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Duchy of Leyawiin *The choices the stewards had returned with intrigued Marcus Aemilius. Each had their relative merits, with all but one being at the prime age for marriage. However, Marcus Aemilius' eye was drawn more to the eldest of the four choices: Ciissinia Vidinia, relative of the Grand Consul in the Imperial City. Such a marriage would provide great security for Leyawiin, and be a first step at gaining influence in the traditional capital of Cyrodiil. As such, Marcus Aemilius rides north to the Imperial City to meet Ciissinia, also sending a message in advance to Grand Consul Vidinia asking for his permission to court the bachelorette. The economic investment of last year is compounded upon with a smaller, yet still sizable amount of investments made into the local economy of Leyawiin. 1,000 Heavy Infantry also begin recruitment and training. These troops would join the Legio I "Leiavinium", with 1,000 Light Infantry being placed into a newly established permanent guard force which would stay in the city of Leyawiin itself. **The Argonian lords who had raised issue with the toll are re-assured that the toll is not placed on ships in the Niben Bay (or the Topal Bay, in case they were confused), but on ships moving through Leyawiin's territory of the Lower Niben River. Regardless, Marcus Aemilius begins implementing the next phase of the Lower Niben Toll plan, which had already been rather successful. ***Two large bridges are planned out and begin construction, one at the mouth of the Lower Niben into Topal Bay, and one at the mouth of the Lower Niben into Niben Bay, both of which of course being large enough to allow ships to pass beneath. The primary aim of this would be to secure the economic benefits the toll was bringing,a and hopefully increase them through a multitude of ways. Not only would these bridges facilitate the collection of the toll placed on ships going up the river, but they would also greatly facilitate trade and transport going across it - that is to say, mainly from Elsweyr to Blackmarsh, and vice versa. What's more, a very minor toll would be placed on trade crossing the bridge, excepting those with which Leyawiin had a trade deal. There would also be the minor benefit of assisting in future settlement across the Niben. These bridges would be each have a garrison of 250 Light Infantry to both enforce the toll and secure the bridge, the 500 being taken from the newly established permanent guard force. ****With military action eventually being likely in the long-term, Marcus Aemilius begins to see the need for a proper commander to lead his forces. While Marcus Aemilius held himself to be a good administrator and diplomat, he was far too lacking in military experience to be an effective general when rough came to tumble. Hence, he begins to search the officer corps of both the Leyawiin Legion and the Border Watch cavalry cohort for an experienced and well-respected commander. Actions Summary [+4AP from Niben Toll this turn] Meeting Vidinia bachelorette, asking Consul Vidinia for permission [See *] Economic Investment [4AP; 10AP total] 1,000 Heavy Infantry [6AP] Reassuring complainant Argonians [See **] Lower Niben Bridges and Toll [6AP; see ***] Searching for commander [See ****] Leyawiin Info

Duchy Of Leyawiin Leyawiin had seen worse days. Where decades ago, blood ran from war and bodies piled from plague, it was jubilant children who ran and produce that piled on the streets. The people were happy with how the Caro dynasty had steered Leyawiin since the collapse, and memories of fealty to the Imperial City up north had all but faded. But in the mind of Marcus Aemilius, current patriarch of the Caro family and Duke of Leyawiin, the Imperials were an all too pressing matter. The Empire's successor state, who styled themselves the Reclaimers, had quickly re-established the Imperial City as the dominant political and military force in Cyrodiil, and had expanded out from City Isle even quicker. Now this Empire bordered the northern holdings of Leyawiin, and there was some worry that they would demand submission, or even invade the Duchy. There was no way Leyawiin could stand up to the Empire in its current state, and so Marcus Aemilius decided that, for now, the Empire would have to be appeased. Diplomats are dispatched to the Imperial City and indeed across Cyrodiil, some even venturing into Elsweyr. To try and put some official documentation in the way of potential Imperial aggression, or at least gauge if it is likely, a pact of non-aggression is offered to the Reclaimers, as well as a trading agreement. Meanwhile, the neighbouring state of Rimmen in Elsweyr is offered the same, as well as a defensive pact. Hopefully securing an ally would also sway the Empire from a potential attack on Leyawiin. *Meanwhile, Marcus Aemilius hatches a plan to try and bolster the Leyawiinian economy. In its position at the mouth of the Niben, Leyawiin was in a prime position to take advantage of the trade going up to the Imperial City and the various settlements dotted along it. As such, Leyawiin attempts to place a toll on any traders passing through the Lower Niben, with the exception of Imperial traders so as not to provoke their northern neighbour. The aim of this toll is to try and get some extra money into Leyawiin's coffers, and Leyawiin's two cogs would be used to enforce the toll if need be. Marcus Aemilius also diverts the entirety of this year's budget into promoting local industry, business, and trade, in the hopes that their increased profits (and therefore increased tax) from the investment would pay dividends to his own coffers. **The last Duke and Marcus Aemilius' father, Marius II, had died relatively early, and had been a somewhat lax ruler. Hence, Marcus Aemilius had not yet been married, and therefore was without an heir. While Marcus Aemilius was still young at 35, the issue was one that would quickly come back to bite him if not resolved soon. Therefore, stewards are dispatched to the Imperial City to try and find an eligible young woman from one of the noble houses there, and if not one of the rich merchant families. Action Summary: Trade offers sent to Imperial City, Rimmen, and Senchal [If any deny, offer sent to Soulrest] Non-aggression pact offered to Imperial City and Rimmen Defensive pact offered to Rimmen Niben Toll [See *] Economic Investment [6AP] Scouting for girls [See **] Leyawiin Data

Thulean Republic With the Redon's decision to allow Thule a military once more, most of the year's resources went toward re-establishing the Republic as a military power. The mothballed ships that survived the Second Battle of Prima Thule were recommissioned, and a great deal of resources were poured into building new ships. The Garde Républicaine was also reformed, and a larger number of troops recruited and associated equipment created. The battleship that was owed to Armathwaite is also constructed and sent over upon completion. Further business investment is made on the planet of Belenos. Despite the opening up of the military, he was still keen to stay on course with the Two Hub Project. The colony ship is also sent to its pre-planned, Redon-approved destination, and the associated territorial claims finalised. Summary: Ships [40AP]: Battleship for Armathwaite [8AP] 1 Battleship [8AP] 2 Light Cruisers [10AP] 3 Frigates [6AP] 8 Corvettes [8AP] 10,000 Regular Infantry [2AP] Business on Belenos [20AP; 40AP total on Belenos, 120AP total in Thule] Colonisation of planned sector Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic "This act is an outrage! Since the birth of Thule, the position of Consul has been an integral part of our Republican traditions and government! To do away with it in the name of this Redon would be to sacrifice the soul of Thule!" "The title of Consul is irrelevant, Minister Gavreau. We are the Redon's vassals! With the Imperium's power, this will remain the case for as long as it exists. It is only through the Redon's approval that the Republic can grow in strength and prosperity, and making the title He granted to the Republic's leader a part of the constitution will be a first step into gaining His approval. We must all accept this reality." "Pah! I do not accept this! No, I do not accept this legislation. I don't accept this occupation as my government, either. And I do not accept this Redon as my ruler. He can burn in trizendrium for all I care!" The minister's words are interrupted by the crash of the mahogany door being slammed open. The troops of the Redon enter the room, armed and purposeful. "What is the meaning of this? You are not allowed to enter cabinet meetings! "Minister Gavreau, you are being arrested on suspicion of sedition and treason," barked one of the Redon's occupiers. "You will come with us." Gavreau shot a look to Montesquieu, who returned nothing but a disdainful scowl. "I-I did no such thing! You cannot do this!" "Cooperation will result in favourable treatment. Resisting arrest will be another charge." "Consul Montesquieu, do something about this!" said Gavreau as the troops grabbed him by the forearms and placed mag-cuffs round his wrists. "I am no longer a Consul, Minister Gavreau," Montesquieu coldly replied as the Minister was led away. The Republic was facing somewhat of a spiritual crisis, collectively. They fiercely yearned for freedom, and their vassalage to the Redon was always grating on the pride of each Thulean. However, that vassalage was bringing great benefits to Thule. Their industry was expanded, and last year the Redon gave a huge grant to agriculture, and now Thulean farmers were richer and more productive than ever. What's more, the Redon's military presence on Thulean worlds was continually shrinking, thus ameliorating one of the more pressing issues with their fealty to Him. They were part of a great empire, one that had stood against the Protorians - an elder race with allies - and come out on top. Many were starting to feel a sense of pride in the achievements of the Imperium, and their place in it. Among them was Kolran Montesquieu. The legal powers and responsibilities of the Consulship had been entirely merged into the title that the Redon bestowed upon the leader of the Republic in legislation passed at the onset of the new year. He had become quite eager to appease the Redon and demonstrate the value of the Thuleans to Him, seeing it as the only way Thule could continue to prosper. Or perhaps there was an ulterior ambition behind these endeavours. Regardless, Montesquieu's last meeting with the Redon left him with more questions and no answers. He returned to Prima Thule and got to work, and let on nothing to no-one. A colony ship is constructed in anticipation of a sufficient population to support a fifth off-world colony next year. A sector is chosen, new territorial claims made with it, and the the Redon is asked for permission to go ahead with this mission next year. [Map in Spoiler] A survey directive is also issued, to identify any latent resource deposits in any current or planned colonised sectors. Only the first two of the sectors had had a resource survey taken out on them, and the remaining four (three colonised and the fourth to be due) were long overdue for a check. [Map in Spoiler] A huge investment is made into the expansion of business on Prima Thule, to the extent that the market is now verging on oversaturation with successful businesses there. Another equally large business investment is made on the planet Belenos in order to try and begin to establish a 2nd business hub within Thule's borders. Summary: Colony ship construction [3AP] Redon to verify next year colonisation plans [See above] Resource survey 4 sectors [8AP, See Above] Business Investment [40AP, capital now capped at 80AP, west CS at 20AP] [Redacted] [3AP] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic Thule was submissive, but peaceful. Safe. Prospering, even. But it didn't help settle the dissatisfaction. There was a constant low grumble at the presence of Redon troops, but no open dissent. The Thuleans knew full well that their freedom could not yet come through explicit resistance. So on they slogged under the yoke of the Redon. The Thulean government initiates a advertisement campaign, focused on the civilians on worlds close to the frontlines with the enemies of the Redon Imperium. The aim is to promote the image of Thule as a safe haven from Protorian incursion for civilians. Of course, these civilians would still be expected and able to contribute to the war effort, just from a place not liable to potential destruction. The Redon government is informed and consulted on the matter to make this as efficient and appropriate as possible. The colony ship produced last year is sent to a neighbouring sector. As with last time, the Redon government is asked for permission to do so. [Includes last year's changes, see map changes doc for differences] Consul Montesquieu, now also the Redon's Kolran for the Thulean Republic, goes to the Imperial capital to seek an audience with the Redon. Summary: [+10AP from Redon Imperium] Business Investment in Capital [26AP; 60AP total] Haven Advertisement Campaign [6AP, See Above] Sending colony ship, asking Redon [See Above] Approaching Redon

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Thank you kindly :) CHARACTER DESCRIPTION: RACE: Human GENDER: Male SKIN COLOR: Pale with pink undertones BODYMASS: Average HAIR COLOR: Dark brown - black HAIR STYLE: Long (neck length) FACIAL HAIR: Small moustache and goatee EYE COLOR: Dark grey (RGB 44 44 44, Hex #2c2c2c) CLOTHES: Like clothes picture, except with forest green (RGB 31 61 12, Hex #1f3d0c) trim in place of red and no hat/feather PICTURE (If you have one): Face + hair: Clothes:

Thulean Republic Thule, once again, was at one of its low points. It seemed their brief time in the sun after the flight from Ultima Thule and the victory over the Replicant forces was at an end. However, it was unbecoming of Thuleans to languish in their misfortune. A sense of absurdist grit developed among the population - they recognised the futility and failure of actual resistance and the grim fate they lived out, but determined to defy the Redons through refusal to be broken, they carried on with their duty. Resentful, reluctant, but resolute. Last year's colony ship was dispatched to one of the claimed territories of the Republic, as the Redon had forbidden colonisation outside of their current territory without consulting His government. A few territorial claims are also made, and the Redon's government is sent them to ratify. Another colony ship also enters production, as the Consul deems the current population levels capable of sustaining a fourth colonisation program. The Consul also begins the expansion of Thulean heavy industry, producing materials that would be necessary to the sustained war effort of the Redon Imperium. The Redon government is contacted and informed of the Thulean intention to do so, and an arrangement is sought. Summary Colonising and claiming TCs, asking Redon [See above] Building colony ship [-3AP] Heavy Industry investment for Redon war effort [See above. -15AP] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic Summary: +10 AP from Armathwaite 1 Battleship (Outfitted with Taranis), 1 Carrier, 3 Light Cruisers, 2 Destroyers, 1 Frigates, 1 Corvette [38AP] All equipped with Hephaestus Swarmer missiles in addition to usual weaponry, using both standard and trizendrium warheads. 300 Fighters [3AP] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic After the rebuilding of Phénicie, business was as usual for the inhabitants of Prima Thule. There were considerably more tourists than there had previously been, thanks to the whole capital now being a vast work of art, but other than that everything was normal on the surface. In orbit, however, it was an entirely different case. A truly vast amount of resources had been funneled there, both from the surface and from Armathwaite and Hephaestus (as well as a smaller amount from the Frontier Colony Affiliation), all for the express purpose of arming Thule and her allies. Two large Federation ships of the line, a battleship armed with Taranis and a carrier, and 2 smaller vessels for Thule herself - a destroyer (the NMR Lafayette) and a corvette (the NMR Corbeau). More awesome though was the massive project being undertaken - the upsizing of Svarog to being Dreadnaught-capable in the space of one year. There was upwards of 10,000 Thulean workers in orbit devoted to this huge work alone. By the end of the year, the Thulean and FEZ war machine would begin growing into an irresistible force, one yet unseen in scope by humanity. The newly completed TAROT station, manned and operated by Federation specialists, was another jewel on the new Thulean fist. It is immediately handed directions from the government. Summary: +10AP from Hephaestus, +10AP from Armathwaite, +2AP from FCA 1 Battleship, 1 Carrier, 1 Destroyer, 1 Corvette [18AP] Shipyard expansion [40AP/40AP] Using TAROT Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic Espérance, once a vibrant capital city of a prosperous nation, was ablaze. Trizendrium detonated and disruptors fired in defence, and phasic beams fired in aggression had all turned home to pyre and streets to rivers of fire. The battle was won and casualties had been miraculously fewer than anticipated, but there was plenty to grieve over and to rebuild. 16,000 Thulean lives lost was not something to be glad about. After a brief meeting with the Saryn Lord, Margek, and the King Edward of Armathwaite, Consul Montesquieu set about undoing the damage that had been wrought in the first strike of the Replicants. Espérance may have been ashes, but it would rise again. Vast amounts of surplus resources flowed in from not only Thulean colonies, but neighbours too, as Montesquieu authorised the acquisition of hundreds of thousands of tons of building supplies from the surrounding alien nations for a considerable sum of money. Over the course of several arduous months, the work began to show, and a new city took form. Espérance was reborn under a new name: Phénicie. The hole left by the 16,000 dead had not been filled, it couldn't be, but at least the material scars were healed, and the Thulean Republic would be stronger than ever before. The Replicant attack had demonstrated to the Thuleans the need for greater protection than they had previously fielded. Two times now the Thuleans had faced extinction, and two times they had faced it down, but to allow any more was too great a risk. As a result, a motion passes through the Senate near unanimously to begin a rapid militarisation program, this year consisting of three different projects. The first was a massive expansion of the Svarog Shipyards with the help of the Trade Federation, more than tripling its production capacity and allowing far larger ship classes than the Thuleans had ever created before. The Marine Républicaine had always been far smaller than other fleets, even compared with other humans, and though strategic prowess had more than compensated in the past, the need to compensate would have to be mitigated. In the coming years, Svarog Shipyards would begin churning out more, larger ships for both the Republic and her staunch allies in the Free Economic Zone. The second and third were the construction of two utility stations, close in proximity to Svarog. One was a Quantum Anchor, originally invented by the Maltese, provided to the Thuleans by Hephaestus Enterprises. As had been demonstrated many times previous, such a technology's impact was more than decisive both tactically and strategically, and in a galaxy where it was ever more commonly used, it was a necessity for modern warfare. The other was done in conjunction with the Trade Federation, who had created a technology known as TAROT. Federation engineers would man the TAROT station, but the Thuleans were to have complete and constant access to its uses. Elsewhere, state-sponsored business enterprise in the ports of the Chupan'Mo continues and is expanded. The Chupan'Mo had already began their part of the agreement by trading through the Thuleans, and it was paying great dividends for both parties. With such a lucrative market open to the Thuleans, it only made sense to sink more investment into the companies and merchants who worked there. The newly revealed lost human colony, New Siam, is almost immediately contacted by the Thulean Republic alongside the Kingdom of Armathwaite, who present an offer to the Siamese. Summary: Rebuilding Espérance, now Phénicie [5AP] Upgrading to Sl5 [12AP + 18AP from Trade Federation] Quantum Anchor Construction [2AP] TAROT Construction [2AP] Business Investment at Chupan'Mo [10AP: 20AP total] Contacting New Siam with Armathwaite [See above] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic “Mon dieu, when are we going to see some actual action? I’m going crazy at all this patrolling and surveying.,” one of the sailors lamented while he dealt cards out. Camille remained quiet as he examined his hand, though he couldn’t help but agree with his shipmate. It had been well over a year now since he’d started what he thought to be an adventure aboard the NMR Vercingétorix, and yet all that had been done was marking up sensor readings from a number of planets, asteroids, and stars, and playing poker in between. “It is an era of peace, mon ami! I doubt we will see a fight for some time, de Broglie ensured that with his sacrifice.” The Marins around the table all reflexively raised their glasses in unison as the name of the late admiral was said. “Yes, yes, and that’s all well and good, but I joined the Marine to get away from repetitive menial work, not just do more of it in a big hunk of floating metal,” Camille eventually pitched in. The right corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly as he looked at the table, though he quickly regained his neutral expression. “I raise ₣20.” Camille saw the eyes of his fellow Marins narrow on him in his periphery, but kept his sight focussed tightly on his cards. “You didn’t hear this from me,” said a more senior officers “but there’s rumours with the higher-ups that we’re doing something a bit more exciting soon. Oh, and I call your ₣20.” “What would that be? I’m also gonna call that.” “Trade lane protection.” “How the **** is that exciting?” “Pirates, you *******. We might be fighting pirates. “Ha! I doubt it, pirates round here are pretty much non-existent.” “Yeah well, it will certainly be better than this ****,” Camille stated, a smile finally allowed onto his face as the round came to an end. “Straight flush, boys. Hand it over.” Groans were issued as Camille’s deception was revealed, inevitably looking smug as the spoils were thrown his way. “I will call it a night here, gents. Retire as champion. À plus tard,” Camille said as he walked back to his cabin. A well-won victory, and some good news at last he mused to himself, smirking as he walked through the metal corridors. --- The arrival of the Chupan'Mo onto the galactic scene after apparently being hidden was of great excitement to the Thuleans, who almost immediately leapt on the opportunity to assume a position of primacy of interaction with the newly uncovered Empire. After some negotiation, not only was trade established, but the Chupan'Mo accepted the Thulean offer of acting as the Empire's liaison and representative in matters of trade in the Milky Way galaxy. The Thulean foreign and trade offices were put into overdrive in work and funding in order to begin making good on their newly assumed responsibility by negotiating with various nations in making deals on the Chupan'Mo's behalf, with a natural but unofficial proclivity for making those deals assist the Thuleans in some manner. The nations closest to the Empire took priority, such as the Tassarans, Cynn, Cevelli, and Xaplonius, in addition to the Ka'Cezh and Lithruans. All the human nations are also contacted by the Republic to invite them to talks if they wish to trade with the Chupan'Mo. Trade also began with the Cynn and the Cevelli, the first Northern nations to engage in commerce with the Republic, forming yet another high note for Montesquieu's premiership. In the starports of the Chupan'Mo themselves, Thulean businessmen begin making new ventures to take advantage of a fresh market, with investment from the Republic's government itself to bolster these endeavours. They are yet another part of the efforts of the Thuleans to improve and tighten relations with the Empire, especially in the realm of trade. Most are related to financial services, though there are a few industrialists there, most notably Consul Montesquieu's own Nantosuelte Corporation, which was a miner, refiner, and seller of trizendrium. Back on Prima Thule, the colonial freighter NMA Avance leaves the Svarog Shipyards, and starts its journey North. It heads for the sector to the immediate galactic north of the Accueil system, and is instructed to settle on the most appropriate and habitable planet there, hopefully facilitated by last year's survey data. Two new territorial claims are also issued alongside this. ((Red dots indicate new stuff)) Svarog is by no means allowed to sit idle, however, as the order for two new corvettes is put in, to be commissioned as the NMR Moineau and the NMR Corneille. The rest of the fleet, for the meantime, begins patrolling along trade lanes in the sectors around the Republic in order to protect assets both foreign and Thulean from pirates, privateers, and other potentially hostile, predatory forces. Summary: Project Taranis [10AP; 40AP total] Business Investment in Chupan'Mo markets [10AP] Constructing 2 Corvettes [2AP] Trade talks on behalf of Chupan'Mo [See Above] Colonising Sector to North [See Above] 2 TCs claimed [See Above] Patrolling Trade Lanes [See Above] Inviting any human nations that want to trade with Chupan'Mo to talks Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic Eyes open. Arms are stretched. Clothes are put on. Water boiled. Coffee drank. The door is opened, and then locked again. The tram starts, drives, then stops again. The packed elevator descends. Bright lights shine in dark tunnels. Rock is struck, orange crystals found and handed away. Fiery dust stings the eyes, the lungs, the skin. Jarring alarms sound in dark tunnels. The packed elevator ascends. The tram starts, drives, then stops again. The door is opened, and then locked again. Water boiled. Dinner eaten. Clothes are taken off. Arms are stretched. Eyes close. Camille was getting rather tired of the miner's life. He had expected a life as a colonial pioneer on Belenos to be full of excitement, maybe even adventure, but something fresh. Instead, Camille had ended up working in a trizendrium mine, stuck in the doldrums of each day differing naught from the next. He was only young at 23, and yet he could not foresee anything but his life being this way until his death. Camille was resigned to his fate, even while he lamented it. But last year he was finally freed as the new Consul liberalised the economy, and so, full of hope, he left his job as a miner and the planet of Belenos, returning to Prima Thule. A life in the Marine Républicaine laid out before him, joining as an Aspirant on the NMR Vercingétorix, ready for his first voyage as part of an exploratory mission to the east. It was more or less business as usual now in the Thulean Republic. Consul Montesquieu's economic reforms rapidly transformed the economy of Prima Thule from a tightly controlled, centrally planned and state-directed to a capitalist market-driven economy. There had been some raucous from the more committed hard-line centralists, but for the most part the people were happy to be given the opportunity to not only generate their own prosperity, but become leaders in an important facet of the nation. One note of excitement for the Republic was the Trade Federation's creation of the GTC-East trading centre, to which the Thuleans had been invited to construct their own quarter along with the other Free Economic Zone members. The prospect of opening up trade with the prestigious Northern nations was of great interest to Montesquieu, given that until now it was almost entirely the domain of the Trade Federation. A new market, and potentially new partners awaited the Republic. Such partners are also contacted by the Republic to begin preliminary talks in preparation for the completion of the Thulean Quarter of GTC-East. The closest in proximity to GTC-East such as the Cynn, Cevelli, and Lorbi are naturally given slightly more attention, but any nations in the North open to talks are contacted. In preparation for the coming year, a colonial freighter named the NMA Avance begins construction to prepare for the continuation of the expansion of Thulean holdings. Several Thulean vessels are also dispatched to different territorial claims of the Thuleans to see if there are any habitable or resource-rich planets that the colonial freighter might land on. For now, Project Taranis was put on hold to accommodate all this. A state representative is sent to attend the funeral of the FHT leader. Summary Construction of the Trade Post at GTC-2 [10AP] Talks with Northern Nations for trade next year Colonial Freighter [3AP] Surveying (4) TCs for habitable or resource-rich planets [4AP] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic The continued failure of the Thulean government to increase the rate of migration to the Republic was somewhat of a disappointment for Consul Montesquieu and many in the senate. Still, population concerns were nowhere near as great an existential threat as they had been 5 years ago, with the demographics of the Republic having surpassed pre-massacre levels over a year ago. As such, spirits aren't too dampened in government, and the Consul presses on with his other plans. The main focus of this year's surplus funding is Project Taranis. Thus far the project had hit a number of logistical issues, but the Thulean military was determined to succeed in creating a decisive advantage for the Republic in battle, potentially both planet-side and in space. The rest is also dedicated to military spending, by building a number of smaller military vessels. The Republic also announces two territorial claims, one on the sector immediately east of Prima Thule, and another immediately north-east of it: Summary 2 Territorial Claims Project Taranis [12AP; 30AP total] 2 Frigates [4AP] 1 Corvette [1AP] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic The Battle of Utopie had shook the Republic to its core. Their membership of the Human Co-operative became a mere masquerade after the revelation that the Free Human Technocracy had been the traitors who indirectly caused the massacre at Ultima Thule, and the de facto leaders in Eadn had ignored the information. Their goals for the HC shifted from mutual prosperity and protection to revenge by any means. And that they enacted, destroying many THC ships and disabling many more, allowing for the Arcturan and Hephaestus fleet to join the surprise attack and disperse the aggressor fleet completely. After this crippling blow brought down by the Thuleans, the Human Co-operative ceased to be. However it was at a cost to the Thuleans. The entirety of the Council for Military Governance was killed in the attack as they all were captaining their vessels, including Admiral de Broglie. The remaining members of the government decided it was finally time for a general election, that the Republic had finally fully got back on its feet. Many members of the de Broglie premiership stood forward, certain that their political experience would win them the election. However an enigmatic industrial magnate, Maximilien Montesquieu, CEO and founder of Flambeau Industries, swept from outside the political sphere and quickly gained a lot of support. His rhetoric about liberating the economy and increasing incentive for entrepreneurship and private enterprise resonated with many citizens who felt the large amounts of nationalised industries prevented true economic growth and freedom. In a very large surprise, he managed to secure the election as sole Consul, a change from pre-massacre times. Quickly he set about reducing mercantilism by join the Free Economic Zone, and by privatising industries such as transport, energy, and telecoms. He did, however, continue the previous administration's policy of attracting immigrants, and even increased it in order to overcome the PR issues humanity was facing. But the most ambitious project was the construction of an orbital trade station, that would allow for a great deal more trade with foreign businesses and nations, bringing Thulean goods to ever more markets. Summary [1oAP from FHT] [4AP from Trade Federation] [4AP from Hephaestus] Construction of Trade Station [10AP] Immigrant Attraction Program [3AP; 10 Total] Project Taranis [10AP; 18AP total] Psionic Development [2Ap; 6AP total] Construction of 2 Destroyers [6AP] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1djc8GXi59-F9_wjJ8mtcjd7AiVnIVBNuctLRmv5V4_Q/edit

Thulean Republic Talks with the Lithruan Coalition regarding the sale of trizendrium had gone rather well. Their war on the Keerim meant they were always eager for resources that could give them an edge, and so they had happily taken up the offer of purchasing roughly half of last year's production. Another offer of Trizendrium is made to the Coalition, this time with a larger portion of the yearly production promised. With the completion of the NMA Renaissance, the newly christened ship departs with a large contingent of Thuleans for the Nouvelle Bourgogne system, in order to settle the desert planet of Belenos. While it is less appealing than the rather more paradisaical Prima Thule, it is the first settling of another system since the massacre at Ultima Thule, and so many eyes are watching this symbol of the Republic's resurgence. Settlement Plan for Belenos Work on Project Taranis continues, and begins on the THC joint program "Distantiam". A year's reprieve had been granted to the Département de l'économie et du travail by temporarily holding the immigration program's expansion, in order to deal with the many arrivals from other systems. But now the program is once again expanded, with a focus on the nations who's primary populations are homo sapiens subspecies. Further investment is placed into the Psionic Development and Training Centre on Prima Thule, with expansion of the training and survey facilities taking priority. Additionally, due to the Da'Nor population growing through both birth and further immigration, another survey is taken to see if there are any particularly outstanding psionic users among them. Summary Trizendrium Sales to LC [+2AP] Trizendrium Offer to LC Colonising Western Sector Project Taranis [4AP: 8AP Total] Project Distantiam [2AP] Immigration Investment [2AP: 7AP Total] Psionic Development [2AP: 4AP Total; See above]

Thulean Republic Trizendrium was flowing into Thulean stockpiles, once more granting them the destructive capabilities of this volatile compound. As previously planned, Thulean heavy and support weapons are retrofitted with Trizendrium capabilities, though traditional rounds and shells are not fully eschewed. Furthermore, the ships of the Thulean fleet are also retro-fitted to make use of trizendrium shells in railguns and trizendrium missiles, again maintaining non-trizendrine ammunition usage in case their use would be detrimental, ineffectual, or simply not preferable. In accordance with the THC's offer to the Lithruan Coalition, the Thulean Republic offers the use of its newly upgraded shipyard to any Coalition members. Furthermore, the Republic offers to sell Trizendrium to the Coalition, and if they lack any weapons with which to use it, to produce said weapons for the Coalition. The Republic also begins, and completes, its section of Project شارع. Given the prospect for serious armed conflict after the revelation that it was the United States who revealed the location of Ultima Thule to the Keerim, a classified projected titled "Taranis" begins. Additionally, a Chevalier-class Destroyer, to be commissioned the NMR Ferveur Gauloise, begins construction. Furthermore, the planet of Belenos is designated as a future colony, given that the Thulean population could sustain it as such. While there were already settlers there, a colony ship would have to be constructed in order to transport both the people and the material necessities required by a full colonial venture. As such, the NMA Renaissance begins construction. Summary [+4AP from USA] Project Taranis [4AP] Colonial Freighter Construction [3AP] Destroyer Construction [3AP] Project شارع [2AP] Recruitment campaign Army and Fleet Retro-fitting Offer to LC [See above] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic The huge influx of Krib, as well as the continuing population explosion among the human populace and further immigration to Prima Thule, was quite the shock for the Republic. Outside of their rather unique molluscoid appearance, the sheer number of them meant the bureaucratic organs of the Département de l'économie et du travail was nigh overwhelmed, but with sufficient prior planning and several late nights, they managed to be allocated to housing and employment quickly enough. Most of the Krib, who possess a natural affinity for farming, are assigned to assisting with the agricultural work. With the Thulean populace approaching 30% alien population, the Council decides it is of considerable importance to facilitate their integration into the Republic. Courses are offered to adults so they can better learn the French language, as well as the Thulean culture and history. In primary and secondary education, the Republic decides to follow a policy of integration whereby alien children are educated in the same classes as humans, as well as hiring additional alien teachers (so long as they are fluent in the language and cultural knowledge), so as to better foster interracial relations within the population. Alien children are of course given extra classes to ensure that any language or culture barriers are broken down. As for the Da'Nor psionics, the census is regarded as rather successful, with around 2200 proving to have psionic potential of any description. Naturally the greatest interest is in the more powerful and unique of them, but the Council determines to try and find a place where every psionic's potential, no matter how mundane, can be utilised. The more powerful ones are approached and offered monetary compensation in addition to the ability to fulfil their potential, in exchange for allowing the Republic to catalogue, test, and help develop those abilities. A private resort is constructed for them and their families, along with specialist facilities to ensure that their powers can be tested, researched, and developed in environment that is as conducive as possible. As for the weaker and less unique psionics, they too are catalogued, and if there are any areas of industry, service, or bureaucracy where their abilities would increase the efficiency in those areas, they are given newly-created jobs in those areas. Their old jobs would easily be filled by the constant influx of immigrants. The Thulean Republic lays claim to the sector to the west, containing the desert planet with trizendrium deposits, which has been given the name Nouvelle Bourgogne. Both of the light freighters in the Thulean fleet are dispatched to the system, henceforth named Belenos, carrying prospective miners and the equipment and resources necessary to establish a mining colony there, which is quickly being called Havre by those journeying there. A great deal of resources are concentrated into expanding the orbital shipyard above Prima Thule, so as to expand the shipbuilding capacity of the Republic, both in concurrent number and size. A recruitment campaign for the Garde Républicaine begins, seeking to expand the size of the Garde to 2,000 troops. Furthermore, an equipment renovation takes place using technology obtained from an ally, arming the Gardes with Jump-Packs and Ares II laser rifles. Preparations also begin to produce heavy weapons and support equipment (such as Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems, mortars, and machine guns) that use trizendrium once the mines on Nouvelle Bourgogne become operational. A request is put forth to the Trade Federation to allow the Thulean Republic to join the GTC, the benevolence of the Federation being demonstrated to the Thuleans by the sending of the Krib immigrants to Prima Thule. Summary Da'Nor psionic development [2AP; see above] Claiming sector to West of Prima Thule and establishing mining colony [0AP] Expanding shipyard to SL3 [6AP] Military Recruitment campaign and refitting troops [0AP] Request to join GTC [0AP] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic Admiral de Broglie was very pleased with how successful the various programs aimed at expanding the Thulean population was going. It was still almost two and half times smaller than the pre-massacre populations of Ultima Thule and Prométhée, but a nearly 50% increase in the inhabitants of Espérance in a mere two years was an impressive achievement of the Council for Military Governance's. These numbers of course exceeded initial expectations dramatically, but there was always room for more when rebuilding a nation. And there was always more to be done to increase those numbers. As such, further investment is put into advertising a life of Prima Thule in their neighbours' planets, as well as further funding into improving the Thulean crops. Furthermore, the seizure of Kalronian crops by the Republic's fellow THC members while assisting the Ganvius offensive was of immense interest to the research teams on Prima Thule. They are handed over to botanists, geneticists, and the relevant disciplines of biochemistry and biology in order to see if they are of any use. Special quarantine measures are taken in case the plants induce illness or are particularly aggressive in ecosystems. A most intriguing discovery though was that of Trizendrium deposits in the western system. Naturally, the Council was rather eager to establish a base and begin extraction, however the Republic, despite its growth, lacked the human resources necessary to do so. Planning begins for a mining colony on the desert planet though, so that when the time came the Republic would be immediately prepared for the expedition. The Da'Nor population of Prima Thule, which now numbered over 5,000, also came to be of interest to the Council. They had heard of the psionic abilities of other alien races throughout the galaxy, including the Da'Nor, and Admiral de Broglie had personally witnessed a very brief but certainly impressive display of psionic potential. As such, a census is taken among the Da'Nor in order to establish how many of them possessed psionic abilities of any description, seeing how they might be useful to the Republic, and if so working on ways to develop and hone them. A military expansion is ordered by Admiral de Broglie and his fellow Captain-Oligarchs, who have all frequently advocated for the necessity of a strong Thulean navy. A Chasseur-class Frigate, to be named the NMR Lumière Endurant, and an Intercepteur-class Corvette, the NMR Faucon, are commissioned. The news of a peace conference between the Karass, the rebellion against them, and the various other belligerents involved in that war was also of note. An offer is sent out to host the peace talks, Prima Thule's advantage of being equidistant from the main alien races involved and not requiring any navigation through enemy territory to get there being professed alongside the offer. The hope is that not only will the Thulean Republic be able to facilitate peace between these nations, but also act as a sort of advertisement across the galaxy for prospective immigrants and investors. Summary Continued immigrant attraction [1AP: Total now at 5AP] Continued agricultural research [2AP: Total now at 10AP] Seeing if Kalronian crops can enhance agricultural research Da'Nor psionic survey [2AP; see above for details] Frigate and Corvette building [3AP] Offer to host Karass peace talks [See above for details] Thulean Republic Data

Thulean Republic The successful start to the Republic's immigration program was celebrated by bureaucrats and politicians as the beginning of a new era for the Thulean people. The Thulean people themselves, however, were less enthusiastic, unsure of what to make of their strange new neighbours. Still, it is widely hoped and believed that the new citizens of the Republic will prove their worth on Prima Thule, and become just as necessary to the continued survival and eventual prosperity of the Thuleans as any human. Regardless, efforts to attract foreign colonists to Prima Thule remained an ongoing priority of the Council for Military Governance. As did seeking ways to improve the domestic growth rate of the Thulean population. While both advancements made in the past year were welcome, neither would not drastically improve the growth rates: resilience was a far less prominent issue for Thulean farms given they were on a rather idyllic planet, and the increased growth rate of the crops would likely not be transformative. It is celebrated as a success by the public relations organs of government, but further investment in agricultural research is deemed desirable and necessary. A focus is put on improving crop yields, and potentially seeing if it was possible to have the crops also produce human-fertility-boosting hormones such as gonadotropin (a hormone which not only increases fertility but increases the likelihood of multiple birth). In a rather different area of Thulean government, the discovery of a habitable planet in a neighbouring sector was met with a degree of elation, even if it was a desert planet. While the Republic lacked the spare population as it was to send on a colonial expedition, it is treated as a solid prospect for future endeavours. The corvette NMR Pèlerin is sent to perform a more in-depth resource survey of the system in which the habitable planet is located. Summary Continued immigration attraction operations [2AP; Total Invested: 4AP] Continued research into improving crops (see above for specifics) [4AP; Total Invested: 8AP] Resource survey of sector to West [2AP]

The Thulean Republic It was a day of horror and death for the Thulean people. At the turn of the new year, scanners had detected an alien fleet entering the Hyperborée system. When an attempt was made to hail, this was the reply. "Human colony. In the name of the Keerim Imperium, prepare for occupation and immediate vassalage. Resistance is futile, lest you wish to end the lives of all of your inhabitants." The people of Ultima Thule issued a defiant reply as sirens were sounded in Nouvelle Marseille: "The people of the Republique shall never surrender nor be subjugated by foreign invaders. You will have to tear the flag of Ultima Thule from our dead hands!" "So be it," they replied, with terse finality. Everything was eerily silent for a few minutes in the underground city of Nouvelle Marseille, as the Garde Républicaine awaited in their hastily fortified positions and the evacuated citizenry in the deeper sections. The calm before the storm. Then the Keerim unleashed the full force of their fleet onto Ultima Thule. Broadside after broadside was poured onto the planet, explosions crawling across the surface in a wave of destructive force. The Thuleans feel the tremors steadily grow in intensity, and they soon reached the location of Nouvelle Marseille, causing cave-ins across the city. But then, after two hours of continuous fire, the bombardment ceases. And then the next stage of the Keerim's wrath began. The few functional scanners left detected a swarm of dropships flying towards the surface, right above where Nouvelle Marseille lay. As the Keerim soldiers are unloaded and they destroy the remaining sensor and communication arrays, blinding the Thuleans, the two consuls both quickly tour the defenses, hoping to raise morale. The national anthem of the Thulean Republic grows from a hum, to a whisper, to a full chorus of soldiers, politicians, and civilians alike. They are interrupted by deafening explosions rip through the ceiling of the city, causing daylight and the toxic atmosphere to flood in. The entire population instinctually place gas masks on, but in the confusion and disarray, dozens of huge, heavily armoured mechs drop into the streets. They immediately unleash suppression fire with high-calibre chain guns, and then swarms of Keerim infantry carried by winged jump-packs follow them in, armed with weapons of incredible power and accuracy. The Gardes try to resist for a short while, taking down many of the enemy infantry, but the enemy's technological and numbers advantage mean they are able to overwhelm the Thuleans with relentless force. The Gardes began a strategic retreat, falling back to defend the civilians who were in the agricultural sections of the city. They take position to defend the tunnels, hoping to use them as choke points to counteract the Keerim's multiple advantages. Trizendrium traps were also prepared should the Keerim break through. However, while the Keerim take losses, even to their heavily armoured mechs, they are able to force their way forward. The explosive traps are set off, sealing the tunnels with fire and debris and killing many more Keerim, but trapping the Thuleans in the deeper section of the capital. At this point, five hours had passed since the invaders arrived. Thirty minutes passed, while the Thuleans resupplied and fortified. Rudimentary trizendrium rockets were prepared to try and take down the mechs, if they got through. And that they did, again followed by masses of infantry. Over a dozen of the mechs were taken down by the makeshift missiles, but the infantry swiftly take to the air to overwhelm the Thulean positions from above, spraying rounds and grenades into the defenders' ranks. Some even take to melee combat, utilising combat knives with odd energy fields. The fighting lasted for around thirty minutes, until every last Thulean troop surrendered or was killed. And then the slaughter began. The Keerim infantry round up the civilians who were hiding behind the troops, and begin killing each and every one of them. Defenseless men, women, elderly and children are all killed at the hands of the faceless murderers by bullet and knife, and some even by strangulation. After four hours of harrowing screams and death, the Keerim simply leave, satisfied they have killed everyone they need to. Within the ten hours from the Keerim beginning their assault, some 165,000 Thuleans died, almost three quarters of the entire population of the Republic, including almost every member of every organ of government. Only around 35,000 on Ultima Thule survived. The colonists on Prométhée, meanwhile, had noticed the deadening of communications from Ultima Thule and assumed the worst, as had become habit of the Thulean people given their ubiquitously grim story. They sent out distress signals to all the nations in the galaxy, human or otherwise, with the following message: "Our home planet of Ultima Thule has gone utterly quiet, utterly dark since we detected a great number of foreign vessels entering our system. While uncertain of the fleet's origins, its bearing and size indicated it was from our only neighbour, the Keerim Imperium. We can only assume that the people of our fatherland are no more. The remaining Thulean people ask for shelter among all who would take us, and for condemnation of the wholesale slaughter of a people who sought only to live freely." The survivors on Ultima Thule had managed to repair a quantum communications array and echo the message, and retrieve all the data from their remaining databanks. The Lithruan Coalition offered to pick up the survivors of Ultima Thule and the colonists on Prométhée and escort them to asylum. For months, the Thulean people make the exodus away from their worlds, barely surviving on the ramshackle fleet they journey on. By the time they reach their destination, the people are starving, and collectively collapse into the arms of those who offered sanctuary. Admiral Victor-François de Broglie, head of the Marins Républicaine, makes an offer to the Thuleans for him and his captains to provide stable government until normalisation, which is accepted. Over the course of the next few months, the Thuleans are carried from system to system through a number of nations, until arriving at a planet offered to them by the Grand Alliance, two sectors north of their territory. The planet itself is perfect, with an everlasting summer, lush, wide plains, evergreen forests, and rolling hills. It is named Prima Thule, lest they never forget the homeworld and the people that were taken from them. --- Admiral de Broglie peered out from his room as he got ready at the fledgling city of Espérance, looking on as the Thuleans toiled alongside construction teams from the Lithruan Coalition's member nations. He was wracked with regret and grief over his being away from Ultima Thule while its people were slaughtered, and it was released with a pained sigh. But he steeled himself, for the Thulean people needed him to be strong, now more than ever. De Broglie took one last check to make sure he looked fitting, and then walked out his door. He made his way to the Chamber of the Council for Military Governance and took his seat well nodding to to his captains. While they all held positions of equal power and responsibility, there was an element of primus inter pares that stuck to de Broglie, given his prior status as their superior officer. Still, the Admiral had no intention of utilising this, for now at least. He cleared his mind of the thought, and struck his gavel against the sound block to begin the session. "Our population has been reduced to a fraction to its former size. While we retain our technological developments, we have lost our deposits of Trizendrium and much of our industry. We have escaped, we have established a new life, but by no means are we in a good position, messieurs." "How do you propose we go forth then, Admiral?" "Our population must grow at a rapid pace if we are to rebuild. There are two ways we can do this: attracting migration, and boosting fertility and population growth. I suggest we pursue both." And so plans were formulated and commissions put forth. For the former objective, advertisements are put out to all the neighbours, human or alien, for migrating to Prima Thule. This includes the Imperial Republic of Mankind, the Grand Alliance, the Redon Imperium, the Ascardian Principate, the Tjierian Principate, and the Protorian Council. Given that there's a whole planet occupied by only 60,000 people, land is incredibly cheap and employment for all manner of skillsets is guaranteed. Research also begins into boosting population growth, and the improvement of the crops produced is seen as the most viable way to do so, similar to the Han's strategy, though obviously the Thuleans had no knowledge of its existence. Botanists, geneticists, and physicians are all assigned to the task of seeking a way to boost crop production and nutrition to the extent that it will have a marked effect on population growth. Furthermore, in an attempt to improve the economy and build relations with the neighbouring aliens, messages are sent to each of them asking if they would like to enter trade agreements, with the members of the Lithruan Coalition taking priority. Preliminary surveys of the 4 neighbouring sectors are undertaken using all 4 ships in the Republican Navy. For now, they do not seek to identify any resource deposits, only to see if there are habitable worlds that potentially have higher life forms. Summary Attacked by Keerim, majority of pop killed and forced relocation Attracting migration from neighbours (see above) [2AP] Genetic research into improving crops to increase population growth [4AP] Messaging neighbouring aliens esp. LC Members to ask for trade [0AP] Preliminary survey of neighbouring systems [0AP]

The Thulean Republic "Consul Lebrun, Consul de Cambacérès, the use of the quantum communications array has yielded results." "Oui? Have we managed to make contact with our brother humans, Secretary Archambault?" "It is not so, Monsieur Lebrun." "Ah, disappointing but expected." "You misunderstand, Monsieur de Cambacérès. We made contact, just not with other humans. It was with an alien civilisation in Alpha Centauri, by the name of the Ascardian Principate." "Bonté divine, aliens? What did they have to say?" "Our liaison with the aliens was short, as I was quite anxious to pursue further communication without first consulting you both. However, in our brief contact, the Ascardians gave us a map of the galaxy." "That is good of them, I suppose." "They also offered warning of some other alien race they referred to the Keerim, that they are likely to attempt to subjugate us should they discover our existence." "Hmm, this is grave news indeed. Merci, Secretary Archambault, you have done well. We must discuss the implications of your findings, so we bid you adieu." The two Consuls looked incredulously at each other, thoroughly rattled by what Pierre Archambault, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had just told them both. When the go-ahead for the use of the quantum communications array toward Alpha Centauri was given, it had been expected that the first attempt would either be met with no response, or that of some human civilisation that had managed to make it to the destination of the great human exodus from Earth. Instead, they had apparently made contact with the Ascardian Principate, who had given them a map of the galaxy and a warning to avoid a great alien empire known as the Keerim Imperium, which unfortunately was only a few sectors away from Thulean territory. It certainly did not bode well. However, the knowledge they had gained put them at a distinct advantage - they knew where everyone else was, yet only the Ascardians knew where the homeworld of the Thulean Republic lay. The Republic desired to reach out to others, and with this knowledge they could reveal their existence to those who likely did not pose a threat to the Thulean people and state. A senatorial committee is gathered, headed by Secretary Archambault, to deliberate on which nations to establish relations with. After several days of reviewing each nation using what preliminary information they had, the committee comes finally concludes which nations and corporations should be avoided, and which should be contacted. The Thulean Republic reaches out to the following nations / corporations to establish communications, requesting of each that they don't reveal their own existence or location at least to another sovereign organisation: The Imperial Republic of Mankind The Galactic Trade Federation of Orimon The People's Agrarian Republic The Asgard Republic The Free Human Technocracy The Sovereign Military Order of Malta The Solarin Federation The United Canadian Front The Silver Knight Corporation The Holy Kingdom of Eadn Hephaestus Enterprises A great many alien civilisations are not contacted until the Republic better understands their nature and relations among each other. The Thulean public are informed of the results of the message to Alpha Centauri, letting them know they were not alone in the void. However, the proximity of the Keerim is, for now, not revealed. In less ground-breaking matters, yet another breakthrough had been achieved in trizendrium technology. Large-scale processing of the substance has been achieved, and with a degree of luck one of the engineers managed to produce a viable form of a trizendrium round, which yields promising results. The success of this leads to to a renewed focus on trizendrium weaponry, and with large amounts of trizendrium now available to be worked with larger weapons begin development. The main forms of these are anti-personnel trizendrium-fueled flamethrowers, trizendrium-cell artillery and railgun shells, and trizendrium warhead barrage missiles for use in all forms (SAM, ASM, AAM, SSM, etc), with other applications being designed. With the knowledge of imperialistic superpowers on the Republic's doorstep, the administration shifts focus to military build-up should worst come to worst and they need to defend themselves. The first of this is a Chasseur-class frigate, to be commissioned as the NMR Esprit de Liberté, begins construction in the Métis Shipyard. Plans are also begin to be drawn up for surface-based defenses for both Promethée and Ultima Thule. Summary Finishing research into Trizendrium [3AP] Constructing a frigate [2AP] Contacting various nations (see above) [0AP] Planning defensive structures [0AP] Thulean Republic Data

The Thulean Republic The NMA Pèlerin's expedition to the north of Hyperborée had uncovered the presence of a moderately sized class G star, surrounded by a number of planets both rocky and gaseous. Most notably, though, was the discovery of a large super-Earth, almost 3 times the radius of the human home planet, which possessed large amounts of wild plant life. Bizarrely, the gravity of the planet was only slightly stronger than Earth's, which indicated the planet was considerably less dense, and therefore massive, than would be expected of a rocky planet. The presence of the volatile substance trizendrium was also detected, further raising the interest in the new planet. The Pèlerin's captain, Jacques Cartier, was granted the honour of naming the system's star, and he rather quickly settles on Atlantide, after the lost paradise of ancient Greek myth. The Senate decides upon the names for the various planets surrounding Atlantide, with the habitable world being given the name of Prométhée. The Pèlerin itself returns to Ultima Thule and joins up with the rest of the military fleet. News of the discovery is quickly disseminated by state organs and the Thulean media. The government's expectation of nation-wide celebration and clamour for migration was actually met with a degree of disinterest in life away from Ultima Thule. It had been almost 30 years since the people of Ultima Thule had left Earth, and a great many people who toiled in mines and hydroponic farms had no memory of life above the surface, and a large portion hadn't even been born on Earth. The majority of people had become accustomed and even comfortable with living beneath a death world. Still, there was a sizable chunk of the populace, mainly among the elders, who did actively cherish a return to Earth-like life. A senatorial commission is convened to undertake the planning of the colonisation of Prométhée and the selection process for the colonists who will make the journey to the new world. To the surprise of Consul Lebrun, a firm believer in the promise the wider galaxy held, the commission deemed propaganda production necessary to attract qualified citizens to the colonial expedition, as well as to boost public faith in the project, the following being a widely acclaimed example: Eventually the desired 20,000 prospective settlers, some 10% of the entire population of Ultima Thule, was gathered and vetted. This shock to industrial and agricultural production had been accounted for by the senate, and they had formulated a plan to export the tools and machinery to support the industrial and agricultural capacity along with the colonists who had previously represented it. The NMA Virginie, which had been pre-emptively built a few years ago in preparation for the discovery of a habitable planet, is prepped and boarded. While many were personally disinterested in moving away from the planet they had worked so hard to make a life on, the fact that the Republic was expanding its reach to systems beyond the one they had made their home on brought pride to the Thulean people, a positive outcome which was assisted by the aforementioned propaganda. The less nationalistic and more pragmatic saw that it would at least bring more resources to Ultima Thule and relieve the pressure for housing and food to some extent. Regardless, a rare optimism pervaded the atmosphere of Ultima Thule. The NMA Virginie departed for Prométhée in the Spring of 2135, and arrived soon after. The bulk of the colonists shall establish establish a settlement on the coast of an inland sea near the equator of the temperate planet. After a plebiscite on the way to Prométhée, it is decided the name of the future settlement shall be Carterre, a play on words of the discoverer who they owed their new life to's name. Several small mining settlements are also to be established across the planet in order to extract from the trizendrium deposits, among other minerals and resources, the largest of which shall be named Vermillon. The small freighter NMA Prospérité accompanied the colonial expedition in order to facilitate the set up of these mining colonies. With the swell of optimism among the population and the political classes, Consul Lebrun attempts to push through a bill allowing the use of quantum communication systems, and the creation of a preliminary foreign office in order to interact with any civilisations that contact is established with. His personal gravitas and the short-term zeitgeist mean that the Senate passes the bill, although thanks to a senatorial bloc who were less intoxicated by the colonisation mission, it only barely does so. Given the lack of knowledge about any other nations, races, and wars in the galaxy, the Senate decides the plan that will maximise the chance of contact with a fellow human civilisation would be to aim for Alpha Centauri (Earth being a redundant choice given the nearing death of the Sun), and work outwards from there until contact is established. The astronomers of Ultima Thule triangulated the position of the planet within the wider galaxy many years ago, and so locating Alpha Centauri was an elementary task. In a rather less ceremonial manner than the colonisation had been done, the quantum communication arrays are positioned in the direction of Alpha Centauri and fired, with only some of the upper echelons awaiting the results with bated breath. With the breakthrough in trizendrium stabilisation, senatorial interest is piqued, especially in regards to its potential military applications. Funding and resource diversion for research into the offensive uses for the volatile chemical is increased quite substantially, as well as adding military scientists to the research team. While preliminary ideas range from things such as infantry-equipped trizendrium flamethrowers to firestorm ordinance, the focus of the research right now is to allow large-scale extraction and processing of the substance to levels where it would me militarily useful. With the successful setup of resource extraction on both Pontos and Arés, attention turns firstly to the largest of the Pontic moons, Démètre. Démètre On the surface, Démètre appears to be a boring, dead rock orbiting a gas giant. However, below the immediate appearance lies vast deposits of minerals such as copper and platinum, which was a surprise for many astronomers. Several largely automated mines are to be constructed at various locations of the moon's surface, with a manned station in orbit to perform maintenance and other vital operations, all of which would be transported by the NMA Opportun. Summary Colonisation of Prométhée [0AP] Using quantum communications (see plan above) [0AP] Large-scale trizendrium research [3AP] Industry building on Prométhée and Démètre [2AP] Thulean Republic Data

The Thulean Republic Blissfully unaware of and isolated from the chaos that was beginning to consume the galactic south, life on Ultima Thule continues as harshly as ever, although there was some good news. While the exploratory survey led by the NMA Opportun and NMA Prospérité hadn't yielded any exotic resources, the results were by no means a disappointment. Initial reports indicated that the planets and moons of the Hyperborée system possessed considerable mineral wealth and deposits of nuclear fuel. Already, development plans for the system are drawn up by Consul de Cambacérès, who might not be as popular as Lebrun, but his administrative expertise and pragmatic mind mean the Republic continues to function efficiently and fluidly. passed rather easily through the Senate, and the resources and manpower allocated. Many colonists rushed for the chance to be recruited for the projects, hoping for a chance of a life away free from the ever-oppressive atmosphere of Ultima Thule. The current plans for the industrial development of the system were as follows: Arès Arès would likely have been a far superior choice to Ultima Thule to settle, if not for the constant seismic and volcanic activity. Similar in appearance and atmosphere to Mars, although closer to Earth in size, the survey revealed large mineral deposits, such as iron, titanium, and chromium. It's moon, Metus, also possessed moderate resource deposits. While a surface-based mining colony would prove unfeasible due to the high risk of seismic disruption, an orbital station which acted as a base for medium-term mining operations meant the materials could be extracted. The initial startup would be composed of 500 workers, who - along with the materials necessary - would be taken to Arès aboard the NMA Opportun. Pontos Pontos, a helium giant slightly smaller than Jupiter, made up the vast majority of the non-solar mass of the system. It possessed several moons, though only three were of a noteworthy size: Déméter, the largest; Gaulle, a cryovolcanic ice moon named for the war hero and President of the 20th Century; and Prytaneum, the smallest of the major Pontic moons, and most distant of them all. The survey revealed that Pontos itself has sizable levels of helium-3 in its lower atmosphere, a valuable fuel for fusion. Furthermore, the moons themselves had an array of valuable resources, both for materials and for energy generation. For now, though, the initial stages of the development of the Pontic sub-system focused entirely on the patriarch planet, namely an orbital helium mine. Like the Aresian plan, a startup crew of 500 and the materials and equipment required would be taken by the NMA Prospérité. Later development was planned both on Pontos and its moons, and the helium mine would help function as a staging ground for that when the time came. Back on Ultima Thule, the NMR Pèlerin leaves the Mètis shipyard, primed for its purpose: exploration. Led by Captain Jacques Cartier, the corvette leaves the influence of Hyperborée, heading toward the systems to the immediate galactic north. His aim is to establish whether there are any planets in them, and if so, whether they are of interest both industrially and colonially. The work on a method of safely extracting Trizedrium continues in earnest. While results have thus far only been successful in the laboratory, there are successes nonetheless. Summary: Exploring tile to immediate north [2AP] Industrial investment [2AP] Trizendrium research [1AP] Thulean Republic Data