01-05-2004 05:23									#1
	Mind or Muscle Enter the AD-FREE zone

MasterBuilder and I started yet another PBEM role-playing adventure. This time we chose Dilithium Dad’s Builder’s Map of Planet and, to mix things up, random factions. I got the Good Chairman, and MB got Santiago. We set it up for non-directed research, with most other configurations standard.

After a bit of thought we decided to name the PBEM anthology after how we are playing our factions. I think it fits.

*~*~*~*~*

Mind or Muscle


Landing site, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2101

“Officer Santiago could I have a word?”

Security Chief Corazon Santiago quickly turned around in the cramped room.

“Yes, what can I help you with Johnson!” Santiago barked back. She was tired, very tired. Since landing nearly four weeks ago she had hardly had a moment of sleep as they worked around the clock to stabilize the cryonic chambers and set-up base camp. It was clear that their landing pod had not been properly “stocked” prior to leaving orbit around Earth since there were not food, medical or construction supplies in the pod. It had been a bitter pill to swallow for everyone since it meant that they could only “thaw” out a few people at a time when their were sufficient food stuffs and room to support them.

“Officer Santiago I thought we had talked about this before my title is Delegate. I am the High Commissioners representative here and as such I fill it is my duty to point out to you that I am not comfortable at all with you decision to allow the second colony module to leave base camp along with our only means of protection the rover team.” Johnson said in his whiny and pompous tone of voice that Santiago had quickly learned to dislike.

“Delegate Johnson we need to disperse our people so that should something happen we will not face annihilation. It is clear to even you that we have no idea if anyone else made it down and as such we have to assume the worse.” Santiago fired back.

“I fully understand your argument Officer Santiago but that is not your decision to make. The chain of command is clear in this situation and I am the starting and ending point. I did not authorize you to dispatch the rover team or the colony module!” Johnson yelled at her his face becoming splotchy in anger.

Santiago stood patiently as Johnson finished his tirade and then remained still gathering her emotions. She hated this puny man more than anything she could imagine with the exception of the traitor that sabotaged the Unity.

“Delegate Johnson I am a seasoned field officer and we are in a survival situation here. If things would have been different I would be more than willing to bow to your leadership.” Santiago said sarcastically. “But we are in a life and death struggle here. It is clear from the ruins we found that this planet is not empty. The monolith still emits power and exerts a strange effect around the area it is in. You need to cope with the fact that this is clearly a military situation now.”

“No Officer Santiago! I will not accept it!” Johnson blurted back in anger. Spittle flew from his mouth in anger and his face became even splotchier. The lack of oxygen made even the smallest exertion seem like you were moving a mountain and this little fat man was hardly in shape to become with. “There are supply pods nearby and we can access them. I am sure the High Commissioner is nearby as well. We need to follow with the plan laid out by Pravin Lal and continue as if nothing has happened. In time the High Commissioner will work this all out.”

Santiago was now utterly convinced this man was an idiot. If she continued to follow this fool and allow him to make decisions they would be dead within a year.

“Johnson leave this room now!” She ordered and stared at him in fury.

“No Officer Santiago I will not leave but you will leave! I hereby remove you from the landing team command staff. I am also placing you under arrest!” Johnson’s face was completely red now.

In a fraction of a second Santiago knew she had to act and act she did. In what seemed like a blur she reached for Johnson’s head and snapped his neck like a toothpick. Delegate Johnson hit the floor in a crash that toppled over a chair. Within a few seconds the door flew open and two of Santiago’s security officers rushed in.

“The Delegate has had an attack of something and he is dead. I think the lack of oxygen caused a brain hemorrhage. Pick him up and take him to the storage locker until I can make arrangements.”

“Yes Chief!” They replied and quickly picked up the body. As they picked up the body the Delegate’s head rolled about on his shoulders in a very peculiar manner. Both men quickly realized that the Delegate did not die from natural causes. Both men looked at Santiago for a few seconds as if waiting for an explanation. Santiago just stared back and both men knew immediately that this was all they were going to get in the form of an explanation. Neither of them had liked the Delegate and resented him immediately when he declared himself the leader over their Chief of Security, Corazon Santiago. They quickly removed the body and the door closed behind them leaving Santiago alone and in charge.

She sat down in the small chair next to the map table and began to think of what she had done. She knew it had to be done. Strong leadership was needed to save these people. It would a tough time for everyone and sacrifices had to be made by everyone for the group to survive. Survival was now paramount for her and it she intended it to be for her people as well. She was startled when she realized that she was now thinking of them, the people as her people. It had come so quickly that she almost missed that moment that she knew she was really in charge. She had to guide these people to shape them and forge them into something stronger than steel itself to survive here. They would all have to forget about their life on earth and realize that life on this new planet would demand a whole new life.

She stood up and walked to the door and opened it. Outside of the room was the tiny command room that served as the nerve center for the fledging colony. Everyone in the room stopped talking and turned to watch her. She stared back for about a minute and than firmly said. “I want all of the senior members of the command staff here within the hour I need to talk with them.” She then turned and went back into her office and closed the door.

	01-05-2004 05:24									#2
	Remove this text

The Hive, MY 2102

Unity Security Chief Yang watched the junior officer leave his pressure tent. It was an easy thing to instill fear in an undisciplined mind. All one had to do is identify the source of an opponent’s fear, and then magnify that fear as it is present in a given situation. In this case the fear was a real one: survival on an alien planet. There were a myriad of ways to die on Chiron, and a few unlucky or unobservant people had demonstrated a few of them in the last year.

His latest supplicant, Lieutenant Wills, was certainly intelligent and good at his engineering craft. He did not, however, have a vision appropriate for their situation. Redirecting his wayward energies from complaining about protocol and the ‘UN Charter’ to more practical matters, like nitrogen scrubbers that need servicing and redesign, had worked once again.

Sheng-Ji sat down to resume his work. Sitting cross-legged on his woven mat, closed his eyes, and imposed a stillness on his body. The events of the day, and then the week, coalesced. Yang forced them into his order, reducing and eliminating the distracting or irrelevant and focusing of those that had bearing on their survival, and on his vision. Although Unity had been a disaster it was also an opportunity. Flawed and outdated frames of thought would be weakened, and then discarded.

Indeed, the process of winnowing out the weak had already begun.

*~*~*~*

Command center, SPARTA COMMAND – SPARTA 2102

“HIT IT HARDER!” Santiago roared at that soldier who was punching the workout bag.

The soldier wiped her brow with the back of her gloved fist and then proceeded with another volley of punches. Santiago watched for a few minutes more making sure she would continue to put all of his effort into it.

Around the room more soldiers, all women, were either exercising on very pieces of equipment or shadow boxing in the crude ring they had built. It had become very clear almost immediately after landing that someone had really screwed up another part of the colony landing pods cargo, namely people. Upon landing Delegate Johnson had ordered an inventory of all of the cryo-tanks and it turned out that nearly 73% had women colonists. After crosschecking the colonists with their job assignments another major screw-up was discovered that nearly every male colonist was an expert in engineering or a mechanic or a technician. With the ration of men to women being so lopsided and the fact that the male colonists all had “critical” mission skills Santiago decided that she had to make a radical change in how their colony would be organized. After the tragic “accident” of Delegate Johnson Santiago issued her first directive as the colonist’s leader: the defense force would be only composed of women.

At first some of the colonists were upset about the new arrangement but even those fools could see that women were the most “expendable” assets they had and to train the men to perform combat duties would waste valuable skills. So after a turn of choosing candidates and “weeding” out the undesirables Santiago had several hundred cadets to form her defense force. At first she thought it might be difficult training only women but she quickly discovered that an all women army seemed to take direction, training and hardships much better than a mixed or even all male army. She had already selected several candidates for leadership positions but she was still evaluating them to decide which of them would become here officer corps.

“Officer Santiago?”

Santiago turned around to face a man in green coveralls, a technician, who was holding a metal clipboard.

“Yes.” Santiago responded.

“Officer Santiago this report was just turned in from the rover scout team. They report they have just crossed the ridge line and are moving west.” The technician handed the report over to her.

Santiago quickly scanned it and handed it back with no word of thanks. The technician nodded and quickly turned and left. As she watched the man go she began to think that “Officer Santiago” really did not fit her new role. She would have to consider the possibility of adopting military protocols and tittles. So then turned back and resumed watching her cadets continue to train.

*~*~*

Fecundity Tower, MY 2103

The new First Citizen Yang stood and looked out on the sea of faces. Most were attentive and intent on what he was saying, and were trying to digest his message of duty and honor. It was simple fare meant to be digestible but all but the slowest or more obstinate receptacles. The abstinent were becoming more apparent each year as his Voice molded, cajoled, and even bribed more pliant minds. There were those who were so singularly dense that the message of a higher purpose simply did not sink in. These were the lowest rungs on society’s ladder; his model of humanity’s future did not bother with egalitarian baggage – there were those who fit or were forced into the lowest order of to social contract. Many were most content on that lowest rung, and others needed to be placed there since, in any other position, they endangered the incremental improvement of the whole.

These ‘others’ were the true focus of the First Citizen’s desire, since the others were also the most powerful minds and those with the greatest talents. It would take every effort to win them over, body and soul, to the cause of uplifting humanity and reforming it to a higher purpose. Adding these recalcitrants would require a great expenditure of energy but, in the end, it would be worth it. For, within these ranks of the driven and intelligent disaffected, were the true leaders of the future. Guidance did not come from the meek and compliant, but from those who were insightful enough to build and add to the whole. The key was knowing when and where to prune their efforts, and even, if necessary, girdle the tree.

That had already been done, and more than once. The ever adamant Lieutenant Wills had been liquidated almost a month ago in an ‘accident’. He had been a prime candidate for the inner circle, possessing both the drive, intelligence, charisma, and experience to be a worthy addition. But he had refused to budge on one key item that spoke to his character, and inability to be crafted: the UN Charter. This he held to be the bible of all societies, and he had long since been a serious impediment to Yang. He had been openly courted for a year, then put in the equivalent of the penalty box, a place of hard labor where one had time to reflect while performing exhausting tasks, but no time to get into trouble. Even that had failed.

The pre-determined end of his speech was drawing to a close. It was an easy thing to sway the multitudes. It was the talents that always caused the most trouble, and had the most promise.

*~*~*~*

Colony pod alpha-1, 2-sectors southwest of Sparta Command, SPARTA 2103

“What do you think Governor-General?”

Governor Mia Tam took another look at the geological survey before she answered. The survey report was promising and they could reach the spot next turn and then have the colony up and running the following turn. Adjacent to the site was a large mineral deposit that would be easy to mine. In addition, the site was only three sectors away from Sparta Command so any assistance in the form of military or economic would be quick in arrival.

“I think it is an excellent site Senior Technician Roberts. I will inform the Colonel of my decision but I am sure she will agree with my assessment. The site offers more than we could have hoped for. I will also contact the myrmidon rover captain to converge on that area so that they can scout the entire area around the base site.” Tam said as she folded the report and handed it back to Roberts who took it and then walked back to the small pressure tent the technicians used for their office.

Tam watched the man walk back to the tent and then open the door seal and then go inside before she began walking back to the colony pod and her command “office” which also served as her quarters and conference room until they could unload the colony pod and began to set-up the base. As she walked towards the colony pod her thoughts went back to the meeting she had with Officer Santiago or as she called herself now “Colonel Santiago”. Santiago had called her over the vid-phone and informed her that she was now the “Governor-General” and leader of the colony mission. She was tasked with getting the colony pod to a site and then getting it into operation and after that she would be in charge and that she would report back to Santiago only. It had been something of shock to the small team of leaders that had been chosen by Delegate Johnson that they were no longer in charge. In particular Senior Technician Roberts had been the logical choice, even in Tam’s eyes to become the colony leader. On earth Roberts had been a senior geologist for many years for the United Nations and later had become one of the United Nations premier scientists who had advocated for the Unity Project. Now under the new “regime” as many called it now Roberts was classified as a critical operations specialist and as such he needed to concentrate on his area of expertise, geology and not administration.

As Tam opened the hatch on the colony pod module and stepped into the airlock she wondered how the men really felt about their new “status”. For some they were just glad to be alive. For others who were still in cryo-sleep she was sure it would be a shock to say the least. Tam wondered if the female technicians and scientists were troubled at all at the seemingly “overnight” elevation in status they enjoyed among their peers. For some the adoption of the “Spartan code” as the means to achieve survival had little effect on their daily lives and for others it meant a wholesale change. As the green light blinked “on” indicating that the inner door was safe to open she wondered if this was really the best course of action to take but then only history will be able to judge that.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2104

Persuasion is a subtle thing, and it can begin with a name. Resistance had been fierce to the formation of the Party Designate, a functionary whose primary role had been to explain and, if necessary, enforce the directives of the Leadership on the workers. There had been a few minor demonstrations and a few episodes of recalcitrant workers, but nothing that had significantly slowed production of the two colony pods – the genesis of Yang’s vision to double their holdings on Chiron. Minor though they may be, they were still unacceptable, evidence of a discipline that had not yet permeated all of the echelons of their evolving society.

There were two options: force and argumentation. Force had been used both in secret and, where necessary, openly on a few occasions. On others soft or hard persuasion had been used. In this case the workers were demanding representation, harkening back to the moral and legal codes now long dead with earth. Those few, even after the chaos and disaster of Unity, failed to realize this, holding to their ideals with a tenacity that Yang admired. Still, that tenacity was now an obstacle and needed to be redirected.

During his last meditation this had been the primary focus. While his body engaged in a series of extensions and stretches so too did Yang’s mind, which he never allowed to be idle. How would it be best to give these errant workers a new focus? What were their motivations? Few humans ventured beyond the surface meanings of any given concept, and this was undoubtedly true with representative government, Yang realized. This could be more than useful.

If the drones needed the edifice of representative government then they would have it: The Party Delegate would be renamed the People’s Representative. His duties would remain the same, even if the new moniker was now a prime example of doublethink. It would satisfy most of the less than attentive troublemakers, cow a few others, and confuse the rest. Those that truly understood would take this as a warning it actually was.

At that Yang smiled. Yes. It would be a test, and this test would identify the minds that were sufficiently pliant and intelligent for inclusion in the administration of the expanding society.

*~*~*~*

Command center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2104

Colonel Corazon Santiago watched from a discreet distance as the technicians, all male, continued to work on the colony pod rover. It was taking longer than expected but the simple fact was that even if it was built tomorrow there would not be enough colonists to staff it let alone provide security for it.

“Colonel?”

Santiago turned slightly as her aide-de-camp Captain Ailes stood at attention.

“Yes Captain Ailes?” Santiago replied as she turned to face her young aide. Ailes was the best choice for her aide. She had a near photographic memory and more importantly she was completely devoted to Santiago’s plan from the start in having women and women only to fill the ranks of the military. “What can I do for you.”

“Colonel the latest report from Governor-General Tam. She reports the pod as reached the colony site and they will begin immediately to begin construction. She is requesting more support from us though.” Ailes handed her a small piece of paper, a precious commodity these days, to Santiago.

Santiago quickly reviewed the list and then handed it back. “Contact the Governor-General and inform her that the list is under review.”

“Yes Colonel. Also, the meeting you asked for is set for later tomorrow. The people you requested will all be in attendance.”

“Thank you Ailes, dismissed.”

Ailes saluted and then turned to leave.

Santiago wondered if it really was the right time to establish a “command staff” but Ailes could simply not handle all of the details. Also, the male technicians and workers wanted more of a “voice” in decisions so she had agreed to have a “technical” staff member as well. Well, perhaps it would not be such a bad idea she thought. If she could turn over some of the day-to-day management of Sparta Command it would give her more time to train the new recruits.

Santiago turned back to watch the workers again and she wondered deep down if they were truly happy in their new role. Many of them did understand the need to make sure the remaining “breeding” stock of males remain safe but perhaps in time they would resent the changes she had made. Well as she thought only time would tell.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2105

“It is a risk, First Citizen,” Maon Shirn stated. “We are on a largely unknown and alien planet, with a potentially hostile ecology. Even the very air that sustains us can kill the unwary. Sending all the base garrisons to explore may yield valuable information, but the risk is unknown.” The he added after a pause, “Sir.”

The First Citizen gazed straight a head, then he turned toward his guest. “Your point is well taken. Are these your opinions, or those of those you represent, People’s Representative Shirn?”

He replied with a shallow smile. “My duty to those I represent is to inform them of the decisions of the governing body, not to bring their concerns to the governing body.” His reply was immediate.

Yang said nothing and gave no direct comment. This one had passed the test. Yang continued as if he had said nothing. “I will review available data, and when prudent withdraw a garrison to The Hive. If disaster strikes we can afford to lose one base, but not two. You are dismissed, People’s Representative Shirn.”

The man was impassive at the rare communication to an underling that his views had been noted, and then approved. After an appropriate second’s hesitation he gave the First Citizen a shallow nod, turned, and left the room.

Yang followed him as he left, and had the pleasant realization that there was hope for humanity after all.

*~*~*~*

2-sectors west of Sparta Command, Sparta River Valley – SPARTA 2105

Santiago watched from a small rise as the Sparta Command garrison marched by her position. This was the first field exercise for the new myrmidons, her “loyal troops”. The army was growing and their support each and every turn grew as well. She had no doubt that over time her all female army of devoted, loyal troops would become the backbone of the greatest power on this planet. For now her myrmidons were all that stood between the great unknown of this planet and their very existence.

“Colonel a new report has just come in from the 1st scout rovers.”

Santiago turned around to face a young sergeant who was holding a sheet of paper. Santiago took the report and quickly scanned it. The news was good. The 1st scout rovers were going to reach the rendezvous spot on time. Santiago wanted as much firepower as possible when they began searching for the large object that ground radar had pint pointed a possible Unity cargo pod. The radar report could also be on of those strange alien monoliths that they had discovered just after landing.

“Thank you sergeant.” Santiago replied as she handed the report back.

The sergeant took the report and saluted and then began to leave when Santiago asked her.

“Sergeant what do you think of our chances of beating the 1st rovers to the sector?”

“Damn good Colonel!” The sergeant replied enthuesitically. “We really want to beat those rovers to the sector and I think we can do it.”

“What if we find aliens? What then?”

“We blow them to hell and back Colonel!”

“Thank you sergeant. Return to your post.”

Santiago watched the soldier leave and then returned to observing the last of the myrmidons marching past her. They would march for another 4 kilometers before bedding down for the night. In order to minimize their energy usage Santiago had ordered all troops to “double up” in their tents and to share body heat. By doing this they halved the number of portable power generators they needed to bring. At first the soldiers were not “accustomed” to sleeping naked with each other but after the first few nights the advantages of sharing body heat in the very cold nights on this planet quickly motivated everyone to see the merits of the idea. Santiago secretly hoped that by sharing tents would create an even tighter bond among her troops. History had shown that the best soldiers fought not for their country but for each other. That desperation, that determination to help your comrade survive could be the fighting “edge” they needed in combat. Only time once again would show if this would be the correct course of action or not.

	01-05-2004 05:26									#3
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

The Hive, MY 2106

First Citizen Yang looked over the sensor logs. The territory immediately around the two bases was rich and fertile, but the same could not be said for the lands beyond. To the north was a strange fungus-like growth that covered entire sectors, as was also the case to the south. The scout from Fecundity Towers had some luck penetrating the mass, but most of the time they spent trying to retrace ground or having to come back to base due to a virulent malady. To the west was a sea, and to the east an arid river covered by scattered alien fungus.

It was now clear that more bases were only a partial answer to the question of expanding the Hive’s hold on this world. Prudent exploration would also be required to determine the lay of the land.

That was not the only reason. It was also more than possible that one of the other seven Unity pods had made it safely to the ground surface. With no satellite system, and no other reasonable means of communication besides short distance radio, the only answer was exploration.

Then would come a further test.

*~*~*~*

3 sectors west of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2106


“Well it’s not a Unity cargo pod that’s for sure.”

Santiago merely grunted her acknowledgment as she continued to scan the area with her binoculars. What they had hoped would be a Unity pod had turned out to be another alien monolith complex. Many of the myrmidons had taken to call them ruins since they could not find any aliens but that did not mean they were not here, somewhere, on this planet. Santiago finished her scan of the area and put the binoculars away.

“Radio all unit we move forward in combat formation. Rovers to converge from the north and tell them not to be late.” Santiago ordered as she stood up and adjusted her assault rifle so she was ready.

“Yes Colonel!” Captain Miles replied half laughing. The infantry myrmidons had reach the site a 20 minutes before the rovers. It had taken almost every once of strength the foot soldiers had but they had made it much to the chagrin of the mounted infantry myrmidons.

All around the area you could see infantry begin to move forward and from the north the faint sound of the rovers could be heard as they moved in. It took barely five minutes for the troops to reach the complex and then the officers motioned for them to stop and take up defensive positions. Santiago continued to move forward along with her elite bodyguard unit.

Santiago still could not believe that she was seeing buildings that were made by non-human hands or perhaps claws or if the barracks cartoons depicted them with tentacles. Their construction abilities were clearly beyond anything humans could have done. From what they could see all of the stone buildings had no internal structure or support so the large stone blocks were perfectly balanced to support the weight. The blocks themselves were cut with perfect precision showing no signs of saw marks or polishing. How the aliens had achieved such levels of engineering no one knew.

The small elite vanguard moved through the complex until they reached the center where a massive stone monolith stood.

“It’s just like the other site we found just south of Sparta Command.” One of Santiago’s guards commented. “How could or why would they build this place exactly like the other one?”

“Silence!” Santiago ordered. Silently she was thinking the same thing. Santiago had ordered that no one would enter the southern site so all the research they did was from at a distance. This site she wanted to explore. She continued to walk up the monolith and then stopped a foot away from it. She stood there closely examining the alien writing on the monolith and then absently brushed her hand against one portion of the monolith that had some dirt filling in some of the writings.

The second her hand touched the monolith a bright flash of light erupted from the monolith and spread out like a ring. The energy wave quickly expanded and engulfed all of the infantry and rovers in the area. The wave continued for some distance and then began to dim and then it just disappeared.

“IS EVERONE OKAY?" Santiago screamed over the intercom. She was furious with herself for activating the alien device and that her stupidity could have endangered her troops.

After a few minutes ever trooper had checked in and they were okay. In fact, they were all better than okay. Even Santiago realized that her fatigue and sore muscles were gone and she seemed full of energy and vigor.

“What do you think that was Colonel?” One of her guards asked.

“I have no idea but I intend to find out.” Santiago reached down and keyed in on her wrist pad the communication frequency for Sparta Command. “This is Colonel Santiago. I want our best team of technicians to proceed south towards the alien complex and begin a full study. Have the team leader link in with me before they leave so I can bring them up to date on what I want done.”

“YES COLONEL.” The duty officer acknowledged and the link was closed.

Santiago knew she had to find the secret to these devices. The area around the complex seemed to have exceptional nutrient growing capacity and precious minerals and metals were easily found just under the surface and they had also found uranium in abundance as well that fueled their fission reactors. She turned and marched back to the outside perimeter of the complex and mentioned for her troops to follow. It was time to return to Sparta Command as fast as possible because deep in her heart she could not believe that a race of aliens capable of building such a device would leave it unguarded.

“Lets move out!” Santiago roared.

*~*~*~*

Fecundity Tower, MY 2107

First Citizen Yang almost smiled.

“A Unity rover,” one of his aids said.

This was a statement of the obvious and needed no reply. “Our exploration will now be expedited,” Yang said. He looked over at his aid. “Inform People’s Representative Shirn that he is required to identify four volunteers to form an exploration crew, and that they will be competent to pilot, navigate, and make suitable reports on what they find. This expedition is for an in determinant length of time. No members of the crew are to have any prior relationship with each other. One is to be selected for command. That person will select a second in command; a strict hierarchy will be formed to enforce discipline during the trials they will endure.”

Yang did not need to add if his aid had comprehended his commands. After the re-assignment of his first aid to heavy labor for her lapses his aids had been most attentive. It was pleasing to Sheng-ji that a more pointed demonstration was not necessary since such a demonstration would waste valuable human capital.

“And the course, First Citizen?” Mai asked.

Yang thought for a minute, recalling the details of the area maps he had memorized. “South and east. They are to coordinate their efforts with the eastern scout unit the ensure an efficient coverage.”

Mai anticipated his pause. “Yes, First Citizen. It shall be done.”

The little man left. He did not hurry since he had not been told to. His pace was deliberate and purposeful.

Yang gave him a brief glance. Good. Very good

*~*~*~*

Sparta, MY 2107

Santiago had just arrived earlier today when she had received an urgent request for her presence at the main research laboratory at Sparta Command. The lab had a very “august” name but it was in fact a very large cargo pod that had been converted into the lab. It had been subdivided into four research sections: biological, energy, mechanical and electrical. The chief technician of the energy section had been the one who had sent the request.

Santiago entered the airlock leaving her myrmidon guards outside. Once the airlock had closed and pressurized the inside door was thrown open and a small group of men stood their with very happy expressions.

“Welcome Colonel, welcome!” Several of them said at once.

“What is so important?” She asked in a slightly irritable manner.

“Colonel please come with us and let me show you.” The senior technician said eagerly and motioned for her to follow. Santiago merely nodded and followed. Nearly all of the “technicians” were male, over 92%, so she was quickly surprised that she was slightly uncomfortable in their presence.

The lead her down the central corridor of the building and then they opened a door and motioned for her to go in. She quickly looked around at the technicians trying to find a glimpse of “guile” or “subterfuge” on their part, perhaps it was trap, but she could not see any so she went in. When she walked into the room the first thing she saw was a small tracked “sled” and mounted on top of it was a tripod and on top of that was something that could only be a weapon.

“It’s a laser canon Colonel!” The chief technician quickly reported. Several other technicians quickly scrambled around the device and one of them climbed on top.

“You see Colonel we had a breakthrough about a month ago in the energy section and we quickly developed the most logical extension of the breakthrough, a laser. It’s very powerful, over twice as powerful as our assault rifles and four times the range. The unit here is a laser canon but over on the table is an infantryman version of a laser rifle. The laser rifle is still twice as powerful but only has half the range.” The technician reported as he walked over with Santiago and began to motion to the other techs to demonstrate the weapon.

One of the techs moved behind the weapon and began to activate it and then fired a beam of white-hot energy at the far wall where it slammed into a testing wall of steel, salvaged from the Unity landing modules heat shield system. The laser instantly began to melt the special ceramic/steel alloy. The shield would have been barely scratched by their assault rifles if they had been used on it. Santiago was very impressed.

“How soon can we go into production?” She asked quickly.

“Well Colonel all of our resources and technicians are committed at both bases building the colony pods. Sparta Commands will be done in five turns and Fort Superiority’s colony pod will be done in ten turns. After that we can either begin the building the laser weapons, the command center you asked for or another colony pod.” The technician quickly reported.

Santiago merely nodded and then jumped up behind the laser canon and sighted down the weapon. She would have to consider this for a while, she had time to decide. If the aliens were out there as she suspected she would need these weapons. If the aliens were out there a command center would help coordinate, train and control their battles against the aliens. However, a colony pod would add to their resources. She would have to get the opinion of her command team on this. She then activated the laser canon again and fired it at the shield. Yes she thought her was the instrument she needed to gain the edge. Also if there were other survivors from the Unity her military superiority might convince them to join her regime, one way or another.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2108

The art of leadership is a craft requiring both patience and, when necessary, more direct methods. Patience is needed since those who you intend to lead will have some but not all of the skills and attitudes that are needed to complete their assignments. This will try the abilities of any leader, since this means the leader my also be a teacher, and instructor in how to view the world and interact with it. The gift of inspiration and instruction in the leader is critical, since with these gifts the leader can remake the subordinate in the leader’s image, if they desire, or into another form, as needed by the leader’s vision. The subordinate will learn, each at their own pace, as they gain knowledge of this vision, and perhaps even teach the teacher on an aspect of it.

The most critical decision, one that requires great self-understanding and the ability to fathom the abilities and aspirations of others, is when patience is not longer appropriate in helping a subordinate understand their place and learn their path. To err on the side of patience invites chaos and torpidity in the leader’s vision and the attainment of it, since the subordinate will not know when they have erred, meaning the lesson is unlearned and that false lessons will cloud the vision of the leader. In those cases where the subordinate has chosen to be confrontational the price of excessive patience is anarchy, as the subordinate, charged with their own vision, will add their dissident voice to the lesson, clouding it for him, those around him, and the teacher himself. Is it always clear when a lesson has not been learned, or when a subordinate student is willfully learning? No, it is not. The depth of understanding of the leader then becomes critical, for he must look into the soul of the subordinate and determine how to best proceed. In some cases, the subordinate that has not understood the lesson must have a lesson that will focus their efforts. In others the willful subordinate must have more patience so that they can truly understand, and comply with the will of the leader.

Is this counterintuitive? No, my students, it is not. It is simply the test of the leader to determine which is best for the underling, and the leader and his vision.

Sheng-ji Yang
Lecture 43, School of Literature and Military History, Beijing University

*~*~*~*~*

Private quarters of Col. Santiago, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2108

BAM!

Santiago’s fist slammed down on the desktop. She sat there for several seconds as pain surged up her arm. She was mad and she was tired. It was 1:20am and she had been reviewing the latest reports from the 1st scout rovers and the news was not good.

Corazon stood up and began to rub her hand to get the feeling back into it. She looked down and saw that her desk had a small dent in it now. Great.

She moved over to her bunk and flung herself down on it and then continued to rub her hand and arm. Stupidity. She was angrier with herself for losing her temper now than the report. If they had only had a chance to do one orbital pass before landing and they could have picked out the best landing site. But because of the accident it was all moot.

Her thoughts went back to the report again and it was clear she would have to make a decision in the morning. The rovers had moved east as ordered and crested the mountain range only to find dry and barren lands on the far side. Expanding to the east was not an option unless she planned on ordering the rovers to continue on in that direction and hopefully they would find better ground. However, time was at a premium. The next colony pod would be done in four turns and they needed a spot close by. In reality her decision was already made for her, the scouts would turn back and move north to see what was there and hopefully find better ground. To the south she knew there was better ground but she had already assigned those sectors to Governor-General Tam for her expansion. No, the way north had to be better, it must be better. She did not want to force the colonists to travel 7 o 8 sectors in hope of finding better ground.

Santiago turned over in her bunk and stopped rubbing her arm. The pain would help her focus. The scouts could quickly move west and then north using the river routes but it was crucial that they complete their survey in three turns, four at the most. Once the scouts had secured at safe and hospitable sector they would race back and then escort Fort Superiority’s colony pod. There was a timetable that had to be met, no matter the cost.

Time was against them and so was this planet it seemed. She hated the fungus and she hated Pravin Lal for leading this stupid expedition in the first place. She was going to survive and her myrmidon soldiers would survive and her people would survive even if it meant tearing from this planet or other survivors the tools, resources and technology they would need.

	01-05-2004 05:27									#4
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

The Hive, MY 2109

People’s Representative Hodgesworth and his two subordinates stood at attention, waiting for the First Citizen to acknowledge them. Of course Yang knew they were there, and had been informed they were coming with critical information from the Unity pod that had just been opened. He glanced over and, nodding slightly in their direction, bade them enter.

“First Citizen,” he began, his voice neutral but failing to mask his excitement, “we have investigated the Unity pod by The Hive, as ordered. Almost all the contents were destroyed, burned and crushed beyond recognition. Everything except this!” he said, his efforts at control finally failing.

He handed Yang a portion of a control panel, which looked like it was meant for disassembly. It had a key pad, and a port for a synchronization crystal. Yang knew exactly what this was; it was his job, as Security Officer, to be intimately familiar with the working of Unity as well as its crew. It would do no good to have the crew, and its officers, controlled and focused if they could exercise their deviant wishes by utilizing a function of Unity that was beyond his grasp.

Yang put the Emergency Transceiver on his desk. There had been many of these on Unity and its landing modules. But, there had been precious few on the emergency landing pods since most were still in storage at the time of the disaster, and those that were available had either been inoperable or improperly programmed, yet another mishap in a series of missteps ever since the mission had left Earth.

This Emergency Transceiver, however, was independently powered and, most importantly, programmed! A winking green light indicated it was fully functional. All the transceivers found to date had either been dead, or with a red or yellow light indicating a hardware or software malfunction.

“Your services to our people are commendable and have been noted, citizens,” he said. He turned toward the People’s Representative. “Call a meeting of the People’s Representatives. In one hour I will make an announcement.”

Hodgesworth gave the First Citizen a shallow bow and said, “It shall be done.” Then he and his two assistants left the room.

When they were gone Yang turned toward the box and examined it for a moment. Then he activated the blinking green light and keyed in a command sequence.

And he waited.

Twenty minutes later a voice came through: “This is Officer Deirdre Skye. Who am I speaking with?”

A palpable feeling of relief washed over Yang. Another survivor of Unity! “Officer Skye, this is Commander Yang, Security. I am pleased you have survived, and wish you well. We have much to discuss…”

*~*~*~*

Exactly one hour later First Citizen Yang stood in front of the expectant crowd of People’s Representatives.

“Citizens, I am happy to inform you that we have made contact with Officer Deirdre Skye, who has survived and is doing well. After exchanging what we knew of our situation on Chiron we have decided to pool our resources, sharing to the benefit of both our peoples. In return for her files on Chiron Ecology we have yielded our knowledge of security, enriching both of us. They will now be able to use the advanced social techniques, and we will be able to construct a new device called a terraformer, which will allow us to change and mold this planet to our needs. The needs of the People will be met, and through our labors our society will prosper.

“Inform the citizens, People’s Representatives. We will now start the construction of these terraformers and complete them as soon as we have sufficient resources.”

The normally placid People’s Representatives broke into a cheer, and this time there was no rebuke from the First Citizen. In fact, the First Citizen allowed himself a smile.

*~*~*~*

Spartan battle manual “The Prologue”, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2109

I am in command and I will lead. This simple statement has been my guiding principal since we have landed on this planet. It is my intent to share my insights, training, expertise and knowledge with every Spartan citizen so that they can survive and prosper on this new world. It is now the year 2110, which marks for the end of the first decade on this world, and I hope the beginning of a greater future for us all.

In order to create this new future for all our people I have taken command and am leading. The current situation clearly dictated that a leader step forward that had the skills and abilities to secure our survival and I took up that challenge. Our current situation clearly called out for innovative applications of tried and true military strategies and disciplines to secure our survival. The weak and ineffective policies of a “civilized and advanced” Earth culture would only spell our certain doom on this planet.

After the death of Delegate Johnson the “assigned” United Nations leader for our colony pod I stepped forward to lead. One of the first decisions I made was to secure the future of our people. Through the tragic oversight of High Commissioner Lal he failed to anticipate the “possibility” of pod separation upon landing. As a result our Unity pod was over assigned female colonists. The simple facts of the situation dictated that we do all we can to preserve our male colonists genetic base so I issued orders to create an all “female” military. Our male genetic base had to be shielded from possible depletion due to accidental death or disease. Nearly all of the males in our colony pod also possessed “key” technical skills that were required to secure our survival. The creation of the “myrmidons” or “loyal army” was my idea and my idea alone. I also feel that an all female military force will create the same intense levels of discipline, loyalty and bravery, as did the Spartan armies of old. Once again, I looked back at history and adapted “tried and true” military doctrine to fit our needs.

It is my hope that as I add to this “battle manual” that all Spartans will learn the key skills and disciplines needed to survive on this planet. My Spartans and I will survive on this planet despite the numerous United Nations errors that created this fiasco in the first place. As part of my greater plan I am issuing my first “general order #1” and that is: Our Spartan survival is first and foremost. Everything that is NOT Spartan should be made Spartan if it adds to our survival. We will take what is ours by right of might to secure our survival and that of humanity. I expect every Spartan from small child to elder to engrave this principal into his/her heart and act accordingly.

Lastly, I want to address the issue of the alien question. It is clear that we are “not alone” on this planet. At some time either in the past or in the present an alien civilization thrived on this planet. As of this date we still have not seen any aliens. It is also clear that the “native” population of this planet has or has access to at one point advanced engineering science. The question before us Spartans is one of accommodation or extermination. I have decided the latter. We will exterminate the “native” presence in order to secure a prosperous and thriving human/Spartan civilization. I will give not expect to receive nor will I give any “quarter” should we encounter any aliens and in accordance with this I am issuing my second general order: All aliens are to be treated as enemies of the Spartan state and should be exterminated on site. I think this clearly explains the importance I have assigned to this issue. This planet is now ours.

In closing I fully expect that the military hierarchy and systems I have instituted will be difficult for some to adjust to but in time as we begin to reap the bounty that our discipline our bravery generate it will be easy to see the wisdom of my decision. These last 10 turns have been one of challenge and hardships and I do not expect it to get any easier as we meet new tasks, obstacles and challenges. But what I do expect to see is the accumulation of power that will secure our survival and domination of this planet. Some have remarked that this new world is our new “hell”. If this is the case then I believe it is better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven. With the strength of a powerful Sparta we will forge a heaven from hell on this planet and build a new world based on the principles of strength, order, loyalty, comradeship and most importantly discipline. Discipline is our key and the means to generate our eventual victory over this planet and any who will not submit to us will fall before our might, Sparta will prevail!

Colonel Corazon Santiago,

Supreme Commander of the Spartan Federation

*~*~*~*

Fecundity Towers, MY 2110

First Citizen Yang looked up at the alien building. It was reddish ochre in color, and stood at 30 meters tall, and resembled more than anything else an ancient Egyptian obelisk. It sat on a raised platform that was covered on one side by soil, and the best seismic tests indicated the foundation went down to and then into bedrock, which in this area was over 85 meters below ground surface. Curious branches of the obelisk branched out underground in an odd fractal pattern. Above the ground surface the walls tapered slightly, and then 3 meters below the top abruptly came together in a point. That, more than anything else, gave the obelisk its distinctive appearance.

There were other features that defied accurate description. The most obvious was the deeply incised writing that covered much of the exterior. That, in itself, wasn’t odd – obelisks had been used as methods for memorializing significant events throughout human history. What was truly baffling is that the language changed, and the pictoforms were always mutating. They didn’t seem to change when being observed, yet they did change.

Then there was the curious effect it had on the immediate surroundings. The ground in the immediate vicinity was virulently fertile, and anything planted there or livestock raised in the area grew at a pace that was, by all the laws of biology, impossible. This effect had been noticed in humans, too: the frailties of age seemed to lessen, time reversing itself; wounds healed as the amazed person watched; old scars and even organs grew back of their own accord. Even material devices were effected, with rents in manufactured surfaces sometimes knitting themselves together, and even complicated electronics re-orienting themselves, sometimes in ways outside of their original design and causing them to function in a wholly different way.

It would take years, or decades, to fathom the depths of this alien device. For the time being, though, it was providing Fecundity Tower with health, vitality, and prosperity, with its people much more productive than they had any right to be.

Yes, Yang thought as he adjusted his breather, the practical outweighs the theoretical.

He paused, looking up at the device, and a feeling of wonder filled his mind.

For now…

*~*~*~*

Three sectors northeast of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2110


“Do you think the Colonel will like it?”

“You are kidding right?”

Both women laughed as they walked down to the river. The scouting mission was a complete success and the colony site was more than they could have hoped for. They both stood there by the river and looked north as the great water falls crashed down on the rocks below. The site would provide ample food and hydroelectric power to the colony. In addition, by using the river valley to aid the colonists travel time they colony pod and team would make excellent time.

“Do we get to go back now?”

“No. Captain Iverson said that our unit had to move west to scout out that area. Then we would work our way back south towards Ft. Superiority.”

“****.”

Both of them understood that they would be gone for a long, long time. Just then a sound could be heard from behind them and they both quickly turned around to see other cavalry vehicles approaching.

“Well, time to go I suppose.”

“Yep.”

They both looked at each other for a few minutes more and then let go of their hands and began to walk back. Both of them were still amazed that they even through all this hardship and strain they had found love.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2111

First Citizen Yang stood in the feeding den and looked over the assembled People’s Representatives.

“Today is a singular achievement for the People. With the completion of these two terraformers we will bend this planet to our will, to the will of the people. It will be made to serve us, yielding what we need and required to fulfill our destiny. Our toil and labors will be amply repaid. The Citizens who crew these mighty works of The Hive will build roads, farms and forests. In years to come they will build vast fields of machines to harvest the bounty of our new sun, and it will yield to us the energy that was before wasted. New sites will be prepared for new warrens for our progeny, who will be the inheritors of all that we labor for today. This future is humanity’s future, a goal for us to work and strive toward. We shall abandon the failed promises and corruptions of the past. Discarded, they will be mere shadows of the works we will build, and aspirations that will be made real.

“For us these terraformers are the result of a decade of work and ingenuity. For we, the pioneers, started with nothing. To our children they will be mere toys, and they will look back at our labors not with contempt, but with envy. For these works were the start. These works were the bright beginning.”

Yang paused, gauging the throng in front of him. Inwardly he was pleased.

“Go now. Tell your Citizens of their great achievement. Let them glory in this accomplishment.”

With that he stood down. There was no applause, no outward sign of pleasure. Yet, Yang knew it was there.

*~*~*~*

Sparta War Journal Chapter 2 “Procreation & Survival” – SPARTA 2111

Sparta must thrive and prosper! This simple yet painfully obvious statement is at the very heart of all my decisions. We Spartans are faced with a great challenge: how do we prosper as a society? Due to the unfortunate planning by Pravin Lal and his inept administrators our colony pod had barely 486 males and 1,514 females. Of those 1,514 females nearly 300 hundred are serving as Myrmidon soldiers. The simple reality of the problem is staggering. If I were to allow “conventional” parings, ie… man and wife relationships our genetic based would be severely limited if not potentially harmful to society.

With this cruel reality facing us I issued General Order #3. General Order #3 outlawed conventional marriages and thus eliminated the possibility of damaging our genetic base. In addition the directive ordered each male to mate with 3 different females in order to increase the genetic base. For many Spartans still “attached” to old Earth morals and sensibilities this order was perceived as an attack. It was not meant to be but the end result has to be multiple genetic parings in order to preserve the human race. I have abolished marriage in order to preserve humanity. The ultimate good of this will be clearly understood by our descendents.

Lastly as part of General Order #3 all children from such pairings are to be turned over the state as the responsible entity for nurturing and growth of said child. Each child will be assigned a “pack” and each “pack” will have a “pack leader”. Each “pack” will consist of 10 children and a pack leader. Five “packs” will create a “squad” and four “squads” will create a “phalanx”. In the following pages you will review the instructions, methods and procedures to raise a child within the Spartan system. Children will be assigned a “pack” as soon as they are “weaned” from their birth mothers. They will remain in their pacts and receive instruction in math, reading, military philosophy and doctrine, science and history. As the child grows older each “pack” will be assigned more advanced training such as: military studies, manufacturing and support, science and research and lastly, leadership. It is my contention that any child can achieve anything he/she wishes to if they receive the proper instruction. In addition, all “packs” will be sexually segregated but no task will be assigned to any group based on sex. The only exception I will make to this rule is that male “packs” will be denied access to military studies. When our society reaches a point where our genetic base is sufficiently diverse and our population more balanced between males and females I will lift this restriction. Until then no male can serve as a myrmidon soldier.

This new world is a harsh and unforgiving place to live but we Spartans will prevail and prosper. We must stripe away all of our old morals and beliefs and fully accept that our life on this planet demands that we grow. In order to grow we must accept the eventual idea that we will no longer be people of Earth with a history and a culture to be a guide for our lives. Within a hundred turns every Spartan will have fully stripped away their old lives and beliefs and will have become a Spartan in thought, word and deed.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2112

First Citizen Yang read the report again, carefully, to ensure he had not missed anything critical.

He had not.

Finally, he commented to the waiting People’s Science Advisor, “The alien life forms are colonies of worm-shaped entities, a collective. Individually they are potentially lethal to humans and other fauna, and they possess a greater power when combined. They have, to date, been found in the xenofungus fields that cover most of Chiron and seem to be part of that habitat. When combined, forming a boil, their internal chemistry changes, giving them a catalyst-like ability to strike out at other organized beings. This energy is either released in the attack, or a portion of it remains if the attack fails or they are attacked; this energy is then recoverable and usable by humans.”

Science Advisor Scott Simon, formerly Life Sciences, Second Grade, of the Unity mission, replied, “Yes, First Citizen. Your summary is correct. To date we have collected remains of two boils, and each has contained the resources specified in the report. This has greatly augmented our resource base, and we recommend that the xenofungus in the area be thoroughly explored to recover as many of these energy boil remains as possible.”

“Are there risks?” Yang asked. He knew the answer.

“Yes, First Citizen. If the explorer attacks then he is likely to prevail in the encounter. If, when in the fungus, he is attacked at unawares it will almost assuredly mean their destruction. Even after almost 12 years of study we know very little about the xenofungus, except that it contains great danger, and also promise.”

Yang nodded ever so slightly. This was the answer he had been expecting, if this Science Advisor was to retain his post.

“The risk is acceptable for the good of the People,” Yang said as he authorized the further exploration of the fungus. He handed it to the People’s Science Advisor. “Work with the Base Industrial Collective Authority to determine if additional scout teams can be constructed and deployed without disruption expansion plans. Dismissed.”

	01-05-2004 05:30									#5
	Suffering from ads?

Four sectors northeast of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2112

“WHAT IN THE H*LL IS THAT!”

“Rover-9, rover-9, this is rover-1! I need for you to calm down and give me a sitrep!” Captain Wills sternly commanded.

“Rover-1 this is rover-9. I have just encountered an alien life form. It is blocking my advance. I am 2-klicks south of your position, vector-12. The alien is moving slowly and from what I can tell it is alone. It is about 4 meters tall. It has tentacles or something like tentacles on the top of its cylinder shaped body. I can only assume the thousands of tendrils at its base is how it moves about. It did “shoot” some type of substance at us but our rover was able to get out of the way.” The slightly rattled rover team leader replied.

“Confirmed.” Captain Wills flipped a few switches in front of her on the dashboard. “All rovers this is rover-1. You are ordered to converge on rover-9 and attack the creature. Begin your attacks in echelon right formations.” Wills leaned forward again and closed the channel and then turned to her driver and gunner. “Okay lets go and lock and load.”

Within a few minutes all of the rovers began to crest the hill to the south where they saw the alien creature. Almost immediately the lead rover moved forward and the gunner began to fire into the creature. As they closed they began to veer right as another rover made an attack run. By the time the fourth rover had passed the creature had collapsed and was withering. By the time the last rover had made its battle pass the creature had been blasted apart into small piles of jelly like substance. In the place it had once “stood” several orb like objects seem to pulse and glow.

“All rovers cease your attack!” Captain Wills commanded as she flipped channels again. “Sparta Command this is Captain Wills, 1st scout cavalry. I want to submit an after action report for Colonel Santiago. Inform the Colonel that there are aliens!”


Several days later at Sparta Command

“Do we have any idea of it had “human like” intelligence?”

“No Colonel we do not. The remains that the 1st scout cavalry found did not seem to indicate any “human like” brain cells or matter that we would consider necessary for higher forms of intelligence. However, these nodules that they found resemble portable power generators. They gave of heat that we can convert into energy. It is possible that the orbs themselves are part of the intelligence.” The lead biologist commented as he handed Santiago a report.

“Bottom line it for me Doctor.”
“Colonel I have no idea what this creature was. It is that simple. It could have been one of the creatures that built the monoliths or it could have been an “animal” or even one of the alien’s soldiers for all we know. I have added several recommendations for your review the next time we encounter them.” The scientist replied hopefully. The entire team of biologists was eagerly waiting the samples and all hoped to actually capture one of them.

“Doctor any time we encounter these creatures I expect to meet them the same way we just did with hot steel and iron courage. The thing tried to attack and it was destroyed that’s all the information I really need at this point.”

Santiago turned and left the room knowing she would never come back to this room again. It was very simple for her. These creatures had to die.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2113

It was not clear that this infant society was a prototype of the eventual whole. The reports of the population demographics were encouraging, but they did have some seeds that caused grave concern. Fecundity Tower had almost had a riot in the past week when its garrison had left to explore the fungus to the south. Fortunately it was not far from base when the Base Manager called with an urgent directive to return to base immediately. By the time they returned the riots had ceased; none wanted to face the wrath of the garrison, who had had to prove their loyalty to The Hive several times since landing.

This would clearly limit exploration. But, Yang reflected, this might be a blessing in disguise. Now that defenders were essential there would be no chance of the base being under defended when one of the hostile alien life forms attacked. Yes, it was not a matter of if, but when the native life forms attacked one of the two warrens. What other defense might be erected? On this point the People’s Science Advisor had no answer, even when questioned under duress. Not physical duress – that would be counterproductive. Pressure had been applied and the results had been as expected. He had not elaborated beyond what was prudent to give him the answers he wanted. That was good. False data would lead to critical errors in judgment, the most serious of which was self-delusion.

The Citizens’ leaders would have to make clear, rational decisions or they would suffer. Without effective leadership this necessary effort may founder, and that was unacceptable.

*~*~*~*

Primary medical center, delivery room, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2113


“One last pushes Corazon.” The doctor urged.

Corazon Santiago, supreme leader of the Spartan Federation, was moments away from giving birth. It had been a long 14 hours and now the end was in sight. What made it all the more difficult was that she was having twins.

“Push NOW!” The doctor ordered.

Corazon gripped the rails and squeezed with all of her remaining strength and she could now feel the babies moving through her. The pain was almost unbearable and the little amount of pain medication that they could spare for any birth was almost worn off.

“Okay Corazon we have the first one and now one more big push!”

She struggled to breath but she gripped the rails once again and pushed with the last ounce of strength she had.

“That’s it! We have both of them, a girl and a boy.” The doctor reported.

Corazon could hardly breath when she heard the words. A nurse had at last given her some water to drink and someone else had wiped her forehead free of sweat. At first she felt fine but her strength seemed to be fading still.

“Doctor let me see them.” Corazon ordered with a gasp of air.

Two nurses quickly maneuvered the babies around so she could see them. The boy was very frail looking, the weaker of the two twins but the girl looked strong and big. Her first child had died during delivery and she had not expected to be able to have anymore so it was a shock to find out not only was she pregnant but with twins.

“Doctor the patients blood pressure is dropping and respiration is falling as well.” A nurse quickly reported with great urgency.

“Okay I think we need to get in there and see what happened. Remove the babies and put the Colonel under. I was afraid of this but I hoped for the best. Ready the instruments to due a full hysterectomy. I suspect we will have to remove the entire uterus. The strain of having twins has caused the walls of the uterus to tear. They were too weak before from the first miscarriage. Alright people lets move!” The doctor quickly moved to give room to the nurses as he began to put on new gloves.

Nurses began to surge around Corazon but all she could see was her children being whisked away. She would have them a short time but they would become the future of not only Sparta but also leaders on this planet. She would make sure of that.

“Okay, is she under yet?” The doctor asked and it was the last thing Corazon heard.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2114

“Lieutenant Commander Skye,” Yang said, “how may I be of service?”

The communication channel fluxed and static filled the line, almost obscuring Deirdre Skye’s image.

“I would like to exchange information,” she said, “for the good of both of our peoples.”

“A worthy goal,” Yang said. He ensured that his voice and mannerisms were noncommittal. “What do you propose?”

Deirdre paused for a moment. “We have collected a large amount of data on our surroundings. Everything we can learn about Planet is of value. I would like to trade this information for technical files that you may have.”

Yang didn’t hesitate. “In the spirit of cooperation, I agree. Transmit your files as your soonest opportunity. Our technical files will be arriving shortly. Assign a subordinate to be responsible for ensuring the files are properly received.”

Dee’s face, which had been somewhat drawn, lit up into a smile. “That will be a great help, Sheng-ji. Very generous.” Deirdre paused for a moment. “I think we should go share more of our information on a regular basis. You’ve shown trust in us, perhaps we could return the favor and offer a pact to defend each other, as best we can, and exchange map files on a regular basis?”

Yang nodded. “I agree, Lieutenant Commander. Together we will be stronger than apart. Both our peoples will benefit.”

“Thank you, Sheng-ji. The thermosphere bounce will cease in less than a minute. Call when you can. Dee, out.”

*!~*~*~*

Spartan Battle Manual, Chapter two “On war and diplomacy” – SPARTA 2114

General Von Clauswitz said, “War is just an extension of diplomacy”. I disagree. War is diplomacy, it is change, it is the fuel by which all social, economic and political order occurs. I use the term “war” to include all forms of physical violence and force. All one has to do is look back through history to see that every major change in our world is the result of war. From the first primitive man fighting with lions for dominance on the African plains to our current situation here.

Our challenge before us today is to encompass this reality and make it our reality. By preparing, training and working at all times to hone our skills and discipline to meet our enemies on the battlefield we will prevail.

It is clear to me today that we must always exert the maximum amount of force possible in every conflict to achieve overwhelming superiority. There will never be an instance in our future we will project a “measured and appropriate” response. Simply put if we are pushed we will bulldozer you back! If our enemies know that they will suffer the full wrath of our power if they wish to test us then they will only do so if they sense if we are weak. Weakness in any form cannot be tolerated. If we are weak our enemies will sense it and strike at our heart. We must always be vigilant and prepared for attack and when that attack comes we must meet that force with overwhelming force.

Our society must always be vigilant for the weak that might sap our strength. Our task before us today is simple: we are only as strong as our weakest link and the weak link must be removed. In all aspects we must look to ourselves to focus our efforts to expunge our cancers, our frailties our weakness in order to build a better, stronger world. When we meet strong and powerful forces we will measure their discipline and conviction and if they merit worth then we might be able to make allies of them. However, on the other hand if they are weak and pitiful then their resources and material and people and technology must be melded into our society by force of will and of arms.

I wish to be clear on this issue and this issue in particular and that is this, Sparta will prevail and it will take whatever it needs to build a stronger and dominant force. We will achieve this through war!

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2115

First Citizen Yang and his entourage of selected People’s Representatives walked through the newly planted forest. It was still very young, and many of its trees were no higher than two meters. Others were well over four meters tall, which was astounding even considering the trees were four years old, at most. The trees were primarily spruce with a scattering of others in test plots, some failed experiments and others doing just as well as the spruce. At the time of planting three years ago a decision had been made based on the best available data, and a northern European hybrid had been selected. It had interesting properties since it was designed to withstand the hotter and drying summers that northern Europe was receiving at the time, and the pests that came with it. This particular variety had a copious and pungent sap, which would have many uses.

As they walked the various Representatives made discrete but pointed comments, all cogent and sometimes even insightful. All, of course, were directed at Yang in an effort to demonstrate their superior competence. Two Representatives, who clearly thought very little of each other and were barely able to hide their animosity from the First Citizen, were even jockeying for the position three people behind Yang.

Sheng-ji was aloof. It was useful to observe everything around, sorting out the different impulses and evaluating, always evaluating. The prattle of the Representatives was entered as data and may be useful at a future time to evaluate their competence, likely success in a new role, or culling. That, of course, was a last resort, but it would be done if needed.

*~*~*~*

Command Center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2115

Santiago waited patiently, a virtue she was trying of late to work on, as the last command staff officer sat down.

“First let me remind each and everyone one of that the responsibility that I have give to you is crucial to our survival.” Santiago turned slightly to her right where a very attractive young women who had blond hair and blue eyes. In almost every aspect she was the opposite of Corazon Santiago. “Major Cynthia West has accepted her new role as my second in command and will be in charge of our G-1 section, operations. She will be responsible for all administrative operations and coordinating your work.”

“Thank you Colonel for your trust.” Major West added.

“You earned my trust Major but you still have to prove that you can do the job. Now as for the rest of you.” Santiago pointed towards a tall and lanky looking woman with red hair and green eyes. “Captain Natasha Alexandrovna will be our G-2 section, training and operations.” Santiago then pointed towards a heavy set muscular women with black hair and black eyes. “Captain Jamie Clinton will head up our G-3 section, intelligence.” Santiago then pointed towards a buxom blond woman with blue eyes and a very beautiful face. “Captain Jenna Michaels will be our G-4 section leader. Her job will be to keep logistics and supplies flowing.”

Santiago then turned to her left and motioned towards a medium-aged woman, perhaps her mid to late forties, she had mousey brown hair and a plain face. “This is Captain Jocelyn Smith. Captain Smith is my field operations commander and will be responsible for leading all military field units when I am not in direct command.” Next Santiago pointed towards a man sitting to Captain Smith’s right. “Master Technician Albert Smith is my choice to head up the technical divisions that make up the support staff. It will be his responsibility to coordinate research and production.” Santiago then pointed towards a middle-aged woman with brown hair who had stern face. “I am sure you all know Governor-General “I am sure you all know Governor-General Karen Walker. I have asked Governor-General Walker to be the liaison between the leaders of each base and this command council. I have decided to allow the Governor-Generals more latitude in the administration and governance of their bases. Each Governor-General will coordinate production, resource management and research with this command staff but the day to day details will be handled by them” Lastly Santiago pointed towards a very attractive and young oriental woman who was seated at the left end of the table. “This is Commandant Gig-Ta Fong. Captain Fong is my choice to head up the child development program. She is also the military commander of our youth training program.”

“Now after today’s meeting Major West will be working with each of you on issues and problems. I expect that we will meet weekly and as needed subject to any emergencies.” Santiago stopped talking as she motioned for them to open their briefing books. “We have two issues we have to deal with today. First the selection of our fourth colony site. There are two likely spots: sector 93-31 or 96-22. We need to make a decision today so that the new Governor-General knows how much supplies to pack. Secondly and perhaps more importantly is the situation with the 1st and I suppose I have to say the 2nd scout cavalry. The 1st scout cavalry found an alien device and when they activated it an energy wave erupted from it, engulfing the entire team. When it was done it had “duplicated” then entire 1st scout cavalry down to the moles on the faces. What was even more disturbing was the fact that they even had all of the memories and feelings of the originals. We will go into this in more depth but if we are dealing with a civilization that can simply “photo-copy” it soldiers to create new ones then we are dealing with a technology so far beyond our own that it makes us look like ants. I will want recommendations from each of you as to how you see this development and our options.”

Santiago stopped and looked around the room, as everyone was quickly writing down what she said. She had assembled the best people she could find and now she hoped it would be enough.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2116

Yang looked over the latest reports. With two forests the resource base had increased markedly. Growth had been sacrificed, but the net increase in resources was worth the sacrifice. The forests were remarkably productive considering the relative dearth of food, minerals, and energy available from the alien lands. Perhaps it was a lucky thing that there were resources at all, and that any part of this ecosystem was compatible with human biology. Still, it would be a good thing when the lands could be bent to human uses.

Now the key would be to expand their resource base, and that required more bases to be built. By the time the new colony pods were built there would be a few roads to the now colony sites, and that would speed their setup immensely. Having the slow, ponderous assemblage of vehicles and people travel over an open terrain was inefficient, and wasteful. And, the faster they got to their colonization site the faster they could begin resource collection, and human propagation.

Indeed, on this world people meant resources. Back on earth there were too many people, and countries that did not watch out for their growth levels were always wracked with poverty and instability. That would not be true on Chiron for a very long time. If all eight of the Unity landing pods made it, and so far only two had, then there would be 16,000 people total. Of those, there were only four thousand that were known to have survived. With those starting levels it would take a very long time to come close to having the problems of earth. In fact, with proper control those problems could be eliminated.

As always, the key was control and discipline. On earth those lessons had been lost under the guise of human rights and the chimera of democracy. But, what use are those if it results in the extinction of humanity? Hence, the failure on earth, and Unity. Those mistakes would not be repeated.

	01-05-2004 05:32									#6
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Spartan Battle Manual, Chapter three “On tactics of war” – SPARTA 2116

I want to make one thing perfectly clear to every Spartan that reads the following words that I mean each and every one of them. I have only one battle order that must always be followed: advance and attack!

This will perhaps be the shortest chapter in this manual. Throughout history thousands of generals have written elaborate and extensive works on war and let me say they are all crap. Every decision on the battlefield can be distilled down to the one of two choices: attack or retreat. The simple reality of the situation, any battlefield situation, is that there is a victor and the defeated. I have no intention of ever allowing Sparta to become the loser on the field of blood and struggle.

So every battle commander in the Myrmidon forces should always attack. It is my only standing battle order and it should be engraved in the very soul of every Spartan. Attack and attack should be the only clear choice. Move forward, take the front line, assume the vanguard, and never stop always attack.

So should any battle commander ever stop, ever “regroup” I will have the son of a ***** shot on the spot.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2117

“What is the goal of every good Citizen?” the young man asked.

“To serve society,” the children answered in unison.

“Very good,” the teacher said, smiling. “And how to you accomplish this goal?”

Many hands shot up. “May, you many answer.”

“By serving mommy!” she answered with unveiled enthusiasm.

The teacher frowned. “No, May. That is not correct.” Little May seemed to shrink at the rebuke. More hands shot up. “Sanchez?”

“We serve the First Citizen!” he almost yelled.

Now the teacher smiled. “That is correct! Well done, Sanchez! The First Citizen is wise, wiser than any of us can ever understand. He led us to safety when the great ship from earth crashed. Without him all of us, your mommies and daddies, sisters, brothers would be dead! And after landing, what did he do?”

Hands raised, and wagged at the sky. “Chen,” the teacher said.

“The First Citizen helped us breath, and not die! He built our houses, and got us food!” the little boy said with a touch of reverence.

“Yes,” the teacher agreed, “he helped the People by making them understand what they were to do, and when to do it.” The teacher paused, and in a soft voice he said, “Some of the People are not People, but people. They do not want to help, but to hurt.” In a softer voice he said, “What hurts the people?”

No hands shot up. No one wanted to answer this question. He called on May, who tentatively answered, “Not working for the People. Being selfish. Thinking bad thoughts.”

The teacher nodded and gave May a smile. “And we don’t want to do that,” he said. “We all love the First Citizen, don’t we?”

All the little faces nodded and said in unison, “We love the First Citizen.”

*~*~*~*

Children’s barracks, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2118

“I like the names you chose Commandant Fong.”

“Thank you Colonel. I thought it might help the children build pride and unit cohesion.” Commandant Fong replied with a hint of pride in her voice. Above each of the rooms was a banner with an animal on it. Currently there were only five “packs” at Sparta Command: wolverine, tiger, Bull, Horse and orca. “I have assigned wolverine, orca to military development. The tiger pack will be assigned to leadership and of course bull and horse packs will be assigned to manufacturing, support or research.”

“I thank you have a good handle on this Commandant. I think you have taken the broad guidelines found in my battle manual and applied them very effectively here.” Santiago commented as she watched a group of children in Orca pack, the oldest of all three packs, working at a sand table in their classroom concerning a military maneuver. Orca pack children ranged from 8 to 12 years of age.

“Thank you again Colonel. I have just returned from instructing the new Governor-General who is taking command of the colony pod on how I want his program set-up. Once he has it going I will inspect it to make sure it is up to our standards.” Fong said as she motioned for Santiago to follow her into another room.

When they entered the room it was filled with small children, tiger pact. These small children no older than four years old would one day become military leaders within the Spartan Federation.

“I though you might want to see your Carlos and Corrine.” Fong explained as she pointed at two small toddlers playing on the floor with two other children.

Santiago took a step forward and watched her twins push a ball back and forth between each other and the two other children. Corrine was a big girl for her age and her play demonstrated an aggressive nature to it. When Carlos had the ball you could almost see the gears spinning in his three year old head as he picked out the child that would most likely “miss” the ball. She was very proud of her children and they way they were developing. Corrine demonstrated every aspect she admired or expected, strength and determination. Carlos her son and the smaller and weaker of the two clearly showed a higher intellect and reasoning capabilities. If somehow the two of them could have been one, there “fusion” would have created a great leader and soldier. Yet fate had played its role and had “split” them into two: courage, strength and endurance and in the other intellect and cunning. Only time would tell whom fate would use these two children.

“Mommy!” Both of them screamed as they jumped up and ran over to her. They quickly grappled her legs and she reached down and pulled their faces up so she could talk to them.

“Colonel Santiago to you!” She commanded.

Both of them giggled for a second and respond, “Colonel mommy!”

Santiago looked over at Fong, “You need to work on this Commandant.”

However, Fong was too busy laughing to pay any attention to her superior.

*~*~*~*

Fecundity Towers, MY 2118

Even the best controls couldn’t prevent a combination of joy and sadness at the parting. Almost half the colonists at Fecundity Towers had been given the honor of being in the colony pod headed toward their new home. Although it was not so far away, little more than the near horizon, it would take years of unending toil to move all the people and materials where the new colony would be constructed. Then, another delving would take place, the perimeters set, and the colonists would have a new home.

The placement of that new warren had been a subject of much debate, which the First Citizen had encouraged. At this juncture it was critical to have all the ideas and facts be presented in a forthright manner; otherwise a grave error could occur, and that would not be to anyone’s benefit. After weeks of refereed discussion the two side had come down to spending the time to get to a optimal base site, one at the headwaters to a river and access to rainy potential farm fields, or those that advocated expediency, arguing that delay denied the People the resources they deserved.

Both sides had argued strenuously, trying to convince the First Citizen of their merit. They knew that to win this argument, and be proved right, would be a great boost in the status in the Hive Hierarchy. With the right decision they might win the right to whisper into the ear of the First Citizen, and having the honor of helping him guide the People in their quest for expansion.

In the end the First Citizen had decided both were correct. The colony pod from Fecundity Towers would proceed to the optimal site, and the colony pod to be complete in the coming year at The Hive would chose the path of expediency.

But, more than the selection, the decision itself served the ends of the First Citizen. Now no party would be ascendant, and both would still struggle for control. The winnowing would continue, testing the mettle of all involved, showing who had the will, the intelligence, and the aptitude to win the argument and then enforce their will upon the others.

Indeed, that was the entire point to the debate. It would show who had great promise to be a leader.

And who was a potential rival.

*~*~*~*~*~*

One sector southeast of Fort Superiority – SPARTA 2219


Governor-General Jane Maxwell turned around to see the last glimpse of Fort Superiority disappear behind the hill. She and her colonists were now alone. She turned back and looked westward to see if she could catch a glimpse of the 2nd scout cavalry that were shadowing the colonists as the approached the fungal barrier. She had wished to have them with the colonists but that was not in the cards.

“Governor-General?”

Maxwell turned to her left to see a young girl walking beside her.

“Yes?” Maxwell replied. Curious that the girl would leave her pack so nonchalantly since they had been told not to do so.

“Governor-General will we see any aliens?” The girl asked with a slight trace of fear in her voice.

“If we do I will let you know.”

“Oh now Governor-General please don’t. I am afraid of them.” She replied quickly her voice cracking in fear.

“What pack are you assigned?”

“Buffalo pack.”

A worker pack Maxwell remembered. Odd that Commandant Fong would have assigned a female to a worker pack. However, based on the child’ reaction it was clear she was not cut out for the military.

“Run back to you pack before you are reported missing and get punished.” Maxwell ordered and the small girl quickly ran back behind the lumbering colony pod.

Maxwell watched her run and thought perhaps if they did meet an alien she might be the only one that does survive. She had thought about the aliens too and knew that if they did encounter them that her colonists would have to help fight them as best they could until the cavalry showed up. She just hoped that they would get there quickly.

*~*~*~*~

The Hive, MY 2119

First Citizen Yang was pleased. The last vestiges of the old system had been swept away, and the People properly conditioned to accept and even expect the order that The Hive needed to survive. Slowly, by degrees, the thoughts of representative government had been criticized and then denigrated. At the same time the People’s Representatives played on the fears, many of them very real, of disorder, and of the threats which constantly surrounded them: an alien planet, a hostile ecology, the low numbers of the People. All combined, with the proper allocation of resources to produce an efficient Police State.

To be sure, the resources brought be the harvesting of the strange colonial life forms of Chiron helped considerably. Three of these creatures had been eliminated, bringing a large boost to the treasury. In many ways it was an investment since the advantages in control, and the extra labor the people gave to support, was considerable.

This, of course, was just the first of many steps that would be required to make the People ready for their true task of leading humanity to more than survival on this world. The goal was domination, and ensuring that the chaos of earth and Unity were not inflicted upon the tattered remnant of humanity. There could be no more experiments, and no more starry-eyed theories. The only hope that humanity would persevere and then reclaim its place in the stars would be through discipline. That was the calling of The Hive.

*~*~*~*

Two sectors southeast of Fort Superiority – SPARTA 2120


The colonists trudged through the thick fungus like growth. The large colony pod tore up huge chunks of the fragile fungus as it lumbered southward towards the colony site.

Governor-General Maxwell stopped as she watched the pod rumble by. She had wanted the 2nd scout cavalry to lead the way through the fungus but they had been ordered to take up a rear guard position by Sparta Command. Maxwell knew very well the reasons for that. Should an alien creature attack the colony pod the scouts could move in and destroy them. If they were attacked first then the outcome of that battle was not certain.

“Governor-General!”

Maxwell turned towards the person yelling at her. The man was running back from the front of the column.

“What!” She yelled back.

“Governor-General.” The man stopped in front of her, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “I would like to report that I have seen the end of the fungus. We should be able to clear it within a day.”

Maxwell smiled and patted the man on his shoulder. “Good job. Now get aboard the pod and pinpoint the exact area we can clear the fungus as quickly as possible.”

The man merely nodded and then turned and left.

If the colony pod would clear the fungus by the end of this turn and then another to reach the site and then they could set-up. Two more turns. Once the scouts cleared the fungus they would make their base their forward operations area and then proceed to scout out more of the area. Perhaps she was worrying for nothing?

Maxwell began to jog after the man to see for herself when they would find the end to this nightmare.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2120

“What are your conclusions, Citizen Paine?” Yang asked.

The young woman, who had likely been a child at the time of landing, didn’t finch, but responded immediately. “First Citizen, the People’s enlightened policies now allow us to support twice as many military or civilian operative units as before. This will greatly allow us to field terraformers, military units, or colony pods without negatively impacting our industrial production.

“Moreover, the heightened awareness of the People to the needs of our expanding society will allow us much greater social stability as soon as we…expand our surveillance ability.”

Yang leaned forward. “What do you mean, Citizen?”

“Additional police, or surveillance units, will be needed.”

The First Citizen nodded. “At what point will that be necessary?”

“That is not known yet, First Citizen. The People’s Council and People’s Scientists have not yet reached a consensus. When they have they will inform the First Citizen, and then we will know the answer.”

Yang reflected that this candidate held real promise. Now, for the final test. “When the First Citizen has collected the information from the People’s Council and the People’s Scientists and has decided, do your studies indicate it would be advisable to create more such police units?”

The young lady shook her head. “No, First Citizen. We must expand, and expand quickly. Our bases will remain relatively small and well within the abilities of our current police units. It is doubtful that any additional surveillance will be needed in the immediate future.”

“Is that your opinion, Citizen?” Yang asked.

“No, First Citizen. It is the conclusion reached by the People’s Scientists, at the recommendation of the First Citizen,” she replied.

Yang nodded again. “Citizen, you have done well. Your examination is concluded, and you have passed. Now, we can begin.”

The young women straightened and a fleeting smile passed her lips. With methodical efficiently she disrobed and stepped forward to a waiting First Citizen.

	01-05-2004 05:34									#7
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Supreme Spartan Command, Administration and Training center (SSCAT), Sparta Command – SPARTA 2121

Santiago walked up to the large steel doors to the SSCAT and waited for the guards to clear her through. Within a minute the massive blast door began to swing out and Santiago entered along with her myrmidon bodyguards. They entered the massive entry vestibule and waited patiently for the blast doors to seal and the room to pressurize. Above the room four automated defense pods tracked their movements in case they would try to do any “harm” to the facility. A green light blinked on and the internal blast doors began to swing open.

“Welcome to SSCAT Colonel!” Major Cynthia West announced as she motioned from them to enter.

Santiago merely nodded and moved into the main hall area of SSCAT.

“Colonel I would like to officially welcome you to SSCAT. Since you were intimately involved with the construction of this facility I don’t think we really need to do a tour. I am sure you remember that on this main level you will find bulk storage and the maintenance facilities along with our large training hall. If you will follow me to the elevator we will go down to the command center.” West motioned for them to follow her to one of the six elevators. West put a plastic card into a reader and then leaned forward for her eye to be scanned for a retinal verification. A green light blinked on and the elevator opened.

Santiago, West and her myrmidon bodyguards entered the elevator. West pushed the last button on the panel marked operations/command.

“Colonel we will be traveling down nearly five hundred feet below the surface. We have ten levels below surface that comprise SSCAT. The upper levels are dedicated to training and barracks. The middle levels to research and support and the bottom two levels are the command and control.” West reported as they all waited patiently for the elevator to reach the bottom.

“Has master-technician Smith completed his work on the new weapon proto-type?” Santiago asked quietly.

“Yes Colonel his team of engineers has. The impact cannon is ready for testing today in fact if you would like to see it.”

“I would”

“The test will begin today on level 5 at 10:00hours in the main testing room.”

“How soon can we go into production?”
“If the test goes well we should be able to start construction on the impact rovers within a turn.”

“How powerful does Smith think these impact weapons will be?"

“They should be a full four times more powerful than any standard assault cannon we have and they are double the fire power of our laser cannons. In addition, the impact cannons should have longer range as well.”

“Good.”

“I have also instructed Smith to begin using more of our resources to increase the productivity of his research and development programs. Smith is confident that based on the resources he now has to work with that another major breakthrough should be achieved within a decade.”

“Try to push him on that.”

“Yes Colonel.”

Just then the elevator opened up at the command and control level.

“Colonel our new home!” West reported proudly.

Santiago walked out of the elevator into the massive command center. It was multi-tiered room with hundreds of displays and maps arranged around the room. Everywhere soldiers were sitting at desks or at map tables working on various administrative or military matters. Yes Santiago thought she was truly at home.

*~*~*~*

Great Collective, MY 2121

Yang stood on a small dais in front of the assembled residents of the new base. He paused a moment to look out at their expectant faces. That base had taken a few years to prepare, and to erect the required buildings and perimeter defense, but now all was in order.

“As First Citizen it is my honor to acknowledge to work of the People. The building of this base is a testament to years of labor and planning, and as with all such endeavors it will both serve the People and the People will serve it. Each new warren is an expansion of our new vision for humanity, one where the People will labor for the benefit of all, casting aside the petty and ignorant selfish urges that have doomed humanity on lost earth. With each new expansion we prove our claim, showing that the People and their vision will prevail.

“The years of work were long and hard. The future promises more labor. But, it is a valiant and noble labor to selflessly give for the betterment of all. We all know that Chiron is our adoptive home, and that in many ways it is not friendly to our kind as earth was before it was destroyed. The People must struggle to ensure our survival against the predations of Chiron, and against the chaos that threatens our vision. For, if that vision fails, then the future of humanity has failed. We, the People of The Hive, will not allow that to happen.

‘Trials will test you, but if you are true to the vision you will prevail.

“And the People will prevail.”

Yang glanced over the crowd as he finished. Most faces were adjutant, some ecstatic. A few were noncommittal, and a minority was pensive or possibly hostile. He made a mental note of these possible sources of malcontent, and was sure the People’s Representatives of the Great Collective would effectively deal with any issues that would arise.

If they didn’t then they would find that they had become an ‘issue’, and that they would be effectively dealt with.

*~*~*~*

One sector northeast of Blast Rifle Crag Base –SPARTA 2121


“I say we just shoot it.”

“Shut up Private.” Captain Iverson barked back as she continued to study the alien device that was half buried in the soil. “Just get the hell over here private and help me dig this thing out.”

“Yes Captain.” Several other soldiers were already digging with their hands around the device to help expose it. “Look I mean Captain the last time we activated one of those alien devices we all got cloned. Now here is something new and we have no idea as to what it will do.”

“Just dig private and shut up!” Iverson fired back. She was tired and she was worried. She did not like the idea of getting “cloned” again since both her and her double had no idea as to who was the original and who was the copy. It was still very unnerving. However, SSCAT wanted it activated at once and she was going to do it hell or high water.

“Captain I don’t see any other control panels or anything.” Reported another one of the privates digging on the other side of Iverson.

“Okay, stand back. I am going to push this large button first and then we will see what happens. If nothing happens then we pack it up and take it back to the base for them to look it over.” Iverson looked up as she finished and realized that her myrmidons had already raced away from her even before she had finished. She then reached over and lifted up the control panel shield and then hit the large purple button and jumped up and ran away.

“Run Captain!” Several of her soldiers were now yelling at her and she risked a quick look over her shoulder as she was running. The device was glowing white-hot and she could feel the heat it was giving off. She also saw that it was sinking into the ground.

She kept running for a few minutes and reached a large area of boulders where her rovers and soldiers were hiding. Iverson quickly turned around and saw that the device was nowhere to be seen now. It had sunk or melted into the earth.

“What the hell do you think happened?” The discontented private from earlier said.

“Shut up and get back to the rovers so we can monitor any changes that might happen.” Iverson ordered.

Just as the soldier was getting up a massive shock wave hit them and lift them up from the ground by several feet. The earth began to rumble and shake uncontrollably and everyone was splayed out on the ground. The effect lasted for around ten minutes and then it subsided.

“Alright begin checking for radiation, anything!” Iverson ordered as she picked herself up.

Her team began to race back to the rovers and check the various instruments.

“Captain I think you need to come over here.” One of her team members reported.

Iverson raced over to the young woman who was pointing at one of the targeting system displays on the gunnery control panel. Iverson rubbed her eyes and then tapped the display several times in disbelief.

“Everyone check you azimuth-altitude read out display on the gunnery panel!” Iverson yelled.

Within a few seconds everyone began to report the same reading, 2134 meters above sea level. Iverson sat down and rubbed her head in disbelief. That damn device had caused this entire area to elevate over 1,000 meters. It must have been a seismic shock wave device used for terraforming purposes or something she thought. She was dismayed that the device could have encapsulated so much power in so small of a unit.

“Well Captain at least we didn’t clone ourselves again.” The discontented soldier half laughed as she said it.

“Shut up and get SSCAT on the line as well as the Governor-General of Blast Rifle Crag. I am sure they will want to know why the world just got shook up to hell and back.”

*~*~*~*

Seat of Proper Thought, MY 2122

The assembled People’s Representatives milled about, talking shop and comparing notes on how to effectively control their charges. The brief ceremony opening the newest Hive city Seat of Proper Thought had just finished, and the fifteen dignitaries had assembled in the Feeding Bay, which was temporarily off limits to the workers. This was the closest thing to a party that they had had in a long time. The workers, of course, were not allowed to participate. When they reached a level of social attainment or worth to their society then they would gain more status and privileges.

Yang, of course, was a participant in the party in name only. He did not take any drinks, nor did he partake in the small tray of snacks someone had prepared from their own rations. As always he observed the People’s Representatives, and the interactions between them. The People’s Representatives, of course, knew this and attempted to act normal and in a manner befitting their understanding of a People’s Representative.

Such efforts were easily detected, however. Whether young or old, the newest People’s Representative always stood out. They were unsure of their status in the hierarchy, and were eager to prove themselves. As a result they chose to strike up conversations with those who were either their betters, or who were obviously their inferiors. Most talked in a tone that was too loud, not understanding that a soft but well-spoken declaration is more effective than a brash but forceful statement. It was also interesting to see how fast the new People’s Representatives adapted. A few understood their position immediately and opted to observe; this was prudent and worthy of their position of People’s Representatives. Although there were none in this group, a rare handful adapted easily. They seemed to intuitively understand the social structure and how to succeed within it. Most were destined for leadership positions, or elimination if they proved too strident in their views. The sorriest group persisted in their efforts. These were destined for the lowest rung or ejection from the position of People’s Representative.

Information is power, Yang reflected, and one can only gain information through careful observation and hard work. It would be critical for Hive’s leadership to have a full appreciation of this, and use it regularly.

*~*~*~*

SSCAT Center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2122

“Colonel could I have a word with you?”

Santiago looked up from the map she was studying to see Captain Jamie Clinton standing in front of her.

“What is it Captain?” Santiago replied as she looked back down at the map to continue her calculations.

“Colonel I need to talk with you in private. This is of the utmost importance.”

Santiago finished her work, which took a few more minutes and then stood up and motioned for Clinton to follow her. They both walked over to the far side of the room where Santiago had her suite of offices.

The myrmidon guards snapped to attention as Santiago marched through and then closed the door behind them.

“Okay what is it?” Santiago snapped.

“Colonel we are not alone.”

The simple statement seem to cast a spell over the room as Santiago realized that her chief of intelligence had at last found other survivors.

“What do we know?”

“Colonel about two hours ago a radio operators picked up some strange deviations on the main communication frequency bandwidths. It seems clear based on the volume of encrypted traffic that is taking place there could be three to perhaps five other groups of survivors from the Unity.” Clinton reported as she handed Santiago a report.

“Can we talk to them?”

“No.” Clinton replied quickly as she reached over to open the report Santiago had in her hands. “As you can see in these sections without “knowing” the correct frequency and encryption pattern they are using we will never be able to lock our system in with theirs. We know that they are there but not what they are saying. Also you should be aware that I would suspect that other survivors know the same level of intelligence that we do. In addition while I was on the way to bring you this report I have one more for you.”

“Yes?”

“The 1st recon cavalry encountered another form of aliens. This time they were a mass of tendrils or tubes. If you could imagine a plate of spaghetti that could move and attack that would best characterize this life form.”

“How many more of these things are out there?” Santiago asked as she studied the photos of the remains from the dead creature.

“Unknown Colonel. Suffice it to say we could be lucky in that we have only had to face two of these creatures and not an army of them. If they attacked us in force or as a combined operating unit I would say they could have wiped us clean of this planet.” Clinton’s tone left no room for discussion on this. Even though the Spartans had won every battle so far the technology they had found clearly indicated a civilization that was nearly 1,000 turns more advanced than humanity.

“Okay.” Santiago stood up and moved closer to Clinton. “From now these signals are to be kept secret. Only you, me and the radio operators you trust, is that clear are to know of this?”

Clinton merely nodded her head to acknowledge.

“I want full reports made to me and me alone. If any word gets out on this I will consider it a breach of security and issue orders to have everyone, including you, arrested. Is this clear?”

Clinton merely nodded again.

“Now, I want to read this and you are to sit here until I am done and then I plan on asking you some questions.”

Clinton was not sure if this was a question or a command but it was always reasonable to assume anything Santiago said was a command so she sat down and await the blizzard of questions to come.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2123

First Citizen Yang looked at the contents of the Unity pod, which was being methodically organized and inventoried by a special squad of workers from The Hive. Each was meticulous in their duty, and they didn’t dare notice that the First Citizen was watching them do their work.

“It is a foil,” Yang said. He was intimately aware of the possible contents of the Unity pods, and in many cases had designed their cargos.

“Yes, First Citizen,” the Brandon, the People’s Science Representative. “Although somewhat damaged during the landing and the exposure to the elements and Chiron for 23 years, the instructions were unambiguous. It will be fairly slow due to its fueling requirements, and will have limited cargo space. There are also no weapons.”

Yang simply nodded. He had known this, of course, but it was useful to have it confirmed.

“When can the foil be operational?” he asked.

“Following the instructions, it will take one to two weeks of labor to assemble and then test the craft. These workers are making good progress. Will they be allowed to continue?” the science advisor asked.

“Yes,” Yang replied. After a brief pause he continued. “Will there be any significant drain on The Hive’s resources to keep the craft operational?”

“No, First Citizen. The Unity Pod came with ample supplies to keep the craft running, likely for its useful life.”

“Could those resources be used by The Hive?” the First Citizen asked.

“Yes,” Brandon said. “The resources provided by scrapping would be minimal, however. It is worth considering if its role as explorer is not deemed useful.”

“For the moment it is useful. You will be apprised if a contrary decision is made,” Yang said.

Brandon nodded once. He was pleased, since Yang had just turned the exploration over to him. This was a responsibility and had risks, but The Hive did not reward those who took no risks; those were workers, or drones, which did what they were told.

*~*~*~*

Two sectors south of Blast Rifle Crag – SPARTA 2123

“At last something worked!”

“Stop being so sarcastic Kelly! Get on the radio and inform SSCAT that we found one of the robotic survey pods from the Unity and it has located a rich nutrient sector for agricultural production.” Captain Iverson stomped past her rover radioperson and up to the small robot unit. She reached over and turned it off and then picked it up.

“Captain we should leave it here. Why bring that hunk of junk back with us?” Her driver asked.

“Because my dear myrmidon driver it has a memory base from its landing and perhaps our techs can recover it and piece together the information so we have a better idea of what this planet looks like. Just because all of the men are being asked to shoulder the technical burden that does not mean we have to be complete idiots. Every piece of information we can add to our database helps the Spartan nation grow stronger.” Iverson fired back annoyed that her driver had gotten under her skin. Both Kelly and Long were close friends and recently had been even closer. Unfortunately for Iverson she was unable to accept that friendship or even share intimate contact without breaking her code of conduct as an officer.

“Sorry Captain you are right I suppose.” Long sheepishly apologized.

Iverson merely grunted her acknowledgment as she walked past both of them carrying the robot and then heaved it into the back of the rover.

“Captain I have SSCAT on the line!” Kelly reported.

“Okay, okay. Just make your report to SSCAT on what we found and ask for our new orders.” Iverson ordered as she walked back around the rover and flung herself into her chair. She waited patiently as Kelly completed her report and then got their new orders.

“Captain SSCAT wants the whole unit to move west by south and continue our search. Blast Rifle Crag will send out a jolly car to pick up the robot at these coordinates. We also got a “good job” from Captain Alexandrovna.” Kelly said as she handed Iverson the orders.

For a few minutes Iverson just sat there fuming mad that she could not take her team back to the new base for rest. She simply crumpled up the small note and threw it out of the rover.

“Okay lets move. Inform the other rovers and have them form up on us. Delta formation 1-klick separation between units.” Iverson said as she finished locking herself into her chair and secured her assault rifle. “Lets move!”

	01-05-2004 05:36									#8
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

The Hive, MY 2124

A faint beeping caught the attention of People’s Military Commander Winston Farrout. He turned toward an improvised radio receiver and activated the unit, the upper corner of which still said ‘Unity Pod 6 Secondary Radio Control’.

“Farrout, receiving,” he said.

A series of hisses erupted from the speaker. After a few moments the signal cleared enough to be audible.

“…and we attacked the worms. Smith felt something in his mind, and as he clutched his head yelled ‘mindworm attack!’. We turned and, just as he predicted, there was a worm just ahead of us in the fungus. We won, but it cost us…”

More static.

“…will be cached at transceiver station 57. The First Citizen will find a use for the remains of the mindworm. We will wait as we repair, which should take years, unless ordered to do otherwise. Food supplies adequate, as is our power in the old Unity rover. No other…”

The transmission broke up completely. Winston was pleased, and the First Citizen could indeed use the energy from the worms. Mindworms, is that what Explorer Two had called them? It seemed to fit, anyway.

What was annoying is that both of the exploration units were now incapacitated. It would be a long time before they could explore again, and the First Citizen was demanding where the fifth and sixth bases could be located. No delay could be tolerated, of course.

*~*~*~*

Spartan Battle Manual chapter four “Security” – SPARTA 2124

This chapter will most likely be the longest so I will give a brief overview of my policies before getting into the “tactics” and strategies portion of it. Our security is paramount. Without security our society can be corrupted, it can be disrupted and it can be destroyed. Every great nation has met its end as a result of bad intelligence and security. The Roman Empire was destroyed because they failed to gather intelligence on their enemy and in turn failed to prevent their enemy from knowing their strengths and more importantly their weaknesses. I have studied this phenomenon in great detail and I can assure you that this fate will not befall the Spartan Federation. I know the importance of good intelligence and the use of counter-intelligence and the roll it plays. In the second great world war the “allies” used counter-intelligence to such a great extent that even when the invasion of Europe had begun the Nazi empire was still convinced that it was a “hoax”. The end result was the defeat of the Nazi regime all due to the fact that the Nazi’s lost the war in intelligence. The Nazi’s had far more effective armor and cannons they also had advanced weapons of war and yet they failed to invest in their intelligence network. This will not happen to the Spartan Federation.

Every citizen is responsible for security. If you see a neighbor or friend “acting” in a suspicious manner then you are duty and honor bound to consult with a G-3 agent so that they can investigate the issue. In every aspect of our lives we must eat, breath and sleep security!

I will be clear as crystal on yet another issue: treason. If any Spartan should be found guilty of treason by the courts martial board the resulting penalty will be death by firing squad. There will be no appeal nor will there be any other “form” of punishment available for the courts martial to levy. Treason is treason and it will be exterminated! Any agent of a foreign power found in our lands whose goal is espionage and chaos will be shot on the spot. I will suffer no chance of defeat by risking “civilized” rules of war for the sake of security for my nation. Death comes to all traitors no matter what side of the fence they stand on.

I have made myself clear and I will fully expect that any Spartan reading this manual will understand the consequences of their actions, death.

*~*~*~*

Seat of Proper Thought, MY 2125

First Citizen Yang completed his inspection. The final load of materials from the Unity Pod had been retrieved and even now the recycling tank was being completed. This city, which was on a river at a high altitude, would prove a boon for The Hive. With the recycling tank the energy production would be more than significant. Moreover, with the completion of the roads linking all Hive cities the colony pods would be able to speed into place in a third the time the first wave had required.

The only vexing item was the lack of exploration. The only are that had been investigated was to the south, and much of that territory was not terribly inviting. North and northeast were largely unknown, and it would be in appropriate to send a colony pod there. There was too much to risk, and the People’s Representatives had recommended that a marginal base site that could be accessed quickly was much superior to a premium site that took years to get to, or for the unknown.

This was a prudent recommendation, and worthy of the People’s Representatives. The Hive thrived on productivity, and delay meant a decline in productivity. Any premium site would be used to its fullest at a later date.

In the meantime the decisions were much simpler. The Hive would have greater quandaries in the future. Or so it would be hoped.

*~*~*~*

SSCAT Center – Sparta Command – SPARTA 2125

“What did they find?”

“One of the robotic mining machines that the Unity had on board. Unfortunately the robotic mining device is not “moveable” once it has landed. The 1st recon rovers activated the unit here.” Major West quickly activated the holographic map table and the mining station was displayed. “Unfortunately for us the robotic miner landed in an area rich in minerals but not in nutrients or water. The entire area around the site is arid and barren.”

“This is unfortunate. I am still troubled by the location of these monoliths. If we were to draw a line linking of the monoliths we would have a near east to west line. I want the 1st recon rovers to continue moving east to see what they can find.”

“I agree Colonel.” Captain Smith added. “We have explored a great deal of territory and I would like to get my recon teams back here since they are our only mobile offensive force until we get the impact rovers on line but the more we explore the better chance we have of finding more Unity pods and resource. In addition, if we can pin point our enemies before they can find us all the better.”

“I agree Captain.” Santiago replied. “If there are other Unity survivors the sooner we pull them in under our banner the better. If there are any aliens then we need to destroy them before they destroy us.”

For a few minutes everyone was quiet as everyone contemplated what their leader had said.

“Order the 1st and 2nd recon rovers east. I want more effort put into to finishing the 1st heavy cavalry regiment. I want those impact rovers on-line as quickly as possible.” Santiago ordered.

“Colonel the Governor-Generals of the two colony pods in production have asked for escort rovers when they leave. If our recon rovers are out and the 1st Cavalry regiment is to be held in reserve that leaves us with no escorts.” Major West asked.

“The perspective colony sites are fairly safe areas. We will have to trust to the courage of the colonists to withstand the attacks if they come. However, make sure that each colony pod has ample supplies to build weapons once they are up and running.” Santiago quickly replied.

“Yes Colonel.” They all replied in unison.

Santiago merely nodded and then turned to leave the room.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2126

The People’s Science Advisor considered the question and gave a careful answer. “First Citizen, the recycling tank has increased our resource and energy production, but the completion of the colony pod at Fecundity Towers has reduced their ability to harvest materials, and supply the resources to our laboratories. Per the advice of the People’s Representatives, we have concentrated on building colony pods – a worthy goal. I recommend that at least two bases be allowed to grow and acquire additional population to support increased resource collection. This will aid our scientific efforts greatly. The task of expanding the frontiers of The Hive can be left to our newer bases, which are closer to the new bases sites. This has the advantage of lessening transit time, and increasing efficiency.”

The First Citizen listed. His face was impassive, as always, and attentive. “If we pursue your suggestion, what would you propose the bases produce?” Yang wanted to see how well the Science Advisor had thought through his proposal – a test of sorts.

“There are three likely options. The first is to produce a backup garrison, or even a terraformer. Fecundity Towers is adjacent to a xenofungus field, and it could be attacked at any time. In that event the garrison at The Hive could provide assistance, but only after the worm had attacked. A terraformer would be useful, perhaps to plant another forest or remove the fungus. A second option would be to start a recycling tank. As we have seen at Seat of Proper Thought, they significantly improve resource production. This would take a considerable period of time, however. Or we could start a Project!”

A note of excitement crept into the Advisor’s voice. He stifled it immediately.

“Which do you recommend, Science Advisor?” Yang asked.

The Science Advisor hesitated, and then answered, “A recycling tank, First Citizen. Moreover, I recommend that it be completed ahead of schedule when possible. Our energy reserves are limited, but the benefits are significant. For several years we do have the option of switching production, if the need should arise. A recycling tank is not such a large risk as a Project, even if it is a worthy goal.”

Yang nodded. The advisor turned and left the room.

The First Citizen pondered for a moment, then decided. It was an easy choice.

*~*~*~*

1st Recon rovers, 15 sectors southeast of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2126

“Our orders are to push on.” Captain Iverson dispassionately said as she looked around the small group of soldiers who comprised the 1st recon rovers. “Colonel Santiago considers our mission to search out all areas around Spartan territory as paramount. We need to find everything out we can.”

“Captain we are all myrmidons but even this is hard to believe. We have not been back to a base in turns, double digit turns. We need food supplies and ammunition and parts!” Iverson’s master sergeant reported with a slight tint of anger.

“Master sergeant I understand your concern. We will be meeting up with our clones from the 2nd recon next turn so all we have to do is hold out till then. I am sure we have ample supplies for that. After that we push on along this river valley as quickly as we can.” Iverson said as she laid a map out for everyone to see. “As you all can see from our current position we have mapped a considerable amount of area. However, much of it is uninhabitable this side of the great range. For now the Spartan Federation will have to build along the western slope of the great range until we can find the means to irrigate the soil. However, initial scans clearly indicate that more fertile land is just to our west. Especially this large mesa formation. That will be our next target.”

“Captain after that then do we get to go back?” One of her soldiers asked.

“Yes we do and then right back again as escorts. Let me remind you that to be a myrmidon is something beyond the normal. We do what is un-doable. We are the exception. Is that clear!” Iverson roared at them.

“YES CAPTAIN!” They all screamed in unison.

“Excellent.” She replied as she stood up and saluted them. “Now get our gear stored and lets move out now!”

All around her myrmidons began to scramble to get the rovers packed and ready to go. She hated this situation but there was no other choice for them. They had all agreed a lifetime ago that this was the best way to live. Now some were beginning to doubt it. She knew that back in the bases the new recruits were coming for an altogether different world. The new recruits were completely dedicated myrmidons but they were still yet small. Nearly 2/3rd of the myrmidons were made up of colonists that had other life experiences to draw upon. Now their old lives were beginning to show. Only time would tell if Santiago could hold this all together. As she walked back to her command rover she wondered if the other survivors, if there were any, had chosen any other types of survival tactics. Perhaps tomorrow they would find out.

*~*~*~*

Western Sea, MY 2127

The wide expanse of the sea was a deep blue, and there was a strong wind out of the west. Frothy whitecaps formed on the chop, and the Hive transport Collective Effort strained to make headway. The only area of the sea that was calm was a grayish pink and infested with xenofungus, and no amount of money would convince Captain Sihn to enter, unless ordered by the First Citizen, of course.

Repeated crashes of waves on the hull almost obscured the throbbing of the engines, which provided pitifully slow progress across the endless sea. It was fortunate that, although they were slow, the engines were built for endurance since almost all his crew was still recovering from the odd transportation that had thrown them so many sectors to the northwest. After reporting in, and convincing Science Advisor Brandon there was no error, it was possible to continue with their new orders – examine yet another anomaly.

Slowly the sea became calm and the wind died. Captain Sihn looked around, feeling that something was wrong. Yes, something was wrong; there was wind, but he just couldn’t feel it. The sea was rough but his transport was oblivious to the surging sea.

Sihn groaned, “Oh no, not again.”

The hapless Collective Effort[/b] was transfixed yet again. The world dissolved before the captain’s eyes, the sea and air merging to an oblivious grey. It felt like his insides were being twisted, torn.

Slowly, slowly, color returned. Shapes congealed, and he had sensation on his skin again. The horizon became distinct, and the sea blue. With a sudden [I]WHUMP the boat landed in the sea, a new sea. Again.

Dry heaves wracked the captain and the crew, just like before. But, the captain seemed to be able to recover quickly, unlike poor Hernandez who seemed to be in a coma. Reaching up he grabbed the gun rail and heaved himself to look around, and then stagger to the primitive location equipment.

25 sectors! he read. They were in a new area of the Western Sea. Luckily there were no more anomalies in the area, and Captain Sihn braced himself to report to Science Advisor Brandon. He was sure to be interested in their findings, although it remained to be seen if the First Citizen would be amused.

*~*~*~*

Spartan Battle Manual Chapter Four “Economics” – SPARTA 2127

Prior to writing this chapter I asked several of my senior aides a simple question and that is “what does economics have to do with war?” Three of the four aides began long dissertations on macro-economic theory that seemed to have no end. They also were wrong. After hearing their responses I demoted them to sergeants and had them removed from the command staff. I then asked the duty officer, a junior lieutenant the same question and his response was clear and correct, “economics is to war as blood is to muscles. Without a good economic system that supports a military infrastructure the end result will be defeat on the battle field.” This young lieutenant is now my senior aide.

Our current economic system is very primitive when compared to the grand economic systems of Earth. However, we must do everything we can to help promote good economic systems. With this in mind I have issued executive order #9 “Economic Systems.” This directive establishes a system of “guilds” within our society to better organize and structure our economic system. I have established the following guilds: manufacturing, agricultural, technical and mining. These four guilds, though primitive in structure, will help to promote an efficient means of allocating resources, trades people and funding. In time I fully expect that our economic system will expand and grow so that we will have to look at more “encompassing” models. However for now we will make use of the most “efficient” means of production.

There are two ways to look at economics from our Spartan perspective. One can look at economic systems that generate income and those that maximize our resource production. Any other system in my opinion is worthless. If we cannot achieve increased income or increased production levels then we have failed to meet the first criteria for having an economic system and that is to make our military strong.

I will now go into a greater review of which economic models I feel are appropriate depending upon the circumstances. In general I would promote a “free market” system at time when increase funding is required. By having increased funding available for use would allow us to procure more weapons and to rapidly build materials of war. In times of war that we need to be on the offensive I would recommend an economic system that promotes maximize efficiency. Increased efficiency will allow us to decrease production time and maximize the size of army we can field. I do wish to make one thing clear I do not feel it is the responsibility of the military to “manage” the economic system. With that in mind I have established the position of Chancellor. That person will be responsible for maintaining a healthy economic system that supports a robust and powerful military machine.

	01-05-2004 05:37									#9
	Got spare money?

The Hive, MY 2128

Marith knelt down to secure the ventilation grill, which she had finished cleaning. There were 15 more in this portion of the warren and all had to be cleaned by midday. The previous 11 had given her little problem, but the last was challenging. One of those odd pink growths had started in the inside, and it had coated the hex screws and partially covered the fine grate. It has resistant to all but the strongest oxidants, and typical solvents were useless. Of course, a liberal amount of elbow grease had been needed to remove the last of the infestation. This was precisely the reason her job was so important, she knew. Without her efforts the warrens would quickly be filled with dank, un-breathable air, or worse, no air at all. Everyone depended on her.

She picked up her cleaning kit, straightened her work smock, and started toward the next grate. Then she heard a commotion. It was her duty to see that the noise did not present a threat to her people, so as she had been taught she put down her kit and turned to examine the noise. It got louder, and it was the sound of running. Yes, that was it – a person was running down the hallway, and it was getting louder.

That was unusual. Running was not allowed since it was not safe for the person, other people, or equipment.

In a few moments the runner came into view. He was medium height and his work smock was disheveled. His hair was long, just touching his ears, and decidedly non-regulation. Hers was cropped to two centimeters, as was appropriate. The runner was breathing hard, and then turned and started to run again. Then he saw her.

“Help me, please!” he pleaded. He padded toward her. His face was plaintive.

A look of disgust washed over Marith’s face and she stepped away.

The man moaned softly to himself and his head drooped a little.

His head perked up again. There were more running feet, and they were coming down the hall. He muttered a muted, “No,” and then started running away from Marith.

As he left she could see he was limping and had blood streaming from an incision in the back of his head. She maintained her place since she knew the People’s Protectors would be here in moments and she did not want to get in their way. Her work would wait, and her People’s Representative would understand. Two women and a man came into view. They had short stun stick in their hands, and were sprinting down the hall. Marith nodded to them as they approached and, on that cue, the man, who was farthest behind, stopped and got Marith’s information. It took all of a few seconds, and then he was off.

When they were gone Marith picked up her kit and returned to work. She shook her head as she padded down the dimly lit hall. He knew the man, of course: it had been Martin, her first assigned husband. She reflected it was a good thing she had reported him.

*~*~*~*

Factory complex Alpha, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2128

“Excellent work both of you!” Santiago remarked approvingly as she walked down the rows of machines, drill presses and lathes.

Behind her walked Master Technician Albert and Captain Jenna Michaels the supply officer. It had taken nearly nine turns of hard work but each Spartan base now had the base infrastructure to support industrial development. In time more shops, mills and fabrication centers could be added on but the nucleolus of material was now ready to build on.

“Thank you Colonel.” Both of them replied in unison almost as they happily marched behind her.

“What is your first project?” Santiago asked as she stopped near a mill area that was in operation. A group of workers, the lowest rating of non-military personnel, were busy pushing a large cauldron into a furnace.

“Well Colonel with our new production capacity we can build armor for our rovers and infantry units. With this new armor design our forces should be all but impenetrable to assault rifle attack.” Master Technician Albert replied quickly.

“Excellent my thoughts exactly. I want high priority placed on upgrades on armor for all units.”

“Colonel the problem will be with those bases that lack rich mineral deposits. Right now only half of our bases have the capacity to support such an ambitious program.” Captain Michaels interjected.

Santiago stood silently for a minute watching the workers toil under the heat and strain of the furnace.

“I do not care. Top priority, do you both hear me?” Santiago commanded.

“Yes Colonel.” Both of the replied promptly since it was not a good idea to delay responding to an hour.

“Excellent.” Santiago commented as she turned to leave the massive shops.

As they watched her go both Michaels and Smith looked at each other not saying a word since both of them knew that to share what they were saying would be considered seditious and punishable under the Spartan code of military ethics.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2129

First Citizen Yang gave Deirdre Skye a shallow bow. “You are most welcome. The people of the Hive and your Gaians will both prosper with this trade.”

The image of Deirdre shimmered slightly and almost dissolved completely before clearing up. Her image turned to the side and she appeared to state something in a loud voice to someone just out of view.

“First Citizen Yang, I whole heartedly agree. We are both stronger when we trade technology. We will prosper with the abilities of information networks, and I’m sure you will find a use for the doctrine of mobility. I hope more exchanges can be arranged.”

“I can assure you,” Yang stated, “that will be pursed with vigor. I am uploading our land maps, as pre our pact.”

“As am I,” Deirdre said. She reached forward and appeared to toggle a switch.

A soft beep and a yellow light on Yang’s communication console informed him that her data had been received.

Yang forced himself to smile. “Until next time, Ms. Skye.”

Dee graced him with a warm smile. “Sheng-ji.” Then she signed off.

*~*~*~*

One sector North of Defiance Freehold – SPARTA 2129

“Its all down hill now Governor-General.”

“Its still two more sectors to the colony so just because its down hill does not mean it’s a smooth trip.” An exasperated Governor-General Jamie Hill replied.

“All I meant Governor-General is that at least we do not have to tramp over the great mountain range or slug it out through a fungus field and we have an escort of impact rovers to protect us.” Lieutenant Ham quickly replied.

“I know, I know but we cannot let ourselves get over confident. We will be the fifth Spartan colony and Sparta needs the resources that we can contribute so the sooner we get there the better but we need to get there first.” Hill said as she jumped down from the colony pod to the ground. It was time to review the scout report with the rover Captain and confirm what was up ahead. She quickly glanced around the area and could not see any rovers.

Damn she thought as she began to quickly walk around the colony pod. As she trotted around the crawler the colonists quickly moved out of her way. Many of them were loaded down with personal effects. Jamie Hill was an “old timer” an original colonist from the Unity. When she was placed in charge of this colony she had been told that many of her colonists were going to be young adults and even some teenagers. SSCAT believed that the new bases should be mostly staffed with the youngest recruits that could be found in order to promote a healthy population. Hill felt having to explain even the simplest concepts to “kids” rather than having to deal with adults was punishing her.

She stopped at the rear of the crawler and looked again but still no sign of the rovers. They must be still out scouting the area and hopefully they had not found anything. The rovers were crucial to her mission since as soon as the colony was established the rovers would be tasked at exploring an adjacent sector that might have a Unity pod.

She stood there for some time watching for the rovers and allowing the crawler and colonists to steadily “creep” away from her. Each passing minute seemed to bring her closer to her real desire, freedom. She secretly wished she had not been tasked to serve, as Governor-General but there was nothing she could do about it. The simple fact of the matter was if Colonel Santiago told you to do something you did it.

“Governor-General?”

Hill looked to her left to see her aide pointing to the north. The rovers must be on their way back, thankfully. She began to walk back towards the column of colonists and the burden began to fall on her again.


*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2130

"Another monolith?" First Citizen Yang asked.

"Yes, First Citizen," People's Science Advisor Scott Simon said. "Our newest base used its terraformer to investigate the anomaly that had been wisely left alone, and under the xenofungus was a monolith. It took very little time for the citizens to utilize its resources, which before this time were anemic."

A single eyebrow rose. "Even when the city was cited on a river as you suggested?"

"Even so," he replied. He had learned not to flinch. "It was expedient to utilize that territory due to its proximity nearby bases, and to ensure the colonists were productive as soon as possible. Terraformers, as per our doctrine, can improve the land in a short period of time."

"And what will the colonists do when they have additional labor to harvest the bounty of the land?" Yang asked. "Will they pluck at the fungus, or scrape from the arid lands?"

"No, First Citizen. By that time the rich rivers will be forested, and that will provide the bounty they need to expand the People to the horizon of this planet. Such is our duty, and our destiny," he replied.

Shengi-ji Yang nodded. That was the expected, pat answer, unoriginal but true. "And the progress of our scientific research?"

"Modest, but improving. The extra energy is most welcome. It would be advantageous to keep our cities at least at 2000 people, but that may not be possible during our period of expansion. The People's Representatives and the First Citizen will inform us when our next phase of the People's Plan is to be effected."

Yang nodded again. The door behind the Science Advisor opened, and he left. First Citizen Yang was left to resolve his own doubts.

*~*~*~*

Command & Operations center, Fort Superiority – SPARTA 2130

“Colonel Santiago we are under attack.”

Santiago stared at the vid-screen for a few seconds as she absorbed the words as if they had been a physical blow.

“Give me a full break down.”

Governor-General Tam shifted in her seat slightly and then motioned to the map hanging behind her.

“Colonel to our west is a large fungus field. Just hours ago our scouts detected a large alien “worm” mass moving towards our base. It was much larger than any of the alien life forms we have seen before, nearly twice as large. I have ordered all workers to return to their quarters and I have placed our garrison on full alert. I would request additional support from SSCAT.” Tam finished her report by displaying a digital photo of the worm mass that one of her scouts had taken.

“Governor-General we have no forces to send you. Our impact cavalry regiment is escorting the colony pod to its base site. Our two recon cavalry companies are far to the east and south scouting the area. The only forces I can send you would be the garrison from Sparta Command and I am not about to do that.” Santiago quickly replied her voice stern and hard.

“Colonel you know I will do my best to defend my base but if the aliens are massing in force against us shouldn’t we make my base the front line and stop them here?”

“Governor-General Tam you need to hold and defend your base. I have not other forces to spare right now. I know you have a partially equipped heavy infantry unit training and equipping at your base right now. I suggest you divert some, if not all of them to support your garrison. If we can spare the additional energy credits to crash build the remaining equipment for your heavy/armored infantry we will do so but for now you have to rely on your own forces.” Santiago fired back.

Governor-General Tam sat quietly for a few minutes as she absorbed the Colonel’s words. It was clear that no help was coming. Only if the aliens smashed through their defenses and advance on Sparta Command would any support be available. She now fully understood the Spartan way of life: survival of the fittest.

“Thank you Colonel, Fort Superiority out.”

Governor-General Tam turned off the vid-screen and then turned to her command staff.

“No help is coming. We have to hold the line here. I want a full command staff meeting here in two hours. I see no reason why we will not win this battle. Our command center is just as good as Sparta Commands and our soldiers are highly trained as well. We will win this battle and show SSCAT that we know how to fight!”

The command staff immediately broke up and went about the process of preparing for the meeting. They understood the consequences of the upcoming battle and were confident. Survival, life and death survival was a great motivator.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2131

“And how would you increase energy production?” First Citizen Yang asked the assembled People’s Representatives. A few of the junior members started to answer, then thought better of it.

After an awkward moment of silence the most senior People’s Representative to survive, Maon Shirn, voiced his opinion. “First Citizen, there are a number of ways to increase energy production, and almost all of them require terraforming. If the question is, how can we increase energy production in rainy areas used for farming, then we can say with assurance that a solar collector is required. They take a long time to construct, and there needs to be at least a thousand meters of elevation to get a return that is commiserate to the time. In non-farmed areas a forest is the most likely source of energy. Other natural sources are rivers, of course.” He paused, realizing he had given more of an essay than a short answer appropriate for this meeting.

Yang’s hooded eyes locked him in his gaze. “And what do you recommend, People’s Representative Shirn?” he asked. There was a veil of warning in his voice. It was carefully crafted, and only the most astute and experienced would notice it.

Maon Shirn noticed it right away, and answered immediately. “A solar collector, First Citizen.”

“An excellent choice, Representative Shirn. See to it personally,” Yang said.

Maon gave a shallow bow and sat down, and he gave silent thanks he had been let off so easily for his mistake.

*~*~*~*

23 sectors south of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2131

Captain Iverson slowly rolled over to her back and looked up at the sky. She could barely see it through the dense jungle like foliage. Her eyes were barely able to focus and her brain felt like it had been hit with a thousand volts of electricity.

“Captain please drink this.”

A canteen was pushed into her mouth and she sipped the cool water and then her re-breather mask was put back on.

“Where are we?” Iverson croaked.

“Captain I just woke up myself a few minutes ago but I did see the tactical readouts on our command rover. We are nearly 12 sectors away from our last position and we are nearly 23 sectors south of our nearest base.” Sergeant Matherson reported.

My God! 23 sectors! It would take them a lifetime to get back to civilization. How on Gods earth would she ever be able to keep the recon unit together after this? It had been her idea to activate the strange device and now this.

“Captain I know what you are thinking, I can see it on your face and let me say I am sure the unit will not hold you responsible. Orders are orders: investigate every strange anomaly and determine its nature or purpose. Who could have expected this?”

“I know Sergeant but the simple fact remains we have no where near the supplies to get us back home. If we “live off the land” it will take us twice as long.” Captain Iverson slammed her fist down on the ground and then slowly stood up with the help of her regimental sergeant.

“Captain we will get back, you will see that we get back. All of us women have faith in you. You will get us home.”

Iverson merely nodded and then said. “Go help the others.”

Sergeant Matherson saluted and she sprinted away to the next rover.

Damn! This was not supposed to happen. 23 sectors! She might as well be on the other side of the world. She stood there for several more minutes and then decided it was time to call SSCAT and let them know the bad news. She could already hear them know demanding that she turn tail and move back to Spartan territory double quick. That was one order her myrmidon soldiers would follow to the letter.

	01-05-2004 05:39									#10
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

Western Sea, MY 2132

The ponderous Unity transport pulled up beside the anomaly. It had given off intense magnetic readings from over two sectors away, and orders from The Hive had finally come through to risk investigation.

Now that they were within visual range Captain Sihn was not so sure that investigating the anomaly was a good idea. It was clearly not a Unity pod at all. The anomaly was, in fact, an ancient and pitted metal island approximately 50 meters in diameter. While it was in the water it did not respond to wave action; waves washed around or over it, and the metal island did not move. The entire surface was encrusted with the detritus of hundreds or thousands of years, so much so that initially it looked like a promontory or a remnant reef. In fact, they would have avoided it as a navigational hazard to their ship if it hadn’t had the intense magnetic signature that even pulled their compass needles toward the ‘island’.

The obvious age and the signature indicated it was alien, and that gave the captain cold shivers. Their ship was seaworthy, but it had nothing to defend itself if the need arose. And, they were also a long way from home.

Slowly, so slowly, the ship neared its goal. The metal island grew slightly larger with each passing minute. Captain Hussein stood at the helm and his five crew members stood at their stations at the engines and navigational controls, waiting.

A wave of fear touched his mind, and Hussein thought of the dreaded mindworms he had seen in the educational vids before they left his warren Seat of Proper Thought. Maybe this was the same, but at sea? Was such a thing possible? This was an alien world, after all, and they had only explored a tiny portion of it. It was said that the mindworms touched your mind, paralyzing humans with fear and then swarmed, consuming your flesh as you still breathed, be were consumed as you felt every last tendril and minute bite of your flesh.

Query…activate.

Captain Sihn’s head jerked to the side. What was that?

Field: coherent, ordered. Activation protocol initiated.

“James,” he yelled. “Did you hear something?”

His Number One nodded his head and swallowed hard. “Yes, sir. A voice in my head.”

Imprinting: initiate. Identify hierarchy. Initiate.

The captain felt a white stab of pain, and he let out an involuntary scream. Images filled his head: metal monstrosities, beams of searing death, alien thoughts and a language he that reeked of nightmares. He fell to the floor, screaming as he collapsed. He felt the agony. Just like the vids!!

Then the pain was gone. He breathed hard, trying to clear the fog from his mind, which felt like it was swathed in a suffocating dense fog. He vaguely heard the voices of his crew, who were bent over him and asking if he was all right. They seemed far away and insubstantial. He saw his own arm and hand reach out to them and grasp James’ outstretched hand.

Then there was another commotion and James looked up, and quickly scrambled away. The others ran this away and one stumbled over Hussein, seemingly in slow motion. They were yelling to each other, frantic. Chaos.

But the captain understood. The fog was lifting. He stood up, and looked toward the metal island. It had opened; that was the cause of his crew’s fear. The encrustation of millennia shattered and sloughed away, cascading into the sea and creating a white froth as it exploded into the waiting water. A dark portal was revealed, and there was movement from within.

While his crew continued to panic the captain smiled and walked the helm. He gave a shrill, piercing whistle and succeeded in getting the crews’ attention. Their discipline was admirable since they almost immediately stopped running and looked toward him.

“It has talked to me,” the captain said.

The crew was almost motionless, but their eyes were drawn to the motion from the metal pod. Rending and tearing of metal erupted, and more encrustation was jarred loose. Dull booming echoed from the disintegrating pod.

There was a pause as the captain tried to find the words. It was so hard to pierce the images, find a context. He struggled and finally found something he knew his crew could visualize.

“It emerges, like a butterfly.”

There was another pause.

“No,” he continued. “Not a butterfly. A wasp. With a very, very large sting.”

The captain was silent, and so was the crew. Their gaze was fixed on the dark opening. There was more rending, and sheets of metal at least a half meter thick were pealed away from the pod, rising like a petal from an opening flower. A metal monster was emerging, a thing of nightmares. Tendrils and multi-jointed legs ripped the metal husk that surrounded as if were paper. In moments it had obliterated its metal tomb, seeing the light of day for the first time in a hundred thousand years. Its ovoid body swiveled, and it looked at the fragile Unity transport. Tendrils and weapons swiveled to lock the bobbing hull within its sights.

Orders: needed. it said to the amazed crew.

The captain wasn’t amazed. Not now. He simply smiled. He activated the impeller and adjusted the tiller to steer the boat toward the shattered alien pod, and the waiting battle ogre.

“First Citizen Yang will be most pleased.”

*~*~*~*

One sector west of Fort Survivalist – SPARTA 2132


“Open it!”

The young female sergeant carefully lifted the plastic like sheet and dropped it on the ground. The command staff quickly looked down into the cavity to find a mysterious object. It was hourglass shaped but it had numerous tubes exiting and entering the device and it had a large glass like orb mounted in the front.

“What the hell is it?” Captain Seaholm asked. Jill Seaholm was the commander of the 1st heavy cavalry impact regiment and her task had been to search out the strange area just west of Fort Survivalist.

“Well Captain it gives off energy in many wavelengths. For right now we are okay but long term exposure could be deadly.” Lieutenant Somersby reported as she continued to scan the device with her sensor pack.

“Well, lets get it out and packed up at once. I want it sent back to either SSCAT or a nearby base so it’s safe.”

“Yes Captain.” They all replied in unison.

Seaholm moved back as her subordinates quickly had the other members of the 1st heavy cavalry regiment reach down and pull it out. It was very heavy it turned out and it had taken nearly everyone in the regiment to get it out even with the help of ropes.

It was time to get moving. They had to get back to the base to provide security until the garrison unit was up and running. Right now they were still training and getting their equipment sorted out. Once the garrison was ready her unit would be turned loose to explore the area to the west and on to glory!

*~*~*~*

Northern territory, MY 2133

Warren reviewed the construction of the inner hatch of the out perimeter just in time to see the soon-to-be Base Supervisor arrive. He snapped to attention. In sections were never pleasant, and Citizen Michelle Holm was a stern taskmaster.

“Status,” she barked.

“Perimeter defense complete, and first level dormitory warrens and manufacturing will be complete within two weeks. Command and observation facilities have not yet been approved…”

“What?” she asked in a soft, deadly voice.

Warren stood his ground. He had protocol on his side, this time. “Design changes were issued by the People’s Representative Committee at The Hive two days ago, Base Supervisor Holm. The directive was to stop work to incorporate improvements in the observation and control consoles. There was an added…examination room.”

Michelle smiled at that. There had been rumors that an ‘examination room’ would become standardized, and available to all police units. The latest in interrogation techniques and equipment would be provided, of course. Already, being told you were to be taken to the ER made most Citizens blanch. No one stopped the gossip, since it only aided in the ability of the police forces to control a restive populous by instilling a moderate amount of fear in their every day lives.

“Very good. Carry on,” she said, and walked away.

As ordered, Warren went back to work, delighted that the encounter with Base Supervisor Holm had gone reasonably well. Maybe the news of the new examination room had put her in a good mood. Regardless, every bit of good fortune had to be taken and cherished. There would be precious little of that in the days ahead.

*~*~*~*

Five sectors east of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2133


“Can you believe it Captain?”

Captain Iverson slowly walked among the trees glancing up to see the large branches block the sun. It was amazing Iverson thought, simply amazing. One of the agricultural pods that detached from Unity must have crashed here and scattered their contents in this sector. In the 30+ turns that humanity had landed on this planet the trees had expanded and claimed four full sectors now.

“We will have to scout this entire area. I am sure the Colonel and SSCAT will want a full reconnaissance of this area. The resources alone this area will generate will more than justify our efforts. I can only hope that there is a good colony site nearby.” Iverson replied.

Captain Iverson and her executive officer continued to walk through the pine forest in wonder.



Research lab #1, Fort Survivalist

“It’s a data storage device for sure but it also has the most advanced technology we have seen to date. It can generate intense electrical fields that can be used to generate electricity and in this area it has the remarkable ability to transmute or refine ores to create metals. It is simply the most wonderful object I have ever seen in my life.” The chief scientist for Fort Survivalist, John Becker remarked as he watched a group of his scientists hook up more sensors to the device.

“Doctor Becker you need to download that data if you can.” The vid-screen announced. Becker turned to the screen to see the face of a very annoyed Colonel Corazon Santiago.

“Colonel we lack the data processing capabilities to do that. We have the plans and capabilities to construct such a center but until we do this data is locked away from us.”

Santiago was clearly frustrated at this news but she knew there was little she could do.

“Do your best, Santiago out!”

The vid-screen went dead.

Dr. Becker turned back to inspect the completed work by his team and then studied the readouts. Nothing. No input at all. It was clear that they lacked the technical skills and instruments to penetrate the device. Oh, well, there was still other ways and methods to use but it would more time consuming and it would annoy the Colonel even more. Perhaps Becker thought that might not be a bad idea after all.

*~*~*~*

Manufacturing Warrens, MY 2134

The construction of their sixth base had put First Citizen Yang in a surprisingly positive mood. Normally dour and taciturn, and always reserved, First Citizen Yang was actually speaking with the People’s Representative, and inquiring about the minute items in their lives and troubles in keeping their charges in line.

He worked the crowd like an old pro. A small cluster of men and women would form, and Yang would casually walk up to its perimeter. He would listen for a moment, then edge closer. After a few minutes he would make a casual comment during a pause, and the comment seemed to fit in perfectly. There was not hint that his interaction was a performance, or that it was an act. A few of the younger People’s Representatives, two of which had been born on Chiron, spoke with the First Citizen in an animated fashion. Yang invariably took on their body language, eliciting a strong positive response in the man or woman, and those who listened.

It was a subtle by play, and the more experienced or more astute understood it for what it was: a masterful way of finding the unwary, unfit, unwilling, or uncooperative within the group. Even those that knew the game played along, of course – to do otherwise would be to ruin Yang’s game, and he would not look kindly on that. Oh no, not at all.

*~*~*~*

Spartan Battle Manual, Chapter Five “On Democracy” – SPARTA 2134

I have been asked over the past few turns on the possibility of reorganizing our society, or political system to more closely resemble a democracy. I want to make the following statement clear for all that read it. I am not against democracy but I am against a universal form of democracy. I will now illuminate that response.

First, I would argue that only those democracies where the “popular” participation was limited to those who fully grasped the issues and had a vested “interest” in the success of that society work. The Greece from of democracy lasted for nearly a thousand years in total in one variety or another. The form of universal democracy practiced by the United States of America listed barely three hundred years. I would also contend the democracy practiced by the United States failed during the middle 20th century. By the early 21st century only 28% were voting and of that percentage 15% determined the outcome of that election. However, in reality the top 6% of the society actually determined the selection of leaders and the political agenda by means of wealth. I find this form of democracy an abomination.

Democracy should only be trusted in the hands of those few that risk their lives in the defense of their nation. If you are willing to secure the freedom of your nation by the sacrifice of your nation has earned the right to determine its course. So when the time is right within our society I will convene a forum to determine the proper structure of government.

Once a person has completed a tour of military service equal to 20 turns of duty will be granted the prominent role of citizen of the state. All other persons within society will be know as civilians, including, those who are currently in the military. All civilians will have special protected status in legal matters and will enjoy certain rights, duties and privileges. Just as one of the great documents produced by the Americans said: “The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” will be protected by law. Civilians will be allowed to own property and live prosperous lives but the fate of the nation will be left in the hands of those who see the pursuit of a greater duty more important than simple economic pleasures.

So in the following sections I will give a detailed review of the form of political system I will support. It will also include a list of duties, obligations and rights each “citizen” of the state will enjoy.

*~*~*~*

Manufacturing Warrens, MY 2135

Base Supervisor Michelle Holm adjusted her breathing mask. Although she was used to wearing it for long periods of time she was not used to wearing it during a full-fledged storm. Already the winds were almost 30 kilometers per hour, and there was no protection on this open plain.
She knew the person standing next to her, engineer Warren Adams, was even less happy about it. He had many duties to attend to, and drones to supervise, and going on this sight seeing tour would not lessen his duties. Most he could not assign to underlings, so they just accumulated, making for an unpleasant return. That suited Michelle, however, since it was in the interests of the People to test each and every Citizen, and to demand that they contribute to the best of their ability, and beyond if society required it. If the engineer did not perform than he would be retrained, or replaced.

They stood looking at the monolith. A former crew had just located it, and it looked almost identical to every other monolith they had found. The language on the monolith was as opaque as when they had first been discovered over 30 years ago. That, however, was the least of Michelle’s interests, and she was sure there were People’s Scientists working on that problem when more applied issues weren’t being addressed. Her concern was resources, and this monolith would supply them in abundance. That was to her base’s benefit, and to the benefit of The Hive.

Very little in the way of communication was possible in the wind, which would soon be joined with a downpour that was drenching the hills west of them. This was on the windward side of the mountain range and was blessed with copious amounts of precipitation. All the better. Still, Warren pointed to the small pod of worker that were collecting the nutrient lode, and the minute energy pods, that laced the site. They were found in abundance only around a monolith. No one knew why, but they did not turn down the resources, either.

Michelle nodded, and then turned toward her head engineer. She gestured that they would have to return. It was four hours until dark and they had a long hike back to the base. The road was not too far away, which was a good thing since a sector was a large distance, even in good weather.

*~*~*~*

SSCAT center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2135

“Okay when can the next two colony pods leave?”

“Colonel the pods from Sparta Command and Blast Rifle Crag will leave within the week. We were able to speed up production by running three full shifts around the clock. Blast rifle crag will begin building another pod almost immediately but the question is Colonel what about Sparta Command?” Master Technician Smith reported as he handed out a detail report on the production status.

“Might I make a suggestion Colonel?” Governor General Walked asked as she stood up and walked over to the main display board.

“Go on Walker.” Santiago replied as she leaned back to observe. Walker pinned a large sheet of paper to the board, then another then another. Each one had elaborate plans and diagrams for a large power control station of some sorts.

“I would suggest we build a special project. Currently we have the means to enhance our energy systems here at Sparta Command by building an advanced control and distribution center. With this energy we can increase our ability to advance our projects and scientific research. As it stands now we are dedicating nearly 80% of our total energy production to labs and testing facilities.” Walker sat down as everyone in the room studied the plan

“What if our scientist discovers some other area that would be more worthy of these resources? Major West asked.

“We will build modular systems for the most part leaving only the most highly specific parts and components to the very end. Should we need to reallocated our resources I would see no reason we would could not do so.”

“I want a heavy infantry regiment built first before you begin this project. Our heavy impact cavalry regiment is off supporting our new base at Fort Survivalist so that only leaves the recon/garrison unit here to protect this base and my personal myrmidon guards. That is not sufficient. Build the equipment for the infantry and train them and then you could build this project. Commandant Fong do you have enough recruits for another infantry regiment here at Sparta?” Santiago asked as she turned towards Commandant Fong.

“Yes, barely. They will be young but by the time the equipment is built they will be ready.” Fong replied quickly as studied her notebook.

“Good. Meeting dismissed.”

	01-05-2004 05:41									#11
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

Manufacturing Warrens, MY 2136

“And how is the completion of the recycling tanks proceeding?” Base Supervisor Michelle Holm asked.

Warren was busy helping his crew move some conduit into place and could not let his attention waver. It would irritate Citizen Holm, but that was to be expected. Everything irritated the good base commander.

There was a satisfying ‘clink’ and the conduit snapped into place. His crew immediately started up the arc welder to braze the connection, just in case. It was an example of over engineering, perhaps, but there would be hell to pay if the combined recycled debris of the base contaminated the food supply. After a moment Warren turned the job over to his foreman and stood up to address a steaming Citizen Holm.

“I see your work is too important to answer a simple question,” she stated. The tone of her voice was acidic, even if her face was impassive.

“It is delicate work, Citizen,” he replied, glossing over her honorific. It was another very subtle jab, but well within the bounds of proper addresses for Hive society. After all, if the great leader Sheng-ji Yang was addressed as Citizen, how could any mere worker object to be addressed as the same? “And it would be a waste to the People if the supplies from the Unity pod were squandered. My efforts, and those of my crew, and geared to the benefit of the People, and we will ensure that effort is not wasted.” He smiled inwardly. That was almost perfect. He may even get the hang of this political crap, after all.

Michelle just sniffed and chose to ignore his little speech. “And how is your progress?”

“Almost finished,” he replied. “The major elements of materials reprocessing have been laid down, and the waste conduits are complete. This conduit goes to the Feeding Den, and will provide much needed nutrients to the People. Primary reprocessing removes valuable materials, which are shunted via conveyor to the manufacturing warren on third level. Remaining materials are combusted, providing energy.”

Warren paused as he noticed Michelle getting impatient. She didn’t want an update, just an answer. Very well. “It will be complete in eight days, Citizen.”

That seemed to satisfy the Base Supervisor. ‘Advise my Second of your progress, and ensure there is no deviation from your schedule. Understood?”

“Yes, Citizen,” he replied as he wiped the largest accumulations of packing grease off his forearms.

She chose to grace him with another moment of her infamous icy stare, then turned on heel and left.

Good riddance, Warren thought to himself. Then he got back to work.

*~**~*

Office of Commandant Fong, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2136

“What do you mean it is okay!” Fong yelled at the young cadet.

“Commandant if I had not been caught no one would have known. I have been taught that I should adapt, improvise and overcome. That is what I did. I accomplished the course in record time by thinking “out of the box”. If I had not been caught I might have set a new academy record that would stand forever.” Cadet Santiago replied in a calm but with a hint of pride in his voice.

“Cadet I think you failed to realize what you are saying. I know the importance of creative thinking but the rules were set and you broke them.” Fong fired back.

“Colonel Santiago would not agree with you Commandant. In Chapter 6 of the Spartan Battle Manual she clearly states and I quote “In all matters relating to war nothing should be overlooked as impractical. War demands the utmost in creative thought and planning and every general that has adopted this type of thinking has been victorious. Those leaders that have failed to understand this are defeated.” Santiago answered back his voice full of conviction.

“Cadet the fact remains that during training you have to learn that there are rules and some of those rules can not be broken. One month of barracks detention with extra duty and one rank demotion. Dismissed!”

Cadet Sanchez saluted quickly and held it until Fong returned his salute and then did a quick turn and left the room. As the door closed a familiar face appeared as the door closed.

“Did you get into trouble?”

“What would my sister care if I did or not. You should be happy now that your record on the obstacle course is restored and mine is taken down.”

“I was at first but then I thought about it and I realized you were right. That section of the course had no markings just the path. Everyone just went down that path after the wall obstacle never even considering the possibility of just turning left and going to pole. You cut nearly 10 minutes off of my time by doing that. I would never have considered it.” She thumped her brother in the arm as a sign of good will. The twins only looked alike in the face but their physical appearance was as night was to day. Many people thought the sister was the older of the two by perhaps even two years.

“Well I bet someone else would have thought of it in time.”

“I doubt it. You give yourself too little credit. For over 30 turns everyone just kept going down that path for no reason other than that it was there. You were on the course just two times and the second time through you find the solution. It is no wonder you got staff training assigned to you next year and I got field.”

“I would rather do field.” He said glumly.

“Perhaps but you eat better, lets go to lunch.”

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2137

Deirdre’s face looked pained. “I’m sorry, Sheng-ji. If you had told me before I could have arranged to trade our technology, but now that you’ve duplicated ours it looks like we both lose out. We’ll have to keep in better contact in the future.”

Yang nodded his head at this, but didn’t let his own disappointment show. It would be a long time before the next breakthrough. Each accomplishment added to the repertoire of abilities, but the easy to understand came first. Others that were more complicated and time consuming were later.

“Agreed, Lady Skye,” Yang said. He thought her title was a bit archaic, but if that was what her Council had agreed to then who was he to judge? Now, anyway.

“I’ve loaded my world map, and I was just informed we got yours, also. Call when you want. I can always make time!” Deirdre said. Her voice was rich and a bit sultry, but always friendly.

“My thanks, as always. I will try to contact you at greater frequency,” he said.

Then the screen went blank.

That did not make the problem go away, however. It was critical to expand The Hive’s scientific output. They were keeping even with the Gaians, but that was not saying much. They had half the bases The Hive did, and much in the way of appealing territory.

Alternative plans would have to be made. More bases were to stop production of colony pods and work on infrastructure, in particular recycling tanks. There were only three recycling tanks at Hive bases; more were desperately needed. More forests would be required, and solar collectors.

There was so much to do, and limited resources. They would have to be used very efficiently.

*~*~*~*

One sector northwest of Sparta Command, SPARTA 21237

“What do you mean we are stuck again!”

“Governor-General Ash the fungus has clogged the treads again, just like before. The colony pod is stuck.”

Governor-General Ash, the first male Governor-General appointed was not a happy man today. Ever since leaving Sparta Command his trip had been plagued with misfortune. Shortly after leaving his “promised” escort was re-ordered to continue their scouting mission leaving the colonists unprotected. Now after a full turn of trying to break through the fungus fields they were still stuck. If they did not get through soon then he would have to request additional supplies for the colonists since they only brought enough food for four turns.

“Okay do your best and report back to me as soon as the crawler’s tracks are clean.” The young mechanic saluted him and then quickly ran back to the other technicians.

Ash surveyed the terrain that had become all too familiar to him. Many of the colonists had “carved” out small pockets among the fungal patches and had built shelters for them to live in. It gave them more room rather than “hot bunking” in the crawler. Just beyond the shelters to the front Ash saw another group of colonists with shovels digging away at the fungus. It was a constant battle with the fungus. If the colonists did not go out daily to dig up the fungus the colony pod would have been consumed by it.

This particular fungus patch covered nearly a full sector but it also extended along a north-south line for nearly eight sectors. It was the barrier that blocked the ridgeline of the great mounting range to the west. Ash was still not pleased with the colony site selected for him. On the western side of the colony site was an area that had been named “the barrens”. The barrens was a mountainous area that resembled the Gobi desert on earth. To the east was a large fungus field and to the south, the only hospitable land was a large pine forest. On in the north was their any “rich” land for use.

Ash slowly began to walk back to the colony pod and he fully expected a call from SSCAT demanding a progress report. At this point he could only pray that the colony pod would make it through tomorrow.

*~*~*~*

Hole of Aspiration, MY 2138

“It was indeed most fortunate, First Citizen,” Base Supervisor von Welling stated. “This Unity pod also contained the resources to complete a recycling tank, which will give a much needed boost to our food, industrial, and energy output.”

Yang said nothing, but simply observed the work crew that was busy disassembling the Unity pod. The pod was highly weathered from its almost four decades exposed to the elements, but it had been intact. Its shell had been partially dissembled and a improvised truck was being loaded with the heavier components. A second crew of workers was working over the left.

That got the First Citizen’s attention. “The second crew is not working on the recycling tanks. What are they doing?”

“Well,” the base supervisor started, “it seems the pod broke through some xenofungus when it landed, spurring a new type of growth we haven’t seen before. It is dominated by chlorophyll very similar to that of earth, as opposed to the Chiron chlorophyll that reflects red light, giving it a pinkish hue. All reports indicate it is exceptionally nutritious to humans, which is in stark contrast to other native life. Our best estimates are that it could provide fully three times the nutrient output of any other sector in this area.”

Yang allowed himself a small smile. “Very good, Base Supervisor von Welling. Please send a report directly to my office when the results are complete.”

The middle aged man straightened, clearly delighted at the honor. “Yes, First Citizen. It shall be done!”

Yang then walked away, and was soon joined by three flanking security guards and a bevy of attendants. He immediately started getting updates form his assistants, and he replied in a clipped verbal shorthand to ensure maximum efficiency.

There was more good news, too. Manufacturing Warrens had investigated another Unity pod, but this one turned out to be breached. Underneath, however, was a mineral lode that would be extremely useful in providing raw materials for their fledgling industrial capabilities.

Yang checked his breather out of habit and saw that it was functioning adequately. It would only take 15 minutes of breathing the Chiron atmosphere before the first effects started, mainly the impairment of judgment. Later more life threatening effects would start. Therefore, Yang programmed himself to check his breather every 15 minutes. That was only logical, after all.

*~*~*~*

SSCAT Center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2138

Colonel Corazon Santiago looked up from her desk as Captain Clinton, the intelligence officer and Master Technician Smith walked in. They myrmidon guard dressed in flat gray synth-armor nodded to Santiago as she closed the door behind them. The “nod” was their code that they would continue to monitor communications even when the door was closed.

“What was so important that you had to see me right away?”

“Colonel what I am about to show is simply amazing.” Captain Clinton replied as she laid a thick folder on the desk. “The photos inside have only been seen by a few people and of course the 1st recon regiment.”

Santiago showed no reaction but it was clear from the body language from both Smith and Clinton whatever was in this folder had rocked them to their very core. Santiago opened the folder and began to examine each photo. No one said a word while Santiago looked at each photo waiting for her first words.

“What are these things?” She asked incredibly.

“We have nicknamed them “bore holes” Colonel. The shafts are nearly a mile in diameter and from what we can tell nearly reach the lowest sections of the outer crust of Chiron. There are machines for generating massive amounts of energy and robotic equipment that would allow very deep mining to harvest the best ores possible. Simply put Colonel these things, and there are three of them, are the equivalent of the Grand Canyon on earth to a child’s sandbox hole. Once we can operate the equipment we will be able to pull out massive amounts of energy and mineral resources.” Smith said as he laid a schematic on her desk that showed a cross-section of the borehole.

“You said “once we can operate the equipment” what does that mean?”

“Colonel we simply lack the protective equipment that would allow us to go that deep in the earth. We do not know how to operate the alien machines to use them and even if we could we have no way of ever servicing them. However, we can utilize about a third of the production capacity of the mines based on using our current mining equipment.” Smith replied and yet again put another piece of paper on her desk detailing the mining production levels.

“Can we build a base nearby, a mining base?” Santiago asked absently as she studied the new data.

“The entire area is arid and barren and devoid of life. I know suspect that the boreholes caused much of the destruction of the area that we now call the “barrens”. However, there is one area, here.” Captain Clinton pointed at a spot on the map that was in the folder she had give Santiago. “This sector is arid but it has a rich oasis that could support a colony. With our new recycling tanks the base could support a modest population that was completely dedicated to mining and energy production.”

Santiago studied the site and immediately agreed with Clinton’s assessment.

“Draw up plans with Smith for our next colony pod to deploy there. I want access to those mines and those resources!”

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2139

It would take years, years, to complete the terraforming at Manufacturing Warrens and Hole of Aspiration to take advantage of the mineral and nutrient lode. The territory those unique features were on was arid and otherwise useless. At least there was no dissention among the People’s Representatives as to what type of terraforming to place there. Forests were the only answer. And building the solar collector for Seat of Proper Thought would take years, too. It was a good thing each had two terraformers allocated to it. There were three others doing work, but there was so much to do, and so much land to bend to his will.

The First Citizen forced himself to stop dwelling on such topics. Discipline was a asset, and having a focused mind a discipline a virtue, but letting both descend into obsession would cause blindness and obscure reality.

That was unacceptable.

Long ago Yang had used meditation to reflect, and to re-order priorities, to think and even observe. Now he felt the need to meditate. How long had it been? Weeks? No. It had been 11 days. That was much too long, and this confusion was his body telling him to restore order.

Yang got up from his desk, sat down in the corner of his small warren, crossed his legs with the base of his feet up, and laid forearms on his upturned feet. Slowly he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then another. And another.

*~*~*~*

SSCAT Center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2139

Colonel Corazon Santiago was not pleased. Earlier in the day both command staffs had failed to achieve any sort of success on the two simulations she had given them. The first scenario had been a full-scale alien invasion and the counter-attack. The second scenario was the discovery of other Unity survivors who did not want to join the Spartan Federation, willingly. Both training exercises had bogged down and in the first one the alien forces had stormed every city and the Unity survivors had held off the Spartan attacks.

“I will be back in the morning and we will run these battle drills again!” She yelled at them. The large SSCAT center was filled with every member of the day and night command staffs as they listened intently to her. “I want to make this clear I find these results unacceptable in the highest degree. I will go over in detail tonight the results and see where we can improve and I am sure there will be lots of areas we can but let me make this clear that even if these are drills we need to take them seriously. When I see lieutenants working harder than captains and when I see corporals working harder than lieutenants then I have to ask myself why do these people have these jobs.”

“Colonel?” A young female sergeant spoke up shocking many of the people in the room. “Colonel if I could ask a question?”

“Speak freely!” Santiago fired back.

“Colonel I do not want to speak for everyone but I the problem I had with the drill is that every time we made a decision or moved troops the enemy seemed to know exactly what we were doing and countered it. I would classify these war games as a no win scenario.”

“You are correct, they were no win scenarios I designed them that way and you are the first person to point that out, even my senior command staff failed to notice it. What is you name?”

“Sear gent Frost.”

“Well lieutenant Frost!” A buzz broke out immediately in the room but a quick glance by Santiago stopped it from spreading. “Every soldier has to face the no one scenario what I had hoped to see was a new and creative idea or solution to them. I do not believe in the no-win scenario and neither should you. We will play these games again in the morning and I fully expect that at least one of you will have an idea to beat them. You are dismissed.”

Santiago watched them leave and kept her eye on the new Lieutenant as several of her friends patted her on the back. Basically She was disappointed that only one person, a mere sergeant was able to figure out the trick she had played on them. If she could do it to them then perhaps the enemy could do it to them? She rubbed her temples again and then picked up the computer data sheets on the war games, work to do and then do it all over again.

	01-05-2004 05:44									#12
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Hive, MY 2140

“Momma, where are we going?” Liz asked as she looked over to a large matronly woman in a work smock. The woman didn’t answer and tried her best to give her a smile.

The young woman knew better than to ask again.

They walked down a corridor together, hand in hand. The floor was relatively even, but the left wall and the ceiling still bore the rough cuts workers almost 40 years ago had made to scrape this passage out of the raw rock. There were chisel marks, since that was all many had, and occasionally marks of a pneumatic hammer, all evidence of hard toil and sweat. Many of those miners, banished to hard and unremitting labor in the early years of The Hive, were on longer among the living. The casualty rate among those condemned to hard labor by the People’s Representatives for indiscretions or errors in ideology had been high. Many years later the walls and ceiling were still rough-hewn. There were other more important tasks that demanded the labor of the Citizens of The Hive.

Always there was evidence of people. Down the corridor the right was Communal Bay Three, and just down from that the Feeding Den. On the level just below this were the Secondary Manufacturing Center and the recycling tanks. It was efficient to shunt the newly dead and other refuse into the tanks so they could be recycled to feed the living and the engines of industry. Citizen Yang had said that it was every Citizens final duty to go into the tanks, a last service to The Hive.

The woman and her daughter continued down the corridor. A police brigade stepped in behind them, and the woman took no notice. The little girl tried not to, but it was hard not to notice them. Their boots echoed with series of sallow booms as they tramped through the hall. Ever so slightly they picked up the pace, forcing the woman and her charge to pace ever faster. It was subtle, and indirect, but inevitable. They hardly even noticed the change, but they did know that they were uncomfortable. A shiver of fear grew. The woman said nothing.

At last they came to a door, a wide double door. It was blue and had emblazoned on the front People’s Security. The police stepped into place directly behind them and brandished their stun sticks in front, forming a cordon that encircled them.

Wide eyes looked up at the matronly woman. “Momma?” she breathed.

The door opened. It was dark inside.

The woman disengaged her hand from her daughter and stepped to the side. The men behind her descended on the girl, clamping their gloved hands on her shoulders. They gave her an inexorable push.

A moment later the woman stood alone in the hallway. She dared not breathe. She dared not the even let a tear well in her eyes.

That would not become a Citizen of The Hive.

*~*~*~*

Command Bunker, Training Camp – SPARTA 2140

“Governor-General Ash!”

“Yes Colonel, your transmission is clear now. We are up and running now, Training Camp Base is fully operational.” Ash yelled at the receiver so Santiago could hear him. It had been a long day getting the communications array working correctly but they had got it working just five hours late.

“Governor-General you have an awesome responsibility on your shoulders. You are the first male Governor-General in the Spartan Federation and there are many who still feel that only females should lead our citizens. I do not agree with that all. I believe you have the right stuff to make your post successful. However, you need to understand that failure is not an option.” Santiago stated with little emotion in her voice.

“Thank you Colonel, I think.” Ash replied instantly regretting his quick response.

“Ash you shouldn’t think just do, remember that. I do the thinking for the Spartan Federation and you carry out policy. Is that clear!”

“Perfectly Colonel!” Ash replied smartly.

The screen went blank.

Ash rubbed his face and let out a big whoosh of air. Damn his tongue he thought. Why couldn’t he just keep his mouth shut. He knew Santiago had gone out on a limb to give him this post. It was surprising that in such a short amount of time people could so quickly shift their thinking from what they believed in for a lifetime to something new. Ash understood that the children of Chiron, of the Spartan Federation would grow up never knowing “assuming” that women were the weaker sex. Now everyone believed that even though males might be initially stronger training and exercise made everyone equal in the long run. The analogy everyone now uses is even though the ox is strong it is slow while the lion is faster and more deadly. It was a disturbing trend that Santiago had not seen fit to disabuse people of for many turns but then all of sudden she appoints a male Governor-General.

Ash stood up and walked around the video console and into the main bunker area.

“Okay people lets get things organized now. I need a complete status of current operations and I want it now!”

*~*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2141

Citizen Yang sealed the Directive to the People’s Representatives and applied his DNA stamp:

All bases are to maintain a population of not less than 2000 Citizens. The only exceptions that will be allowed are frontier bases that are producing a colony pod for the expansion of The Hive.

Each base will produce a second police unit that will be used for scouting, and police duty when needed to instill order.

The People’s Representatives will assign one base to produce at least one rover to expand our exploration of Chiron

At least three additional terraformers will be constructed.

Each base will have three improved sectors, and each base will have at least one sector that provides two or more nutrients to ensure the growth of The Hive

Sensors will be constructed to provide additional protection for all existing and newly constructed bases. Priority will be given to established bases. When possible sensors will be constructed before a base is constructed.

*~*~*~*

Private quarters of Corazon Santiago, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2141

Santiago rolled over in her bed as she watched her lover leave the room to get cleaned up. For the most part since landing on this planet she had withheld her desires for the sake of her people. There was always too much to do and in the early days she was far too busy. However, when Hanna Welch walked into the command center just two weeks ago something had “clicked” between them. Hanna was a lieutenant assigned to the logistics section and was on temporary assignment to SSCAT. While she was there Santiago quickly made friends with her and during the morning hours they helped each other during their exercises. When Welch finally was reassigned back to her own command Santiago and Welch quickly became more than friends. Corazon knew the pitfalls and her own regulations about superior officers having relationships with subordinates so she waited until Hanna was out from command.

Hanna had been a small child when they had landed on Chiron and quickly adopted the Spartan lifestyle and system. She had two children already, sufficient to meet her “quota” for now as a good Spartan citizen but now she could seek our real companionship and a relationship. Santiago at times wondered how long it would last but for now it filled a small void in her life and it made the strain of command easier.

Her thoughts suddenly went back to her role as supreme commander and the decision she had to make. The recon scouts had found not one but two oasis in the barrens that could be used as possible colony sites. So now she had to decide if she would send two colony groups to leave in the desolate region for the sake of energy and minerals. It perhaps was too much to ask of even her Spartans but deep in her heart she already knew what the answer was.

“Hanna I need to tell you something.”

“Yes Corazon?” Hanna’s voice could barely be heard over the shower.

“You will be leaving soon as the new commander of the garrison for our next colony!” Corazon yelled.

“Great!” Hanna yelled back. “Where is it?”

Santiago felt a stab of pain inside her and withheld the answer for a few minutes. Santiago looked over again at her desk where the report and staff recommendations lay for the next colony pod and Hanna’s name was next on the list for a captaincy. Life and death on Chiron demanded harsh sacrifices from everyone, including Santiago.

*~*~*~*

Society Grid, MY 2142

Base Commander Sbrams listened with rapt attention, and growing horror. It was clear that the scout team, which had reported finding an unaware mindworm in the fungus to the north, was in trouble. They had standing orders to attack any mindworm they found, and were doing so.

Only something was going horribly wrong.

One of the women had started singing nursery rhymes. Another had started screaming loudly and incoherently about “My eyes! My Eyes!” All the while Expedition Leader Wiles had reported calmly as he could how he and his two functional team members had brandished their shredders and were pressing the attack. He had considered retreating but by now the worm knew they were there, and was advancing.

For the next few minutes the reporting was broken by the crunch of boots on brittle terrain, and wind and labored breathing. There were occasional curses, and sporadic staccato impacts as the shredders were fired. With each firing the team would groan as if in pain.

In the distance the singing stopped with an abrupt, piercing scream, and there was one last “My Eyes!”

A confused monologue started, and Sbrams had a very hard time understanding. It was like words had been randomly inserted into a normal sentence, resulting in almost recognizable gibberish. Through it all Wiles remained calm.

As he listened it was clear he wasn’t calm at all. His voice was a monotone, devoid of any emotion. He had emotionally shut down, and now it was clear from his monologue that his higher brain functions were shutting down, too.

There were more sounds of boots crunching through dry land, but fewer boots now. The other pairs were gone.

The running stopped, and only a faint wind was heard on the communication link. Wiles asked, “Where am I?”

That was the last, and Sbrams knew now he had a problem. There was no defender for his base, and he hoped that Manufacturing Warrens could send help. If not he and all the colonists would be dead.

*~*~*~*

Computer network control room, Fort Superiority – SPARTA 2142

“Did that fit?”

“Yes it did!” Yelled Steve as he plugged the computer relay into the board. He looked up to see his fellow co-workers standing around him.

“What?” He asked as they began to laugh.

“Steve you have got to take it easy. We are over halfway done with this network node and every time you complete a section of it you make it sound like the core is about to go on line.” Steve’s supervisor half laughed as he reached over to give him a hand up.

Steve reached out and was quickly on his feet.

“Don’t you think this is exciting?” He looked at everyone. “Within a decade we will be able to unlock the secrets of that alien device. I cannot wait to see what we might find.”

“Steve we are curious but we have been working on this project since it started, when we laid the first cables. We want to see what’s inside too but we need to get our work done here first and not make every little task sound like we have defeated a legion of aliens.” Steve’s boss finished his reply by shooing everyone back to work. “Steve just because our jobs are not as glamorous as the military does not make ours unimportant. We need to focus on our tasks and that will help build a stronger Sparta.”

“Yes sir!” Steve nearly shouted his face flushed with pride.

“Just go back to work and please keep it down to a dull roar.” Steve’s boss knew it was useless to try and talk with these new kids. They were so filled with duty, honor and loyalty that every task was like a life and death mission or something. Oh, well, he thought at least Steve worked hard, perhaps too hard, when he began to think about it. If the Governor-General came down and saw the way the “old timers” worked in comparison to the new blood there could be trouble. He had to find a way to reel these new guys in and fast.

*~*~*~*

Society Grid, MY 2143

Base Supervisor Sbrams was relieved. Manufacturing Warrens had sent their own garrison to assist in defending against the worm. Knowing there would be degenerate elements that would take advantage of the situation, Base Manager Holm had put the base on lockdown. She was matter-of-fact, and offered no word of reproach. She was practical, if a bit harsh and lacking in people skills. She had even re-directed the construction of the colony pod at Warrens, at considerable loss due to re-tooling, in order to replace their garrison and ensure the security of the People.

Their garrison was finally making its way north. The worm was working its way south. With a bit of luck the worm, likely critically damaged, would continue south and encounter the garrison. That would be the end of the worm.

The good news was that their newly constructed former was already in position, and a colony pod from Communal Nexus was making its way north. This land was fertile, and some compared it to the lush Amazon forest of old Earth. It was a rare patch of green in the otherwise desolate fungus-infested planet. No doubt the copious nutrients the lands provided would aid their growth, and the growth of the People.

There was always the chance of disaster, though. There was news that Hole of Aspiration was prototyping a rover that was to be used for exploration. Their own garrison would be finished next year, and that would provide extra security.

For the first time in months he felt some assurance they would survive. His colonists were depending on him, and the other wise leaders of The Hive, to provide for them and the People. It was his duty, and if the need arose, he knew he and others would make the ultimate sacrifice. That was the duty of every Citizen. After all, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one.

*~*~*~*

21 sectors south of Sparta Command, The wilderness – SPARTA 2143


“Colonel Santiago this is Captain Iverson of the 2nd recon regiment. I have to report finding a alien war machine!”

The vid-screen shifted slightly as Santiago came into focus.

“Show me.” She commanded.

Iverson nodded to a female trooper with a portable vid-camera and she began to scan the alien war machine. It was 15 feet tall and it was supported on 8 legs. It had a thick armor plate of an unknown type and it mounted what appeared to be a laser cannon of some type. It had various other sensor devices that poked out of the “head”.

“Colonel the weapon you are seeing is far more powerful than even our impact cannons. I would estimates its firepower at 20 perhaps 25% greater than our impact cannons. The armor is about and beyond our synth-armor. The most unique thing about this machine is that one of my soldiers seems to be “linked” to it very a telepathic connection. Whatever she commands the machine does.” Iverson completed her brief report and waited.

“Captain you have done well. Return the war machine to SSCAT and await further orders. Santiago out!”

The screen went blank.

“What do you think Captain?”

Iverson turned to her sergeant and removed her helmet. “Who knows Sergeant? The fact that SSCAT wants us back double time is all I need to know. We can at last get our weapons upgrade and armor and then hit the field again after a little R&R. At least on the way back we will not have to worry about an attack with that thing lumbering after us.”

“To true Captain.”

The two of them turned to see the alien war machine began to move a Private Laas pointed to an area to her right.

“Why does she make hand gestures?” Iverson asked.

“Well Captain even though they are linked via their minds the war machine sometimes gets confused it seems. However the aliens were able to control these things is a mystery to me. All I know is if this is their form of tank then we are outclassed to be sure. It would take perhaps two maybe even three full infantry regiments to take this thing out. I am just damn glad we have one.”

“Yes, why would the aliens just leave this valuable piece of technology, this death machine out in the open for anyone to use?”

*~*~*~*

Society Grid, MY 2144

“Worm destroyed, Base Supervisor Sbrahms,” the grizzled veteran stated.

“The Citizens of Society Grid and all The Hive thank you, Citizen. Please accept my gratitude, and we would be pleased to host a reception in honor of your group’s bravery,” he said.

The image broke up for a moment, and then clarified showing Captain Duff apparently adjusting the controls of his transmitter. Then he looked up. “We would be pleased to attend. I estimate that we will return in approximately two weeks. An update of our schedule will be sent daily, per protocol. We will also be bringing in the Chiron Pearls for The Hive treasury.”

“Excellent. I look forward to meeting you in person.”

A wave of static washed across the grainy image, which bowed slightly. Then the transmission terminated.

Sbrahms reflected that Duff was something of a legend. He had been the original garrison when their pod landed on Chiron, and had risen from a lowly sensor technician to the senior field officer of The Hive. His leadership was exemplary, and his group always had high morale and know-how.

The error of minimal escorts would not be repeated. Scouts were now escorting the two colony pods en route to their new homes nearby, and a pair of rovers would be constructed soon. When sensors were constructed worms would have little chance, and that was a good thing.

	01-05-2004 05:46									#13
	Increase Your PM Length

SSCAT Center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2144

“Summarize this for me?”

Captain Jamie Clinton had just laid a computer disc on Santiago’s desk. The disc contained her report concerning the aliens.

“Colonel it is now clear to our scientists that the “aliens” that we have been fighting are not “sentient”. Thy clearly show animal like reactions to stimulus but we should not discount their level of intelligence. Their “tactics” indicate a level of cunning similar to lower life forms on earth. However, it is very apparent that these native life forms are not the builders of the bore holes or monoliths and especially the war machine we discovered.”

“How certain are you of this?” Santiago interrupted.

“Well Colonel as certain as we can be without actually capturing one of the creatures. Based on the remains we have found from our encounters the mind worms or spore launchers have an extensive nervous system. We suspect that the creatures are not mindless but in fact have a level of intelligence similar to a dog.” Jamie replied as he reached into her briefcase to pull out some diagrams that they had made based on the autopsy.

“Put those away for now.” Santiago said as she motioned with her hand. “If these creatures are not the aliens who built the monoliths, war machine and the bore holes then where are they?”

“Colonel that is the million credit question.” Clinton somewhat laughed as she answered, a mistake the minute she did it. Santiago was not in the mood for levity, she wanted answers, and the look she fired at Clinton was not to be trifled with. A quick cough and she continued in a more serious manner. “We now suspect based on the evidence at hand that the aliens died out perhaps thousands, maybe millions of years ago.”

“How can that be?” Santiago interjected.

“Well, we can not be 100% certain but the archeological evidence is hard to dispute. The monoliths were created thousands of years ago. The bore holes even longer. The war machine surprisingly is even older than the other two. It seems as we move back in time the alien culture gets more “sophisticated” and as we move forward they abandon technology all together for unknown reasons. It is if they didn’t need these “things” anymore and relied on other methods to garner resources or fight wars. It is clear that they were very careful in closing down the bore holes as if they wanted to make sure that they did not do any further ecological damage.”

“You did not answer the question, where are they?”

“Colonel we do not know. That’s the plain truth of it. A few of the scientists I have on this special team I organized theorize that perhaps they left this world or were destroyed in some great extinction level event. However, the team did agree that the aliens are no longer in this area of Chiron.” Clinton replied hoping that this was the last question.

“You said the worms and other creatures had “dog-like” intelligence, correct?”

“Yes Colonel.”

“Well, could these attacks, the attacks from the worms be the result of a higher intelligence that is directing the worms?”

“It is possible Colonel but why would they do it if they already had access to much higher levels of technology. Though dangerous the worms are not a match for our impact rifles.” Clinton responded unsure as to where this line of questioning was going.

“You said that perhaps a cataclysmic event occurred on this planet.” Santiago asked impatiently.

“Yes.”

“Well perhaps their society collapsed and as a result the survivors lost all access, all ability to use this technology so now they rely on using these worms. I know I would do the same. We cannot discount any possibility. Until we know for sure what has happened here I am not going to “un-assume” anything. For now we will continue as we have always done. The worms and other creatures that attack us are the “foot soldiers” of the aliens. I see no reason why this statement could not fit into the facts as you have detailed. We cannot risk our survival based on unconfirmed theories. We have to assume the worst and plan from there. I will review your data. However, for now I want you to close down your project and seal all information under my personal command codes. I want all scientists to sign letters of secrecy and assign agents to monitor them.” Santiago finished by standing up, a clear sign the meeting was done.

“Thank you Colonel.” Clinton saluted which Santiago promptly returned and left the room.

Santiago waited until the door was closed and then she picked up the disc and crushed it in her hand. She then turned and dumped it into the disposal chute for classified items, consigned to the incinerator a floor below them. No, there was no need to read it. This planet was the enemy and she needed no report to tell her different.

*~*~*~*

Hole of Aspiration, MY 2145

“Citizen Yang,” the small image said, bowing slightly.

“Base Manager Stanley,” Yang replied.

“I am happy to report that the former crew that you indicated should investigate the last anomaly near us has discovered yet another nutrient lode. As you may recall, that brings the total lodes near us to three. Two have already been forested and are producing copious resources, and allowing for exemplary growth.”

Yang nodded. “Welcome news. Is the nutrient lode situated such that another base, such as Communal Nexus, could harvest these resources?”

“No, First Citizen. It is at least three sectors away, and that has been shown to be beyond the maximum range of the drones to effectively harvest resources and utilize them for the base.”

“I see,” Yang said.

“We request the advice of you as First Citizen and the People’s Representatives,” the base commander said. He had included the People’s Representatives as a courtesy since they held no real power. “Soon our growth will reach a point where extra facilities or garrisons will be needed. Our rover will be complete soon. After that point we will need to build either more garrisons or a recreation commons.”

Yang was silent for a moment. “I will recommend that that the People’s Representatives suggest that you build a garrison for policing duties. That will require the minimum time and productive potential. After that time your base will grow to at least 3000 citizens, and may begin producing colony pods. If your production is such that a colony pod will take your population below 3000 citizens then you may make the decision as to what infrastructure would best serve your needs. Is this clear?”

The base manager gave a deep bow at the waist. “Yes First Citizen. It shall be done.”

The image winked out. Sheng-ji Yang considered. This base had true potential and its resources would have to manage carefully. He made a mental note to himself to check in on the base to ensure the situation did not get out of hand. That would be inefficient, and fatal for the base manager.

*~*~*~*

Command bunker, Blast Rifle Crag – SPARTA 2145


“The riots are under control now Colonel.”

“Governor General I am ordering you to submit a full report to me in the morning detailing what went wrong. It is crucial that you complete that colony pod and get it out safely. Allowing rioting men in the streets disturbing the valuable work that must be completed is treason!”

Governor-General Maxwell rubbed her forehead and then shook her head.

“I agree with you Colonel but the workers here, the men workers, had requested better services for the work they were doing on the colony project. Several of them were hurt during an accident and we were unable to save them do to lack of medical resources. With the changes I have made we can not accommodate those concerns.” She replied quickly hoping to end the conversation.

“NO!” Santiago screamed. “You did not accommodate anyone you capitulated to them. Once you have this mess cleaned up I am ordering you to reinforce your garrison so this will not happen again. Is this clear! I want those male trouble makers identified and I will to it that they are give a trial for their crimes, no amnesty!”

“Yes Colonel I understand.”

“I really don’t think you do Maxwell so I am coming myself to clear this up and get Blast Rifle in shape. I cannot allow our key southern base to fall into such chaos. Your operations are the lynch pin for our expansion into the rich monsoon jungle area. I cannot allow your command to fall into chaos!” Santiago roared back at her.

“Yes Colonel.”

“Santiago out!”

The screen went blank none to soon for Maxwell. It was time to begin the getting the list together for Santiago and quickly. She knew that within the hour Corazon would be calling back demanding action and the names. Maxwell lamented that things had come to this. She had tried to work with the civilians, the male technicians and workers guilds but their base had grown too large with too many people demanding resources. Medicines, food and living space was on a rationed according to rank and position and more importantly sex. The garrison had adequate quarters while the workers had mere bunks made of steel. The garrison did not live in luxury by any means, that would not be the Spartan way, but they did get first choice of food and medical attention. She had righted the boat, so to speak, now she wondered if she had started something that, in time, could become a mountain of a problem.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2146

Yang put the weathered control panel on his desk. It was already hooked up to a small power source and a yellow light indicated it was operation. This small device was the only intact piece of equipment in the otherwise useless Unity pod that the garrison at Society Grid had explored. The pod itself had long ago succumbed to the crushing impact 45 years ago, and then the effects of weathering. It was hard to even tell what it might have contained.

That, however, was irrelevant because there could hardly be anything more valuable than this small device. This unit was identical to the communication panel that had provided the critical link to Deirdre Skye. Those relations had gone so well, and had been fruitful in the exchange of technology and the understanding of Chiron.

Yang could feel his pulse quicken a little, and he just as quickly activated biofeedback to get it under control. Then he activated the channel. There were a series of whistles as the yellow light changed to red, then to green.

The link was active, and Yang waited patiently. He knew that someone on the other end had set theirs to receive and that it was just a matter of time before someone noticed that it was active and that they had an incoming transmission.

Yang was content to wait.

*~*~*~*

SSCAT Center, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2146


“Maxwell finally has things in hand at Blast Rifle Crag and she completed the colony pod ahead of schedule.” Santiago said as she activated the map table display and highlighted the area around Blast Rifle Crag. “The question before us today is where do we send the pod to?”

“Colonel I think the only possible site is here.” Governor-General Walker of Sparta Command interjected quickly. “This site has the advantage of utilizing one of those monoliths and a rich and fertile sector of land near the gulf. The base would have two prime sectors of land to utilize for building a strong base.”

“Yes I would have to agree with the Governor-General as well Colonel.” Captain Jenna Michaels commented. “The base has to have ample supplies to help launch our prime initiative which is to colonize the rich southern lands to south. The monsoon jungle area is far to important to ignore.”

“I agree but the placement of the base at this sector.” Santiago pointed at the colony site. “Is out of alignment with our base placement program. The military advantages of having interlocking adjacent bases no more than 2 sectors from each create a strong defensive system. Now you are recommending to me that we throw that out!”

“Colonel, as you can clearly see the sites we would have to use to meet our defensive plan are covered in fungus. I don’t think this is too out of the plan since we have already agreed to a deviation when we decided on the colony sites in the barrens.” Governor-General Walker replied quickly. She and the other Governors had all decided that the site was the best choice at a previous meeting. The only other option would be to send the colony pod and colonists on a very long expedition to the south and that was not really a viable option.

“Why haven’t we been able to find a means yet to clear the fungus!” Santiago sternly asked as her eyes fell on Master-Technician Smith.

“Colonel I have every scientist in every base coordinating their research to solve this problem. The latest report indicates that we should achieve some “breakthrough” in solving the fungus problem within the next five turns. In addition, we should have the alien data device operational within eight turns. So we are making progress Colonel but even when we do find a method to defeat the fungus we will most likely have to build machines to do the work and once again that would take time and then they would have to be deployed and begin their work. Factoring in all of these variables, including travel time to the colony sites, we could expect the first sector to be cleared of fungus in no sooner than 25 turns.”

The news hit the assembled group like a thunderbolt. Everyone had hoped that the fungus issue would be dealt with promptly but now that idea was smashed.

“25 turns?” Santiago shook her head in disgust. “If that is correct Master-Technician then we will have to amend our plans. We simply cannot wait 25 turns for the next colony site to cleared of fungus.” Santiago turned to Governor-General Walker. “Send orders to the Governor-General Maxwell that the colony pod is to proceed to the site as chosen. We will concentrate on continuing our expansion but when these machines do become available to defeat the fungus we will switch over production and every base is to build one of them immediately.”

Everyone in the room immediately agreed to the plan but Santiago was still not pleased. Her frustration continued through the meeting and it was evident to everyone. The commander of the Spartan Federation was not a person accustomed to having to change plans or deviate from her own “playbook”. The fungus was a problem and weapons and armor and soldiers could not deal it with. They needed industrial power and equipment to eradicate it and it was something they did not have. It was the first time that a problem could not be solved by the application of military power and that was something the Santiago knew she would have to learn to live with but she did not like it.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2147

“Datajack Rose,” Yang said with a flat voice, “The Hive is pleased to make your acquaintance. Our peoples will be stronger as we share our abilities and combine our forces. Perhaps…”

Rose interrupted, “Save your speeches, and let’s cut to the chase. I’m willing to sign a treaty of friendship, but your backward and repressive society is an example of all that is the worst in human history. Out of the good for all mankind I’m willing to put aside my dislike for the society you have crafted, for now.”

Yang didn’t react. This Datajack Rose was a known commodity to him. As chief of security it has his job to know all those that worked on or were to be crew aboard Unity. Datajack Rose had been one of Morgan Construction’s programmers and how she got on board, let alone managed to become a leader in her Unity pod, was beyond him. Her profile indicated she was something of an anarchist. That was dangerous.

“Agreed,” Yang said. “Perhaps we can share information? Surely scientists of The Hive have developed technology that would be of…”

“No way,” Rose replied as she made a chopping motion with her hand. “We are not willing to share our valuable technology with you.”

“I see. And have you made contact with others from Unity?” Yang asked. “If so, The Hive would offer ample compensation for any information you may have.”

“I don’t think so. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more important things to do.” She abruptly cut off the communication.

Yang stared at the blank screen for a moment. That had not gone nearly as well as he had hoped.

	01-05-2004 05:48									#14
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

SSCATC (Supreme Spartan Command and Training Center), Sparta Command – SPARTA 2147

“Foreman Domi I see no reason at this time why we should enter into any treaty with you. There is no benefit to us.” Santiago stated firmly.

The rough looking leader of the so-called “worker’s union” looked very worried and Santiago thought he should be. Just a few weeks ago the 1st recon regiment under the command of Captain Iverson (non-cloned ) encountered a free-workers colony pod near the far southern parts of Spartan territory. The area was to the east of the rich jungle area that had just been mapped. At first the “free drones” as they called themselves were very friendly and after communication lines were established and further information was exchanged about each other the free drones began to change their tone. The initial exchange had been very rewarding for both sides, the drones received technology on recycling and the Spartans got detailed plans on recreational facilities. However, after the first exchange the Drones quickly understood whom they were dealing with and what type of people they had met, Spartans. In turn, the Spartans quickly discovered that the drones were not very advanced in any area and that their military capabilities were minimal at best.

“Surely there is something we can do or offer that might persuade you to sign a treaty of friendship?” Domi said in an almost pleading tone. “We have recently come across a large supply of energy modules from the Unity. If we were to give to you a hundred energy credits as a sign of good faith would you consider a treaty?”

Santiago studied the man's face for a minute noting the sweat beading on his forehead the thick sheen of oil in his hair. His face was unshaven and crude and doubtless his mind was the same. It was obvious though that he did have some charisma since he had forged his workers into a new “utopia” based on workers rights and ownership of production. The fools she thought, gutless fools they were.

“I will agree. Transfer the credits immediately. Santiago out.”

The line went dead.

“Alright what is our military status?” Santiago asked her assembled officers and command team.

“Colonel I am leaving at the end of this meeting to take up the forward position we had discussed earlier. I will be taking the 2nd recon regiment with me along with the 1st heavy impact cavalry regiment. In addition, I have issued orders to have the alien war machine turn around and rendezvous with the 1st recon. Once we are all on line I will complete the weapons upgrade, courtesy of our new friends the free drones. We will launch our attack with three impact armed rover regiments with support from the alien war machine. We should be ready to launch the first attack within 10 perhaps 12 turns at the latest.” Captain Jocelyn Smith finished her quick report by activating the man display in the command center that illustrated graphically her plan of attack.

“Excellent. Both Captain Smith and I worked up the plan over the past week and I think it is very sound. If we find before we launch our attack that the drones are even weaker militarily than we think then plan on having the timetable pushed up. We will upgrade the 1st recon to a heavy impact rover regiment and they in concert with the alien war machine begin the attack. The sooner we attack the better.” Santiago said with a fierce conviction in her voice.

“Colonel we just made a treaty with these people now we are planning to attack them what is the sense in that?” Master-Technician Smith asked quickly his voice firm but there was a tint of fear in it.

“Master-Technician these people have fallen under some fool. If he was so willing to give up 100 energy credits what else is he hiding from us. The sooner we unite under one banner, under one leader the sooner we will all prosper. I doubt we will have much trouble with these drones. We were able to deal with the workers riots at Blast Rifle Crag very easily and now we have peace.” Santiago fired back angrily.

“Colonel if I may?” Captain Michaels asked. Santiago nodded to her but her eyes were still fixed on Smith. “Colonel your plan of attack does not include any forward base support. Captain Smith is taking all of our mobile forces deep into the south and will launch an attack. In addition I have to send a vast amount of supplies and equipment with them in order so that they can upgrade their weapon systems for the attack. They will need techs to do the work as well. How will we be able to support this offensive?”

“Good question Michaels the first today.” She continued staring at Smith in fury. “We will support our attack by capturing their most northern base. Once we have that under our control we will continue to move south and move quickly. Once we knock the legs out from under them they should fall easily. The sooner we unite under the Spartan banner the better.”

Everyone in the room remained quiet as Santiago looked at each of them in turn. The discussion was closed. It was time for action.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2148

"Peoples' Science Advisor Scott," First Citizen Yang said. "The advance in ethical calculus is insufficient."

The science advisor blanched but remained still.

"This research duplicates, yet again, the advances made by the Gaians. Moreover, this technology, you say, will allow the infrastructure to form a democratic government."

Yang put down the report and locked the motionless Scott in his gaze. "Such actions show a blatant disregard for the will of the People's Representatives, and the needs of the Hive's Citizens.

"It will be up to the People's Representative to determine if your efforts to form the infrastructure for a democratic government are treasonous. It will be my recommendation that they consider this carefully."

Scott swallowed, hard. The threat was less then veiled, both toward him and toward any People's Representative that thwarted the First Citizen's wishes.

"I...request," Scott started, "to see my family pod."

"Denied," Yang stated.

At his pronouncement the doors to his office opened. Three People's Protectors paced in and surrounded Scott. Their stun sticks were in a cordon around the cowed scientist, who could offer no effective resistance even if he wanted to.

"Remove this," the First Citizen said.

Heavy boots and the padding of Scott's light footsteps echoed through the silent hall. Then the door closed and the First Citizen returned to work.

*~*~*~*

Private quarters of Colonel Santiago, Sparta Command –SPARTA 2148

Santiago reached over and smashed her pillow again to try and make it softer. Realizing what she had just done mad her even more angry, softer pillow for a Spartan! It had been a trying day to say the least. Events almost seemed to spring out of thin air to create trouble. The worst of them had been the disappearance of the 2nd recon rover regiment. They had entered another of those “weird” alien areas that transported them nearly 20 sectors away. When the captain of the unit finally made contact they informed Santiago that they were now east of the Drones but still much closer than they were before. It just meant that the planned assault would have to come from two different directions.

In addition the 1st recon reported that the drones colony pod leader decided to establish his camp at the site they had met at. That in of itself was not the problem but the fact that there were two more colony pods traveling with the first was the issue. Santiago did not want them the Drones to expand any further into lands claimed by Sparta. So now the 1st was holding until it got further orders, pinning the colony pods down, preventing them to advance. If the Drones began to complain about Santiago’s forces then she would attack. It was that simple. First she needed to get the 1st upgraded to the best weapons possible that would come next turn. The alien war machine would be in position soon to support the attack so that was good news as well.

Lastly, Fort Superiority reported that they had completed the network node, ahead of schedule, and they would be linking the alien device up next turn. Within a turn of that Spartan scientists were expected to make yet another breakthrough.

Santiago turned once again and she caught herself before she adjusted her pillow. She then quickly through the pillow across the room in disgust. It was sacrifice and hard work that made Sparta strong and Santiago needed to be the strongest of all.

*~*~*~*

Near Seat of Proper Thought, MY 2149

James opened the communication channel, "People's Terraformer Crew 12 reporting. The sensor and road for base location 13 are complete. As per instructions, proceeding to assist People's Terraforming Crew 9 to construct a solar array near the apex of People's Apex."

Per protocol he switched off. He knew there would be a drone to record and catalogue all messages and communiqués, and there was no need for verbal confirmation. A daily summary report would be squirted to him anyway, and the accuracy of the drone's work would have to be checked then, and then re-submitted to Seat of Proper Thought, the nearest base.

"Nothing for us I hope," Marian said. "Hey, watch out. Bump."

As she gave him the warning the former lurched to the side, throwing James into the bulkhead on the left. He bounced off the gray primed metal and then to the floor. He recovered quickly, "Nice shot. Miss any yet?"

"You're just jealous, comm jockey. I seem to remember when you were trained for this position. How many formers did you wreck?" Marian asked.

"None, and you know it. A dent does not mean wrecked," he said.

Marian snorted. "It might as well have been. You were in a bloody parking lot! Good thing they gave you something to do where you couldn't hurt yourself. Or me."

"Well, next time just don't hit every huge pothole, OK? Say, any word if we're going to be paired with 9 for a while? Work sure goes faster."

"No word. Not our business, you know that. Not questioning the wisdom of the People's Representatives, are you?" Marian's tone was light hearted.

"Only a traitor would do that, and it's not a joking manner," he replied. He did not believe for one minute that Marian would joke about such matters. She had placed in the top four percent in testing and he doubted that with those scores she would be relegated to former duty. It was most likely training for bigger and better things, like the People's Protectors. One did not joke with them. Ever.

"All right, all right," she said. "No more bumps in the near future. Be sure to buckle in, and check that element five is secured. We don't want to be delayed because of a breakdown."

"Right away," he said as he finished securing his 5-point harness. He tapped a few keys to link into its telemetry. Everything looked OK.

"Status green. No problems," he said.

"Good," she said. "I have transponder lock, and am locking controls on autopilot. Recording in log, per protocol 15-24.25. Confirmed?"

"Yes," he said. Without a word they both got up and went to the small living quarters, not much bigger than those on a rover. With elegant efficiency she stripped, and then removed the last lingering bits of clothing from her communication officer. She reached out and drew him to her, and then grabbed the nape of his neck to draw him in for a deep kiss.

His response was both immediate and, for her, satisfying. There were times when duty had its pleasures.

*~*~*~*

Main exercise facility, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2149

Colonel Corazon Santiago was wet and naked. She had just finished her shower after a grueling 2-hour physical training regime. For the first hour she lifted weights and ran and for the second hour she practiced her kung-fu skills. She had just finished showering and was walking back to her locker when Major West walked in to change into her PT clothes.

“Colonel.” West greeted Santiago. Not much else was required or needed. For those lower echelon officers that tried to make elaborate greetings Santiago usually demoted them on the spot.

Santiago picked up her towel and began to dry herself off.

“What happened overnight?” She asked West.

“Colonel the 1st recon regiment radioed in and confirmed that they had completed their upgrades, they are now the 2nd impact cavalry regiment.” West reported.

“Excellent. Have the colony pods moved yet? Have the droned reinforced the base?”

“No Colonel.”

“Cancel your PT. I want the command staff working on a war scenario this morning that would account for a pre-emptive strike on the drone base.” Santiago finished drying herself and began to put her uniform on.

“Colonel do mean to attack the drones before all of our forces are in place?”

“Yes. I see no reason not to. The alien war machine is almost at the rendezvous location. If we wait on the 1st impact cav to reach the launching point for our attack it will be another 10 turns. No, I see no reason to wait. Also with the transportation of the 2nd recon to the east it will confuse the drones into thinking we have launched a two pronged attack.” Santiago fired back slightly annoyed that her XO would even question her decision.

“I agree the drones will be surprised and perhaps this element of surprise will be sufficient for the attack. As far as G-3 can tell the drones have nothing more than assault riffles and synthetic armor. They should fall easily before our trained troops. My only concern still is the distance. If we cannot take a base to support our forward operations the supply lines and reinforcements will be slow in coming.” West countered in hopes of trying to persuade her leader which deep down she knew she couldn’t.

“West we attack. We have forces nearby and with our discovery of sea transportation we can build troop transports that should make the trip quicker than need by. We need to strike now before the drones prepare anymore. Already one of their cities has three garrison units in it. I don’t want to fight a war of attrition. If we hit them hard and quick we will knock them back on their feet and take the victory, now lets get going.”

Santiago stormed out of the locker room and West followed quickly behind.

	01-05-2004 05:50									#15
	Suffering from ads?

The Hive, MY 2150

“First Citizen,” a voice over the intercom said. It was polite but insistent, and Yang knew that this was important. He was interrupted at all times with matters ranging from trivial and mundane to occasionally traumatic. The tone of Citizen Paine’s voice, his long time consort, was too obvious to be ignored.

“Yes,” he answered.

“Datajack Rose wishes to speak with you,” Citizen Paine said.

Yang’s eyebrow rose a bit in spite of himself. “Acknowledged. Route her transmission to the People’s Representative’s meeting room.”

He didn’t bother to ask for an acknowledgement of his orders. Paine was as efficient in her job as she was bearing his children. It took only a few moments to leave his office. As he did so he was immediately flanked by a trio of People’s Protectors, who immediately picked up his walking pattern and adjusted their to space themselves around him.

The meeting room was ahead. He keyed in and then presented himself for a retinal scan. A small light winked and the medium blue doors opened. He entered, and sat down at the austere table near one of the data consoles, which he activated. The image of Rose immediately appeared.

“Greetings, Datajack Rose,” Yang said. He forced himself to smile, and smile warmly. His face was unaccustomed to the effort, even if he could make his smile seem warm and friendly, if he desired it.

Rose smiled back. “Hello Yang,” she said, as if they were old friends. “You know,” she started in a conversational sort of way, “I’ve been thinking. We’re really not all that different, you and I.”

Yang was stunned, and he choose not to show it. “Indeed,” he said.

“Indeed,” she said, nodding. “I think we should move our people’s closer together. We will be stronger when we combine forces, you know.”

Rose had succeeded in stunning Yang yet again. “I see.”

Rose paused for a moment, looking at Yang. Her demeanor changed. “Would you, well, consider a Pact?”

Now Yang almost smiled. He smelled weakness. “I might,” he said.

Rose brightened a little. “We’ll trade maps, and start trade right away, then.”

“The Hive has not agreed. Yet.”

That stopped Rose cold. Yang let the uncomfortable silence lengthen. It suited his purpose.

“Well, will you?” Rose said, finally unable to stand the pause any longer.

Having proven his point, Yang said, “Yes. And, as a gesture of good faith, will you consider trading technologies.”

But, Rose evidentially had what she wanted. “In good time, my friend. In good time. My assistants will arrange the details. Goodbye!”

Yang watched the blank screen, reviewing what had just happened. Rose had gone from hostile to submissive. What had changed? Was she under attack? Perhaps her world maps would give him an answer.

Or, maybe not. Humans were such irrational and bewildering creatures.

*~*~*~*

Ruins of the Free Drone base – SPARTA 2150

Captain Smith rubbed her eyes. She was tired. The adrenalin rush of combat, of leading troops into battle was beginning to wear off. Behind her she could hear her radio operator contacting SSCATC with the situation report and the great victory they had achieved. The 2nd impact cavalry regiment had swept down on the base at top speed the impact cannons screaming as they fired blast after blast into the base. The two colony pods had gone up almost immediately in flames and the poorly constructed city had quickly followed. The few defenders tried valiantly to fight but they simply evaporated into smoke and ashes once the rover’s impact cannons and the shoulder fired impact rifles hit them.

After the battle they had been able to scavenge from the ruins 6 mega-credits of energy modules but most importantly they found the Drones map files. It laid out every city and every terrain feature the Drones had charted. The only issue of any consequence left was the few remaining survivors from the base. When the colony pods had exploded they had killed nearly every one of the 2,000 colonists. Now there were only a few hundred survivors. Smith had issued orders for them to be sent back to Sparta Command for interrogation. Some of them would make good laborers. Santiago had discussed her plans with Smith before leaving for this expedition concerning prisoners. Just like the Spartans of old the new Spartan Federation would use the conquered to support the greater Spartan Federation. These “half-men/women” as they were to be called would be assigned to support the families of the active duty soldiers. It only seemed fair that soldiers fighting for Sparta would reap the benefits of their victories. These half-men/women would be assigned roles as servants or workers in factories in support of the military class, the myrmidons.

“Captain Smith its Colonel Santiago for you!” The radio operator reported.

Smith walked over and picked up the headset and lowered her breather mask.

“Captain Smith here Colonel.”

“Smith this is Santiago. We just reviewed the map you sent us and we want your assessment.”

“Colonel the fungus field to the west is vast and it will take seven, perhaps eight turns before I can get my rovers into position for the next attack on the Drone base. The good thing is that when I attack the alien war machine will be with us during the assault. After that it will be nearly 12 turns before I am in a position to attack the remaining two Drone cities.”

“Understood and we agree with your assessment. Proceed as planned and you are under strict orders to take the next Drone city undamaged, if at all possible, limit your attacks to spare the city. We need it to support our operations in that area. I understand the situation that happened today and that nothing could have been done to stop it, don’t worry about it, it was a great victory and your myrmidons should be proud. The base was too small, too fragile to withstand the attack. When you make the next assault try to focus only on the military units, is that clear!”

“Crystal clear Colonel!”

“Good, excellent work and more victories for Sparta! Move at best speed and inform me when your troops are ready to mount the next attack. I will order the 2nd recon regiment to make an attack on the second Drone city to disguise our true intentions, a minor diversion to keep Drone reinforcements from reaching you. Once that base is ours we will be able to cut off any further expansion by the Drones. After that it is just a matter of time before the fall before us.”

“Yes Colonel!”

“Santiago out!”


“Colonel Santiago Foreman Domai of the Free Drones wishes to plead for a cease-fire and end the hostilities. He is on the radio and wishes to offer terms for peace, even compensation to us to stop the war.” Major West reported to Santiago.

Santiago was bent over the main map, a map recently updated with all of the new map information from the Drones.

“Tell the Drone leader he can go to hell.”

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2151

Yang graced his new People’s Science Advisor Warris Brandon with a cold stare. He had been promoted after the execution of his predecessor Simon Scott for high treason. The lesson was not lost on the middle aged Warris.

“You propose to increase the allocation of our valuable energy reserves to boost our scientific output?” he asked.

Warris was prepared and did not flinch. “Yes, First Citizen. This will result in some loss, but look at this,” he said as he handed Yang a datapad.

He took it, and toggled through a few screens.

Moments passed, and Yang was motionless except for the economical movement of his fingers and the barely discernable shifting of his eyes under his heavy epicurean folds.

Then, he looked up and returned the datapad. “You predict we will decrease the time to our next breakthrough by four years, and at the cost of five megacredits per year.”

Warris nodded and stood his ground.

“Approved,” he said. “Inform the People’s Representatives that they are to vote on this issue, and my approval of your proposal.”

Yang continued to lock him in his stare. Outwardly Warris was calm and collected, but he was beginning to feel unnerved. The First Citizen only rarely made protected eye contact.

Finally he said, “Dismissed.”

Warris turned on heel and left the room.

After he was gone Yang reflected for 30 seconds before returning to work. Perhaps this science advisor would provide for The Hive better than the last. With an inward grin he thought, Wheat and chaff.

*~*~*~*

3-sectors north of Laborers Throng Base –SPARTA 2151


“We have orders next turn to destroy the Drones terrafromer.”

Captain Iverson turned to her radio operator. “Right. Confirm those orders with the codebook and then radio the rest of the rovers to turn south. I will inform them of our IP with the terraformer.”

“Right Captain.”

Captain Amy Iverson was glad that her unit would be able to prove themselves in combat. It was important that the Drones keep their attention fixed on her command so the 2nd cavalry could make their attack on the western Drone base without fear of Drone reinforcements showing up.

As the rovers raced along the edge of the great desert to the north Iverson was still amazed at how quickly the Drones had built up their society. They had farms and solar collectors and mines and roads. It was truly amazing what they had done and it made it all the more imperative that the Spartans bring the Drones under their control. The Drones might be lacking in military might but they seemed to have a good industrial capacity and that worried her. What if the Drones could suddenly build lots of equipment and begin launching attacks against Sparta! The mere thought sent chills down her spine. No, it would not come to that. These Drones were weak and they would fall. Any doubts now would only aid the enemy. Sparta must be strong.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2152

Yang looked on at the remote. It showed gangs of highly motivated drones laboring well into the night outside of the newest Hive base. The entire area was infested with fungus, but that was irrelevant. What was important was the Unity pod, which had been opened the previous evening.

Inside were wonderful things: row upon row of fusion batteries! These were state of the art energy storage devices back on Earth and they were intended for the colonists landing. Only a few were prepared, and it was a stroke of luck that they had found one. The pod itself was miraculously intact, and it was clear that its cargo was intact, too.

By the latest estimation there were at least 150 megajoules of energy in the fusion batteries. The Hive had not seen that much energy in its 50 years of existence, and that was fully 10 year’s energy production.

Already there were recommendations for worthy projects and base improvements for which the energy could be used. None were frivolous, and all would benefit The Hive. The real question was whether to invest the energy now or wait until some later date. Such questions, however, could be put off for now. At this moment Yang relished the simple joy of seeing his people benefit from their fruitful labor.

And a bit of good fortune!

*~*~*~*

3-sectors north of the Drone city Laborer’s Throng – SPARTA 2152


Captain Iverson had ordered her rovers south. The rovers had moved into position to begin the attack when a much better target suddenly appeared on long-range radar: a colony pod.

Iverson order her rovers immediately north and the soon found the hapless colony pod plodding along as fast as it could to “get away” from the Spartans.

Under Spartan battle code there was no appeal to surrender, just attack. The rovers moved in quickly firing at the colonists as they scrambled out of the colony pod seeking protection among the rocks. The assault cannons tore into the colony pod and began to shred it to pieces.

The few colonists that were able to flee the pods destruction were quickly rounded up and then chained together so that they could be sent back to Sparta as workers, drones for the mines, farms and factories of Sparta.

Iverson wiped the dirt and grim from her face as she watched her troops complete their work. The drones, nearly 100 in all were too stunned to even talk. Many of them had numerous scratches and burns. Those that had been too hurt from the battle had been put out of their misery.

“Why are you doing this to us? You are a women just like me, like these others? Why would you kill helpless people? Children?” The Drone women sobbed.

“Because we can. You should have submitted to us. You did not. We have the might to make you submit. If your children die then so be it. You will make more. You seem to breed like rabbits anyway.” Iverson looked at the myrmidon in charge of the prisoners. “Take them away.”

Iverson silently worried that perhaps things were going to easy for Sparta. Victories seemed to come as easy as breathing. They had to take the Drones out soon or they would soon realize that a humiliated enemy made a dangerous foe.

*~*~*~*

Western Sea, Collective Effort, MY 2153

Captain Sihn was pleased and so was his crew. Their tiny hold held yet another alien oddity, and artifact that baffled them all. It was just as intact as the Battle Ogre they found, but its purpose was more enigmatic. The vaguely metal object seemed to shift in size so often that they all had decided it was really shifting their perception of it. Clearly it had not burst the hold, yet that is. Trying to describe it was challenging, and they had tried to give a detailed account to the People’s Science Advisor Brandon. He was immediately interested and gave orders for them to proceed to The Hive at best possible speed.

That, however, was a dubious issue. Their best speed was still ponderously slow, and it would take years to make it back to base. Any number of unfortunate events might befall them on the way, and Captain Sihn wanted to give them their best shot at making it to base in one piece. All known areas of fungus were to be avoided at all cost, as were pods. Their hold was, in any case, full, and any investigation would only waste time, and increase the risk.

The one sad part was leaving behind Renny in their Unity rover they had discovered. He had borne up well, and he understood. In an odd way he was eager to start exploring even though he knew there were mindworms about. The pod they had investigated just before finding the artifact had released a number them. It was certain that it would go ill for Renny if he were caught, particularly if he was in the fungus that infested the area they had had to put him ashore. So far he was doing well, but it would be at least a decade before they were able to return. He could do a lot of exploring by then, if he were lucky.

There. The captain felt it again – an odd humming, almost a resonance with the hull of the ship. His teeth even seemed to hum! It wasn’t painful, and it didn’t worry them too much anymore. Hell, in the next five years they may even get used to it.

*~*~*~*

Spartan Battle Manual “Spoils of War” – SPARTA 2153

Throughout history “spoils of war” have aided great nations to become great empires and so will it be with Sparta. I will not debate the moral or humanitarian implications of what Sparta will do. The simple matter of reality is that we need resources to prosper. We need labor, material and energy to forge our survival on this planet. Because of those weak-minded leaders of the past who nearly doomed humanity to perish on this remote rock in space our mission failed. However a new mission was born from the ashes of the old. We will not fail to fall backwards to the failed policies of Earth but rather forge a new discipline based on courage, strength and conviction. I will not allow humanity to rebuild this planet into the old failed ways that nearly caused humanity to perish. We will create a new world that will reward the strong, the intelligent and the courageous. Those who have courage to shred humanities old morale code and replace it with a far simpler, more “true” code of conduct. We will not longer deny our “inner selves” that primal force that created man the hunter, man the predator, man the leader. We will nurture that instinct and expand upon it.

In order to accomplish our goal we will need those who will be able to serve the “perfect man” to tend his fields, craft his weapons and to serve them. We will need resources, lands and energy to allow our myrmidon soldiers the time to fully explore the true self the predator self the primal self. I will not deny that forcing men and women, who were once our comrades in space to become our servants is a pleasant task but it is a necessary task. I feel that those who serve deserve protection and guidance from the more noble humans. We will grant legal protection to those slaves, or half-men/half-women. They will not be sold, only the state can assign or remove half-men from the house of a myrmidon. Half-men and women will be allowed to marry and create families and these “families” will always be allowed to stay together. In return for such benevolence Sparta will expect great things from her slaves. Respect for their masters and their support for the state. It is clear that we cannot expect to prosper if there are those who are not willing to perceive of the brilliance of those blessed with the gift to forge a new world.

In the following section I will explain in more detail the role of the slave to the state and the importance of maintaining the grand purpose of our world.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2154

The People’s Development Minister Maon Shirn stood before an irritated First Citizen Yang.

“What is your explanation for the disorder at two of our colonies,” he asked with no preamble.

“First Citizen,” Shirn said, bowing slightly, “it appears that with the establishment of our 12 bases we are experiencing increasing communication and control problems. We are still able to control the drones, but not as easily as before. I predict that these problems will become even more acute as we continue our expansion.”

Yang was not placated. “You have described the problem, Minister. You have not defined a solution.”

“There are two solutions. First, we can cease expanding the number of bases and refocus our efforts at internal development. This would augment energy production, although it would slow growth. Second, we can keep expanding and build more garrisons and recreation commons to keep order among the drones. This second option is likely to present the People with diminishing returns and, as the People’s Development Minister, I can not recommend it. There is a third option, which is to increase the efficiency of The Hive. This last option is not yet available to us, but may be in the future.”

Yang did not like any of these answers. “And what are we to do with the colony pods currently en route, or in production?”

“Those colonists can be added to any base, First Citizen. Or the resources could be added to a development project, or major project. Production of colony pods can be terminated and those resources redirected. The loss for redirecting resources should be minimal.”

There was silence as Yang thought these issues through. “Execute your recommendations, Development Minister. Inform the People’s Representatives, and have them redirect production accordingly.”

Maon gave him a shallow bow. “Yes, First Citizen.”

	01-05-2004 05:52									#16
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Field headquarters of the 2nd cavalry regiment – SPARTA 2154

Captain Iverson watched her crews working on repairing the damage from the last battle. For the first time Spartan myrmidons fought Drone soldiers and the battle was as lopsided as the others. The Drone infantry had fought hard but they were hardly battle-hardened warriors like the myrmidons and they were equipped with only assault rifles.

“Captain!”

Iverson turned to see her XO standing next to her. She was dirty from repairing her rover and slightly out of breath.

“What was the damage?”

“Captain we have three minor wounds among the regiment. Our rovers took the worst damage. They are slightly beat up but we should be back to 100% in a turn. However, the damage inflicted did not impair our combat capacity at all. We can begin offensive operations in a turn.”

“Good. I do not expect to go on the offensive until the alien war machine arrives. We can continue to harass the enemy for now but I want to save our strength for the final assault.”

“Yes Captain.” Her XO saluted and returned to the repair area.

Iverson could remember the fierce yells of her crews as they mowed down the last fleeing soldiers and realized how wonderful victory felt. To win victory after victory infused a soldier with thoughts of invincibility. She had to keep reminding herself that the attack on the drone city would not be so easy and she had to prepare for the greater struggle to come.

*~*~*~*

South of Paradise Swarming, MY 2155

“What do we do?!” Artie almost screamed.

“Stay calm, we have to stay calm,” Mel stated. Her fingers gripped the control pad of the rover like a vice, and her knuckles were white.

“Right,” Artie said. “Right, OK. Now what do we do?”

Mel rocked back and forth for a moment. “Call The Hive for orders. We have to do that!”

“Right, OK,” Artie repeated as he keyed up the very basic communication console. “People’s Rover 3 to The Hive,” he yelled in a voice almost an octave higher than normal. “PR3 to Hive!”

Artie hummed to himself, and Mel gunned the engine while they waited. After a few interminable minutes Artie continued. “Thank Yang! We’ve got a sit…No. No. I don’t know! But listen. No our report isn’t done! This is an emergency! Get the tacs officer! No I don’t have prior approval, and if you don’t hurry we won’t need one because we’ll be dead! Understand! Well, I don’t care about your orders. Just get the tacs officer.”

He groaned to himself as he put up with a few moments of babble about protocol. “Now listen, and listen closely. I ORDER you to get the tacs officer, and do it now. I also ORDER you to drop your datapad of communication protocol on the floor right now. I ORDER you to keep this line open. And I ORDER you to get the tacs officer!”

Mel turned around and nodded approvingly. Her breathing rate had increased and there were a bead of sweat on her brow even through the cab of the rover was cool, almost cold.

“Tacs officer? This is People’s Rover 3. We opened the Unity pod as ordered, but it was infested with mindworms and spoor launchers! No, we can’t just kill it. There are nine of them! Nine! What do we do?”

There was a brief pause, and Artie listened carefully. “Uh huh….uh huh….uh huh.” With each ‘uh huh’ Artie’s voice sank until it was at its normal tone. “OK. Right. People’s Rover 3 out.”

Artie took off the headset and turned to Mel.

“Well?” she asked.

In a deadpan voice Artie stated. “We’re to attack one of the worms and then die gloriously for The Hive. He said our sacrifice would bring honor to the People, and the First Citizen.”

“****,” was all Mel had to say.

*~*~*~*

2 sectors north of the Whipsaw Drone Base – SPARTA 2155

Captain Iverson walked slowly along down the row of dead myrmidons. The battle had been fierce and deadly but the 2nd cavalry had prevailed. It was still shocking to her that Sparta’s nearly first defeat would have been at the hands of the aliens and not by their fellow humans. SSCATc had sent her an immediate action order to engage an alien mind worm north of their position that was blocking the alien war machine from joining in on the assault on the Drone base. The rovers had raced quickly along the uneven terrain and on the edge of the great fungus field found the mind worm mass poised to attack the newly conquered alien war machine.

The battle had lasted for nearly a day. The impact canons had ripped into the seething mass but the creature still came forward. The mind numbing effect it had on humans began to cause the gunners to miss and the drivers to swerve madly in all directions. However, in the end the creature was defeated. The Spartan alien war machine was safely through the fungus and would spearhead the attack on the Drone base. Lastly, the energy nodules from the worm’s remains were already on their way back to Sparta.

“Captain?”

Iverson looked up to see the radio operator standing in front of her.

“Captain, SSCATc would like an update. They need to know when we can join in on the attack.”

“Inform command that the 2nd cavalry regiment needs replacements myrmidons. We are at 30% effective combat strength and it will be nearly 4 to 5 turns before we are at full strength pending those reinforcements. We can assist the war machines attack but we cannot provide immediate ground support unless we get to full strength.” Iverson said in a monotone voice.

“Okay Captain.” The radio operator quietly said as she backed away.

Iverson looked down and the dead bodies and her anger began to swell again. Damn this planet! Damn these aliens and damn these drones. She would make them pay. All of them would pay for the losses they suffered today. Vengeance would be hers.

*~*~*~*

Fecundity Towers, MY 2156

“And this, First Citizen,” Base Manager Mara Harlow said with evident pride, “is the Weather Paradigm. It has integrated the last of the Earth-built Unity satellites we were able to salvage, and then link with a trove of alien devices and three monoliths. The result is superior knowledge on terraforming Chiron. This will aid our valiant terraforming crews as they bend Chiron to the People’s will, and benefit the People in ways we can scarcely imagine. The benefits will grow with time.”

Yang was appropriately silent through this and other speeches and presentations that culminated with the actuation of the Weather Paradigm. Of course, the First Citizen knew how this device functioned, and had even added his own design elements. He had approved the construction and the diversion of a modest amount of energy from The Hive treasury to speed construction.

The First Citizen’s mind was, in truth, elsewhere. He well knew the importance of ceremony, such as this, in binding the body politic, and the security this gave to the drones. Long ago Hivean societal functions had replaced the tattered remnants of religion that had survived Earth and the Unity disaster. Each of the surviving ethoses had been rooted out, forcibly as required. But, that would do no good if that void in human consciousness could not be filled. Man was inherently curious, and when events or situations occurred could not be explained Man was inventive and filled that void. Man had always used their proclivity toward creativity to foster myths, eventually imbuing them with a holy fervor. There was a safety and serenity in such fantasy, for it required no thought, only blind belief. Toward the end of Earth new religions had been formed daily from schisms, splits, or as wholly new creations. Each claimed to have a secret knowledge, a ‘Given Truth’. That ‘Truth’ with a capital T is what had to be destroyed, and then replaced with the doctrines of survival. Those false ‘Truths’ had been key in preventing humanity the basic understanding that fostered prosperity, and at the tragic end of Earth even basic survival.

As Yang watched the drones and The Hive leadership perform their functions he was pleased. Given a focus and an environment devoid of the illusion of ‘Truth’ humanity would indeed survive, and in time prosper.

*~*~*~*

Office of Colonel Santiago, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2156

“Master-Chief Maxwell you have a very important job, more important than you can possibly now.”

Master-Chief Maxwell stood at attention in front of the great leader, Colonel Corazon Santiago. The first terra-former had just been completed and a fleet of “formers” was being built. Maxwell was the newly appointed “Master-Chief” in charge of coordinating the various terra-forming crews and their projects.

“I will do my best Colonel!” He replied proudly.

“I really don’t think you fully understand how important your job is. Next to Captain Smith our field commander in charge of the war on the Drones yours is most probably the next most important.” Santiago quickly replied. Her response seemed to shake the Master-Chief slightly and it was exactly the reaction she had hoped to see. “Master-Chief it is critical that Sparta begin a rapid infra-structure improvement. We need farms, solar collectors and mines. Even the Drones are ahead of us in this regard. We have the mightiest weapons and the best soldiers but our industrial capacity is lacking and we need resources to expand and support the military.”

“I understand Colonel. I really do I think. Based on the meetings I have had with the Master-Technician it seems crucial that we improve the resources at Fort Superiority first. Once that base has access to the rich mineral deposits it should have a very easy time of completing the project.” Maxwell said as he continued to stand at attention.

“I agree and I want you to move as quickly as possible but I want a road built first linking Sparta Command to Fort Superiority. Build that and then proceed with the mines.” Santiago corrected him.

“Yes Colonel!”

“Dismissed.”

Both of them saluted and then he left the room.

Santiago waited a few minutes and then eased herself back in her chair. Every night now she became more troubled by the reports from the Master-Technician. Sparta was lagging and lagging well behind what he suspects the other “survivors” might be at in infrastructure improvements. Sparta had a fine war machine and the war against the Drones proved what a good machine it was but Sparta itself was anemic and it needed help. However, they now had access to the terra-forming technology and the ability to build good, seaworthy ships. Soon Sparta would be exploring the vast seas and reaping the bounty from that exploration, future targets.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2157

First Citizen Yang was pleased, a feeling he had been having a lot recently. The colonists from Seat of Proper Thought had added their population to The Hive, which now counted over 4000 citizens. Almost all were industriously at work, except for the few that were causing some administrative problems while trying to get adjusted to the new warren. This base was now very productive, and others were following. It was true that smaller bases grew faster, but larger bases made up for it with the concentration and productive utilization of resources.

Already the network node was complete, and a new project could be started - perhaps a recreation commons? Upgrading he feeding bay might be a good idea, especially with the influx of the extra colonists.

That issue would be to the People’s Representatives, however. In the end that was a minor issue. There was a more important issue that could have great bearing on The Hive: utilizing the Weather Paradigm to its best potential. The People’s Science Advisor Maon Shirn had made an interesting observation: the construction of a moisture condenser at rainy areas may increase their production. He made it quite clear that this was speculation, but if true this would be a 50 percent increase in food production. The only other base that had that much food was Hole of Aspiration, which was currently working three nutrient lodes and was growing at an astronomical rate. Indeed, the bases on the west side of the mountain range would all benefit.

The only vexing issue was that, in some cases, growth was too fast, and the ability to police the drones was slipping. In the end it was better to have temporarily unproductive drones than no drones, since workers were key to the health and prosperity of the People. Workers were the ability to harvest resources, and as they harvested the resources of this blighted planet they made The Hive stronger, ever stronger.

And as The Hive waxed, the People would gain ever more fruits of their labors and, with time, teach the other fragments of humanity the superiority of the vision of The Hive.

	02-05-2004 08:04									#17
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Secure conference room, Sparta Command – SPARTA, 2157

Foreman Domai sat quietly in the bare metal room and wondered what would happen to him. The Spartans had swooped in so quickly and with such fierce determination his security forces armed with only Earth created assault rifles were no match for the Spartans advanced energy weapons and training. A Captain Smith had stormed the walls of Whipsaw Base and captured it and when he got a near simultaneous report that Spartan rovers where moving in from the north he knew it was all over. The drones surrendered.

The door swung open and in marched two beautiful women dressed in black synth-armor and black berets. Each of the women had an impact rifle and pistol. The two soldiers or as he found out just recently were called myrmidons, moved to each side of the door and then entered Colonel Corazon Santiago.

Santiago walked and stood a meter or so away from him and simply said nothing for a few minutes. She watched him as if he were a trapped mouse.

“What am I going to do with you?”

“Colonel I beg you please stop this war!” Domai started getting to his feet but the guard on the right hand side of the door sprang into action and pushed him back into his seat with the butt of her rifle. The look she gave him made it clear that if he even twitched the other end would be used.

“You have already surrendered. Two of your three bases are already mine; you have given me 35 energy credits and files on improving our industrial capacity by establishing a free market economic system. You have nothing else to offer.” Santiago calmly replied but her voice was edged in steel.

“Colonel, I can offer you our complete obedience, loyalty and servitude. I now see my dream of a utopian society was doomed to fail. I cannot allow more of my people to suffer death or enslavement by your forces. What I can offer you is complete and unconditional supremacy in all areas of our society. All we ask is that you leave us in peace. You have the area you wanted under your control what more would it serve to grind us under your boots.” Domai almost whimpered.

“I will review your offer but just so that we both understand whatever I say is law and will be acted on immediately. If I need technology, energy or your service in any way you will give unconditionally.”

Domi merely nodded in agreement.

“Good. I will assign a Governor-General as our ambassador. She will guide you in all things and her voice will be my voice.”

Domai merely nodded again, his head dropping more.

“Now just so that you fully understand what Sparta is like here is what will happen next. Now that I have shown you our mercy you will now feel our steel, lest you forget it. These guards will now beat you and beat you within an inch of your life and you will beg them to end it but they won’t. They will keep on until you loose all control of yourself and your body and then you will be returned to your advisors and then all of you will be sent back to your city. Let this day be a constant reminder for the rest of your life that your life is mine and mine alone. I am allowing you to use it while I have not use for it now. Someday I will but for now I want your body beaten and it will be beaten.”

Santiago quickly turned and left the room.

The first myrmidon guard un-slung her rifle and handed both her pistol and rifle to the other. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out a leather-like sap and quickly struck Domai across the face and broke his nose. The beating was just getting started.

*~*~*~*

Paradise Swarming, MY 2158

“Lieutenant Whay reporting,” the woman said as she wiped the blood from her forehead with her sleeve. The image shimmered as if it were seen through a haze of heat. In the background there was a thin veil of smoke.

“This is The Hive,” the voice replied. “Begin report.”

“The mindworms attacked in tandem. We saw them two weeks ago at the monolith. They got big. But we reported that. Just after that they headed straight for us. We tightened up, since we knew we couldn’t seen them as they traveled through the fungus, not exactly anyway. The sensor techs told us generally where they were. We felt them coming before we got here. Private Johns got itchy, of all things, and had to be sedated. He’s in the infirmary. Good thing we got him out since the worms attacked moments later. In a way he gave us a warning.”

The woman paused again to wipe of more blood mixed with sweat. It made her standard issue blue uniform look dark blue where the fluids mingled.

“We got out our shredders, and I ordered suppressing fire into the fungus. That flushed them out, and a high-pitched chattering started, or that’s as near as I can describe the sound. Others said it was more like someone screaming and drawing their fingernails over a chalkboard like we used in school. We got a few real good shots in before the boil swarmed into the perimeter defense. They went through it as if it wasn’t there, Sir! We kept on firing, reducing the first work to a pink and bloody pulp.

“The second one got further, and it got Privates Wayne and Hong. We had to fire into them as they swarmed, and between our fire and the worms there wasn’t much left of either. Shredder shrapnel went everywhere, and four more in our squad were hurt.

“That’s it, Sir. Based on the report from PR3 before they died there should be four to six more out there.”

The young woman straightened, and brushed the front of her uniform off as best she could. “Lieutenant Whay, People’s Infantry 38, Paradise Swarming, signing off.” She gave a crisp salute, reached down, and the image disappeared.

First Citizen Yang was impressed with this soldier. Her valor had preserved a Hivean base and over a thousand Citizens. Such competency could not be ignored. He reached down to his datapad and issued a recommendation for Lieutenant Shu Whay to receive a battlefield promotion to Coronal, effective immediately, and that she receive the Order of the People citation for valor, and that everyone in her unit receive a People’s Citation.

It remained to be seen if she survived the next few attacks, but if she did it was clear she would make a fine general some day.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC (Supreme Spartan Command and Training Center), Sparta Command – SPARTA 2158

“Major West have you completed the report I asked for?”

Major West Stood up and quickly looked around the map table. Colonel Santiago had asked her to prepare a “State of the Spartan Federation” report in order to determine the best course of actions to take in the future.

“Yes Colonel. If everyone will take the large binder in front of you and break the seal on it and open it to the first page. I will begin with a short synopsis and then we will begin reviewing each section in turn. If at anytime anyone wishes to make comments please do so.” West said as she walked to the far end of the map table and activated the large vid-screen.

“As you all know our recent conquest of the Drones has given us many resources and new cities. From this map” West activated the full map display of all “known” areas of Chiron. “you can clearly see that we live on a very large continent. It will be a great challenge for us to colonize it and utilize it. It will also be a greater challenge for us to defend it. It will be crucial to our long-term expansion that we control all of our lands. I would recommend that we continue to push for more patrols and of course continue with our naval programs.”

West changed the screen again so it displayed a representation of all the infrastructure improvements in Spartan territory.

“As you can see from this map we are clearly behind in development of our lands. We need more mineral and energy resources to help expand our nation. We are very anemic when it comes to energy production. Even the energy tribute the Drones send us does little to offset our growing consumption. We need to concentrate a lot of our resources and time into this area. Creating a healthy, industrialized Sparta is just as important as a strong military one.”

West changed the screen again and the map of Chiron was displayed again with all “known” areas displayed.

“The Drones are helping us in one very important way. They have a transport ship that is slowly making its way east. Foreman Domai is sending us constant map updates and he will give us any information, including communication frequencies if he finds any other survivors. In turn, we need to expand our naval forces so that we can transport our military to other lands and continue our unification efforts.”

The map changed once again showing a large building that was under construction at Fort Superiority.

“This is our “secret project” center. We are currently working around the clock to build a project to aid us in creating a more “perfect” soldier. It is long work and hard work but we definitely need to build several more of these facilities. We need to build for the future as well. In some respects the Drones were far more advanced than us and that is a simple and undisputable fact. If we had not forced them to serve us then we would have possibly faced an enemy who, in time, could have rivaled us. I am now more certain than ever that there are more survivors out there and as such we need to prepare ourselves for this reality. We need to build a Sparta that can project power over the entire planet if we are to succeed in our goals.”

West stopped and deactivated the screen.

“Thank you Major. Now I want to begin with your ideas as to how we can address these areas. I want everyone to speak up and give careful thought to what they are saying because I want good solid answers and solutions. We have limited resources but we are growing so every “joule” of power is precious, every metric ton of minerals is precious, every field of grain is precious and of course every Spartan soldier is precious. We need to find a means to enhance what we have and expand. Now let us begin.” Colonel Santiago finished speaking and waited for their response

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2159

First Citizen Yang closed the communication channel. It was another unsatisfactory negotiation, but he did not let him affect his mood. That would be inappropriate.

Instead he reviewed the latest proposal by the People’s Science Advisor Shirn. There was a controversy raging on what to do with the artifact that had recently arrived safely at Fecundity Towers. The People’s Representatives were split between linking it with one of the network nodes and using it to augment one of the Projects currently being worked on. There were valid arguments for both, since either would benefit the People. The question was, which would benefit the People more? The two Projects were of great worth, and would provide increased social stability or higher morale soldiers. On the other hand, linking the artifact with a network node would surely reveal technology that would be necessary for The Hive to prosper.

Yang ordered the information provided by the People’s Representatives and his own trove of data into a mental grid, tallying the advantages and the magnitude of each advantage.

In a few moments he made his decision.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2159


“I am sending the frequency now Colonel.”

Santiago waited a minute until the Captain Clinton confirmed that the frequency was valid and complete. Clinton nodded her head the frequency was real.

“Your information is good Foreman Domai. I will accept it as part of your tribute this turn. If you wish to add more credit to your tribute what additional information can you add that your transport crew found out.” Santiago said in a terse tone.

“The crew found the capital city of a faction called the “Hive”. It is a large city and it is built mostly underground from what they can tell. The leader of this faction is Chairman Yang. I do believe he was once the executive officer of the Unity and in charge of security. It was clear based on the reception the crew received and from what they observed that the Hive state is a police state. I am uploading the entire database of their report. I am glad we could be of assistance to the Spartan Federation.” Domai finished his report slightly out of breath. One of Domai’s lungs had been damaged during the beating he had received along with his hearing so that every time he talked it was very loud. The scars from the beating still showed on his face and would likely never disappear.

“Your information will be considered. Santiago out.”

The line went dead.

“Colonel what do you think?”

“I want you to analyze the entire mission log of the Drone’s transport. I want a full analysis and a report in the morning. I want to know all aspects of their society and level of technology. I want to proceed carefully but I also want to make our intentions clear. We are Sparta and our forces are supreme on the battlefield. I want to make sure the former executive officer of the Unity understands that he no longer has any authority over us, over me!”





From: Sparta Command- Supreme Spartan Command and Training Center

TO: Chairman Yang:

I have your communication frequency now. I am the leader of the Spartan Federation of Cities. Our territory encompasses the large continent to your West. Make no landings or attempts to colonize this area. This entire continent is under our domain. Any attempts to make landings or to colonize here will result in the destruction of your forces. Our military is highly advanced with high-energy weapons and superbly trained.

Foreman Domai, the leader of the Free Drones, is my loyal vassal. Do not make any attempts to deal with him or negotiate since all those matters must be cleared by me. Any attempts to do so will result in a state of war with Sparta and the removal of Foreman Domai from his leadership position.

At this time I will review any petition you wish to place before me but I seek no alliances. Sparta is a powerful nation that does not nor need your friendship.

Colonel Corazon Santiago

Supreme Military Commander of the Spartan Federation of Cities

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2160

Coronal Santiago,

I received your communication frequency over a year ago when the Drone transport visited The Hive. My communication with Forman Domai was cordial, but not very informative. It was clear from his body language that there was something more. His crew of the transport, however, was more than forthcoming. They told an interesting tale of treaties of friendship bought at great price, betrayal, death, and subjugation.

Even before they had finished it was clear from the methods that your Spartans were the instigators. My psych profile on you and your Spartan terrorist organization on Earth was most thorough. My only regret was not anticipating your mutiny about Unity and the havoc it would wreak; I paid for that oversight when your people took me prisoner with the express purpose of execution. As you can see, your subordinates failed. She made the critical mistake of underestimating me, and in the end she blew her own brains out. Fitting.

Any personal considerations are irrelevant, even if they do bear on the present. My duty, as always, is to the People. Your duty is and always has been to yourself.

I will take your threats for what they are worth, Coronal.

First Citizen Yang
The Hive

	03-05-2004 07:32									#18
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SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2160



From: Supreme Spartan Command and Control Center – Sparta Command

To: Chairman Yang – HIVE

Subject: Cancellation of treaty

Date: Chiron 2160

In my last communication I warned you that making any treaty with Foreman Domi exceeds his authority. He has been punished for his foolish actions. I have ordered him to declare a state of “vendetta” against you and your “people”. You will not prosper in any form or in any manner by association with the Drones. Let this serve as a lesson to you that I control all events, people and situations that take place on my continent.

As to your accusations concerning the mutiny they are simply that, accusations. I had you arrested for your actions on that fateful day! How you were able to gain your release is unknown to me and I am sure that the freedom you gained was put towards nefarious means. My only regret Yang is that I did not have you and that worthless leader Pravin Lal shot immediately. If I had done so perhaps the Unity mission might have succeeded and we could have avoided the disaster that befell us. Your actions nearly doomed humanity to extinction and you rant about my “illegal” actions! If I am ever able to bring you to justice for nearly killing every soul on the Unity it will not be too soon enough.

As to my actions since landing I have had to do what I must to secure the survival of humanity. I have built a strong society since landing. I make no apologies as to the methods I have employed to secure a unified leadership on my continent. The Drones were falling into a foolish and foolhardy form of government that would have doomed thousands of people to death. As for killing “thousands” of people I do not consider your opinion as valid on this subject. If half of the things my G-3 intelligence team says is correct then your “faction” is far, far more despotic than my own. I have at least granted some sense of participation and a means of law and legal rights to my people. I will grant you that they are not “sophisticated” but at this time it is all that we need. As for your form of government I doubt even Adolph Hitler would hold a candle to you.

In case you failed to read my last communication to you I will repeat it again. Make no attempts to land on the great western continent. Doing so will almost certainly doom those soldiers or civilians to death.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2161

First Citizen Yang read Santiago’s latest missive. A slight smile crossed his face. He had touched a nerve, just as he had intended. Her reaction showed that Santiago was both brutish and impulsive. That part of her psych profile was intact, and it was pleasing that even after 60 years that his dossier was still essentially correct. What had grown were both her bellicosity and her megalomania. Both were weaknesses of the first order, and could be manipulated to the People’s advantage.

Yes, he could almost see Santiago’s rage, and the flecks of spittle that surely were expelled from her mouth. Amusing.

With that he crumpled the flimsy and threw it in the recycle bin. He had more important things to consider than the ravings of a crude lunatic.

*~*~*~*

Command bunker, Legionnaire City – SPARTA 2161

“Are you ready?”

“Yes Governor-General we are. We can begin mining operations now. All of the equipment is in place and the Drone half-men have been trained to operate the equipment as well.” Chief Williams reported as he handed Governor-General Souvez the report.

Souvez studied it for a few minutes and then laid it down.

“Will the half-men have sufficient supervision?”

“Yes they will. For every four half-men there will be one Spartan supervisor. For every ten half-men there will be a myrmidon guard.” Williams said promptly.

“Good. Begin operations at once and I will inform the Master-Chief at Sparta Command that he should see very soon our first deposits of energy and minerals from the bore-hole cluster. That is all.” Souvez finished speaking and stood up.

Williams promptly saluted her and she returned it and then he quickly left her very small office.

Legionnaire City was the newest of all of the eleven Spartan cities and perhaps one of the most important. Within a decade she fully expected to be producing more energy than three cities combined. However, what still troubled her was the fact that her base was in the middle of a vast desert. The base had been constructed on one of the sectors that had a rich oasis but aside from that the closest other “fertile” sector was nearly four sectors away.

Souvez walked over to the small window that looked out over the barren and sandy landscape and realized how much she despised this place. She could still remember the green and lush fields of her native southern France. Now she could only see was sand and fungus.

There were many times now she wished she had stayed on Earth.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2162

“As you can see, my experiment with the condenser did not succeed, First Citizen. For my failure I will accept any punishment you deem necessary,” People’s Representative and People’s Science Advisor Shirn stated.

Yang looked across the lush fields. Farms and solar collectors were present from here to the rise of the hills to the east. Interspersed between them were forest and sensor arrays, with roads forming an interior defensive network to provide mutual support. In short, it was beautiful. “What do you propose, People’s Science Advisor?”

“The condenser will be removed. At the moment there are additional farms that have priority near Fecundity Towers and Paradise Swarming. With the advent of Gene Splicing we have been able to make Earth organisms more compatible with Chiron, and this has increased our ability to harvest the bounty of the land by 25 to 50 percent. Our growth with similarly stimulated,” he replied.

“How long until the priority terraforming projects are complete?” Yang continued.

“First Citizen, all our bases have ample terraformed sectors for the People to work. Our current terraforming projects are for future needs, and to optimize previously terraformed areas,” Maon said. “A few areas of fungus are being removed on the east side of the mountain range to improve our road network, and the People’s Representatives are considering harvesting the forests in the Jungle and building farms and solar collectors, particularly where there is a high elevation. There are also the defensive terraforming projects the First Citizen recommended. Two terraformers were diverted, and they will continue this work, as per your instructions.” Maon smiled.

“Your plans are appropriate, People’s Science Advisor,” Yang stated. “The only deficiency is that some formers must have their secondary terraforming projects to construct mines to augment the People’s industrial potential.”

Shirn gave the First Citizen a shallow bow as he accepted the compliment. It was more than he had any right to expect considering his failure and he was grateful for it. He continued to stand by the First Citizen’s side and appreciate the bounty of Chiron, and bask in the joy of being near the First Citizen.

Yang had no intention of punishing this Science Advisor for his failure. Terror and fear were more effective if applied in small doses. To do more would stifle all of the creative potential of the People, leading to stagnation and decline, as had happened with the old Soviet Union and People’s Republic of China. Control was necessary, but it had to be tempered with a pragmatic understanding that humans were fallible, and that an individual’s failures must be judged not by the failure, but by the holistic contribution the individual made to The Hive. If this balance were positive then no punishment would be warranted. If neutral then the person would be assigned remunerative labor so they could contemplate their failures, and learn by them. Even those that failed more than they succeeded or were of little skilled value still have a place in The Hive. The People always need workers to labor at unpleasant or repetitive tasks. In time a People’s Paradise would be achieved. But that was a long way off, and the People knew this. They labored for their children, as they should.

*~*~*~*

The great desert –SPARTA 2162

“Captain Iverson why in the name of all creation are we here!”

Iverson whipped her forehead again and slowly turned to her driver who was none to happy about the whole situation.

Myrmidons were a tough lot conditioned from birth to take any amount of physical stress and still complete the job but the great desert seemed to be another story. The equipment kept failing and supplies were always short.

“Just keep driving!” Iverson fired back irriated that once again someone asked her the same question.

Time, temperature and sand were taking their toll on everyone. She wanted to be back at HQ more than anyone but duty called.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2163

The People’s Science Advisor Moan Shirn and the People’s Military Advisor Shu Whay stood side by side in front of First Citizen Yang. They had finished their brief presentation and Yang was reviewing their technical specifications. He nodded once, and then put the datapad on his desk.

“Proceed on the prototype on a rover chassis. No armor. As you indicate, we have plenty of trance defensive rovers available for interlocking defense. I will leave it to your discretion as to how large a strike force to construct, but I suggest a north and south reaction force and an expeditionary arm.

“As to your second recommendation, that is rejected. No command centers are to be constructed pending the completion of the Command Nexus. When complete that will make all command centers obsolete, and that is a waste of the People’s resources. Gauge construction accordingly.”

Yang locked Shirn in his gaze. “You will prepare a recommendation on whether to complete the Human Genome Project or the Command Nexus first. At this juncture both will be completed at approximately the same time, but a judicious amount of energy from The Hive treasury could be allocated, if the justification is great enough.

“You are dismissed. Congratulations on your new responsibilities as People’s Military Advisor Citizen Whay. The trust of the People’s Representatives has not been misplaced.”

Shu Whay stood a little straighter at the comment, which was a compliment. The People’s Representatives had acted on the First Citizen’s ‘suggestion’ for the appointment. Of course, they had acted immediately. So this comment was an indirect way of letting her know of the First Citizen’s support. She took the charge very seriously, as did all who were members of The Hive leadership.

Moan Shirn did not glance at Whey to his left. It was clear he now had a new rival. She would be dealt with, in time.

First Citizen Yang watched approvingly as they left. The tension has been palpable, and that was a good thing. Competition brought out the best, and worst, in the Citizens of The Hive. Both would be needed in the near future.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2163


“I have good news for you this morning Colonel Santiago.”

Santiago had just walked into the command center when the night duty officer quickly ran over to her.

“Speak.”

“Colonel the new Governor-General at Legionnaire City reports his garrison found another one of those alien storage devices. He has ordered that it be sent back immediately to Sparta Command.”

“Good. Inform the 2nd impact cavalry to escort it back to Sparta Command.” Santiago replied as she began to turn towards her office.

“I am sorry Colonel I cannot. It seems that the 2nd is still on garrison duty at Defiance Freehold. The Governor-General reports if we deploy them before the new recruits are trained there could be a big problem with base security.”

Santiago stopped and quickly turned towards the young officer.

“Lieutenant I either want information or solutions from my juniors. I will decide what can and what cannot be done. I suggest that in the future you think before you act or before you talk. I now want you to find the Major West and inform her that you will no longer stand a duty watch until you are properly trained.” Santiago said as she returned to her office.

“Colonel I am sorry I just meant to say.”

The duty officer was cut-off by Santiago’s roar. “STOP MAKING EXCUSES! Just do as I say!”

The officer quickly turned and returned to her post.

Santiago watched her leave and realized that her frustration at events was beginning to wear. Without the focus of the Drone war the officers were getting soft and she could only assume the myrmidons were getting the same way. It was time to make some changes and changes quickly.

*~*~*~*

South of Hole of Aspiration, MY 2164

“Well, not what do we do?” Sharon asked.

Wren was sitting at the controls of the rover thinking exactly the same thing. “We have our orders. We have to escort the artifact back to The Hive.”

Sharon sighed in a theatrical manner. She’d been doing that a lot these days. “But that will take us decades! Do you know how far away we are? Or how much fungus we’re going to have to get through? We’ve been at this for over seven years now, and look how far we’ve gotten!”

“Not far,” Wren asked. Her voice was downcast.

“Right! There has to be another way,” Sharon stated. “How about Collective Effort? We could meet them by the sea somewhere, and they could take the artifact home.”

“I’m not sure,” Wren said as she punched up some maps. Then she groaned. “It would take them longer to get here and home than for us to get home. There is even more fungus between them and us than between us and The Hive. They don’t have any defense against worms, either. We do.”

Sharon looked over her shoulder. “Hey, what’s that,” she said, pointing to the peninsula that was south of Hole of Aspiration.

“Looks like former crews. Way out there?” she said as she punched up more data. “Oh. They’re putting a mine and road on one of those mineral lodes. Pretty productive, from what I hear. Over three times more than a forest.”

“Isn’t that a road all the say south from Aspiration?” Sharon asked. Her voice went up a notch as she was forming an idea.

“Yes, it is,” Wren said. The excitement was building in her voice, too.

“How about this. We call The Hive and have the formers start building a road all the way to us! Then raise a land bridge! It would cut decades off the trip, make that road useful for more than just those mines, and connect us with the lower continent!”

Wren turned around. “You’re just brilliant! You get the forms ready, and I’ll get more technical specs. We’ll call this in to The Hive as soon later today!”

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2164

“I still cannot believe it.”

Santiago laid the report down on her desk, her voice tinged with an edge of dismay. Captain Clinton sat across from Santiago and did not say a word. The report she had been asked to put together was not one a positive one. Clinton’ s team of researchers had worked for several turns compiling data on the Hive and the state of their nation. What they had found was disturbing to say the least.

“Are you really saying he has surpassed us?” Santiago shook her head again. “Is this data correct?”

“Yes Colonel it is. Our technological lead that we have enjoyed since landing here is gone. Now, let me be careful in saying this but we firmly believe that Yang’s lead is only in one, perhaps two fields at best. He does not hold a significant lead. I suspect that he is in contact with other survivors and he has made exchanges in technology. It is our contention that our science rate is still higher than his: number of scientists, technicians, researchers but in time he will equal us I fear.”

“How is this possible?” Santiago asked her voice now edged with anger more than confusion.

“I suspect it is due to the Hive’s advanced infrastructure. It is now clear to us based on the reports from Domai’s people that the Hive even has more cities than us and certainly more people. In time, he could out produce us and out build us.” Clinton responded as calmly as possible in order to keep the conversation as rational as possible.

“What can we do to stop him or to beat him?”

“Colonel I would suggest attacking him but we lack the naval transports to do so. Even if we did have them I doubt we could move rapidly against him. Each of his bases are underground which essentially create a vast well-defended fortification. I would recommend forming alliances against him with the other survivors from the Unity disaster. It is now clear to my staff that the there are easily three perhaps even four more groups of survivors. If we could form an alliance and deny him access to technology exchanges and in time form a “combined” assault on the Hive it could be the means we need to destroy him.” Clinton said with firm conviction in her voice. She had to convince Santiago that in this instance a “half-cocked” response was more doomed to fail a likely to weaken Sparta even worse.

“I will review your report more and I want more information and recommendations from other divisions. Our new navy will be ready soon and with three armored impact foils cruising up and down his coastline Yang will think twice about mounting any expedition against us and perhaps we can bombard a few of his cities and infrastructure as well. I also want those ships to find those other factions. How Yang was able to do it before we did I want that information as well. Thank you again Clinton your report is exactly the information I need.”

Clinton stood up and saluted wondering what that last comment really meant.

*~*~*~*

South of Hole of Aspiration, MY 2165

“We’re to do what?” Garlow asked. It was clear he was miffed.

Mark gave him a cool stare. “Weren’t you listening? We’re to continue building the road south, then build a land bridge to connect to the southern landmass. Then we’re supposed to meet up with a southern rover team so they can escort an artifact to The Hive.”

Garlow grumbled, ‘That’s what I thought you said. Whose loony idea was this, anyway?”

“It came from The Hive. It is not a ‘loony idea’,” he corrected.

“You’re right,” Garlow said, sensing danger. “It is probably beyond our understanding. I’m sure a road south of us will be a useful tool of the People.”

Mark continued his stare to see if he detected sarcasm. Garlow gave him a friendly smile, so he decided to drop it.

“What’s our first target?” Garlow asked.

“The fungus between us and People’s Former 9. We’re to remove the fungus, and then build a road. Communal Nexus is building us a trance rover defensive to escort us through the fungus.”

“Good,” Garlow said as he started driving. “This will probably take a long time, wont’ it?”

“Probably, yes. The rover team is surveying the south portion of the peninsula. If we’re lucky we’ll only have to raise one portion of land to form the bridge. When we’re done with that we’re to continue finishing the road, build forests and sensors, and then make our way back to the mainland.”

“Right,” Garlow said, knowing for the first time he had job security, and would have to learn to love this part of Chiron.

	07-05-2004 07:16									#19
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

Spartan Battle Manual “The Hive” – SPARTA 2165

Since our discovery of the Hive it has become very clear to me that they pose the single greatest threat to the unification of humanity under the Spartan banner. The Hive is a ruthless and cruel society in which a warrior’s honor, duty and loyalty mean nothing. Some Spartans might ask why I am being so blatant, so open in my disgust of the Hive. Certainly in matters of war secrecy would be best. However, the Hive poses a threat so insidious that no compromise or subterfuge is warranted or needed. Our basic Spartan philosophy is simple to understand, “Through personal actions of bravery, loyalty and courage we create a strong Sparta”. The Hive has only one basic principal and that is the subordination of the self in all matters to the state is paramount. Striving to create great achievements of oneself in Sparta is encouraged while in the Hive it is discouraged. It is that simple.

The Hive is a wretched and dismal place full of beings that have been driven to eliminate their true nature, their primal selves. Chairman Yang simply wishes to create a human form of robot that are obedient and docile and completely under his tyrannical rule. Sparta allows for the freedom to prosper and grow. What I have tried to instill in every Spartan is the need to see oneself as not an extension of a “greater” Sparta but in reality an embodiment of Sparta. Sparta is you and you are Sparta if you follow the Spartan code. Every Spartan has the means to achieve more and win more by working hard and demonstrating the Spartan code in their work. The ability to be promoted and advance or key elements to promoting an energetic and dynamic society. The Hive on the other hand glorifies the static, the status quo.

In time the Hive will fall and Sparta will be standing over their ashes in triumph. It is important for every Sparta to work towards that day. To hold the line and defend our borders against the Hive horde. We can never ever let a single Hive city become established on our continent. We need to strangle the Hive in all matter of ways and form. The need to isolate them is paramount. By denying them access to trade, technology and alliances we will weaken them and force them to fall in upon themselves.

In all things we must be vigilant when it comes to the Hive. They are a wretched people who have allowed themselves to become cows or sheep. This will not happen to Sparta! We are the lions; the predators and we will dominate!

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2166

Captain Sihn was just shaking off the effects of the distortion field when his crew told him they had been transported again. This time it was due west, and they had jumped at least 20 sectors! Everyone felt sick, but this had happened twice before and they knew how to best deal with the discomfort: ignore it and get to work, as a loyal Hivean would.

When everyone finally came to and they had gotten their bearings they spotted yet another anomaly bobbing in the sea. Sihn almost groaned. He was under orders to call in all such anomalies and wait for orders. Not that he needed to wait since the orders were always the same: investigate immediately. So far they had been far too lucky and one day their luck would run out and Collective Effort and all its loyal, hardworking crew would perish with it.

Now he was under way again, the engines chugging away and fighting the open sea. He felt like one of the old tug boat captains from Earth, bobbing up and down in a small but powerful vessel. Well, his boat could hardly be called powerful. It was barely able to make headway sometimes, but it had held together remarkably well. The engineers of old Earth were to be commended. It was too bad they were all dead.

Within a few days the new anomaly was in sight. There was, as usual, as distortion field around it, and a tangle of sea vegetation. It could have been here a decade or millennia. They got closer, and closer. Finally the captain’s fear disappeared. They were in no danger; he had seen this anomaly before. He ordered his crew to stand down and put away their shredders, not that they would do any good, of course. That was mainly for morale. They were directed to get their grappling hooks and boarding supplied. Yonder anomaly was bound to hold another artifact!

Retrieving the artifact would be easy, trivially so.

But, how were they going to get it home? There were sectors of sea fungus between them and safety. They had avoided it at all costs in the past but now they had no choice. The Hive would require them to do their best in their return home, or die in the attempt. They could put the artifact ashore, but to what effect? Leaving it stranded on an island would only invite land mindworms, and it would not bring the treasure to where it was needed.

No, they would have to brave the fungus.

Captain Sihn had the feeling that their luck would run out, and that it would run out sooner rather than later.

*~*~*~*

Four sectors west of Thermopylae City – SPARTA 2166

“Colonel Santiago can you still hear me!”

“Yes Captain I can. We are boosting the power now! What is your status?” Santiago yelled back. Everyone in SSCaTC was motionless as they all watched the vid-feed from the 2nd cavalry regiment. Since dawn the entire 2nd had been under constant attack by an entire army of alien mind worms and spore launchers. The 2nd had been ordered to investigate a “possible” Unity pod on the edge of a fungus field. When they arrived they quickly discovered that it was a trap.

“Colonel every rover is damaged and I have only six myrmidons in fighting condition. The aliens have taken the injured each time they have attack for some unknown reason. We have destroyed two mind worms but we have just been bombarded by one of those spore launchers.” Iverson’s voice was full of determination but the situation was hopeless.

“Confirmed. I am trying to get the 3rd recon rovers to your position but you have to hold out. Can you hold?” Santiago yelled back.

Suddenly on the vid-screen Santiago saw the few remaining myrmidons running past the camera yelling something that she could not make out. Then Captain Iverson was back on the screen.

“Colonel the forward OP has just returned and the worms are now advancing again. They count six more worm masses and one spore launcher. The lead worm is about to attack I have to go!”

Iverson vanished from the screen. Then suddenly bright flashes of impact cannon and rifle beams could be seen. The remaining myrmidons continued firing for several minutes’ then two large worm masses oozed past the camera and within seconds the firing stopped. The audio pick-ups were detecting a “gurgling” noise but nothing else.

“Shut it down.” Santiago said. “Enter into the duty log that the entire 2nd cavalry regiment has been killed due to massive alien attack. List them as MIA.”

“Colonel that alien worm army is only a few sectors from one of our cities. What are your orders?” Major West asked quietly.

“Send an alert to the Governor-General there. Inform her that help is on the way but they have to hold as long as possible.” Santiago said as he slowly walked away. “Also, I want citations drafted for each of the myrmidons in the 2nd. Their actions today proved that Sparta will prevail.”

“Yes Colonel.” West confirmed.

Santiago walked back to her office and shut the door. Almost immediately she slammed her fist into the wall in anger. She hated this planet with every fiber in her being. She promised herself that it would be her mission in life to destroy every native form of life on this planet.

*~*~*~*

Manufacturing Warrens, MY 2167

Cheers echoed through the Feeding Den 2, which now encompassed much of the third sector of level three. The faces of the drones were exultant, and many were waving in an unseemly manner. An ever-present heavy force of guards was present to make sure the festivities did not get out of hand.

The front of the room had a temporary stage erected with loving care for this one event. To the left the contingent of drones that had been selected for this honor looked on, and with them stood the Base Engineer Warren Adams, who looked uncomfortable. His eyes were fixed on the stage, where the Base Supervisor Michelle Holm stood with a few other carefully selected dignitaries, including none other than the First Citizen. The reclusive First Citizen rarely made an appearance, and when he did so it was for a noteworthy event, such as this.

With a single step forward the First Citizen quieted the room. You could have heard a pin drop, and it seemed like the entire crowd had simply stopped breathing.

“Citizens of The Hive,” he began, crafting a slight smile on his face for a beneficent effect, “I am honored to be in your presence today! Your ceaseless work at a noble task has given the People a treasure that will last through your lifetime, and that of your children and children’s children. Indeed, your sacrifice will be amply rewarded.

“Almost every day for twenty years you have toiled with one goal in mind: complete the Project. That became your mantra, I am told by your able Base Supervisor, Citizen Michelle Holm,” he said, gesturing to the deliriously happy administrator. She took a small step forward, took a shallow bow, and then stepped back into the throng.

“It has served you well,” Yang continued. “And now with the completion of the Human Genome Project you will be able to taste the fruits of your labor. From this day forward your health will be improved, and your children will lead healthier and more productive lives – lives that will be devoted to the People, and their well being. From this day forward the other scattered fragments of humanity on Chiron will look on with wonder at your achievement, and they will envy the lives you can now live, and the dreams that you can have.

“Your labors have strengthened our goal, and have fortified The Hive. Our vision for a single humanity that reaches its collective arms together will be. The society will be devoted to the People, not toward the aggrandizement of the selfish Person, but toward the Group.

“And so I dedicate this monument to us, the People of The Hive.”

Yang looked over toward Base Engineer Adams, who stepped forward. Sweat glistened on his brow and forearms, and he thought a silent prayer that this grand Project will actually work. He knew all too well the price of failure. After a tiny moment of hesitation he pressed the controls set up for this occasion, and looked at the panel.

Tell tale light winked on, flashing as the Project activated. More and more were activated, and finally the entire panel was green. With an inward sigh of profound relief Warren looked up at the dais and nodded.

Yang nodded back, and made a point of catching his eye. And held it, seemingly for an eternity.

Then Yang lifted up his arms, and the drones roared their collective approval. The Feeding Den 2 resounded with their yells, which echoed off the hard walls. On and on it went.

At the base of the dais Warren wondered what just happened. He felt strangely at ease, the first time he had felt that in years.

Then he looked up at the First Citizen and knew: he loved the First Citizen.

*~*~*~*

Command bunker, Thermopylae City – SPARTA 2167

“They can’t make it here in time can they Captain.”

Captain Michelle Wolf shook her head.

“Damn.” Governor-General DeGai swore loudly.

“Governor-General we have the alien war machine. It has special armor that can protect it against the mind wave attack generated by the worms. It is the most powerful weapon we have in our arsenal, in Sparta’s entire arsenal. We will beat them.” Captain Wolf fired back confidently.

“I hope so Colonel for all of our sakes. It would not be good for anyone here if we were to loose the first city we captured from the Drones. We will have to hold.”

“We will Governor-General, we are Spartans!”

Governor-General DeGai nodded in agreement and then saluted the young Captain in charge of base security who then promptly left the bunker.

DeGai walked over to the thick glass portal and looked out over the vast fields and then towards the great fungus wall. Just out there was a massive army of mind worms advancing on their position. It all looked so calm now but she knew that within a turn they would be here oozing over the walls killing thousands. The thought of it nearly broke her nerve but she quickly remembered her Spartan training and centered herself. No, they would survive. They were Spartans.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2168

“First Citizen, I fear our current rate of development is not sustainable,” People’s Economic Advisor Mara Harlow stated. “Recent construction has severely eroded our yearly energy balance, and with almost all our bases building infrastructure in the near future we will be running a negative balance. Some of this infrastructure will be offset by growth, of course, but not enough. Next year our population is projected to grow by almost 15 percent, and this will give the People a larger ability to harness the resources in our territory, but the energy will be insufficient.”

Mara paused. Delivering difficult news was best done directly. “We can continue on our course for a half decade at most. After that time we will have several options. First, we could change our energy budget to be more balanced. We currently only allocate 30 percent to our energy reserves, and shifting this even 10 percent would eliminate the problem. Our second option is to send some of our now redundant military units to hunt for mindworms in the fungus. This last year we destroyed two of these vermin, and received a very substantial boost to The Hive treasury. Finding worms cannot be counted on, although is we husband this surplus we can make up for a negative energy balance. Third, we can cease infrastructure and building and have bases produce energy. This is very inefficient, but it may work in the short term.”

“What do you recommend, People’s Economic Advisor?” Yang asked. He already knew the answer and was testing his new Economic Advisor, more to test her mettle than to get the ‘right’ answer.

“We should stay our current course for the time being, First Citizen, but watch our reserves carefully. Combining the above approaches we can use the erratic bounty from the mindworms and still keep our emphasis on science. Our growth will partially offset the deficit, and with the completion of children’s crèches in many of our bases growth will be improved immeasurably. Additionally, our infrastructure growth will taper off once the Command Nexus is finished and our military program is shifted into high gear.”

“You recommend the status quo?” Yang asked. His voice indicated he was challenging her.

“A watchful status quo, First Citizen. It is prudent to be aware of potential problems before they truly become problems. Decisions can be made that will be in agreement with the goals of the People, and still be observant of mundane issues like our yearly budget. It is possible The Hive will grow our way out of this dilemma, but it is not likely,” she said.

“Are there any other options?” Yang continued.

“Yes,” she replied immediately, “but they are not likely to succeed at this time. Our trade with the Angles and Gaians is trivial. One day it may grow, and at that time we may gather income from commerce. Until that time we will have to be dependent on our own resources.”

“What is your overall assessment, People’s Economic Advisor?”

“Overall, it is favorable. Having the resources to construct so much infrastructure in so short a time is a tribute to the People. Their labor is to be commended.”

Yang gave her a brief nod. “Rightly said; your insights serve the People. You are dismissed.”

Mara gave the First Citizen a bow, turned on her heel, and left. Yang looked after her and reflected, not for the first time, that many worthy individuals who fully understood their place The Hive served the People. Decades of effort had gone into shaping the individuals of humanity to serve the People. Now those efforts were paying off.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2168

“Do you think they will hold?”

Captain West and Colonel Santiago were standing off in a far corner of the main C&C room. They both had been there for nearly 3 days straight as they monitored the battles at Thermopylae City.

“I think they withstand two more attacks at best.” Santiago said quietly.

“I agree Colonel. It still amazes me the sophisticated tactics the aliens are using. This is not at all like the other attacks we have seen. These are coordinated, multi-pronged, staggered attacks that show a high level of command and control.” West replied angrily.

“I agree. This attack smacks of a higher intelligence. I think there is some of those advanced aliens still around that we have yet to find. Our continent is vast and even our own recon teams have yet to discover all of it.” Santiago almost whispered this last part.

“Well even if the garrisons would fall the base would remain. It is far too large for the remaining worms to damage significantly. The home guard protection teams the Governor-General has put together should halt any remnants that get through. They just completed a terra-former there so they can begin on rebuilding their garrisons equipment as their first priority.” West quickly replied.

“Good. I also took some time to review the report from the Master-Chief and his terraformer crews. They seem to be doing an excellent job. Already we have several mines, farms, solar collectors and roads built and the rate of progress keeps expanding. We are also very close to completing our project at Fort Superiority as well. Even if this battle goes bad the sum of our nation is much better than it was 10 turns ago.” Santiago said as she began to walk back towards the main area of the command center.

“Colonel I have one last issue to discuss. The guild of merchants wants to expand and establish board of exchange. They have also presented to me a draft proposal of rules governing and establishing a free market economy. If the facts and figures they showed me are correct the taxes and fees we will collect from expanding economic growth will be staggering.” West commented as she followed Santiago back.

“Lets see how this battle goes with the aliens and then we will discuss this in more detail. The G3 section was able to obtain a draft of what you received and I have already seen it. Captain Clinton estimates that the transition will create a great deal of social disorder. I am not sure if I like that. Let me think about it some more.” Santiago finished talking as they reached the main vid-screen and watched the live feed from a tower camera from Thermopylae City. The worms were advancing again and sooner than expected. That was not a good sign.

	07-05-2004 07:20									#20
	Put an end to popups!

Western Sea, MY 2169

Captain Sihn knew he was a very lucky man. His valiant Unity transport Collective Effort had once again thrown the dice and had won. They had made it through the last of the sea fungus and could now make their way back to The Hive. It would take a long, long time, but that was his fate. Now all he had to do was brave the storms on the wide, open seas, and avoid any of those nasty native life forms. If he met any of those his cargo would perish and all the riches it held with it. The fact that he and his crew would perish too was sad, but for the People hardly tragic.

Even better, he had heard from the latest command level communiqué that the artifact that had been shepherded for so long from the southern continent was nearing the home stretch. The formers were finishing the northern leg of the road, and a second scout rover was being sent to expedite the process of getting the artifact safely through the fungus. It would take a long time, but it was well worth the wait. The last artifact had held the secrets of Gene Splicing, and that is what fueled what amounted to a population boom at The Hive and other Hivean cities. When he had left home so long ago the Hive had had a mere 2000 people. Now it held over 5000, and that could only increase once its children’s crèche was complete next year.

What would The Hive look like when he finally brought his treasure home? Would he even recognize it?

He certainly hoped not!

*~*~*~*

Thermopylae City – SPARTA 2169


The walls still stood, for now. The entire garrison had been wiped out during the last assault on the worms. Now only the lumbering alien war machine was all that stood between the colonists and death.

“Can you hold?”

Warrant officer Nicky Stamos turned slowly to face the voice.

“Governor-General I do not know. If I understand what I am feeling in my head correctly the robot is nearly finished. The power cells are down to 20% and several of the weapon and defense systems will not operate any longer. I think, it can make one more attack but I am not sure.” Stamos wearily said.

“You have to hold!”

“Dammit Governor-General I am doing my best!” The young warrant officer shouted back.

“You have to hold.” The Governor-General said again more quietly and slightly embarrassed.

“I will try.”

Stamos walked towards the walls edge and looked down at the huge lumbering machine that stood just beyond the walls. One of the legs did not work anymore and when it moved it seemed to hurt her. She now knew that once the robot died she would too. They were linked now. Linked at a level far beyond any science they had now. The robot wanted to shut down but she ordered it again to stand by. The worms were coming again and there was work to do.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2170

Directive 23: Second Expansion
To: People’s Representatives and People’s Base Supervisors

The People’s labor has given The Hive the Human Genome Project and the Weather Paradigm, and with them the People will be able to harness and bend Chiron to our wishes. Our cities are eminently stable, and the People’s labor has gifted us infrastructure that exceeds that of any faction of humanity on Chiron.

The People’s Representatives and the People’s Base Supervisors are to use this stability as an opportunity to expand. In the next five years four bases will be selected to have the honor of constructing colony pods, and our terraforming crews will prepare the lands around us for colonization.

With each wave of expansion The Hive grows stronger, and the People grow stronger.

First Citizen Yang

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2170

“Any word?”

Major West turned quickly to face the all to familiar voice of late.

“No Colonel nothing. Ever since the command bunker was overrun we have lost all contact with any command staff. However, we are still getting some radio traffic from the infirmary and two of the observation towers. It looks bad, very bad.” West said as she handed Santiago the latest reports for her to review.

“Causality reports?”

“Perhaps a third maybe more of the population has been killed. The only good news is that there is only one possible alien left in the area, a spore launcher. If that is correct the base might have just weathered the worst of it. Also, the terraformer did get out of the city in time and it is working on improvements south of the base which should help the city recover quicker.” West said wearily. Ever since the attacks started over several turns ago the entire SSCaTC had been running around the clock and the toll was beginning to show. However, no one complained since everyone knew what the people at the base must be going through. “With the new trance protection modules that we recently developed it should help our defenders in the future.”

“I agree Major but the damn things will take time to build and upgrading our troops in the field will take longer. If we can get one infantry regiment equipped at each base I will sleep a lot better.” Santiago replied angrily. “Our depleted treasury will does not make the situation easier.”

“Colonel the completion of the network node here at Sparta Command will aid the research teams greatly. In addition the alien device will be here in two turns and we can unlock its secrets. Then if the scientists stay on track we will have another breakthrough in just nine more years. On average we are making significant strides in research almost every decade.” West said encouragingly.

“Thank you Major I agree but the fact that Spartans are dieing and there is little I can do about it now overshadows all of our achievements.” Santiago said bitterly.

“Colonel I understand your frustration and anger but the fact is we simply can not reach them in time. Our scouts were too far away. The fungus field that surrounds the base is vast. The fungus is both the bases greatest defense and weakness. The positive once again is that our scouts have nearly charted every square inch of this continent with the exception of a few areas. We have a vast area of land to fill-up and we will. Might I make a suggestion?”

“What?”

“Colonel we know the Hive has discovered means to increase their agricultural production on Chiron. Maybe they might be interested in an exchange? Non-military technology for non-military technology?”

“The Hive would be foolish to agree to it.”

“Yes but if they do we could increase our nutrient yields. We do have the specs on boat designs that might be useful to them. Our initial fleet is almost built. So any “perceived” advantage they might see we would offset by already having our ships in operation, warships.”

Santiago did not say a word in response.



MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Colonel Corazon Santiago

TO: Chairman YANG

REFERENCE: Exchange of technology

Chairman Yang it has come to my attention that the Hive has in their possession certain agricultural technologies that boost crop yields. The Spartan Federation is seeking just such technology. Since this technology is non-lethal it seems prudent to both sides to discuss an exchange of technology. Sparta would be willing to release certain files on ship designs with the provision that you agree never to approach our western continent and observe a three-sector sea limit surrounding our lands. In addition we would agree to sign a treaty of neutrality with you, a truce, in essence.

Please advise the Spartan High Command if you agree to these terms.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2171

Yang reviewed the communiqué from Coronal Santiago with some interest. The Santiago he knew was aggressive, and her penchant to keep her word was proportional to her fear of the other party. The Drones had learned this lesson the hard way, and he had vivid memories of a shredder being pointed at his head back on Unity during the mutiny. Since Santiago feared almost no one that suggested her word was not to be taken at face value unless force of arms supported her interest in keeping her agreements.

That information was neither new, nor germane, to this latest missive. The mere fact that Santiago would deign to initiate any conversation, much less one that requested a truce and a technology exchange, was a significant change. If she were dealing from a position of strength she would simply demand the technology, or whatever else she wanted. That implied she felt her Spartans were weak, or at least weakening.

Good. Very good.

It would not to be to the People’s advantage to have strength and then gain no advantage because the other party could not or refused to acknowledge that strength. This was a possible point of understanding between The Hive and the Spartans.

With that in mind he crafted The Hive’s reply

*~*~*~*

FROM: First Citizen Yang/The Hive

TO: Coronal Santiago/Spartan Federation

REFERENCE: Diplomatic Exchange

The People have received and reviewed the Spartan Federation’s diplomatic offer to:

* Exchange non-military technological files, exchanging the Hivean technology Gene Splicing for the Spartan Federation technology Doctrine: Flexibility; and
* Agree to establish a truce between The Hive and the Spartan Federation, with the establishment of a three-sector boundary around our respective territories

While the People of The Hive acknowledge the ability to travel the seas are of some worth, they are considerably less valuable than the technology The Hive has developed to improve the bounty of Chiron for The People. Unlocking the abilities of native Earth life to adapt and fully utilize the Chiron environment is of considerable value, as you are well aware. Therefore, while of some interest, such an exchange would not be in the People’s best interests. The Hive invites the Spartan Federation to review and amend this offer as they see fit. If an amended technological exchange is of mutual advantage then The Hive may be willing to give this valuable technology to the Spartan people and your vassals the Drones.

The Hive accepts the Spartan Federation’s second offer of the establishment of a truce with an oceanic border of three sectors surrounding our respective territories. The People will respect this truce and the border stipulation in as much as the Spartan Federation is true to its agreements.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2171

Yang was weak. His unwillingness to exchange technology was a clear indication of how backward his society was. Santiago respected Yang’s military capacity. Reports from the G3 section indicated the Hive possessed laser weapons and synthetic metal armor. Even though lasers were not as powerful as impact weapons they were no match for impact weapons. Major West had cautioned against this approach but Santiago wanted to see how desperate the Hive might be. Desperate but not too desperate. If they had been willing to exchange it would have been a clear signal to Santiago that Sparta should attack. Now, Sparta would have to wait. The first order of business would be to blockade Yang’s ports and stir up all sorts of trouble.

Now to Chairman Yang…



MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Spartan Supreme High Command

TO: Chairman Yang

REFERENCE: Cancellation of technology exchange and truce offer

Sparta rejects any modification to our offer of technology exchange. The Spartan High Command does not acknowledge the “value” of one technology over another. Technology is technology. Since the Hive does not seem the wisdom of this offer it is voided.

Our offer of a “truce” was contingent on the exchange of technology. Sparta still maintains our right to a three sector territorial boundary around our continent. Any Hive ship found within this area will be destroyed. All Hive soldiers found on Spartan soil will be destroyed.

Let this be a warning to all citizens of the Hive that Sparta is the supreme military power on Chiron and our power is uncontested. As of this minute Sparta declares a formal blockade on all Hive ports. Any non-Hive vessel found trying to enter a Hive port would be turned away. Any Hive vessel venturing beyond the three-sector limit will be destroyed. The Hive is under quarantine.

Spartan High Command

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2172

“And I will respect your borders, Commissioner Lal,” Yang said.

Pravin Lal had not changed in 70 years. He still had the same self-righteous look of someone who was utterly convinced of his own superiority, and would suffer no one to suggest otherwise.

“See that you do,” the Commissioner said. “You would do well to follow the Charter, Commander Yang. It may also be of use for you to study the UN Bill of Rights since it appears that your reprehensible Police State apparatus has forgotten some of its basic tenants of human rights. Good day.”

The connection was severed and Yang found himself looking at a blank screen.

Yang took a few moments to reflect. It was clear that Lal had survived and prospered to some degree. It was also clear that he had a certain antipathy toward The Hive. Not that that was a surprise. He had always been inflexible in his adherence to the failed UN mandate. He was also neurotic, even if he was an excellent physician.

But, as with the other faction leaders, he was some distance away from The Hive and no immediate threat.

Yang turned to other matters, and called in General Shu Whay, who entered his office moments later.

“You were monitoring our conversation?” Yang asked.

The general nodded. “As instructed, First Citizen.”

“Your assessment?” he asked.

“The Peacekeepers will declare war on The Hive since they are diametrically opposed to the Hivean ideology of the oneness of the People. It is only a matter of time, First Citizen. I find will find it ironic that a faction that calls itself ‘Peacekeepers’ will likely prosecute a hopeless war against the People, and in doing so violate the principles of peace that they hold dear.”

Yang gave his general a grim smile. “Agreed. As you well know, the Command Nexus is complete. All military units we now construct will be of increased morale. You are given authorization to utilize the productive potential of four Hivean bases to produce offensive military hardware. These resources are to be stationed defensively as you see fit. As forces allow, a strike force may be formed and then deployed in forward positions.”

“Understood, First Citizen. As the People’s General I recommend our recon scouts be outfitted with trance and armor. This way they will not be subject to mindworm or opportunistic assaults by the Peacekeepers. And I suggest that the exploration rovers be upgraded and have their designation changed to People’s Assault Force One.”

“So authorized, People’s General Shay,” Yang said. He hid his emotions, but just barely – he was proud of this Whay. His People’s General was showing initiative, intelligence, and resourcefulness.

As plans ripened those who opposed the People would not stand a chance.

	11-05-2004 07:05									#21
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

Three sectors south of Victory City, On board SFS ARGOS – SPARTA 2172

“Captain the ships checks out at 100%”

“Excellent XO!” Captain Decker moved over to the forward observation window. “Order the helm to change course. Steer 055 west by south flank speed.”

“Yes Captain!”

Captain Decker nodded his head as the XO briskly left the bridge. Decker watched the waves breaking over the bow and was pleased, very pleased at her new command. This ship was the first of four to be built. The ARGOS was a new class of warship never before seen on Chiron. Fully armored with impact cannon turrets fore and aft and she was equipped with the latest “trance” protection system. The new alien defense system had held up the launching of all four ships so that they could fitted with the devices but ARGOS was completed first and was now on route to their destination: the Hive.

SSCaTC had sent a coded message ordering the ARGOS once shake down trials were complete to patrol the coastline near the capital city of the Hive. Destroy all coastal improvements and scout for future landing sites. ARGOS’s sister ships, once launched, would proceed at top speed to the northern sections of Hive territory and patrol there.

The door to the command deck opened again and the XO quickly entered.

“Captain course has been set. Your orders?”

“Battle drills, XO, battle drills.”

“Yes Captain!”

Decker turned to face the bow of the ship and watched the blur horizon. The Hive was not far away. They would be there in less than five turns if the fungus did not slow them down to much and then Decker would find out the true power of her ship.

*~*~*~*

Fungus Fields, MY 2173

"Just got a ping from the temporary sensor we left behind," Carl stated. He was listening intently and trying to focus his resolution a little better.

"Oh?" Nin responded. Her voice was disinterested. There had been 'ping's all morning.

"Not sure what it is, though," Carl continued.

"Really," Nin said, even more disinterested than before.

Then Carl smiled. "Got it! Got a flyeye up, too. Homing now..."

Nin toggled the rover's controls and it slow, then stopped. Carl was too engrossed to notice. He was hunched over his Spartan console.

"Hey," he said, "this might be good news. Why don't you give it a listen?" He handed the headset to Nin, who was making her way toward him. She took it from him, adjusted the retainer, detached her synthskin patch and plugged in. It had been a long time and she had to tear slightly. After a few moments it activated and she could hear. To her it sounded like static with some pulses. She looked to Carl with a raised eyebrow.

"They're worms," he explained. "Lots of them. And they're by the Unity pod we bypassed. You know, the one in the fungus. I'd bet you that that stuck up Keeper crew jumped it, and found it infested. There must be a half dozen worm traces there. There is no way they'll survive."

"I can believe that," Nin said, listening harder. "Still can't really hear it, but I believe you. Is the flyeye there yet?"

"No, and it won't get that close. We don't have the range. But we can get some thermals." He punched a few keys and an abstract image formed where his keypad used to be. "Look here," he said, pointing at a green smudge on a background that ranged from indigo to light blue. "That's the rover's engine. It has a sharp thermal signature, must like ours. We can peg it pretty easily. And see that? That's our pod, and the Keepers are right by it. Now, the best part," he said as he fiddled with the controls a little. "See those moving indigo fluxes? Those are worms. They almost blend with the fungus, but since they move we can tag 'em. They're going for the Keepers, too." Carl looked at the image for a while.

"They won't last long," he said to himself. The image pulsed. "Weapon's fire," he commented.

Then the green started fading.

"That's it. They're done." He looked up at his commanding officer. Those worms are not too far from us. They' be heading our way. Orders?"

"I'll contact The Hive," she said. "They'll know what to do."

Carl's gaze wandered back to the image, which was not a field of indigo with moving darker swatches. "I certainly hope so."

*~*~*~*

One sector north of Sparta Command – SPARTA 2173

Master-Chief Williams walked down the completed road and he was a happy man. With the completion of this section of the road Sparta Command was now linked to three bases! Now the four teams of terraformers would split up. Teams #1 and #2 would head west and improve the sector there by adding a solar collection system. Teams #3 and #4 would head east and begin working towards clearing the fungus and building roads to link the eastern bases to Sparta Command.

“Master-Chief!”

Williams turned suddenly to see who was yelling at him. It was his second in command.

“Chief it’s his royal majesty the Master-Technician on the line for you!”

Williams stomped back to the transport truck and picked up the headset.

“Williams here.”

“Master-Chief Williams this is Master-technician Smith. I need a status report!”

Williams pulled off the headset for a second and swore for a few minutes then put it back on.

“Master-Technician the road is complete and per my plan the terraformers are moving to their next assignments. The road is open to traffic and commerce.”

“Excellent Master-Chief, good work. Out!”

Williams flipped the switch that cut the power.

“*******!” Williams slammed the headphones down.

“Chief what’s the deal with him?”

“The jerk needs more energy, more energy and more energy! The science sections are back down to a decade again and the Colonel wants to keep it that way for scientific breakthroughs. So without more solar collection facilities the breakthroughs will come slower and slower again.”

“Well we could build faster if we had more crews.”

“Heck no and don’t even say think that anymore. We have become a necessary evil when it comes to command. They need the service and results we can perform but they had the drain we put on the bases for support. So adding more formers now would be as popular as yelling “Yang for Governor.”

Williams’s aide laughed for a few minutes while Williams chuckled. A good joke but only one that could be told out here without anyone else around. Sparta had freedoms but freedom to say some things would end you up in prison.

“Okay, lets get going back to the HQ.”

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2174

First Citizen Yang nodded to someone out of sight, then activated the communication link.

“Commissioner Pravin Lal,” Yang said as he inclined his head in a small gesture of respect.

“Commander Yang,” Pravin said.

In that instant Yang examined Pravin’s body language, the inflections in his voice, and the expression on his face. Something was different.

“I came at my first opportunity, Commissioner,” Yang said. “What may the People do for you?”

“It seems we may have something in common after all…First Citizen,” Lal said. The title ‘First Citizen’ did not come easily to him. “I wish to exchange technology. This would benefit both of our peoples. I can offer you a sea going technology, Doctrine Flexibility.”

Pravin hesitated. “I would like weaponry technology. I am given to understand that you have made an advancement in Applied Physics. Would you be willing to trade?”

Now Yang could truly smile. “The People have made an advancement in Applied Physics, and the People would be pleased to trade technology with you. As a gesture of good will.”

Pravin’s stiff face softened. “Good. Very good. I will arrange to initiate the trade immediately. There is one other item. Have you been in contact with any other survivors from Unity?”

Yang shook he head. “Unfortunately, no,” he lied.

“Too bad. I have heard rumors, and I wished them to be true. First Citizen, perhaps this can be a lesson to us, that we can put aside ideological difference and do what we can to help each other. That is especially true if we are alone on Chiron. We should seek a treaty of friendship, you and I. Our technology trade can be the start of a better understanding.”

Yang nodded in an exaggerated way that he knew Pravin would interpret as enthusiasm. “I agree. We should put aside our differences. Perhaps even more, Pravin? A full exchange of information? A Pact to allow us to deal with each other as the last survivors of humanity, and work to common goals?”

Pravin paused, and then said, “Agreed. This would benefit both of us.” Now it was Pravin’s turn to offer a somewhat forced smile. “I will call again when need arises, First Citizen.”

The communication link went dead.

Yang stared at the communication consol, a relic from Unity, in disbelief.

“That was masterfully done, First Citizen,” General Whay said. “Now you have access to Pravin’s most intimate secrets, his world map, and The Hive now has an almost complete understanding of the layout of Chiron itself, if our suspicious are true. The People’s options just became much wider.”

The First Citizen looked up at his general from his hard wooden chair. “General. That was noT masterfully done. It was good fortune. Several years ago he was seething, and now he is submissive.”

“Just like Rose,” Shu Whay said. Her comment was an open one.

“Yes,” Yang said. “Just like Rose.”

Now that was an interesting dynamic, one he hadn’t considered. Perhaps some faction leaders behaved differently when there were other considerations, such as a people to assist and nurture. That was not how Santiago operated, however.

“Point taken, General. Dismissed.”

*~*~*~*

Command bunker, Militia Station – SPARTA 2174

“Governor-General look at this!”

Governor-General Jenna Wolf quickly walked over to the young male tech manning the communications array.

“What?”

“Governor-General look at this!”

The tech quickly flipped screens and what she saw stunned her. It was the latest vid-feed from the 2nd recon regiment scouting to the east. What she saw amazed her. The screen was filled with a mountain that seemed to reach to the sky.

“How tall is it?”

“They do not know Governor-General. They want orders as to how to proceed?”

“Inform them they are to scout the large mountain and discover all that they can. Send all vid-feed and cartography directly to SSCaTC, is that clear?”

“Crystal clear Governor-General.”

The comm.-tech began relaying the orders to the 2nd.

It looked like the mountain had a very rounded if not a flat top to it. Perhaps a mesa? Could be a very ancient volcano. Either way it would be an excellent colony site and staging point for future colony sites in the east. In many respects the continent that the Spartans had landed on offered a great deal of resources and wonders but it also offered a great many challenges. The huge desert regions basically cut out huge sections of the landmass for colony sites. Only a few areas or “oasis” were viable for any colony sites. The Spartans needed to expand again and soon. It was critical that they set-up several colonies along the far eastern shores in order provide a staging area against the Hive. It was now priorit#1 for SSCaTC.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2175

“First Citizen,” the People’s Economic Advisor Mara Harlow said, “the time has come when it is imperative to reallocate the People’s energy allocation. As I feared, growth has only partially overcome the cost of building infrastructure which, while necessary to expand our cities, does cost our treasury.”

Yang leaned forward. “Your recommendation?”

“That we re-allocate our energy reserves so that 60 percent instead of 70 percent is allocated to scientific pursuits. The inefficiency with the previous allocation was a necessary burden to foster the growth of The Hive’s technological prowess, but a greater need is maintaining our infrastructure that allows our cities to prosper. Moreover, the infrastructure includes a growing number of network nodes, and these are key to scientific research, and a cause of much of our economic distress.”

“To what degree will this reallocation slow down our technological progress?” he asked.

“Two years, First Citizen. However, I would remind you that we will be able to link two artifacts to network nodes soon, and that will make up for our loss. Perhaps it will even give us the technologies the Gaians, Peacekeepers, and Angels withhold from the People.”

“That is true,” Yang thought. His Pactmates denied him a critical technology, Planetary Networks. He understood, for The Hive had its own secrets that were not privy to its Pactmates the Peacekeepers, Gaians and Data Angels.

“You have my agreement, People’s Economic Advisor. We now have the weaponry and sea capability of the Spartans, and in a few years will have finished these prototypes. More will be in production soon, along with more colonies. We will develop vertically with some limited horizontal expansion.

“You are dismissed,” Yang said. After a moment he added. “Send for General Whay.”

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2175

“This is totally unacceptable.”

“I agree Colonel. The simulation the Master-Technician and Master-Chief ran this turn was very enlightening and very disastrous. The end result would be total chaos throughout our society, anarchy.” Major West said as she laid a disc on Santiago’s desk. “Here is the entire report and supporting information.”

“Summarize it for me.” Santiago asked.

“Colonel we still lack sufficient infrastructure at several of our larger bases, namely recreational facilities. Once we have those built at four of our bases we could consider the move. The remaining bases would be forced to cut back on production by a full third. In addition, our population growth would come to a standstill. As we are forced to abandon key energy, nutrient and mineral sectors in order to stabilize our economy our resources will decline. The increase in energy management by using free market systems would be offset by the reduction in resource sectors we would have to abandon in order to stabilize our society.” West concluded.

“No! No change at this time. I hope the report agrees with me.” Santiago replied.

“Yes it does Colonel but to a point. We already have those recreational facilities on track for construction so it is just a matter of time before they are completed. The Master-Technician went as far as to suggest in his report that when we do make the change that we also institute an additional change to our society. He would suggest we “codify” the Spartan Code of Ethics and make it our primary means of governing Sparta. By implementing this additional change we will increase our combat effectiveness by nearly three times our current capabilities and decrease the ability of our enemies to use sabotage to infiltrate our cities and create havoc. The down side of this change would be a reduced research rate since more of our people will be focused on military concerns. However, by applying more energy credits to our research capacity that should offset that decline. Overall this combined changed would make us a very formidable opponent.” West handed Santiago the last piece of paper in her hand, the summary.

“When do you think we can make this combined change?”

“Sometime within 10 to 20 turns. By then we will have the infrastructure in place and the resources to make the change.”

“Alright that is the plan then. Begin drafting an action plan for that purpose. All energy credits are to be allocated unless I countersign, is that clear?”

“Yes Colonel.”

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2176

“First Citizen, the artifact was just linked to the network node at Great Collective, which yielded data that has been labeled Polymorphic Software. For a while the science and engineering team was puzzled, but then the realization came to us that the information was of a military origin,” People’s Science Representative William Brandon said.

That got Yang’s undivided attention, and Brandon handed him the schematics on his datapad.

“It appears that this is actually an advanced coding that will allow us to modulate the weaponry to track and then fire on targets for area of effect. In other words, artillery. Our current land based impact weaponry will give us the ability to fire on and destroy a single target in the same or adjacent sector. This is significant since the only other area of effect weaponry would be on warships, and they can only target areas within two sectors of the sea coast.

“The implications are significant. An area of effect weapon will not destroy but will damage all defending military units in a sector, although the amount of damge they sustain will be proportional to their armor and defensive positions. Another major feature is that the effectiveness of the artillery is affected by elevation in that the higher the elevation of the firing artillery, the greater the damage.”

Brandon paused and keyed forward to the next technical illustration. “This is key, in that it will give land based artillery the ability fire on and destroy sea based weapons on ship to great advantage. This means that a land based artillery unit will be able to intercept, and then engage, sea based ships that would attack a base or the area within two sectors of the artillery. In other words, a system of artillery in our coastal cities and outlying resource areas will make them proof against all but the most determined sea-based bombardment, which will protect Hivean bases and terrain improvements.”

Yang was examining the specifications as Brandon summarized the important points. His fingers toggled through as he absorbed the data. Then he looked up, “The People thank you for your efforts, Science Advisor. Coordinate with General Whay to have our coastal cities construct artillery as General Whay sees fit. With your advisement, she has the People’s authorization to divert production resources when this is prudent.

“You are dismissed.”

	11-05-2004 07:09									#22
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

SSCaTC, Intelligence Division, Sparta Command – SPARTA, MY 2176

“The Colonel will not like this.”

Jamie Clinton looked up from the report she had just finished reading. “That’s an understatement.”

“We were so close. Just a few more turns and the Merchant Exchange would have been ours. Now these “gaians” as they call themselves now are the masters of this technology and not us.” Clinton’s division leader commented as she flopped down in a chair.

Clinton gave the women a slight scowl and she quickly re-adjusted herself in the chair. Clinton allowed a great deal of informality in the G-3 intelligence division. Recruiting the brightest and most cunning people had its own exceptional challenges.

“Yes it will be a difficult session with the Colonel to be sure. However, I was not too happy about the possibility of completing that project anyway. I am sure, in time, our scientists will uncover other projects more useful than some banking exchange computer system and control node.” Clinton said as she began to pack her briefcase.

“I agree Captain but every project we came close to another faction beat us first. How do you think that will play with the myrmidons? They don’t like to lose.”

“We don’t like to lose you mean.”

“No Colonel I mean “they”. There is a big difference between the line grunts and what we do. It’s beaten into us from the day we enter the academies. Some of us our trained to be killer warriors with one only thing on the mind: victory. Others, which I include myself, were trained to be a little more “free thinking”. We can see outside of the box. You old timers have that ability but ever since we adopted the academy system only a small portion of our society is trained anymore to develop independent ideas.”

“Life on Chiron is tough. We had to make tough decisions to meet those demands. We have a leader, we have command teams and we have warriors and workers. Our energies must stay focused on the task. Why do all of the myrmidons need to be trained to be free thinkers? Anyway you need to be careful. You can talk with me this way but only me, is that clear!”

“Yes Captain!” Her aide shot to her feet and saluted.

“One day you will make a good myrmidon Lieutenant.”

“Promises, promises.”

*~*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2177

First Citizen Yang’s priority communication link activated with a series of soft pulses and sub-vocalizations that told him that the importance was Level 2, and that his attention was required. In a moment Yang dismissed three People’s Representatives who were petitioning for an energy allotment to finish base improvements. He would deny the requests after the petitions were heard, of course, but formalities must be maintained to give the People a societal structure.

When he was alone he activated the link. “First Citizen Yang,” the voice said. “this is Lieutenant Carl Corbett of the People’s Armor 2 of the First Expeditionary Force near Peacekeeper territory. We are shunting this message from People’s Armor 1 who has just witnessed a Peacekeeper scout being bombarded from the sea by an unknown faction. The details on the ship were not ascertained due to the distance, and direct contact was not made, as per General Directive 32. People’s Armor 1 is requesting orders, First Citizen.”

Yang listened closely. He knew he had been given all the information that they had or he would have continued. It was clear this was definitely a level 2 communication priority, and that this Hivean soldier did require guidance.

“Citizen, your message is understood, and the First Citizen thanks you for this valued information. You are to shunt the following message to People’s Armor 1: Priority is to contact this possible new human faction by whatever means necessary. Do not engage in hostilities unless fired upon. It is prohibited to lend assistance to the Peacekeeper scout unless direct assistance per our Pact is officially recognized and authorized by the First Citizen or General Whay. Contact The Hive with further information using Level 1 priority. Are these orders clear?”

“Yes, First Citizen. Orders understood,” Carl said, and then the line went dead.

Yang reflected that if they were able to make contact then the Hive would have direct communication to six other factions, most of which were not in communication with each other. This was significant since it put The Hive in the position of an information broker. That position would not last, but while it did it would be used to maximum effect.

*~*~*~*

SFS AJAX, Defiance Freehold – SPARTA 2177

“We are ready to launch Captain!”

Captain Samantha Bear turned to face her XO. “Proceed as planned. We head east by north to begin blockade duties.”

“Yes Captain.”

Samantha Bear turned back to watching the dockworkers release the tethers that held the great ship in place. It would be an interesting voyage and hopefully a voyage filled with victories. Their first priority was to check out a possible Unity pod that had been grounded on an atoll. Then to proceed east to teach the scum Hive who was the most powerful nation on Chiron would be.

Captain Bear watched her very young crew go about their duties with speed and diligence. She had requested the youngest crew she could find. She knew it was going to be a long voyage and she wanted to the best-trained myrmidons.

“Captain the moorings are clear!”

“Excellent XO proceed at dead slow until we clear the dock yards and then best possible speed through the fungus.”

“YES CAPTAIN!”

Captain Bear loved her ship, her crew and her mission. Yes it would be a good voyage.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2178

Yang inclined his head toward the image. "Captain Svengaard. The People of The Hive are pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Save your ideological twaddle for that worthless idiot Lal. Just so we understand each other, I am at war with the simpering Peacekeepers, and you would do well to join me! Give up your worthless Pact with Pravin. All he'll do is draw you in on the wrong side. He has no stomach for war, and I will give it to him!"

Yang shook his head. "We have entered into a Pact with the Peacekeepers for mutual benefit. The Hive has turned down Pravin's request for the People to declare war on you. That jeopardizes our Pact with the Peacekeepers and should demonstrate to you that we are not a threat. But, also let us be clear that we will not stand for our ally's cities to be taken. If such were to occur we would have to reconsider our stance toward your...Pirates."

Sven's upper lip curled in distain. "Then you've gone soft, too. I expected better. We have nothing further to discuss."

After the communication ended Yang reflected on Lal's sudden change in heart. Indeed, something had changed. He had gotten himself into a war with someone who had his amount of economic ability and likely stronger military power. That is why he was willing to have an ally against that threat, instead of making The Hive an enemy too. It was pragmatic, and that was something that Yang knew was not in Pravin's psych profile before the destruction of Unity.

The real question was, how long would this change of heart last? Especially if The Hive would have to chose between its alliance with the Peacekeepers and war with the Pirates?

That decision would be made later, hopefully much later.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2178

“The ARGOS is now approaching the Hive coastline.”

Santiago looked down at the map display and found the “blip” where the AJAX was located.

“The captain of the ARGOS wants to confirm his orders.”

Santiago looked up at Major West. “Her orders still stand. Interdict all shipping. Destroy any Hive vessels. Damage all coastline improvements.”

“Colonel perhaps we should contact the Hive prior to our attack.” West said quietly.

“No.”

“Colonel perhaps the Hive might have changed their minds.”

“I doubt it. I wouldn’t. The Hive has to see our intent. They need a physical reminder of who is the dominant military power on Chiron. I want to make sure they clearly understand that any war with Sparta will result in their destruction.” Santiago said menacingly.

“Colonel I understand what you are trying to say but such a war would also leave Sparta in highly weakened condition. I know you know this too.”

“I do.”

“Then Colonel you should contact them.”


MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Spartan High Command

TO: HIVE

REFERENCE: Naval Blockade

The Spartan Federation is confirming that a naval blockade is in effect. This blockade has been implanted as a result of the Hive’s unwillingness to acknowledge Sparta’s peace package. Your rejection of our offer confirms our suspicions that the Hive has no interest in seeking peace with Sparta.

Any and all coastline facilities are now subject to destruction.

Once hostilities begin any possibilities for peace are null and void

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2179

First Citizen Yang had many things to do, and the latest communiqué from the Spartans was more than irritating. If the Spartans wanted a war they would get one, and it would not be to their liking. For the moment, however, peace was in the better interests of the People.

A direct approach was needed, since that is what Santiago understood best.

*~*~*~*

Official Communiqué
To: Coronal Santiago of the Spartan Federation
From: The People of The Hive
RE: Spartan Blockade and threatened hostilities

The Hive has never turned down a Spartan truce. Our last communiqué was ignored. If offered on equal terms The Hive would accept a truce with the Spartan Federation.

The People do not accept a blockade by the Sparta Federation on The Hive or its allies. Any Spartan act of enforcing this blockade, destroying any terraforming improvements, or any civilian or military unit of The Hive is an act of war. Retaliation in kind will be effected on the instigators of an unprovoked act of war upon the People.

The People do not wish war, but will act to defend themselves.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2179

MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Colonel Corazon Santiago

TO: Chairman Yang

REFERENCE: Blockade

Chairman Yang it is clear that you hope to delay any action we might take by use of subterfuge. You offer us nothing that we cannot secure through our own means, through our own force of arms. Whatever minor variances our last offer might have held the balance of our friendship would have more than made up for any shortcomings.

Due to the close proximity of your lands to our continent is in our national security interests to insure you do not make any attempts to even attempt a landing on our soils. So the blockade will remain.

Sparta does not trust you. I do not trust you. By securing our sea-lanes against any threat from you is the only way I can see to trust you. I will guarantee the safety of Sparta by insuring you lack the means to attack.

Lastly, we did not acknowledge your last communication because we felt it had nothing to offer us. We you have something of substance to put before us then we will reconsider any issue we might have tabled.

Until that date I would suggest you “pull back” any and all civilian units from your coastline.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2180

Yang locked his general in his gaze. “Can the Spartan foil destroy our civilian formers?”

“No, First Citizen. The bombardment may disrupt their activities, but their very presence will ensure that the Spartans will not be able to destroy a significant amount of the terraformed areas present in the sector the civilian unit inhabits,” General Whay stated.

“And you are confident of this?” Yang asked with an edge in his voice.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Is there any reason to pull our civilian units back to safety?” Yang asked.

“None, First Citizen. I recommend that terraformers and surplus garrisons be stationed at critical terraformed areas. There are too many forests to protect, but sensors and solar collectors should be protected,” the general stated.

Yang nodded. “What is the status of our artillery?”

General Whay smiled. “As a result of your successful negotiations with Lady Skye for Planetary Networks, the industrial efficiencies of our new Planned economy will allow completion of one artillery unit next year, with more to follow. Lady Skye must value Doctrine Flexibility greatly to have traded us for Planetary Networks.”

“She had little incentive not to once the Peacekeepers built the Virtual World. We both prosper, as should be the case with any Pact. And our navy?” Yang asked.

General Whay’s smile broadened. “Coming along nicely, First Citizen.”

“That is what I needed to hear. You are dismissed.”

*~*~*~*

Official Communiqué
To: Coronal Santiago of the Spartan Federation
From: The People of The Hive
RE: Spartan Blockade and threatened hostilities

You have rejected two offers of a truce from The Hive. Another will not be made until the situation changes.

Your blockade of The Hive is rejected. Any act that damages the interests of The Hive or its allies will be met by direct and overwhelming force. The Hive now possesses superior production ability and equal or superior military technology as the Spartan Federation. Your belligerent stance, if un-amended, will force the Spartan Federation into a situation that will cause your people great loss.

	16-05-2004 07:18									#23
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SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2180

“You attacked the Hive!”

“And if I did.” Santiago paused for a few seconds to add tension. “What exactly do you plan to do about Lal?”

Pravin Lal watched Santiago for a minute or two to determine a response.

“Your actions jeopardize the peace on Chiron.”

“What of this pirate, Svensguard? Does he not also jeopardize peace?”

“Of course he does. He attacks us with little or no provocation. He is a bandit and a scoundrel! However, it beside the point we are discussing Santiago. Why did you attack the Hive?”

“Because I can.” Santiago paused yet again. “Yang is ruthless and understands only force. I have force. I can project force. I am force. What of this pirate that plagues you? Perhaps you need my force to assist you?”

“Not at this time.”

“Well then this is most excellent indeed. You do not need my help and I do not need yours. This conversation is at an end.” Santiago was about to end the transmission when Pravin began to yell.

“Colonel surely you can see reason on other issues. I wish to have contact with other factions. Perhaps you could help me with Foreman Domai. I have been told he heads up a small band of industrial workers, is this correct?” Lal asked quickly hoping to keep Santiago engaged.

“Yes.”

“Well then perhaps for 40 energy mega credits we can work out a deal?”

Santiago quickly hit the pause button. “Should we agree?”

“I would say yes Colonel. Whatever technology we cannot obtain directly we can perhaps use the Hive to engineer all of this.” West quickly replied.

“I agree , but only for this instance. I will inform you of what ambassadors you will receive.” Santiago closed the channel.

“Has our attack begun?”

”Yes colonel it has. The AJAX began the bombardment before e noon, just two days ago. If all goes well the AJAX will cruise the water ways and find more information or tools or weapons.”

*~*~*~*

Research Lab #1-A, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2181

“Watch Colonel.”

Santiago stepped closer to the thick glass wall. Suddenly from just beneath her two small cylinders were fired. The cylinders arced across the room and then exploded at the far end. A fine mist burst over the entire area. Within a few seconds the subjects began to twitch then more violent spasms began. Blood began boiling out of their eyes, nose and ears and lastly their mouths. It had taken 15 seconds.

“A marvelous weapon. Wouldn’t you agree Colonel?”

Santiago turned to face the ancient looking scientist. Simmons had been one of the oldest technicians in her Unity pod and perhaps the cleverest of them all. He had been the lead scientist who invented the laser and then the impact cannons.

“Yes it is. What is your assessment of this weapon when it comes to the battlefield?” Santiago quickly asked.

“From what I have been able to determine it should, in effect, double our combat power. Several cavalry regiments equipped with nerve pod projectors would prove to be potent attack force indeed.”

“But there are other factors to consider.” Santiago almost silently said.

“Yes, there are my Colonel but as Pravin Lal is in no position to threaten us if we were to use them. If the Hive were to attack our lands then this is the weapon we need to throw them back. We have scouted nearly the entire continent. Yang would be blind for some time if he landed. In effect, we could strike him at our pleasure.” Simmons said slyly.

“I agree. How soon can you retrofit our current heavy cavalry units with these nerve pods?”

“In a matter of weeks, if need by my Colonel.”

“See to it yourself. Train the myrmidons yourself, understood?”

“Clearly my Colonel. I have also completed the new proto-type armor for you and your myrmidon body guards.” Simmons said as he walked over to a wall and then released a lever that revealed a large room. In the room stood cradles that held blood red suits of battle armor.

“These plasma-armor suits are far, far better than the synthetic metal ones we make. They will make our forces even more impregnable.”

Santiago walked over to the first suit and rubbed her hand down the front of it.

“That one is yours Colonel, try it on?”



MILITARY VID-COMM TRANSMISSION

TO: Chairman Yang

FROM: Colonel Corazon Santiago

VID CHANNEL ACTIVE

Santiago stood in the middle of a darkened room. She was dressed in a blood red plasma armor suit, an impact rifle slung over her shoulders and an impact pistol on her hip. Behind her in the shadows you could make out several of her bodyguards.

“Chairman Yang. I have shown you my fist of steel. I arranged that little demonstration in order for you to realize that I mean what I say. I have ordered no more bombardments of your coastline. I do this not out of weakness but from strength. You have never once proposed any negotiation that shows the proper respect for the Spartan Federation, this was your first mistake. Do not make any more. Accept our truce and obey our demands. Do not travel within three sectors of our continent. Do not make any attempts to land on our continent. Any transport ship found within three sectors of Spartan soil will be destroyed.”

Santiago took a few steps closer. The blood red armor she wore seemed to darken.

“I have given you my terms. I expect an answer. I require an answer. You would do well to try and become my friend rather than my enemy. Sparta will endure! Sparta is supreme!”

End of transmission

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2182

First Citizen Yang watched Santiago’s performance. In a moment he formed and sent his text reply:

Official Communiqué
To: Coronal Santiago of the Spartan Federation
From: The People of The Hive
RE: Truce Offer

The People accept the Spartan Federations’ offer of a truce. It will be honored with the spirit in which it was offered.

*~*~*~*

Yang sent the message. General Whay looked on approvingly.

“Your assessment?” he asked.

“Santiago offered hints and innuendo, but her message was clear. Her words are backed with the explicit threat of force, and that force is now magnified. It is also clear she fears us or she would not have ordered us to stay within three sectors of our lands, and explicitly stated we are not to land on her territory.”

Yang nodded. “Agreed. She is right to fear us.” Yang turned around and toward his military schematics. “Of course, ‘proper respect’ is not an option. The Hive will not bow to that,” he stated as he glanced at the still of Santiago that was still projected on the holo wall. “What are our options?”

“With our current weaponry we can defend against almost any attack, even a first strike. Our defenses are formidable, and it is doubtful that any attack can breach them, even if their firepower were increased by fifty percent.”

“And beyond that?” Yang asked.

“That is problematic,” she replied. “Our defenses are multiplicative, but only to a point. If we were to acquire superior armor then our cities could easily withstand a strike twice as powerful as current impact weaponry.” Whay pulled up a projection showing the effects of the underground cities, intrinsic advantages of the defenders against an assault, and the benefits of the sensors that laced The Hive’s territory.

Yang absorbed this data, and then said. “Our current armor will have to suffice. Our research is likely to lead to a different path. For the moment.”

	23-05-2004 05:10									#24
	Put an end to popups!

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2182

“Svensgaard the answer is still no.”

“Look Colonel between the two of us we can smash the Hive into oblivion. You know it and I know. My sea bases can provide both of us with excellent staging areas for our amphibious assaults.”

Santiago had to admit the pirate was right but she had just met him thanks to her Domai and his exchange with Lal. Svensgaard had helped her considerably. More technology was obtained and most importantly their map files. She knew exactly where Yang was at and if she agreed to help the Pirates their sea bases would provide excellent staging areas.

“What I know, I know. We have both gained considerably from our exchanges. We now have the ability to add resonance technology to our plasma armor making it more powerful against attacks from the aliens. As for the Hive I agree with you to a point. I have no love for Yang but at this time we lack transport ships. I need time to upgrade my cavalry to accommodate a new weapon system and add the plasma armor. When we hit the Hive I will also need anti-espionage teams as well. Yang is tricky.” Santiago quickly said.

“Yes, Yang is a menace and that is the truth of it.”

“Let us agree for now to blockade his ships.”

“I thought you had agreed not to do that.”

“Agreements are for fools. Yang understands this. All we agreed to is to agree to nothing. If he does honestly believe he has something in hand that protects him then all the better for us.” Santiago chuckled slightly at the end.

“All right Santiago have it your way. Just don’t wait too long before you agree to act. I might not let you join me.” Svensgaard sarcastically replied.

“Santiago out.”

The line went dead.

There were other factors playing into her decision. With the huge bounty of energy they had received last turn she was able to institute her changes to Spartan society. A free market system was established for all civilians. In addition she had forced all of the Governor-Generals to support her demands to create a society that fully encompassed the Spartan military ethic. War, honor, duty and loyalty to Sparta would now become the new “soul” of each Spartan. But first Sparta had to deal with the new dichotomy it had created. Economic freedom versus political domination.

*!*!*!*

The Hive, MY 2183

First Citizen Yang peered closely at the grainy images. “These are the largest alien ruins the People have found,” he observed.

“Yes, First Citizen,” the rover commander said. His voice broke up a little as the view panned back and forth, showing great shards of curved walls that arched upward. From this vantage point they looked trivial until one looked at the rover at the base of one of the arches, which was a mere dot. To the right were a smaller series of dark grayish buildings, maybe a complex of some kind.

“What are your findings to date, Commander,” Yang asked. His voice had a distinct lilt to it, betraying a hint of excitement.

“We have explored a small portion with great care, First Citizen, as we have been ordered. It is clear that the xenofungus comes into this area, and it appears to be a nexus of some sort. The complex has been here a long time; our best estimates is that it is well over 100,000 years old.”

Yang’s left eyebrow rose. That was impressive. “Is there a way we can learn more from this ruin?”

“Yes, sir, but it will take a concerted effort and a permanent research station. There is too much to learn, far too much for a simple research station.”

“I see,” Yang said. “Commander, your service to The Hive has been exemplary. Continue your mission.”

*!*!*!*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2183

“Was it a wise move Colonel?”

“Only time will tell Major, only time will tell.”

Santiago and West walked slowly down the corridor. They had both just left the secure communications wing of the command center.

“Governor Lal.” West jokingly commented with a hint of sarcasm. “It doesn’t sound right somehow.”

“Would you rather say Governor Yang? I think not. I would never say it. Anyway this fits into our plan. By voting for Lal we will convince him that we are on his side. When the time is right we will strike. The Hive is a long way away from UN Headquarters. Once we have our transports built Lal should be no match for us. It has become clear to me that Hive and Sparta are too evenly matched. We need either allies like the pirates or slaves like the drones. Either way will be stronger.”

Neither one of them said another word until they reached the main command center. Captain Clinton was waiting for them when they arrived. She saluted them and they quickly saluted back.

“The riots are under control and minimal damage to our industrial capacity. Revenue from taxes should nearly double our economic power. We still have a few recreation centers to build but they are on track for quick completion. In all, the transition is complete.” Clinton handed Santiago a report.

“Thank you Captain. Any new map information from our friends?”

“Yes Colonel, its in the report.”

Santiago merely nodded her head and Clinton quickly turned and left. It had been a good day Santiago thought only time would tell now if it would be good century.

*!*!*!*

The Hive, MY 2184

“Congratulations, Governor Lal,” Yang said.

Pravin Lal was beaming, and he graced the First Citizen with a rare smile. “At last the true mission of Unity can be fulfilled! We have a chance at uniting humanity and guiding it to a grand purpose. And when…”

Yang let Pravin prattle on. As the Peacekeeper’s Pactmate, a truly unlikely meeting of unequals, and ally in their war against the Pirates he could afford to be generous. The trade was lucrative, as was the information his pact provided.

While Pravin waxed eloquent as only a former bureaucrat can Yang had time to reflect. For all the proclamations of unity his alliance with the Peacekeepers was one based on a mutual enemy, not of a great meeting of minds and goals. What would happen when that common purpose dissipated?

The same was true for The Hive’s pact with the Angels and the Gaians. Each was economically lucrative, but not strongly founded.

In the end the most important reason to nurture the alliances was to keep these non-threatening factions out of the orbit of The Hive’s greatest rivals, the Spartans and Pirates. And, for that, The Hive was willing to put up with a lot.

*~*~*~*

SFS AJAX – SPARTA 2184


“Captain I think we need to stop and make repairs.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

The Captain and XO of the SFS AJAX had been debating nearly the entire night as to what their course of action should be.

“Captain I am glad you agree with me. It should only take a few turns to get the turrets working again. I am still amazed at the damage that sea worm did.”

“Yes far more than I would have expected too.” The captain angrily replied. The captain had blamed herself for sometime after the successful battle that the damage they had taken was more her fault than the worm.

“Captain you could not have anticipated that last move the worm did. No one could have. As it stand we are still battle worthy.”

“Yes but SSCaTC wants us back on patrol with the ARGOS as quickly as possible.”

“I am not sure why?” The XO sarcastically said. “With the new class of warships they are building the AJAX is basically obsolete. The new ATHENA class warships with the plasma/resonance armor make our synthetic armor belts look like paper.”

“You overestimate these new ships XO. The ATHENA class ships have more bells and whistles but they still use the same hull design and guns. No,” The captain stood up and walked over to the porthole and looked out. “We are nearly the same, just more bells and whistles.”

“Well I know they canceled any further plans to build anymore of our class.”

“True but once again it’s all the same. The true measure of a ship is the crew that fights her.”

“Yes you are right again Captain.”

“Now lets get going and get those repairs done.”

*~*~*~*

Communal Nexus, MY 2185

Sea Former Four glided out into the enormous lake that was called the Freshwater Sea. The small base Communal Nexus, which was the crew’s home, had completed its basic infrastructure long ago and had successfully petitioned the Peoples Representatives to build a sea former. Of all the waters of Chiron those of the Freshwater Sea were by far the most fertile. Add to that a nutrient lode in the water it would mean a considerable food surplus once the terraforming was done, and the manpower could be spared.

It was a busy time for The Hive. Now that the psychopath Santiago had decided to leave the People in peace their labors could be used for the good of The Hive instead of diverting so much to war material. It seemed to be a waste of money to build military instead of formers, but the First Citizen had told the People that many on Chiron envied the fruit of their labors, and would deprive the People of their rewards if they let their guard down. That would not happen, of course. Not with the First Citizen guiding the People to their destiny.

At this moment their destiny was with a sea nutrient lode. It was already in sight, and in a few short years a kelp farm would be in place, and a tidal generator would follow that. More would follow, and with four sea formers and the fleet of land based formers it would soon be possible for The Hive to mold Chiron to its needs. That is as it should be.

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2185

“We now make the most powerful military alliance on Chiron Svensgaard.”

“I agree Colonel. Our combined military capacity on both land and sea will make us a formidable opponent indeed.”

Santiago was more impressed each day with her new ally. He was ruthless and cunning but he also was a fine tactician. In addition, their new alliance had given them new map files that for the first time mapped out nearly 75% of Chiron. More importantly Santiago now knew where all of the Hive bases were and all of the other factions on Chiron.

“Our target should be Lal first.” Svensgaard said.

“I agree. Lal is the weakest of Yang’s allies and he is the closest to you and us. We can bring our combined military might to bear and do so in a manner that will prevent Yang from doing anything about it.” Santiago replied.

“Yes, I am glad we agree on this.”

“I as well. The sooner we start “knocking” Yang’s allies out from under him the sooner he will become weakened. Also, by capturing Lal’s large cities we will transfer huge numbers of citizens under our care and increase our voting power on council.” Svensgaard menacingly said his eyes seemed to twinkle at the thought.

“However, I need transports and more foils to protect them. I should be done within a decade. Once my transports are loaded it will only be a few turns to land them and begin our attacks.” Santiago commented as she pointed to the landing site on the map behind here.

“Agreed. The borehole straits offer little maneuvering room for my ships but they offer the fastest route to land troops. Contact me when you are ready to begin the landings. Svensgaard out.”

The line went dead.

Santiago stared at her screen wondering how reliable her new ally would be. Domai could be counted on to do whatever she told him to do but Svensgaard was different. However, with or without Svensgaard Santiago would attack Lal. The second wave of colonization was nearly done and soon the new class of warships would be ready to launch. Time was indeed on her side, or so she hoped.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2186

First Citizen Yang composed himself, and then sat down. His recent communication with Rose had been…uncomfortable. In fact, she had returned to her former ways and was more than unpleasant. That was her loss, however.

Now it was time to contact Lady Skye. Yang made it a point not to contact her too frequently. All people value their time, and as a faction leader they were always busy. But, when there were significant issues to discuss it would not do to have the other party by ‘busy’, even if it were a police brush off.

Yang activated his new communication console, having finally retired the old and much updated console from Unity. It only took a moment before the visage of a young Gaian came into view. Yang relayed he request and he quickly ran off, leaving Yang to wait. Twenty minutes later Deirdre Skye appeared. She appeared somewhat disheveled, but her smile was warm. “Sheng-ji! What can I do for you?”

Smiling in return, Yang started, “It has been a while since we’ve had a chance to discuss issues of mutual importance, Ms. Skye.”

Dee signed theatrically. “How long have we known each other. Please, call me Dee.”

Yang nodded in acquiescence. “I trust your people are doing well?”

“Yes, very. Our cities are growing at a measured pace, and resource harvesting is doing well. Sorry you didn’t win as head of the Planetary Council, by the way. Rose and I supported you, but Lal’s lead was too great. It was interesting the Spartans supported him, though.”

“Indeed. The Spartans wanted Lal to be governor, and not me. That implies they view The Hive as their biggest threat.”

“Hmmm. That’s probably true. You have done very well for the People,” Dee said, using the Hivean term.

“You are kind, Lady Skye,” Yang said in return, using her honorific.

“I was wondering,” Dee started. “I know you’ve done well in your technological advances. Would you be willing to trade the world map I purchased from the Pirates for your files on Industrial Economics?”

Yang bolted even more upright that he already was. The Pirate world map files! That would be help since they had explored the seas to the north and east, according to fragmentary information, and had had contact with probably all the factions. “Dee, it would be my honor, and the exchange would leave me in your debt. As you know, we have ongoing hostilities against the Pirates, who have pressed the Peacekeepers sorely.”

Dee smiled. “Then consider it done!” Then her smile dampened somewhat. “Now, I know you’re interested in our files on Intellectual Integrity. I’d love to trade this to you, but the Gaian Council has authorized the construction of the Citizen’s Defense Force to guard our cities. I couldn’t authorize that trade until this project is complete. Your people are very good at completing Projects, and the Council wouldn’t forgive me if this were denied our own people.”

Yang nodded, “I understand, and I wish you due speed in completing the Project. The People have no interest in the benefits of the Citizen’s Defense Force since our cities are already protected by our underground warrens.”

“I’m glad you see it that was,” Dee said, somewhat relieved. “Give my best to Lal. He has chosen to start a Free Market system,” she said with some concern. “That may be a trail for him, and Planet. Although I don’t particularly like your Planned economy, our history tells me your People are our friends. I wish you and your People well, Sheng-ji.”

“And I yours,” Yang said.

The line went dead. This was not the first time that he had unaccustomed feelings of gratitude toward the Gaians. They were fanatics and extremists, but they had been true friends of the People since they had been first contacted long ago. True, The Hive had gifted them several technologies, but that was incidental. Both sides had grown from the exchanges, the latest of which was perhaps just as important as the Gaians giving The Hive Centauri Ecology shortly after landing.

Although the time might come when the Gaians and The Hive to part ways, Yang hoped for the sake of the People that such a time would be a long time in the future.

In the meantime he had a world map to inspect. Yang felt his heart rate increase. The possibilities of putting The Hive’s surging industrial potential to work had just been multiplied enormously.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2186

“I don’t like it one bit.”

“Colonel I couldn’t agree with you more.” Captain Clinton said tiredly. “The simple fact of the matter is I cannot explain it Colonel. You would think the Peacekeepers and Hive would be at each other’s throats but they are not. The political dynamics of this situation just do not make sense.”

Santiago smashed her palm down on the table with enough force to shake the table. “The simple fact is Chairman Yang is quickly becoming a superpower due to the fact he has duped the other leaders into thinking he is some sort of savior or something.”

“Yes it looks that way Colonel. Chairman Yang has benefited greatly from his relationships with the other leaders on Chiron.” Clinton said angrily.

Santiago stood up and smoothed her uniform and focused her mind. There was no reason getting too upset about it what was needed was action.

“Captain what do you suggest?”

“Nothing.”

“Captain I have never liked doing nothing, explain yourself.”

“In truth Colonel there is really nothing we can do but wait and see what the other factions will do in time. If Yang does not take advantage of his allies and attack them then perhaps they will stay in his sphere of influence. Which means he will most likely attack the Pirates or us. Once one or both of us are eliminated he will then have no opposition to oppose him.” Clinton finished by looking Santiago in the eyes waiting to see if her leader would react to her statement.

“I agree with your assessment Clinton. We need to prepare and make our military stronger than ever. We need to move against Lal as quickly as possible so that we can neutralize him as a potential threat to us. It is critical that we do this swiftly.”

“Yes Colonel. I will work with the other leaders in the command staff to present a plan to you.”

Santiago merely nodded and then waved her hand at Clinton, a clear sign the meeting was done. Colonel Corazon Santiago was not happy today.

	23-05-2004 05:14									#25
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

The Hive, MY 2187

“People’s Economic Advisor, report,” Yang said.

Mara Harlow gave the First Citizen a shallow bow, then straightened. “The Hive’s manufacturing ability rises with our growing population, and this ability is largely unencumbered by support due to our enlightened political system. However, this capacity has nearly reached its limits due to the large number of terraformers that have been produced, and the multiple People’s Police garrisons that are needed in our larger cities. Most of these double as defenders and offensive units, of course, but a military buildup would sap our long term strength.”

“This situation is well known, Advisor Harlow,” Yang said with a flat and menacing voice. “What do you suggest?”

The economic advisor stood her ground. Showing fear or hesitation could be fatal. “We need to construct at least four more cities, First Citizen. There are choice sites here and here,” she said as she handed him a data pad. Yang looked over the sites. Most contained a mineral, energy or nutrient lode, or Unity pods nearby. One, however, caught his attention.

“This base is far from our territory, Advisor. Why spend the time to construct and set a base so far from our home territory?” he asked.

Mara smiled. “Because of the ruins, First Citizen. It is almost assured that the resource base will be enormous, and there may be additional benefits. Please examine the third level embedded notes for the proposed site.”

Yang did so, and his right eyebrow went up. “That is…surprising.” He handed the datapad back to his economic advisor. “Your plans are approved. If you deem it appropriate to construct additional bases you have my authority.”

Mara smiled again. “Yes, First Citizen. It shall be done.”

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA COMMAND, MY 2187

MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Colonel Corazon Santiago

TO: Chairman Yang

REFERENCE: Exchange of technology and an offer of peace

The Sparta Federation is under constant attack from alien life forms. It is clear to us that possessing long-range artillery would aid our efforts to defeat the worms and spore launchers greatly. I will be truthful with you so that you fully understand our predicament. Great amounts of our improved sectors have been destroyed. Our Spartan military forces cannot be everywhere at once so these attacks have left us in dire straights.

I have attached files on plasma armor, which should be of use to you in exchange for your files on artillery. Both of our equal worth and importance.

I have also decided that that a state of hostilities does nothing to promote the Spartan Federation at this time. If you wish to agree to resume our previous agreement of non-interference then indicate so by accepting our exchange and acknowledging the previous terms of our agreement.

Colonel Corazon Santiago

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2188

Official Communiqué
To: Coronal Santiago of the Spartan Federation
From: The People of The Hive
RE: Truce Offer and Technology Trade

The People will accept the trade of the Spartan technology of High Energy Chemistry for the People’s technology Polymorphic Software. Both technologies are of equal value, as you suggest. Both our peoples will benefit from these technologies.

The People also accept the offer of a truce between the Spartan Federation and The Hive. It is regrettable that the Spartan Federation has chosen to violate previous truces with The Hive. Perhaps a greater understanding of the value of one’s word will prove useful to a faction of self-proclaimed warriors.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2188

“I am still amazed that Yang agreed!” Major West said incredibly.

“Yes I would never have made that trade. As it was I was loathe doing it in the first place but the master-technician arguments for it were very convincing. By gaining that last piece of technology our next advancement will only be a few years away and we will make a significant breakthrough.” Santiago replied.

“Colonel one question. Do you suppose Yang agreed because he needed plasma weapon technology as well in order to make a breakthrough?”

“I don’t care. The situation is clear to me and we have discussed this before. Because Yang made first contact with so many of the other leaders he has been able to deceive them into thinking he is their friend. He has gained much from these relationships, far more than we have. So we must “dance with devil” sometimes in order to achieve our goals.”

“Colonel I agree but with the technology we gave Yang he most certainly will unlock the same secrets we did, the nerve toxin.”

Santiago paused for a few minutes then replied. “I only hope so.”

*~*~*~*

Hole of Aspiration, MY 2189

First Citizen Yang looked down on the naval yards at Hole of Aspiration. A stiff westerly wind buffeted him, and created whitecaps on the Yang Sea. The entire area of Hole of Aspiration was clear from this vantage point. Three nutrient lodes and a lode of minerals fed the base, which was still growing at a stupendous rate. Moreover, its industrial output was now factor 19, which surpassed all bases in The Hive. Over almost all the land were stands of drought tolerant lodgepole pine. This land was normally arid, so the prospect of having such a productive base here was still surprising, but welcome.

Base Supervisor Stanley von Welling, Yang’s escort, pointed to the east. “There is, First Citizen, our newest addition to our navy.”

Yang followed direction and saw in the distance a foil. He examined it for a moment. “It does not look different from any other foil, Supervisor.”

“But it is,” he replied. “The foil is specialized for our espionage teams. Although it is not armored it will also be able to scout the seas, and hopefully find a clear way to the Pirates.”

Yang nodded knowingly. “What will be their first target?”

Welling hesitated. “We do not know the lay of the sea yet, so we will have to postpone that discussion. However, there are many Pirate sea bases in the area Yang Sea, and any of them would be a likely target. I recommend we give the crew orders to strike at a target of opportunity.”

“Agreed,” Yang said. “Coordinate with the People’s Representatives and General Whay. If a sea base production becomes available have additional sea espionage teams constructed.”

“That may be a while, First Citizen. People’s General Whay and People’s Economic Advisor Harlow have much of the production capability pre-authorized.”

“Give this Directive a Level Three priority,” Yang said. He knew his advisors would work out the details.

He was also sure that the Pirate would have much valuable information and that, if they weren’t careful, his bases would start being new bastions of the People.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2189

“What do you mean by making a truce with him!”

Santiago continued to hold her temper and it was hard. She was now gripping the arm of her chair with all of her strength in an attempt to curb her feelings.

“Listen to me Svensgaard. Allies we may be but I still decided policy within Sparta. I needed technology from Yang. I got the technology from Yang. The treaty you are screaming about was only a subterfuge in order to get the technology we needed. It’s that simple. The treaty is about as worthless. I will honor it so long as we have a need to honor it. If Yang were an honorable man I would think twice about entering into such an arrangement but he would slit my throat if he had the chance regardless of any treaty. So stop these theatrics now!” Santiago commanded her anger was boiling over now.

“As long as we both understand each other on this issue I agree with your approach. Svensgaard out!”

The line went dead.

Santiago continued to stare at the blank screen for some time giving her time to cool down. That fool of man! He was without honor. Sometimes at times like this Santiago regretted that she had not found a way to find an accommodation with Yang. He was her equal on Chiron, her real challenge, and her real enemy. Sometimes your enemies made for the best of friends.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2190

Pravin Lal was having difficulty controlling himself. “Yang, you asked me to declare war on the Spartans in support of their war with you. Now you have signed a truce with Santiago! I demand that you declare vendetta on the Spartans! Your irresponsible police state is bad enough, but I’m willing to overlook that if you support our cause, but if you don’t then I will not be responsible, and any treaty cancellation will be on your head!”

Yang didn’t have to think about the situation very long. “Governor Lal, I will immediately declare vendetta on the Spartans in support of our common cause. The People value your good will more than then value that of Santiago, who has violated previous treaties.”

Pravin’s body language softened, and he almost smiled. “Good. Very good. I will expect further support, Yang. Santiago and Svengaard are ruthless, as you well know. I expect you to act accordingly.”

“Yes, Governor,” Yang said, putting on a show of humility.

The line went dead, and Yang immediately formed another communiqué.

*~*~*~*

Official Communiqué
To: Coronal Santiago of the Spartan Federation
From: The People of The Hive
RE: State of Vendetta

The People’s Pactmate Governor Lal has asked that The Hive declare vendetta against the Spartans. I value the Peacekeeper’s treaty with The Hive, and the fact he has not attacked the People nor wantonly violated previous treaties. Due to the faithlessness of the Spartans and the Pact the People have with he Peacekeepers The Hive declares vendetta on the Spartans.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2190

“Captain your opinion?”

Captain Clinton shifted her chair for a second then looked Santiago straight in the eyes.

“Colonel its clear that Yang had no intention of keeping his word. You anticipated this. What I find curious is the degree of pressure Lal exerted to have Yang break his agreement with us. I think Lal was very worried that he would have been suddenly “left out to dry” so to speak. He knows we are preparing for an invasion. If not, then he is a huge fool.” Clinton finished speaking and sat quietly.

“I agree with you. Lal is running scarred that Svensgaard and us would crush him between us. He needs Yang to hopefully “offset” our combined attack upon him. It is clear that Lal is a fool.”

“Yes Colonel.”

“Dismissed.”




MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Supreme Spartan Command and Training Center

TO: Hive Command

REFERENCE: Cancellation of treaty

We acknowledge receipt of your terms that indicate you wish to cancel your truce with Sparta and re-enter into a state of war. Be warned that any ships or transports will be sunk if found near our continent.

*!*!*!*!*

The Hive, MY 2191

“Our scientific rate is flagging, First Citizen,” People’s Science Advisor Brandon said. “Most of our larger cities have constructed network nodes, and the ranks of Citizens are swelling, but the critical deficiency is energy.”

“Has our terraforming been optimized?” Yang asked.

“Yes, First Citizen. Almost every sector where our Citizens harvest resources is producing, and most cities have ample room for future growth.”

“What do you suggest?” Yang asked.

“We have three options. First, we can construct additional bases, but this will take a significant period of time to grow our energy potential. Small bases are energy starved until the attain 2000 citizens, and bases that are not proximate to our capital will suffer increasing energy potential. Second, we can add to infrastructure, which will be expensive and time consuming. Or third, we can add to the number of Citizens to utilize existing infrastructure. All of these options will take time to incrementally increase our research potential.”

“Economic Advisor,” Yang said. His voice was harsh. “Your analysis is inadequate. There is a fourth option. We can take the technology from hostile or even friendly factions, or take their resource centers, their cities, for the People.”

Brandon blanched and stood perfectly still.

“You would do well, if you are to continue as the People’s Economic Advisor, not to limit your thinking to conventional techniques.”

	23-05-2004 05:20									#26
	Got spare money?

One sector south of Training Base, SPARTA 2191

Governor-General Joshua Max sat quietly in the back seat of the utility vehicle as it bounced alongside the great colony pod.

“What do think Governor-General? How far south are we going?” Max’s driver asked.

“Just keep driving and I will tell you when to stop.” Max replied half laughing.

Max wished he could tell the colonists where they were going but it was still classified until they were more than three sectors away. The new colony site was nearly 6 sectors away from Training Base and it was vital that his colony get there as quickly as possible. Max’s colony pod was one of four that had either left for new colony sites or where leaving in a turn or two. SSCaTC had decided that it was time for another wave of colonies to be set-up. Max’s colony was to be the furthest east and perhaps the most important one. It was up to Max to make sure that once his colony was up and running that they would begin building more colony pods to colonize the eastern sections of the Spartan continent. It was crucial that the great mesa was colonized along with the based bordering the great desert. Once these bases were all set-up then the eastern land approaches to greater Sparta would be secure.

“Governor-General perhaps you could answer me one question.” The driver asked.

“What.” Max replied grumpily.

“Well sir why did SSCaTC send our escort so far in front of us. I mean, sir, they are at least three sectors in front of us, what are they looking for?”

“Just drive.” Max fired back.

Max knew what they were looking for, the Hive. It had been nearly 20 turns since a recon mission had been back in this area and SSCaTC was not sure if any Hive troops or colonies might have crossed the ocean between that time. Even though Sparta had ships deployed in the sea between the Hive and Sparta a single transport could have gotten through.

It was vital that the scouts search the area again and determine if the Hive had landed. Also, even though the colony was not going anywhere near a fungus sector you could not be too sure. Max had to be cautious and careful because he was a male Governor-General. He was the second one to be appointed and he was damn glad of the chance to prove himself but on the other hand ever failure would be magnified. His only compatriot the Governor-General of Training Base had been removed from command by Santiago due to a failure to deal with a worm attack. This would not be his fate.

*!*!*!*

The Hive, MY 2192

“What do you mean we’re ordered to stop and build a city here?” Marl almost yelled.

“Just what I said. The First Citizen has decided that this place will be a better place for the People than the Ruins.”

Marl furrowed his brow. “I’m not sure I understand, People’s Representative.”

“We are not meant to understand, Citizen. Such matters are above us. But, we can try to fathom the wisdom of the First Citizen, and in doing so try to attain some of his enlightenment. Can you tell me, are the terraforming crews finished with their road building to the Ruins?”

“No, People’s Representative. It will take at least another eight years before the planned roads are complete.”

“And when would we reach the area where the roads are not yet complete?”

“Approximately two years,” Marl said.

“Now you see the problem. We will have to take the colony components overland, and that is a very time consuming process, and dangerous. A second colony pod that is following us will make it to the area at about the same time as when the roads are complete. During that time will cost the Citizens of Fecundity Towers dearly in resources they could use to another noble purpose. And what will happen during the time we have built this city, and not traveled through the uncharted wilderness?”

“We will become productive members of the People,” Marl said, almost by rote.

“Yes. That is correct. Now do you see a fragment of the wisdom of the First Citizen?” the People’s Representative said.

Marl nodded. “The First Citizen is great and wise,” he said, as he had been taught since a very early age.

The People’s Representative left, and Marl no knew this was the right spot for this city. Still, he would have liked to see the Ruins. Now he would have to be content to make war material for their efforts against the Pirates. That was a noble, if different, goal.

*!*!*!*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2192


“Can I have a word with you Colonel?”

Santiago stopped reading the report and looked up.

“Yes Major.”

“Colonel I have another complaint from the Drone leader. He is lodging a protest over the latest holo-movie playing on the Spartan holo-theater network.” West finished by handing a disc to Santiago.

“What is the holo-movie about?” Santiago asked. She had never yet attended one, in fact, many of the myrmidons had not. The new Spartan battle code frowned on such things but the civilian masses seemed to love them.

“Well Colonel its about you.” West haltingly replied. “You see Colonel its about our conquest of the Drones. The entire campaign it seems. You get to play a myrmidon storming the Drone ramparts and defeating the depraved Drones.”

“I was never involved in the fighting and you know it! Captain Smith lead the troops into battle.” Santiago fired back.

“Well, I know it Colonel but Captain Smith is not you. It is a very poor representation of events to be sure and in particular the Drones fair the worst. They are characterized as incestuous, depraved animals consumed with a passion for sex and drugs.”

Santiago laughed for several minutes then handed back the disc to West.

“I have no need to read Domai’s request. Cancel the movie.” Santiago said as she bent back down to study the report.

“Colonel, that’s the problem, you cannot.”

Santiago stood up and looked at West her face red with anger.

“Colonel you see the problem is if we cancel the movies then their will be riots and we simply lack the troops needed to keep the civilians in place. Our new economic and political freedoms for the civilians are creating more demands than ever for more recreational and holo-theaters. Once those cities build those infrastructure elements we are able to keep the civilians happy but without them its chaos.” West glumly replied.

Santiago stood silently for several minutes her face turning from red to white.

“Keep the movies going. Tell Domai that if he as a problem with how he is characterized then he should have won the war.”

Santiago turned back to the report again her face now a horrible shade of gray.

*!*!*!*

The Hive, MY 2193

First Citizen Yang closed the channel to Governor Lal. The conversation had been surprisingly cordial, but then Pravin had made a request. He wanted High Energy Chemistry.

Yang knew that the Peacekeepers had the highest scientific advancement rate of any faction on Chiron, and that if he gave them High Energy Chemistry then they would have a lead, likely for a considerable period of time.

After a few moments Yang made up his mind. It was more important for the Peackeepers to have adequate defenses than for the People to have a dubious honor of having the best technology on Chiron.

So, he transferred the files. Pravin was delighted, magnanimous in fact. That was worth a lot.

*!*!*!*

Near the great mesa – SPARTA 2193

“I thought we would never find one of these.”

Several of the other myrmidons crowded around Captain Sanchez as she had uncovered the last bits of plastic shell.

“This is big Captain, real big. SSCaTC will do back flips when we tell them we found a another alien information node.”

Captain Sanchez merely grunted in reply as she knelt down and examined the artifact more closely. It had been nearly 25 turns since any scout had found one of these and some in the recon command thought they were all gone. It was a huge find. They would be able to hook it up almost immediately and get the data out of it but the hard part was still to come.

“We still need to get it back soldiers so lets get it up out of the ground and begin moving it back. It will be nearly 10 turns before we can get it to a base that can activate the memory cells so we need to get moving now.” Sanchez barked as she climbed out of the hole with some help from her myrmidons.

“Captain do you think we will get a medal for this?” One of the youngest myrmidons asked proudly.

“Private I would not worry about a medal until it is hooked up and the info downloaded. A lot could happen between now and then. So lets get moving.”

The entire recon regiment began to work in unison to lift the precious artifact out. Sanchez understood more than anyone who important this discovery was. Sparta was averaging a breakthrough every 12 turns so any chance to “catch-up” to the Hive and Peacekeepers was essential. It was even more important since nearly three Spartan cities had accumulated resources to build any special projects but with nothing to build the resources were basically useless. So the sooner this was back the better for everyone.

*!*!*!*

Hole of Aspiration, MY 2194

Stanley von Wellington felt rather than felt the fungus eruption. He had been eating his noon meal in Feeding Bay Three when he had been overwhelmed by a feeling of nausea. At first he thought the food delivery drones had made a critical error, one that impaired the health of the Citizens of The Hive, and would have to dealt with harshly. After a few moments there were new data that clearly indicated this was not just an example of spoiled food or food that had been tampered with. Bizarre images passed through his head, and he seemed to feel the nerve endings in his fingers start on fire. It consumed his entire waking consciousness.

He seemed to wake up, as if from a long unplanned and restless nap. He was disoriented and had a hard time focusing, and the world started to blur and spin. His vision cleared a little and he placed his palms firmly on the table for support; he knew he wasn’t spinning when his hands were planted on solid ferrocrete.

Almost everyone around him was suffering likewise, he noted. There were some screams as panicked Citizens fled in terror, and a few more that had donated their partially digested lunches to their meal plates.

Something was wrong, very wrong. Bracing himself, he stood up and found that most of his sense of balance was restored, even if his stomach lurched at the prospect of immediate movement. As he was jogging out the door his communicator chirped.

“Base Supervisor von Wellington,” he said in a crisp tone that bellied his feelings.

“Sir,” the voice said. “There has been an fungal eruption at sea. Initial reports indicate that a kelp bed was destroyed, and that the fungus is not spreading. Orders needed, Sir.”

“Have the sea former crew inspect the eruption. Send word to The Hive, Level 1 communication. Link me in when the First Citizen is on the line.”

There was no answer, and Stanley increased his jog into a full-fledged run. The First Citizen would want answers, and it would be his duty to see that his needs were fulfilled.

*~*~*~*

Battle bridge SFS AJAX – SPARTA 2194

“Captain you’re a genius!”

“Well, lets see how this battle goes first.” Captain Stiller quietly replied.

They were all crowded around the long-range sensor display watching the approaching Hive ship close the distance. As far as any of the Spartan officers could tell the Hive was still oblivious to where the Spartans ship was.

“It looks very similar to our Argos class of ships. Synthetic armor and impact weapons but its hard to tell if they have trance protectors or not.” The XO commented.

“It doesn’t matter XO. We have the element of surprise and I know we have better training than those Hive scum.”

“CAPTAIN THE HIVE SHIP IS NOW WITHIN OPTIUM RANGE!”

“Fire!” Stiller roared. “All turrets open fire, FIRE AT WILL! ALL AHEAD BATTLE SPEED, EVASIVE MANUVERS, PATTERN STILLER-3!”

The AJAX’s impact cannons opened fire simultaneously. The AJAX lurched forward as it plowed through the velvet sea fungus. The first salvo struck the hapless Hive ship in the forward turret and bridge area. The second and third salvos tore huge chunks from the bridge area and the starboard side superstructure.

The Hive ship turned to starboard to bring her aft, undamaged turret to bear and was able to get off a partial salvo that hit the AJAX amidships and caused only minor damage. The AJAX in turn fired a fourth and fifth salvo before the Hive ship could even get a second salvo off. The Spartan impact cannons tore deep into the Hive ship and when the last salvo hit the entire ship exploded in a fireball.

“All crew stand down. Excellent work people, excellent work indeed. Now get me SSCaTC on the line. I am sure they will want to know how close the Hive ship got to Spartan territory and we need to get new orders.”



MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Supreme Spartan Command and Training Center

TO: Chairman Yang

REFERENCE: Destruction of a Hive attack foil along our southern coastline.


Chairman Yang! You were dutifully informed that no Hive ship should approach within three sectors of our continent. Your ship was within two sectors of our continent and was destroyed by our res-plasma/impact foil SFS AJAX.

Slight damage was done to the AJAX but your ship was lost with all hands aboard. No survivors were found within the wreckage.

Regardless of our current level of hostilities you were warned never to approach our lands and you did so. All Hive ships found will be destroyed if they are found within our sea boundaries. This should serve as a lesson to you and your people that Sparta will not take transgressions against us lightly.

We now consider this issue closed as long as no further ships approach our lands.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2195

First Citizen Yang and General Whay read the battle report and Coronal Santiago’s rather panicky communiqué. Yang was impassive, but Whay had a smirk on her face.

“The probing action worked, First Citizen. We now know where a portion of the Spartan’s sea defenses is located in the southern portion of their empire. Should I order the other foils to attack?” Whay said.

Yang was silent for a moment. “Have them group to have the ability to attack en masse. Are the other units in position?”

“Yes, First Citizen. The upgrades are complete, and the People’s Soldiers are ready.”

“Very good, General. What of the People’s other expansion plans?”

Whay handed Yang the datapad she had prepared just such a question. “On schedule. Three additional bases will be constructed in the next few years, two of which will construct war material for actions against the Pirates. More bases will be constructed now that the Planetary Transit System project is complete. This should prove to be a boon for the Citizens of our smaller bases. The increase in resources that can be harvested for the good of the People will be significantly increased.”

Yang nodded. “At least two more land based cities are to be constructed as production centers. Re-home existing military units to the new cities to free up productive potential for high-resource established bases. When our cities are done constructing supply crawlers to optimize mineral production see that a protective ring of sea bases is established to defend our forward holdings along the Western Sea.”

He handed the datapad back to Whay. “Has our first probe foil reached the Pirates?”

“Yes, First Citizen. They were successful in penetrating their datalinks, but unfortunately perished in the attempt.”

“Their sacrifice will preserve and strengthen the People,” Yang commented.

“They performed admirably, and their families will be rewarded. The other sea probe teams will be in position very soon.”

Yang couldn’t resist. “What is the position of the Pirates?”

Whay had a huge grin on her face now, and she handed him a second datapad. Yang scrolled through the information as Whay explained. “Their research is paralyzed. It is fully two orders of magnitude less that the People’s research rate. Moreover, their industrial production ability is severely limited by support required for existing war material, so they will not be able to match The Hive’s industrial power. Pirate sea bases are spread in an indefensible position all over Chiron, and their defenses are minimal. They will crumble if a concerted attack is prosecuted. Moreover, they have only one ally, Santiago. They are at war with the Gaians and Peacekeepers, and have a truce with Santiago’s vassal Domai and the Angels. They are weak and isolated diplomatically and strategically.”

“Excellent,” Yang said as he finished absorbing the data. “It appears they have only one technology that we do not. Have our espionage teams acquire it. Then have subsequent teams take a target of opportunity. The only restriction is that no bases are to be subverted. Understood?”

“Perfectly,” Whay stated.

“You and the other People’s Advisors have done well,” Yang said. “The next ten years should be interesting.”

	23-05-2004 05:25									#27
	Got spare money?

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2195

“I didn’t authorize this!”

“I know Colonel but when I came across the raw data and began to look further into it the conclusion I reached was interesting to say the least.” Captain Clinton quietly commented.

Santiago stood up from behind her desk and walked over to the map of Chiron on her wall. She stood there for a few minutes studying the map.

“Colonel the Drones are a lost cause. It is clear Foreman Domai has no control over his city, government or military. Ever since we forced them to become our vassal state Domai has run his government into the ground. He is a security risk of the highest order. If the Hive or anyone infiltrates his network they would gain access to the entire Spartan map system. In turn, his base could be easily captured by a foreign power and put to serve their purposes. We get little to no tribute anymore from Drones and even the number of half-men that they send us as servants has dropped off to nothing. It is clear that the Drones are more of liability now than ever before.” Clinton said and then waited patiently for Santiago to talk.

“Can we do it quickly?”

“We need to position some forces but yes I do believe we can. His city-state is a wreck and he has only a few token forces to combat any move we make against him.”

“Send me the report and I will study it.”

“Yes Colonel.”

Clinton stood up and saluted and then left the room.

Santiago was frustrated with the lack of progress her nation was making. She agreed it was time for some drastic moves but some part of her cautioned against taking the Drones last city. It was a pathetic mess to be sure but Domai had been a loyal servant for some time. However, it was clear that they were a risk, a risk that had to be addressed.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2196

First Citizen Yang put down the brief report. The sortie against the Spartan foil had gone well. Although the Hivean foil was damaged the Spartan foil now graced the bottom of the sea. The Hive crew, bloodied but victorious, would be able to repair as it made its way to safety behind the protective screen of undamaged Hivean foils that now patrolled the corridor. If the Spartans wanted to fight that is what they would have. With the emphasis on Wealth the People’s industrial production was peaking; they could afford the losses in a war of attrition. Time would tell if the Spartans could stand the occasional unfavorable turn of events.

He put down the datapad and noticed there was an insistent beeping. Looking over, he saw it was a Level 1 communication from his operatives near Spartan and Drone territory.

Automatically he activated the link, and was surprised to see the visage of Forman Domai.

“First Citizen Yang,” he started, almost spitting out his name. “We have had our differences, but your Planned economy shows me that we both have a common concern for the drones we both lead. Would you be interested in ending our vendetta for the sake of both of our peoples?”

Yang didn’t hesitate. “The Hive has never had a quarrel with the Drones, Forman. The People accept a truce.”

Domai’s pinched face relaxed a little. “Good. Would you be interested in a friendship treaty to show that our people can peacefully co-exist?”

Yang nodded. “So agreed, Forman. I look forward to the trade these links will bring.” He paused for a moment, thinking of possible opportunities. “Perhaps we can exchange technology?”

Domai shook his head. “We have none to give, First Citizen. Unless you would gift a technology to us? Industrial Automation, maybe?”

“Our relationship is too young, Domai. I cannot authorize a gift such as that. Perhaps we can both benefit if The Hive took a loan with a very generous interest rate?”

A spasm flashed over Domai’s face. “The Drones have no energy to lend, First Citizen. It has been appropriated by others.”

Yang nodded, knowing exactly what he was implying. The Spartans had drained him dry.

“Very well. Let this be a start, Domai. Perhaps in time we can be more than friends.”

“Perhaps,” Domai said. Then the channel went dead.

Yang read his body language. Domai was trying to present a strong façade, but it was clear he was frightened, both of his master Santiago and of The Hive, and likely the Peacekeepers, too. He was a very small power with the single base the Spartans had left him, and he had powerful enemies in The Hive and Peacekeepers, and capricious ‘friends’ in the Spartans.

Driving a wedge in between Domai and the Spartans could only be good for The Hive. It was also sure to irritate Santiago, and anything that kept her off balance was a good for the People.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2196

“You worthless fool!”

Domai seemed to shrink back in terror from Santiago’s screams

“Colonel I am not sure what you mean.” Domai almost whispered.

“FOOL!” Santiago screamed. “My agents have determined you made a separate peace with Yang. In addition, you also have allowed a enemy probe team to infiltrate your territory and that is unacceptable!”

Domai seemed to be looking around him for support and none was to be found.

“Domai you are worthless. I intend to move against your city now and take it under our banner. Prepare yourself to be delivered to me when my soldiers arrive. Santiago OUT!”

The line went dead.

Santiago was nearly shaking herself with anger and frustration. Domai had tried to circumvent her authority. He had tried to make a separate peace with Yang to preserve his skin. But what made her more made than ever was the loss of the AJAX. The battle had been tough and they had nearly won the day but a lucky shot from the Hive had penetrated her hull where the damage had occurred from the last battle and it had taken out her reactor, leaving her dead in the water. All Santiago could hope for now was for the ARGOS to swoop in and deal the deathblow to the Hive foil.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2197

A severely wounded isle of the deep remained.

The data were sketchy but more than sufficient. The foil that had been making its way to harass the Pirates had attacked an isle instead, and lost. As per regulations they had gotten permission from Hole of Aspiration, and it was well known that the chance of success was an even bet. Still, it was worth the risk.

Some risks paid off, and others did not. There was no purpose in mourning the crew since new foils would be constructed.

Of more interest was the energy modules that had been uncovered at the newest Hive city on the Yang Sea coast. 150 mega joules of energy would go a long way to easing remaining building, and offsetting the chronic energy deficit. The People were marvelously efficient at construction, and almost all Hive cities now had children’s crèches, recycling tanks, recreation commons, and network nodes. Trade was beginning to bear fruit, however, since it made up two thirds of the net energy into Hive coffers. The Pacts with the Gaians and Peacekeepers were worth their trouble for that alone.

Of some interest was the cancellation of the friendship treaty by the Drones. Evidently Santiago disapproved. That was unfortunate, but predictable.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA 2197

“Things are getting better Colonel.”

“NO they are not!”

Everyone sitting at the large conference table jumped slightly as Santiago slammed her fist down on the table.

“I want to be clear on this so listen up! Just because we are progressing does not mean it is acceptable progress. Even with the taxation levies we place our treasury is next to empty and we have little or nothing to show for it.” Santiago roared at them.

“Colonel until we can complete the holo-theaters at several of our other bases we are stuck having to expend extra capital to insure the population is entertained. We do not want riots that tie up key myrmidon forces.” Major West quickly commented.

“I want solutions not excuses Major West. I do not believe we are anywhere near as powerful as Yang. I want to be his equal. My question is to you is how?” Santiago finished by sitting down in her seat loudly.

“Colonel I would suggest a more prudent course of action is to transfer more of our energy reserves to the general fund rather than more scientific expenditures. With more energy we can build more quickly.” Governor-General Maxwell of Sparta Command said loudly.

“Governor-General the future security of Sparta rests in the hands of our scientists. We need more research, not less. The more research we have the better chance we have of building a better and stronger military.” Master Technician Smith rebutted.

“Enough!” Santiago interjected. “Enough of this. I want solutions not debates. I want to see your recommendations by 05:00 today. Dismissed.”

Everyone in the room began to get up to leave but Santiago. She knew what she had to do but was worried about the consequences. It was a grave risk but a risk she might have to make.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2198

First Citizen Yang reviewed the status of his allies the Gaians and Peacekeepers, and his enemy the Pirates. The strategy of each could not be more different. On one extreme were the Svengaard’s Pirates, who had approximately 15 bases centered in the northern sea, but with bases literally scattered all over Chiron. Bases had minimal infrastructure, and almost all were producing a continual stream of military units. Some bases were at the point of having no industrial capacity due to support for their existing military might.

On the other extreme were the Peacekeepers. Their development was most impressive, and some of his cities had experienced a boom in population to size nine. Many were hugely productive, even if there was an odd lack of terraforming. Peacekeeper science advancement was almost as good as The Hive’s, and it was increasing quickly. Although he had a decent military, it was no match for Svengaard; but the Pirates were having difficulty translating their military power into results.

In the middle were the Gaians, who were building a moderate number of cities that had good, but not excellent, infrastructure. Their military was moderate, and they had a rather large number of mindworms, and were building more. For well over a decade they had held off the land invasion of the Pirates, which put the Pirates in a bad light and showed the advantages of a well developed base with adequate defenders.

Looking at these allies, potential enemies, and enemies Yang reflected that The Hive was closer to the Gaians in their strategy than that of the Peacekeepers, or the Pirates. In fact, early military spending had been deferred to develop critical recycling tanks and recreation commons. The distances between enemies had made that decision an elementary one.

The appearance of the hostile Spartans and Pirates had changed that dynamic. For twenty years The Hive had build mainly military and support units. Some were used as People’s Police, but others were tasked with exploring. Now an expeditionary force had been sent against the Pirates, Drones, and Spartans. Santiago had shown that a good offense is the best defense. That was a salient lesson that the People would not forget.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA, MY 2198

MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

FROM: Colonel Corazon Santiago

TO: Chairman Yang

REFERENCE: Violation of our borders

Chairman Yang you were informed that any faction attempting to land on our continent for the purposes of establishing a base would be dealt with harshly. It is clear you did not understand my remarks since you have done so. You are to remove the base immediately or face destruction of said base.

I fail to understand the reasons for your insane actions unless you wish to become knee deep in blood. If this is your wish then Sparta will comply


Santiago sent the message to Yang and then leaned back in her chair. The old fool she thought. Unless he had deposited a full army of rovers and infantry her forces would fall on that base like a ton of bricks. He might be able to hide deep within the ground for a while but not forever. If need be she had the means to “smoke” him out of his rat hole and bring his forces to the surface. The x-rover regiments were in construction and would do the job nicely.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2199

The First Citizen and the People’s General Whay read the Spartan’s communiqué. It was blunt, clear, and to the point, as usual.

“She means what she says, that is clear,” the General said.

“Yes. It is unfortunate she is so observant,” Yang commented. “The base would have been very useful in future operations against the Spartans or the Drones.”

“‘Would have been’, First Citizen? Did you mean to discuss the base in the past tense?” Whay asked.

“Eventually it will fall, general. But there are a few important items to note. First, it is closer to our territory than to Santiago’s, and we can give the base ample support and reinforcements. Transports full of reinforcements are on the way even now. We can make Santiago pay dearly for any attack she makes. There are other considerations, too.”

The general waited patiently for the First Citizen to grace her with his wisdom.

“First,” Yang said, “if the Spartans are to attack the base in a meaningful way then they will have to commit more than a few nerve gas equipped rovers; those will be dealt with by our forces with relative ease. This will divert Spartan production, and forestall attacks in other areas.”

“A lightning rod,” Whay noted.

Yang nodded, accepting the analogy. “It is a nettling that will raise the stakes for the Spartans, with little cost to The Hive. Santiago can not let the base stay on her territory for fear of what the People will do, and the degradation that will occur to her image and of what the Pirates will think of her.

“Moreover, while attacking us in earnest she cannot reasonably continue to use a Free Market economic system, like the Peacekeepers are doing, due to the unrest so many military forces outside her territory will cause.”

“We are not sure if the Spartans are using a Free Market economic system, First Citizen,” Whay said.

“And we do not what them to, General. The People know that increasing our energy production takes much work, and that is what the Free Market system does. If we are able to deprive the Spartans of this ability then the base will have paid for itself many times over.”

At this point Yang almost smiled. “Then there are the diplomatic implications. The only way the Spartans have a hope of taking the base from the People is to use nerve gas. If they do, even their allies the Pirates and perhaps even the Drones will reject them, causing them to be further isolated. The People of The Hive will able to maintain a moral superiority, and enhance our image with our valued Pact mates and other factions on Chiron.”

Whay couldn’t help noticing the ironic twist in his voice when he said ‘valued’. But, it was clear he was not going to elaborate on that topic further.

Yang looked over to the General, who was standing at attention. “Are the transports continuing to move war material to Worker’s Nest?”

“Yes, First Citizen. Two transports have already unloaded, and a third is on the way. More will be there in a few years. And, the base has already completed a plasma armored defender.”

“Very good,” Yang said. “See that the base has a full compliment of attack and defensive abilities. Take military units from nearby bases if you must. These are obsolete and are due for replacement when the last of the supply crawlers are completed.”

Whay cocked an eyebrow. “When will that be?”

“For most bases, this year,” Yang said.

Whay’s eyebrow rose further.

*~*~*~*

[SSCaTC. Sparta Command – SPARTA 2199 [/b]

“No response from the Hive Colonel.”

Santiago looked up from her paperwork. “I didn’t expect there to be any.”

“Then why did you send it Colonel?” Major West asked with an air of confusion.

“I wanted Yang to know that we know exactly what he is up to. The fact that our forces immediately detect any base he builds should make him take notice. However, the damage is done, he is here at last.”

“Surely Colonel we can remove one base!” West’s response was filled with dismay.

“We can but it will take time. Time is a luxury Yang can afford but we cannot. Our forces were set to launch an attack against the Peacekeepers but now we have to drive Yang off. His base cannot be left un-contested but such an effort will drain us from other pursuits. It is clear to Captain Clinton that Yang is far beyond our current production capabilities. If we got trapped in a war of attrition then the war is lost. Only a swift coordinated attack will work. I will not move until we are ready but when we do it will have to be a perfect move.” Santiago said with confidence.

“I agree Colonel but when?”

“It will take time to be sure. Yang picked perhaps the best place we could have hoped for to build his base. If he had done so at any of the other sites along our western continent it might have been worse for us. However, he built a base on the edge of the great desert so any expansion will be difficult to be sure for him. For no we contain the infection and then we burn it out!”

*~*~*~*

Western Sea, MY 2200

Captain Sihn could hardly believe his good luck. His crew had just unloaded an impact rover to defend Worker’s Nest and then moved north to investigate a Unity Pod. Their intrepid Unity rover crew had gone ashore and found yet another of those strange alien artifacts. After returning to the hold of the ship they had, of course, informed him. Moments later he had sent a Level 1 message to the Duty Officer at The Hive.

Her orders had been predictable: bring the artifact back to The Hive immediately. Now the artifact was in the old of the transport, and they were moving at maximum speed to the safe warrens of The Hive. Several decades ago they had been refitted with basic synthmetal armor and trance ability, so their speed was 50 percent higher, and they had some defense against the isles of the deep that roamed the seas. If they were unlucky and met an impact foil their fate was sealed. All they could do was hope they damaged the foil before they were sent to the bottom of the sea.

That had not happened yet, and hopefully would never happen. For now he was happy to serve the People. The First Citizen would undoubtedly find a good use for the artifact.

But, that was not his concern. His duties were either the immediate safety of his crew, or the long ranged completion of his mission. Perhaps this second service to the People would earn him a meeting with the First Citizen? No, that was too much to hope.

	25-05-2004 07:55									#28
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SFS ARGOS, Western Seas – SPARTA 2100

“There it is Captain!”

“Close on it full speed! Gunnery officer fire at will!”

The ARGOS swooped down at full speed firing impact energy bursts from both turrets. The first salvos bracketed the transport ship but the second and third salvos caught the transport amidships sending up huge fireballs.

The deck was full of rovers and the crews were beginning to jump into the sea. The transport was already leaning slightly to port and it would not be long before it slipped into the sea.

“Captain do you think we should take on survivors?”

Captain Tiller slowly lowered the mag-glasses she had been using to watch the carnage they had created. She stood there silently for a few minutes then turned to her XO.

“No, we need to withdraw from this area and fall back into the fungus. I don’t want this ship to suffer the same fate as the AJAX. Once we make minimal repairs we will return to our patrol area and sink anything else. I have already suffered enough humiliation as it is by letting the Hive land forces on our continent. I am not about to loose this ship due to rescue operations. Make course to leave now!”

“Yes Captain.”

Captain Tiller returned to watching the survivors splash about as they tried in vain to get clear of the transport that was nearly beneath the waves. Once the large transport began to sink beneath the waves the undertow would drag anyone near it down with it. What still amazed her was the bravery of the captain, or the person she assumed was the captain. He stood on the bridge of his ship grasping at something and he seemed to be talking to himself. Why the fool did not save himself she would never know.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2201

First Citizen Yang noted the loss of the old Unity transport with the artifact and all hands. It was another valiant sacrifice for the People, but in the end not relevant. Captain Sihn has served with distinction, and Yang made a note to have his family rewarded.

As he was voice dictating the missive he received another Level 1 communication, which he took immediately. The image of Deirdre Skye appeared on the console. She looked much less friendly than the last time they had talked.

“First Citizen,” she said. “I would like to trade technology. As you know, we recently completed the Empath Guild. This is a singular achievement, and with its completion the Gaian Council has authorized me to suggest a trade with our ally The Hive.”

Yang’s practiced ear noted that Deirdre’s voice was flat, almost monotone. “We would be pleased to trade. What did you have in mind?”

“We will trade Intellectual Integrity for your files on Progenitor Psych. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes. That is an equitable trade,” Yang replied. He knew that with the addition of non-violent combat his People’s Police would be much more effective.

Deirdre’s visage warmed considerably. “Excellent. I’d also like your data on Industrial Automation. We will give you Centauri Empathy in exchange.”

“That will be difficult. Would you accept Resonance Armor instead?”

She shook her head. “The Council has insisted on Industrial Automation, I’m afraid. Nothing else will do.”

“Agreed,” Yang stated. He was loath to give up Industrial Automation, but for the sake of his Pact Sister he was willing to compromise, particularly since the trade would make her more than magnanimous.

“Once again our alliance has benefited both our societies. As I’ve said before, you should seriously consider giving up your wasteful Planned economy. Still, I wish you and your people well, Sheng-ji.” Dee gave Yang a shallow nod, then signed off.

Now Yang was pleased. Although he had lost a transport and an artifact he had gained two technologies in trade.

There was still the vexing problem of prowling Spartans to be dealt with, however. Perhaps it was time to devote the full industrial power of the People to securing their borders, and the implementation of quarantine for the Western Sea.

Yes, it was time to implement Phase 2.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA, MY 2201

Captain Smith studied the map and was not happy about what she saw. Santiago had asked her to take charge of the assault on the Hive base however after she had reviewed the maps she had wished she had not.

The tactical situation was terrible. She had warned Santiago many times about deploying a reaction force to the west but she had been overruled. Now they were paying the price for it. She had three impact rovers racing to the base and they would be there very soon. Infantry were ready to march from Victory City but she did not want them to leave unless they had anti-espionage team support as well.

The only good thing she had seen was the recent development of ECM technology. If for some reason her assault when bad at least any counter-attack would run up against a wall of Spartan defenders with the most advanced targeting systems on Chiron.

“What have you decided Captain?”

Smith turned slightly, the voice was familiar, Santiago.

“Colonel I know I don’t have to say this because you already know it, this is a nightmare.” Smith swept her arms over the map.

“I agree. I am very disappointed with level of production and it has robbed us of vital resources needed to fight this war. As much as I would have loved to begin the operation against the Peacekeepers but our true enemy is Yang. Yang has to be dealt with and his forces thrown off this continent.” Santiago said menacingly.

“I agree Colonel but in order to do it we will become trapped in a war of attrition I don’t think we can win. I can say this Colonel I can win this battle militarily but I cannot win the war.” Smith said despondently.

“Captain Smith you need to concentrate on the task at hand. Defeat the Hive with the forces you have. I will supply you with whatever I can spare. Have a plan on my desk by the end of the week.” Santiago glared at Smith, her eyes full of anger.

“Yes Colonel!” Smith snapped back.

Santiago merely nodded her head and left. Smith watched her leave and realized she had treaded too close to the edge. Santiago would invite many opinions but when it came to defeat that area was off limits.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2202

“Our foil probe retrieved only 2 megajoules before being captured, First Citizen,” General Whay stated. “The Pirates have no additional technology, and probing their outlying bases to get their energy is not efficient. The only remaining use is to probe a city to get their latest world map. That, at least, would have some value.”

The First Citizen was not happy. Hole of Aspiration had spent considerable time constructing five sea probes, and now they were all but useless. The could not attack or defend against native units, and they were very vulnerable to Pirate sea attack. If they could not reasonably continue with their espionage function they would have to pull them back to Great Clustering.

“Agreed,” he said. His tone was measured. It would do no good to show his subordinate his degree of frustration and self-doubt. “Instruct Yang Mine and Hole of Aspiration to construct empathy foils, and then a series of transports. We shall harvest the Unity pods in Yang Sea, and then move against the Pirates. If a foil can take an undefended or lightly defended Pirate base then they may do so. But, I do not want the People to be burdened with useless and hard to defend bases that serve no strategic value.”

“Yes, First Citizen,” General Whay said. “We could gift the bases to our allies. Then they would be responsible for their defense. It would also generate good will, since it would demonstrate the beneficence of The Hive toward its allies.”

“A commendable observation, General,” Yang said. He was genuinely pleased. This was a fresh idea, one that would serve the People well. “If such comes to pass, give the bases to the Gaians. They are less advanced and have fewer holdings.”

“And they will therefore be less of a threat in the long term,” Whay finished for him.

“Yes,” Yang said, with a slight smile. “Quite correct.”

*~*~*~*

Western wastelands – SPARTA 2202


Captain Smith pulled her breather mask off and rubbed her face. This was stupid she thought, just plain stupid. She quickly glanced behind her as she watched the grand army of the Spartan Federation snake along the river valley.

It was just plain stupid.

However, it was all that they could do. Smith pushed the breather mask back into place and flopped back down in the command rover and motioned for the driver to continue.

As the rover bumped along her mind seemed to bounce back to the night before she left at the head of the army. Santiago had pulled her aside and confided in her something that chilled her to the bone.

“Jocelyn I need to tell you something, something that only myself Major West and Captain Clinton know.” She pulled her closer. “We are losing this war. It is clear to us now that the Yang has duped all of the leaders on Chiron into believing him, even Lal. We are the only faction left to oppose him and if we were to fall nothing will stand against him. He can then fall on any of the other factions on gobble them up in turn. We need to hold out long enough for the other factions to “wise up” and fight back with us. The pirates are fools but they will stand little chance against Yang since that idiot Svensgaard built every sea city he could in every corner of this planet. You need to push Yang off our lands. We need to hold out until we can build up more forces to oppose him. Our economic system is finally paying off as we bring on the last of the recreational facilities production is climbing. Once we can get all of our rovers into production we will have the means to oppose him but for now we need to hold what we have. Do you understand?”

Smith could only nod her head.

Now far from Sparta Command Smith could only wonder if she were delaying the inevitable. Her forces were powerful. Yet she needed more infantry to get into the city and clear it out. It always came back to that one word: more. Yang wanted more and Sparta would deny him as long as it stood.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2203

More bad news.

Another foil in the Western Sea had been destroyed. This time it had attacked an isle of the deep that had been lurking in some nearby fungus. As had happened in the Yang Sea, the foil had barely failed. The operative word in this instance is ‘failed’.

Yang now issued a directive that all future foils were to be constructed with resonance armor and empathy ability. This was more expensive, but losing a foil in an attack or defense against an isle was more expensive. Refitting the old foils was no longer an issue since they had all been destroyed.

Complicating matters was the fact that there were relatively few Hive bases that could launch foils in the Western Sea. Of those, a fungus-filled bay hemmed two in. A sea former was dealing with this problem but it would take time, and it was hoped that the kelp farms it was forming would spread, destroying the fungus.

Another issue was the dearth of transports. More were needed to support efforts against the Pirates and Spartans, but these construction slots competed with those that were construction foils. Granted, it only took three to four years to construct a resonance impact foil with empathic ability, but that was significant when there were Spartan foils lurking in unknown areas.

This brought up another vexing issue – sea land security. This had and continued to be his obsession. Almost all Hive bases had a probe defender, and there were plenty of extra probes that could be called on, if needed. But there was no defense against over-sea incursions. A sea base was needed, and needed quickly. Then it, too, would have to be supported and heavily garrisoned.

That, in turn, created an increasing problem of drones. For every new base that was constructed there was progressive restiveness in the People at existing bases, and it would quickly become a game of diminishing returns. The only advantage of new bases were as construction centers and areas to re-home military units. They contributed little to the scientific output of The Hive. This means that all further bases will have to be strategic, not just convenient.

The only bit of solace was that the Pirates had expanded to the point that they were crippled. Santiago had see to it that her vassal the Drones had been moribund, and as such contributed little to the Spartan Empire. It appeared that the Spartans had founded relatively few bases. Only the Gaians and Peacekeepers seemed stable, although the Pirates were pressing both, even if that activity had been wholly ineffective.

Sparta would not be so timid, or ineffectual. They had shown that in their blitz of the Drones. It remained to be seen if their efforts would be against The Hive or the Peacekeepers. Of these, Yang knew the Peacekeepers were more vulnerable, but The Hive was more of a threat. If left alone, the Peacekeepers would mind their own business. The Spartans knew this. The key is how Santiago tipped the balance between conquest and aggressive defense.

*~*~*~*

SSCaTC, Sparta Command – SPARTA

Captain Clinton watched the technicians again as they re-checked the communications array. It took nearly 15 minutes for them to complete the troubleshooting.

“Captain its dead in the water.” The chief technician reported.

“Why?” Clinton asked her voice slightly angry.

“The increased solar radiation is the main source of the problem. Just like on Earth the effect is magnified here when we have solar sunspots. There is just no possible way for us to clear the noise and distortion from the communications array.”

“Keep trying.” Clinton commanded.

“We will Captain but the I will tell you right now only if we are lucky and we get a brief window of weakened solar activity will we able to send a transmission.”

Clinton nodded and then stepped back to allow the techs more room to work. It was clear that the solar storms would for intensive purposes blackout all communications on Chiron. What Clinton had to determine now was this a good event or bad. On the surface it might seem bad but she knew much of the technology the Hive had harvested had come from “trades” from their allies. Without being able to communicate the Hive would have one avenue of technology cut off from them.

The question though what would this mean for Sparta?

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2204

First Citizen Yang looked through the latest intelligence reports. It seems the Gaians had immediately traded the technology from their last trade to the Peacekeepers. That was annoying since that was exactly what he was intending to do and the Gaians had beaten him to the punch. With those trades the Peacekeepers were at parity with the Hive again, even with the People’s Scientist’s recent breakthrough in Ecological Engineering, which was a mixed blessing. The mines that were present in rocky areas throughout Hive territory now had become much more productive and had caused four bases to have a huge amount of ecological damage. Hole of Aspiration had had two such ‘fungal blooms’ already, and he had issued a Directive to minimize all such damage to ensure damage would be minimized.

That was an administrative concern, and in reality it was a good thing since it meant that the People were fast approaching maximum industrial production, and could now cease the production of supply crawlers and switch to infrastructure and military units. Of these it seemed that military units would be needed. The small boon in energy that the switch to Wealth had provided had now been consumed by growing maintenance, and the People were now running a modest deficit, which was acceptable only because it was made up by commerce with the Gaians, Peacekeepers, and to a lesser extent the Angels.

That piqued Yang’s interest, and he called up a comparison of known information.

Pop # bases Tech/yr # tech
Hive 89 18 118 23
PK 58 13 114 23
Pirate 67 19 2.4 (!) 18
Gaian 41 10 37 20
Angel* 26 5 ?? ??
Drone* 5 1 ?? ??
Sparta* 44 15 ?? ??

Yang knew all too well what the asterisk meant. These were projections based on best information derived from traded world maps. No direct information via penetrated datalinks were available despite the People’s best efforts. The Drones and Angels were a low priority since they were too small to be a direct threat. The same could not be said for the Spartans, who had shown The Hive hostility from their first meeting.

Looking over the data a few trends were clear. First, the Peacekeepers were ascending quickly and would likely replace The Hive as the technological leader on Chiron. Their Free Market economy and Wealth had massively boosted their energy reserves, and it was not likely that the People would be able to match their rate any time soon. Their population had crested a decade ago and was not likely to experience significant booms in the near future due to their poor terraforming. In short, they had achieved a population plateau, and would rise due to infrastructure development, which they could easily afford.

The second obvious trend is that the Pirates were growing very fast. Most of their bases were moderately sized, and would grow faster. By comparison, most of The Hive bases were moderate to large sized. The conclusion is that the Pirates would continue to grow, and at a pace that exceeded The Hive. Their military was unmatched, but largely irrelevant since most was concentrated in isolated sea bases. In short, the Pirates could harass, but not press a war. The only exception is their few land bases on Gaian territory, be even that war was ineffectual and the pacifistic Gaians had beaten them off for decades.

In the middle were the solid Gaians, who were true to their philosophy of moderate growth and a moderate number of bases. They had benefited greatly from their alliance with the Hive and friendship Peacekeepers, without which they would be technologically crippled.

In short, the Peacekeepers were a rising power but not one to be feared since they had a minimal military and no real ability to use it. The Pirates were a rising power, but seemed unable to do anything with their power and had a cripplingly low technology rate. Without help from their allies the Spartans they were likely to become a second rate power very quickly. The Gaians were keeping up, but were also not a threat.

That left the wildcard, the Spartans. They seemed to have modest power that was at least equal to the Gaians, but with more potential. Of the factions on Chiron they were the only one to have successfully prosecuted a war to subjugate the Drones. This made the lack of intelligence even more critical. Their vaunted military could be a threat, even if there had only been sea skirmishes to date. The establishment of Worker’s Nest on their continent meant that was likely to change. Very soon, if Yang read Santiago correctly, their skirmishes would escalate to a real war.

	25-05-2004 08:09									#29
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Great western wastelands – SPARTA 2204

“Captain why are we moving north?”

Smith remained silent as she silently counted to 10 to give her a chance to calm down before answering.

“Soldier SSCaTC wants us to investigate those pods so we are. We are the largest military force in this area so we are the best equipped to check it out. Sparta needs every advantage it can get now.” Smith fired back. She had not waited long enough it seems.

The driver of her command rover nodded his head and went back to driving. The field commander was not in a mood to be chatty it seemed.

Smith did not like it either but she had to keep up discipline. She knew Santiago was hoping against hope that they could find something to help Sparta regain an advantage in this contest for survival. In ten turns Smith knew Sparta would make another breakthrough and in another eight after that they would unlock another alien artifacts secrets. However, if intel was right Yang was so far beyond Sparta’s technological capabilities it would make you sick to think about it.

So instead of attacking the Hive base in four turns it would be five now. The scouts were already there; two recon rover regiments were scouting the outside areas of the Hive base just to make sure no spies got through. Infantry was standing by to support. But no attack would begin until Smith showed up with the bulk of the Grand Army of Sparta.

There was little time now and Smith knew it deep down in her heart. It was time to either win this battle and regain dominance of their continent or die in the attempt. One thing she did know was that whatever might happen Smith would never end up a Hive drone. She would kill herself first.

*~*~*~*

Yang Sea near Pirate territory, MY 2205

“Are they still there?” Lieutenant James Morrison asked.

“Of course they are,” his counterpart People’s Field Agent Sung said. “They’re where they were the last time you asked, which was five minutes ago: right on our butts.”

Morrison didn’t answer the sharp comment. The Pirate foil had been in hot pursuit ever since they had captured the Pirate foil. It had been a near thing, and it was good that the Pirate first mate lived up to the Pirate standard of offering their services to the highest bidder. They were just about ready to blast their flimsy probe foil out of the water when the mutiny occurred. Now the Pirate captain was ‘feeding the fishes’, as the Pirates colorfully put it.

They should have known that another Pirate foil would be making their way south. They had caused a lot of trouble when the infiltrated the Pirate’s datalinks, stole their world map, and acquired their files on resonance technology. Another foil probe had tried to steal energy, had succeeded in acquiring a mighty two megacredits before being captured and messily executed.

So, there was not much to do but to run for it and alert the Hive foil captains that were waiting on the other side of the sea fungus barrier. With a little luck they’d be able to take care of the Pirate. Then they could go back to work.

*~*~*~*

Great western wilderness – SPARTA 2205

“Well I’ll be damned.”

Captain Jocelyn Smith walked over to the large cargo pod that had been dug out by the myrmidons of the Grand Army of the Spartan Federation and she was amazed. It had taken several days to dig it clear but sure enough, there it was.

“How many do you think are in the Captain?”

“This cargo pod was nearly full perhaps 125 maybe even 150 fission reactor cells, a treasure beyond comprehension.”

The myrmidons began to lift up the power cells carefully to be cataloged and then transported back to Sparta.

Smith watched the myrmidons work and she could only wonder how Santiago knew, or guessed this pod would be a godsend in supplies. Even with a market economy not much made it into the treasury after the heavy expenditures in infrastructure. If Sparta was lucky she banked energy credits that just barely made it to double digits. So much of the treasury went to recreational pursuits for the workers and the research funding that little was left over to improve the Spartan army, until now.

“What do you think they will use all of this energy for Captain?”

“I hope we get the plasma upgrades we need or perhaps our scouts out there would be upgraded with impact weapons. That is how I would do it.”

“Well Captain wishing and getting are too different things.”

Smith could only grin slightly at the joke. Joke though it might be the truth of the matter was simple: Sparta used a great amount of its surplus to keep things running, not to improve things. If Sparta had the means to improve its police enforcement capabilities without adding tons of infrastructure that would be great but the simple reality of the situation was clear. Until they did have the means to improve their internal security forces keeping the half-men/half-women and the male work force happy or at least “content” was a constant struggle for the Spartan High Command.

*~*~*~*

Yang Sea, MY 2206

“Captain! Transport reports the Unity pod was infested with an isle of the deep! It has appeared off their port bow in open water, and they’re begging for help!”

“Come about, flank speed,” Captain Janet Loica said. “Prepare the empaths. Tell them they’re about to engage their first isle. They know full well we’ve never destroyed one before, and this will be their chance to make history for the People!”

Janet felt the new foil with resonance armor, impact weapons wheel around. They had been shadowing the transport just in case they had a turn of bad luck when investigating pods, or had a prowling Pirate to take care of. Now was her moment to shine!

The trip to the isle showed the transport furiously trying to wheel around. They were ponderous and slow and had no hope of evading the marauding isle they had unleashed. As she peered through the optical scopes it was clear this was a big isle, and that they had friends, two of them, in fact. Destroying the isle and the two mindworms would give The Hive a nice lode of mindworm energy! The First Citizen could then use that for the good of the People.

She started barking orders. The impact gun was made ready, just in case, and crew was ready to fend off the mindworms if they should try to board. That wasn’t known to occur, but it was prudent to be prepared.

Janet started toward the bridge when she saw one of the strange empaths walk toward her in a leisurely fashion. That annoyed her. They should be prepared for battle, not taking a constitutional walk! She turned to grace this empath with a piece of wise advice on duty, efficiency, and the joys of cleaning impact turrets if the former weren’t in their work routine.

“Captain,” the young man said. His voice was even and almost blissful. “We’ve already made contact with the isle.”

“Is it dead?” she asked. All of her ire was being replaced by astonishment. It was almost too easy.

“No, it isn’t dead. We’ve been talking to it and its mindworm crew for the last few minutes.”

“What do you mean, ‘talking’,” Janet barked. Her ire was cresting again.

“Just that,” he said. “We should pull aside them so we can go aboard.” The empath had a beatific smile on his face.

Janet wanted to rip that smug smile off his young face. “You have two seconds to explain. Now!”

“We learned some things at the Manifold Nexus, Sir,” he said. “Our research team for our city there has given us the ability to talk with a select few of the isles. Not all, but some are ‘tuned’ by ‘resonance’s’ to us, now that we hold the ancient ruins. Suffice to say, they want to join us.”

Now all of Janet’s anger was gone. If this was true then it was even better than the harvest of energy they had promised to get. Imagine! Two mindworms and an isle, all in the service of the People!

First Citizen Yang would be most pleased!

*~*~*~*

Great western desert – SPARTA 2206

“Concentrate your fire!” Smith yelled over the intercom.

Since leaving the site wit the vast supply of energy modules the army had moved south but had encountered a rogue worm. The 2nd heavy cavalry unit had engaged the worm mass but it was taking a pounding. Smith had ordered the 3rd up as close support but she was still hoping the 2nd could pull it off.

“Captain!” The intercom squawked at her. “The creature is dead. However, the myrmidons in my regiment are badly wounded. Request to fall back and use the monolith’s energy to restore them?”

“Confirmed.” Smith radioed back. “The 3rd will stand guard. I will continue with the remaining elements of the army and rendezvous with you at these coordinates.”

Smith sent the captain of the 2nd the information.

“Confirmed.”

The line went dead.

Smith pulled out a piece of field rations and stuffed her face with it. It was disgusting but it was filling. Another delay, another delay, another delay. If Yang were smart at all he would have built his city up into a small fortress by now. The recon commanders still reported no activity other than the accidental activation of a mass mover. The device had been activated by accident by a junior myrmidon and it had created a large mountain in the desert region. What effect it would have on the Hive base was unknown.

She took another big bit of the ration and threw the rest to the ground. It will be sometime before she would eat real food again.

*~*~*~*

Yang Sea, MY 2207

‘Admiral Loica’. Janet liked the sound of that! First Citizen Yang had been more than pleased with the addition of the isle and mindworms to the People. In fact, he had given her a field promotion to Admiral in charge of the People’s Eastern Fleet. At this point it consisted of three impact foils, three resonance trance transports, and isle with three mindworms, and three sea probe teams. That was pretty substantial, and well rounded. In her professional opinion it was a bit light on raw firepower, but it had considerable versatility.

The isle was something to behold. It could act as a transport, and could destroy ships and support units. Woe to any enemy unit it caught in the fungus, since it would surely be doomed. It could even occupy one of those pesky Pirate sea bases! More isles would be considerable a considerable improvement, especially when escorted by foils and transports.

Her orders were to put the mindworms ashore in an unoccupied area and have them investigate as many Unity pods as they could. The mindworms would be able to move through the fungus at will, which would aid exploration considerably. The isle itself would then be attached to her wing, with the express duty of investigation Unity pods that were stuck in sea fungus. Of course, an empath foil would be by in case a hostile isle was flushed out. Resonance armor would give them some defense, and the increase in offense against the isles would mean there would be no more losses to isles, as had happed twice before. The rest of the foils and transports would investigate Unity pods, and they would act as a mutually supporting group.

The only worrying point was a Pirate foil that was in hot pursuit of a probe foil. The foil had made it through the fungus between Pirate territory and the Yang Sea, but there was only one Hive foil to deal with it. If they failed then the damaged Pirate foil would be able to limp home. The only other option would be to subvert the foil. That would be expensive, likely 160 megajoules of energy. It was highly unlikely that the First Citizen would authorize such an extravagant expenditure.

There were times when risks had to be taken, and this was such a time.

*~*~*~*

Eastern sea – SPARTA 2207

“Captain do you wish to change course?”

Captain Somersby was not happy about this decision, not at all. If he ordered a course change to avoid the fungus it would nearly double the amount of time it would take them to reach their target. The only other option was to go through a small channel of “clear” water but it also had an object floating dead center that could be anything. The SFS BLACK SEA was a unique vessel, a spy ship. It had not armaments and little armor but it did have one of the most sophisticated and advanced computer and communications system ever installed in a Spartan warship. The purpose of the SFS BLACK SEA was simple: approach an enemy sea base as quietly as possible and then infiltrate the enemies network and steal vital information. In addition, to the vast array of electronic equipment the BLACK SEA also had a small team of commandos aboard that could do the “wet work” if needed by actually landing on enemy soil and completing the mission by infiltrating the enemies city and systems and retrieving the data the old fashioned way.

“I think we will go ahead, our mission time is far too critical for us to make an great delays. Full speed ahead.”

The espionage foil leaped ahead and closed the distance with the pod. As they approached it became clear that it was not an enemy but a pod from the Unity. The ship pulled up along side of it and then used boat hooks to secure it to the hull of the BLACK SEA.

Captain Somersby watched anxiously as her XO jumped down from the main deck onto the pitching pod and opened an access hatch on the top of the pod. She pulled out a flashlight and knelt down to take a look inside. The greatest fear is that some of the pods had been infested by sea worms that used the pod as a home, much like a crab with a shell.

“Captain!” The XO yelled. “It’s okay! The pod is full of manufacturing supplies, tools and parts. Its jammed packed with raw steel and plastic. I bet there is enough here to build a complete regiment of rovers if need be.”

“Good work XO!” Somersby yelled down from the flying bridge. “I will contact SSCaTC and have them send out a tug to pick this up. If you are right the rover regiment under construction at the Citadel will have more than enough supplies to get the job done early. The army will need that regiment with the war with the Hive. Now get back aboard.”

The crew worked quickly by re-sealing the hatch and attaching a marked and extra floatation devices to the hull of the pod along with a beacon marker set to a coded Spartan frequency.

The BLACK SEA pulled away from the pod and began to move at top speed south. They still had a long way to go to reach the nearest Gaian coastal base. SSCaTC had decided that the Gaians would make an excellent target since Sparta needed technology on advanced agricultural methods. It was critical that any information they downloaded would be of immediate use to Sparta. The BLACK SEA’s sister ship the SFS BLACK OCEAN would begin its assault on the Peacekeepers as soon as sea trials were complete.

Somersby knew that a great deal of importance was attached to these missions. If both ships were able to come back with even one technology each then they would have more than compensated for the cost of the ships ten times over. If they could attack additional targets and gain additional information then it would be frosting on the cake. However, Somersby knew she still had to get her ship there and that was the real hard part.

*~*~*~*

Yang Sea, MY 2208

“Where are they?” Loica asked herself. The Pirate foil had not appeared to take out the fleeing probe foil, and that was too bad since the Hive foil was waiting for them. Most likely they were waiting in the fungus, guarding the passage to Pirate seas to the north. Janet reflected that is what she would have done. Blundering into hostile territory wasn’t a way to do anything but get surprised and sunk.

What to do? Not knowing where the foil was worse than an attack, or knowing it had taken up station in one of the Pirate bases. Uncertainty could cripple planning, or even the productive construction of addressing likely eventualities. What were the most likely outcomes, and what would she do about them? The Pirates could have sneaked past her cordon. If so, it could wreak some havoc before it was sunk. More likely it would stay in the fungus. But, if it took up station keeping in a nearby Pirate base she would know since the Pirates had been infiltrated a while ago.

The best thing to do is have a backup plan, and that involved getting another foil in the area. Even better would be taking one of the Pirate bases and using it as a lightning rod, and a forward base of operations. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about rogue Pirate bases.

Such an action would require the explicit approval of the First Citizen, and the construction of at least one more foil, and probably two to ensure success.

This was the best strategy, in the end: an aggressive defense. It was highly likely that First Citizen Yang would approve.