SLYNES - Swirly Lights Yonder, a Never Ending Story

[Daftpanzer]

My guys are heroes

One quick question @Bil: is it too late for me to set up some military and planet defences at Hmmaiaa? I would assume that it would take a turn for them to come into play, meaning my only chance is to recall that fleet I sent out last time, but that is also dodgy since I don't know about any fancy communication techs

Its looking like I will be fighting a war of resistance from the outer colonies.

 

[Bil]

You can set up defenses and such with your next orders, absolutely. They'll be in play by the end of next turn, so they'll be there in time.

I'm very excited to see how this pans out!

EDIT: Also, I'll be getting on those new stories and that new NPC race (not that it affects anyone else at the moment) probably over the weekend!

EDIT 2: I also just realized that the header of this update was incorrect in stating that it was Update 7, not Update 6. Fixed!

 

[Lord_Iggy]

Urgent Considerations

The thin, aged Hletho shifted in mild agitation as blue lights lit up around him, transmitting his image to various other conference centres across Thaej, the attentions of hundreds of Clade Leaders, Scientists, Engineers, and other interested individuals focused on him.

“Lico Chaeh...” boomed a voice, “Please give your account of the events.”

“As we have been made aware by the previous observers, the last manual transmissions from the Rhetho were made in a quick burst several hours after entering the system at coordinates J/D-L. Their content has been interpreted several ways, but I have great confidence in their observations- two of the crew are members of my own Clade. What they observed was technology not of Hletho design, created by an alien intelligence, or possibly multiple forms of intelligence in conflict, a significant portion of whom were immediately aggressive and attempted to do physical harm to the Rhetho. Following that, we have no more transmissions, and messages transmitted through the communication buoys have not met any response.”

“Lico Chaeh, does your suggestion of ‘alien’ intelligence have significant backing?”

“I believe that it does, despite the fact that it was the Bresian Captain who suggested the idea- I do have confidence that anyone entrusted with command of a vessel would be a figure of excellent and discerning judgement. We understand from notes in the last transmission that a debate took place where a variety of hypotheses regarding the vessels were put forth- such as them possibly being space-dwelling species, previously unknown asteroid phenomenon... but frankly, all of these are with even less precedent than alien intelligence. We have already observed alien life, and it seems reasonable to assume that, just as we have arisen from the life of Thaej, life on other planets, radically different thought it is, could give rise to equally bizarre forms of intelligence.”

It should be noted that Lico Chaeh’s statement goes against standard Hlethan logic, where something must be properly observed before it can become part of the body of knowledge. Chaeh attempts to prop up the point by making an appeal to comparative reason, which is typically given less credence than observed fact, although it is still frequently used as a middle step in the scientific process of observation, synthesis, and experimentation.

The screen in front of Chaeh flashed and showed another Hletho- a Sahlon Aeronautics Engineer with whom he was vaguely familiar.

“Has it been considered,” asked the figure on the screen, “That these spacefaring species are not, in fact, Hletho, and we are simply an offshoot of them, lost to their main culture much like some of the isolated populations in the interior of Lhaoleb? Surely that is a more reasonable explanation”

“That is a fascinating hypothesis, Riloj Bo An, and I would like to hear more of your thoughts. However, before I yield my time I feel that we must divert our attentions to the implications of the Rhetho’s discoveries. Regardless of the cause of their disappearance, their observations show that there are physically threatening forces in the universe outside of our own control, and that we cannot venture out unprotected and expect to escape harm. I have been involved in the Startraveler projects, and have begun to devise plans for a space-based military system. With several structures already under construction in the orbital shipyards, I believe that we should engage in partial redesigns in each to better-arm our vessels. With this done, we will have developed a safe platform from which we may investigate the disappearance of the Rhetho. While I dearly wish to do whatever I can to help the crew, and those of my Clade aboard, we must accept that we have no leads to find the whereabouts of the Rhetho, and that any immediate search is a grave risk for any of our three remaining superluminal vessels.”

“Thank you, Lico Chaeh.”

With a flash of his eyes- a gesture roughly signifying a nod- Lico Chaeh backed away, and the discussion moved on to further speculation, and the theory of starborn, technologically superior Hletho. Chaeh found the idea fascinating, and devoted a reasonable amount of attention to it. However, with the rest of his mind, he focused on his console, looking up a huge variety of information- military tactics, weaponry of the Sea Wars, Startraveler power systems... and in his mind, a grand plan began to align.

 

[Daftpanzer]

Interesting, Iggy

I have a lot of things I want to write about.

@Bil I just hope that rushed defences are better than nothing at all...

 

[Bil]

Well, I yet again forgot to take my SLYNES work home with me, so I'll have to put some of this stuff off until Monday (though there are still a few things I can do this weekend!). In other news, I added spoilers under each race's FLEETS and MILITARY stats that show the position and condition of every fleet/army in the galaxy. The condition rating is just to give you a generic idea of what shape that fleet is in, so you can make a reasonable decision as to what they do in the following turn (no magical Star Trek "repaired next episode" here!). In order to restore a fleet's strength to 100%, it has to be in orbit of one of your colonies or a friendly colony for a whole turn (so, zip it back home one turn, repair next turn, and it can be on its way the following turn) unless that seems like too long. You might have also noticed that I put spoilers in that list everyone's colonies, which also reveals the potential value of each colony; originally, I was revealing the value of new systems in secret, but I've decided against that, partly because it's being revealed anyway if you colonize it (which is done for your easy reference), and mostly because it will be a lot quicker and easier for me to just post those values in the thread. I'll be doing that Monday, as I don't have my notes on this computer.

As far as the two super-ships go, I'm hoping that all the rules have been clear so far, but I also came up with another one that I realized I'd forgotten to mention. To add a new "fleet" or "segment" or whatever to your super-ship, you must spend 8 fuel points (which is the equivalent of 1e, just like normal rules). Any new segments don't require a fuel point in upkeep that turn, so as long as your already-existing segments have fuel to sustain them and enough to build the new part, then you're good. So, basically, if you have 1 super-ship segment and want to add another, you'll need at least 11 fuel to do it; 1 fuel to sustain the working segment, 8 fuel to build the new segment, and then 2 extra fuel to sustain the two segments the following turn. Then, you have two segments, and each can gather fuel (4 each), so you'll have 8 fuel right there. Sure, it can get pretty massive, but at the same time, if your ship gets killed, you're probably screwed. I'm reasoning that super-ships need to be self-sustaining, just to help balance the massive power they will surely have in the game (and I'm hoping they don't become too powerful that they might break the game down). Anyway, each segment can perform a duty, so you'll need 1 segment to build a new segment, 2 segments to build 2 new segments, etc. Any other questions on super-ships, or suggestions, or complaints, let me know. Also, I can write up a more direct, formal post on the super-ship rules if need be.

 

[Daftpanzer]

Fiery Exchange Part #1

In orbit of the planet Sneed, spaceships were firing weapons at each other. From a safe distance, and to an unattached observer, it was a strange and wonderful sight. There were clouds of sparkling missiles and drones; some dancing around as they attempted to intercept each other, some forming starburst formations in order to strike their target from as many different directions as possible. There were strobing lights; massive impact-flashes and brilliant jets of molten material were evidence of powerful energy weapons being used. A faint nebula of swirling, superheated particles now filled a large volume of space. Somewhere in the middle of it all where the space vessels themselves. And onboard these were fragile organic lifeforms, using the most convoluted means imaginable to maim and kill each other.

After a narrow escape at Navigation Point HC/D, Exploration Fleet #1 had naturally returned to Sneed. It was not their intention to endanger their new trade partners but, somehow, they had been followed though the void. The jamming signals from Sneed had only disrupted the attackers for a little while. The fleet was newly armed with a mix of Snuddian and Satellian weapons, and it had taken the opportunity to disable as many enemy ships as it could. Directing deadly fire on other intelligent beings, watching their ships burn up and explode, was an uncomfortable experience. There was no warrior-spirit among the Satellians. They had a healthy instinct for self-preservation, but the situation was almost too surreal to engage it. This was a grim game of logic, probability and physics, and it soon turned against them.

Engineer Ship 1/4 had been the first victim of the remaining Geskani vessels. Evidently the aliens had suspected that jamming equipment was hidden amongst its forest of mechanical arms. The great ship was actually packed with reaction fuel and nuclear explosive charges - not to mention anti-matter containment pods. It quickly vaporized under their concentrated fire. That blazing nebula and the constellation of secondary explosions had burned out most of the fleet's sensors. There was only a brief pause to the battle, however; the Geskani were determined warriors, and contrary to the first assessment, it seemed their smaller craft were the most lethal. The ships of Fleet #1 began to meet their fate one way or another. Many chose a suicidal dive towards Sneed, hoping that Geskani would not pursue, thus giving plenty of time for the crews to escape. This was not quite the case.

Exploration Ship 6/4 was now burning up in planet Sneed's atmosphere, coming in sideways for the moment. It looked like a fiery flying creature from ancient legend, with outstretched wings and a long a tail of red and orange sparklers. Geskani weapons continued to chase after it. The Fleet Captain watched as it seemed to morph shape, becoming more like a hot red sphere, before finally breaking up into pieces. Evidently the crew had been thoughtful enough to eject any remaining anti-matter pods into high orbit, else they would have detonated by now. The central disk and attached stumps of engines were still doing a good job of resisting the immense heat and friction as they tumbled towards Sneed. Smaller sparkles of light hinted at some rescue-capsules making a late exit. The scene was then obscured from sight by a passing cloud of red-hot metallic debris.

'They were good ships...'

Fleet Captain Murnnai Huillun was alone, strapped in tight to the bridge of Exploration Ship 2/4, surrounded by flashing computer consoles. The rest of the crew had elected to abandon ship by any means. Most likely, some had died in the process. Large parts of the ship were already missing. The ship's automated weapon turrets continued to fire definitely at the nearest Geskani vessels, as indicated by a regular flickering of the computer consoles. There really wasn't much for him to at this point, except to reflect. He alone had met the aliens up close; he felt responsible for the whole scenario - something he could have said or done to avert this? One cannot control the minds of others was the old saying that entered his head. It didn't help all that much.

A friendly buzz interrupted the gloomy background orchestra of warning-sounds. It was a message from Exploration Ship 3/4 - the only other ship still firing; these two ships had drawn up close to each other, communicating via a secure laser link. He was somewhat surprised that a visual was still working. It revealed two occupants of the other bridge. One of these had somehow been impaled on a piece of spiky debris and was leaking viscous body fluids; he or she was understandably unenergetic. The other was the ship's Captain, a feisty female, good friend and potential mating partner by the name of Junnjinn - one of those names that was deliberately hard to pronounce. She was lively as ever. At times like these she always filtered out everything but the excitement, Murnnai thought to himself. Borderline insanity had its advantages.

'Fleet Captain!'

'Friend... I think our options are limited... We're not causing enough damage anymore...'

'I concur, but 5/4 and 11/4 are making their dive now... Crippled... Dozens of people still onboard... They could use a diversion...'

'Ah... We make a most ridiculous and reckless attack manoeuvre?'

'Well... Anything about being here that is not reckless?

'Ahah... Right then... Full thrust towards the hostile centre.'

'Concur!'

Full thrust was a little too optimistic, nonetheless the engines found a little extra motivation from somewhere. Some of the computer consoles had been loosened by all the vibration; the increased acceleration sent them crashing to the 'floor' of the bridge. One of the remaining screens showed that the Geskani were still chasing after 5/4 and 11/4; either that or the scan was no longer updating.

'Friend... Concentrate weapons to the rear, I fear we're not making enough nuisance of ourselves.'

'Already doing that... Keep up, will you?'

The Geskani vessels finally broke off from following the other Satellian ships, which were now fiery lumps of metal falling towards Sneed. The Geskani had a final pair of Satellian ships to deal with. They were in a position to encircle their prey; Fleet Captain Murnnai imagined how a predatory brain might be enthused by all this.

'Hmm... What will happen to the Snud, do you think?'

 

[Daftpanzer]

Fiery Exchange Part #2

'Hmm... What will happen to the Snud, do you think?'

'Maybe nothing... Maybe bad things... Blockade, bombardment...'

One of the small Geskani ships chasing them from behind suddenly began streaking hot vapour. Within moments, it seemed to explode into a brilliant white sphere, ringed by an expanding halo of small stars. A 'lucky' hit? Murnnai felt a strange sense of... satisfaction. But it only lasted a moment. There was a sudden cluster of impacts on 2/4, shockwaves ringing the hull like a bell. Some of the warning-sounds suddenly fell silent, which was even more alarming. Murnnai noted that his remaining weapon modules had either been disabled or had ceased to exist.

Well... If it wasn't for our earlier unfortunate incidents with the Lelinthians, we wouldn't have been carrying any weapons at all, he mused to himself. Perhaps there would be some benefit to his kin from this current incident. He reached for the comm system again.

'You still there? Weapon-disabled here...'

A screen still showed the bridge of 3/4. A splash of blood obscured part of the image. Junnjinn's wounded comrade was now un-conscious one way or another. Junnjinn's limbs were just about visible, working furiously on one of the consoles.

'Here... Options limited... Suggest synchronous anti-matter detonation at closest approach...'

'Ahh... Not like you to think along those lines, friend... For the distinction?'

'For the kudos!'

A new alarm sounded. The link went fuzzy. He watched through a separate viewscreen as 3/4 took another salvo of hits. Exotic alien devices were vaporising large sections of the hull, leaving glowing craters behind. The ships were built to withstand fast collisions with space junk and other ships; in fact 3/4 had been considered rather over-engineered, with extra-thick layers of heavy metal alloys. It was not enough. Within seconds only the most heavily armoured sections were left, attached to the glowing bare bones of the ship's structural spines. It was an especially sickening sight for Murnnai.

But a suicide attack... It made sense. By chance, 2/4 and 3/4 both had extra reserves of anti-matter onboard. It might be enough to do some damage. And with their vector taking them away from Sneed and into the path of concentrated alien firepower, options for escape were already slim-to-none. Survival would have been nice, but he would settle for the next best option, and a chance to reduce the danger they had brought upon the Snuddians.

'Friend... If you can hear me... Configuring detonation as soon as all four remaining targets are in range...'

It was all set. There was some doubt about the actual blast effects, but he didn't have time to revise calculations. He was focused on getting as much out of the engines as possible, checking that the ship's computer had the right solution. Speed was critical now, reducing the time available for the Geskani to destroy them prematurely.

Another wave of impacts struck 2/4. Apparently one of the engines had now been torn off, while another had been torn open. Within moments an uncomfortable rotation began to set in. Murnnai had to reduce main thrust to prevent the ship spinning itself into pieces. The accumulated velocity would have to suffice. He sprung forward violently in his seat; various bits of electronic gear were sent flying around the bridge, narrowly missing him. He was left nauseous and dazed; his mind working too fast. It was actually a relief to find that the main computer consoles had gone dead. One small auxiliary screen was stuck in loop, displaying the last accessed function - the detonation trigger, a countdown to oblivion. By this time the background warning-sounds had given up any pretence of urgency, reduced to a kind of strange electronic whimpering.

He tried to conjure up some kind of heroic imagery. It didn't work. He felt like a mad-person being dragged to his place of execution; his world consumed with violence and turmoil, his depraved consciousness committed to cruel deeds of destruction, waiting for the merciful enlightenment of death, and so on.

Belatedly, he found himself thinking about his crewmembers. How many life-years had this battle claimed? Thousands, to be sure. The fleet had set off with many multi-centenarians onboard; several were older than his mere 361 years.

The bridge was dark now, he had no visuals. If he could have seen outside, he would have seen two Satellian ships ploughing through space like comets, venting atmosphere and drive-coolant, trailing huge clouds of gas and debris, their partially-obscured hulls strobing, pulsing and buckling with unending hits from alien weapons, charged particles spiralling and dancing in powerful EM turbulence.

Two seconds before detonation, the bridge of 2/4 took a direct hit. Fleet Captain Murnnai had a final moment of burning, numbness, cold, and darkness, before ascending into white light.

Captain Junnjinn was barely conscious. Time seemed to be slowing to a crawl. Her engines had been blasted off. Her bridge was partly filled with thick globules of coolant fluid mixed with blood, pulsating and hanging in mid-air, sparkling with reflections of warning lights. It was pretty. Some electronics were still functioning - the ship wished to notify her of a sudden but slight deceleration, which was in fact due to the radiation-pressure from a massive explosion ahead. She didn't care. She had suddenly lost enthusiasm for all this space-adventuring business. She suddenly remembered all the things she still wanted to do before she left this life. She used her last few nanoseconds to formulate a final thought:

'What a f**king mess.'

-

 

[Bil]

Galactic Sector I/C - Mar Aih System

Fleet Warden Kululuthul studied the screens in his tank, observing the Satellian ships darting about the system, obviously agitated by their sudden arrival. He was quite amused, actually, seeing their reaction. Unfortunately, he wasn't here to put them in line just yet, but rather, to make contact. He had been preparing to be a Combat Warden for a short time now, but already he felt anxious to bring more chaotic lifeforms into the hierarchy the Lolan Conclave was preparing for them.

A few taps on one of the screens changed the view to a transport bay, where several Culud were donning their little, shiny spacesuits and preparing to go on an envoy mission. These Culud had been hand picked for this task, training ever since it was decided to release the captured Satellian specimens. They would represent their masters to the best of their limited capabilities, delivering the commands of the Conclave to their alien neighbors.

The fleet was keeping its distance, far from any settlement or transit lane, making sure not to alarm the natives too much. Kululuthul closed his eyes and meditated for a short time, awaiting the signal that the envoy was ready.

----------

Workman Lud fastened the last clasp on his helmet, enjoying the hiss of the environmental seal. He was the last to climb into the transport capsule, his team waiting anxiously inside already. The hatch shut behind him and he took his seat at the front of the pod beside the pilot, a male named Ug.

"Ready?" Lud asked.

Ug answered plainly, "Yes."

Lud nodded and strapped in, while Ug cycled the transport bay and prepared to depart. The small capsule raised off of the deck, floating for a moment, then slowly lurching forward. Compared to the massive bulk of the Command Ship, the capsule might have seemed like a projectile of some kind, if it were not for the slow and careful motions it was making. Making a wide arc around the fleet, the passengers looked out the front viewport at the long, blocky shapes of the warfleet. Ug pressed the acceleration controls a little farther forward, speed gradually increasing as the path toward one of the out-lying colonies formed on the computer displays. Lud brought up the prepared transmission and hit 'send'.

Across the system, Satellian communications equipment was picking up a signal reminiscent of transmission types used by the old exploration fleet. In the Satellian language, a computerized voice slowly produced the following message:

"Do no fear. We do not hurt you. Welcome the small vehicle. It has a mission. We look to protect you from you. You are not into danger. We are here for you."



OOC: More stories to come later!

 

[Lord_Iggy]

Construction

In high orbit above Thaej, the shipyards were buzzing with activity. Slowly, the skeletal hulk of a grand ship was beginning to take form. Zir drones buzzed around the massive structure, several hundred meters in length, bit by bit putting the substructure into place.

From inside the windowed command structure, nestled in the heart of the maze-like net of metal that composed the shipyards, Hiuvus Zoorn tapped on a control panel, directing several of the drones about. Some were being redirected from the construction to aid in the docking of a raw materials barge arriving from the outer reaches of the system.

Hiuvus flicked out his tongue in a dull, repetitive gesture. When were his Jethan compatriots going to front the work to begin another startraveler project? The Zoroth had been completed some time earlier, but since then... nothing! The Zoroth, the caravel of the skies, was relegated to dull survey work while the ships of the Hithethans, the Sahlons, and even the Hridani pushed the outer limits of knowledge. It just wasn’t... fitting. So much of their world had been unsettled by the apparent discovery of alien intelligence- not so for the Jethans, or the Prenese or even the Rhethans for that matter. Even after the disasters of the Sea Wars, the southeast still had the capacity for unorthodox thought that the rest of Thaej seemed to lack.

But no, go ahead, appoint those who don’t belive in what they see to be the explorers, that’s a clever idea, tikatikatikatik.

Hiuvus tapped a few more buttons, keeping the drones directed towards the proper tasks. He looked again at the shallow dome structure of the slowly-growing hulk. A foolish design idea- placed far too much torque on the vessel and made for inefficient engine placement- a waste of material and a rather unsightly one at that.

Nonetheless, it was a rather impressive undertaking. The whole effort was the brainchild of Lico Chaeh, the Hithethan engineer behind the Hraef. A military fleet, a cloud of startravelers armed with a deadly array of anti-vessel weaponry, all supported by huge supply ships such as the massive creation slowly maturing in front of him. Hiuvus had observed some of the weaponry tests... and they were truly something to be seen.

The barge docked, and the Hletho activated the umbilical, which would transfer the contents into the mineral processing array. He looked over with some satisfaction as the tube connected to the heavily-built, time-scarred vessel.

It was an interesting design. Somewhat flattened, but with an overall smooth and curving shape. A small cockpit was visible towards the front corner of the barge, peeking out from the massive storage compartment and assorted mining equipment. And industrious, practical, yet aesthetically pleasing design.

Jethan build, for sure.

 

[Lord_Iggy]

The Hlethan Armada begins its formation...

 

[tuxedohamm]

Ships (To scale at 1p = 1m):

Pictures of the mining of Ilume and its eventual construction into the ship Oluko-Ilume which became the first Iokolu craft to leave the Onoi star system and arrive in a different system.

1: Ilume untouched. (Roughly 60m x 80m)
2: Some exploratory mineral checks have shaved the shape of Ilume down. A transport connector has been attached to allow for the transport of the asteroid to a better orbit for mining.
3: Airlock assembly has been completed at the bottom-left while bridge construction has opened up a hole on the top. The bottom-right shows a Uiko transporter with mineral pods loading off a zero-g conveyor.
4: The completed Oluko-Ilume is ready for exploration. Large view ports are located in multiple spots as are the numerous data collecting pods. On the sides are traditional movement engines, while on the front is the experimental FTL pod.

To the right is an Uiko transporter with a full length of mineral pods and a slowdown unit at the rear.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

The Initial Jump

Noluino faced the data screens that were screaming information at him non-stop. The raw data was difficult to fully comprehend at first. The numbers didn't make sense, unless things were not what he had expected. He* risked losing his place on the data stream to look behind him and out the view bay that had been constructed behind him.

A brilliant, but dim star was visible. Even through the thick, shielded material that made up the view bay, one could still tell that the star was giving of a strong red hue. No planets were visible, even as Noluino searched for them. Yet, if the data was right, he was certain to not find any. Just minor asteroids ringed the star. This was Milui. The small red star that was visible during the Off-Year** time.

Noluino jumped back to his data stream to keep reading what it told him. It was amazing. The jump had actually occurred. The Oluko-Ilume was no longer in the Onoi system. This was progress that he never expected to see in his lifetime. He was part of a historic event possibly greater than the rise of the 5th Branch itself.

Noluino continued watching the stream of data as they slowly orbited Milui at distance. He only stopped to occasionally glance at the star in amazement as a guarantee that he wasn't just dreaming. Food was brought to him by other crew members assigned to such tasks.

Notes:
* Iokolu are not really gendered as male or female. Each creature can play the role of male/female in reproduction or one can be both. A creature cannot fertilize itself, so they're not asexual. I use he/she interchangeably based off the particular creature's personality.

** I'll go into time keeping on the Iokolu home-world later.

 

[Bil]

EXPLORATION RESULTS - TURN 6

Amoebas:
None

Bako Tellians:
None

Distopterans:
None

Geskani:
None

Hletho:
H/E-R = 1.5e value
I/F-T = Alien Race: Orindi
J/E-B = 2.5e value

Iokolu:
F/D-T = 0.5e value

Ivkings:
None

Kant:
B/G-L = 0.5e value

Kekeji:
B/C-T = 1.5e value
D/C-B = 1.5e value

Lelinthians:
J/C-T = Alien Race: [?]

Murglers:
None

Nhroaat SsKraed:
K/G-B = 1.5e value

Phleghesh:
D/H-O = Kant Home World
B/I-B = 3.5e value (Kant Colony)
E/J-L = 3e value

Satellians:
I/B-O = 2.5e value

Seipas Yag:
D/A-O = 3.5e value
D/B-L = 1.5e value

Snud:
None

Undroth:
None

 

[Bil]

Galactic Sector J/D - Planet Lolan

Lotholitel stretched in the aftermath of the wormhole transit, enjoying the sense of timelessness and existencelessness that she had just experienced. It somewhat reminded her of the stories she had heard about old Culud religious beliefs, before her people had figured out how to place them into order. She swam about her tank freely for several minutes, enjoying the artificial current and the false rising of a sun dimly above her.

One of the large screens illuminated, blurry and indistinct in the distance. She neared until it came into view clearly, showing the fleet's relatively position to the orbital tower. With a simple series of commands issued by her manipulating limb on the touch-sensitive screen, the Culud crew became aware that it was time to dock.

-----------

Workman Uk entered the chamber containing the alien once again, his squat face showing a pleased emotion, not that Wahano Sam would be able to recognize it. He was holding a little box with a speaker on the front, controls on the back, and as he came closer to Sam he began to manipulate it.

"Here we are," it said in a gentle, generic, non-living tone in a very poorly-constructed version of the common Hlethan language used on the ship. "Do you want to come? We are showing you home. A big tower, on our planet and outside," the box droned. Uk was thrilled at the responsibilities entrusted upon him, and he could sense promotions coming on his horizon. Aside from Lotholitel herself, Uk was the only Lolani native with any experience dealing with these aliens, perhaps aside from the three crewmen left on the alien ship.

----------

Workman Do kept an eye on the aliens, still confused about their ship and its designs. Certain things were familiar, mainly due to his specialty of electronic engineering, though it all seemed to be in very odd configurations and layouts. He had been inspecting an offline console, looking over the wiring inside it, trying to make sense out of the set-up. He was certain that, if he knew what any of this did, he could reproduce it, but the console was off and there was no way to really ask questions at this point.

The aliens seemed unnerved by the wormhole transit, an event that Do and his fellow crewmen had trained for over the past few years to be accepting of regardless of preparation. Perhaps they should have warned them? Not up to me, he thought, The Warden knows what she's doing. His wrist-mounted computer chimed a quiet note.

The dull yellow text read: "ACTIVATE SPEAKERS"

He did. A droning, artificial voice came lazily out of the small speakers, emulating the language these aliens used commonly on their ship. It said this: "Greeting. We are here. Welcome outside, to the tower. There soon. Wear safety until told otherwise."

Workman Do turned to his alien hosts as the message played, surprised that the Warden was verbally communicating already. He was curious as to their reaction.

------------

Outside the ship, the fleet moved effortlessly through the vacuum, crossing local distances in a matter of seconds. The speed at which the ships traveled had yet to cease being amazing to the Culud crewmen, though the Lelinthian Wardens were already dismissive of the marvel.

In the far distance, a twinkling blue light beckoned the ships onward, barely visible yet, though it was unmistakable as home. The whole crew felt it, knowing that they were almost back where they were born, and they all felt quite relieved at this notion even without the Wardens making them feel as such.

The orbital tower prepared for their arrival, freeing up docking spaces on its massive pylons, readying the quarantine systems and clearing out special medical chambers to temporarily house the alien visitors. The Wardens present on the tower were anxious to study these creatures, already having mulled over the reports issued by Lotholitel countless times. Smart aliens were good aliens, but not if they couldn't be brought into the fold of the Conclave.

 

[Daftpanzer]

Cool space stuff

Hrkan reminds me of the modernised Vasudan ships from the game Freespace 2.

I wanted massive asteroid bases but now it will look like a copy of tuxedohamm

@Bil I really like the concept of the Orindi. So the Hletho are making contact with them right now? Also I am working on another story regarding the Lelinthians and etc, just to let you know!

 

[Lord_Iggy]

Yep, I'd write a story right now were it not for my Physics exam tomorrow. I might write one anyway.

EDIT: Hmm, just read their description, and it seems very interesting that they seem to have the same legs-axle-arms layout as the Hletho, although they seem to be top-bottom symmetrical, as well as quadrilaterally symmetrical.

 

[tuxedohamm]

Wouldn't be a copy. While we have bases and colonies, what I'm drawing are the much smaller ships made from the husks of small...tiny asteroids.

Though I'm already tempted to draw a to-scale colony for fun.

 

[Bil]

Indeed! I was meaning to get around to writing up a story for them, but it doesn't really matter which of us is first I don't think. Take your time on the stories, though, guys. I know it's a tough week to be doing any leisure stuff for those of you in school. And for those of you who are Daft, and decide to run two huge-scale NESes simultaneously!

 

[Bil]

Galactic Sector B/C-Top

Captain Arrus Zen peered at the instruments, unsure in the post-transit haze as to what he was looking at. It was registering as a derelict ship, but it also seemed to be very alive, which was clearly a contradictory analysis. He shifted uncomfortably, scanning over several metallurgical scans of the vessel, noting its bizarre alien construction, unfamiliar to Kekeji design, nor was it anything like the other aliens found to the galactic east of Kekeji space. It seemed to be harvesting asteroids with great purpose, drawing out the valuable resources and leaving the husks behind. There was no indication of a crew, exactly, but rather a huge mass of organic material all throughout the craft.

"Send them prime numbers," he ordered the communication crew member, "See if they respond in any way."

A radio signal began, pulsing out the prime numbers steadily...



Galactic Sector I/F-Top - Krull System

Ship's Mayor Ool was sorting through various documents on his computing machine, making sure that all the affairs of the Ogulia were in order. Being the largest of the city-ships around Yellor made it the seat of power by default, though it didn't exactly mean he was in charge. It just meant he had more of a voice than the others.

An alert came up on his screen, showing a strange vessel in the outer reaches of the system. He cross-referenced the database on mining ships and transports, but nothing matched the configuration or activity. It looked like nothing he had ever seen before, strange and very un-Orindi in construction. The fact that it even had aesthetic design elements was bizarre, as Orindi ships were plain and functional, generally appearing as a large-ish rectangular box moving through the void.

He pressed his communicator button, "Go find out what it is."

-----

Survey Technician Ulok received the order moments later, being the closest vessel to the mysterious craft. Her ship would actually be quite well suited for it, in fact, as it was designed to scan for minerals under layers of rock, which would make identifying the object that much easier. She punched in several commands into the computing machine interfaces, then made sure that the safety straps were secure around her body as the engines began to warm up.

She watched a few flakes of dead algae float off her skin to pass the time, then returned her attention back to the screens and awaited her arrival at the unknown ship. She decided to begin her scans immediately, hoping to pick up some bits of evidence as to who this ship belonged to, possibly allowing her to get back to work without traveling too far away. She didn't want to have to stop back at a station and refuel before returning to survey asteroids; it just seemed counter-productive.

 

[Vertinari118]

First Contact

One felt an unpleasant sensation ripple through the colony as it was blasted with radio waves. It had come from the new creature that had appeared in this system. One hoped this new creature would not steal his food and resources, maybe it would join him. Maybe they were another species of amoeba, but One doubted this for their pheromone message was very strange. Suddenly something in the exoskeleton, an ancient radio transmitter-receiver to be precise, started beeping and One felt a series of strange symbols flash before his mind. Assuming this was some kind of bizarre pheromone message he replied:

"Query. What are you? Statement. My strength greater. Order. Submit."

Meanwhile One prepared the acid cannons and lasers for combat and checked the hull over one last time. After all the animals might be dangerous.

OOC: Sorry about the length. Its hard to write long stories about amoeba!

 

[Lord_Iggy]

Space, As Known to the Hletho

The following descriptions use this format:
Coordinates (Economic Value) (System Name –Planet Names) (Discovering Vessel) Description.

I/D-Right (3e/turn) (Sethkhad –Haefar, Joliat) (Rhetho)
Three out-lying gas giants shield the inner system from comets and asteroids, leaving one small, barren world and two mid-sized rocky planets, teeming with life, relatively safe from the cosmos. The two habitable worlds share an orbital path and, in fact, are satellites of each other, spiraling along together around the bright yellow parent star. Conditions on these two planets are slightly rough, due to the strong tidal forces invoked by the two planets interacting with each other, and the day/night cycle is fairly odd, as one planet will often eclipse the other as the pair spiral around a common point of rotation. Strange and, of course, exotic forms of life roam freely on these two worlds, actually seeming to share a common ancestral life form in the far-off past. How this could be remains unknown.

I/E-Top (2.5e/turn) (Saokhad) (Tharaez) reveals a slightly habitable, moderately productive system, including a planet just outside of the habitability zone for the red giant host star, leaving it icy and lifeless... or is it? Further study shows evidence that, following particularly active volcanic cycles, sub-surface ice liquifies and flows on the surface, carrying with it a very small variety of incredibly simple native organisms that often find themselves dwelling in aquifers underground or trapped in ice sheets just under the surface dust. This planet's atmosphere would be capable of supporting Hlethan life if accompanied with filtration masks and environmental suits.

I/E-Bottom (1.5e/turn) (Rikhad) (Hraef) harbors less interesting worlds, mostly barren rocks circling a red giant that is slowly seeping into a white dwarf. This system also contains a brown dwarf star in its outer reaches, which merits some study to those interested in star formation.

J/E-Left (1.5e/turn) (Sirkhad) (Zoroth), a system is located that seems to have failed to truly form, the red dwarf star in its center shining bleakly over the hundreds of belts of small rocks, dust and dwarf planets. A few of these tiny worlds orbit close enough to the star to carry a small amount of heat and provide some very faint measure of natural habitability there, though any form of life attempting to live on the surface of these worlds would need a lot of help surviving.

J/D-Left (1/5e/turn) (Warkhad) (Rhetho) At first glance, the system appears dead and lifeless, until further investigation finds ruined cities and destroyed environments on just about every world orbiting this otherwise promising yellow-orange star. Further study detects various vessels wandering about the system, traveling from derelict space stations to blasted planets, firing upon each other as well as targets on planetary surfaces.

H/E-Right (1.5e/turn) (Faekhad) (Tharaez), a system devoid of life and only slightly valuable. A yellow-orange dwarf star sits in the center of a small collection of rocky worlds perpetually bombarded by asteroids and comets from the massive celestial debris fields around the star, utterly lacking any gas giants to shield them.

I/F-Top (Alien Race: Orindi) (Hraef) where another encounter is made with an alien species, further unsettling the only recently debunked Hlethan idea that they were alone in the universe.

J/E-Bottom (2.5e/turn) (Hiukhad) (Zoroth) is a fairly useful system consisting of twin orange stars and a single rocky world in the habitable zone. Though not actually habitable to the Hlethan explorers, it might yield some worth with enough effort, and otherwise seems to contain a fair amount of mineral wealth under its hot, dense atmosphere.