now their daughter was also beginning to pay up.

Being knocked out of her thought suddenly by the sound of an oncoming vehicle, Dia naturally stooped her head lower to the ground, her body posture seemingly slooping lower to the ground out of instinct alone. The cops had been on the hunt for "unofficial refugees" they called them and word on the street was that they weren't too kind to the ones that they found, so with that information one couldn't blame the teenager for wanting to stay as incognito as possible. But of course given the luck that Dia had been having these past few days she nearly jumped out of her skin at a sudden flash of red and blue lights and a quick on and off of a police car siren. Indicating that the occupants of said police car wanted her to stop for them, the girl stopping in her tracks and anxiously waiting as the sound of the vehicle's quiet engine got closer, the car pulling over and two of the doors opening. All this time Dia hadn't turned round to face them, not wanting to in-case they knew what she was, the cops here knew a stow-away when they saw one. Her hands clenching up into nervous fists as the officers approached, one of them speaking up all of a sudden. "Good evening, ma'am. Mind turning around for us." And of course she didn't seem to have many other choices but to obey, slowly turning herself round fully to face the two armored police officers. One with his arms folded and the other with a hand idly relaxed over his baton. The one with his arms folded continuing to speak.

"Now might I ask what a girl your age is doing out in the middle of the street at this time at night?" He asked curiously, clearly suspecting something of her. Whether that be her status as a non-resident or perhaps just any other variety of criminal activities she didn't know though he did seem to know something, or at least he thought he knew something. She shrugged and idly waved her finger in the direction behind her. "I was--just heading home--from a friend's house." The two officers nodded slowly, looking at one another for a moment before turning their joint-attention back towards the girl they were questioning. They didn't believe that needless to say. "Right, I'm going to have to ask for your ID, ma'am." The officer with the hand over his baton spoke with, Dia making an attempt to pat her hands over all her pockets, making a real effort to pretend she was searching for that desired piece of identification before shaking her head towards the two armored men. "Damn, I must have left it at home." She said sincerely, but not sincerely enough it appeared as the officer with his arms folded shook his own head in response. "You're gonna have to come with us, miss." Reaching out and grabbing her arm firmly, Dia pushed him off quickly, taking a large step back as she braced herself for a fight.

The cop with his hand idling over his baton had finally decided to use it, pulling it out from it's holster and raising it. His friend, the one she'd pushed away went back in to get a hold of her again. "Don't start resisting arrest, miss." He urged aggressively, but as he reached out to grab her again she took ahold of his arm and twisted it, snapping the bone in half like a twig as the officer yelled out in pain, falling back onto his ass as he cradled his arm caringly. Teeth grinding against each other and face squished up in agony as he rolled around on the ground, that was when the other officer lashed out, sending his baton down on Dia, he hadn't expected the response time on the crook he was attacking. The young woman dodging swiftly out of the way of his baton before sending her boot down to the side of his leg, bending it to the side as that officer too yelled out in pure pain, Dia grabbing his baton and sending it crashing down onto his helmeted head, the force she applied to it being enough to send him unconscious as he went limp on the ground. Panting from the mixture of adrenaline and exertion, it was then she noticed the still conscious yet injured officer tapping the side of his helmet, no doubt to call for back up. Leaping towards him, baton ready to strike, she applied the same method of sedation that she had to his friend to him, sending the other man unconscious quickly after. There would be no back up for a while now, more than enough time for her to run off elsewhere. And so that was what she did, taking the baton for good measure she ran off into the night.

Spoiler: Dia Callahan

Spoiler: USM Police

Arcadia, United States of Mars
Department of Homeland Defense
July 12th, 2112
2:42PM

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming at such short notice. I understand that many of you were busy attending to other military or political affairs but you all know that I would not call this meeting if I did not believe it was important enough to warrant the presence of all of us." An older caucasian man standing near the front of the room greeted everyone else with, the room itself was incredibly large and very expensively decorated, clearly showing it's value as a government conference room. Around the large ring-shaped table at the center of the room there were an array of high-ranking military officials accompanied by senior members of the civilian government. The conference room was located at the top floor of the Homeland Defense Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Arcadia and the very same building where a number of official government functions were carried out, of course due to the strategic importance of spreading out vital military and scientific programs only a few of the actual functions of government were carried out in the skyscraper due to how easy a target it could be. Though the tower itself was more symbolic than anything. However back to the meeting that was currently taking place, the Generals and politicians gathered around the table all looked expectantly at one Chief Science Officer; Isaac Chambers. Who was before-mentioned man that had called the meeting and the very same man who was in-charge of the military's research and development program. One of the Generals speaking up, clearly expecting something to come of this meeting in the way that he spoke. "You called us here for a reason, Isaac?" He questioned, almost impatiently though retaining his professional tone.

"Of course, of course." Isaac sat down at his chair at the table, tapping a few buttons on the touchscreen that was sat in-front of him, every member around the table had one similar to his and this allowed the easy spreading of information to all participants of the meeting. Sending multiple files to each of the meeting's members as the military and civilian officials begun curiously looking over what they had been sent, inside were documents consisting of communications that had been sent to the United States by the Elysium Coalition and the Hectate Corporation. Alongside these communications was another file dubbed only as Operation Phoenix. One of the politicians speaking up at the files they had all been sent, "The Chinese want to establish diplomatic ties with us?" He questioned, knowing the answer though pushing it up into the air to be confirmed. To which it immediately was by Dr. Chambers, who gave a firm yet polite nod. "It appears so, whether or not this is for their own gain or out of a genuine willingness to build Humanity back up after the war on Earth is anyone's guess. But of course that's not my decision to make, I have already informed the President of their message and he and his advisors in the State Department are already drafting an official response. I just thought it would be nice to get you all in the loop as soon as possible. However that wasn't the most pressing matter I wanted to attend to you all with." He took in a deep breath, tapping his fingers across the desk as he contemplated how he was going to put this to the others, especially to the Generals at the table. "It's about Operation Phoenix."

Spoiler: Isaac Chambers

Arcadia, United States of Mars
The Red House
July 12th, 2112
2:56PM

"To: Elysium Coalition"

"Greetings; Prefect Zhou Wuying. I am President Cason Dawes of the United States of Mars, myself and my government represent all of the American colonies on Mars and on behalf of said colonies I would be delighted to begin forming beneficial and positive relations with the government and people of your Coalition. Mars is the future of our species and we must ensure that this world does not fall to the evils of the last."

"From: United States of Mars"

Fishman Lord​

 

[Crumbli]

Children of Terra
Mare Nectaris - 5/12/2112​

Two marines sit in a buggy outside of the colonies keeping an eye out for on coming air traffic. They're relatively quiet with the driver keeping an eye on the oxygen levels present. They'd only been out for twenty minutes so they had forty left. They had orders to return at the forty minute mark and exchange positions with another duo.
"lB-7, do you read? Over."
"This is lB-7, state your situation. Over."
The non-driving marine stands on the edge of the buggy keeping his eyes fixed on the oncoming ship. It wasn't the fastest but it was about the same speed as their buggy. He presses down on the side of his helmet and clears his throat. "We have visuals on the carrier. Has he hailed in yet? Over."
"Negative. Not since departure. We'll prepare a pad for them. Is that all? Over."
"Affirmative. Heading home. Over."
"Copy that. Good work out there, boys. Over." The buggy begins its return course home and the standing marine sits down into his chair. They offer each other a high five on their successful stakeout, seeming pleased in the lack of difficulty of the mission.

A rather large landing pad is being cleared with men trolling large crates of supplies down a ramp to the storehouses. The landing pad wasn't one of the most essential and often saw a lot of half-way storage. Things that were frequently used but that people were too lazy to store in their proper locations because of convenience. The other transports were located in the hangers but it was a generally agreed upon concept that the Autocraticians didn't have the same docking systems or clamps. The difference in systems was deliberate from the times of Earth's significance. It made it so that other nations would be less likely to try and occupy their facilities, as well as reduce the risk of competition from other mining companies back in the days of German investment.
The streets seemed relatively happy with people frequently stopping to look up at the Earth. They all missed their homes, the old days. Some people still cried whenever they looked at it for too long and it was no secret that everyone their worked to avoid their feelings. Some lost their whole families, others just their pets, but they all loved her the same. That big blue ball was their now ruined home. The only ones who seemed unphased by its presence were the soldiers and even that was likely due to their constant use of helmets hiding their faces.

A group of twenty marines approach the landing pad with four S4-10s following up behind them. The captain of the marine squad approaches the most vocal of the cleaners. He wore a long sleeved white shirt rolled up to his elbows and grey pants.
"How's the cleaning?"
"Just this last crate and we're good to go."
"Wonderful, we'll be ready when they arrive. Once they do you can return to your duties, civilian."
"But today's my resting day. We get one a week and another every fortnight."
"You chose yours to be a Tuesday?"
"I wanted to see the Autocraticians coming in. If the rumours are true, we're going to fix Earth together."
"It's significant but I wouldn't go that far." The two pause a moment surveying the area now that the last crate had been moved away. The civilian stretches his back and looks awkwardly to the marine. "Guess I'll wait down below?"
"A wise decision. Remember not to interfere with the official party's movements in any way or lethal force may be applied."
"I forgot why no one likes you lot for a moment. Thanks for reminding me."
"Funny. It's nothing personal, we just all agreed to use lethal force on you and only you."
The two finish their banter as the moderately sized carrier comes in for a landing. The civilian runs down the stairs and joins the small crowd below in watching the landing party. Visitors were rare and the might of both unified colonial forces had been greatly exaggerated among members of the populace. The doors of the carrier open and the armed guard await the exit of the commissioner general and any MPs he might have brought along with him. All firearms of the guard had their safeties turned off and were ready in case he or a terrorist made any funny decisions.
​

Albion

 

[Albion]

The Commissioner General marched forth. Flanked by twelve Sentinels, He surveyed the city. Nodding in affirmation, he beckoned to one of the Sentinels. The man nodded, holstering his pistol and pulling out a long metal pole, four centimeters thick and a three quarters of a meter in length. Holding it in front of him, he pressed a button. The pole extended to a meter and a half in length. Another pole on the side popped out, and the Autocratician flag unfurled. The ComGen stepped forward once, the Sentinels walking at a pace. Moving in step, he barked a command, and the Sentinels moved in unison. stepping backwards and pivoting. Their line moved from a horizontal line a pace behind the ComGen at his sides to a vertical line in two columns. After a moment, the Pilot exited the aircraft, having changed into formal military regalia. "Announcing the glorious Commissioner General of the Lunar Autocratic Nation!" He then repeated this sentence in multiple languages.

The Commissioner General, for his part, was looking the military man he was, standing with straight posture and a determined look on his face. "I've come to meet with the leader of the Children of Terra." Holding his wrist towards him, palm facing him, he looked at the crowd assembled before nodding at the provided guards. The guards, for their part, turned on their heels and began to lead him on foot to the Capitol building.
Crumbli

 

[Shireling]

Aboard the SS Pembroke
Hermes-class Light Transport
Martian low-Orbit
July 12th, 2112
​

"Bleeding Spacers," Paul Umbridge muttered as he sat, back against the wall, in the hallways of the cramped crew cabins of the Pembroke. On the entire several month trip to Mars, he had had to deal with their shifty, distrustful gazes and their endless stream of technical jargon. Even worse than that, most of the time they just pretended he was not there, like he was a painting hung on the wall for decoration.

He should have been grateful to these people though. Were it not for them, he would have been vaporized along with London, England. Sometimes he realized that, but the loneliness was biting. He wasn't accustomed to long space voyages like the Spacers were, and even though the ship was overcrowded he rarely spoke to any of the other passengers. And he rarely spoke to any Spacers, besides the ones that served meals in the cafeteria. He shivered at the thought of any more freeze dried food.

He had gotten the idea of where the ship was going and why through fragments of conversation between crewmen when they thought he wasn't paying attention. The ship was supposed to be delivering assorted medical supplies, electronics, a specialized robot, and several vats of frozen, ungerminated plant seeds along with fissile material to the USM colony of Arcadia, but they were forced to turn back and take refugees last minute. Then, upon arrival to Mars a few days ago, the ship was told not to deliver its cargo. Why? Paul couldn't say. Some sort of internal shakeup among the Spacers.

SS Pembroke Command Bridge
​

Captain Anthony Dulles was an aging American with salt-and-pepper hair and a bad look about him, like he was constantly angry. In his left hand was a tablet computer and in his right was a cup of the black ichor that passed for coffee on this ship.

"So Vemmheir wants us to hold the cargo until what?"

"I'm not sure, sir." His helmsman piped up, sitting up from his chair. "I think he's not keen on having us deliver any more cargo until we can get a worthwhile payment."

"What do you mean?"

"Basically, Captain---" the lieutenant interjected, "we were going to deliver this shipment for US dollars, but seeing as the United States is gone the currency is worthless."

The helmsman added. "I suppose we could seek payment in gold, supplies, maybe even scientists and engineering personnel?"

The main screen on the bridge flashed for an instant, indicating that they were receiving a communique.

"Patch it through."

The message was a prerecorded video log. The ships were too far away for a real-time conversation. On the screen, Captain Vemmheir of Hecate One appeared and straightened his glasses.

"Greetings, Captain Dulles. You, alongside the six other transports that were scheduled for late Mars missions that have not completed their assignments have been asked to sit back for a moment. You see, with the situation as dire as it is, we simply cannot afford to continue to offer our services for what essentially amounts to nothing. We have the collective survival of our entire fleet to worry about. Thus, I trust that you will see through the course of action I have prepared for you. Make contact with USM officials and tell them that we will complete their shipments currently in limbo if they allow us unfettered access to a number of electronics specialists to be determined, or alternately they may pay us in platinum bars or hydrogen fuel rods. Accept no other form of payment. I am placing you in charge of all Hecate ships currently in Martian orbit. Hopefully, you can reach an agreement with the locals Captain. Additionally, offload as many of the refugees as the USM will be willing to take. Keep me posted on new developments."

The screen faded to black and Captain Dulles took a second to process all of his orders. He hadn't been writing them down.

"Alright, you heard the man." Dulles barked at his communications officer. "Get on the horn with the spaceport in Arcadia. Tell them we need diplomatic parlay concerning their shipments."

"Aye, sir."

Communique from SS Pembroke
to Command Tower of Arcadia Spaceport
United States of Mars
​

"Captain Dulles of the Pembroke requests diplomatic parlay with a representative of the USM government to negotiate for the delivery of sensitive cargo held in leu of payment. The crew of the Pembroke wishes the USM State Department will respond in a timely manner."

RIPSaidCone

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Ars Nova Military base, Avalon
United Federation Council
Mars, Tharsis Region​

"As of 17:56 Tharsis time, Atlas 1 has left Mars atmosphere and began their Geostationary Orbit. Their return is scheduled in 1 Sol from now. Depending on their reports, Operation Bifrost might be finished within a Martian year. Here's to the success of Colonel Glinka and Major Lock." A balding middle aged man reported to the gathered Council members. Once his report was given, he sat down as Secretary-General Fredric Rommel processed that information. His brows furrowed in thought as he checked his copy of the report from his datapad. He knew of Operation Bifrost's importance as the starting point towards Operation Heaven's Fall but he worried about the condition of the two pilots in orbit at the moment. But he had more reports and matters to handle.

"Thank you Alder. I'm sure your astronauts are more than capable of handling the stresses. Miss Dragomirova, any news from the border?" At his question, a slim lady of Japanese and Russian descent stood and cleared her throat.

"None at the moment Secretary-General. Although we have reports of increased activity from our Chinese neighbors along with foreign ships being sighted in Mars orbit by the Olympus Mons observation team. Hopefully we'll avoid any hostilities and if the need arises, make space for any more refugees. We could use more manpower for Operation Bifrost." As she concluded her report, there was a wave of mummers among the gathered personnel after the mention of the foreign ship sighting. If anything, there was a slight cause for concern if it turned out to be anything other than a refugee ship. Without a proper Spacy, defending from a space based attack would be hard with the only option being the rapid deployment of Enyo strike fighters. All the more reason to set Operation Bifrost in motion.

"I see. Thank you Miss Dragomirova. Captain Bradley, any news on the Spartan Program?" The mummers halted as a rather young British man stood up. His icy blue eyes seemed to glare at anyone who made eye contact yet he had a warm smile. The contrast between the two has made the man rather infamous. As does his rather harsh training regimen.

"The second batch will be completing their training soon. Unlike the previous batch, we might have an increase in passes but that is yet to be seen... The Final Test will begin tomorrow." He casually reported. A few mummers sprouted up among the gathered personnel, the final test claimed the lives of 3 recruits. Young youths between the age of 17 and 21 died attempting to past a test they trained 3 years for. Add the fact that 167 recruits out of the original 270 failed the test and you get more than a few people doubting the Spartan program. But this was seen as acceptable by the Secretary-General so he didn't find any reason to complain. He rather liked the fact that only 100 recruits passed. It also sent a message; 'Only the strong survive.'

"I see. Hopefully we'll have more Spartans by the end of the month. Tell me Captain, among the ones that passed, what are their ages?" That question seemed to stir the Captain's curiosity and he wondered what was in their Leader's mind. "The oldest should be turning 22 in about a month. The youngest would be 17. There should be a dossier on all the current Spartans in your datapad Sir."

"Yes, I'm aware of that. I simply wanted to confirm it. May God have mercy on us for forcing these youths into a hellish future." Secretary-General Rommel sighed as he opened a dossier at random, shaking his head slightly as he read it. "May God forgive us..."

Outskirts of Tharsis region
Spartan Blitz Squadron, Fulgar Flight
Airspace over Tempe Terra border​

"Goddamned this is boring! I thought a patrol flight would be better than just sitting around!" Jr Lt Naoshi Kanno complained as he slumped back into his pilot seat as laughter crackled through the radio. The flight of 5 Enyos flew in a Vic formation as they patrolled the border, their pilots and WSO's eyes peeled on the ground and the radar for any strange movements on the ground or in the air.

"We should be thankful Fulgar 3. If not for our flight leader's initiative, we would be stuck doing CQC drills for the rest of the day." Jr Lt Mikhail Baranov joked. Kanno simply smirked, "Yeah. Good for you at least. I would have kicked your ass again, Fulgar 4. Or maybe I should call you Fulgar Falls since gravity loves you so much!"

"Oh hush boys, I'm trying to focus here!" Lt Sita Mandal complained, her grip on the control stick tightened as a lighthearted chuckle sounded over the radio.

"Alright everyone, calm down and focus. We still have about an hour left on the mission clock. Spartans we may be but it seems we might have a few attitude problems." Sr Lt Henry Edwards calmly ordered. The replies were halfhearted but he simply ignored it and sighed. Checking his radar, he noticed that one of his wingmen was out of formation and lagging behind slightly.

"Is there a problem with your plane Fulgar 2?" He asked, noting that Fulgar 4's plane has now broken formation and entered VTOL mode.

"No. Nothing is wrong with my plane Fulgar 1." Lt Chitoshi Mirai replied, steadying her plane as her WSO, WO Aisaka Mika, peered through a set of binoculars. She trained it on a small dust cloud moving across the arid Martian soil.

"2 here, spotted a rover of some sort heading towards the United Federation border. Shall we intercept before they reach the border?" Mika suggested over the radio as Kanno's excited whoops temporarily took up the shared communications channel. Henry took a moment to figure the best course of action and made his decision.

"Alright. Fulgar 3, 4 and 5 remain airborne and provide cover. Fulgar 2 will follow me down to intercept. No one fires unless they shoot first, got it?" A quick (and disappointed) reply came in before the two planes slowly dropped altitude towards the ground. Finding a large patch of flat ground to land, they carefully landed their planes and powered down the thrusters. The remaining 3 Enyos circled above like birds of pray, keeping an eye on the situation.

"Alright. Mac, keep the plane safe and the engine warm. I want to be airborne in case things go South. Chitoshi, you're with me."
"Roger. Keep the plane safe Mika."
"You got it, Henry." "Be careful, Mirai..."

After retrieving their PDWs, the two Spartans waited for the rover to come close enough while keeping track of its progress via binoculars. As the rover got close, Henry opened radio contact with the approaching vehicle.

"Unidentified vehicle, you are approaching United Federation territory! Stop your vehicle and identify yourselves or we will be forced to stop you!" Henry ordered, keeping his gun trained on the approaching rover as Mirai did the same. Henry hoped that they were friendly. Even if he was a Spartan, he didn't want to kill anyone. Not today at least.

Fishman Lord

​

 

[Fishman Lord]

Chongqing, Elysium Coalition, Mars. July 13th, 2112
Zhou Wuying was woken up quite early, as usual. "Apologies, Prefect, but we've received an answer from the USM." Zhou Wuying quickly prepared himself for the day and listened to the message. "This message... it has greater implications than it says. They claim to represent all American colonies, but the city to the South of us, Colorado, claimed to have no affiliation with the Utopia nation." The governor of Punta Arenas spoke up. "It's likely that the USM doesn't recognize the independence of other American colonies. There are other American colonies in our records that are far from the Utopia area, and we assume they're likely independent as well. It seems likely that the USM may use military force to bring these colonies into the fold. I recommend we establish ties with the non-USM colonies of Americans and stop the USM's Imperialism." Zhou Wuying thought for a moment, then replied. "No, no, that would be an act of aggression that we can't afford to make. We should remain neutral on the subject until we have the USM's actual policy, not our speculation on it." He thought for a moment more. "I know what my response will be."

"We are glad to hear that the USM wishes to work for the common good as we do. We will be sending a diplomatic party consisting of our Prefect, Zhou Wuying, the governor of Punta Arenas, Ricardo Cortez, and representatives of our largest corporations: DNterprises, Gaiaform, and Condor Corporation, to negotiate the future of relations between our nations. They will arrive July 15th, Earth Calendar." RIPSaidCone

Tharsis Outskirts, Mars
The representatives of the Coalition stopped their vehicles. "Friendly bunch." One muttered before opening the communications. "We are representatives of the Elysium Coalition, a coalition of Chinese, Chilean, and Ecuadorian colonies in the Elysium Mons region. Our intentions are nothing but friendly." Wandering Grim Hollow

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Arcadia, United States of Mars
Department of Commerce
July 12th, 2112
4:52PM

"What the hell do they think they're playing at." The impatient and angered words erupted from the lips of the Secretary of Commerce; Richard Mason as he paced back and forth behind his large wooden desk. The design and material chosen more out of aesthetic and tradition more than anything else, with the Deputy Secretary of Commerce; Allison Whisk and the Deputy Secretary of State; Xavier White sitting on the opposite side of his desk. All three of the government officials sitting in the Secretary's office located on the top floor of the Department of Commerce's headquarters located just down the street from the DHD's skyscraper. Both of the deputies appeared rather anxious, the source of their anxiety no doubt coming from the anger of their superior and the on-going discussion between his counterpart; the Secretary of State and the President himself. Allison spoke up in response, "From our understanding it seems the Corporation wants more practical resources instead of currency when it comes to our regular trading." It was then that Richard suddenly turned himself around, glaring over idly to Allison as he folded his arms. "Obviously that's the case, but what makes them think they suddenly hold off our shipments like that, they've royally fucked me. Not the nation but me." He angrily declared.

Xavier then decided it was her turn to say something, "I don't see the issue, sir. I went over the manifesto with the guys down at the Spaceport and none of those supplies are vital. We can do without them." He said with a more nonchalant approach to the situation, Richard shaking his head with a sigh at his remark. "I'm well aware of the little value that particular shipment holds, but that's not the problem. Our Department is in-charge of resource allocation as well, and in-order to manage that we also have to account future supply shipments. Now that the Hecate Corporation have suddenly grown a stick up their ass they've completely fucked up the Commerce Department's allocation schedule. We'll have to completely rework it in-order to ensure we don't neglect any needs around the colonies. And now the President is gonna be on my ass about this, that is of course unless you." He gestured over to Xavier, who now returned the look back towards him. "And the rest of the State Department manage to pull yourselves together and get us a good deal out of this." Xavier spread his arms out in a more unknowing gesture at that comment, "Like I said over the phone, the Secretary of State is talking to the President about it, I'll let you know what becomes of it."

Richard nodded and waved a hand in direction of the set of doors at the other end of his office. "Alright, meeting adjourned."

Spoiler: Richard Mason

Spoiler: Allison Whisk

Spoiler: Xavier White

Arcadia, United States of Mars
Department of State
July 12th, 2112
5:21PM

"This is a message in response to the SS Pembroke from the Department of State of the United States of Mars. What are your requests in exchange for our shipment?"
Shireling

Utopia Planitia, Mars
United States Airspace
July 15th, 2112
3:54AM

As the Coalition craft carrying their Prefect and accompanying leaders approached the colony of Arcadia, two F-62 Piercers would suddenly appear behind it, flying a long distance but at an equal speed behind the craft as one of the pilots of these two fighters would radio in to the Coalition's diplomatic envoy. />"Attention, Coalition aircraft. This is the United States Air Force, we have been ordered to direct you to a military airfield."<\ Then one of the two Piercers would speed up greatly, flying ahead of the Coalition craft before taking a sharp right down towards the surface and subsequently towards one of the smaller colonies that surrounded Arcadia itself, there the craft would be given a landing zone at a small military facility out of civilian sight. For political reasons the Dawes Administration didn't want news of a Chinese envoy breaking out to the media and therefore the public too early, just in-case there was a disagreement along the lines. Information in the USM wasn't necessarily censored but certain, more important government matters were withheld from the public until the government could be sure that no harmful rumors could be spread as had happened with the destruction of Earth.

Upon landing at the military facility, the Coalition members would be greeted with a small security detail of marines alongside the Secretary of State; Logan Curtis. A rather tall and well-built man with a more casual, civilian like attire than many of his peers in the administration. Logan approaching the craft with a welcoming smile etched across his features and an extended hand towards the Prefect, shaking it firmly. "Ah, Mr. Wuying, I'm Logan Curtis. Secretary of State for the USM, pleasure to make your acquaintance and to be the one to greet you and your friends to our great land. Right this way." He said, gesturing his arm outwards back towards where he had come from, where a small convoy of black vehicles were waiting. "Unfortunately the President couldn't be with you, he and the Vice-President are currently discussing matters with their advisors. I'll have to make due until he's available, but I can assure you I'm pleasant company also." He casually joked as the group approached the convoy, marines now opening up the back doors of the vehicles for the members of the group.
Fishman Lord

Spoiler: Logan Curtis

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Outskirts of Tharsis region
Spartan Blitz Squadron, Fulgar Flight
Lt Chitoshi Mirai (17) & Sr Lt Henry Edwards (21)​

"Elysium Coalition? All the way across Amazonis Planitia? That's quite a journey indeed." Henry responded, lowing his gun and gesturing Mirai to do the same. His body language relaxed slightly as he began walking towards the stopped rovers. He glanced skywards as the three Enyos did another pass, no doubt being cautious about the whole thing. You can never be too careful out here in the Martian plains. Never.

"Pardon our earlier rudeness but you can never be too careful out here, Mars Brother. Now, I'd like to ask for paper and identification please so I may report your arrival to my superiors." Henry calmly requested. He seems calm on the surface but there was a hint of the wariness he felt about the whole thing. As Henry stood, waiting for their Elysium guests' identification, Mirai was busy staring at the rovers they came in. Her head tilted slightly as she tried to check the suspension system underneath before giving up and nudging one of the tires with her foot. Feeling satisfied with what she found, she looked up and made eye contact with the passenger inside before bowing slightly.

"Ni hao." She quietly greeted before straitening up and walking off to rejoin Henry.

Fishman Lord

Jr Lt Naoshi Kanno (18) & WA Niko Dellis (17)​

"Hey Spinach Muncher, see anything down there?" Kanno snarkily asked his WSO as he carefully circled over the little border check going on below. His WSO, WA Niko Dellis, was peering down a the meeting using the Enyo's belly camera, a little customization he added himself to ease ground patrols.

"Just the usual, Bonito Breath. Why? Worried about your girlfriend down there or something?" Niko shot back, mutual disrespect was the norm for those two after a certain accident happened during their training days. Still, they make a competent team and can be seen as friends or brothers in arms even. Most of the time anyway.

"Wha? Who? Mi-chan? Psshh, she's like a little sister to me at most. Heck, I think she's just too quiet most of the time. What about you, eh? I seem to recall you having the hots for a certain Indian pilot. Or so I recall." Kanno's retort was met with a scoff from his WSO who busied himself with the radar systems just to pass the time. "Please, I gave up on her years back. Too much like the CO2 ice at the poles to suit my tastes."

"Heh... Says you. Fulgar 3 to all planes, turn in for another pass. Gotta remind our guests that we exist." Kanno chuckled as he pulled back n the control stick. His Enyo pulled up to a steep climb before performing an Immelmann turn. Pushing slightly on the control stick, he angled his plane's nose down as it dived to lose some altitude before leveling up back at its original altitude. A neat bit of fancy flying to stave off the boredom.

 

[Shireling]

Arcadia, United States of Mars
Department of State
July 12th, 2112
5:21PM

"This is a message in response to the SS Pembroke from the Department of State of the United States of Mars. What are your requests in exchange for our shipment?"
Shireling

Reply from SS Pembroke
​

We have been instructed to accept payment in platinum, H3 fuel cells, and food---preferably live plants and ungerminated seeds. We would also accept as part of the trade access to a few electronics engineers for a repair mission. Below is the manifest for the Pembroke and the rest of my flotilla:

Pembroke:
Medical Supply Crate ×6
Consumer Electronics ×200
Specialized Robot ×1
Ungerminated Elm Tree Seeds ×40
Fissile Material Case (Plutonium) ×1

Rorshach:
Medical Supply Crates ×4
H3 Fusion Fuel Rods [Requisitioned]
Food Crates [Requisitioned]

Titus:
Official Documents (Chinese Government Low Security Level Documents) ×2
Military Stealth-field Emitter Prototype ×1
Chinese Rifles ×40
Chopsticks ×40

Leo:
Crates of Food [Requisitioned]
H3 Fusion Fuel Rods [Requisitioned]
Computers ×30
Service Androids ×6

Mariposa:
Type 6 Auto-doctor ×1
Surgical Equipment Crate ×1
5.56 NATO Ammunition ×6000

Galileo:
STINGER-8 Ground-to-Air Handheld Missile Deployment System ×3
Guided Missile × 14
Dry Cleaning × 6
Ungerminated Pine Tree Seeds × 50

 

[Shireling]

Bridge of the Hecate One
Between Earth and Mars
July 12, 2112
​

"No word yet, I take it, from the Pembroke?" Captain Vemmheir asked, sinking down into his command chair.

"None so far, but it hasn't been very long. I wouldn't expect a reply until late tonight or early tomorrow."

Vemmheir turned to look at Lieutenant Bishop and sighed, "Yes I know. It's just bloody stressful. I can't overstate how precarious the situation is, Elise. A fleet of nearly a hundred ships, all waiting on me to give them their orders. We need some sort of... meeting. I don't know. A congress of sorts. But we've got, hell fifteen ships past the Jovian orbit now. How the hell do we get everyone to Charlie? Furthermore, where do you park a hundred spaceships? It's never been done, at least not like this?"

He dug his hands into the faux leather of the chair and took a look around. The bridge was a circular room with floors and a ceiling that curved seemlessly into the walls. In the middle, a holoprojector showed a complex map of Hecate One with symbols and colors corresponding to different statuses. On one half of the wall was a projected image of the blackness of space as could be observed from the forward-facing cameras of Hecate One. On the other wall were various radar displays, a manifest, an event log, and a crew roster with vital signs next to the names. Each command chair (there were six) also had a small screen suspended in front of it. The ship was on autonav. The command crew were all on offshift.

"Then," Vemmheir began again, "we have to think about how to play these Terrans. If we're too forceful, they'll say to hell with us. At least the more impulsive ones. We need to convince them that they need us. That's the way we're going to get through this."

"But they do need us, Vemmheir. Take Mars for example. Without us, no fuel for the reactors."

"Ah yes, but that won't always be the case. It's a symbiotic relationship now, but afterwards we may prove redundant, unless we act quickly. It may also be wise to use our position to pick winners and losers. It would do good to have powerful friends, but not too powerful." He raised his finger. "The USM may be good to start. They are set up much like the old United States, which means private companies, which means business interests, which means a tool of influence. The Chinese, on the other hand, are a trickier thing. Trickier still, the European autocrats. The 'moon fascists' and the like. How can we deal with such people? It would be unwise to use a gun as a bargaining tool against people who will eventually have much larger guns than us. That is the nature of the beast."

"What can we do now, Ferris?"

"Vemmheir sank deeper into his chair. "Send messages to all the Captains asking them to meet up at Charlie for a meeting. Tell them to drop the cargo that they have at any settlement willing to trade it for food or something that we can trade for food. But tell them to keep the Helium-3 fuel cells. Furthermore, send communications out to the Prefect of the Elysium Coalition and the USM president. Tell them I will be by in a few months for a goodwill tour."

RIPSaidCone Fishman Lord

 

[doodleSM]

• In the factories of Halfjord
• Scandinavian Department of Industry office

• 
  The swedish man looked at the device, which showed the information of the material input and the product output. The swede sighs, he was on the catwalks of a large factory, the assembly machines were working full time, producing weapons and military equipment. They had received word, Earth was scorched. He looks down at the factory operators below on the main floor. "I think our work here is done, boys. Wrap up the machines, we are almost out of materials to produce more weaponry." The factory workers look around, baffled for a moment. A thousand questions were asked at once, a hurricane of words and sentences. The swede raises his hands and yells "Hey! Calm down! We still have our jobs, we are just ... independent."
  
• 
  A note was on the desk of a worker. the note read in English "GET US MATERIALS, FOOD, ETC." The worker approaches the desk and looks at the note. Clearly he was disappointed that this task of huge importance was placed on him. He sent a message to the Hecate Corporation, hopefully it would reach them.
  
  Dear Hecate Corporation Representative,
  
  We are in desperate need of cargo ships to give New Scandinavia the ability to export and import goods and secondary products. New Scandinavia is willing to purchase supplies and or the usage of your ships.
  
  Sincerely, Halfjord Department of Industry Office
  

(hope I did this one right, this looks like awful fun.)

 

[General Deth Glitch]

Radio Office 3 was silent. The words "This is Ferris Vemmheir, Captain of Hecate One. Any and all colonies waiting on supplies from Hecate-affiliated ships will be sadden to know that these shipments cannot be completed at this time. We are sorry for the delays." being looped on repeat. They had only just managed to make the weak radio hail on the open frequency legible. How would the other colonies fare? Without Earth there is no alternative in the short term. They NEED those supplies were the thoughts passing through nearly every officer there. The message had only just reached them out at the belt and they didn't have the level of agriculture Mars did, hell even the Moon had better food systems in place. They had water. They had minerals and materials. Hell they even had enough fertiliser but.. food, dirt and seeds. Every Colony on the belt short of the UCC relied on them. It hadn't dawned on them until now, no earth means no one to answer too. For everyone. No more hand outs. No more government sanctioned wages. No more supplies. Only merchandise and trade goods. The Value of food just went up, but the value of the humans who needed it just hit rock bottom. Those were the facts.

Before long the Chair had been clued in on the transmission. They arrived to the recorded message being played back to them. "these shipments cannot be completed at this time. We are sorry for the delays." They needed to work quick, they could be no discussion with Hecate, only a message sent back. After a few hours and a tedious committee meeting a message was sent back. "Dear Hecate One. This is Maelic of the United Colonies of European Ceres. If you could inform us of the reason for this Delay so that we may be best suited to solving the Issue. A Delay could cost many of our fellow colonies many lives and we would like to avoid that if possible. Please note we have water and other resources to spare." He spoke as clearly and slowly as he could manage and set the message to repeat. Due to the way Radio messages worked, anyone would be able to hear it as it was not on a secure frequency. Shireling

Meanwhile efforts were underway to inform colonies of the recent events, as many would not have the ability to detect such a weak and distant radio message, and to ensure that resources would be give to those in the most dire need (unless doing so would threaten the lives of UCC Citizens)

 

[Crumbli]

Children of Terra
Mare Nectaris - 5/12/2112​

The selected guards begin their silent escort. Large projector screens along the buildings of the street slowly flick from their regularly scheduled displays to banners. Some had been displaying the state demands, others displayed recreational sector advertisements to encourage customers. Nevertheless the farther along the street the party went the greater the number of screens turned to display the flag. Large speaker boxes beside the screens quietly played the English national anthem with only a handful of people joining in as they walked.

People from the surrounding streets grew quieter and quieter the closer the party got to the house of commons. When the group arrived at the house of commons their path was obstructed. A group no larger than one hundred men and women stood silently with cloth banners. On the banner was a red and gold fist over a large white circle. The Lunar Liberation Front was protesting yet again. The protesters look to one another and begin to chant.
"What do we want?"
"A freer moon!"
"When do we want it?"
"Now!"
"Down with tyrants, be-gone oppressors!"

The protesters were mostly young people. A large number had colourful hair and obvious implants. One protester gets incredibly close to the party, sticking his tongue out and shaking his head side to side. Along the right side of his cranium was a large metal plate and his eye had been replaced with an implant. These youths were always trouble. His hair was dyed red and shaved in a Mohawk style yet lacked the products and care to stand upright. It swooped over the normal side of his head. "Fuck you, fascists!" The young man goes to push one of the S4-10s but finds himself stopping just an inch away from the large walking suit.

"Step aside or you will be arrested! Don't play stupid games, kids. I promise you'll win stupid prizes." The guard captain calls out to the group and many of them do part ways. In the crowd were a handful of small children looking up at the soldiers and their mothers dragged them aside. Some of the members however thought themselves above the law and were on the receiving end of a brutal beating. A girl no older than nineteen wearing her hair in a pony tail throws a weak punch at one of the guards. He lets the punch land on him before hitting her with the butt of his rifle. Her nose begins bleeding and she falls to the floor crying. One of the leading s4-10s grabs her by her pony tail and drags her off to the side while she screams in pain. Two men around similar ages go to attack the group for hurting the girl but face the same response. All of this goes on while they continue to chant about how everyone present was a fascist tyrant.

The group ascend a flight of stairs where another line of marines was waiting. The group squeeze through and only the s4-10s continue to follow. The guard captain and his men remain out front with the line making sure the protesters didn't continue their stupid antics. Upon entering the large double doors of the house, they were greeted with Sir Nigel in a heated discussion with his fellow ministers and a representative of the liberation front. His minister of education was siding with the liberation front leader. "The schools aren't geared for thinkers but for workers. They're only trying to think of the bigger picture."
"Bigger picture? These guttersnipes do nothing but laze about the recreational sector all day and night. They're promoting civil disobedience and they need to be punished. Forget the cells, I say we show them what real 'fascism' looks like. Make them break rocks all day. That'll teach them." The minister of justice, an overweight fellow with natural red hair, looks disapprovingly to the new comers. Sir Nigel on the other hand takes note of their arrival and waves the liberation front leader off. "Commissioner general, I'm so glad you could arrive safely. I hope you didn't get too much trouble from the protesters?"

Albion

 

[Shireling]

Hecate Corporation Dispatch
In Response to Inquiry by UCC


​

"Dear Hecate One. This is Maelic of the United Colonies of European Ceres. If you could inform us of the reason for this Delay so that we may be best suited to solving the Issue. A Delay could cost many of our fellow colonies many lives and we would like to avoid that if possible. Please note we have water and other resources to spare."

Salutations, I am Captain Anita Eddleman of the SS Annarbor. Myself, alongside Captain Richards of the SS Maine and Captain Philips of the SS Peking are authorized to negotiate with you directly in the stay of our unofficial leader, Captain Ferris Vemmheir.

The reason for the delay in your shipments is twofold. For one, recent political disputes on-board our vessels have become violent. The late CEO of Hecate, Andrew Byron, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and was summarily executed. This has left us with an uncomfortable political situation as there is no clear successor to head our company.

The other issue is one of economics. My ships are currently still en route to Ceres, but we have been instructed to withhold the cargo until a new purchase price can be negotiated. You see, Earth currencies are now worthless and do not help in maintaining the lives of my crew and the fleet as a whole. Thus we require alternative payment. We understand that the Belt colonies are heavily dependent on food imports, so we do not intend to ask for food. We will, however, except trade in platinum bars and spare Helium-3 fuel cells. Additionally, we are authorized to exchange our cargo for the services of several engineers and computer technicians as well as roboticists. Should we not be able to reach an agreement, I will, unfortunately, have to withhold your cargo. However, we believe we will be able to work something out and not have to resort to such disagreeable measures.

 

[Fishman Lord]

Ministry of Trade of the Elysium Coalition, Mars. July 15th, 2112
The Hecate Corporation transmission had been debated for days. On the one hand, they were by far the biggest coalition of Spacers in the system. Making enemies of them was not a good option, as it would close off huge economic opportunities and set back possibilities for interplanetary diplomacy. However, the Chinese had the ability to swoop in where the Corporation was trying to choke Mars. The Coalition had a great supply of a huge variety of genetically engineered crop strains. If the Corporation tried to choke the supply of these seeds and crops to Mars, the Coalition's state-powered corporations, most notably DNterprises and Gaiaform, could sell better crops for a better price and turn a huge profit. There were also plans to get in contact with some of the rogue Tibetan and Chilean Spacers to create an alternative to Hecate, although those interplanetary rogues had proven harder to contact and persuade than expected. For now, it was decided that all that would be done would be attempts at creating trade deals with other Martian nations to spread Elysian crops.

Elysium Coalition response to the Hecate Coalition:
"We look forward to hosting you. The Spacers will prove essential in re-establishing our interplanetary community and keeping our species connected."
Shireling

UMS, Utopia Planitia, Mars. July 15th, 2112
The light plane designed to fly in the extremely thin Martian atmosphere set down on the USM airstrip. The five representatives walked out and were greeted by the USM's Secretary of State. "We are glad to be greeted so warmly, no matter who is greeting us. Let me introduce us all. My name is Zhou Wuying, and I am Prefect of the great Elysium Coalition." He gestured to a pale man with black hair and a pointed beard, as well as brown eyes and an overall pointed face. "This is Ricardo Cortez, governor of Punta Arenas." Ricardo smiled and shook the Secretary's hand. "A pleasure to meet you." Zhou Wuying then gestured to a thin man with a strangely round face that didn't fit the rest of his body and robotic eyes. He was caucasian. "This is Andrew Tanreed, CEO of DNterprises." The strange man shook hands, revealing one of his hands to be a robotic prosthetic as well. He didn't say a word as he awkwardly shook hands. Next, Zhou Wuying showed the Secretary a tall, beautiful Asian woman with hair that reached her waist. "This is Xue Zheng. She is the CEO of Gaiaform." The woman smiled and shook hands with the Secretary. Finally, Zhou Wuying introduced the Secretary to a dark man, clearly South American Native. "This is Enrique Gomalez, CEO of Condor Corporation." With all the introductions complete, the Prefect continued. "We are very glad the USM is open to relations with our nation. We look forward to discussions of trade and diplomacy."
RIPSaidCone

Tharsis Outskirts, Mars. July 15th, 2112
The Elysians provided all their ID and documents to prove that they were non-hostile diplomats. "Yeah, it was quite a trip to get here. These high-speed rovers are really quite something." The diplomats cleared everything else and then began their final trek to meet with this other Martian nation.
Wandering Grim Hollow

 

[Albion]

As he walked through the streets, the ComGen noticed a distinct lack of order. The crowd control was not what he was used to at home, and when he reached the veritable Capitol, he noticed a large group of protesters. Why any self respecting leader would allow them near the capitol building on the day of an important visit he wouldn't know. Couldn't know, reallly. His Sentinels flanked im on the sides as the crowd roared about 'fascists' a young man, with pink hair done up in some bizzare way and a face painted like metal stepped up. "Fascist! get out of our lands! You're nothing but a bunch of dirty, no good, uh, authoritarians!" The young man spit in his face, and he found that to be enough. He held up his hand at a right angle and beckoned his hand forward. The Sentinels moved in step, coordinated with each other to the precise way they stood. They flanked him, stretching out into a thin line. They raised their guns and fired, causing the crowd to scream as they were hit with attaching rounds that tazed them heavily. After the crowd scattered out of his way, he wiped the spit off with a handkerchief and put it away, then beckoned them forward. He entered the house of commons, as he had heard it called, with a swift and methodical entrance by the sentinels, who opened the doors for him.

After letting the ministers talk and after the leader greeted him, he finally spoke up. "It was alright. I am no worse for wear, though one of your... protestors spat in my face. I made sure to help clear out the crowd though... used some Electric Attaching Munitions. If it were my lands I would have had them lined up and executed for disrespecting me in such a way but I chose to respect you and your nation and give them a warning. However, that is no matter. We are here to discuss one thing and one thing only - the continuing relations of the Lunar colonies.." Crumbli

Power Station c-5fu
Lara eyed the guards wearily. the Liberation Front had decided to finally allow her on one of the covert sabotage missions, after months of nothing but rallying new members. She stroked the rifle she ad been given lovingly. "Jesus, why don't you just fuck your rifle?" Lara shot a glare back at Oakes. "Shut up!" She hissed, angry. Then, seeing the coast was clear, she moved in, marching over to the reactor cooling station. Searching around in her bag, she pulled out the electric charge that would fry the cooling systems and help cut out the power. Placing it, she began to work on the input. A sudden crackling over her comms channel spooked her. "Shit, shit, I've been spotted, Took him out but the alarm was raised. We have maybe 3 minutes before the Sentinels get here." Lara mentally cursed, finishing her work with the first charge. She had to accelerate the timer, and she swiftly moved to the secondary cooling system, beginning work there. Her fingers moved slowly and she couldn't get it to work properly, the terror of knowing the Sentinels were comin frazzling her.

She was alerted by a movement, watching as a dropship moved in, terror filling her inch by inch. She wanted to throw off her spacesuit and run back to the safety of her dome. Watching as the forward movement stopped, she took a step back. The dropship door opened, and twelve men flew downwards, their boosters setting off a jet. Reaching frantically for her gun, she moved to aim it too late. A sentinel grabbed her by the throat, pinning her to the secondary cooler. She clawed at her throat, trying to escape, when the Sentinel seemed to hear something. Reaching forward, he pressed the emergency release of her oxygen tank and flung it far away, then tossed her to the ground. in her last moments she heard the frantic last moments of her squad mates getting gunned down or worse - captured.

 

[Shireling]

SS Catharsis
Hecate Corporate Mining Ship
Low-Orbit of Jupiter
​

The original mission had been to Saturn, but there had been a change of plans. Several weeks ago, Catharsis and his fleet of twelve mining and transport ships were nearing the orbit of Jupiter preparing a slingshot to Saturn when they received Captain Vemmheir's communique. In the dispatch, Vemmheir had filled the command crew of the vessel in on the political machinations that had occurred on Hecate One and Vemmheir's plan to have a meeting back at Installation Charlie in the Belt. Finally, he had instructed him to withhold cargo from the Europans unless other payment could be arranged.

As the Catharsis had entered Jovian orbit, they had swung low, using their momentum to escape Jupiter's immense gravity and using specialized probes that dipped down into the clouds below and filled canisters with the mixture of gases that composed the atmosphere. Back on-board the ship, they would synthesize out the hydrogen, helium, and any trace amounts of noble gases or other valuable elements. Hopefully from this trip, they would have enough helium-3 to power the reactors of the fleet for six months to a year.

While the mining ships were tied up in low orbit, the transport ships flitted around the Galilean moons waiting for rendezvous orders.

In the interim, Fritz Kleiner, Captain of the Catharsis sat on the navy-style wall cot that served as his bed and leaned back against the wall while staring at the small television mounted into the wall playing "Sound of Music." It was the penultimate scene, as Rolph emerges donned in a Nazi uniform to terrorise the Von Trapps. The Captain was enamored of old films, and although he had seen this one a million times, he leaned forward in apprehension and nostalgic glee.

The door came open, and a lieutenant carrying a tablet computer in one hand came in. "Captain, throw on your clothes. You are needed in communications."

"Not now, Holden. It can wait."

"It's from the Europans, sir."

Fritz sighed and made a hand gesture in front of the television, which caused the screen to freeze frame. He stood and put his black slacks and duty shirt on over his long-johns before stepping into his boots and throwing on his coat. Before he left, he combed down his unruly dark hair in front of the mirror, then walked with the lieutenant down to the small communications post. One comms officer was lying asleep at his post with his head on the screen, at which point Fritz shook him awake and gave him a scolding look. The other had a typed message displayed on his computer monitor.

"Dear Hecate Corporation Representative,

We are in desperate need of cargo ships to give New Scandinavia the ability to export and import goods and secondary products. New Scandinavia is willing to purchase supplies and or the usage of your ships.

Sincerely, Halfjord Department of Industry Office"

Fritz read over the message, then glanced at Edward Holden, his lieutenant. "Tell them that a representative will be touching down in Europa shortly to discuss the terms but that we would be more than happy to arrange such an agreement."

doodleSM

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Arcadia, United States of Mars
Department of State
July 12th, 2112
5:55PM

"Currently we are in a position where the shipment is not vital to our citizens. As such the Secretaries of State and Commerce have both advised us to decline your offer for the time being due to the value of the resources and personnel you request in exchange for our shipment. If you have another offer, we would be willing to hear it or if our situation changes we will also we willing to negotiate in the future."
Shireling

Eos, United States of Mars
Reagan Air Force Base
July 15th, 2112
4:02AM

Logan nodded in response to the Prefect's first comment, replying shortly after with a smile and, "Well in times such as these, with our homeworld ruined. I believe it's vital that Humanity at least tries to get along with one another." Watching and listening patiently as the Prefect of the other nation intrdocued him to the other representatives he'd brought along. Businessmen and women, odd. He was aware that the Chinese colonies were very economically minded, as was to be expected from the Chinese, more a compliment than anything--but bringing business types to a political meeting? An...impromptu first contact even? Of course he was well aware that this wasn't actually first contact but it was the first time the two colonies had contacted one another since Earth's destruction and their colonies' revivals as independant nationstates. So in a way it was first contact, which certainly did make the presence of business representatives odd in his eyes, maybe it was so they could dicuss closer economic cooperation? In that case he was still surprised to see the lack of a Commerce minister of any sort. Perhaps that role fell onto the Prefect? He was unsure of how the Coalition's new political system worked. But of course that was what first contacts were for. The group all climbing into their respective vehicles as the convoy pulled off the airfield and down a number of small, residential streets. With the Secretary and Prefect sitting in the same vehicle, a sleek limousine that occupied the direct center of the convoy, which was currently being escorted by police vehicles to the Department of Commerce's headquarters in Arcadia.
Fishman Lord​

 

[Fishman Lord]

Avalon, UFTOM, Mars. July 16th, 2112
In the morning of July 16th, the Elysian rover had finally made it to Avalon. The city was now being contacted with diplomatic authorization and a request to hold talks with officials in the UFTOM government.
Wandering Grim Hollow

Eos, USM, Mars. July 15th, 2112
The Prefect got comfortable in the limousine and made small talk while he was transported to the Department of Commerce's headquarters. He talked about his family, how his nation had been doing since the Last War on Earth, so on. When the limousine arrived at the headquarters, he stepped out. "So, let us get down to business. Show us what you wish to show us and tell us what you need to tell, and then we can get to discussing relations between our nations."
RIPSaidCone

Punta Arenas, Elysium Coalition, Mars. July 11th, 2112
While getting into space was always a challenge and a great endeavor, space travel had become rather common in the past century and so it was no longer too difficult to get among the planets and dust. This craft, known as the Vermilion Bird (a common name for chinese spacecraft), was simply a method of transferring several new communications satellites into orbit to perhaps allow much better communication in the future. However, the Elysian space programs were only just starting, and soon the interplanetary community could be re-established. There were already plans for exploration of Saturn and its moons, and further off plans for greater things.

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Outskirts of Tharsis region
Spartan Blitz Squadron, Fulgar Flight​

"Hm.... Everything looks alright here. Very well, you may continue. Keep heading due East and A patrol will escort your group to the capital. Welcome to Tharsis." With one last salute, Henry stood vigil as he watched the Elysian rovers vanish off to the distance in a cloud of dust. After a short moment of silence, Henry sighed and turned towards Mirai as she stared at a drifting cloud.

"Better get the word out then. Come on, Mirai. We have work to do."

"Hai hai..." Mirai lazily answered as Henry got on the horn with his co-pilot, who then passed the message to Fulgar 4, who passed onto the Patrol HQ. Sure enough, word that an Elysium messenger convoy is on-route to the capital was sent to both the Council and a nearby patrol. A simple affair of a couple of Fennic scout cars escorted the Elysium rovers pass the border and towards Avalon.

That was last night.

Ars Nova Military Base, Avalon
United Federation Council
Secretary-General Fredric Rommel (48)​

"Early morning, General?" Sasha Romanova, Fredric's personal Secretary and Aide, asked as she entered his office to see him doing push ups in front of his neat desk. Judging by his slightly heavy breaths, the man was clearly at it for some time.

"Ja... One must exercise harder... Lest the lower gravity makes you soft..." Fredric grunted as he pushed himself off the ground and recovered from his push up position. Accepting the towel Sasha silently passed him, he strode over to his desk and gazed out the window. His office overlooked the main parade square where the flag was raised at dawn. He mentally recalled that the two astronauts should be coming back in about 6 more hours and that a meeting to discuss their findings would follow suit. That should leave him with plenty of time to go through paperwork. That is until some guests arrived earlier in the morning.

"General, I'm sure you've read the memo earlier but we do have a request from our Chinese and Latin American neighbours. It seems they wish to discuss some matters with our government and await your reply." Sasha calmly said as Fredric settled into his chair. There was a moment of silence as Fredric glanced at the open memo currently displayed on his datapad.

"Its probably to discuss some trade but tell them this..." Fredric started as he swiped the memo aside to read the next one. "I would gladly meet them personally to discuss whatever is needed. As for their people currently here, bring them on a tour. Have the Spartan Team that found them show them around the Capital or the Akatsuki farms. Let them see us for us, not some overglorified military tour."

"I see. Your ideas were always a little odd but they worked so far. I'll send them word that you accept their proposal and schedule the actual meeting later. Need anything else done, Sir?"

"No. That will be all Lieutenant, thank you." Fredric thanked his aide before starting on his paperwork. As he mulled over the figures of the current crop harvest, one thing remained at the back of his mind. Operation Heaven's Fall.

Fishman Lord

​