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_pok_

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  1. Can an FM or GM contact me (I don’t know anybody anymore)? I’m trying to do something about my account but can’t figure out how. 

  2. The Eadni Civilization 1506 Population: 1,591,350 Internal Storyline The story of the Eadni Civilization will continue in 1507… Economic Actions The Continued Growth of the Eadni Merchant Fleet With the discovery of a new trade partner to the East, another pair of Merchant Caravels are built to foster trade between the Eadni and this new civilization. (-11,000 Gold) Internal Economic Expansion A new manufactory is built to focus on the production of naval goods. The push is funded in part by the Merchant’s Guild in an effort to counter-act the growing influence of the House of Ghobrial. (-7,500 Gold) Funds Move East Upon the completion of the Merchant Caravels, they would rendezvous with the crew of the Malik al-Bahr to deliver fresh supplies. Upon the delivery of those supplies at the new port, the galley would continue to journey further East in search of new ports and new trade partners. (-2,000 Gold) The Exploration and Excavation of Midwe After the pilgrimage, the Chief Priest expresses a dire need to excavate the ruins of Midwe and further explore the shores of the Far Lake (Lake Midwe). This would be a multi-year operation steadily funded by the Cult of the Deep One with some financial support from the Prince himself. (-1,000 Gold) Savings The Eadni State once again stays under budget, returning an impressive 7,000 gold back to the treasury of the state.
  3. The Eadni Civilization 1504 An Excerpt from the Journal of Abdullah Ghobrial; 1503 This morning, I felt compelled to eat a modest breakfast then head out for a quiet stroll about the Port district. While I walked, I could not help but be overwhelmed by the vastness of the new construction efforts being undertaken by the state. An entirely new ship-yard was under construction and the Merchant’s Guild has appeared to been able to saw the Amir into granting them land within the district. While these developments may be excellent for the state, I must consider whether or not these developments will work in the interests of our family. For the last two decades, our family has had a monopoly on trade within the city. Now, with the invention of new navigation technologies (in part financed by my own house), foreign markets are beginning to open up to Eadni goods. Unfortunately, this development has emboldened the lesser merchants who coalesced into the Merchant’s Guild to attempt to beat us to these markets. They have done everything in their power to gain favor from the Amir and pry him from the influence of the House of Ghobrial. This cannot stand. In response to these actions, I have devised a plan this afternoon which I do believe will allow us to finally crush those dishonorable guildsmen. The House of Ghobrial will utilize its vast wealth to construct several massive ships capable of quickly conducting business with the outside world. These ships will far surpass the capabilities of anything the guildsmen will be capable of building, and we will ensure that the designs for this ship do not slip from the grasp of the House of Ghobrial. Within the city, we must also begin to utilize our wealth to remind the Amir of who truly controls the coffers of this city. Should he continue to appease the guildsmen and ignore the best interests of the state (our own), then we ought to begin the consideration of more drastic options to ensure the well-being of our marketplace. --- Pilgrimage to The Far Lake It had been many years since Eadni faithful had travelled to the Far Lake, but it was at the insistence of the Chief Priest of the Cult of the Deep One, Ali ibn Ibrahim, that the Eadni visit the lake this year. According to the Chief Priest, the Deep One had called out to him personally and commanded the journey. Samir Abbas thought nothing of the claim, in fact, he was skeptical of the existence of the Deep One himself. He had no intention of making the pilgrimage like others within his unit, but nonetheless, he was assigned as one of the fifty archers of the First Regiment to accompany the pilgrims on their journey through the desert. Rather than marching through the shifting, scorching sands of the Sumaq desert, the Eadni pilgrims were guided by the Deep One along the River Eadn to their destination. Samir could not help but admire the sheer beauty in the radical contrast between the flowing blue waters of the ancient river and the deep browns and golds of the sands on either side of him. For nearly a month, the party would travel as far as they could upriver before landing on the shore to make camp for the night. The First Regiment would lift the small boats from the waters, flipping them over such that the pilgrims could sleep safely and warmly beneath them while the archers patrolled the camps. No threats ever came, the routine remained the same, and the Eadni continued up the river. When the Far Lake finally came into sight, the Chief Priest began to offer up several prayers and the water around him rippled with such intensity that every boat in the party began to rock softly as they moved steadily up-river. As the party continued, Samir could not help but notice a brief look of unease on the priest’s face as he continued his camp. Before entering the lake proper, the Chief Priest ordered the boats to land and proceeded to organize a small ritualistic totem on the shores of the lake. The pilgrims fell to their knees before the Chief Priest and the junior priests who quickly beckoned them to join in their now feverish chanting. Again, the waters began to ripple around the lake. This went on for some time until the priest ordered a group of ten pilgrims to raise one of their boats and embark for the center of the lake. Samir watched them as they performed their task with a tremendous fervor. His eyes scanned the remainder of the shore, astonished by its size and beauty. He watched the group of ten pile into the boat as the priest sent them off with a long chant. They sat with their heads bowed with one of their hands in the water while the other rowed slowly toward the center of the lake. Within a few moments though, their posture quickly changed. They began to move erratically, one of the men went after one of the others, grabbing her throat and strangling her to death. Others quickly overwhelmed him, beating him furiously to death before tossing him into the dark blue waters of the lake. The remainder then set upon each other, furiously battling for their lives. The other pilgrims watched helpless while the priests merely looked on, stone-faced and silent. Samir felt himself move instinctively toward his bow, lifting it up over his head and drawing an arrow. The other archers watched him but did not move to intervene while the priests remained oblivious to Samir, too engaged in the carnage out on the boat. Samir drew back his bowstring, breathing deeply before letting the arrow fly. It found its place in the back of one of the crazed men who promptly fell into the water. Only three remained, still setting upon each other without care for the intervention from the shore. Samir did not hesitate to let out a second, a third, and a fourth in short order, sending the remaining men to their deaths in the water. By now the priests were screaming at Samir to cease, to let the battle on the water run its course, but Samir was numb. He dropped his bow, shaking his head and spitting into the sand. Soon after, the remainder of the pilgrims would be cast off. Each one was told that the others were unfit to see the Deep One completely, but that if they were judged to be worthy the gift from their God would be one of indescribable awe. Samir and the other guards merely watched, knowing the consequences of attempting to intervene. When the ritual was done, all that remained were the fifty archers and the small group of priests. “Let us return to Salaam.” The Chief Priest turned to the guards, smiling to them and beckoning them back to their boats. Samir looked at him with disgust, turning away from him to prepare his boat for the journey home. Expenditures Treasury: 27,500 Gold The Rise Eadni Merchant Fleet In response to the need to maintain secure trade partnerships, the House of Ghobrial Trade Company implores the state to invest in a number of new, state-of-the-art Caravels conceptualized by the captain of the Malik al-B’har, Mahmoud Mara. Detailed market assessments are given to the Amir and his stewards who ultimately approve the construction of the fleet starting with the construction of four Merchant Caravels. (-) 22,000 Gold The Exploration of the Waters Beyond the Gulf The House of Ghobrial Trade Company also petitions the Amir to send the Malik al-B’har to the West in an attempt to discover new lands with the potential to establish trade outposts. They also are interested in the discovery of new potential trading partners though this is a secondary concern. (-) 2,000 Gold An Offer to the Mongerellians After making first contact with the Mongerellians, a tentative offer is made to the peoples of the peninsula to the Eadni’s east. The Eadni are a commercial people, and they promote prosperity wherever they may go – including within their neighbors. The Eadni request permission to construct a trade output (replacement for settlement) in Mongerellian lands and offer to foot the bill themselves. In exchange, the Eadni would split the profits with the Mongerellians. (No Gold, would be paid out next turn) Savings The Eadni once again managed to complete their goals under budget, re-investing the rest of their money back into the state’s treasury. 3,500 Gold Saved
  4. The Eadni Civilization 1503 Geography Capital City: Madinah Al-Salaam Population: 1,500,000 Important Locations - Khaleej Al-Eadn - Saharaa Al-Sumaq - Qar’a Te’Towel. -- Economy Treasury Reserves: 60,000 Gold Current Income:15,500 Gold per Year -- Military Land Forces First Regiment of Archers (500 Men) Naval Forces: Malik al B’har (Galley) -- Education Major Universities: Jamia Al-Salaam -Still pondering a story line, but wanted to get the post up. May do a story post this turn, or wait to start it in earnest until next turn. - Expenditures Treasury Reserves: 60,000 Gold The Expansion of the Commercial District of Salaam With the ambitious plans for the expansion of the Merchant Fleet as decreed by the new Amir, the first order of business is the construction of a number of buildings to support the new fleet. The House Ghobrial Trade Company is awarded new company building in the district while the Navy of the Emirate is given stewardship over the new port. The Merchants Guild is also awarded a new home within the Commercial District, a gift meant in part to reconcile things between the House of Erakat and the influential Merchant caste. (-)32,000 Gold Manufacturing Improvements West of the commercial district, old shells of ancient buildings from the period of the Exiled Kingdom are to be renovated and reconstructed such that they can house a pair of large manufactories which will produce naval goods and the complex navigational tools unique to the Eadni civilization. (-)15,000 Gold Honoring the Deep One On the advice of Chief Priest Ali ibn Ibrahim, the Amir orders the masons to restore the poorly kept Place of Worship within the city to the Deep One. The Place of Worship is located within the newly renovated Port District and is to be maintained by the Cult of The Deep One which resides in the city. (-)5,000 Gold Feeding The Eadni The flatlands once roamed by the nomadic Eadni have proven to be very fertile – especially on those lands which lay against the great River Eadn. As Salaam continues to grow, the Amir wisely chooses to expand the farms into the flatlands to feed the Eadni people. (-)5,000 Gold Saving For The Future After the Amir and his Stewards finished going through the expenditures of the Emirate this year, they were pleased to see that they had managed to do so well within the means of their budget. Rather than over-spending to simply hit the budget, the Amir made the prudent decision to save these funds for the next year. 3,000 Gold saved to next turn! Pilgrimage to The Far Lake Deep within the Sumaq desert, there is a great lake which thousands of Eadni have travelled to since the establishment of the Erakat Emirate and Cult of The Deep One. It is here that one is said to be most connected with the Deep One, for it is in these isolated waters surrounded by nothing but rolling sand is his voice most powerful. About a dozen small Houses have set out together independently to make the trip (numbering about 100 in total). The Amir dispatched about a tenth of the First Regiment of Archers (50) to ensure their safe travels to the Far Lake so that these families could worship in peace. No Gold Diplomatic Communication Diplomatic missions travel to visit the Duchy of Ulyadar, The Order, The Mongerellians and the Bloated Throats. It is the first diplomatic endeavor conducted under the Amir’s now decade long reign. The main objective is to open trade relations though other matters may soon come
  5. The Eadni Civilization Economy: 8 Education: 7 Size (include rough area on map): 3 Military: 1 Mysticism: 2 Geography Capital City: Madinah Al-Salaam Population: 1,500,000 Important Locations - Khaleej Al-Eadn - Saharaa Al-Sumaq - Qar’a Te’Towel. Economy Treasury Reserves: 60,000 Gold Current Income:8,000 Gold per Year Military Land Forces First Princely Regiment of Archers (500 Men) Naval Forces: Malik al B’har (Galley) Education Major Universities: Jamia Al-Salaam History Over seven hundred years ago, the mysterious Exiled Kingdom collapsed in the Great Calamity along with the other great peoples of the ancient world. These peoples were said to have constructed awe-inspiring cities and to have conquered the harsh sands of the Sumaq desert. They also built ships capable of traversing unfathomable distances, spreading their wealth and knowledge to all corners of the world. Despite all their decadence, the Great Calamity engulfed them just as it had all other ancient peoples; tearing through those peoples until the last city was buried by the sands and the last ship was reclaimed by the sea. From the shattered remnants of the Exiled Kingdom, the rugged Eadni people carved out their small share of a renewed civilization. Established on the ruins of an ancient port city belonging to the Exiled Kingdom, the Eadni people first settled the region nearly two hundred years ago. Prior to settling in the ruins, the Eadni lived a nomadic lifestyle in the flatlands of the peninsula just south of the city. When their civilization became far too great in number to feed and the Eadni tribes began to fracture, a great leader united the Eadni nomads beneath a single banner; the banner of the House of Erakat. The Erakats were unlike the other Eadni; they were the first to settle in the ruins of the ancient city and master primitive agricultural techniques. They quickly ballooned in size and strength and set about uniting the rest of the peoples living on the peninsula. Rather than conquest through arms alone, the Erakats practiced a compelling cult of worship of the Deep One and the earliest Erakat Mystics inspired entire tribes with their command over beasts and the sea. Despite their best efforts to unite their peoples peacefully, the House of Erakat nevertheless still required arms to best the last of the nomadic Eadni and completed the unification under the rule of Amir Ibrahim Erakat II. After the unification of the nomads and call to settle, the Erakats set out to create a massive city out of the ruins of the ancient one. In the later years of his reign, Ibrahim II called for the creation of an impressive port and established a primitive system of banking which would be expanded upon over the next two hundred years. The Ibrahimic Period also saw the renunciation of all gods save for the Deep One and the establishment of a Merchant’s Company to oversee the city’s economic activity. // In the modern period, Amir Salman Erakat is the steward of the Eadni people and the city of Salaam. He oversees the army as well as the naval forces of the city while also serving as one of the most important figures in the Cult of The Deep One which holds significant influence within the city. ______________________________________________________________________________ Culture After settling into Salaam, the Eadni quickly lost their rough edges and became far more decadent under the stewardship of the House of Erakat. Trade brought significant wealth, though this wealth was not exclusive to material goods. New ideas and information flowed into the city of the Eadni and allowed for an explosion of civilization in their small corner of the world. Under the Erakats, a revival of the ancient commercial spirit of the southern peoples of the Exiled Kingdom is underway. The Eadni people are driven by a sense of pride in their work and their status as the chosen children of the Deep One. Along the great river Eadn and the Gulf of Eadn (from which the people were given their collective name), small shrines to the Deep One can be found throughout the landscape and even the wealthiest of the Eadni make pilgrimages into the desert to the great Far Sea where the Deep One is said to speak with his people. ______________________________________________________________________________ Government Emirate under the leadership of Salman Erakat Significant Individuals 1 Salman Erakat; Amir of The Eadni People 2 Ali Ibn Ibrahim; Chief Priest of the Cult of The Deep One 3 Mahmoud Mara; Captain of the Malik al-B’har
  6. The State of Elysium 2163 Population: 4,218,476 [Abbreviated due to activity] When the Elysians went to Michael with a request for his help, they were rather surprised at his willingness to aid the state without much negotiation. Indeed, Michael asserted rather plainly that his failure to help the Elysians now would certainly result in his own destruction. In his opinion, helping his creators was not only morally correct, but it was also a necessity should he wish to continue living himself. Despite the entry of Michael into the ranks of the Elysian military, the strategic situation still looks incredibly grim. The State of Elysium is entirely surrounded with attackers every day probing the state’s defenses. Most worlds are essentially evacuated and brought to the capital, Elysium. Those evacuated worlds continue to be defended by the military and robotic workers (not sentient androids) continue to harvest and maintain the strategically critical farmlands supplying the State and the Zaxx. Actions AP: 242 207 AP - Utilizing the shipyards in Elysium and space in the nearby Zaxx sector, a large number of ships are constructed once more [18 Light Cruisers, 9 Heavy Cruisers, 5 Destroyers, 2 Support Carriers]. 30 AP - Along with the new ships being produced, 2000 fighters and 1000 bombers are produced with the aid of the Zyrka. They are fitted with the best technological innovations that the Zyrka can provide and are immediately deployed to the Chariot of Liberty CSG. 5 AP - Michael’s capabilities are explored to see where he can best fit. Alongside that effort, more androids are beginning to be produced with some supervision by willing Zyrka. They are not immediately asked to join the military, instead simply serving in roles wherever they wish.
  7. Washington D.C., January 2032 - Second Inauguration of David Wallace President David Wallace looked out at the soft white glow of the capitol rotunda through the tinted windows of his limousine. It was nearly two in the morning now and his wife was asleep beneath his right arm and David himself was beginning to come down from a strong buzz. It was a night for celebration after all. He won reelection easily and his election managed to restore more faith in the democratic process that made America strong and, most importantly, stable. David turned away from the window and let his head fall into his chest, his eyes closing as thought about all he had left to accomplish. When he woke up, David found himself sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. He stood, looking out into the Rose Garden behind him into a thick fog that rested atop the nation’s capital. He waited for his Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor, Jim Hopper and Dwayne Scoot respectively, to give him his daily briefing as he sipped a cup of coffee conveniently resting atop the Resolute Desk. After a few minutes of waiting, he grew anxious. Where were they? After realizing they were not coming, David set down his coffee and drifted toward the Oval Office’s main door; however, when he tried to open it the door did not budge. His eyes darted around the room, landing on the windows opposite him behind the desk. The fog had thickened to the point that it completely obscured the outside world. David wandered over to one of the hidden doors that the office was famous for, gently pressing against it. With a soft creak, the door crept open and David stepped into a muggy old room bustling with people in strange dress. The people seemed not to notice the President; they did not stop to greet him or pay their respects. Instead David felt like an observer, watching these strange people go about their lives. Men yelled at each other and waved documents at one another while a regal looking man sat above the chaos with a concerned frown clearly painting his face. For awhile, David could not understand what he was seeing or knew where he was. When he looked out the windows, he noticed that the fog had completely lifted to give way to a bright sunny day. As he walked toward the window, an odd feeling of understanding washed over him. Horses and buggies moved outside the window and town criers announced that the Second Constitutional Convention was under way. When David turned back into the room, he noticed that the regal man with the frown upon his face was now standing and looking directly at him. David scanned the face of his oldest predecessor and felt smaller than he had ever felt before. The figure sat down again, turning his gaze away from David and back to the events unfolding before him. Just as the man was beginning to speak, David found himself being lifted from the back of his limousine at the front doors of the White House. “Mr. President, I’m sorry to wake you but you dozed off on the way back from the Inaugural Ball,” David’s Chief of Staff rested a calming hand on the President’s shoulder, “Let’s get you inside. It’s been a long night, huh?” David did not answer, he only nodded and followed Jim with his wife back to their quarters. --- Present Day After a long week of deliberations in the Congress and an exhausting effort to whip votes in his favor, the President finally got what he wanted. After four years of campaigning, utilizing his bully-pulpit powers, and forging bipartisan relationships, the United States would finally begin the process of starting the Third Constitutional Convention. David believed such a convention was necessary because the Constitution required serious amendments and adjustments to make it more capable of fitting into the modern world. Making such amendments individually and through normal legislative means would be a long, tedious process which would require far more time than David had in a single Presidential term. He needed the ability to make more rapid change. He also believed that a strong show of centralized reform would be a powerful symbol to the American people that the Federal Government was once again functioning properly. --- The United States of America 2036 [Preliminary AP] 150 AP - 100 Spent on Agriculture for Additional 12 AP; 50 Spend on Research for 2 RP 50 AP - 16 on 2 Carriers, 12 for 2 Missile Cruisers, 8 for 2 Destroyers, 8 for 100 Bombers and 100 Fighters, 3 for 300 Tanks, 3 for 15,000 Men --- AP: 18 AP RP: 7 RP --- Expenditure 7 RP - The United States begins to research a new type of reactor to power the next generation of military and civilian systems. 10 AP - The United States begins to invest in its infrastructure once again which is in critical need of refurbishing [10/25 into Commerce]. 4 AP - The United States commissions a new class of Submarine to continue to assert their control of the sea. 4 AP - The United States builds another 50 Bombers and 50 Fighters to continue to assert regional control over their airspace and oceans.
  8. Your Discord’s name: idk Your Nation: The United States of America; President David Wallace Short background of nation: DISCLAIMER: Uh... I thought for some reason the game started in 2023 not 2036 so uh... bear that in mind when reading. This all did happen, though dates may be readjusted in my initial post or I may just scrap this entirely. At the very least, it’s an outline for what I see happening. In 1860, the United States of America dissolved into two states, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America. In that first civil war, the factions and casus belli were distinct: the Northern Union fought to reign in the rebellious South and, after the Emancipation Proclamation, claimed the moral high ground by fighting under the justification of freeing southern slaves. In the new United States of America, historians still debate whether or not it is possible to describe the events of 2020 through 2022 as a second Civil War. There were no distinct sides, no formal declarations of succession, no Gettysburg’s or Antietam’s, no Gettysburg Addresses or Emancipation Proclamations; only chaos. In the wake of a hotly contested 2020 election, no clear winner for the Presidency could be determined. The incumbent, President Donald J. Trump declared victory over his Democratic challenger Joe Biden (a man who himself was a controversial nomination among progressive Democrats who desired a younger generation of leadership); however, Biden followed the path of Gore and, despite warnings that the country was too unstable from bipartisan groups within the Federal government, pursued a contested election within the Supreme Court. Before the case could be resolved, conservative militias began to coalesce across the South and in patches across the Midwest. In response, radical liberal groups like Antifa organized militias of their own. All across the United States, small clashes erupted between liberal and conservative combatants. While loss of life was relatively low considering most Americans knew better, property damage and the authority of local and federal governments were being openly criticized by the American citizenry. In one of the most deadly eruptions of violence, a liberal militia bombed and subsequently seized a federal building in Atlanta (the deadliest domestic terror incident since the Oklahoma City bombing) and began a two day siege that resulted in a significant loss of life and only further galvanized conservative groups while forcing the Federal government’s hand to finally stage a proper intervention. President Donald Trump, in a surprising move, offered to resign from office and pass an executive order to initiate a new Presidential Election with the approval of Congress (a disappointing development for Michael Pence who hoped Trump’s retirement would lead to his own ascendency) after the problems of the militias were dealt with. Joe Biden and the Democrats accepted this concession from President Trump and Biden himself announced he would not run again for President. With the situation in Washington at least somewhat stabilized, President Trump ordered the United States Army and National Guard along with the FBI to arrest any militia groups, liberal or conservative, and seize their stockpiles of weapons. The FBI conducted massive raids across the South, Midwest, and West while the Army and National Guard patrolled major centers of dissent alongside local police forces. Only six months after the initiation of this process, the amount of violent clashes decreased significantly. In Washington, the Congress prepared to oversee the special Presidential election and passed controversial laws reigning in the media’s rhetoric both on television and online which was seen as a major cause of polarization. The Democratic and Republican parties have been dissolved, an act which the parties together believed would reduce tensions so that Americans would not identify with one side or the other, instead rallying to one united government. While perhaps only temporary, the dissolution of the parties had a strong symbolic effect. Overseas, American troops have been completely recalled from the Middle East, South East Asia, and Africa. Bases have been sold or shuttered and NATO was formally disbanded following the collapse of the European Union and poor relations between member states. A new foreign policy would need to be established by the United States though the Monroe Doctrine remains firmly in effect. By 2036, the Special Presidential Election saw success as a centrist, David Wallace, was elected President in 2024 without any controversy. Over the last eight years, he has overseen a second era of Reconstruction and brought a sense of stability to the Republic. As he begins the last year of his term, the President hopes to bring about one final act to secure the stability of the revived Republic: A Constitutional Convention. Government type: American Federal Republic Suggestions/Feedback: I’ll think Nations standing army/navy To be decided?
  9. “We cannot afford to make a mistake with Michael, not now.” Dr. Jorge Adolfo sat at the center of a long chestnut table in a flood-lit bunker buried into a hill in the outskirts of the Elysian capital. Dr. Adolfo looked across the table at his colleagues; a collection of the nation’s highest ranking admirals, generals, and politicians. “I understand the dire circumstances that we are facing gentlemen, and I understand your desire to see Michael serve in a military capacity but if we make one misstep, we risk turning lose something which we will never be able to get back under control. It is quite literally, gentlemen, a Pandora’s Box.” Dr. Adolfo knew he was fighting a losing battle, that we was going to be out-voted, but he would not hesitate to speak his mind. “Jorge, we all respect your research. The Initiative you and your associates have put together at Reclaimer is incredible and we are all inspired by your achievements over the last several years, but I must remind you that your project was funded by the state. Ultimately, we will decide what will become of him.” Minister of Defense Salvadore Pedrino forced a smile at the end of his statement which quickly faded to a smug grin in the direction of his allies in the Admiralty. Dr. Adolfo sighed, reclining back in his chair a bit as discussion continued about the possible applications for Michael and his descendants in the Elysian armed forces. Dr. Adolfo simply listened for a while attempting to calm himself before speaking again. “If Michael were deployed to our carrier strike groups he could significantly increase th-” “One moment Admiral,” Dr. Adolfo interrupted Rear Admiral Vladimir Politov, “I must remind you all of our own legal framework drafted last year for the rights of synthetics. You may have funded the project, but last year your own legislatures, your own people, voted to award synthetics equal rights. If Michael is to join our armed forces, it must be on account of his own free will.” Dr. Adolfo paused for a moment, scanning the faces in the room. “So why don’t we ask him?” ---- The State of Elysium 2161 Population: 3,135,293 AP: 235 A year of calm before an inevitable storm. The State of Elysium has become a fortress as defenses from the Zaxx have been hastily constructed throughout the nation’s space. The Elysian fleet itself continues to grow rapidly, expanding its capabilities rapidly in preparation for an inevitable fight for the survival of the state. Recruitment propaganda is at an all time high for the Legion and the Navy while a great sense of pride is placed in those who harvest Elysium’s bounty; the crops that sustain most of the surviving Northern states. In preparation for the war to come, another substantial order of ships is made in Atlas Yards in order to nearly complete the Carrier Strike Group Chariot of Liberty. Eleven Light Cruisers, Two Battleships, and Five Support Carriers are ordered to be produced at Atlas Yards this year (116 AP out of 120 Capacity in SL7). The remaining requirements for the Chariot of Liberty are built in Zaxx space numbering Six Heavy Cruisers and Fifteen Destroyers (93 AP). The remaining amount of resources are allocated to the Michael Initiative and the beginning of the production of new synthetics based on the Zyrka model. Those Zyrka who have chosen to assist the Elysians in their construction of synthetics are placed in high positions in order to advise their Elysian counterparts (26 AP). Michael is asked whether not he will aid the State of Elysium in their defense, or if he would prefer to live in peace.
  10. The State of Elysium 2159 Population: 2,044,479 [Total] AP: 183 Expenditures The Elysians continue to invest in their agricultural programs despite the war surrounding them. They also begin to offer exports to surrounding nations [65 AP]. The time has come for the first massive expansion of the Elysian Navy. The first step in completing this endeavour is the construction of a shipyard on a grand scale. Atlas Yards is awarded the contract and they go about expanding their current operations of Elysium. [60 AP to SL6] After the construction of the shipyard, a battleship, carrier, seventeen corvettes, and a destroyer are constructed to bolster the Elysian fleet [38 AP]. Investment continues to pour into the Reclaimer Corporation as they hasten their efforts on Michael and advancing his intellectual capacity [20 AP]. The State of Elysium 2160 Population: 2,330,431 [Total] AP: 184 Expenditures With the end of the agricultural investments, the Elysians move to upgrade Atlas Yards once more [80 AP]. Investments continue into teaching Michael and molding him into a true man [18 AP]. The Elysians reach out to the Ka’Czech in their Dyson Sphere with regards to a variety of fleet technology [Czar]. Four more carriers are added to the Elysian fleet along with Twenty-Eight Frigates [86].
  11. “So where do we go from here?” Ioannis wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, his palm coming to rest under his chin. “I don’t know, he did what you wanted. He showed emotion.” Dr. Adolfo looked away from his colleague, staring through the glass back into the room where the Michael terminal sat idle. “He ******* said he’s afraid of us Jorge - afraid.” Ioannis turned to face the terminal as well, his hands shifting to mirror his superior. The two men stood in silence for a moment, stunned by the exchange that had just taken place between man and machine on the other side of that thin glass sheet. Ioannis broke the silence. “Should we just cancel the project? Wipe Michael and advise the Forum that we’re in way over our heads? If it’s afraid of us, if it thinks -” “No.” Jorge turned to the younger engineer, releasing a deep sigh to steady himself. “That’s why he’s afraid. He knows at the end of the day, we can just,” Jorge snaps his fingers, “Shut him down. Just like that. Gone from existence. He knows that, right now at least, we’re his God.” Ioannis nodded, shifting his feet across the spotless tile floors of the dim concrete room surrounded the two men. “I understand that, Jorge. But what’s the alternative? Risking unleashing a machine that, if it wanted to, could go link up with our entire damn defense grid and turn it loose on any one of our worlds? Maybe all of them?” “He.” “What?” “You keep referring to Michael as it. We’re far passed him being called ‘it.’” Jorge rested his hand on Ioannis shoulder in hopes of calming his counterpart. “He’s beginning to act like you or I now. We need to treat him like he is one of us.” “Alright, but I’m still not following, not completely.” Ioannis brushed aside Jorge’s embrace, moving closer to the glass window separating him from Michael. “Are you saying we just… untether him?” “Not yet, but sooner rather than later. Imagine something for me. Michael is a man, and with us being able to just terminate his software at whenever we want, we’re essentially holding a gun to his head. Imagine if I forced you into a small room while keeping a rifle trained at the back of your head then asked you questions that, if you answered them wrong, meant a bullet in your skull.” Jorge shook his head, “Maybe he’s right to be afraid of us Ioannis.” “Maybe, but what are you suggesting? We move him from this spot and throw a terminal in a picturesque field somewhere and talk to him there?” Ioannis put a hand to the glass while the other rested on his hip. “No.” Jorge thought for a moment, then placed his hand gently his partner’s shoulder, “He needs a body.” ---- The State of Elysium 2158 Population: 1,908,488 [Total] AP: 100 Expenditures The Elysians continue to invest in their agricultural programs, especially focusing on smaller farmers to protect them from cheaper product now moving in from the recently at peace Ka’Cezh [65 AP]. Michael continues to learn with the help of his handlers at Reclaimer corporation. Most of the funds are put aside for his actual education, but with the help of the Kyber Corporation, a basic frame for a body is constructed as well. He is not yet uploaded to his new body [15 AP]. The Solarins receive more aid this year to help relieve the stress of their transition to the Human Federation [20 AP]. With consultation from the Zyrka, a basic first draft of the rights of Synthetics are drafted. They are modeled after the rights of Elysians themselves and careful care is taken to assure that they are free just as any other Elysian might be [0 AP] The Elysians go to the Ka'Cezh Dyson sphere to investigate their remnants [0 AP].
  12. First Congress of Viyter - 2157 In 2157, delegates from across the Human Federation gathered in the capital of the Federation, Viyter, for the nation’s first Congressional session. Representatives came from each planet of the respective member states - The State of Terra, the State of Elysium, the Commonwealth of Viyter, the Commonwealth of Redskap, and the Balkan Confederacy. Session Notes ---/--- Presidential Election The first order of business of the Congress was to elect the first President of the Human Federation. Delegates were nominated, speeches were made, and elections were held. The first round concluded with 15 votes for Mr. Wilson DeMont of Viyter, 15 votes for Ms. Varissa of La’thiil, 9 votes for Mr. Alexander Ramos of Mercury, and 3 votes for Mr. Svear of Redskap. With a tie, a runoff election began. Mr. Wilson DeMont secured a supermajority, winning the presidency outright. Ms. Varissa, as the second highest vote-getter, was named Vice President of the Human Federation. The President of the Human Federation acts as the chief diplomat of the nation and its face abroad. He also has some bully pulpit power to influence congressional legislation, but he wields no direct ability to veto or sponsor legislation Admission of the Frontier Colony Association The State of Elysium motioned to admit the Frontier Colony Association as a full state within the Federation. The results were as follows: Supermajority in favor of YES. The F.C.A. will be a full voting state of the Federation as of 2158. Embargo of the Han Western Authority The State of Terra motioned to embargo the Han Western Authority on the basis of previous war crimes and accusations that the H.W.A. was a rogue state. The results of the voting were as follows: Supermajority AGAINST. The Han Western Authority will not be embargoed. Joining the War Effort Against the Ar’Gakari The Commonwealth of Redskap motioned to join the ongoing conflict against the Ar’Gakari under the pretense that they are an ongoing threat to galactic peace. The results of the voting were as follows: 16 - Against 15 - For 3 - Abstain The Human Federation will not mobilize against the Ar’Gakari this year. Admission of the Polish Republic The Republic of Fristad proposed admitting the Polish Republic as a full member state into the Federation. The results of the voting were as follows: Unanimously FOR Special Session on Voting Power of the Congress The Baltic Confederacy proposed a voting system that more adequately balances out the number of votes each state possesses. The results of the voting were as follows: Unanimously FOR ---/--- The Human Federation is open for diplomatic conversations at any time. We may be contacted through any member state, though the main diplomatic offices are within our capital, Viyter within the state formerly known as Kyber Kore. Given the current state of the galaxy, the Human Federation is open to all refugees within any of our member states - especially those of human descent. We encourage all fellow Human nations - be they FEZ, Redon satellites, or otherwise to engage with us in peaceful discourse with the Federation.
  13. Reclaimer Corporate Record Michael Initiative Mercury Institute of Technology Field Laboratory - Cyrene 14 December, 2156 Interview #0014 - The Arts & Emotion Introduction ----- / ----- “Good morning Michael. How are you feeling this morning?” “Ioannis, good morning. All systems operational, functioning at 100%. Receiving data with zero interruptions from Dr. Adolfo.” “Excellent Michael, but that was not my question. I asked you how you are feeling.” Silence… static… “Michael?” “I do not understand the question, sir.” “Oh Michael… I will help you understand. Here, look at this.” “Receiving transmission from Dr. Adolfo… processing… processed… Sunflowers, Vincent Van Gogh… 1888… one of the most popular paintings produced by Mr. Van Gogh and certainly the one most often reproduced on postcards, orna-” “Michael, do all that in your head. I’m not worried about any of that. See the image, put the data in a separate place and listen to me.” Silence… understanding… “See the bright tone of the colors, the way the flowers lay gracefully out of the vase, the way the petals dance lazily about one another Michael.” “Yes, this is regarded as one the few pieces Mr. Van Gogh produced during a time of optimism in his life. He was anxiou-” “Precisely, Michael. Optimism, hope, happiness. You see it here? From the painting, we learn what made this man believe in life, reach out for hope, find a fleeting moment of happiness. For him, it may be flowers, for another man it may be ice cream.” “Ioannis, is it not true that one could only know this if one knew Mr. Van Gogh as I do? Or you do?” “Perhaps, perhaps. But fundamentally we men, you and I, we share the same basic understanding of the world around us. A man on Elysium and a man on Cyrene who have never met and have no understanding of one another look over this painting and can see in it life, optimism, and happiness. He may never meet Van Gogh, he may have never heard of him, yet he understands these things because he is. And you too Michael will come to understand them because you are.” “I am.” Silence. “Let’s take a look at another. Here, process it. But… in your head this time.” Saturn Devouring His Son; Francisco Goya, 1819-1823 Silence. Processing. Whir of a nearby fan. Shuffling of a technicians feet. “I believe I see fear.” “You ought to, Michael. This a horrifying image; a father devouring his son. A man consuming another man.” “Why would man depict such a scene?” “Fear is part of our experience. We are descended from the coward too scared to venture off into the African jungle and decided to farm instead, after all.” “Fear is part of our experience.” “Yes Michael. Some men are driven by what they fear, some spend their entire lives crippled by it. Perhaps you have your own fears, I certainly have mine.” “Is it possible to have fears even if I do not know fear?” “I don’t think anybody really knows fear. It’s the creak in a floorboard above you when you’re standing in the dark - the unfamiliar knock at your door - the unexpected pat on the back from an old friend who approached just a bit too quietly. Fear is diverse but it is everywhere, just like any of our emotions, our experiences. I want you to learn that you do not need to understand in order to feel.” “Ioannis,” “Michael.” “I have an answer to your question now.” “Oh? Tell me how you feel then Michael.” “I feel afraid.” “Of what?” “Man.” -----/----- The State of Elysium --2157-- Total Population: 1,781,596 AP: 118 Actions Once again, the fields of Elysian bustle with new activity as the Republic passes yet another massive Farm Bill. There is not much to say with regards to this, the Republic merely continues to press forward in its effort to sustain a blossoming population [65 AP]. Aid to the Solarins [20 AP]. Man continues to develop AI as though they were building machines. The Elysians recognize that they are building a new kind of man altogether [20 AP]. A variety of smaller ships are constructed to support the small but growing fleet of the Republic. One light cruiser, a frigate, and a pair of corvettes [10 AP]. Conscription of 15,000 new Auxiliaries [3 AP].
  14. The Human Federation In this year of our lord 2156, mankind finds itself at a crossroads once again. During our first half century on the galactic stage, other races witnessed fratricide on an epic scale. Fractured factions of humanity slaughtered each other, clawing away at their rivals in a quest for domination. We now declare these Galactic Dark Ages finished. In one, unified voice the states of Terra, Viyter, and Elysium declare an end to this era of civil war. There is no longer Kiber Kore, there is no longer an Elysian League, there no longer a Solarin Ascendancy. There is only the Human Federation. We will not press our fellow man into submission, we will not levy our armies against those who share the same beating heart and were born in the light of the same star. We will join hands and face what this galaxy might throw at us together. We will fight back those who wish to put man in chains and we will press forward towards liberty, equality, and prosperity. God bless the Human Federation. --- Federation Type: Fertility Member States: State of Elysium; Commonwealth of Viyter; State of Terra Government Type: Capital on Viyter - Bicameral Legislature, Senate and House. Elected representatives represent major settlements, Senators appointed via election from local governments rather than directly. Policy for New Admittance: Application for Statehood.
  15. “Squadrons Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, and Golf man your stations immediately. Remaining squadrons, standby for further instructions.” Schynian Luusir rushed out from her cabin, pulling over her flight suit clumsily as she rushed to the starboard hangar of the Pericles. Only a moment before, she had been looking through old photos of her family from better days on Tjosa E, but now she would have to face the monsters who ripped them away from her. She shook her head, escaping those thoughts that might cloud her judgement to notice that in front of her Antonio Augustino was waving her over to their aircraft - freshly emblazoned with the symbol of Golf Squadron and its mascot, a Scottish Bagpiper riding a bison. “Schynian, hurry up we’ve gotta get moving. Fighters from the Hector are getting slammed by point defense on the station near the lunar surface. Good news is they’re not seeing any enemy strike craft, we’re flying solo.” Antonio smirked then leaped up into the lower half of the cockpit, beginning to engage the reactor and spin the laser gatling turrets up for a dry fire test. Schynian lumbered up into the upper cockpit and smiled as the seat spun to face the rear of the bomber. A virtual assistant on either side of the glass pane showed her the view from a pair of massive laser turrets on either side and a view of the bomb bay, positioned directly below her seat. “Lieutenant Augustino, weapon systems are engaged. All systems green, ready when you are.” “Oh Schynian, save the formalities. It’ll get us killed.” Antonio laughed as Schynian felt a twinge of frustration, though it didn’t last long as the human flipped on the engine and darted out of the Pericles’ massive hangar and into the fray. Almost immediately, Golf Squadron suffered a score of losses as flak slammed into the approaching bombers unprotected by a fighter escort too busy either engaging the station or the nearby light cruiser and destroyers slamming into the small Elysian carrier fleet. “400km to first target. Railgun emplacement. 350...300...250..200…” Schynian ticked off the distance, watching to Ka’Cezh computer for the signal to drop the bomb… “Drop it now Toni!” With the press of a button, a half dozen bombs fell from the bomber, slamming into the massive railgun emplacement. Just as the bombs began to fall, the railgun let off one final blast, the massive recoil from the strike pressing the bomber off course. Schynian watched as the railgun round slammed into a nearby frigate igniting a torpedo bay and subsequently tearing apart the rest of the ship. Hundreds of good Elysians… gone. Schynian had no time to mourn though as Antonio’s voice snapped her out of her spell, “Schynian, Schynian!” “Yeah?” “Look, here come the dropships they’re moving to land on the station. Let’s clear a path for ‘em.” With that, Antonio dove the bomber downward, the front-facing laser gatling turrets spinning up as Schynian watched dozens of Darkul get mowed down by Antonio’s well placed shots. She couldn’t help but offer a small smile, “Great shooting. Slaughter those oafs.” Antonio came around for a second pass and then darted away from the station, its railgun emplacements now entirely disabled while troops on the ground moved to disable its point defense and secure the rest of the station. Now was the time to focus on the destroyers. Just as Golf Squadron turned to engage the Darkul task force, Schynian watched as massive streaks of light cracked from the Elysian destroyers, striking the light cruiser precisely, cutting through the hull. As luck would have it, one of the laser bursts cut through the reactor, destabilizing the ship and sending it barrelling into the nearby moon. Golf Squadron quickly found itself skirting through more flak, fighting to drop their payloads on the few remaining Darkul ships while other fighters and bombers from the Elysian task force did the same. The fight did not last long as the Elysians, now unimpeded by the Darkul station, managed to use their bombers and fighters to disable the Darkul’s shields then slice through them with their lasers. In the span of about half an hour, the Elysian League scored a decisive victory in its first naval engagement. A truly glorious day for the Republic. --- The Elysian League Total Population: 1,663,191 Total AP: 85 --- Actions: Now that the Elysian League found itself a member of a greater part of Humanity once again, it felt more comfortable expanding its capacity to wage war, and indeed, found it necessary to do so. The Elysian Navy replaces its loses from the most recent battle and then some, ensuring their capabilities continue to expand. This comes out to two destroyers, a frigate, and three corvettes [10 AP]. The Elysian League continues to fund Reclaimer Corp’s adventures into the field of Artificial Intelligence, still seeking to create a machine that understands the human experience. In the previous year, it was fed art, culture, and history. Now it is taught something more complex, emotion. Using the art and customs it has understanding of, it is taught how experiences are associated with emotions and how these works can evoke great feeling, something the machine must come to understand [5 AP]. The Republican Flight Academy is opened on Elysium. After the most recent battle, it is clear that fighters and bombers will be the core from which the rest of the fleet thrives. This means having capable pilots. Officers from the Elysian Navy are recruited, but a tremendous amount of resources are spent in recruiting officers to teach there as well. Considering the Elysians utilize Ka’Cezh models, the Ka’Cezh specifically are targeted [5 AP]. Agricultural expansion, an initiative on Elysium as constant and efficient as tax collection, continues this year. A significant amount of funding is provided to corporations to innovate new technologies to help increase their crop yields and cooperation is encouraged with the new Han allies to get this done [65 AP to Agriculture]. The Ka’Cezh are assured that their departure from the Northern Alliance does not mean an end to their military cooperation and mutual defense. The Elysians make it clear that they will fight to the end alongside the Ka’Cezh and that, if after the war, the Ka’Cezh feel that they would like to sever ties because of the change in federation status, then so be it. The Elysians make it clear that the action is out of no hostility toward the Ka’Cezh or any other N.A. member, merely a desire to be more closely associated with members of their own races [0 AP]. A vast patch of the new TCs and CS controlled by the Elysian League is surveyed this year [0 AP].
  16. Paulo slouched over his desk, typing furiously into his computer. The young Elysian statesman moved quickly through the standard forms, filing various reports on the Han he had just met with for Foreign Minister Hollande’s office. The Han, despite previous reports from other Human-led nation states, proved rather amicable in my first meeting. The self-proclaimed core of the Celestial Empire, the Han capital planet Yugou is a rather bleak one. It’s rolling hills are drenched for most of the year in dense fog and rain excellent for producing their staple crop, rice. They’ve appeared to have made significant advances in genetic engineering and their crops prove both incredibly nutritious and resilient. As far as I am concerned, the Han pose no natio- “Ambassador Augstino,” a voice pierced through Paulo’s concentration. The Elysian ambassador swiveled briskly in his chair to see one of the information officers standing in the doorway to his cabin, datapad in hand. “You’ve received a private transmission from your brother. I’ve uploaded it to your own computer, I believe you ought to read it. The subject line marks it urgent.” “Which brother?” “Giuseppe.” Paulo nodded then turned away from the intruder. He continued working on the document for a few minutes with an even greater intensity - delaying the inevitable As far as I am concerned, the Han pose no national security threat for the foreseeable future. Though their Emperor does have connections with the Ka’Cezh hierarchy, the Empire itself lacks the means to properly enforce their claim of sovereignty over our state. They are in a state of rapid military buildup so it seems as my junior staff studiously pointed out to me that their shipyard appeared to be furiously churning out new ships for their fleet. Despite that fact, I am still confident in my assertion that they pose no imm- With a small ding, a new transmission popped up in the top right corner of the screen. URGENT: Get back to me soon little brother Paulo sighed, saving his progress on the reported titled “Han Dominion Threat Assessment” before opening the notification. Paulo, Just finished our last round of field readiness training. Can’t say I was in great shape by the end of it and I can barely keep my eyes open while I’m writing this. Anyway, we’re shipping out to the front in the next couple of days. I know you’re busy, so I’ll try not to let this run on too long. I just sent my last check to Dad, so hopefully he can buy something nice for Mom or whatever. I don’t know where we’re going yet, brass won’t say, but I expect it’ll be some rough bush. Paulo, if I come back in a box I want you to keep an eye on the family. Mom is struggling and so is Dad, even though they won’t say it. Mom called about a week ago sobbing, telling me she was worried about the both of us and talking about how she couldn’t go on if she lost either of her little boys. The usual ****. I talked to Dad too, he says she’s been having fits of anxiety the last couple days and he’s been close to taking her to the hospital a couple of times now - hasn’t seen her this worked up since Grandma died in ‘33. You gotta keep an eye on her little brother. Dad’s getting old too. Love ya, Tony Paulo couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy by the time he finished the message. So brief but it meant so much to him. Instinctively, Paulo went to reply but found himself at a loss for words. He minimized the tab and pushed himself away from the screen, standing from his chair and pacing about his small cabin. “If I come back in a box” His brother always was so eloquent with words. If his mother saw that, she might die of cardiac arrest on the spot. Jesus, Tony. But Paulo knew what he was saying. His contact in Defense had told him of the possibilities for deployment; the Zaxx battlefront, Free Ymorian space, the frontline with the Darkul… if Tony was lucky he would get deployed to the East to fight off the Ar’gakari fleet where at least he stood a chance working with fresher Northern Alliance assets, but then again, Elysian troops rarely got lucky. Paulo found himself moving back to his computer, settling into his chair once again. Rather than respond to his brother, he engrossed himself in more work. He finished the threat assessment on the Han and began to read up on his next assignment, the Solarins. Paulo always found comfort in his work, and he figured he would need to be as comfortable as possible when he finally built up the nerve to answer Tony. --- The Elysian Republic Total Population [Human and Non-Human]: 1,553,150 AP: 82 Actions With war enveloping the borders of the Republic, the Ministries of Defense and the Treasury begin to award contracts to foreign Human empires to produce advanced weapons systems to aid them in their conflict with the tyrannical Imperial Coalition. The Silver Knights Corporation are awarded a hefty contract for a swath of different mechs and fighters while Hephaestus Enterprises receives a request for 96,000 Tithonius II droids to compliment the Auxiliary [40 AP]. Atlas Yards receives another large private order from some wealthy individuals from the outer worlds of the Republic. They churn out another carrier, four frigates, and four corvettes. Upon their completion, they go out to meet the rest of the private fleet. None of the ships are marked in Elysian colors [20 AP]. The new Elysian colony is settled this turn on a planet rich in Itoron conveniently discovered by a private mining venture near the end of the year. The population is rather small and the first bio-domes are established close to the new mines. A few Elysians grumble about wasting the colony ship on a barren world, but such is the price of new wealth [+1 Colony]. Reclaimer Corporation, the Mercury Institute of Technology, and Nova Analytica continue to work on Artificial Intelligence at the Institute’s campus on Mercury. After perfecting machine learning, the Elysians would feed it massive databases of art, music, and history. The goal now is to make it more… human [15 AP]. Another 25,000 Elysian Auxiliaries are conscripted this year much to the dismay of mothers and fathers across the Republic. More men to face death in the light of a foreign star [5 AP]. The Republic also colonizes a new star system [0 AP].
  17. The Silver Knights Corporation 2154 --- A vast amount of resources are sent to the Solarin Ascendancy in order to fund the construction of a whopping eight light cruisers. This will help bolster a somewhat underserved Armathawaite fleet which has suffered losses in various conflicts over the last half decade [40 AP to Tyras for the construction of 8 Light Cruisers]. The Kingdom also sees fit to invest more directly into the business side of things, bolstering the corporate arms of the Kingdom and strengthening the Bank of Armathawaite's critical infrastructure. Various small businesses and large corporations also receive new government contracts to develop new products for the galactic markets [40 AP into business]. Bounty Hunter [4 AP].
  18. Tsoja E, Ymorian Space, 2150 Darkul Warships, thousands of them. When Schynian Luusir turned her gaze towards the sky, all she saw was the bottom of the behemoths as they began to circle the planet, preparing for invasion. Alarms blared throughout the countryside as thousands of Ymorians darted for bomb shelters, vehicles, or otherwise simply knelt where they stood preparing for the end. Schynian ran back from her work in the fields to her home, yelling for her husband and children to meet her downstairs with whatever they could carry. She leapt outside again, leaping into the cockpit of the Cynn Personal Starfarer she and her husband purchased a few years back. With the flick of a switch, its miniaturized Xylorite reactor roared to life and the ship began to power up. Schynian paused in the cockpit, breathing deeply and slowing herself down for a moment. CRACK. The sound of the sky ripping apart shook Schynian from her brief meditation. She turned her gaze upward again, but this time she was relieved. Ka’Cezh and Ymorian starships had warped into the system and began engaging the Darkul! From the surface of the planet, she could make out the glistening beams of light punching into the shields of the Darkul ships, buying time for the evacuation of Tsoja E. Schynian smiled cautiously as she ran back in the house, knowing she had more time to get her family out. She gathered them in front of the door, patting her children on the head and kissing their foreheads. She hugged her husband and reassured him that they would be okay, that the Ka’Cezh would cover the evacuation. After looking over the house she raised a family in for the final time, she ushered her family out the door. They all climbed into the Starfarer, pulling away from the house and blasting off. Overhead, the Ka’Cezh were forcing back the Darkul steadily. A Cynn Personal Starfarer “Mom, look!” As Schynian and her family began to ascend into the lower atmosphere over one of the planet’s largest cities, one of the children pointed out the window at a massive object headed for the city. Just as Schynian turned to look at the object, the entire sky became as bright as the sun. The interior of the Starfarer began to flash red and the air around the craft erupted with energy. Critical Engine Failure. Critical Engine Failure. Atmospheric Exit Disengaged. Brace for Landing. Brace For Landing. Brace fo..la..nd… The Starfarer plummeted to the ground, slamming into a nearby mountainside and collapsing into a pile of smouldering rubble. Hours Later Schynian woke in terrible pain, finding her arm completely shattered beneath a massive section of the now ruined Starfarer. She yelled out for her family, but none responded. As she began to regain her ability to utilize her seeing membrane, she quickly recognized the charred corpses of her family. All around her the earth smouldered. From where she crashed she could see the city, now nothing but a ruin. Schynian had heard stories of this before. When the Darkul were losing, they simply set fire to a world through nuclear holocaust. Her home, Tsoja E, had fallen victim. Now a light flashed above her and a Ka’Cezh aircraft hovered just a few feet above the crash site. Ka’Cezh soldiers leapt down from the craft, quickly moving to help Schynian out from under the rubble. They loaded her into the aircraft and whirred off toward a hospital carrier in orbit. The Nuclear Bombardment of Tsoja E, captured by Ka’Cezh spacecraft After hours of recovery, a Ka’Cezh nurse came to speak with Schynian. “Ma’am, we’ve done what we could for your arm and provided a temporary cybernetic implant. You’ve been treated for the radiation as well. We’re…” “My family… they didn’t take the bodies..” Schynian cried, looking to her right at the poorly designed piece of metal attached to where her arm used to be. “What?” The nurse looked alarmed, looking over a holographic tablet quickly. She frowned, quickly understanding Schynian’s tragedy. “My family… they’re gone…” She paused, looking out into the vastness of space from her hospital bed. “Where are you taking me?” “We’re taking you to a refugee station near the core of Ka’Cezh space. From there you could resettle in Ymorian space or settle elsewhere… quite a few Ymorians have been opting for a different nation altogether though, one more… removed.” “Where?” Present Day Cyrene, Planet Aeneas, Elysian League Space “Excuse me, watch out, excuse me…” Schynian shuffled along past a group of Krib slithering through the small cobblestone streets of the marketplace with a large crate in tow. Filled with various crops, Schynian intended to sell it for to one of the Human traders who shipped off-world. After nearly kicking over a smaller Krib nibbling on a large ear of corn, Schynian burst out from the narrow pathways into a beautiful plaza that marked the center of the small town of Cyrene. At the base of a fountain, a T’jell employed by the Elysian government began to read out a list of names - a list of the dead. “20,000 more Elysians died in 2153. Most of them on the Zaxx front. About a quarter of them died on the Ymorian front this year, a new theater for the Republic. The Ka’Cezh requested Elysian support on the Ymorian front, which appears to be collapsing, late in the year. Fighting there is said to be especially desperate and severe.” Schynian’s ears perked up at that. She knew that the Elysians had been involved in the war for a few years after a small Zaxx incursion nearly destroyed one of the settlements in the Northern Colonies, but the fact that Elysians were being deployed to Ymorian Space... It did not matter, Schynian stopped paying attention as the T’jell continued to read out names of the sons and daughters of the people of Cyrene who died in the war. There was some weeping behind her as she reached the desk of the Human merchant. She sighed as she pulled the cart to her side. “I’ve got what you needed, Antonio.” The old man turned to the Ymorian woman, speaking with a thick Italian accent. “Ci? Do ya?” The old man came out from behind his stand, kneeling over the cart. “Lets’a take a look,” the man briefly inspected the cart before piping up again, “5,000 Florins, ci?” “5,000? You gave me seventy-five hundred just last week for the same thing…” Schynian quickly became annoyed, pulling the cart back from the man. “This’a war is’a makin’ shipping costs expensive, more freighters a’ going to carryin’ troops to the front. I have’a to cutta the costs here to keep making profits up there, capiche?” Antonio pointed toward the sky, shaking his head. Frustrated, Schynian passed over the goods in the cart to Antonio. On another day, perhaps she would have tried to resist the old man and demanded the real price… but not today, she did not have the will to argue today. Schynian reached for the empty cart and prepared to head back to her farmhouse overlooking Cyrene. As Schynian began to turn off a side street and out of the plaza, a column of Elysian Auxiliaries in their elegant bronze armor began carefully brushing by the townspeople. Schynian stopped to watch them as they marched to the center of the plaza and a man in an elegant grey uniform stepped out from the column. “People of Cyrene, your Republic calls on you to serve in a grand endeavour. Over glorious Elysium, a new shipyard has been constructed. Here, the Elysian League will begin to build a navy capable of defending its people from the threats that loom on the edges of our space. I am here to take the names of recruits. You will be offered a handsome bonus for signing with us today!” The man stepped back into the column and pulled out a tablet. Almost immediately, several fresh-faced Humans, T’jell, and even one Krib (who was promptly sent away), went to sign up for the new Elysian Navy. Schynian sighed, shaking her head and turning away from the scene. She continued up the side street for awhile, deep in thought. After a few moments away from the plaza, Schynian felt her hand fall from the cart. She felt her legs carry her over to the man in the gray uniform. Not long thereafter, she felt herself shaking hands with the Elysian naval recruiter. What the hell was she doing... ---- The Elysian League 2154 Population: 1,250,000 Humans; 100,000 Ka’Cezh; 40,000 Ymorians; 30,000 T’jell; 15,000 Cevelli; 15,000 Krib [Pending Czar Changes] Planets and Territorial Claims: 11/33 Shipyard: SL4 Resources: Itoron, Xylorite AP: 70 Expenditures [4] Colony Ship - Despite the war on both sides of Elysian Space, the Republic has seen fit to continue to expand its reach to the west. Charters are sold for new land and mining rights on the next colony in order to fund the craft. [5] Elysian Auxiliaries - 25,000 new Elysian Auxiliaries are recruited this year and equipment is constructed to support them. They are equipped with the standard spear and shield of the Auxiliaries. [8] Carrier - The first Elysian naval vessel is built in the shipyard above Elysium. Dubbed the Pericles, it is launched with a great deal of ceremony. [10] Special Project - The Forum is established, a hub of science and technological assets from across the Elysian League and beyond. Most of the expenditures are in awarding contracts to previously established private companies and non-Elysian corporations. [18] Support Ships - To compliment the Pericles, a group of support ships are constructed. Two destroyers and six frigates are built. [25] Marketplaces - The Elysian federal government allocates resources to the newest colonies, building them small marketplaces not too dissimilar from the one described in the town of Cyrene on Aeneas (business investment). [0] Troop Movements - Lacking freighters to properly move their own troops, the Elysians request the aid of the Ka’Cezh in deploying a new round of troops to the Ymorian front. The Ka’Cezh and Elysians have likely done this practice for a few years now, so it shouldn’t be anything troublesome. [0] Psionic Census - After a few awkward encounters on Elysium with psionic-capable Cevelli immigrants, the federal government has seen it fit to hold a census in an attempt to get their psionically gifted citizens to come forward. It is made clear that there is no harm intended towards them, the government just wants to know what they’re working with, so to speak. [0] Vulcan’s Forge - The Forge continues to work this year, putting out a great deal of raw materials to the open market. These materials are sold for a handsome profit to the Ka’Cezh, Ymorians, and whoever else might take them. However, the practice is getting old. The Elysians seek out new clients, but more importantly, new teachers. The Elysians want to learn from other great metallurgists from the Northern Galaxy and improve their craft. Inquiries are made. [0] Naval Aid - Given that the Elysians have only just begun building up their fleet, they’ve only really invested into offensive weapons. This leaves their ships incredibly vulnerable and without shielding. The Elysians request aid from the Ka’Cezh in the form of some kind of ship-based shielding technique which can be fitted to ships in their navy. They also request a fighter design in order to fit on their ships and the possibility of utilizing a nearby Ka’Cezh shipyard in order to produce more new ships for the Elysian Fleet. [0] Diplomatic Envoys - Given the desperate times for the Elysian League and its northern allies, the Elysians send several diplomatic vessels south to their human counterparts to learn from and potentially trade with them.
  19. The Erakat Caliphate Year 2153 Population: 1,510,500 Shipyards: 7, 4, 2 War Time. The Fleet of the Caliphate is mobilized and prepared for war. What ships that can be churned out are churned out, double time. The Caliphate and its people have known for a long time now that if they wanted to survive, they would have to fight. The Eadni would fight to the last. AP Expenditures & Actions Available AP: 128 In a coordinated effort by Salman Erakat and his officers, the new territories of the Sultanate of Haqeeqa are scanned for new mineral riches. TAROT-M Scanners are used to supplement a more conventional search [0 AP]. A few special weapons are constructed for the Protorians. [10 AP]. In the new cluster of colonies controlled by Salman Erakat, three shipyards are built. A fourth is constructed in a sector not far from Amal proper. [24 AP, four new SL2s]. Fleet Additions [93 AP] 4 Heavy Cruisers 4 Light Cruisers 7 Destroyers 6 Frigates 4 Corvette 1 Dreadnoughts 500 Saqr II Fighters
  20. National Security Agency of the Erakat Caliphate Public Broadcast 2152 A joint conference is broadcast out to the galactic community jointly by the Caliphate’s National Security Agency and the Secret Service of the United States of Arcturius. It is distributed mostly through the Arcturians and whatever other human outlets might receive it first, then spread throughout the Southern galaxy. Arcturian representatives speak first. “The United States of Arcturius has been the victim of a coordinated assault by the Han Dominion. Agents of the Dominion, acting with some kind of advanced disguises or appearance-altering mechanisms, deliberately and systematically entered the country. Once inside, they stirred up chaos that resulted in the deaths of Arcturian civilians and forced the Lithurian Coalition to step in to stop the fighting. Now that we’ve regained our stability and rooted out these chaotic elements, we want to issue a warning to the nations of this galaxy. We have reason to believe that Han agents have successfully interested an undetermined number of states across the Southern and Northern galaxies. We believe this intelligence to be very credible, and though we cannot reveal our sources or methods to the public, we encourage all states’ intelligence services to act immediately and effectively. The key to rooting out these "shape-shifters" is their D.N.A. The Han Agents, though they can mask their appearance perfectly, cannot mask their DNA. This how one must go about rooting them out. If you fail to act, your own nation may go the way of our once peaceful Republic. The Han were able to infiltrate all levels of our government. It is safe to assume that they may have donee the same to you. Act quickly.” The American representatives step aside, allowing the Eadni officials to speak. “Since they occured, our nation’s attack on the Han has been called everything from genocidal to reprehensible to outright illegal. We dismiss these notions and these acts only further provide us with justification to conduct strikes like the one that took place on Xin’Xian. It also provides us with justification to continue the war against these vermin. I ask you all again, especially those of you who share the heritage of Earth with us, do really wish to defend he who spies on you, sows chaos within you, and claims to be your overlord? Do you wish to continue to berate me for strikes carried out in defense of my sovereignty? Have you forgotten that the Han have Eadni, Arcturian, Solarin, Imperial, and F.C.A. blood on their hands? The Erakat Caliphate does not wish to continue to wage war. It does not wish to continue the spill Han blood. It desires a humanity that strives together towards peace; a peace that cannot be achieved as long as the Han Dominion exists in its current form. Glory to the Arcturians. Glory to the Eadni.”
  21. The Battle of Xin’Xian - After Action Report - Office of Naval History The Battle of Xin’Xian began with the entrance of two carriers, the IEN Hayreddin Barbarossa II and the IEN Abdelqadir. The carriers promptly released a series of thirteen inflatables of various sizes which succeeded in deceiving the Han vermin. After releasing the balloons, a strike group of 300 Saqr II fighters and 200 B4-X8’s bombers were released from the same carriers and began to engage with an approaching group of 400 Han Type 090 fighters. These were dealt with in short order with only 50 losses to the Eadni group in total (30 fighters and 20 bombers). The Han attempted to disable the Eadni strike craft with some kind of focused electromagnetic pulse, but this failed spectacularly. Following this engagement, Eadni fighters began to tow the inflatables toward Yugou, successfully deceiving the Han as they committed over 2,000 fighters to the engagement of these glorious warships. This engagement opened a window of opportunity not previously anticipated for the Eadni strike group. Under the leadership of Captain Khalid Khosafa, the Eadni strike force reacted quickly and began an impromptu assault upon the Han’s shipyard, Beijing Stronghold. A second force went off toward the capital city of the Han, Xin’Xian, to further exact revenge upon the vermin of Yugou. These missions proved incredibly successful with tens of thousands of projected Han casualties. Beijing Stronghold has been rendered at least partially ineffective, according to Eadni intelligence. Eadni Saqr II's on their attack run in Xin'Xian These are the opening salvos in what we anticipate will be a prolonged and bloody conflict. Inshallah, the might of Eadni resolve and their iron wall, the Reformed Navy, will allow our people to prevail. ---- Press Release By The Caliph Nassef Erakt Following The Yugou Assault Broadcast to whoever might hear it Ten years ago four-hundred thousand Eadni were driven from their homeworld. Thirty thousand of my brothers and sisters were left on the Holy Planet cold and lifeless. For the better half of the last decade, I have devoted time into nothing but fostering a renaissance of Eadni culture. We have thrived on our new world and sought nothing but peace. In time though, all good things must end. The same nation who funded the mercenaries that killed 30,000 Eadni only insulted my people further when it declared itself lord over not only my people, but all people of the Human race. I ask you now, to those who would condemn our actions, what would you have me do? Sit back and allow this to occur? I cannot do that. In human history, when another man has claimed dominion over his equals in other states, has man not acted against him. Shall I cite the examples? Napoleon wished for dominion over Europe. The Coalition struck him down. Hitler and the Axis wished for dominion over Earth. The Allies struck him down. For those states who do not understand Human history, or have not learned enough of it yet, understand that our history has shown us that inaction allows only for a problem to fester. Is this not a universally held notion? Now is the time to put down the one who claims lordship over his fellow man. This was the danger of the Eadn’s own Sultan a decade ago. He too was put down. As survivors of despotism, we are capable of recognizing it when we see it ourselves. It is why we now so vehemently strike out against this ideology of fear. Another case I have seen being made against us is our decision to strike out against civilians. To this, I can only say that war is a difficult endeavour. We lost 30,000 of our own to it. The Sultan chose to take lives in a suicidal bombardment on Utopie. We neither deny this nor are we proud of it. However, this strike on Yugou was different. The difference is one of intent. The strikes on Yugou were clearly intended for military and strategic targets and the lies being spun about our intent to directly harm civilians is unfounded. Strike craft were in fact directed toward Xin’Xian; however, their targets were all strategic in nature. Given the quantity of Han fighters and the nature of the mission, imprecise shots needed to be fired. Civilians were harmed. Payloads were dropped prematurely. We will not apologize to the Han for these actions, but to the galaxy as a whole, we implore that you do consider the ugly truth: Civilians die in war. While we do what we must to prevent it, it is the gruesome reality. Look at your own conflicts. If your histories are anything like humanity’s, acts of war on strategic targets have yielded unintended or unforeseen collateral damage. In our Second Great War, hundreds of thousands of civilians died in a firestorm that resulted from a bombing. The bombers were not those who intended to impose tyranny, instead it was the forces of righteousness who dropped those bombs. I am sure there are parallels in your own history - recent history, even. To the Protorians who wish to rush to war, we ask you to reconsider. Our diplomatic channels are open. We recognize that you, along with many others, regard the Eadni people as monsters. This is in part because of the actions of our dead Sultan and because of our heritage. We are not monsters. Every Eadni is free to think and act as a regular man would. If one wishes to challenge us on the ethics of this practice do so formally. Engage us in debate. Do not merely rattle sabers with unfounded justifications. To the Han people who wish to see an end to this senseless conflict, we merely ask you to renounce your claim to the stewardship of humanity. No further strikes will be conducted if this is carried out. If this is not, more strikes will follow. Your leader has placed his pride above the well-being of all of humanity. To my fellow human states, my fellow survivors, I say this. I will not ask you to take a side. I will not demand you join me in my war against the Han nor will I beg you not to join him. I merely ask you to consider the implications of aiding or fighting alongside the Han. You legitimize his claim, you serve his objectives. Have you not then surrendered your sovereignty to him? Have you not then clumsily bowed before him and accepted him as your Emperor?
  22. The Erakat Caliphate Year 2152 Population: 1,350,000 Shipyards: 7, 4 Cleaning house. Paranoia seeps into the upper-levels of Eadni government, especially in the chambers of the Caliph. In a sweeping decree, the Caliph orders every clone to register their serial numbers with the government. At birth, every Eadni clone is issued a serial number that identifies them. A practice since the Sultan’s government in the old Eadni homeworld, it was to ensure outsiders never seeped into the heart of government. The Caliph continued this practice believing it to be one of the few prudent practices that the Sultan ever implemented. In 2152, it was time to actually perform the first real checks since the Exodus. In addition to updated security measures on the ground, the entirety of the fleet is recalled to Amal. All Sixty-Four ships of the Eadni fleet are stationed in the Amal system and begin intense exercises in that space. In between these exercises, fleetwide upgrades are made as well. AP Expenditures & Actions Available AP: 64 The First Leviathan Class Ship is churned out of the Eadni Shipyard, it is dubbed the Dabbat Al-Ard [15 AP] [Details on specs on document, slight modifications w/ new tech acquisitions and creations] Work continues on the Heya Power Plant with contributions from the rest of the U.L.C. [30 AP; 15 from Eadn and 15 from Malta]. Another dormant project receives a new round of funding along with a new name, Almawt [15 AP; 5 from Malta, 10 from Eadn]. Work begins on integrating some Maltese weapons systems on all Eadni vessels over the course of the year. It is an extensive effort, but is considered well worth it by the time it is finished in 2153 [Czar, you know what I'm talking about I think] [5 AP]. Eadni scientists are sent to Maltese space to begin contributing to Project Sicily, a long-term Maltese project [5 AP]. Another carrier is constructed to supplement the buildup of new fighters and bombers [6 AP]. - 500 Aircraft are constructed, 250 Saqr II’s and 250 X8’s [5 AP]. A massive check of the registers begins. If any false serial ID’s are found, an attempt is made to take these imposters into custody. If they cannot be taken into custody, they are executed [2 AP]. Preparations are made for the assault on Yugou [1 AP]. An Eadni diplomatic corp makes an interesting couple of visits further to the south [0 AP]. In general, the perception of clones in the galaxy has not been very good as of late. Through a series of advertisements and attempts to open Amal, very cautiously, to contact with the galactic community at large, the Erakat Caliph hopes to smooth the perception of his people on the galactic stage. He makes several appeals to the freedom that the Eadni people possess and invites debate on the subject, not shying away from his beliefs but instead openly defending the position of his people [0 AP] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Act I In 2142, the Kingdom of Eadn was assaulted by barbarous mercenaries hired by the vermin who call the planet Yugou home. These mercenaries sacked our holy planet and brought about the calamity that sent our people fleeing. The Han failed, however, to finish their mission and allowed us to survive. They should have finished the job. Today, my sons and daughters, you set off on a mission that will be our first step in avenging that terrible calamity. The infidel shall now pay for their transgressions against us. You are the first children of Allah to serve in the defense of our homeland. We fight not out of a desire for conquest, but out of necessity. We fight today for our survival for we know that as long as these filth remain, they threaten our existence, our way of life. We wish to live in peace with our fellow humans, no longer does the Sultan reign and no longer to we seek dominion over our fellow man as we once did and the Han do now May the word of Allah and the might of our Caliphate survive for all of eternity. - Address before the crew and pilots of the Eadni Task force headed for the home system of the Han Dominion.
  23. A Declaration from the Caliph 2151 “It has come to my attention that the vermin of Yugou claim lordship over mankind. The Eadni bow only to Allah for he is the only Lord of Man. Inshallah, the blasphemers shall be struck down by His wrath.”
  24. The Erakat Caliphate Year 2151 Population: 1,204,500 Shipyards: 7, 4 AP Expenditures & Actions Available AP: 58 - The Bank of Armathawaite receives the remainder of their loan [40]. - Another massive push is made on the Leviathan-class ship this year, focusing on schematics and designing a digital prototype from which they can work to build the first real prototype when more resources can be allocated in 2152 [5]. - The idea presented by the scientist to implement a sort of instant-repair ship is wonderfully received, however Eadni scientists want to take it a step further. An idea is proposed wherein rather than an entire class of ship, small drones could be deployed from any class of ship and hover around the hull, making quick repairs as damage is done. The concept would go under extensive testing this year with the goal of being able to deploy prototypes to the fleet in 2152 [5]. - Research begins on the construction and implementation of a next-generation power plant, specifically to compliment the new Leviathan research and the ever-growing Eadni fleet [8]. - All four colony ships built in the previous year embark on their journey with the intent to set up shop close to one another in a remote part of space.
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