Daftpanzer
canonically ambiguous
BTW, I drew this like ten years ago, and scanned it in some years later when I had a working scanner. I came across it today in my old pics. Is this the Ivking, and if so how freaky would that be?!
SLYNES - Swirly Lights Yonder, a Never Ending Story
- Thread starter Bil
- Start date
Bil
Prince of Space
In the General Vicinity of Sneed
Fleet Warden Kelethletel pondered the star system her collective of vessels currently lurked on the edges of. Their presence was known, she was sure of it, as a massive wormhole appearing and collapsing was hard to miss, particularly with how unnatural the phenomenon was. Tiny craft were buzzing around nearby, each one identical and reminding her of large versions of Culud toys, comical in design and bobbling about in almost clumsy ways. Elsewhere in the system, larger vessels of vaguely similar designs were traveling about between the myriad worlds in orbit of this star, their paths and velocities constant and perfectly designed for speed and efficiency. It also seemed that numerous Satellian vessels were present, largely collected in orbit of the primary planet of habitation, though this was clearly not a Satellian colony. The radio signals were far to hurried, too frequent, too trivial, and certainly not containing Satellian language or data patterns. Already, the translation systems of the flagship's computer network were beginning to determine the contents of many of these transmissions, though the vast majority were beyond unintelligible, possibly designed to be received by specific pieces of technology. It looked like a large portion of these transmissions carried video feeds, though none of the Lelinthian computers or screens could process them into anything that made sense.
It appeared that the Satellians were already in a state of alarm, many ships departing the system shortly after their arrival, while the rest seemed to stay close to the primary world. The natives seemed curious, despite the reaction of the Satellians.
Suddenly, the sensory systems were picking up a series of flashing light patterns, glowing and fading all around the equatorial orbit of the planet. They existed in a given pattern for several minutes, then changed, showing several patterns in sequence, then looping back to the initial pattern. The computer was applied to the interpretation of this, as well.
Kelethletel opted to move the flagship closer to the alien world, leaving the escort vessels in the outer orbits of the system to disperse panic and fear. She could not sense any emotional activity in the small objects studying her flagship, and she was too far from the primary world to sense anything there. Passing what seemed to be a series of mining outposts in an asteroid belt, she again felt the absence of emotional activity. She recalled the reports of Wardens Lotholitel and Kululuthul about the Automaton System, wondering if this system might be similar and yet not in such chaos. Investigation was certainly warranted, though the Satellian vessels were obviously behaving in an anxious manner, many trying to move away, others trying to appear threatening or at least defensive. She considered contacting the Satellians, though she worried about their reaction as a result of the history between their species. It would have to be attempted, nonetheless.
The signal was transmitted in a rough translation from the Culud Generic Functional Language used by the Lelinthian commanders, into the known Satellian dialect. "Satellian vessels. Hello. I am Fleet Warden. We are studying. Who lives beside this star? We do not mean to alarm."
Fleet Warden Kelethletel pondered the star system her collective of vessels currently lurked on the edges of. Their presence was known, she was sure of it, as a massive wormhole appearing and collapsing was hard to miss, particularly with how unnatural the phenomenon was. Tiny craft were buzzing around nearby, each one identical and reminding her of large versions of Culud toys, comical in design and bobbling about in almost clumsy ways. Elsewhere in the system, larger vessels of vaguely similar designs were traveling about between the myriad worlds in orbit of this star, their paths and velocities constant and perfectly designed for speed and efficiency. It also seemed that numerous Satellian vessels were present, largely collected in orbit of the primary planet of habitation, though this was clearly not a Satellian colony. The radio signals were far to hurried, too frequent, too trivial, and certainly not containing Satellian language or data patterns. Already, the translation systems of the flagship's computer network were beginning to determine the contents of many of these transmissions, though the vast majority were beyond unintelligible, possibly designed to be received by specific pieces of technology. It looked like a large portion of these transmissions carried video feeds, though none of the Lelinthian computers or screens could process them into anything that made sense.
It appeared that the Satellians were already in a state of alarm, many ships departing the system shortly after their arrival, while the rest seemed to stay close to the primary world. The natives seemed curious, despite the reaction of the Satellians.
Suddenly, the sensory systems were picking up a series of flashing light patterns, glowing and fading all around the equatorial orbit of the planet. They existed in a given pattern for several minutes, then changed, showing several patterns in sequence, then looping back to the initial pattern. The computer was applied to the interpretation of this, as well.
Kelethletel opted to move the flagship closer to the alien world, leaving the escort vessels in the outer orbits of the system to disperse panic and fear. She could not sense any emotional activity in the small objects studying her flagship, and she was too far from the primary world to sense anything there. Passing what seemed to be a series of mining outposts in an asteroid belt, she again felt the absence of emotional activity. She recalled the reports of Wardens Lotholitel and Kululuthul about the Automaton System, wondering if this system might be similar and yet not in such chaos. Investigation was certainly warranted, though the Satellian vessels were obviously behaving in an anxious manner, many trying to move away, others trying to appear threatening or at least defensive. She considered contacting the Satellians, though she worried about their reaction as a result of the history between their species. It would have to be attempted, nonetheless.
The signal was transmitted in a rough translation from the Culud Generic Functional Language used by the Lelinthian commanders, into the known Satellian dialect. "Satellian vessels. Hello. I am Fleet Warden. We are studying. Who lives beside this star? We do not mean to alarm."
Bil
Prince of Space
Tounis
The natives had fought well. Khatar was actually impressed, and that fact alone impressed him even further. Regretting the loss of an entire army, and likely losing a considerable amount of respect back home, he still felt satisfaction in claiming this world for his people. Aside from the general subjugation duties of managing an occupied colony (which he was noting to be far easier than the reports suggested of the occupation of the Shodog home world, a fact that did not surprise him due to the vast difference in native population), he also found himself taking up an interest in the rare bits of native and alien forms of life that had taken root in the permafrost. It was likely that algae fields would be possible, with a little bit of engineering. It seemed that the regolith actually contained a moderate amount of nutrients, at least enough for basic agricultural growth, and the mineral resources were fairly abundant. The food source was far more important, of course. The home world was barely sustainable at its current level of population growth, though the addition of the new plantations all around the Shodog home world had already begun to ease that pain. Still, Khatar knew that it would take many more arable worlds to stay ahead of starvation problems. He wondered if these aliens possessed any other habitable worlds, or if they had mostly found uninhabitable planets like the Skul'agra had. Sure, mineral wealth was great, but that was still abundant even in the home system.
The language barrier was remaining a problem. It didn't seem like the natives were at all willing to cooperate, and many of the colonists were being detained and monitored. This would not be an easy occupation, even for such a small colony. Khatar didn't mind, of course. It would be all the more valuable to turn this occupation into a viable colony, and would more than make up for the loss of glory from his near-defeat. For now, Khatar would have to be patient, while his comrades elsewhere would investigate their own means to achieve glory in conquest.
The natives had fought well. Khatar was actually impressed, and that fact alone impressed him even further. Regretting the loss of an entire army, and likely losing a considerable amount of respect back home, he still felt satisfaction in claiming this world for his people. Aside from the general subjugation duties of managing an occupied colony (which he was noting to be far easier than the reports suggested of the occupation of the Shodog home world, a fact that did not surprise him due to the vast difference in native population), he also found himself taking up an interest in the rare bits of native and alien forms of life that had taken root in the permafrost. It was likely that algae fields would be possible, with a little bit of engineering. It seemed that the regolith actually contained a moderate amount of nutrients, at least enough for basic agricultural growth, and the mineral resources were fairly abundant. The food source was far more important, of course. The home world was barely sustainable at its current level of population growth, though the addition of the new plantations all around the Shodog home world had already begun to ease that pain. Still, Khatar knew that it would take many more arable worlds to stay ahead of starvation problems. He wondered if these aliens possessed any other habitable worlds, or if they had mostly found uninhabitable planets like the Skul'agra had. Sure, mineral wealth was great, but that was still abundant even in the home system.
The language barrier was remaining a problem. It didn't seem like the natives were at all willing to cooperate, and many of the colonists were being detained and monitored. This would not be an easy occupation, even for such a small colony. Khatar didn't mind, of course. It would be all the more valuable to turn this occupation into a viable colony, and would more than make up for the loss of glory from his near-defeat. For now, Khatar would have to be patient, while his comrades elsewhere would investigate their own means to achieve glory in conquest.
Haha, that is very close to the Ivking that I had in mind, only that it has hooves on the feet and has hocks and such like a cow and the horns are a bit longer, but otherwise that's a real close picture.
As for me not posting stories, I'm sorry, just been having some writer's block and don't really know what to write about, because it seems like everything I think about writing about is just kind of repeating what I've written in the past so... yeah, just waiting til I get a flash of inspiration lol.
As for me not posting stories, I'm sorry, just been having some writer's block and don't really know what to write about, because it seems like everything I think about writing about is just kind of repeating what I've written in the past so... yeah, just waiting til I get a flash of inspiration lol.
Hletho
ECONOMY: 5.5e (+5.5e/turn)
TECHNOLOGY: 2
STABILITY: 5
FLEETS: 3 (-1.5e/turn)
Rhetho - (G/C-T) - Strength: 100%
Tharaez - (G/E-O) - Strength: 100%
Hrkan - (I/E-R) - Strength: 100%
MILITARY: 1 (-0.5e/turn)
Army 1 - (I/E-R) - Strength: 100%
ARTIFACT: 0.5/50e
COLONIES:
"Haefar/Jolat" (I/D-R) : +0.5e/turn (value = 3e)
"Jiloh" (I/E-T) : +0.5e/turn (value = 2.5e)
"Vanaraej" (J/E-B) : +0.5e/turn (value = 2.5e)
"Taikhad" (H/E-T) : +0.5e/turn (value = 3.5e)
TRADE: Satellians +1e/turn
Actions
Spend 1e on establishing trade with the Snud.
Spend 2e on developing our colony of Haefar, in the Sethkhad system.
Spend 2e on establishing a colony on Hulan, in the Melokhad system (I/C-B).
Spend 0.5e on conducting further research and investigations on the alien artefacts found around Thaej.
Startraveler Rhetho will survey the alien Colony and system at G/C-T, then move to G/B-B, and hopefully make first contact with these 'Chescani'. Be prepared to make an emergency escape jump if they are hostile, as warned.
Startraveler Tharaez will continue its exploration along the periphery of the galactic core, encountering either the abandoned Distopertan Homeworld or their Nekopteran scion.
The Fleet of Startraveler Hrkan and its support vessels (Zoroth, Hraef, and a variety of small Vreta, Sesir I and Sesir II craft) will compact its way to I/F-T, the world of the mysterious blocky ships which attacked our unarmed Zir drone several cycles in the past. The fleet will appear in the outermost reaches of the system then approach at sublight speeds, picking up as many transmissions as possible in order to supply Hiuref Rhebed's translation machine with enough data to break the language barrier. With this done, the Hraef, now under the command of Hadek Kah, (Baheb Thoh having retired to spend his final years educating his clade and preparing the next generation of Hlethan pilots), will approach as a diplomatic vessel and again attempt to make contact with the 'Horindi' City Ships. We will communicate through non-visual media, since our appearance is apparently offensive to these aliens. We strongly hope to make this contact peacefully, to learn about and form prosperous relationships with the Horindi, but in case these aliens turn violent, we will be prepared to defend our ships and use our weaponry against them, while we analyze enemy strength. If we find ourselves threatened with defeat, we will retreat the system once more.
The society of Thaej bustles more than ever before, with increasing stellar traffic racing in the economic community forming between the Sanudo, Jahahunoun and Hletho. Our species' presence in space grows as Haefar begins to develop into a significant world in its own right, and we establish the first known multi-species colony at Hulan, the Jewel of Melokhad. Meanwhile, archaeological work on the artefacts continues, as we struggle to gain an understanding of the natures of these mysterious obelisks.
ECONOMY: 5.5e (+5.5e/turn)
TECHNOLOGY: 2
STABILITY: 5
FLEETS: 3 (-1.5e/turn)
Rhetho - (G/C-T) - Strength: 100%
Tharaez - (G/E-O) - Strength: 100%
Hrkan - (I/E-R) - Strength: 100%
MILITARY: 1 (-0.5e/turn)
Army 1 - (I/E-R) - Strength: 100%
ARTIFACT: 0.5/50e
COLONIES:
"Haefar/Jolat" (I/D-R) : +0.5e/turn (value = 3e)
"Jiloh" (I/E-T) : +0.5e/turn (value = 2.5e)
"Vanaraej" (J/E-B) : +0.5e/turn (value = 2.5e)
"Taikhad" (H/E-T) : +0.5e/turn (value = 3.5e)
TRADE: Satellians +1e/turn
Actions
Spend 1e on establishing trade with the Snud.
Spend 2e on developing our colony of Haefar, in the Sethkhad system.
Spend 2e on establishing a colony on Hulan, in the Melokhad system (I/C-B).
Spend 0.5e on conducting further research and investigations on the alien artefacts found around Thaej.
Startraveler Rhetho will survey the alien Colony and system at G/C-T, then move to G/B-B, and hopefully make first contact with these 'Chescani'. Be prepared to make an emergency escape jump if they are hostile, as warned.
Startraveler Tharaez will continue its exploration along the periphery of the galactic core, encountering either the abandoned Distopertan Homeworld or their Nekopteran scion.
The Fleet of Startraveler Hrkan and its support vessels (Zoroth, Hraef, and a variety of small Vreta, Sesir I and Sesir II craft) will compact its way to I/F-T, the world of the mysterious blocky ships which attacked our unarmed Zir drone several cycles in the past. The fleet will appear in the outermost reaches of the system then approach at sublight speeds, picking up as many transmissions as possible in order to supply Hiuref Rhebed's translation machine with enough data to break the language barrier. With this done, the Hraef, now under the command of Hadek Kah, (Baheb Thoh having retired to spend his final years educating his clade and preparing the next generation of Hlethan pilots), will approach as a diplomatic vessel and again attempt to make contact with the 'Horindi' City Ships. We will communicate through non-visual media, since our appearance is apparently offensive to these aliens. We strongly hope to make this contact peacefully, to learn about and form prosperous relationships with the Horindi, but in case these aliens turn violent, we will be prepared to defend our ships and use our weaponry against them, while we analyze enemy strength. If we find ourselves threatened with defeat, we will retreat the system once more.
The society of Thaej bustles more than ever before, with increasing stellar traffic racing in the economic community forming between the Sanudo, Jahahunoun and Hletho. Our species' presence in space grows as Haefar begins to develop into a significant world in its own right, and we establish the first known multi-species colony at Hulan, the Jewel of Melokhad. Meanwhile, archaeological work on the artefacts continues, as we struggle to gain an understanding of the natures of these mysterious obelisks.
Bil
Prince of Space
Amoebas (Vertinari118) {About to be permanently NPC'd}
Capricocials (Thlayli)
Geskani (TaylorFlame)
Iokolu (tuxedohamm) {Given up?}
Ivkings (bestshot9)
Raer (Haseri)
Ulmans Kungs (At the edge)
7/14
Again, about half. I'll be updating, but I think I'll be putting it off for tomorrow. I have woken up with an exponentially worse cold, and really am not in the mood or mindset at all to tackle this today. Sorry to disappoint
Haseri
Emperor
After I finish writing the update for my NES, I'll get out that first contact story and orders.
Bil
Prince of Space
Awesome, thanks
Sorry I haven't written a first post for that event, but I actually think the Phleghesh would just be panicking and trying to figure out what they could scrounge as far as a means of defense, and not even considering to engage in contact anyway. So, it's all you
tuxedohamm
Disguised as crow.
Aiweh (Seon)
Amoebas (Vertinari118) {About to be permanently NPC'd}
Bako Tellians (Thedreadedlock)
Capricocials (Thlayli)
Distopterans (Anonymoose)
Geskani (TaylorFlame)
Hletho (Lord_Iggy)
Iokolu (tuxedohamm) {Given up?}
Ivkings (bestshot9)
Myzokans (Frozen in Ice)
Pohm (North King)
Raer (Haseri)
Satellians (Daftpanzer)
Ulmans Kungs (At the edge)
7/14
Again, about half. I'll be updating, but I think I'll be putting it off for tomorrow. I have woken up with an exponentially worse cold, and really am not in the mood or mindset at all to tackle this today. Sorry to disappoint
Haven't given up, just been real busy with work/school/baby
Bil
Prince of Space
North King
blech
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2004
- Messages
- 18,165
I've prodded Thlayli to send more than once in the past week, and will do so again tonight.
Bil
Prince of Space
Ah, don't worry about it. If he's too busy, I'm not so worried about it. Thanks for the effort, however
Indicus was one pissed Ivking. After years of carrying on a one man, and then one man and one alien resistance movement against the barbs, he had grown a strong friendship to his little buggy friend, Bil. He was never able to find his family, and so in the absence of his real family, he had "adopted" Bil as a sort of son. But he hadn't seen his little friend in months. He sat in a bar in the refugee camp, slowly drinking his third firewater of the night.
"Damn those lying bastards!" he yelled out, slamming his fist on the counter. The more he drank, the more he worried about Bil and the more angry he got at Sven and his research team. The rest of the patrons looked at him as he conducted his little outburst, but then turned back to their own business.
He had become a fixture in the bar lately. There was nothing else for him to do, the Confederate army had pushed the barbs out of his homeland, or what remained of it. After they took away his friend he felt he had no reason to continue fighting for them. His home was in ruins, his people were mostly dead, his real family was gone, probably dead, and now, to repay him, they took away Bil to run all sorts of crazy tests on him. For all he knew, Bil was probably laying cut open on some research table as the crazy scientists butchered him to learn what made his body tick. He shook his head and sighed. They could just ask him! He wasn't stupid, and he had picked up Indicus' language much easier than he could pick up his.
He ordered another drink. He was going to end this night the same as he had the previous nights for a month, in a drunken blur. That was, until the bar was filled with a blinding light, and the deafening roar of an explosion.
------
The Southern Barbs were finally done for. They knew there was no chance for their survival, the Confederacy wouldn't give them any quarter. They would be punished for their act of hostility, their unprovoked attack on their northern neighbor. The chiefs knew this, the warriors knew this, even the youngest calf was vaguely aware of this. That is why, when the armies of the Feds were at their leaders' doorsteps, they decided to go out with a bang.
Atomic missiles, which had been pretargeted to hit the main cities in the southern reaches of the confederacy were launched. Hundreds of missiles rained down, wiping out more people than any other one day throughout the war.
However, that wasn't the worst part. The chiefs, in what they believed (and most likely they were right) was the most merciful action they could do for their own people, launched nukes at their own cities. As the armies of the Confederacy massed outside of cities and towns all around the south, they were blown away by explosions after explosions. The Feds had not anticipated such a fanatical end to their enemy, their counter-missiles had not been launched in enough time. Nearly the entire southern expeditionary force had been wiped out. But so had the entire enemy civilization.
Luckily enough for our friends Indicus and Bil, their refugee camp was located far enough away from Indicus' old city that they were not killed by the blast. In fact, everyone in their area had gotten off easy. The city was now a ghost town, the nuke killed only the few stubborn people who had refused to leave their already destroyed homes.
"Damn those lying bastards!" he yelled out, slamming his fist on the counter. The more he drank, the more he worried about Bil and the more angry he got at Sven and his research team. The rest of the patrons looked at him as he conducted his little outburst, but then turned back to their own business.
He had become a fixture in the bar lately. There was nothing else for him to do, the Confederate army had pushed the barbs out of his homeland, or what remained of it. After they took away his friend he felt he had no reason to continue fighting for them. His home was in ruins, his people were mostly dead, his real family was gone, probably dead, and now, to repay him, they took away Bil to run all sorts of crazy tests on him. For all he knew, Bil was probably laying cut open on some research table as the crazy scientists butchered him to learn what made his body tick. He shook his head and sighed. They could just ask him! He wasn't stupid, and he had picked up Indicus' language much easier than he could pick up his.
He ordered another drink. He was going to end this night the same as he had the previous nights for a month, in a drunken blur. That was, until the bar was filled with a blinding light, and the deafening roar of an explosion.
------
The Southern Barbs were finally done for. They knew there was no chance for their survival, the Confederacy wouldn't give them any quarter. They would be punished for their act of hostility, their unprovoked attack on their northern neighbor. The chiefs knew this, the warriors knew this, even the youngest calf was vaguely aware of this. That is why, when the armies of the Feds were at their leaders' doorsteps, they decided to go out with a bang.
Atomic missiles, which had been pretargeted to hit the main cities in the southern reaches of the confederacy were launched. Hundreds of missiles rained down, wiping out more people than any other one day throughout the war.
However, that wasn't the worst part. The chiefs, in what they believed (and most likely they were right) was the most merciful action they could do for their own people, launched nukes at their own cities. As the armies of the Confederacy massed outside of cities and towns all around the south, they were blown away by explosions after explosions. The Feds had not anticipated such a fanatical end to their enemy, their counter-missiles had not been launched in enough time. Nearly the entire southern expeditionary force had been wiped out. But so had the entire enemy civilization.
Luckily enough for our friends Indicus and Bil, their refugee camp was located far enough away from Indicus' old city that they were not killed by the blast. In fact, everyone in their area had gotten off easy. The city was now a ghost town, the nuke killed only the few stubborn people who had refused to leave their already destroyed homes.
Daftpanzer
canonically ambiguous
@bestshot9 nice to see you back, but did you miss the Hletho startraveller and the giant Distopterian world-ship in orbit of your planet?
@Bil I have a half-finished Sneed-related story, I'll see if I can morph it into a response to the Lelinthians.
More shippy, too lazy right now to space it out better:
EDIT:
Space music! Master of Orion II Music! You can do save-as to get the MP3's.
'Main Galactic Theme 3' is so trippy and new-age and nostalgic for me, and it kinda fits my race in this NES.
@Bil I have a half-finished Sneed-related story, I'll see if I can morph it into a response to the Lelinthians.
More shippy, too lazy right now to space it out better
:Spoiler TOTALLY AWESOME SPACESHIPS :
EDIT:
Space music! Master of Orion II Music! You can do save-as to get the MP3's.
'Main Galactic Theme 3' is so trippy and new-age and nostalgic for me, and it kinda fits my race in this NES.
Daftpanzer
canonically ambiguous
Sneed
Huehunn Moah had come here to negotiate in person, thinking himself quite well-versed in these things, following his experiences of the Snuddian Trade Hub in the Satellian home system. But his various requests for face-to-face meetings had all been cancelled or turned down. The natives were all preoccupied with events, or lacked the patience to talk to a lumbering Satellian, or some combination thereof. Moah had finally relented and just transmitted his files to a Snuddian named Lulls, who assured him that things would be looked over by the new authorities at a suitable time. Thus Moah completed his business without even leaving his shuttle-lander. In fact, with the new communication links, he could've done all this from Hmmaiaa.
Anyway, now that he was back here, he decided he was going to sample some of the Satellian-expatriate clique, such as it was, before it inevitably morphed and dissipated. A scan of the available networks revealed that the Surface Battle Kinship was already auctioning off its walkers and various armaments - it was being deactivated for now, and perhaps a little early, but with the promise of being reactivated in times of need, with all-new weapons of course. Some Satellian collectors were among those making bids, gradually learning the finer arts of the process. Bidding directly was much wiser, they had learned. Going through second-hand dealers, many had already bought scraps of Geskani robots and weapons for what were actually rather extortionate prices.
Moah finally emerged from his lander and proceeded to wander the streets of Tall Rock City, as he understood the literal translation of the name. Satellians, of course, as a general rule, never built much on the surface of their worlds, except for protrusions of giant industrial machinery and infrastructure, like the great launch tubes. This Snuddian city was both functional and elegant - a little garish, compared to Satellian aesthetics, yet Moah still found an appreciation for it all. It was all so busy, and... Stimulating, as always. The movements of Snuddians and their vehicles took some getting used to. Moah was however experienced enough not to suffer the usual sense of disorientation and mild panic.
Some hours later, Moah was in a place serving food and drink, some of which he was actually able to partake of, with the company of the one known as Myy-Myy, former member of the resistance, and the one known as Gurunn Jurr, veteran of the Surface Battle Kinship. Evidently the congregation of three Satellians was not unusual enough to attract much attention. Their conversation was a typically rambling one, but a couple of translator-equipped Snuddians also involved themselves at times, especially when discussing the opening of a new trade route with the Helehho, or the Snuddian captives said to be among the Geskani 'rebel' fleet, which was said to be hiding out in a system that was a short hop from Sneed, in FTL terms. And of course, a Lelinthian fleet was also lurking in-system, having recently arrived in typically dramatic style from out of nowhere - display screens draped one wall of the eating-room, with one channel screening dramatic telescope images of the Lelinthian ships almost non-stop. Moah knew enough Snuddian to get the gist of things; orbital defences were on alert, and Satellian combat ships were said to be on their way to provide backup. Once again, it was all going on around Sneed...
Meanwhile, Moah got back to the topic of the recent 'Great Battle' of Mar Aih, that confrontation featuring the Geskani and the Satellians. It had certainly involved more combatant ships involved than anything seen before. It had however been a rather sporadic and spread-out affair, with unpleasant entanglements. Moah had been with Saal Naarn throughout, right in the heart of the command structure, if it could be called that. He had seen absolutely no hesitation from Saal when it came to firing on the Geskani ships, even when they heard rumours of the captives, both Satellian and Snuddian. It made sense, of course - the fate of a few hundreds, even if they hadn't been brainwashed or otherwise compromised, simply did not register against the need to defend the countless millions of people on the home worlds. Still, Moah worried about what this kind of fighting was doing to the Satellians... That they were even becoming a race of warriors - cold, technical warriors, however reluctant to begin with. And, at the current ratio of deaths to births, some said the species was already on course for extinction within a few thousand years. Or at least, if the war continued indefinitely, taking into account the average lifespan of a Satellian, then everyone who regularly travelled in space was almost certain to be killed by the Geskani at some point in time, not counting any new hostilities with the Lelinthians or some other race. It was a dreadful idea, really.
Moah's communicator rumbled for attention. The crew of his mothership, Special Miscellaneous #131, a non-landing general transport classified as a Big Ship / Cargo Rocket Carrier, were asking for his advice. Most of the ships in the vicinity of Sneed had just received a transmission from the Lelinthians. Yes, a transmission from the Lelinthians! And it was a query, not just a statement. And apparently, the consensus of the Satellians in-system was that Huehunn Moah should be in charge of the reply. This could be important, Moah realised, in avoiding another Geskani-style conflict.
And so, in a noisy corner of a Snuddian eatery, Huehunn Moah and his Snuddian and Satellian friends, most of them mildly intoxicated, collaborated on a reply.
'Greetings, one known as Warden. This is the home of the people known as the Snud. They have made friendship with the Satellians, as both peoples would seek friendship with your kind. The planet of Sneed is open for trade, that being fair exchange of materials or artefacts. Please note that certain customs and understandings are in effect in this system. Snuddians and Satellians do not like to be abducted or disassembled without permission. Further information is available on request.'
Huehunn Moah had come here to negotiate in person, thinking himself quite well-versed in these things, following his experiences of the Snuddian Trade Hub in the Satellian home system. But his various requests for face-to-face meetings had all been cancelled or turned down. The natives were all preoccupied with events, or lacked the patience to talk to a lumbering Satellian, or some combination thereof. Moah had finally relented and just transmitted his files to a Snuddian named Lulls, who assured him that things would be looked over by the new authorities at a suitable time. Thus Moah completed his business without even leaving his shuttle-lander. In fact, with the new communication links, he could've done all this from Hmmaiaa.
Anyway, now that he was back here, he decided he was going to sample some of the Satellian-expatriate clique, such as it was, before it inevitably morphed and dissipated. A scan of the available networks revealed that the Surface Battle Kinship was already auctioning off its walkers and various armaments - it was being deactivated for now, and perhaps a little early, but with the promise of being reactivated in times of need, with all-new weapons of course. Some Satellian collectors were among those making bids, gradually learning the finer arts of the process. Bidding directly was much wiser, they had learned. Going through second-hand dealers, many had already bought scraps of Geskani robots and weapons for what were actually rather extortionate prices.
Moah finally emerged from his lander and proceeded to wander the streets of Tall Rock City, as he understood the literal translation of the name. Satellians, of course, as a general rule, never built much on the surface of their worlds, except for protrusions of giant industrial machinery and infrastructure, like the great launch tubes. This Snuddian city was both functional and elegant - a little garish, compared to Satellian aesthetics, yet Moah still found an appreciation for it all. It was all so busy, and... Stimulating, as always. The movements of Snuddians and their vehicles took some getting used to. Moah was however experienced enough not to suffer the usual sense of disorientation and mild panic.
Some hours later, Moah was in a place serving food and drink, some of which he was actually able to partake of, with the company of the one known as Myy-Myy, former member of the resistance, and the one known as Gurunn Jurr, veteran of the Surface Battle Kinship. Evidently the congregation of three Satellians was not unusual enough to attract much attention. Their conversation was a typically rambling one, but a couple of translator-equipped Snuddians also involved themselves at times, especially when discussing the opening of a new trade route with the Helehho, or the Snuddian captives said to be among the Geskani 'rebel' fleet, which was said to be hiding out in a system that was a short hop from Sneed, in FTL terms. And of course, a Lelinthian fleet was also lurking in-system, having recently arrived in typically dramatic style from out of nowhere - display screens draped one wall of the eating-room, with one channel screening dramatic telescope images of the Lelinthian ships almost non-stop. Moah knew enough Snuddian to get the gist of things; orbital defences were on alert, and Satellian combat ships were said to be on their way to provide backup. Once again, it was all going on around Sneed...
Meanwhile, Moah got back to the topic of the recent 'Great Battle' of Mar Aih, that confrontation featuring the Geskani and the Satellians. It had certainly involved more combatant ships involved than anything seen before. It had however been a rather sporadic and spread-out affair, with unpleasant entanglements. Moah had been with Saal Naarn throughout, right in the heart of the command structure, if it could be called that. He had seen absolutely no hesitation from Saal when it came to firing on the Geskani ships, even when they heard rumours of the captives, both Satellian and Snuddian. It made sense, of course - the fate of a few hundreds, even if they hadn't been brainwashed or otherwise compromised, simply did not register against the need to defend the countless millions of people on the home worlds. Still, Moah worried about what this kind of fighting was doing to the Satellians... That they were even becoming a race of warriors - cold, technical warriors, however reluctant to begin with. And, at the current ratio of deaths to births, some said the species was already on course for extinction within a few thousand years. Or at least, if the war continued indefinitely, taking into account the average lifespan of a Satellian, then everyone who regularly travelled in space was almost certain to be killed by the Geskani at some point in time, not counting any new hostilities with the Lelinthians or some other race. It was a dreadful idea, really.
Moah's communicator rumbled for attention. The crew of his mothership, Special Miscellaneous #131, a non-landing general transport classified as a Big Ship / Cargo Rocket Carrier, were asking for his advice. Most of the ships in the vicinity of Sneed had just received a transmission from the Lelinthians. Yes, a transmission from the Lelinthians! And it was a query, not just a statement. And apparently, the consensus of the Satellians in-system was that Huehunn Moah should be in charge of the reply. This could be important, Moah realised, in avoiding another Geskani-style conflict.
And so, in a noisy corner of a Snuddian eatery, Huehunn Moah and his Snuddian and Satellian friends, most of them mildly intoxicated, collaborated on a reply.
'Greetings, one known as Warden. This is the home of the people known as the Snud. They have made friendship with the Satellians, as both peoples would seek friendship with your kind. The planet of Sneed is open for trade, that being fair exchange of materials or artefacts. Please note that certain customs and understandings are in effect in this system. Snuddians and Satellians do not like to be abducted or disassembled without permission. Further information is available on request.'
TaylorFlame
Nuclear Whale
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2008
- Messages
- 435
The Rebel Fleet
The system had been silent since the first contact between the Geskani and Satellian races. The wreckage of the few ships that were destroyed here continued to float through space, the only reminder of the attack that caused a great war, involving huge fleets and entire races. Most observers, however, would comment on the idyllic nature of the habitable planets in the system. It was not meant to be a warzone, but rather a paradise.
As if to further distance the system from the tranquil ideals that it should have held, the damaged remains of the once great Rebel Fleet ripped into the system, the shattered vessels screaming through space, their systems damaged. The ships, though in disarray upon entry, quickly and efficiently formed up with the natural skill that the Geskani displayed in combat. Luckily for them, their stop in this system would be a place to rebuild, rather than start a war.
Captain Jaru had suddenly found himself the highest ranking officer in the entire fleet. The rest had been killed by the Satellians in their uncharacteristically violent assault on the fleet that was meant to make peace. Jaru would not forget this. But for now, he had to lead the Rebellion. Not that there was much to lead. After a few hours of taking stock of exactly how many ships, Geskani and resources had been lost (most of them, most of them and most of them respectively), he called a meeting of all ships Captains.
“To put this simply, we were wiped out by the Satellians. It’s clear they have no intention of peace, at least not right now. Any chance of us stopping the war easily, let alone getting their help, is gone. That plan was Zuro’s, and Admiral Zuro is dead.” There was audible clicking of a number of antennae throughout the room. Zuro was the most respected and capable leader of the rebellion. That he had been killed was a major blow to their cause. Jaru carried on. “While we may be severely weakened, I say we carry on. We are in a system known to be resource rich. We mine what we can, and we expand our ships to be powerful vessels capable of being run with a small crew. Almost all of the ships carrying scientists made it through, and we have a number of engineers left. As far as a devastating loss goes, we got through fairly well.”
A young Captain raised his antennae high. “What of the Geskani systems? The Satellians have proven themselves to be more aggressive than previously thought. Our race itself could be under relentless attack!” The clicking of antennae that followed this was almost like a thunderous applause.
“If there is one thing we can trust the Singularity to do, it is defend itself as much as possible. Let them continue the fight against the Satellians, using the Loyalists as troops. We will take over, and use all this to our advantage, when we are ready. Until then, we have to wait, and build.”
The Sneedkani left in the fleet posed a problem. Though they were few in number, now counted by the dozen rather than by the hundred, none of the Captains knew what to do with them. Most had wanted to return home, something that could not be allowed, the Sneedkani having allied themselves with the cold hearted Satellians. They could not execute them, as the Sneedkani had been a considerable boon to the Rebels in the past, their fiscal expertise transitioning quickly into able logistical planning. The decision was made to allow them to fill minor roles in the fleet, such as becoming orderlies or blood-transporters. Though they were not ecstatic about it, the majority preferred it to being abandoned on the nearest habitable planet.
And so, the Rebel Fleet began to rebuild, and prepare itself to one day overthrow the Singularity, and attempt to cast back the Satellian menace. The years ahead were going to be as violent as ever. The Geskani would have to prove themselves. Losing was not an option.
The system had been silent since the first contact between the Geskani and Satellian races. The wreckage of the few ships that were destroyed here continued to float through space, the only reminder of the attack that caused a great war, involving huge fleets and entire races. Most observers, however, would comment on the idyllic nature of the habitable planets in the system. It was not meant to be a warzone, but rather a paradise.
As if to further distance the system from the tranquil ideals that it should have held, the damaged remains of the once great Rebel Fleet ripped into the system, the shattered vessels screaming through space, their systems damaged. The ships, though in disarray upon entry, quickly and efficiently formed up with the natural skill that the Geskani displayed in combat. Luckily for them, their stop in this system would be a place to rebuild, rather than start a war.
Captain Jaru had suddenly found himself the highest ranking officer in the entire fleet. The rest had been killed by the Satellians in their uncharacteristically violent assault on the fleet that was meant to make peace. Jaru would not forget this. But for now, he had to lead the Rebellion. Not that there was much to lead. After a few hours of taking stock of exactly how many ships, Geskani and resources had been lost (most of them, most of them and most of them respectively), he called a meeting of all ships Captains.
“To put this simply, we were wiped out by the Satellians. It’s clear they have no intention of peace, at least not right now. Any chance of us stopping the war easily, let alone getting their help, is gone. That plan was Zuro’s, and Admiral Zuro is dead.” There was audible clicking of a number of antennae throughout the room. Zuro was the most respected and capable leader of the rebellion. That he had been killed was a major blow to their cause. Jaru carried on. “While we may be severely weakened, I say we carry on. We are in a system known to be resource rich. We mine what we can, and we expand our ships to be powerful vessels capable of being run with a small crew. Almost all of the ships carrying scientists made it through, and we have a number of engineers left. As far as a devastating loss goes, we got through fairly well.”
A young Captain raised his antennae high. “What of the Geskani systems? The Satellians have proven themselves to be more aggressive than previously thought. Our race itself could be under relentless attack!” The clicking of antennae that followed this was almost like a thunderous applause.
“If there is one thing we can trust the Singularity to do, it is defend itself as much as possible. Let them continue the fight against the Satellians, using the Loyalists as troops. We will take over, and use all this to our advantage, when we are ready. Until then, we have to wait, and build.”
The Sneedkani left in the fleet posed a problem. Though they were few in number, now counted by the dozen rather than by the hundred, none of the Captains knew what to do with them. Most had wanted to return home, something that could not be allowed, the Sneedkani having allied themselves with the cold hearted Satellians. They could not execute them, as the Sneedkani had been a considerable boon to the Rebels in the past, their fiscal expertise transitioning quickly into able logistical planning. The decision was made to allow them to fill minor roles in the fleet, such as becoming orderlies or blood-transporters. Though they were not ecstatic about it, the majority preferred it to being abandoned on the nearest habitable planet.
And so, the Rebel Fleet began to rebuild, and prepare itself to one day overthrow the Singularity, and attempt to cast back the Satellian menace. The years ahead were going to be as violent as ever. The Geskani would have to prove themselves. Losing was not an option.
Thedreadedlock
Chieftain
There were twelve of them crawling and shifting through the narrow catacombs of the Tounisian undergrounds. They had few provisions, the underground base was able to support them for a while, but they would eventually have to abandon the shelter for it was incomplete and unstable. Though, nothing can be worse than life above ground at this point.
A year after the Skul'agran invasion, the surface was still not safe to roam. The Bako Tellians fought admirably against the Skul'agra, but to no avail. Bako Tellians that were left over from the intense fighting were either enslaved or executed. The leader of the Tounis Mining Settlement Tuu was first to be executed. Though the Bako Tellians and Skul'agra were incapable of conversation, the Skul'agran were able to tell that his presence would only lead to more uprisings, and that would only cause trouble.
Though only a few of the more "abrupt" Bako Tellians were executed, a large number of them were imprisoned to await punishment. Regardless of what fate that met them, a Bako Tellian living above ground had a short and unpleansant life now. Fortunately for some, a couple of Tellians were able to retreat into starter tunnels, small tunnels that robots navigate to check if they are safe or not. These tunnels were a secret that the Skul'agra would never be able to get. All of these tunnels lead to an underground bunker that is meant to be a base for the robots. The bunker is also fitted to support life for an extended amount of time should the tunnels collapse. Though it had not been formally tested, it proved to be more than enough for the 12 refugees.
They called themselves the Deep Rock Swimmers, Sep was an older miner who was sent underground to hide along side fellow senior miners Jec and Hup. Wid fought bravely in the Skul'agran war but was hurt and forced to retreat by Tuu himself. Wid was escorted into the mines by Jis, Fre, and Wem. Cip, Lue, Gry, and Fun were all children who though one way or another wound up on Tounis, but not allowed to fight. The last member of the Deep Rock Swimmers was Tek who was actually assigned to be in the bunker and survey the tunnels with the robots.
Though their meeting was purely coincidental, they have formed a bond stronger than any other. They now need each other to survive in a planet that no longer belongs to them. And yet they live inside its very heart.
A year after the Skul'agran invasion, the surface was still not safe to roam. The Bako Tellians fought admirably against the Skul'agra, but to no avail. Bako Tellians that were left over from the intense fighting were either enslaved or executed. The leader of the Tounis Mining Settlement Tuu was first to be executed. Though the Bako Tellians and Skul'agra were incapable of conversation, the Skul'agran were able to tell that his presence would only lead to more uprisings, and that would only cause trouble.
Though only a few of the more "abrupt" Bako Tellians were executed, a large number of them were imprisoned to await punishment. Regardless of what fate that met them, a Bako Tellian living above ground had a short and unpleansant life now. Fortunately for some, a couple of Tellians were able to retreat into starter tunnels, small tunnels that robots navigate to check if they are safe or not. These tunnels were a secret that the Skul'agra would never be able to get. All of these tunnels lead to an underground bunker that is meant to be a base for the robots. The bunker is also fitted to support life for an extended amount of time should the tunnels collapse. Though it had not been formally tested, it proved to be more than enough for the 12 refugees.
They called themselves the Deep Rock Swimmers, Sep was an older miner who was sent underground to hide along side fellow senior miners Jec and Hup. Wid fought bravely in the Skul'agran war but was hurt and forced to retreat by Tuu himself. Wid was escorted into the mines by Jis, Fre, and Wem. Cip, Lue, Gry, and Fun were all children who though one way or another wound up on Tounis, but not allowed to fight. The last member of the Deep Rock Swimmers was Tek who was actually assigned to be in the bunker and survey the tunnels with the robots.
Though their meeting was purely coincidental, they have formed a bond stronger than any other. They now need each other to survive in a planet that no longer belongs to them. And yet they live inside its very heart.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
I'd like this turn to be a generic period of internal instability, Bil, thanks.
TaylorFlame
Nuclear Whale
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2008
- Messages
- 435
Hurrah for instability!
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