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NorthSwordsman
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2197 to the Gaians.
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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Year 2197 to Walt.
_______
Personal Log, Year 2197
Captain Riley, Sword of Gaia
My sailors are taking some well-deserved shore leave while the ship is undergoing repairs at Lily of the Valley. I must say, this is only the second time I've ever visited this colony, and the last time I never even got a chance to look at the Uranium Flats. Already the once untamed Flats are now showing signs of development. Though in typical Gaian fashion, our workers are extra careful to follow the contours and patterns of Planet's lands, avoiding where the psionic advisors say is ecologically sensitive.
Meanwhile, I have just received an e-mail from the Defense Minister. It has been hastily composed and consists only of a single sentence, "Our Vendetta with the Cyborgs has finally ended." The D.M. was unavailable at this time, but once he is, I'll be sure to ask him the terms of peace and what this means for our ship. I really doubt that we'll be decommissioned despite the fact that we are no longer at war with anyone anymore. I have a bad feeling that our services may be needed again very shortly.
Speaking of which, I just noticed that in the Planetary Leadership Reports, we Gaians have just been rated #1 in the area of military strength! No doubt the top brass will want to give us medals, ceremonies, and other forms of recognition for our part in this achievement. But I can't but wonder if somehow this "achievement" was only made because other factions have either disbanded their troops or lost them in battle with their enemies. I wish I could see the look on Lady Deirdre's face when she realizes she's the head of the strongest military on Planet, at least for the time-being. Maybe the budget for our military will be slashed, as if it even had much of a budget in the first place. LOL!
_______
Intelligence Report, Year 2197
(Note: The Defense Minister did not have a chance to open this report until after the peace treaty went through.)
For some odd reason, the massive buildup of Cyborg troops at their home bases has been reversed. Also, the Cyborgs have switched to a Free Market economy and shifted their focus away from military projects toward domestic ones.
Furthermore, the attitude of the citizens suggest that they are becoming very weary of war. Our infiltrators among the citizens have confirmed this new attitude first-hand. There are even rumors that Aki Zeta 5 herself is willing to talk peace.
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Walt
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Louisville, KY, USA
Jan 2001
time: 05:14
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2197 didn't make it to me: the email was attachment-less. I've emailed Tench, but Tench, I'm just posting here in case you look here before checking email.
Ciao!
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Walt
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Louisville, KY, USA
Jan 2001
time: 05:14
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2197 to cbn.
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NorthSwordsman
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2198 to the Gaians.
===========================================
Planet Cult Offical Press Statement:
We wish to reassure Foreman Cbn of the Free Drones that the statement was not intended to be a statement of future military action against him. We are aware that the military of the Free Drones has little faith in the negotiation abilities of the Foreman to procure a lasting treaty. To date, we have kept the treaty obligations for 6 years now without any intentional breach.
The statement was directed toward those of Planet who wish to plunder the mineral wealth of this lovely world. There will be grave consequences to the environment and relationships between factions if these courses of action continue.
We therefore urge that all factions adopt a "Green" stance toward Planet to preserve the way of life of the native species of this world. Unlike those of Earth who were torn away from their land, the native species will defend themselves against this incursion, with serious and grave consequences to us all.
Last edited by NorthSwordsman on 10-07-2001 at 05:55
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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Year 2198 to Walt.
_______
Personal Log, Year 2198
Druid Tenchusatsu, First Advisor to Lady Deirdre
Seems like the Spartans are now at war with the Peacekeepers. I knew Santiago and Lal would never be able to get along. This time, however, even Lady Deirdre knows that cries for peace will not be heard, since Santiago is clearly being the aggressor here. I fear we may be called upon to defend the Peacekeepers from the warlike Spartans. Either that, or the Spartans will declare Vendetta on us anyway, since I sense they aren't really fond of us in the first place, despite the peace treaty we signed several years ago.
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Walt
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Louisville, KY, USA
Jan 2001
time: 05:14
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2198 to cbn.
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NorthSwordsman
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2199 to the Gaians.
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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Year 2199 to Walt.
_______
Journal Entry, Year 2199
Lindley, Head of the Mindworm Trainers
The worms are celebrating the completion of several Tree Farms on the Gaian mainland. They pull me into their world. They sing new worm songs, which has now taken on joyous, melodious tones. They dance around me ... I dance with them. They welcome us, their honored guests, into the celebration, along with "earthtree" and "earthflower" and "earthfarm." I see images of harmony between our plant and tree hybrids and Planet's wild fauna, fungus, and towers. Everything looks more beautiful than I could have ever imagined it ...
... and then all of a sudden the images shift dramatically. I see waste. Pollution. Waters clouded by industrial wastes. The air shrouded by dark smokestacks from factories. Human development tearing at Planet's delicate skin, raping her, ripping out her heart, her vital organs. The fungus, Planet's immune system, tries desperately to fight against the polluters, the insensitive, but they are too strong, too numerous for even an entire Planet to combat ... AAARGHHH!!!
I shout in desperation, "This is terrible! Who is doing this? Are we doing this? Have my people broken their promise to you again? I assure you, they mean no harm; they want to do what is best for both Planet and humans together!"
The worms reply in unison, "no ... once you just like that, but no more. we forgive you. you now our friends again. we now help you with food and treefarm and energy. you now doing well without hurt us."
"Then tell me, why are you showing me this? Who is it? Who is doing this?"
And then they answer ...
... and I tremble. For I know our dedication to Planet will soon be tested ...
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Walt
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Louisville, KY, USA
Jan 2001
time: 05:14
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2199 to cbn.
____
*gack!*
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NorthSwordsman
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Turn 2200 to the Gaians.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Planet Cult Offical Press Release:
We are heartened by the actions of the the Free Drone faction in taking a step towards a more environment-friendly stance. We applaud the Foreman's foresight and wisdom, and condemn those who have not had the same attributes toward Planet.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Log, First Advisor:
As we enter into the last year of our first century upon this wonderful Planet, I contemplate the damage we have caused by our actions. I am amazed that Planet has not responded in a more violent fashion that it has to date. The Prophet insists that our given role is that of defender of Planet. I concur. The only question is, when and where?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Planet Cult Offical Military Press Release:
Major Harkness, the commander of the 1st Worm Battalion stationed at the FreeDrone-Cult border, was found guilty in a military tribunal this morning of deleriction of duty in connection with an attemped border crossing of several men and women on their way to a local "watering hole". Harkness was stripped of his rank, given an dishonorable discharge, and assigned as a tender of fungus on the north continent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Planet Cult Offical Military Press Release:
6 men and women of the 1st Worm Battalion on duty at the Drone-Cult border were apprehended attempting to cross the border enroute to a local recreation center. As stipulated in Military Order #FA8320-21b, they were duly executed after a brief trial.
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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Year 2200 to Walt.
_______
Public Proclamation
Druid Tenchusatsu, First Advisor to Lady Deirdre
We hereby announce our Pact of Brotherhood with Walt of the Morganites. Not only has Walt demonstrated great concern for Planet's well-being with his development of the first Tree Farm, but he has also offered to help us upgrade all of our Network Nodes to avoid the Y2.2K bug.
_______
E-mail to Foreman CBN of the Drones
Druid Tenchusatsu, First Advisor to Lady Deirdre
I apologize for responding to your e-mail in such an untimely fashion. I must admit that my schedule is quite full, but I still place top priority on maintaining healthy relations with you. Please do not take this as a sign to the contrary.
I am quite pleased that you have instituted major environmental programs as of late. Certainly your industrial capacity is the envy of Planet, but as we all know, the hidden costs of such production is pollution and environmental destruction. And in the long run, this no doubt hurts us all as visitors on a possibly sentient Planet. Of course, we Gaians want to be a shining example to the rest of Planet, demonstrating that humans and Planetlife alike can not only exist together, but also work together for the mutual benefit of all. Your recent attention to Planet's environment warms my heart, and I'm sure it will also warm Lady Deirdre's as well.
However, I do not know why you find the need to warn us against violence. Certainly you know about Lady Deirdre's long-standing policy against war. In fact, we recently brokered a peace agreement between the warlike Spartans and the erratic Peacekeepers, despite Commissioner Lal's previous demands for us to join them in war. And by the way, I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but Lal also demanded that we join him in his quixotic Vendetta against you. We refused, of course. Later we broke our Pact with the PKs, mainly because I suspected Lal merely wanted to use us to fund his "peacekeeping" (hah!) military operations. My fear is that they may extort energy from us and threaten us with war. I hope and pray that they don't, but if they do, we will do everything necessary to bring a swift end to such a war and minimize the casualties.
I must admit, however, that there is a small but vocal group of radical citizens within our nation who are calling for direct action against Planet's polluters. They are advocating eco-terrorism, mind control, even outright war to harass and destroy those who they believe are enemies of Planet. Now personally, I do not share their views, because the end does not justify the means. In fact, eco-terrorism is perhaps the most hypocritical act of any Gaian, and if any of our citizens engage in such heinous crimes, I will personally hunt them down and bring them to justice.
Finally, you are right that our empaths have been greatly distressed recently over the state of Planet's ecology. I do not pretend to have any telepathic abilities; I am an administrator at heart, and my title as "Druid" is only a formality. Therefore, I cannot begin to understand the mysterious xeno-psychology of the mindworms. That is Lady Deirdre's area of expertise, not mine. Yet she has been rather busy herself as of late, consulting the senior empaths, taking long trips into the Planet psyche (sometimes for many days at a time, emerging ematiated and malnourished), and withdrawing to her private gardens often. I do not know what is troubling her, but because she has left me with the bulk of her normal responsibilities, I have not found the time to ask.
In conclusion, I hope this e-mail allays any concerns you may have regarding our hopes and intentions. Let's schedule a face-to-face meeting via vid-comm in the near future. I wish to hear how your nation of Free Drones are doing these days.
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NorthSwordsman
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turn to tench.
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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E-mail to Foreman CBN of the Drones
Druid Tenchusatsu, First Advisor to Lady Deirdre
Thank you for your quick and civilized response. Unlike before, I will respond to your correspondence in a more timely manner, starting with this one.
To address your questions one-by-one:
1) I'm afraid I cannot divulge top-secret information, even technologies that improve the environment. Some of our senior advisors are worried that should an unscrupulous leader obtain such technologies, they would use it as a license to increase industrial production and return to their former levels of pollution.
2) I am pleased to hear of your declaration of North Island Planet park. However, I don't believe in arbitrarily claiming a patch of virgin territory far off the coast of my mainland and declaring it a "park" just for the sake of token environmentalism. Instead, real environmentalism involves sacrifices and major changes in lifestyles. This differs sharply from the so-called "environmentalism" of the early 21st century. Back then, scores of citizens claimed to be environmentalists, but drove ancient Rovers called "Sport Utility Vehicles" which needlessly wasted fossil fuels of the time. Then when the prices of those fuels skyrocketed due to overconsumption, they quickly abandoned their environmental beliefs and demanded increased fossil fuel drilling. You know the terrible wars and destruction which followed just for the competition of such limited resources. We must never make that same mistake again on Planet as humans have made on Earth.
We believe that our system of Green economics is the best way to take care of Planet's ecosystem. We lose the economical benefits of a Free Market, and we lose the growth and industrial benefits of a Planned economy. In fact, living conditions in a Green economy are necessarily harsh and growth boundaries are so restrictive that population growth takes a substantial hit. But in exchange, we naturally improve our empathy with Planet and make environmentalism a core character value of every citizen. The side benefit is an increase in economic efficiency due to the integrity of all of our citizens as well as their dedication to the Green cause.
I must admit that we are not slavishly dedicated to this Green system. In fact, we occassionally switch to a Planned economy so that we can micromanage the expansion of our growth boundaries and allow for Population Booms. But we make sure to switch back to a Green economy once we decide that the growth boundaries cannot extend any further. I have heard that your nation is strongly opposed to a Green economy just as Lady Deirdre is opposed to a Free Market. I have to wonder why you are so opposed to this system. Does it run contrary to your egalitarian ideals, or is there something else I'm missing?
3) I understand your concerns and wish to apologize for overly alarming you with the word "warn." By the way, I was not aware that our correspondence was being made public. My impression was that our e-mails were being sent securely and privately. Perhaps some news agency feels it is important to breach this privacy in the shameless pursuit for a story? Maybe it's the work of the elusive Datajack Sinder Roze. Or maybe it's due to one of our engineers who spends way too much time playing video games on our Network Nodes. Maybe he hacks into our e-mails and publish them on open forums just because he is bored. I can't imagine why. 
4) I am impressed that your nation is able to produce everything at a significantly lower cost of materials than any other nation. It speaks wonders of the efficiency at which your factories run, and our industrial engineers can definitely learn a thing or two from your foremen. Also, I am also pleased to hear about your extensive use of tidal generators and forests. Like us, you are demonstrating ways to benefit from Planet's resources without hurting the enviornment in the process. Yet as I mentioned before, true environmentalism isn't measured by the efficiency of your factories, but by the core values of the heart. Any efficiently run factory can still cough up smoke and dump waste. But it is up to each and every citizen in your nation to take up the cause for Planet. I see you have already taken many steps toward this cause, and I hope to see more. I'm sure Lady Deirdre would feel the same way once I inform her of your new environmental initiatives.
Last edited by Tenchusatsu on 13-07-2001 at 05:53
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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Year 2201 to Walt.
_______
Transcript of Security Camera Footage
Hallway just outside of Lady Deirdre's private quarters
(Druid Tenchusatsu walks up to the door of Deirdre's quarters)
T: Lady Deirdre, it's me. Are you there?
(silence)
T: We need to talk. This is the time and day you told me you'd be available. Are you there?
(silence)
T: (speaking into his wrist computer) Computer, locate Lady Deirdre.
C: (in a melodious, synthesized male voice) "Lady Deirdre is in her quarters."
T: Activate infrared bioscan and see if she's alive and OK.
C: (after a few seconds) Lady Deirdre's lifesigns are normal, however her pulse is slightly weak and her breathing patterns are slow.
T: Great, she's done it again. Activate security lock override, authorization "Tenchusatsu Rho-Alpha-Iota." Summon the medics and empaths to her quarters.
(Doors slide open to Lady Deirdre's quarters. The only light shining into the room is coming from the only bright object in the "night" sky, Hercules, a.k.a. Alpha Centauri B. The dim orange light goes through the huge curved glass wall and illuminates the room. In the center, Lady Deirdre lies unconcious, wearing nothing but her meditation gown, a silk yellow-green translucent wisp of an outfit. The Druid walks over, wakes Deirdre up, and slings her arm over his shoulders.)
T: Come on, Lady Deirdre, get up now. Time to head to the doctor's office again. (mockingly) You've got to learn to come back before dinnertime, young lady! I know playing psionic mind games with Planet is fun, but a growing lady like yourself could get hurt!
D: (slowly regaining conciousness, in a whisper) Druid ... I ... need to go back. I ... need to ... know more ... learn more. Don't worry about me, Planet won't let me go. I promise.
T: Yeah, well, that's exactly what I'm worried about, so you're going to the medical unit no matter what. We can talk later.
_______
Boy, I never thought I'd get THIS carried away with our role-playing. Maybe I should start frequenting the AC Fan Fiction threads. 
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cbn
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Newfoundland but soon to be Calgary, Canada
Aug 2000
time: 01:44
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Personal Log-- Huxley Soma-- Intelligence chief of the Free Drones
Sometimes I think the foreman is just too trusting of the other factions--- but I have no clear evidence that they wil be anything other than peaceful. Its just a feeling but these things are starting to pile up. The Gaians are making all kinds of noises about taking action to protect Planet and recent reports tell me there are two IODs in the vicinity of my coasts. While the first advisor seems trustworthy there are concerns about the attitude of Lady Deidre. Also both the Gaians and Morganites have expressed concern about the size of our empire. Then they pact. It might be just for trade but it could be a military pact as well. I'll have to get the computer division to run their scenarios if attacked by both. each is formidable alone . . . .
I really don't understand the foreman sometime. We could build a strong military so that we could be safe against military action. But NOOOO the smarty pants foreman decides its better to appease the Gaians with a whole bunch of environmental initiatives. Now with the recent pacting of two factions he had the gall to tell me I "worry too much". Heck thats what they pay me to do and I better stay alert since the foreman seems oblivious to any possible dangers out there
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabinet memo to the Foreman from Finance Minister Paul Martin jr.
As requested I have compiled the estimates and budget requests from the various departments along with our recommended allocation. We have a projected revenure of 1.1 billion Dronars
DEPT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Request . . . . . . . . Allocation
Administration . . . . . . .275 M . . . . . . . . . . 260M
Public works. . . . . . . . 250 M . . . . . . . . . . . 250M
Intelligence . . . . . . . . . .150 M . . . . . . . . . . . 25M
Military . . . . . . . . . . . . .800 M . . . . . . . . . . . .150 M
Environment . . . . . . . . 400 M . . . . . . . . . . . . 400M
Parks and Lands. . . . . . . 40 M . . . . . . . . . . . 40M
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.915 Billion . . . . . . . 1.125 Billion
In accordance with your policy directive, Environment and Parks were provided full funding as was Public works to allow for needed infrastructure. Funding of the intelligence and military services has been cut drastically thereby making any new programs untenable for them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Military memo -- Identities classified
Recent budget cuts will cripple our military's ability to defend itself. The politicians are obviously also trying to pressure us into abandoning project Omega. Thankfully, the military is entirely free to allocate its budget as it sees fit.
To maintain the Omega project you are directed to
1. Close the Rover plant at Staples of Life
2. Close the military museum at Free Drone Central
3. Close the training bases at Whipsaw Base and Freedom Foundary
The politicians should know better than to slash our budget like this. Don't they know that the military understands the political process as well
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One week later
Channel 10 news
Finance Minister Martin today announced special funding to allow 4 major military installations to remain open. The government had come under fire earlier this week when it was announced that budgetary cutbacks would result in the closure . . . . .
These closures would have resulted in hundreds of lost jobs in the economically depressed region Of East Dronesland. Local MSA's pledged that they would continue to fight for funding for the bases into the future as the military bases constitute the only major industry in those communities.
Last edited by cbn on 14-07-2001 at 14:54
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Walt
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Louisville, KY, USA
Jan 2001
time: 05:14
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2201 to cbn.
______
Morgan Industries (AP): In a startling report, the Vice President of Census, Yen Ching Sternmeyer, today announced that the Morganites are losing waking population, and are having to supplement the population of their existing bases with newly-wakened cryogenically frozen colonists. When asked why Morganites are emigrating to the burgeoning bases of the Drones and Gaians, Sternmeyer expressed no opinion.
Morgan News, however, interviewed emigrees at the Morgan Industries trans-Planet docks.
One emigree, Harvey Hasselkopf, said simply, "It's boring here."
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NorthSwordsman
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2202 to Gaians.
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Tenchusatsu
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Portland, OR (rolling and very rainy)
Feb 2001
time: 05:14
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Year 2202 to Walt.
_______
From: Department of the Interior, Head Administrator
To: Druid Tenchusatsu
Congratulations, my friend. We are now the most populous nation on all of Planet. I must say, your "Family First" program is really paying off. Increasing the child tax credit, prioritizing construction of Children's Creches even in our most remote colonies, improving our tourism industry, and meticulously expanding out our urban growth boundaries have all contributed to this success.
Unfortunately, I am concerned about the ... er ... how shall I put it ... You see, some people are taking this "Pop Boom" thing a little too seriously, and they're using it as an excuse to ... uh ... sow their oats all around the field, if you catch my drift. I understand that promoting fatherhood is a key part of your program, but I think they might be taking the theme a little too far. Even today, I watched a variety show on the vidscreen, and they were holding a contest they call the "Breeder's Cup," where couples race to be the first ones to have a child.
I know I shouldn't worry about this, that the citizens could use a little recreation now and then. But we've had to build more hospitals and train more doctors than ever before in order to deal with the births, the psychotherapy, and all the other headaches of overpopulation. Plus we are able to produce a bumper crop every year thanks to our Tree Farms and Lady Deirdre's "secret recipe" of 11 fungal herbs and spices, but how long do you think the food will last?
I know you're rather busy these days, so I won't waste any more of your time. Just get back to me whenever. Thanks, and I'll talk to you later.
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NorthSwordsman
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Cult Military Intelligence Memo #8923498572
classification: Ultra Secret
To: Ultra List receiptents
Recently, we obtained through clandestine means a copy of the proposed Free Drone budget for the next fiscal year, thanks to their press. We conclude that the budget as published hides much of their military agenda and spending within non-published "slush fund" items. All senior commanders and leaders are cautioned to continue to be on alert.
General Millings,
Chief of Intelligence
============================================
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NorthSwordsman
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Hearing between a sergeant and 2 troopers, Cult/Free Drone border:
Sgt. Robinson: Ok, Parsimmons, what happened?
Parsimmons: Suvako here insulted Raymie, my pet worm, sir.
Sgt Robinson: That's still no reason to be fighting. Suvako, what's your version of this whole thing?
Suvako: Well, Jack came up with that worm draped on his shoulder like so (demonstrates), strutting around like he was some kinda bigshot 'cuz he got a worm yesterday, and the rest of us don't. Then he tole' me to go get him a drink or he would sic his worm on me. I told him his worm was a (mumble, unintelligible), and he took a swing at me. Missed too. I popped him one and decked him. That's about it, sir.
Sgt. Robinson: What did you call the worm?
Suvako: A Free Drone slut, sir.
Sgt. Robinson (wincing): Suvako, you just... (sighing).... calling mindworms names is not going to endear you to anyone in command. Parsimmons, what kinda damage did you take? Was the worm hurt?
Parsimmons: Just a couple a' teeth knocked out, no big deal, they was rotten anyways. The worm hit the dirt, but gave Suvy a little bit of a blast.
Sgt. Robinson: Suvako deserved that, I think. Apparently it wasn't too bad of a Psi blast if you are still talking and walking. Suvako, how are you feeling?
Suvako: Headache. I'll live. Sir.
Sgt. Robinson: Suvako, go see the medics for treatment. You're on KP duty for a week. See Corporal Burns for your duties. Parsimmons, cool your mouth off. If you get in another fight because of this, you'll lose that worm... what did you call him?
Parsimmons: Raymie, sir.
Sgt. Robinson: Right. Odd name for a worm.
Parsimmons: Dunno. Just like the name. Reminds me of my brother back on Earth.
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08-07-2001 17:24
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