18-12-2002 23:11									#1
	Common Purpose Full PM-box? Change here!

Common Purpose

Masterbuilder and I started our 4th PBEM dialog game back in July 2002. This time MB set up the world: large, average everything except abundant fungus, and limited pod scattering (I think MB got tired of me grabbing all those juicy pods in our last game, and racking up 20-30 techs that way by cashing artifacts). He chose the Gaians for me (sigh…) and he chose the Cult. The other factions were the Hive, Spartans, University, Peacekeepers, and Cyborgs – a split of military and development factions. All factions were made more ‘aggressive’ during game setup. One critical difference is that we couldn’t talk before we actually met, which was a change from previous PBEMs we have done. MB thought that it gives us too big an advantage since we can trade tech and maps while the poor AI can’t. We are also required to, whenever possible, stay with our faction agenda and use our faction ideology to guide our actions – role play them, in other words. We were allowed very few mines, and no boreholes and no eco pollution since these are not Planet-friendly items. MB wanted the Gaians to have no or few forests, but I demurred on that one – I view Gaians and not being complete fanatics, after all. The idea was to see how these two Planet-friendly factions would learn to cooperate.

These types of MP games continue to be interesting for us, even as SMAC/X is four years old. Neither of us plays SP anymore, but we will gladly spend an hour or two every day playing our turn and then writing our observations and dialog. To be honest, I can’t wait to get home (or hotel if I am on the road), breathlessly logging on to see if MB has sent his turn to me. At the time of this posting the narrative at MY 2250 is approximately 300 pages long. We hope you enjoy it. I know MB and I have!

Hydro

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2101

Deirdre Skye pushed back and errant strand of hair, wiping her brow at the same time. It was another hot day and, even though the days were short – just shy of 18 earth hours – they seemed to stretch on forever at times. This was one of those days. Yet another of the irreplaceable wheat hybrids had inexplicably failed despite all coaxing and a liberal sprinkling of prayers. Everything looked favorable for the proliferation of all earth plant life, especially considering the super-abundance of nitrogen. It was exasperating since it was impossible to know in the mere four months since crash landing on Chiron what factors might be working against them. Were there parasitic or hostile microorganisms that attack some of these plants during critical portions of their life cycle? Or were some subtle conditions just not quite right? Dee didn’t know, and at this point she knew she didn’t have time to worry about it. She delicately plucked the shriveled stalks from the potting soil and placed each in a tiny vacuum compartment. These dead plants would not be wasted, oh no. They were far too valuable even when dead - Their DNA would be preserved since every specimen was a vital bit of diversity that simply had to be conserved.

As she finished the fabric of the fragile greenhouse started to shudder and Dee looked up. The winds in this area could be severe, but Dee had few worries about a breach that would threaten their valuable seed stores, which in many ways were their future. More care had gone into the greenhouses than had gone into the greenhouse than had gone into any other structure, so if they failed she knew her people would have much bigger things to work about. Hopefully they would never find out.

The pulsing of the fabric subsided and Dee turned back to work. There was much going on, and the few resources of her settlement was going into completing a group of vehicles that would allow the land around them to be made more hospitable to human habitation. The land was surprisingly favorable, the vast expanse of xenofungus not withstanding. Gaia’s Landing was located on a river, providing extra energy which was always welcome. A short distance away they had found a nutrient lode that was providing a huge influx of food, far in excess of what their valuable seed store could ever provide. A short way away was a rainy bit of potential farmland that would provide even more resources in the future. The braver souls of her pod had argued and won the day that two settlements were better than one, and a good number of the surviving members of her Unity pod was making their way up the river from Gaia’s Landing. They would settle there and in a few years they would be able to take advantage of these boons.

There were had been some amazing encounters with native life, too, and almost immediately after landing they had found and successfully communicated with a native form of life that had been labeled a ‘mindworm’. These were nothing like anything every seen on earth, and each mindworm were a collective of sub-sentient organisms. Dee wished she could spend more time with this mindworm, but there was much to do and that task had fallen to her old friend Lindsay.

Moreover, these strange mindworms communicated directly with humans by a means not understood at all. Dee wished with every fiber of her being that she could talk to her old colleague Zakharov, since she was sure he would have insightful observations. That was not to be. There had been no contact with any of the Unity pods that had fallen from the stricken Unity so many months ago. Dee thought about earth, Unity, and the sad fate of humankind every day, of all the lessons learned and not learned. She fervently hoped they survived, but the silence screamed. Dee didn’t want to hear screams anymore.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2101

The last of the suns rays were melting away beyond the horizon making the temperature more bearable by the minute. Cha Dawn walked steadily on toward the hills to the north, leading the first group of colonists to their new homes. It had been a brutal choice to make, to seek higher ground that offered fresh water, rich soils and it was also closer to the fungus. The fungus, everything now depended upon their need to reach this area. The second group had been ordered to go west to seek more fruitful lands, more fungus. It had been a shock, a nightmare for all of them those first months after landing. Within days of landing the worms had swarmed the camp and killed almost a third of the survivors. The leader at that time ordered the remaining pod survivors to fashion whatever weapons they could to stop the attacks. However, Cha Dawn, a relatively minor chemist and botanist had understand almost instinctively that the mass of fungus was alive, was sentient! Smiling to himself as he plodded along what was more amazing was the he somehow knew which people in the group would somehow be able to "link" with the living mass of fungus. He could see on some level, some psychic level, that which person might be able to communicate with the creatures. For some reason he could not but he could sense where the worms would be and who had the ability to communicate with them. During an attack that killed the leader of the group and several of the other co-captains Cha had pulled aside the most likely candidate and pushed him into the front of the group. Within seconds the worms swarmed over the man but left him unharmed, alive! After several days the man was able to learn a great deal from the worm and a bond had formed that allowed him to become a trainer, a guide. Since none of the leaders were left it had been so simple to take control of the survivors to offer them a new vision for the planet and for themselves, of one being in harmony with the planet. In a month order was restored and a new plan was put together. The mere presence of the mind worm seemed to have a calming effect on the people and there was no need for the complicated rules that had been laid down by the colony pod leader. The only rule now was to become one with the planet....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2102

Lindsay came in last, carefully sealing the exterior hatch before activating interior portal. The console to the right flashed green and an autoservo activated, and pumps labored to remove the native atmosphere with earth-standard pressure and composition. Only when a second green light flashed did Lindsay remove his nitrogen scrubber mask and, as he did so, the interior hatch cycled.

Warm light filtered into the small portal as the iris completed its dilation. Lindsay stepped over the metal of the iris carefully. As with everything, the portal was jury rigged from scraps from the Unity pod. This particular piece had probably come from the minute bridge of the pod, or what had survived from the bridge. All these fragments were valuable, even irreplaceable. There would be no high-tensile polymer steel manufactured at Gaia’s Landing for a very long time, not when there was business like mere survival to consider. Food and basic necessities won over grand visions.

“Ah, Lindsay,” Colin stated. “Come in. Sit. You are the last, and we have much to discuss.”

Lindsay nodded to the others in the Council room: Terry Hathaway, Colin Marless, Mali Sanchez, and of course Deirdre Skye.

“Sorry for being late,” she said as she made it over the oversize iris valve. “We had a problem in hydroponics, and I lost track of time…”

“No, no. Don’t apologize. You weren’t the only one who was late,” Colin said as he looked directly at Dee. “Now, let’s get down to business. We have finally accumulated enough resources to consider what sort of resources we will pursue. We have many options, all of which offer certain advantages. Certain technologies related to military advancement were summarily dismissed in our previous meeting, and our choices are between Biogenetics and Social Psychology. Both can be useful. Opinions?”
“Yes.” Mali interjected. “Biogenetics will allow us to progress in our understanding of genetics, which will be key to figuring out the details of the native life. It will also give us tools to better use earth resources.”

Colin nodded. “Others?”

Lindsay motioned, and made eye contact with Colin. “I agree with Mali. Biogenetics enhances what we already know, and plays to our strengths. I will be happy to offer my skills, such as they are. I will be happy to work with Dee, too.”

Terry started to fidget. “We’ve been over this before, and we don’t have time for arcane rules of order. I have work to do, and several tardy members of the Council already delayed me. Let’s get this vote over with.”

Colin’s face pinched briefly, then relaxed. “Very well. By voice. Those for Biogenetics?”

Terry, Lindsay, Mali and Dee all gave an “Aye.”

“I vote yes, too” Colin said. “Now lets adjourn and get some sleep. Shall we, Dee?”

Colin offered Dee his arm, and she took it. Then Dee offered her had to Terry, Terry to Mali, and Mali to Lindsay. As a human chain the carefully walked over the dilated iris and they crowded into the antichamber. Each put on their nitrogen scrubber, and then they activated the autocycle. After it closed the lights in the Council room dimmed and then went out.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2102


Cha Dawn looked out over the new base that had been built on the lush green hills but his eyes always seemed to drift to the crimson fields to the north and south. Their was the source of power and life that was key to survival on this planet, he knew it, like an absolute truth. He turned from the small window and looked at the reports piling up on his desk, so many inconsequential items. There were only four of any value, of meaning. The first was his order to the few scientists that remained from the attacks setting a goal to discover the means to recycle all material at the base.

The key to preserving the planet and enhancing their meager resources was to re-use every molecule of material they had. The second, was a report giving the status of the second colony pod. It was working westward each day but still no sign of any viable colony site. The third was a summary of a communication with the guide for the mind worm named Alpha. They had scouted the fungal patch to the south, their original landing site and were now working eastward to see what lay beyond. The fourth was a status report of the colony's resources and colony manpower. So many key people were needlessly killed in those first days. Of the surviving members only 20% of them had any advanced training and only 10% more had any technical skills of note. leaving 70% of the population with the basic worker skills and talents. Very poor indeed. All of the highly trained scientists and technicians were among the other pods leaving the "lesser" to fend for themselves. However, it seemed that all of the people he had selected came from this pool of lessers to merge with the worms, interesting. Cha turned away from the papers and glided slowly across the floor to pass into the next room, the conference room. The next batch of colonists, four men and five women, were entering the room for inspection, for testing. So far nine people had been selected as candidates for merging with the worms.

Several had already been sent out to meet up with Alpha and its guide to hopefully merge with more worms, to merge with the planet. Cha released the catch from his robes and allowed them to drop to the floor. Testing was easier when he could touch the candidate, to feel the candidate, to become one with them. The worms are the key to power on Planet, the guides are the means to control the worms and Cha was the mind, the soul behind it all...

	18-12-2002 23:15									#2
	Remove this text

Fallow Time, MY 2103

Colin made a sour face. “Ah,” he said, pausing to catch is breath, “that was good.” Lindsay filled up his hand crafted pottery ‘goblet’ with another dose of fungal gin as Colin looked on ruefully. His eyes got bigger as the level of what these alcoholic butchers called gin got higher.

“Drink up!” Lindsay sauntered off to find some other likely victim of her latest invention. Colin looked for some discrete place to dispose of the noxious substance, although he reflected that in this greenhouse it was likely that it would kill any poor plant he graced it with. He decided to suck it in and try to enjoy the concoction. He took another sip, and his face screwed up again. Nope – it wasn’t getting any better.

He knew how much this gin meant to Lindsay, so he decided to nurse it all night. After all, this was the first real party the colonists had reason to have since landing on Chiron. They had finally, after three long years of toil and tribulation, found and established the second colony: Fallow Time. Colin never understood how the colonists come up with such an odd name for their second settlement, even though some of them had tried to explain. Frankly, he got lost when they wandered into a detailed explanation of 5th century Buddhist philosophy, and he had no idea how that hand anything to do with their newest settlement. His tactics at that point had been simple: have what he hoped was an earnest look on his face and nod frequently, and hopefully at the right times. Eventually it had worked since the enthusiastic colonist had wandered away and Colin knew he was none the wiser for it.

Looking around, Colin knew this settlement wasn’t much to look at. It consisted of a motley collection of pre-fab living quarters, power station, basic vehicles, and rudimentary fabrication facilities that had been split off from Gaia’s Landing. The accommodations at Gaia’s Landing were just barely Spartan and Colin didn’t envy these rough-and-ready colonists. Still, he could not fault their drive and dedication for one minute, and he was very proud of them, each and every one.

Colin finally found something to give him a moment of amusement. Lindsay had cornered Dee. He had been watching her trying to edge away behind a knot of colonists, but she had failed. Lindsay firmly grabbed the goblet she had, drained it of its contents, and then filled it with her fungal gin. Dee had a sick smile on her face. Evidently she knew all about fungal gin, and she should since she was one of Lindsay’s closest friends. Lindsay made a motion that was obviously ‘Drink up!” and she wandered off again. Her jug was still at least half full, so she would be busy for a while. It was even likely that she had a few more jugs of the vile substance squirreled away somewhere. Colin vowed to be safely asleep somewhere before that horrid occurrence came to be.

Gin aside, it was a grand party, the best he could remember in a long, long time.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2103


Cha Dawn slammed his small fist on the plas-steel table with all the force in his small body!

"Are you telling me that we might be on a very small island with next to no room to expand!"

"I am afraid so Prophet" replied the senior cartography. " All indications at this time lead us to believe that we are very likely on a very small island, very small." The cartographer pulled on the map they had and laid it on the table. Barely a seven by seven sector piece of land. "Perhaps Alpha, my Prophet, will have discover a small isthmus that may lead us to a large tract of land". The second map maker chimed in.

"Leave me!"

Cha Dawn wrapped his small arms around his body and hugged himself tightly. Why, oh why, did fortune not grant us more land, more fungus. The second colony team leader desperately wanted to set-up his colony since food supplies were all but gone. They could not hope to begin another stretch for a better spot. Damn!! There was simply not enough supplies to sustain the group so that they could keep looking for a site that was equal to the one they had now. No, next turn, for good or evil the colony must put down roots.

Cha Dawn's fingers traced along the blurry outlines to the east. Please, please let Alpha find more land, in the east...

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2104

“I have to say I am impressed.” Terry looked out at the Commons of Gaia’s Landing. It was filled with a motley collection of vehicles, some of which were obviously scavenged from their Unity pod. One ungainly tracked monstrosity, which had to be a transport of some sort, had the barely legible words ‘Emergency Hatch. Pull To Activate’ emblazoned in UN blue upside down on its left flank.

Terry turned to the engineer that had been chosen by her team to present their secret project to the Council. “Now, I understand it is a terraformer. But what exactly can it do?”

Sarah pulled out a couple of cartoon-like sketches and laid them on the table. “Well, lots of things. First I should explain that the terraformer is more a crew of vehicles and operations than a unit. They operate in tandem to do whatever needs to be done, and I estimate that only 40% of the crew and their vehicles will be needed at any one time. These surplus vehicles and personnel will be cycled into the limited reserves of Gaia’s Landing.

“The basic terraformer operations are primarily building and modification. Building includes roads, farms, solar panels, warning sensors and leveling land. We can also plant forest or, if necessary, remove fungus. Each of these tasks has various levels of difficulty, and each will take years. Some tasks, such as building a road over flat land, will take a year or slightly less. Fabricating and placing a farm will likely take four years, as will planting a forest. All of these are worthy projects, and all we ask is the Council’s blessing and we can get your authorization to begin.”

“This has so much potential, Sarah. I heard suggestions that this was possible, but how did you get this done so quickly, and without us knowing about it?” Terry asked.

“Well, technically it isn’t’ done,” Sarah said. “We are missing some critical elements that we can’t scrounge up, and even if we had these elements it would take at least two years to complete without additional resources. Our team wanted to show you this prototype to let you know this is serious, and that the design work is done. All we need if a formal blessing so we can get a few restricted parts. We could be done in a year if we had more help.”


“I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t support this project,” Dee said to the Council. “How much of our reserves will completing this project take?”

“About 60%, at the most. That will buy us an extra year of terraforming, which is a road, or a quarter of a forest or a farm.”

“Then I motion that we authorize all the resources needed to complete this terraformer immediately, and I call for a voice vote,” Dee stated. “All in favor, say aye.”

A chorus of ayes followed.

“Nays, or abstentions?”

Silence.

Dee smiled and she turned back to Sarah. “It looks like you have your authorization, and our thanks. Be sure to tell your team how grateful we are, and what a service they have provided for us. This will benefit not only us, but our children’s children. You can be very proud of that.”

Sarah beamed, and she turned around and gave a thumbs-up to the expectant crew of the prototype and incomplete former. When this crew saw their cheers echoed through the gardens of the Commons.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2104

Prophet Cha Dawn moved among the colonists, or pilgrims as they now called themselves, slowly almost as if he were gliding. He reached the end of the crowded meeting hall and slowly raised his arms.

"We have received good news, our second colony pod has been established moments ago at the site that was selected. The colonist will soon start building machinery to allow us to build roads to connect our two bases. The task for this base will be to complete as quickly as possible a new colony pod to start a third colony to the east. Alpha's guide has reported in and he has found more land to the east!" Cha Dawn was drowned out at that point by the applause and cheers of the people, the pilgrims.

"Alpha is leading the way, we must follow! The planet is our provider, our mother, our father. We must preserve her in all her forms and mysteries. Return to work and always remember that we can not fail, for we live as one with the planet."

Cha Dawn moved back through the crowd and into the hallway, his advisors gliding silently behind.

"In order for us to complete the colony pod all resources must be focused on completing the pod as quickly as possible." quipped one of the aides.

"I understand. Issue orders in my name to monitor ALL energy consumption by team leaders and focus all gathers to harvest as much nutrient bearing crops as possible from the greenhouses. We can build the pod quickly but without nutrients to boost our population the vehicle will sit empty for many years." replied Cha.

Cha continued to exert as much muscle control as he could, as he could withstand. He wanted to scream in frustration at how chance had thrown him and his people into the most poor and desolate area of this planet. Little to no free nutrients were available and without them the colony would not grow fast enough. The spartan life of most of the colonists left little for recreation. Solitude was Cha Dawn's only luxury, enjoyed only by him, since all others slept in the communal barracks. Solitude was what he needed the most now...

*~*~*~*

Wastelands south of Gaia's Landing, MY 2105

Tiger's mass drooped a little, and he formed a pseudopod to form a 'head' and looked back at Lindsay, who was plodding behind him. All around the land was rather featureless and brown with some hints of green. There wasn't a stalk of xenofungus in sight for kilometers.

"Yes, I know you don't like it here. You've said that every day for the last year! And, no, I don't know where there is more 'home'. The xenofungus we left if by Gaia's Landing, and I have no idea where more might be."

Lindsay tried valiantly to hide her irritation. Dealing with Tiger was like trying to reason with a four-year-old human sometimes. All Tiger knew was what he wanted, but not necessarily how to get it, and he, or it, viewed Lindsay as having answers to such things. She knew that all she could do is be patient and try not to snap at him. Tiger did not react like a four year old would, he was much less predictable than that.

Lindsay sighed. In a few minutes Tiger would be asking where the xenofungus was again.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2105

Cha Dawn read the report that was handed to him and then after a moment
handed it back to his aid.

"Are you sure this is correct?" asked Cha.

"I am afraid so. It was confirmed by several prospective guides that had
not approached with the others. It seems the rogue worm mass formed and
moved toward Alpha and the prospective candidates. Then it attacked.
Luckily Alpha under the direction of its guide was able to slay the rogue
worm with little damage to itself." replied Ivan.

"I suspect that the reason it attacked was the lack of candidates to choose
from. From this report only three candidates presented themselves to the
worm mass out of fifteen. That is not acceptable and I will issue orders
that in the future all candidates will be required to make themselves
available, on pain of death. You are dismissed."

Ivan bowed, with deep reverence and backed out of the room slowly leaving
Cha alone once again. The program he had instituted was beginning to have
an effect on the people of the colony, even his trusted aid Ivan. Many now
had begun to fully accept the program he had finished several turns ago .
Living in harmony with the planet, learning to unlock the secrets of the
planet so that as a people we could find food, clothing, shelter and
protection from any outside or inside threats. The small cadre he had
formed, the rangers, who were tasked to teach the people about the wonders
of the planet were quickly becoming more a religion than their original
purpose. Since assuming control of the colonists and becoming the leader
their had been no demand for any "councils" or "elections" to be held. It
had been Cha's abilities that had saved the remaining colonists. It had
been Cha's leadership that had guided the remaining colonists to safety. It
had been Cha's teachings about the planet and living in harmony with it that
had spared them any further attacks. Now it seems that it will be Cha
himself that will live in their souls...

*~*~*~*

Gaia'a Landing, MY 2206

"There, Tiger. I told you so. You are home."

Tiger's flank pulsed slightly, and Lindsay thought it might be his equivalent of excitement. She was never quite sure, however, since it was an alien life form, and an associative life form at that. It was clear that the mindworm did have a very clear sense of now, and a vague sense of the past. When asked, Tiger was very confused and could not answer questions about the future. This was the main argument that a Rob's factions used to show that the mindworms were not sentient at all, but just a very smart animal, much like a chimp or dolphin. After all, both dolphins and chimps could talk, after a fashion, and they certainly possessed the skills to transmit complex messages to humans and other chimps.

At this moment Tiger was in his 'now'. Lindsay could sense a pulsing in his electromagnetic field that kept his constituent mindworms properly placed. Or, she reflected, it could be his physiologic reaction to getting a chance to feed for the first time in several weeks. Lindsay thought that mindworms also liked being in the fungus, much like humans liked being in a forest or dappled meadow, and the reasons were likely similar. Both would be stimulating.

Tiger was starting to do his 'dance' now. His dance was a series of gyrations of his body mass, and he always did this when starting to prepare to enter the fungus. Lindsay had no idea why he did this and, when asked, Tiger was unable to explain in any way that was helpful. He would say nonsense words like 'fungal resonance', or 'manifold strings', as if that explained it all.

Still, it was fun to be with him.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2106

Juan sat quietly at the small desk and listened intently to the speech that
the Prophet, Cha Dawn, was giving to small group of engineers. Juan Sanchez
was a legal clerk by training but he had been recently transferred from the
agricultural work team to become the chronicler of the Prophet. It had been
determined that like other prophets like Mohammed, Cha Dawn would have his
life recorded for posterity. Juan had a very precious recording device and
with it a palm to take notes so that the events surrounding the recordings
to be recorded as well. Juan had felt very honored for such a task and was
overwhelmed by the gifts of the two devices since such items were in such
short supply. But, more importantly, Juan was awed by the task set before
him, to record the very words of the living embodiment of the planet, Cha
Dawn.

Cha finished the last of the speech and the assembled guests started to rise
to leave the room, except of one. This had been a group of bio-engineers,
agronomists and geologists who are working on the recycling tank program and
the terra-forming project. One of the geologists who still wore his Unity
uniform that had his name on the pocket, Anderson, spoke.

"Cha Dawn, I understood everything you just said but you still do not seem
to "grasp" the problem. Our technology currently and for many decades will
not be up to the task you have set for us. We will have to remove the
fungus to harvest the resources that the fungus uses to sustain itself. I
understand you have some knowledge of botany and genetics and surely you can
see that the fungus must go." With the last word spoken every person frozen
in mid-step.

"Geologist Anderson, I understand your concern but the planet will provide
for us and we will not remove the fungus. It was here before us and it will
be here with us and beyond. I had thou-"

"Cha, I do understand very clearly and I agree with your statement, the
fungus will be here after us because we will have perished in the not to
distant future from lack of resources! Anderson had stepped closer to the
Cha Dawn's desk and had begun to lean over it.

"Geologist Anderson, you fail to take into account the simple fact that I
understand the planet far better than you do. What you fail to account for
in your calculations is the "human element". We will thrive because we will
live in-"

"You are an IDIOT!" screamed Anderson, and he turned and stalked from the
room.

Cha slowly sat down at his desk and the remaining guests left the room.
Ivan Ivanovich, Cha Dawn's senior advisor and chief of the rangers, moved
across the room and slowly knelt next the Cha. The two quietly began to
talk, quietly enough that Juan could not hear them, but the recorder would.
Ivan rose and quickly left the room.

"My Prophet, is all well?" Juan almost whispered the question.

"Yes, Juan, it will be soon." replied Cha. "It is time to leave me for
awhile, I need rest."

Juan quickly picked up his things and began to leave the room. As he passed
out of the doorway Ivan stood waiting for him. He snatched the recording
device from his hand and then removed the tape.

"This we be returned to you in a while. I will review it first and then
have an "edited" copy returned to you for logging into the base data banks."

Juan said nothing but turned and left wondering if the fields might have
been better than this....

	18-12-2002 23:17									#3
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Council Chambers, Gaia’s Landing, MY 2107

“With our second terraformer complete and deployed we can no longer put off a decision on terraforming objectives. Our first former created a road through the flats between our two bases, and now it and the new former need orders. We do have many options, which we have discussed at significant length in the past. All we need is to form this into a policy to present to the rest of the colonists. You all should know that I have gotten a great many unsolicited suggestions on what we should do. Some want radical terraforming, while others want almost none. Most tend toward the middle and are cautious of severe terraforing, and most of these cite the tragedies of Earth.”

Deirdre leaned forward and placed her open palms on the conference table. “With that in mind, I’d like to forward a motion that 1) outlaw extreme terraforming at least until we fully understand all its implications, 2) terraforming focus on basic non-invasive infrastructure, and 3) that the introduction of Earth biota be limited and intensively studied so that we can comprehend the impacts of the interaction of Chiron and Earth life.”

Colin made a florid gesture. “Well said, well said. I second the motion. With no revision.”

“Motion made and seconded,” Dee noted. “I call for voice vote for the record, unless there is some objection?”

Deirdre’s question was greeted by silence.

“OK. All in favor say ‘Aye’”

A chorous of ‘ayes’ followed.

“Nays?”

Silence.

“Abstentions?”

Silence.

“Then the ‘Ayes’ have it! Colin, will you draft this protocol for distribution please? Kindly submit it to the Council members for review, as usual.”

Colin puffed up a bit. “Of course, my Lady. I would be more than happy to!”

Dee suppressed a note of irritation. Colin had started this ‘Lady Skye’ business a few years ago and it looked like it was going to stick. Worse, he seemed quite proud of himself and used the honorific whenever he could.

Dee was diplomatic. “Thank you Colin. Now, any more business?’’

“Yes. Let’s get this damned meeting over with so I can get back to work.” Terry was in a particularly sour mood today. He was the opposite of the outgoing sunny Colin, and the two seemed at odds even though they liked each other. Colin occasionally asked Terry if his constipation was clearing up, and Terry responded by asking Colin about the ‘special’ fungal mushrooms he ate so much of. It was an ongoing and rather stale joke, but now it bordered on tradition.

“Noted. Meeting dismissed.”

Colin and Mali remained seated and they started chatting about her research, which always got her going. Colin had a way of drawing people out. Everyone else made a b-line for the airlock, either for bed or to get back to work.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2207

Over the past year Cha had been working night and day and with the help of his recorder, Juan, he had completed the first installment of his book, his philosophy, his religion. This book would be the foundation upon which the new world he wanted to bring forth on this planet would be based on. Cha turned to Juan who had dozed off again, it was nearly first dawn and they had worked through the night to complete it. Cha smiled to himself thinking how fortunate he was to be given this chance to prove his theories, his dreams. Back on earth and especially on board Unity his work had been ridiculed by Professor Zakharov as absurd, unscientific. Only a minor assistant to the great Zakharov showed any interest in his work, Deirdre Skye. Deirdre had lead the agricultural/biology team and seem to at least grasp what he was trying to say. She did not seem trapped by the rigid code of the scientific method. Now he had to the opportunity to put into practice his methods of uniting man and his environment into one purpose. He was sure if Zakharov had survived the disaster of the Unity he would be working to become the master of this world by brute force. If Deirdre Skye had survived he was sure she would be attempting to find ways to harness the resources of the planet but would not take the final step, the most important step, the great step that he planned. Cha would remold society so that they existed as servants to the planet, nothing more. The planet would be the master and he would be its slave....

*!*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2108

“Wow,” Lindsay said to herself, “that is beautiful!”

Tiger perked up his ‘head’ and looked toward her and projected an interrogative.

As smart as he was Lindsay wondered what Tiger really saw, and what her perceived. Did he understand simple concepts like friendship? Lindsay considered Tiger a friend, especially since they had been linked for almost six years. Was this sort of bond to be one way only? He had never offered anything to her that he wouldn’t offer an acquaintance and there was no real evidence that there was any bond, from his point of view at least. Or did he even have a point of view? Was a collective intelligence capable of understanding humans and all their foibles and surprising strengths.

Could he even see the landscape around them? Or how beautifully the morning sun was playing among the multibrachial fungal growths, or how the low angle sunlight highlighted the deep reds and purples? Even now there was a gentle fog in the valley to their north that was literally flowing toward them, looking like a slow moving silver river?

He seemed oblivious. There was nothing in his behavior that suggested he was aware of this part of his surroundings.

Lindsay wasn’t sad yet. After all, there had been only a handful of years for them to study mindworms and she found it hard to believe that even a fraction of their secrets. She also mused that it was possible that the mindworm was studying her, too.

That brought a smile to her face. Maybe he was just as ambivalent as she was, and searching for some link that she just couldn’t comprehend?

Now that was an interesting thought!

*!*!*!*


Cult, MY 2108

In a small room just down the hall from Cha Dawns chambers was the command and control center. Usually this room could hold only about eight people but now it had fifteen and they were all crowded around the central map table. The map table was one of the rare finds in a cargo pod that was attached to their escape pod. The map table had the ability to project dazzling realistic holographic projections and it was currently showing a map of the planet, or more importantly the map of the "known" areas of the planet.

"As you can see my Prophet Alpha continues to uncover more and more territory to the east that we can use for colonization. Alpha's guide has asked to leave the fungus to search for more land mass." reported Ivan to the murmurs of the other "guests".

"No, have Alpha continue to search the fungus. I want another worm under our control!" barked Cha Dawn.

Cha turned to leave and began to leave but could not do so since the command and control room was packed with onlookers and aides.

" MOVE! " Screamed Cha summoning as much force as his frail body could command.

The others parted for him as he left the room, in silence. Many of the group could not believe their ears to actually hear the "great prophet? actually scream seem to wake the others from a dream.

As Cha glided down the hall he realized that without the support of the "cadre" and his "rangers" it would be difficult to rule but as long as he had worms, the mere site of them struck terror into the hearts of all hair army....

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2109

“Tiger and Lindsay have surveyed an amazing amount of territory,” Terry said as he waved his hand over a old-fashioned paper map, which was covered with symbols and color coding. “Here, here, and her,” he continued, “they have found nutrient lodes, although two are covered by fungus. Here is a likely mineral outcropping that is next to a very inviting rainy area. In fact, the land here is surprisingly friendly, considering it is an alien planet and, by rights, it shouldn’t be friendly at all.”

“Why haven’t they explored this area?” Colin asked, pointing to a shaded area along the western coast.

“Well, there’s no fungus there, and Tiger can travel three times as fast in the fungus than he can in open land. That and other strips of land will have to wait for human exploration since Tiger has not even begun to determine the boundaries of this landmass.”

“So, are we to place our next colonies without exploration? That seems…rash, and dangerous,” Colin stated.

Terry looked over at Colin, “That depends on what you consider to be ‘unexplored’. Over 90% of the territory has been investigated, and I suggest we live with the uncertainty. I’d rather take a small gamble and survey more territory, which will tell us much about our surroundings.”

“And if any other factions survived,” Dee interjected.

The rest of the Council, including Colin, nodded in agreement.

“Any objections on Tiger and Lindsay continuing to explore using their current search patterns?” Terry asked.

Each Council member shook his or her head.

“Fine. Issue resolved. Now, the next topic is a biodegredation problem with the autocyclers, the dreaded ‘poop problem’. Here is a diagram….”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2109

The terra-former crew looked backwards and as far as they could see was the first road on Planet. Orders had been issued to begin planting the tree saplings that had been sent forward last week. They were being stored in the green house just to the south. The tree saplings had been about the only thing that grew so far that they had found in their meager stores of seedlings. It had taken the best organic scientific minds and the help of the Prophet to adapt them to live on the planet. It would take more time to plant the trees and establish the irrigation system than it did to build the road. Many of the crew members wanted to continue building the road but orders were orders. By planting the trees it was hoped that they would send their seeds to the adjacent sectors. However, orders from the Prophet were very clear, no fungus was to be destroyed unless he authorized it himself. The fungus was already providing much of the colonies with food and raw materials, the Prophet was very clear that the long term prosperity of the people, their future rested in the fungus.

	18-12-2002 23:19									#4
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

Fungal Fields south of Gaia’s Landing, MY 2110

Lindsay stood up. Blood was streaming down her head and she could barely see. She croaked something unintelligible and, with a trembling hand, wiped some of the blood away from her ears and nose. It did not make her feel better, and that mere movement caused another piercing wave a pain to lance through her body again. She shut her eyes to block it out. It didn’t work.

Beside her Tiger was consuming the remaining bulk of the mindworm he had found and destroyed. His body pulsed quickly and rhythmically as it moved over the quivering wormlets of his conquered foe. The wormlets were still alive, and no longer attached to the wild mindworm. As he passed over them he activated their collectivization instinct and they joined him, adding to his mass. It was a slow and methodical process and he had been at it since he the feral mindworm had exploded in a mass of pink and gray goo during his last attack a few hours previous.

Lindsay opened her eyes again, and her vision was finally clearing somewhat. Her mind felt like it was filled with cotton candy and her thinking was slow. She could feel Tiger’s primal thoughts, and she could sense that he was growing. That was the problem. She had been turned ‘on’ to Tiger during the attack, which had come without warning. As a result she had been taken on a wild third person ride of alien aggression, and she had been a helpless participant to every electromagnetic feign and parry. The battle itself lasted only a few minutes but that was more than enough, and she knew that the disjointed memories of irrational hostility, death, and what seemed to be exhultation by Tiger would remain with her forever. She shut her eyes again and her small body trembled at the thought.

Without knowing why Lindsay knew that Tiger would be here a long, long time as he incorporated the mass of mindworms into his own bulk, and that he would be stronger for it.

Already her clarity was returning, at least a little bit. She drew out a rare transmitter from her sparse gear, activated it, sent a ‘ping’ and got a positive link. Then sat down on a partially dead clump of fungus.

“Lindsay to base,” she said, her voice cracking at the end. “I have just been part of a mindworm attack on another mindworm. It seems that mindworms are aggressive toward their own kind, and sort of cannibals. No, that didn’t make any sense.” She paused and took a deep breath. “The incident started…”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2110

The land to the east was almost 80% covered in fungus. Byram Sung looked all around his feeble camp and saw nothing but the rose colored fungus. Apart from his tent several meters away lived the small group of "candidates" that were standing by to make a bond with any worm mass that happened to presen itself. Byram still remembered the day that the Cha pushed him into the center mass of the worm that attacked their camp that night. Byram at first thought he was dead, that his head was exploding but after a few minutes the pain ended and he was forever linked to Alpha.

Byram quickly turned his head to the north and scanned the horizon, Alpha was returning. He did not like it when he wandered off for so long but Alpha "communicated" to him that he needed to get nourishment and a source of it, a rich source, was to the north.

Byram turned and went back to his tent, alone. Even though he was constantly linked with Alpha, always, the effects it seemed to have on him, his personality made he become an outsider to his human counterparts even more. Tonight he would pray again for relief, he needed to have another person to share the dreams that he would have at night, about the strange aliens the filled his mind at times.

*~*~*~*

White Pines, Northwest of Gaia’s Landing, MY 2111

A shriek pierced the air, followed by peals of laughter. The lower branches of the white pines trembled and then erupted as three 8 year olds burst out of hiding. A younger boy, who might be 6 or 7, yelled something incoherent and immediately gave chase, holding on to his breathmask as he ran. The two girls and boy shrieked again and ran away. Their shouts faded a little as they ran deeper into the woodland.

“I wish I could do that, or have as much fun doing it again,” Colin said. His eyes followed the children until the last traces of their fleeting game was gone.

“Have you tried?” Terry asked in a detached tone. Colin didn’t answer.

Colin and Terry continued their walk through the woods, enjoying every minute. This was officially their day off, but there never really was a day off. There was always to much to do, and this downtime was being spent inspecting the newest and most exciting achievement their little settlement had had in the last 5 years – the establishment of a stable woodland ecosystem on the alien planet. It wasn’t hard to grow trees, or even a corpse of trees, but a whole self-sustaining ecosystem was another matter entirely. This was their achievement.

Moreover, the woodland of white pines enhanced the nutrient lode that Gaia’s Landing had been using since the Landing. The boon of raw materials the managed forest was already providing was most welcome since every resource was scarce.

“Damn masks,” Colin said. “Can’t even smell the pine properly.” He took his off and took a deep breath and was dissatisfied with the result. A look of mild irritation crossed his face and he stomped over to a nearby pine, took its lower branches in his hands, and sank his face into it. Then he inhaled, deeply.

“Ah!” he said, his voice slightly muffled.

“You’re going to get sap all over your face,” Terry observed, waiting for Colin to finish. “You have about 10 minutes before the onset of nitrogen narcosis. Are you done breathing yet?”

Colin straightened, and he looked at Terry with a slightly giddy look. “Yes, I am done. I should have done that a long time ago.” He replaced his breathmask and followed Terry back to the bus, which would arrive within the hour.

“Had enough?” Terry asked.

Colin sniffed. “Never, never.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2111

Cha Dawn raced down the corridor into the command/control center. Ivan was standing by the table map holo/projector talking with several of his lieutenants.

"Where is it?" asked Cha as he approached the table while Ivan and his lieutenants bowed their heads in recognition.

"It is here my prophet. Just two sectors to our southwest. Reports from our scouts indicate it will be moving toward either our headquarters here or to the terra-former unit to our west. The worm mass is almost the size of Alpha and all indications is it is moving at a very good speed." Replied Ivan as he manipulated the controls on the table to show the immediate area and the approximate position of the worm mass.

"Excellent. I knew planet would respond to our calls for more aid. I knew it, I could feel it. I will need to have some more candidates prepared to send out with our garrison units, just in case." Cha turned from the room and made his way out, while the room remained quiet with heads bowed.

Ivan began issuing orders that would be transmitted to garrison commander and his troops. A rover/transport was put on alert to take the "candidates" to the expected site that they would confront the worm mass. Ivan had a lot of belief, even faith, in the powers of the Prophet but what he knew was that the mind worm threat was most likely triggered by the terra-former crew and their work. However, such "spoken" thoughts were to be heard and certainly not within earshot of the Prophet.

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2112

“I wish you well, Aki. I’m glad your people are doing well, and I hope the technology we exchanged will benefit us both,” Deirdre said.

An impassive and starkly beautiful face, framed with white-blond hair and glaring metallic implants, nodded slightly. “I am sure the technologies and world maps will assist each of us in our efforts to prosper on Chiron.” The barest hint of a smile crossed Aki’s visage. “I am sorry we do not have the comm. links to any other surviving human Unity survivors, and it is unfortunate that you have none to give us. We shall have to rely on each other, and on our treaty of friendship.”

“I’m glad we came to an understanding so quickly.” Dee leaned toward the old Unity data screen, pressed into service as a holo transponder. “You can’t imagine how delighted I am to know others from Unity are alive, Aki. Please, feel free to call us any time. We will do what we can for you. All you have to do is ask.”

Aki nodded to acknowledge the pledge. “I offer you what the Consciousness can provide. Our societies have much in common, and together we are stronger than we are apart.”

“I agree completely. Take care, Aki. Call any time.”

Aki’s image winked out.

Dee took a moment to think, and then she noticed that her comm. link was chirping. The files on Information Networks and Applied Physics had already been received. A second light told her that Aki had received the files of Biogenetics and Centauri Ecology that she had sent. It would have taken decades to research these technologies, and Aki was more than willing to share what she had.

For the first time in many years Dee felt truly happy. The fledgling Gaian communities were no longer alone. Thank heaven for that communication channel in that Unity pod!

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2112

The remains of the mind worm mass that had nearly reached the gates of the second colony seemed to mock Cha. Prophet Cha Dawn had come to power with the belief that he could "commune" with the planet and bring it under his control. Now twice worms had attacked the colonists and even though they had been destroyed before any harm had been done the end result was that they failed to become part of the new Cult of the Planet he had been building. Now, questions seemed to be popping up all around questioning his authority, his right, his rule.

Slowly Cha walked away from the remains of the worm that were even now dissolving under the glare of the sun.

"Store the energy jewels in the colony's main store room for future use. Post more sentries and alert command if any worm sign is spotted." Cha strode away from the colony leaders and his Rangers and moved to enter the speeder.

Cha closed the hatch and locked the system and polarized the windows. His head bent he began to cry again. Why had Planet forsaken him? He knew the new hybrid tree saplings would alter the landscape he had grown to love but without the resources that these forests would offer there would be no colonies in the future. Why had Planet forsaken him?

*~*~*~*

South of Gaia’s Landing, MY 2113

“So, what the geniuses at Gaia’s Landing told us to do now,” Marlin asked as he thumped a polyrhythm on the front console of ‘his’ terraformer.

Mary gave his a cross look, which she did quite frequently. She tapped in a few commands on her touchscreen. “The coordinates are just coming in now. It looks like the specifications for a road.” She paused, and spun the schematic around to orient it. “Yes, here it is,” she said. “Approximately 30 kilometers from us. It’s to be more or less straight south of the settlements.”

“Brilliant! Let me guess – they want a roadway to foster commerce!” Mar stated as he puffed out his chest. He deflated theatrically. “Oh, but wait. There’s no one to have commerce with, since this Aki character is across the sea, and we don’t even have a boat. I should call Landing and let them know since they haven’t figured that out yet!”

Mary switched off the display. “Try to use that bit of gray matter that passes for a brain for once. This is for expansion. A colony pod will be competed at Gaia’s Landing in a few years, and these roads will at least triple its movement rate. And it will aid in defense.”

Mar was silent, which Mary took as a grudging acceptance of her observations.

“It will be a cakewalk, though. The land is nice and flat. No hills to grade, or massive amounts of land to clear. It should go in within the year, assuming you can hike this thing up to get there sometime this month.”

Now it was Mar’s turn to give her a cross look. Ever since the ‘boulder incident’ she had ragged him at every opportunity about his driving. The left wheel well was still missing, and that didn’t help since every time they went on recon they noticed the damage. Mary would make not so subtle comments about it needing ‘just a little paint’, or a bit of wax. In reality it needed a few tons of sheet metal, which they weren’t liable to find so far from home. All he could do was accept it with as much grace and silence as he could muster. He just wished he could get something on her to even the score, even a little! But, oh no. Mary didn’t make mistakes!

Time for a different tactic – change the subject. ‘So, what’s for lunch.”

Mary looked up at him. “Don’t know. How ‘bout a fungus burger?”

“I got gas for days after the last one,” he commented. “I don’t mind, but can the air cyclers handle it?”

Mary made a face. “No. Scratch that until we have a base set up. So, how long til we get here?” She pointed out some coordinates to him.

Mar did some mental math. “Maybe 12 days. The terrain isn’t very friendly, even if it is more or less open. Is the pinger set up?”

“Ya. Landing should know we got the orders and are on our way. Maybe they’ll send a glider full of hydroponics like they did a week ago!”

“Maybe. Then we won’t have to have fungus burgers for a while.”

Mary nodded. “We can only hope.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2113


Cha looked at the new plans for the recycling tanks and was pleased. With these plans he could improve output of nutrients, energy and minerals at each base and reduce the damage on planet. He quickly keyed in an order to have both bases begin building these recycling tanks as soon as they completed work on the second terra-former and colony pod. Once the tanks were done more colony pods could be built but without more worms, worms loyal to him, loyal to his cause, he worried about how would he continue to enforce his will....

*~*~*~*

Uranium Flats, MY 2114

Lindly looked around at the bleak landscape. It was flat, and it seemed to go on forever, and it was rather radioactive. The levels weren’t at anywhere terminal levels, and the deposits appeared to be natural, thank goodness, not that ‘natural’ radiation had any more respect for fragile tissues than artificially concentrated or altered man-made radiation sources.

Still, it was an important resource – and no resource, no matter how repugnant, could be ignored. Eventually there may be colonies in this area, sad as it was. She did not envy those colonists, not one bit.

It was time to go. Orders had come through that they had seen enough, and since more than 80% of this area had been mapped. In Lindly’s humble opinion it was a massive waste of time. There wasn’t a stitch of fungus in sight, and that slowed Tiger down immensely. He was also getting hungry again, and that very particular need could only be sated in the fungus. It was not good to get Tiger overly hungry, she had learned, since his ‘dreams’ became increasingly disturbing. Well, more disturbing than alien dreams were normally.

“Come on Tiger, let’s go,” she said as she turned north. Tiger knew before she said the words, but she was in the habit of talking while thinking, if only to keep her speech abilities intact. The only other talking she did were her occasional reports to Landing, which were one way. It was lonely out here, and Tiger was only a little help.

Tiger started surging at a slow pace, literally rolling toward the north. Lindly followed on foot and, for once, was able to keep up.
*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2114

Cha sat in quietly in a lotus position surrounded by nearly fifty other people. They were all mediating and focusing their energy towards Cha. Only a select few were honored to attend one of these sessions with the Prophet. They had been sitting for nearly 56 hours and many were nearing the end of their stamina. Only a few had collapsed during the trial as Cha had begun to call it. Those that made it to the end would be honored with the new title of Ranger. The Rangers had now become the administrators, the educators, the priests and the police of their new society. Their ranks were still small but they were all loyal to the dream Cha had seen and written in his book of the Planet.

Cha was beginning to loose focus again as he sat. The disappointing news just prior to the ceremony was that Alpha had yet to find any new land. It was quickly becoming reality that there were only two more areas yet to be explored that might offer any new source of land. As it stood now the colony could only expand to upwards of five bases. Very poor indeed. There would be good resources to support the other colonies to the west, nutrients and minerals but land was at a premium. Cha shook his mind free of the doubts and put his mind at ease. Planet would provide all....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2115

Dee was both happy and sad. Gaia’s Landing had finally accumulated the resources and population to form the nucleus for a third colony. It was quite an investment, and everyone on the Council agreed it was a huge risk. But still, Colin, conservative stodgy Colin, had persuaded the Council that not diversifying and setting up different settlements was an even bigger risk. His arguments had won the day, and so the colony pod was now on its way. It was heading for rather bleak and semi-explored territory that was rather dry. It was adjacent to a rare Unity pod, and it is hoped that they would be able to investigate it after they were established. Already the population was bouncing back, and the fledgling city would be back to ‘size 2’ by next year.

Fallow Time was doing very well, even if it wasn’t as well endowed with resources as was Gaia’s Landing, and their ‘colony pod’ would be ready in four or five years. By then the road system south would be firmly established, and the colony would be set up in record time – a year or two instead of three or four years. The former crews might even have time to build a sensor net, but that was a lower priority.

The last of the motley assortment of pre-fab buildings and ‘movers’ finally rounded finished plowing into the fungus (mercifully, without incident). Dee waved goodbye. There were many friends that had insisted on going with the new settlers, including Colin. Who would have guessed that the old curmudgeon would have it in him? Maybe it shouldn’t be too surprising. After all, he did leave Earth for Alpha Centauri!

Dee would miss all of them.

	18-12-2002 23:21									#5
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

Cult, MY 2115

Alpha turned once again seeking direction quivering with anticipation and worry. The worry came from his guide, Byram Sung, who deep down dreaded the news he was about to transmit.

"Headquarters, this is Byram Sung, over?"

After what seemed to take forever, a voice reported back.

"Byram this is the Prophet, what news do you have?"

"My Prophet, I beg to report that the area we hoped to have some land bridge turned out to be just a small isthmus connecting a very small island to our larger island. No extra land was found."

The link stayed quiet for an eternity.

"Byram, proceed north to the last area yet to be search, perhaps there we can find our land bridge, Prophet out!"

Byram turned to Alpha and issued commands for them to begin their search northwards. He waved back at the small band of support people that "tagged" along with him but were really future guides-in-waiting. The collective groan that rose over the comm-link told him all he needed to know. They were all tired except for Byram who had Alpha to help him, carry him and sustain him. But what Alpha could not do is lessen the weight of dread he carried that he knew somehow deep down that there would be no northern access.

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2116

“Gentlemen, we must stay true to our principles. A recycling tank at Gaia’s Landing will provide critical resources, and it will lessen the impact we have on this world. It is worth the investment,” Dee stated.

“No. A recycling tank is shear lunacy,” Terry said. “We must expand our presence here on Chiron, and that means assembling more resources for another colony. We are already at size two, so we can barely spare the population. As much of a stretch as colony is, a recycling tank is more. Do you realize that it will take us a decade to complete? A decade is a long time, especially when we have been here for only 16 years.”

Colin looked in alarm to see that Dee was gritting her teeth, and that Terry’s temples were throbbing. This Council meeting had gone terribly wrong and he could see that damage was being done, and that even if they didn’t agree that it was imperative to have a working relationship. That required diplomacy and compromise, which was in short supply right now.

“Ahm,” he said, clearing his throat. “Isn’t it true that we have a few years before the decision will result in wasted resources?” Colin directed his comment to Terry, who was the de facto administrator of Gaia’s Landing.

“Yes.”

“Well then, we can change our allocation if things become critical and another colony or some other project is needed. Even if we pass this mark we can still change and few resources will be wasted. So, how about we keep producing the recycling tanks and, if we deem it necessary, we change production if the situation changes? Hmmm?”

Terry thought it over and then nodded. He did not look at Dee.

Dee sat down and nodded too to indicate her agreement.

“Now that is settled let’s have some of that improved fungal gin!” Several Council members groaned. “It isn’t that bad,” Colin said, “I hear that Lindsay sent an improved formula to take some of the acidic edge off. Here, I brought a bottle with me.”

He had their attention piqued. A bottle appeared from under the table, and he fumbled with some hand fired clay goblets. Pretty things, and fragile – much too good for this ‘gin’, he thought. Colin made a show of pouring the gin, putting an extra flourish on tipping up the carafe at the last moment and not spilling a drop. Finally he handed out the gin to the members.

Colin lifted the goblet, and took an ‘appreciative’ sniff.

How ghastly! he thought, even as he made his face show delight. He sipped. Turpentine!

The rest took a sip, including Dee and Terry. A few faces pinched, but the rest at least tried to appreciate the taste.

He put down his goblet. “What was the next item on the agenda? Oh yes, ferrocrete allocation. The towers are starting to take form, and we need a bit more to complete the first administrative complex. So far the project is 16% over budget, but considering this is the first substantive pressurized structure we’ve made that isn’t bad. I suggest we authorize the overrun and divert resources to the team. Second?”

“Second,” a distracted voice said.

“OK, next item…” Colin surreptitiously looked around. Both Dee and Terry had calmed down, and the rest were absorbed in the minutia of their flimsies. Colin smiled to himself. Distraction and diversion – works every time!

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2116

The terra-former crews looked back at the newly completed road and then back to the east where the last stretch of road was to be built. They had been away for nearly 3 turns and the stress was getting to them all. Just last week one of the crew members went off her birth control pills so that she could be re-assigned from the crew.

Life was hard and terra-formers had the hardest lives of all...

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2117

“Those idiots and their high-and-mighty Council,” Rupert slurred. “Boss me around will they?” He slugged another batch of home made brew back, not even bothering to taste it. He was far beyond tasting anything.

“Yeh!” Rent said as he slammed his crock to the table, spilling his brew over its rough-hewn top.

“Ditch detail! Then ‘waste management’ detail! They mean **** detail! I deserve better than this! I was a psych assistant, third class on Unity! Now I shovel ****!” Rupert’s face grew red, and his temples were throbbing. He took another gulp.

“Yeh!” Rent said, again.

“Well, I’ll show them! If they want ****, I’ll give it to them!” Rupert stood up, and started cycling the airlock that lead to the commons, grabbing his breathmask as an afterthought. Rent didn’t bother – he liked the narcosis, especially when he was drunk.

“Are the toady troopers gone on another worm hunt?” Rupert asked in a muffled voice.

“Yeh!” Rent said.

“Good. We’re in business! Go get Winny, and I’ll get Marlo and Race. We’ll have a party, and this time there won’t be anyone to stop us. We’ll see how much **** they get me to shovel this week!”

“Yeh!” Rent said, with even more enthusiasm than usual.

Both men went outside, not bothering to cycle the airlock closed and leaving their hab open to the insidious Chiron atmosphere. When the narcosis set in their bedmates would soon be very happy, and then delusional - just as they planned.

Within hours their ‘party’ turned into a riot, the first at Gaia’s Landing.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2117

The Prophet glided into the room and quietly took a seat at the head of the conference table.

"Ivan, what is the report from Alpha?" the Prophet asked in a voice that was calm and quiet.

"My Prophet, Alpha's guide reports that the last stretch of land was scouted and," Ivan quietly shuffled some papers in front of him and took a quick drink of water. " And it seems that there are no more land bridges to be found. Alpha is returning to the deep fungal fields to the south to search for more worms as you directed upon the completion of the mission."

Ivan sat down quickly and scanned the room quickly taking in the disbelieving reactions of the Prophets advisors.

"Ivan, I have read your plan for the concentration of our resources and research into the field of transportation technology and I approve them. Once we complete our network node research we will switch our emphasis to discovering the means to master the seas and who knows perhaps there are sea worms just as their are land worms." The Prophet strode up and left the room to return to mediation leaving the council of rangers alone.

"You have heard the orders of the Prophet. Prepare your departments as directed and we will begin as quickly as possible our research into new forms of transportation." Commanded Ivan.

The other rangers rose and left the room leaving Ivan alone. The conference room was by far the largest room in any of the colonies and it also become his office. Many people came to see him in groups or by ones and twos and it had just become more "convenient" to stay here and work. Ivan moved his chair back and got up and walked to the windows and looked into the dark night sky of Planet. The Prophet had been so right about so many things.
He had given the people a new direction a purpose but now what hope was there if they could not expand beyond the three additional colonies that the land could support. Also, in order to build these three colonies much fungus would have to be removed and that in turn would lessen the chances of capturing more worms. What were they going to do....

*~*~*~*

Virgin Soil, MY 2118

Deirdre sipped at some non-alcoholic starfruit concoction, appreciating its flavor. It was really quite good, which was amazing since it required Herculean efforts to neutralize the alkalides to make it both palatable and useful to the human metabolism. It almost, just almost, tasted like a slightly off combination of peaches and grapes.

Most of the festivities were winding down now. The newest Gaian base, Virgin Soil, had been formally established for about a week. Actually, the elements and construction crews had been working on it for the last five years, but all of its functioning pieces were now in place and a migration of several thousand people from Gaia’s Landing could take place.

The territory was not as advantageous as might be hoped. It was uniformly arid, with swaths of fungus between Virgin Soil and Gaia’s Landing. Everyone was thankful there were no worm incidents while it traveled through the fungus, but now that it was established the worst was past. Next year a terraformer would be ready to deploy, and its first order of business would be to create a farm on the only moist bit of land in the area. After that it would likely create some roads, and maybe a forest. The land to the south and east was unexplored, so it would be interesting to see what was there. More likely it would be arid, since it was on the ‘lee’ side of the landmass, which were almost always dry to prevailing winds.

Dee knew she had to return to Landing in a few days, and she savored the enthusiasm of the intrepid colonists. It was so alive out here, with real problems, not administrative headaches that sucked the life out of her and the rest of the Council these days.

One more sip and her starfruit drink was gone. She went to get another.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2118

Cha slammed his fist down hard so hard that he left it numb from the hand to his elbow.

"WHY WAS THE MERGING NOT COMPLETED AS I HAD ORDERED!" Screamed Cha.

"My Prophet it seems that the candidate who nearly mad contact with the mind worm panicked at the last moment and fled. The end result was the worm mass broke free of Alpha and killed the candidate. Once again Alpha and his guide were barely able to defeat the rogue worm mass and claim the planet pearls. It also seems from the report that Alpha himself has grown from the encounter and has incorporated the remains of the worm into himself," replied Ivan.

Cha stared down at his desk. His head bowed with frustration and anger. He knew what must be done. Perhaps it was what should have been done ages ago it seems.

"Ivan I leave in the morning. Send a signal to Alpha's guide to meet me at these coordinates. And before you start, NO! I will not stay here. I must go out and help the transition as I had done with Alpha's guide." Cha turned and began to leave the room.

"Ivan, you will be in charge. You will have instructions in the morning as to how to proceed while I am gone. Do not fail me." Cha spoke as he walked away from Ivan and closed the room to his private area.

Ivan stood for some time, motionless. If the Prophet should die while traveling or during an encounter then he would be in charge. He mulled the possibilities over in his head. He would not make any moves while Cha was gone. He was loyal in that regard and also cautious. If Cha returned with several worms in hand no military force they had or would have would be able to stop them. The last attack by a rogue worm had taken the entire garrison and every volunteer they could find to defeat the worm mass and it still left nearly a hundred people all but dead and that worm had been tiny in comparison to Alphas current condition. No, he would have to trust to
fate....

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2219

Colin had a bewildered and slightly angry look on his face. “You can’t possibly be considering this…proposal. It’s indecent, and wrong. I don’t care what the Cyborgs offer, and I don’t care if they offer to Pact with us, Prohkor Zakharov never did us any wrong and there is NO reason why we should declare Vendetta against him!”

“This is a diplomatic proposal, and we have to consider it,” Terry said. ‘We also have to consider our relationship with the Cyborgs, who may be disinclined to continue our Friendship treaty if we decline. There is also the matter of technology. Aki specifically declined our offer to trade Social Psych for Planetary Networks. After the discovery of Social Psych our scientist told us it would be 31 years before we can expect another breakthrough. She also refused to trade us Zak’s communication link, so we are in a box.”

“I propose that we decline Aki’s offer,” Dee said. “Zak was my boss for over 5 years, real time, and we got along fairly well. He was difficult at times, but many brilliant people are. He was a decent person, though. War is wrong, and I see no reason to open hostilities with anyone at the moment.”

“Here, here!” Colin said. “I second the motion!”

“We have a motion, and a second. Call for a vote.”

A chorus of agreement came from the Council members, including Terry.

“Well, it is unanimous. We will decline Aki’s offer. I propose that we offer a counter-proposal to Aki after she has some time to cool off: offer her Social Psych for Zak’s communication frequency. That way she gets something more valuable, and we get access to the Prokhor.”

There were nods from most of the Council members.

“Second,” Colin said.

“Motion and second. Call for vote,” Terry said.

A chorus of ‘ayes’ sounded.

“Very well. We’ll leave it in Dee’s hands, and give her the authorization to call Aki up when she sees fit to give her the counteroffer. Any other business?”

Silence.

“Seeing that it is 1:00 am I move that we adjourn. Second?”

Someone said second, followed by a quick series of ‘ayes’. Terry dutifully recorded the motion even as the other Council members were heading for the airlock.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2118

New orders began to blink onto the screen, move eastwards to new coordinates and begin clearing fungus. Both crews stared at the screen in disbelief. How could they remove fungus? This was completely against the teachings of the Prophet. The site was near the new colony site and it had well above normal nutrients that could be harvested except of the fungus. The orders ended and were signed by Ivan Ivanovich.

"So Ivan the Terrible is ordering us to remove fungus and not the Prophet, interesting. So it must be true what I read on the net, the Prophet has gone into the wilderness to seek more answers and help from Planet." Snorted the lead terraformer captain.

"You had best be careful how you "put things" Roger, you never know how others might take things or take things OUT of context." replied his survey team leader.

"Well, we won't build up this planet by just planting forests and everyone knows that I am not a believer as some of the others are so what's the difference."

Roger turned and relayed the orders to the second crew and the two terraformers began to move out as fast as possible. The river allowed them faster travel than normal but it would still take several turns to get there. Roger sat back down into his command chair and punched in his reply
to the orders.

*~*~*~*

Virgin Soil, MY 2120

“What are we going to do with this?” Jed said as he poked at the contents of the Unity pod.

Ang gave him a sidelong glance. “Don’t be a complete idiot. We’ll use it for exploration. This rover moves twice as fast as a ground pounder, and almost as fast as our mindworm explorer. I’ve already told the governor of Virgin Soil about the find, and she’s already given us the OK to start exploring the southeastern portion of our island, or what is probably and island.”

Jed paused. “Oh,” he said. “I guess that’s right.”

“Of course its right. I said it, so it is true. Once you understand that your life will become much easier. Now open that hatch so we can familiarize ourselves with the controls. Then we head out.”

Jed nodded, then stopped. He’d just been zinged. Again. Oh, well. That happens all the time.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2120

Cha sat in the fungus patch and listened for the harmony that the small tendrils seem to play against his skin. It was going on 36 hours and he was nearing the end of his endurance but he was beginning to think that Planet was sending him a message, north go north. Cha remained motionless for some time, perhaps a few more hours but then he rose, it was now night.

"We move north in the morning. Have Alpha ready to lead the group out. I intend to talk to the candidates at length in the morning. I suspect we might at last have some good news." Cha slowly walked away from Juan who had been forced to travel with the Prophet. Juan turned the recorder off and walked back with Cha, minding the respectful distance. Their were no rangers out here for their was Alpha to provide security. Even though Cha was not linked to the worm mass it seemed that the worm knew him and responded to his actions and commands. Their was something there...

	18-12-2002 23:22									#6
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Gaia’s Landing, MY 2121

Dee looked very sad, and the rest of the Council was in shock except, of course, for Colin.

“But how could Zak do such a thing? Why would he declare Vendetta! What did we ever do to him? All we did is find his damaged scout team and identify ourselves! And he declared war! Just like that!”

“The last 20 years must have been very hard on him,” Dee said. She didn’t sound like she believed it.

“It must be the Cyborgs,” Colin said. “Maybe he was offended that we have a treaty with them? But is that worth a vendetta?”

Terry was getting annoyed. “This pontification is all well and good, but the salient question is what do we do?”

No one said anything.

“It is clear what we must do, but all of you are afraid to say it,” Terry continued. “We have to prepare ourselves for war, and at least defend ourselves. We have to expand, and prototype the laser weapons we got from the Cyborgs, and we have to do this immediately. Our mindworm was damaged when it destroyed the University scout, but it can’t do the job alone. We have to have other options.”

Quiet descended on the Council room. No one was happy, but no one said a word against what Terry said.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2121

Ivan walked amongst the trees and shrubs that made up the new forest sector just to the south of the command base. The river flowing through the sector added to the beauty of the scene along with the hydro-generating plants that harnessed the energy. Ivan wondered if they might be wrong to not to try more terra-forming to turn Planet into a more hospitable, more earth like
planet.

"Ranger One, the Prophets latest communication has arrived." Reported one of Ivan's aides that had jogged back to the group form the transport.

Ivan took the message and looked for the most relevant section, the Prophet would remain in the wilderness. The stories that were being created about the Prophets struggles and trials were becoming the most popular form of entertainment amongst the new colonists. It had been hard to screen the applicants for the new colony pod that would depart in two turns. Many people just wanted to go into the wilds, as if the current area was some tame backyards lot. Only those that had skills that could contribute to the survival of the colony would go. They would have help, the two terra-formers for one. Ivan had ordered them east to begin building the sensor array and then clear the fungus patch from the nutrient rich sector. Ivan had also issued orders to build a farm. Only the terra-former crew leaders knew of the plan, all the better for now. The Prophet had been reluctant to build anything, even the forest projects and he doubted he would approve of the farms but the surge in nutrients would be mind numbing. Projections by his computer lead him to believe that just that sector alone could produce more food than all of the other areas currently under production COMBINED!

"All is good with the Prophet. Issue my latest version of the Prophets trials in the wilderness, you will find it under file name 1Z1999V2." Ivan ordered.

"Understood Ranger one." And the aide turned back to the transport.

The Prophet did not understand the full complexity of propaganda yet and it was his job to fill in the "blanks".

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2122

Colin had his head in is hands. “But we can’t just slaughter them. We just can’t.”

“Zak declared Vendetta against us, and has vowed to exterminate us,” Terry stated for the hundredth time. “We can’t allow his colony pods to establish a city two sectors from our fourth colony! It would be tantamount to suicide. The pod either leaves immediately or our scout will have to destroy it. It is that simple.”

Dee put her hand on Colin’s shoulder. She could feel he was trembling.

In a quiet voice she said, “We have to do this. We’ll give as many of the colonists a chance to surrender as we can.”

Colin didn’t respond. “I know it’s hard. But we have to survive and we don’t have the luxury of half measures,” she said.

“Fine,” Terry said. “I motion we remove the University colony pod immediately, and that we give any colonist in the pod a chance to surrender before we destroy it.” Terry was looking at Colin.

Dee said, “Second.”

“I call for a vote. In favor?”

A series of ‘ayes’ sounded.

“Nay?”

Silence.

“Abstentions?”

Silence.

“Motion carried,” Terry said. “I’ll call the scout and give them their orders. Meeting adjourned.”

The Gaian Council members got up to leave, several placing sympathetic hands on Colin’s shoulder as they passed by.

Colin cried softly to himself.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2122

Ivan looked over the plans that the Prophet had sent back with his latest communication. New plans and new goals for the scientists. No longer would the goal be to conquer the seas but to conquer our minds. It seems the Prophet had a breakthrough will working with Alpha and he know thinks he has the means to enhance the power of our minds to defend ourselves and expand our understanding of the planet. The poor scientists they must be mad as hell. Many of them despised the Prophet for his unorthodox methods but he did seem to "cut corners" when they would take years to understand a problem. But their bluster would soon turn to nothing. His gift to them was the new network node that was slated to begin construction next turn. With that in place the scientists would have adequate computers to work with to aid them in their research. It had come at a price, almost the entire energy credit reserve was used to complete the recycling center at their second colony well ahead of schedule. With the added energy, minerals and nutrients the work on the node should proceed quickly.

Ivan slowly got up and looked out of his window down in the main assembly area and their stood the new colony pod, almost ready to leave. The terra-formers were almost to the new site and would begin work on the sensor array. Ivan glanced back at the table and saw the final list of new colonists. An impressive list but a list of people "loyal" to him. Should anything ever go wrong Ivan knew he had a hole to duck into now and people he could count on. Not that it would needed but one never could know for sure.

The Prophet was going to remain in the wilderness for more time. He would not return unless he had a worm to take him back. Well, who knows perhaps their would be no more worms. Either way Ivan would remain, he would prosper.

*~*~*~*

Virgin Soil, MY 2123

“This is the most stupid idea that has ever come out of Landing. A laser infantry squad?” Nels said, throwing the schematics on the worktable.

“Stop your bellyaching. We have near the best mineral production, and we don’t have the population to form a colony pod. We are the natural choice. Plus, we need some defense when the University forces come knocking, don’t you think?” Inan stated.

“Well, yes. Still, it is very expensive – the same as a colony pod!”

“It can’t be helped. Get your crews on it right away.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2123

Ivan slowly walked across the room and gently pushed the hair away from the young girl who was asleep in his bed. It had been an interesting evening, now it was back to work. He pulled his robe around him and walked into the a joining room, the main conference room, his office now. He sat at the head of the table and sorted through the last batch of communications that command had received. The terra-formers were in route to the new colony site. The colony pod from headquarters will leave at the end of this turn, excellent. The recycling tanks were on line at base #2 and the new network node was started. All was well....

*~*~*~*

Open lands, south of Virgin Soil, MY 2124

The rover rocked violently. Again. Ang gave Jed an acidic look.

“Is there an obstruction or hole that you haven’t hit?”

Jed was focused. “Orders said to get there ASAP. That’s what I’m doing.”

“Then do it without leaving my spleen in pieces, and kindly leave the rover’s suspension in more than tiny fragments spread out between here and Landing, hmmm?”

“Yah,” Jed said. He was ignoring her carping, as usual.

Ang noticed this. “At least stop so we can survey this territory. We can give the cartographic info as a squirt, so slow down for a bit.”

Ang had the satisfaction of noting that the rover was slowing down, or at least the bone-jarring jolts were becoming fewer. She started tapping away at the old fashioned but durable touch screen, giving it orders to take and download the data, then do a data dump to the nearest base.

She drew out the maneuver as long as possible so that her compacted spine would get some rest. Jed really didn’t need to know that she could do this without him slowing down, but that was his price to pay for being an idiot.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2124

The terra-former crews stepped out of the machines and surveyed the ground. To the south was the great sea and to the north the great wilderness as it was called now. The wilderness covered an area equal to the western island that the two main bases called home. The wilderness was one giant fungus field and somewhere out there they all knew was the Prophet.

"All right, enough sight seeing for one day," yelled the Master Chief in charge of the crews. " Get the sleds unloaded and get the equipment sorted out for the sensor equipment. We need to get things started as quickly as possible since we have orders to enter the wilderness and begin clearing some of the fungus."

The master-chiefs words produced a collective groan. Many of them still remembered the horrors of the fungus during the first turn on Planet. Each one said a prayer that the Prophet would protect them.

*~**~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2125

“So, they are all dead. Not one surrendered?” Colin asked.

Terry shook his head.

“All those University colonists. Dead. Is our scout team hurt?”

“They suffered no damage. Slaughtering civilians isn’t hard,” Terry replied.

Colin shuddered. “And the mindworm? In University territory?”

“They are exploring, very cautiously I might add. They don’t want any surprises, and I expect they will receive no mercy if caught. Dee has been in direct contact with Lindsay, who is not at all happy about her assignment. In fact, Dee said she is royally p*ssed off.”

“I don’t blame her. Is the sensor in place?”

“Yes, thank god. Now there will be no more University forces sneaking up on us. It can see three sectors from our nearest base, so it will give us substantial protection,” Terry said.

There was a brief silence.

“Does Dee know about the colonists yet?”

“No,” Terry replied. “I have to tell her.”

“Some of our friends from Unity probably died in that pod, you know.”

Terry shook his head. “I know.” Then he turned, cycled the airlock, and left.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2125

van stormed into the control room moved quickly to the main base command console and turned off the claxon.

"What has happened!"

"Ranger one, a rogue worm almost destroyed our new colony pod but the leader of the expedition returned to base. All reports indicate that the worm is heading after the pod." replied the duty officer.

"Open a channel to the Prophet!" roared Ivan.

Within a few minutes a comm-link began to crackle and hiss but shortly there after the almost child-like voice of the Prophet could be heard.

"What is the problem" The Prophet asked in a very irritable manner.

"My Prophet, this is ranger one. A rogue worm is making its way towards command. Can you intercept the worm before it reaches the gates? I am up linking all current telemetry,,,, now." Fired back Ivan.

"Understood, I will push Alpha as fast as possible. Prophet out!"

Ivan turned away from the comm-console and looked at the holo-board. The worm was a large one, nearly as big as Alpha. Orders were already being issued to all base citizens to prepare for attack but this time they would not have the Prophet leading them. This could be trouble.

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2126

“Fine, then do it. Dreams of Green is much closer to University territory, and in fact it will be the first city they hit. Virgin Soil can start a recycling tank,” Terry was talking to himself now, “they won’t have enough population for a colony pod. Yes, a recycling tank is the only answer.”

Colin looked over at Dee, who grinned. Terry sometimes got so absorbed in his world of thinking that he tuned everyone else out. That generally wasn’t a problem, except for times like this when the Council was meeting.

“Ahem,” Colin said to get his attention.

Terry looked up. “Oh.” He looked down at his flimsy. “Next item on the agenda. Lindsay and her mindworm have found the first University city, which is called Climatic Research. It is surrounded to the south and east with fungus, which conveniently is toward us. A single rover guards it, and there is a terraformer nearby. Lindsay currently has orders to keep on snooping, and making sure nothing enters the fungus without us knowing about it. She understands that any military units have to be destroyed. No attack is planned now, but we have to consider options in the future.”

“Any questions?” he asked.

There were none.

“OK. Research is improving, but still dismal. Our efforts at a breakthrough in the Secrets of the Human Brain will take another 15 years, assuming there is no more grown or resource improvement, which there will be. It is likely that we will have a breakthrough in 5 to 10 years. At that point we should consider a pure military technology.”

Terry looked at the group. Some, including Colin, were fidgeting.

“That’s it for the agenda. Do I have a call for adjournment?”

“Yes,” Colin blurted.

“Second,” came another voice.

“Called and seconded. Meeting adjourned.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2126

Ivan turned off the last viewer at his desk and sat in the darkness, brooding. The Prophet had returned, like the second coming of Christ himself. For all intents and purposes it had been the second coming in the eyes of the people of the Planet. Ivan could still remember the event as it was just yesterday, in fact, he made sure that every recreation channel carried an "edited" version almost every hour. The worm mass was less than 3 kilometers from the outer portions of the command base, Dawn of the Planet. The worm mass had been gaining speed as it had approached the city, using the river to aid its approach. Ivan had organized the city garrison and as many Rangers as he could to hold the makeshift barricades they had built. Some of the troops had begun to "slink" away as the worm approached, unable to withstand the pre-psionic attack that the worms seemed to have. Then out of nowhere Alpha appeared with the Prophet and his guide riding into combat. The garrison cheered in jubilation and the high pitched cry of the Prophet ordering the forces forward came like a command from God himself. The troops rushed forward with their shredder rifles in hand but by now Alpha had turned and stopped about a kilometer in front of the troops as they rushed forward. The Prophet dismounted from Alpha, he stood and gazed at the surrounding scene as if he were in a trance, completely disregarding the advancing worm behind him. Then in a voice loud and clear, even for the Prophet, he called forth and pointed at one of the sergeants from the city garrison. Alpha turned and raced back to pick-up the man and brought him forward. Then as the rogue worm almost reached the Prophet Alpha deposited the man next to the Prophet who grabbed him and thrust him forward. The worm mass engulfed the sergeant but there was no scream, no mind curdling assault on the brains of those who watched. The worm mass seemed to expand then contract and expand again but after a few minutes it pulled back and the sergeant stood standing, naked to the world. His eyes were filled with tears of joy and in a loud voice he cried.

"I am john Miller, guide to Beta!"

The Prophet approached the man and hugged him, the two locked in an embrace that looked strange indeed. The Prophet was hardly tall by any stretch of the word and John Miller was nearly 6 feet 5 inches and who also happened to be naked. The worm mass, Beta, ingested the clothes and weapons and every other particle of man made material and left only the bare flesh behind.

There had been much rejoicing and the Prophets mystique, his cult, gained even more power from that day forward. Now many people began to think of him as something more than a man. People were actually volunteering to becoming guides now rather than the forced approach that had to be done in the past. There had even been a movement to start a new corps within the Rangers, the Guides. Ivan moved quickly to squash this but the Prophet seemed to support it so for now he could only try to guide events as best he could and hope that the Guides power did not become equal to the Rangers.

Which triggered Ivan's next bout of brooding. Ivan had begun to worry about his decision to "play" on this event. He had ordered his cadre of propaganda experts to "punch up" the tape and add effects and other things and he had ordered it played every day around the clock. Now, nearly a ½ turn later it was still the most popular thing on the net. Perhaps he had gone too far with this, perhaps. What seemed to add even more to the event was that the Prophet had ordered Alpha and Beta to return with him to the wilderness and continue their works in the fungus fields. The Prophet had issued only another set of brief orders and seemed to not even care about the endless details that Ivan had thrown at him. The Prophet only cared about one thing, more worms. With more worms he could send Alpha back to serve as a garrison for the two main colonies and as a un-official police force.

But the one thing that worried Ivan was how, if need be, do you kill a God?

	18-12-2002 23:24									#7
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Dreams of Green, MY 2127

“Tell the former crew their next assignment is…here,” Lu Ling said, pointing to a sector southeast of their city. “Their orders are to start a road toward the small bay, which is likely attached to a larger city. And..”

“Ma’am,” one of her technicians said. “Excuse me for interrupting, but our former crew’s report is overdue, and they haven’t answered the pings I’ve sent them for the last day. They aren’t ‘missing’ yet, but I thought you should know.”

Lu stopped, her concentration broken. “Overdue? That isn’t like Wendell. He can be an officious bastard, but he is an efficient officious bastard. Send out a crew to find him. Immediately.”

Her tech nodded to acknowledge his orders and he left the room.

…three days later…

“It’s confirmed. All we found is wreakage. What might have been bodies were pretty far gone.”

Lu Ling asked, “Was it the University? Have they gotten some troops by us? Not that we have much defense besides Lindsay’s mindworm right now.”

Steve shook his head. “No, it wasn’t the University. They couldn’t have done such a thorough job, and they certainly coulnt’ have eaten away the metal. It looked like swiss cheese. It had to be some native life form, likely a rogue mindworm.”

Ling pursed her lips. “Call in the rover crew to investigate. If it’s a worm it’s a threat to us all. The crew deserves some R&R here at Dreams anyway.”

Steve left to gall the rover crew. Ling was privately happy that the rover crew was relatively nearby, and even happier that she would have an excuse to have some defense at Dreams for a while. Her scout ‘defender’ didn’t give her any confidence at all…

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2127

John Miller, guide to Beta, rode quietly along side the huge colony pod as it moved eastward. His first assignment was to escort the future third colony pod to its location and stay with it for several turns providing needed security for both the colony and the nearby terra-formers. The Prophet was none to happy to hear from Ranger One that the terra-formers were out there on the fringe of the wilderness but the site they were at was so rich in nutrients it was too tempting not to develop that site.

"Guide Miller, this is colony pod commander William Orchid, OVER."

John's comm. linked buzzed him that the Colony leader was calling him. He still did not understand why the Prophet had begun to "rename" people but who truly did understood the Prophet. He had been terrified and so very angry that day the Prophet had thrown him into the maw of what he thought at that time was a terrible beast. John had thought he would have been re-named too after his bonding with Beta but it did not happen. It was considered a huge honor to be "renamed" by the Prophet but I am sure that commander William "Orchid" did not think so.

"This is Guide Miller. Beta reports now sensations of any other worms nearby you are now free and clear to make the last part of the trip to the colony site. We will remain in contact for a while until you get things sorted out. Good luck!"

John slid his hands over the sleek and surface the made up Beta in all its forms. The Alpha guide had tried to give him a crash course in worms 101 but he could remember little of it now. All he knew now was the Beta needed food and it would be found in the fungus fields.

"Okay, you big baby, lets go."

Slowly Beta turned and moved off from the Colony pod to absorb more fungus.

*~*~*~*

South of Dreams of Green, MY 2128

Angie shook her head, willing herself to focus. She felt sick and could taste blood in her mouth, and as she tried to open her eyes they felt gummy, as if they were stuck together. It was cold, and there was a slight breeze. There was a faint acrid smell. She put her hand to her face, and felt something soft and pliant on her face – her breather. When had she put that on? And why was she laying on the floor? What had that happened?

She carefully tried to wipe away some of the sticky substance, which was not much more than a tacky coating. It was over most of her face, and after a moment she had removed enough that she could pry her eyes open. The cab of the rover was dark with diffuse light from the front windows, and from the side. Why from the side? She sat up, and was immediately struck with a wave of dizziness and a piercing headache, so much so that she almost cried out.

The pain jogged something – the pain. She had felt that before. Before what? It was hard thinking, so slow.

Ang looked forward and saw Jed’s silhouette. He was slumped at the wheel of the rover. Has there been an accident? She got up, crawling along the small cab floor to Jed, who wasn’t moving.

“Jed?” she said, shaking him a little.

There was no response. He felt cold, and she searched for his pulse on his neck – nothing.

Now she remembered: the mindworm attack. It had come out of the fungus and totally surprised them. She could remember screaming, her mind filled with nameless horrors that pierced and shattered her otherwise logical mind, which had been reduced to tatters. The rover had lurched to the side, not away from the mindworm but toward it. She remembered screaming at Jed, yelling at him to get away. He hadn’t listened.

Now she understood. His literal mind had known instinctively what to do – attack, and ignore the visions. He hadn’t panicked, and she had. He had saved her.

She got to her knees and looked into his wide, lifeless eyes. The expression on his face was slack, expressionless.

“Oh, Jed,” she said in a miserable voice.

Ang reached up and shut his eyes. She hurt, but her inside hurt more remembering all the caustic jibes she had thrown at him, and how he had taken them all without complaint. Her eyes warmed but she forced it back, blinking away the tears. She had to get to work.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2128

The terra-former crews looked at each through their plas-shield face plates and new what each one of them was thinking. How on earth, or on Planet, could they report back to command that they just cleared an entire sector of land of fungus for nothing. After they had cleared the last of the fungus the lead agronomist on the team discovered that though the soil was very rich in nutrients it was too shallow for any use. The bedrock was too close to the surface here to allow plants or trees to send roots deep into the soil. Light farming could take advantage of those "pockets" where the soil was deep enough but for the most part large scale farming was out of the
question.

"Who wants to make the call?" Asked the crew chief of the second terra-former.

"Whoever does will not likely be here long, that's for sure. I am how can you do a "proper" survey with the fungus everywhere. How can we get blamed?" replied his counterpart from terra-former one.

*~*~*~*

South of Dreams of Green, MY 2129

Smoke curled around Angie. Her Unity rover was now well ventilated with multiple hull breaches, which was a good thing since atmospheric controls were now scrap or had been cannibalized to get the semi-mobile piece of junk moving.

It turns out that Jed hadn’t attacked after all – he had conducted an emergency and expert retreat. She had found out that the mindworm was not dead since its damaged remains had followed the rover out into the plain where Jed had reatreated. It was obviously hurt, but not as hurt as the rover. This time Ang didn’t have any hesistations, and she ignored the fleeting thoughts of panic that coursed though her brain. She attacked and barely killed the mindworm. Some had literally eaten the polymer steel of the rover, but she had eventually flamed them.

And now her precious rover was unencumbered of any known threat and free to go back to Dreams. There should be a glider arriving soon with a few critical spare parts. Those and her field repairs meant that the rover would very slowly but surely return to working order.

But there was no time for that. Ang had decided to ignore the repairs and head for Dreams, where she was needed. It would take a long time, but it would be worth it. Ang pulled off an access panel and manually engaged the engine, which sputtered to life. She was heading home.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2129

The new base was up and running and reports indicate that Planet Cult scientists might expect a breakthrough in a less than five turns. It would be sometime before a fourth base would be built since the population was too thin as it was. Perhaps in a decade a fourth colony pod could be constructed and sent into the wilderness. Ivan pondered all of this as he sat in his conference room going over reports. The Prophet had gone back into the wilderness with a vengeance and had ordered Beta to cover security at the new base until a garrison could be equipped and ready.

The question had been put forward at the last council of Rangers that the huge energy supply they had should be put to use and complete either the headquarters recycling tanks or base#2's network node. The question really turned on what project needed to get done but which one gained him more influence, more power. The Prophet had no wish to deal with these matters,
all the better for him. He would have to ponder this some more...

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2130

“Why, it’s beautiful!” someone said. The crowd obscured who it was, but there was a definite admiration in her voice. Dee looked around. The new recreation commons was definitely beautiful, especially after all these many years of frustration and deprivation. But, was it a luxury? Dee thought about it. No, it wasn’t a luxury. Landing was now so big that the population needed the space and facilities as a release valve. Already various administrators were reporting that efficiency was improving, and there was a noticeable decrease in unrest.

Now is the time, Dee thought. We can now start a grand Project! The Weather Paradigm!

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2130

Ivan walked around the large conference table and scanned the map again. The latest study on planned expansion had just been put on his desk and it was not good. Only two more bases could be built on the remaining land left unclaimed. Damn. The bases would have to be supported primarily by the sea once they were established. Damn. Ivan now regretted more than ever their switch years ago when the Prophet made his breakthrough on "trance" protection. It would only by 4 more years before the project was complete and the first prototype would be ready for production but in the meanwhile the reality of the situation was such that two bases would be it for some time to come.

Ivan slowly sat down in his chair and shuffled through the latest progress reports. The trees that the terra-formers had planted had not expanded beyond the first few sectors that were planted. Some of the scientists believed that more sites were needed before a cascade effect would occur. The terra-formers had completed a new road segment and had orders to plant more trees then continue the road project and link up the newest base with the oldest.

Reports by his advisors were conflicted as to the priority of project completions. Some of them wanted the new network node completed while others wanted the recycling tanks at headquarters done. Well, he would wait a few more days before making that decision.

*~*~*~*

Dreams of Green, MY 2131

“Look at that baby,” Sye said while running his hand over the burnished metal with long, loving strokes.

“Stop that. It looks like you’re jacking off, rubbing that big phallic symbol,” Margie commented. Sye looked up at the newly prototyped laser gun assembly and noted that it did look like a big phallic symbol and quickly withdrew his hand from its shaft.

“It’s just another example of how male engineers subconsciously try to exert their dominance over others,” she said as she pulled off an access panel and pulled out a probe. “The phallus has been used as a symbol of male oppression of women for thousands of years, and as a symbol of the male hierarchy.” She peered deeply into the innards of the laser, pushing in her probe when she found the right spot. “They have the ridiculous idea that ‘bigger is better’. Any woman can tell them that size doesn’t matter. What they are really doing is saying ‘mine is bigger than yours’. Idiots.”

“Are you done?” Sye asked as he ran a few diagnostics on a subassembly datapad.

“Not on your life. There are too many ignorant males to educate, you being among them.”

Sye smiled. Then his smile faded as he realized she might not be kidding.

*~*~*

Cult, MY 2131

Alpha seemed to quiver with anticipation as the rogue worm continued its approach. The Prophet stood still watching, waiting. Cha could sense the energy of the worm or more correctly, he could feel the level of energy it seemed to operate on. He turned to the line of candidates, some near terror others awaiting the rapture as it was called now. After the uniting of Beta with its guide and his studies of the mind he could now control his gift more. He scanned the candidates again and found the person who he knew would bond with the worm.

"YOU! Come here now and approach the worm!" The Prophet commanded.

A young girl, barely out of puberty, ran forward and stopped in front of the Prophet.

"Go forth my child, become one with the Planet. Rejoice in the new life you are about to embark on. You and the Planet will be one, now and forever. Guard Planet with your life, Guard the protectors of the Planet against all non-believers! Obey the commands of the Planet, hear only the voice of the Planet, forsake all others and all your earthly bonds and be reborn to a new life in service to me, the Prophet of the Planet! Cha turned and pointed towards the worm mass that now was picking up speed as it approached the group. It began to swell and grow and yet the small girl walked forward into the maw of the worm.

The worm rose and collapsed on and around the small girl and she was gone but the worm did not advance any further. It began to shrink then expand and then shrink again. After a few moments the worm mass retreated leaving the small girl behind, naked to the world with tears in her eyes.

"This is Delta and I am its Guide, Shari Moon!" The girl screamed at the top of her voice.

The Prophet walked forward and the girl dropped to her knees and wept. The Prophet approached her and took her up into his arms.

"Arise, Shari Moon, Guide to Delta. You are the now the fist of the Planet, its protector!"

The group of candidates began to sing the song of the Planet and others began to chant the name of the Prophet. Alpha and its guide moved away from the group and approached the Prophet.

"Guide Shari Moon, I am Byram Sung, Master Guide to Alpha and I welcome you to our order." Byram pulled out a green and orange colored cloak and robe and put it around Shari's shoulders and gave her a kiss on each cheek and a hug.

"We will begin with your training soon. There is much to talk about and for you to learn but for now you need rest."

The Prophet watched in silence at the greeting of the two. Byram had changed much since the earlier days. His sullenness and bouts of depression were gone. The cadre of people that had become to be know as the Order of the Guides had now become his life. No longer was he an outcast but the leader of this group, he now had friends and equals to share the emotions and experiences of being a worm guide.

Cha looked at his own hands in wonderment. The two tiny fists of his now commanded a mighty force in deed. There was no longer any fear of his plan falling apart. The Cult of the Planet as it now was being called had a will of its own, a power of its own and it was controlled by him, the Prophet of the Planet.

*~*~*~*

Virgin Soil, MY 2132

“So, is it any good?” Jonathan asked.

Atrea took a tentative bit, hesitating a little as the morsel reached his mouth. Then he opened up, placed the greens in his mouth, closed his lips and removed the fork. He took a moment before chewing, which he did with a deliberate care. His face was blank as he concentrated on his task.

“Well?”

Atrea took a few more chews, and then looked at John. “It’s not bad. It seems a bit like watercress with lots of crunch and not much taste. Hard to say it tastes like sewage.”

“It came from the new recycling tanks. ‘Reprocessed Protein Additive’ they say. Are you sure it doesn’t taste like ****?”

“Nope. Here. Try some,” Atrea said as he stabbed a wafer and wafted it toward John, who instinctively backed away. He gave the off white wafer a skeptical look, keeping a good distance between his face and the offending bit of organic matter.

Atrea enjoyed his discomfort, pushing the fork further toward him. John backed away again.

“Come on! It won’t bite!”

Summoning his courage, John reached and took the wafer from Atrea’s fork with his fingers. He gave it another glance, turning it over at close range to see its entire surface. Then he slowly opened his mouth and placed the wafer inside. He winced as he closed his lips and began to chew.

“There. That wasn’t too bad,” Atrea said as he turned back to his main course. “Guess what’s for dinner tomorrow?” he asked, raising his dark eyebrow as John continued chewing. “Oh, you can’t answer since your mouth is full. You’ll be happy to know RPA is going to be a quarter of our food supply. Isn’t that great?”

John didn’t answer, but he did grimace.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2132

Shari sank to the ground and ripped her mask from her face and began to retch. Delta began to consume the remains of the other worm leaving only the small energy nodules or planet pearls as they had become to be called. The feedback along the psychic link and the image of her Delta ingesting the rogue worm was almost too much for her too handle. She had been warned by Byram about this but it did not help her much, not much at all.

At last Delta had consumed the last bits of the worm and began to relax into state that could only be called rest, for a worm.

"This is Guide Shari Moon to base command, Over"

After a few minutes the link chirped back.

"Command base to Guide Moon, we receive your transmission, over."

"Command, I have encountered a rogue worm and have defeated it. I need transport for the planet pearls and a resupply as well, over."

"Received. The energy nodules could not have come at a better time. The Prophet has ordered preparations for the new trance module technology to be built as soon as the scientists can complete the last tests and adjustments within the next two turns, if all goes well. When they are done we can start our first prototype so we won't have to have you guides risking the worms anymore in defeating these rogue worms anymore, over."

Shari turned off her comm-link and turned back to Delta. For a while she stared at him and then realized he had nearly doubled in size in just the few minutes she had been talking to base. Byram had told her about this but she never knew it could happen so fast...

	18-12-2002 23:26									#8
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

Fungal Field near Climactic Research, MY 2133

Lindsay fumed. She was wasting her life sitting here in the fungus keeping an eye on those idiotic University researchers. All she had discovered in the last decade or so is that their base had a perimeter defense, a rover, lots of terraforming including a forest, and roads to the west. That’s it!

There was so much more of the world to explore and here she was, making sure there were no unauthorized University incursions into Gaian territory. It would be years before reinforcements arrived, and if they weren’t more worms then they would do little good in this blasted fungus! Even the new laser squad would be next to worthless due to all the fungus – only worms could fight or defend there.

Still, there was noting to be done about it. Lindsay knew that here worm was all that stood between the University and the next to defenseless Gaian bases. The folks at home could lead more secure lives due to her efforts, not that she got much thanks from anyone except Dee.

She looked up in time to see the sky darken perceptibly, as if in harmony with her mood.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2133

Cha was tired, tired beyond anything he had felt before. Byram Sung had driven Alpha day and night for nearly a week to get them back to Planet Headquarters. They had arrived only hours ago and had only taken a brief few minutes to get water, food and hygiene issues taken care of. The remaining time had been spend in preparation at the lab. The new trance device was ready for testing. It was a very crude device, huge in fact, but with more work it would be made smaller. The reason why they had to return was that they needed Alpha for the testing. They had chosen a subject for the testing, a criminal. He had murdered someone in a rage a little over a turn ago and by submitting to the test his prison term would be waived. Alpha had been needed to see if the trance technology would even work against the particular mind attack of the worms. The mapping of the human mind had opened up whole new areas of study that even on earth no one had even dreamed to discover.

"My Prophet, we are ready to test" The loudspeaker reported.

Cha got up and left the room that the subject had been brought to. He was blindfolded, his request, but all of the electronic monitoring equipment had been installed and the trance device was ready for testing.

"Begin the test." Cha ordered the lead scientist to begin the experiment.

The wall that separated Alpha from the test subject began to lower into the ground. In a minute it had fully retracted leaving only Alpha, Byram Sung and the subject facing each other. Within a few seconds even Cha could feel the pushing in on his mind as Alpha had begun his attack. The power indicators were now at their max. Alpha was pouring every once of his being into the attack. Some of the staff began to stagger out of the room, the shielding was not able to withstand the attack from even this distance. After what seemed forever the pressure began to subside and it had all took place within a matter of minutes.

"What is the result?" Cha asked.

"My Prophet, good news and bad. The good news is that the trance device did work and it protected the mind as expected. The bad news was that the neural feedback from the device itself killed the subject. It seems we did not think to buffer the shielding effect so that it would not feedback on the wearer. It is a simple thing to correct. The preliminary data does prove that the trance technology does work. Once we complete our study of the results we should be able to prefect trance technology. Barring any setbacks we should be ready to go to prototype within a turn. I also expect that much of the "spin off" effects of our research will aid us in other areas and all due to your early work in the wilderness." replied the chief scientist on the project.

"Excellent work. Do the autopsy on the man and see if there were any other effects not accounted for by the monitoring equipment. We need to make sure that once we go to production and begin retrofitting our troops that they will not be harmed in any other manner."

Cha turned and left the building and sought out his rooms, rooms that had not been used in nearly 4 turns. He was tired and he needed rest. Trance technology and the work on the brain would open new corridors of research but what worried him was that what if some of the others might have survived the crash. Could anyone else have seen the link that he had. Perhaps his superior Zakharov might. The man would have thought such research was beneath him in the past. If they had then the others might be on equal footing with his worm army. That was not a comforting thought.

*~*~*~*

Between Dreams of Green and Virgin Soil, MY 2134

A dozer removed the last symbolic pile of soil, connecting the long road between Dreams of Green on the west to Virgin Soil on the eastern coast. The visiting dignitaries from Dreams and Soil were there to participate in the event, since it heralded the connection of Virgin Soil with the other three Gaians settlements, which had been linked by roads long ago. Not only would this road lead to greater commerce, but it would also be a springboard for future colonization. Already the former from Soil was heading south, plowing a road to the next colony site. Next year a fifth colony would be set up along the western segment of the road, and more colonies would follow since two more colony pods were in production.

All in all it was a happy day, and everyone was enjoying the unusually warm spring weather. Above the merriment and backslapping was a cloud, though. To the west were the University settlements, lead by the unpredictable and unstable Zakharov. This road would connect the settlements and aid in their defense, but would it also be a path for a University conquering army? It was unsaid, but most everyone thought about it. War was a concept the Gaians were not well equipped to deal with, at least not yet.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2134

The new helmet sat on the desk of Ivan. He had sat in his chair for nearly four hours looking at it. With this device the colonies garrisons would not have to rely on the worms to defend them. It also gave Ivan his secret "ace in the hole" if he would need it. If the worms were under the Prophets control then the cities' garrisons were under his. Before the worms were no match for his troops, rogue or otherwise, but now, everything had changed. Of course he had used his team of specialists to hype the event over the video channels and show the people once again that the Prophet had provided for them. It was expensive technology and only one garrison would get them at a time. Ivan had persuaded the Prophet that the newest colony should get the technology first since it was farthest away and he had agreed. It was also the colony that the entire city garrison was loyal to the Rangers, loyal to Ivan.

Ivan sat up from his chair and cradled the helmet in his hands. This had been the first proto-type completed. Soon many more were made but this was to be his. He walked into his private quarters and closed the door. Next to his bed was a secret door and once through the door he entered his private control room. In here Ivan could monitor all the vid feeds along
with all of the surveillance cameras that he had ordered placed where he wanted them by his loyal Rangers. Ivan sank into the chair and punched up the feed on the Prophets room. He sat behind his desk, catching up on paperwork. Upon returning he had re-assumed control, and as such, direction of the Planet people. He had made many new sweeping changes. Once again he had turned his back on pursuing the means to expand beyond the current shores of the two islands. He wanted to continue to press the advantage he felt we had and ordered more research into brain and holographic interface with the mind. It was an intriguing plan, if it worked. Always the dreamer never the practical. Well, it had worked for him so far why not now. Many of the other plans made changes in production and terra-forming. No more
fungus was to be removed. The current projects were to be completed, the road linking the third colony with the main bases for one. That one was very important for both of them. With the road complete he had a quick escape route to his loyal base and if needed a path for troops to come to him. Ivan shook himself and continued his surveillance. There was no need now to "rush" into anything. The Planet people were expanding, growing and building. For now the Prophet was the guide and leader of the people.

*~*~*~*

Lily of the Valley, MY 2135

“So, what do you think?” Sara asked her daughter, who looked around their pre-fabricated apartment with a jaundiced eye. “A new apartment in a brand new town! Nice, huh?”

“It’s OK,” she said, feigning disinterest. ‘I’d still like to be at Fallow Time with my friends, though. I wish we hadn’t moved.”

“We’ll be fine here. We’re right by a nice lake…”

“There’s the ocean at Time, mom,” Marith reminded her.

Sara continued as if she hadn’t heard. “and there’s a forest right next to us. The school’s real nice, too. You did meet Mr. Gavin, didn’t you?”

“Yes, mom,” Marith said as she looked closely at the wall in her nook and then ran a finger over it. “Ewwww! That’s gross!” she said, holding her finger out for her mom to inspect.

Sara stopped her monologue and went over to inspect the proffered finger, which had a coating of tacky greenish gray material on it.

“Honey, the walls haven’t quite hardened yet. This apartment must be really new since the biomatter must not have set completely. Give it a few days and it will be just like our place at Time. You’ll see.”

Marith sat down, studiously avoiding the slimy wall as her mom moved a duffle bag of clothing into her nook. Marith looked on and noticed her mom avoided the walls and placed her duffle very carefully at the edge of her bed.

“Go get your stuff, please. We have to move in the futon next. Then we can meet some of our neighbors!” she said with a slightly forced excitement.

Marith dutifully got up after deciding it was too much trouble to put up a fight. She opened the door into the hallway and checked that she had her breathmask out of habit. It was clear to her she was going to hate it here.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2135

The Prophet had been working non-stop for nearly an entire turn trying to get back up to speed on the management of the colonies. Ivan had done a good job in his administration, excellent in fact. However, that was all based upon the data fed to him by Ivan. Some of his own sources of information contradicted his facts by a wide margin. Cha had thought long and hard about the evolution of the Planet Cult government. Ivan and his Rangers had assumed control over almost every administrative function in every base. Scientists were still under the direct control of the Prophet as well as the worms. However, base garrisons were under the command of senior Rangers. The new faith, the new life, Cha had worked to develop had taken root with the population faster than he could have hoped or believed.

The extreme uncertainties upon landing on Planet had made the people very susceptible to change. His book or the Planet Bible as it was being called now a religion to most people within the colonies. Many still followed the old faith, as it was called, but over half of each colony supported the new faith, the Planet faith. For some it was stronger than others, for others it was a means to an end. Ivan used the faith for his own purposes, that was for certain.

Cha got up from his lotus position and walked to his desk. He still wondered what he would do about Ivan. For now Ivan was an effective tool, nothing more. There was no need to throw a tool away if still worked as it should. If it should become broken, well, that was another story. Cha sat down at his desk and reached into his robes and pulled out he scramble device. The scrambler was a left over device from earth but it still worked very well in blocking, for a short time, any surveillance equipment.

Cha then opened a comm-link to Byram Sung.

"Byram, this is the Prophet. Over!"

After a few minutes Byram reported in.

"Byram, I need to bring you up to speed on a few things and should anything happen to me I need for you to do some things in order to preserve our way of life. I am appointing you as my chosen successor. Should I ever fall you are in charge. Should I fall, for whatever reason it will be most likely due to foul play. Here is what we need to do....

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2136

Terry was livid. “That is the most asinine idea you’ve ever had. The forest spread into the fungus, replacing it. This isn’t an example of an ‘ecological holocaust’ for heaven’s sake! These are Earth trees, and an integrated ecosystem, one that we’ve tried hard to nurture here on Planet, and to rave about them like they were about to wipe out the fungus is stupidity, shear stupidity.”

Now it was Colin’s turn to get mad. “The colonists that let rabbits loose in Australia thought the same thing, and look where it got them! Rabbits all over the place! All I am saying is that we have to be very, very careful, and that the unexpected spread of the forest into the fungal field south of Landing could be dangerous. Not will; could be. Now, I will admit that it exposed a huge second nutrient field that will be a great benefit to us all. We don’t know much about the fungus, or how fragile it is. The American colonists thought the forests would go on forever, and they did until they cut all the old growth down. We can’t let that happen again! We need to think, not react. That is all I am saying!”

Dee interjected: “This is getting out of hand. Colin, I want you to craft a resolution that states what you think we should do as a matter of policy. Terry, you too. Then we can debate this and decide what we want to do. I have to think there is some reasonable, neutral ground we can agree on. OK, Colin?”

Dee looked Colin in the eyes. He nodded to agree.

“Terry?”

Terry glowered, then nodded.

“OK. Now, you’ve gotten Lindsay’s latest report. It seems she caught a University former crew near the fungus where she is hiding and, before she could do anything, her mindworm destroyed it. She was pretty upset about it and, although she reported the mindworm was somewhat damaged, it doesn’t seem too much the worse for wear. While I don’t like destroying civilian units like colony pods or formers we are at war. Unless there is an objection I’m going to send a glider to Lindsay to tell her that she is to take out targets of opportunity as she can. I’ll also tell her that we’re sending our laser infantry to help, as much as they can anyway. Any objections?”

Dee looked around and noticed none.

“That was the last item on the table. Anything else?”

Silence.

“Meeting adjourned until next week.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2136

Three people sat in the private conference room of the Prophet, Ivan Ivanovich head of the order of the Rangers, Byram Sung Master Guide and leader of the Order of the Guides and Lance Thompson senior Planet engineer of Colony resource management. They had all been called here by the Prophet who had yet to make his appearance.

"Does anyone know why we are here?" Asked Byram.

"I for one was just asked myself. I had to move several meetings with my advisors to come to this at the last moment. It is very unlike the Prophet to do something like this without my knowing." replied Ivan who was beginning to have a very worried expression as the minutes dragged on.
Suddenly the door opened and the Prophet walked in. He circled the table placing his hands on the each of the people present thanking them for coming.

"I know you must be wondering why I have asked you to come." Cha sat down at the head of the table. "You should get used to it since I, no, we will do this each week from now on."

"Before you all start in here is what my plan is. At this moment my latest order is being transmitted to the entire Planet people so I suppose you should know too."

Ivan seemed to be getting even more agitated as he scanned the room. Byram sat still, unmoving as if in a trance and Lance Thompson looked stunned.

"My plan is a grand reorganization of labor, material and knowledge. From now on the Rangers will be responsible for garrison security, base administration and the continued work and instruction of the people in our new way of life. The Guides will be responsible for our general security, scouting and reconnaissance. They will also play a role in helping the Rangers, if need be, in their role as defenders of the colonies. Our newest member Lance Thompson will be setting up a new corps, the Planet Caretakers. The Caretakers will control all terra-forming operations and administer all operations in areas that have been terra-formed. The details of my plans will be in your offices for you to review. Also, each colony will be administered by a council of three people selected from each of your groups to serve as the leaders. There will no longer be a "governor" position. Lastly, I want to make one thing clear: administration is your role, policy is mine. During these meetings we will discuss any plans or initiatives each of you wish to make and then I will decide. Afterwards, I will meet with each of you privately to discuss any issue you might have. Aside from this time I will be involved with my scientific research, observations on planet operations and working with the people." Cha strode up and went to the door to his private chambers.

"We will meet in one week. I have downloaded to you each of your terminals guidelines on how we will conduct each meeting. You will need to submit a list of items to be put on the agenda. Prior to each meeting each of you will update the group, as a whole, on the operations you administer, problems or boons you might have in your respective areas. We will meet again in one week at this same time, good day."

The Prophet closed the doors behind him leaving the three men in the room again. Byram Sung was the first to reach across the table and shake Lance's hand. Ivan quickly followed suit. Byram and Lance stood up and left the room talking about protection of the terra-former crews leaving Ivan alone. He sat there for a long time pondering this newest move. Check! Pure and simple, the Prophet effectively checked the expansion of the Rangers powers. By keeping the Rangers from controlling all aspects of the military they could never truly gain control of the government by force of arms. Also, by splintering off the terra-formers and the administration of the resources of
those developed sites he would lack the means to supply his forces. What good does it do to control the cities if you can not feed them, or cloth them or keep them with a good supply of air, water or fuel. Damn, the Prophet had out maneuvered him and he was now just one leg in a chair, a three legged chair. But perhaps he had not been that smart after all. Ivan still had the strongest force within the Planet Cult society. His Rangers were the police and priests of the society. He controlled the streets, and hearts of each citizen of the Planet. Perhaps, in time, he could also subvert one if not both of the other members of the council to his way. Even by gaining the support of one he would be able to control even more. Ivan stood up and walked to the door with just a slight spring in his step.

	18-12-2002 23:28									#9
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

Lily of the Valley, MY 2137

“A tiny suburb in a small town was bigger than everyone on Planet, you know,” Steve mentioned.

“Yah, but look how much we’ve grown?” Rog replied as he adjusted the autobrake on his former servo. “We had one colony, now we have five with more on the way! We had only 1000 colonists, now we have 9000! That is a pretty impressive growth rate, let me tell you, and we’ve done it on an alien world! Not too shabby, not shabby at all.”

“That University base already has a perimeter defense, from what I hear. I imagine that we’ll be seeing an invading army before too long, with all that technology that Zakharov is supposed to have gotten from Unity and his army of researchers.”

“Stop you bellyaching!” Rog said. “Lindsay should keep us safe until we can get some better defenses. Her mindworm does a great job in the fungus, and the University will have to plow through a huge fungal field to get to us. Eventually I suppose that we’ll have to form an army and go to him to set things right, not that I’m happy about it.”

Steve was undeterred. “The Council should have done better! Just given Zak whatever he wanted to keep the peace. They could be the warmongers, did you consider that? Being so high and mighty up there at Landing and all.”

Rog gave up and let Steve grouse and noticed he hadn’t finished his rather limited tasks, as usual. “Sure, sure. Just get your work done.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2137

Cha walked into the nursery and looked at all the small children with bright and shiny faces. They all rose at once and gave a awkward bow, for many it was the first time they had seen the Prophet. One of the things Cha liked best was visiting each colonies nursery and meeting the children. It also had a second more secret purpose for him, to find another person who seemed to have the ability to see the link between Planet and humans.

The nursery leader gathered the children in front of Cha and he kissed each one on the head, a few, he would stop and rename them. The "renaming" had become quite a status symbol for many and as he reached the second row he stopped in front of one small boy.

"Your new name is Zion Needlethorn, be welcome into the new world of the Planet, Zion!" The small boy began to cry and the other children oohed and ahhhed, except for one that caught Cha's eye.

"Young boy, come here!" commanded the Prophet.

"My Prophet,,,," Answered the boy as he walked over.

"Why do you not rejoice in the renaming?"

"My Prophet, Chad is my brother, I mean Zion. I was just jealous, I suppose."

"Come children sit, let us exam, this feeling together." The children all circled about Cha and sat down.

"Jealousy, is the most dangerous of all emotions. It makes us want to "covet" to "want" and such wanting will lead us to do bad things. On earth such jealousy forced nations to ravage earth for resources and tear her heart out. We will not make that mistake. Our colonies are small, as our wants are. We need to preserve our new home with the utmost care and devotion or it will strike back at us. We will expand but within our means within our hopes within our hearts. So young brother to Zion Needlethorn do you know what I am going to do to drive jealousy from your heart?"

The small boy shook his head no.

"Your new name will also be Zion Needlethorn as well! Whatever is yours is your brothers and the same for him!" The children clapped their hands except for the small boys.

"What is wrong now?" Asked the Prophet.

The oldest one replied. "But, my Prophet, what if our parents call for one of us will not both of us come?"

"Yes, and I will also call all of you one day to the great task ahead and you will all have the same name then, the same purpose, the same calling, to preserve Planet, to protect Planet, so for you two this is just the beginning of what is to become for all of us!"

Cha stood up and walked out of the room to the clapping and cheers of the children. The Rangers were working miracles with their programs of re-education and indoctrination....

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2138

Colin turned off the holo emitter. “Well,” he said, “what do you think of that?”

“I think the idiot finally came to his senses and decided to see the barest bit of reason,” Terry replied.

“It was a rhetorical question,” Colin said, looking sharply at Terry. He didn’t appreciate his tart sense of humor sometimes. “But, do we accept?”

Dee spoke up. “Of course we accept. Zakharov has offered us a truce and we will accept it. He has lost far more than we have since we were forced to destroy his colony pod and terraformer, and we have Lindsay’s mindworm posted right outside Climactic Research. They have almost no defense against him.”

“But why did he offer,” Terry interjected. “We need to look at motives…”

“No, we don’t,” Dee said. “We can accept his truce offer with good grace. It may even lead to a greater understanding. I never like the idea of being at war, especially when we all have so much to lose.”

Dee looked toward Terry. “What to we have to gain by ignoring or rejecting his offer?”

Terry thought for a moment. “Not much.”

“Anyone else?” she asked.

Silence.

“I’m going to call Zak up right now and let him know we accept. I’ll even offer to trade technology to let him know we’re interested, and as a show of good faith. Plus, you never know what he’ll accept.”

With that Dee activated the ancient holo screen and tapped in a few commands on the touch screen. After a few moments the connection came to life.

“Please put me through to Prokhor Zakharov,” she said.

“Very well, Ms. Skye. He’ll be right with you…”

Dee waited, and was satisfied that the war was finally over.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2138

Cha sat in his chair listening to the exchange between Lance and Byram over terra-former security. A fourth colony pod would be leaving soon and Lance wanted to build a sensor array before the colony pod would arrive at the site. However, crossing the wilderness without escort, especially for a terra-former meant certain attack.

"Then it is agreed, Byram will issue orders to have a worm protect the terra-former to the site and after it begins its work the worm will race back and escort the colony pod and by the time it arrives the sensor array will be on line." Lance said as he wrote down notes on the subject.

"Also, I need to broach one other subject. The need for farms." Lance looked around the room and studied the faces. The Prophet was motionless but still project a state of calm. Byram was agitated but still was calm. However, Ivan had the look of a man who just saw his enemy slip in a race and was about to claim the grand prize.

"Please explain your reason for a farm system." Asked the Prophet.

"Yes, well, here is the problem in a nut-shell. We are not growing. We are well below the curve at which we should be expanding and I do understand that is not all together bad but without more nutrients are colonies will never be able to expand as needed. What I suggest is a modest system, a very modest system to begin with. Each colony will have one sector of farms each with solar collectors installed to provide energy for the farms and any surplus can be used for colony use. In time we will learn to harvest the fruits of the sea but what concerns me is the lack of control in a sea environment. We still have some kelp seeds that are being worked on for adaptation to our seas but kelp grows and grows quickly and it could expand beyond our control. Our land farms can contain and limit the ecological damage to the Planet." Lance ended his speech with another look around. The Prophet and Byram were still calm but now Ivan looked like he was about to pounce on a wounded animal.

"Begin at once with your plan Lance. One sector only for now, now more. Understood. I too worry about sea farms and the lack of control we would have. I also know that without more Cultists to support our cause to support the Planet what good can we do?" The Prophet sat back in his chair and folded his arms.

"Thank you my Prophet."

*~*~*~*

Fallow Time, MY 2139

The holo channel to the Cybernetic Consciousness winked out, and the Gaian Council was slightly stunned.

“You know, for a emotionless cyborg she sure seems to always be in a foul mood,” Colin said. “Aki’s insults were gratuitous, and patently untrue. Why would we vie for world domination? It is ridiculous at its face value! We can barely defend ourselves, much less take over the world, assuming we knew where it is!”

“Colin,” Dee said as she rested a hand on his shoulder, “don’t take it personally. We have no idea what it is like in Cybernetic society. Give them time. Zak has come around, and maybe we’ll get better relations with Aki one day.”

“Not bloody likely,” Terry interjected. “She’s at war with Zak, and has been for as long as we’ve known either of them. How rational is that? Two researchers at each other’s throat? For what? All that matters is that we stay out of the way, and profit if we can. At least Aki agreed to trade Secrets of the Human Brain for Doctrine: Mobility. So even if both the Consciousness and University are daft we can advance a bit.”

“I hope it is more than that,” Dee said, trying to sidetrack another one of Terry’s pontifications. “Maybe through our example they will both see reason.”

Terry snorted.

From that back of the room Hoi said, “Specs coming through, as promised. Sending Secrets now.”

“Good,” Terry stated. “I’m turning in. Talking to all these warmonger logical types gives me a headache.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2139

Lance looked at the latest report and began to worry. The forests to the south of Dawn of the Planet had spread, and spread quickly. For a forest it had grown quickly, much to quickly for Lance's liking. For all the energy Cult engineers and technicians put into expanding their resources the same amount of energy had to be put into keeping an ecological balance with Planet. He had already issued orders to the terra-formers should the forests expand further east into the great wilderness that they would have to burn them down and restore the land. However, the first farm was under construction at colony two which is where he was heading the following day. The Prophet wanted to inspect the farm and he also wanted to see the new network node that was just completed. The node would allow Cult scientists to run complex models to try and understand more fully how Planet worked, its life and climate cycles. Plans were already on the drawing board for another node at Dawn of the Planet but not until the great project was done. The Prophet had been working more and more on helping the scientists unlock the secrets, the blue prints to our DNA. He knew that Cha wanted to begin designing humans so that they could live in better harmony with planet, breath its air, and be sustained by the native life. It was a good dream.

Lance closed the portable computer and put it into his carry-all and sat down to begin his meditation. Lance cleared his mind and as he was instructed he formed a picture of planet in his mind, embracing the beauty of the fields of fungus, the rolling hills of the wilderness began to form in his mind. Then the serene and calming face of Cha came to his mind and he knew he was near the point of deepest mediation...

*~*~*~*

Open terrain west of Dreams of Green, MY 2140

“So, explain to me again why we are building a road toward the University? Weren’t we at war with them a while ago?” Saul sipped at his coffee, and his eyebrows went up in pleasant surprise. A good hybrid! Finally!

“Well,” Muhammad said, “as near as I can tell it is a land grab. The Unis haven’t penetrated the fungus since we had to eliminate their colony pod, and they aren’t likely to with Lindsay’s mindworm on patrol. Also, if you look at the map,” he said, pausing to punch up a map of the area and then swiveling the display toward Saul.

“See this thin strip of land? It is all that connects our territory to that of the University. It is a choke point, so to speak. If we control it, then we control access to our lands, just in case Crazy Zak decides to declare war again. We also will have advance warning to prepare. Also, this will be a way to bridge the northern and southern seas if we ever get the infrastructure and resources to build a navy. Think of it as the Panama Canal of Planet.”

“Hmmm,” Saul said as he digested this information, and sipped his coffee again. “It’s going to take while to get everything in place, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it will. We have to build the road, a sensor, and some basic terraforming. Unless we get help it will take at least a decade, likely longer. But it will take longer if we don’t start! It will take a while to pull together the resources for another colony pod anyway, and hopefully we will be done by the time they are on the way.”

“OK. Where do we start?”

“A road from that links up the road from Dreams,” Muhammad said, pointing to a rolling sector just west of them. “It should only take a year or two.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2140

The terra-former crew stopped walking when they reached the banks of the river. All around them small tree saplings ranging from three feet to fifteen feet had taken root and had grown. Grown where they were not supposed to, in the wilderness.

"Master Caretaker Thompson will not be pleased when we report back to Planet command." Chief Argyle commented.

"No chief, I doubt he will, not in the least." replied one of the men.

"If I were the Master Caretaker I would leave this sector of ground alone. There is still plenty more wilderness out there that has tons of fungus on it. This is a perfect spot for a forest, better than some of the places we planted before, the river and the coast give it a beauty I wish all the
places in Cult territory had." The chief turned his back and walked back to the rover unit. They would drive back and return to the terra-former in a day or two.

The chief quietly sat and composed his message to the Master Caretaker. He did not want to burn that forest down, not one little bit. So he worked up what he thought was a very positive assessment of the situation and hoped against hope that he would be right. Anyway the terra-former was hard at work building the solar collectors just north of colony three and once that was complete it had to race across the wilderness to begin building a sensor array for colony four. How in the Planet would they have time to burn the forest down and replant it with fungus. The chief was a follower of the new way, the Cult of the Planet, and he did not want to see the Planet despoiled anymore than the next Cultist. But, time was of the essence now and resources were scarce as it was. The other three terra-formers were at colony two building the new farm and solar collectors there to improve life for the citizens there. So perhaps the Master Caretaker would see the logic of the situation and leave it for now, reclaim when the Caretakers would have more time. The chief had to believe that eventually things would settle down and then you could go back and take care of these things.

The chief completed the message and sent the send button and then waited....

*~*~*~*

Song of Planet, MY 2141

All in all Dee felt pretty good. The quarters here at Song of Planet were Spartan, but then every new colony’s accommodations were Spartan at the start. In addition to being the southern-most Gaian base, it was at the northern edge of the strange Uranium Flats, which boasted impressive energy potential, if it could be effectively utilized. The terrain was potentially productive since it had a small river and a mineral lode, but it would take a lot of work.

Even more exciting was that this was the second base christening Dee had the pleasure of hosting. The first was just a month ago along the eastern coast. Flower’s Preach was also in potentially productive territory. Right now a former crew was working to remove the fungus from a nutrient lode, and that would take time but it would be well worth the effort. Meager resources from Gaia’s Landing had allowed the new colony to finish a former this very year, and it would help with terrain improvements.

From a tenuous start Dee reflected that the Gaians now had seven bases, and they were no longer under the threat of extinction if some calamity were to befall one of their precious holdings. The ‘war’ with Crazy Zak was over, and they had a tense peace with the Cyborgs. At this point their science rate was flagging, but that would be fixed by a reasonable expansion. Dee knew there would be space for at least six more bases without putting Zak out too much. The base planned on The Spit might annoy him, but the land was within Gaian territory so he wouldn’t have grounds to gripe too much.

Yes, it was a good year.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2141

Master Caretaker Lance Thompson sat in the Prophets private quarters waiting for his arrival. He had asked for the special, one on one, meeting with the Prophet to go over the report from the Master Chief of terra-former number 3.

"Master Caretaker, I hope you have not been waiting long."

The Prophet had entered without his knowing due the distraction of the moment.

"My Prophet, I feel I need to bring something directly to your attention, I seek your guidance."

"Yes, go on..." replied the Prophet as he sank into a chair opposite Lance.

"My Prophet, the latest reports from the Master Chief of terra-former 3 are in and thy are both disturbing yet exciting. It seems that the river system just north of colony three is nearly seven sectors long and each one of those seven sectors are rich in nutrients, water and minerals. However, they lay in the heart of the wilderness. One sector has already been
claimed by the new forests and per your orders we should begin to destroy it but the question is when. Currently all of our terra-formers are committed to projects that will last for nearly a decade and to stop all of that now to destroy one forest sector would upset time tables for some time not to mention our plans for expansion." Lance stopped there. He knew he had already talked too much. The Prophet liked much simpler and clearer summations of the problems.

"I am aware of the situation. For now let the forest stand. A colony pod will be ready in just 6 turns and the sensor array must be on line. Order the terra-former just north of colony three to build roads to the edge of the wilderness and proceed across the wilderness when done and begin the sensor array. Then work back, along the western coast building a road and improvements. I will sanction one more fungus field to be raised in order to connect colony three with four, but no more." The Prophet stood up which was as good as a command without saying so for Lance to rise.

"Go forth and do good work on Planet, do no harm. In time we will restore balance and all that was destroyed will be replaced a hundred fold."

Lance bowed and wondered how on Planet could they even begin to repay the Planet even two-fold.

	18-12-2002 23:31									#10
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2142

“Witness,” Professor Watkins stated, “the flowering!” His voice boomed as he dramatically raised the beaker of clear liquid in front of his class so they could all see. Then he slowly brought his other hand up, placed his index finger against his thumb, aimed it at the beaker with deliberate slowness, and then flicked the beaker with the fingernail of his index finger. A high ringing filled the air, and the class watched attentively.

At first they saw nothing, then, a mote of red. This mote grew outward at an ever quickening pace, the fractal arms radiating outward, reaching toward the edge of the beaker. In a few seconds the clear liquid had been partially replaced with a crystalline beauty, a red flower that was a combination of hard spiky crystal and soft and pliant ‘petals’ of wafting red and pink.

“The color and the material, class, are derived from the xenofungus you see every day. The crystalline matrix it that forms the exquisite ‘flower’ simply houses the pigments and organic material. Anyone know what caused it to form?” he asked, looking out at his generally attentive students.

A few hands went up. He selected the quiet young lady in the back. She never raised her hand.

“It is a super-saturated solution?” she stated, her hesitation turning her answer into a question.

“That is correct Xia,” he said. The young lady glowed, one of the first time he had seen her genuinely happy. “This super saturated solution was created by adding an extract of the fungus to the water. All it took was a moment of kinetic energy to set it off. But that is not the amazing thing, oh no. Part of the energy was derived from the organic matter itself, which seems to be self-organizing even when separated into its components. The possible uses boggle the mind, as do the hyper complexity of the organism itself that could form such compounds. We can’t even begin to unlock the DNA, not yet, but it seems to be ‘super-packed’, with much more information that what would be required to form these complex compounds. No one knows how or why the information is there. Is it left over junk, a wasteland of evolution? Or is it an as yet undiscovered coding that serves some purpose or ability?”

The professor snapped back and looked out at his class. Most had a slightly lost look to them, either that or a glazed look that indicated they had lost any modicum of excitement they might have had. There was one, however, that had a thoughtful look that radiated a deep concentration – Xia.

Watkins was pleasantly surprised. It was always the quiet or the unlikely that were likely to ‘get it’. He continued his lecture, slowing down for those that were not quite quick enough. But he tempered his lectures to make sure he fed morsels to the quiet Xia. She never said much, but he enjoyed watching her grow. And he liked her increasingly difficult questions even better.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2142

Cha sat at his desk studying the two men on the other side, Master Caretaker Lance Thompson and Chief Scientist Emile Wulfmueller. Both men were talking two each other discussing some minor issue that had come up.

"Gentleman, can we please concentrate on what I asked you here for. In just a few years we will complete the work on holographic neural interface and computer networks. At that time we can either change our emphasis of work from the genome project to the virtual world project. What I need to know from you too is should we do it?" The Prophet waited for their responses.

"My Prophet, I think there is no doubt in the minds of our scientists that the virtual world project has to be our primary goal. With it our people will have unlimited horizons for recreation which will have a tremendous impact in maintaining harmony within the colonies. Also, the network can be used to boost our productivity as well thus eliminating vast amounts of drudge work that someone would have to do." Replied Emile. " In addition, I might add, with the added productivity it will make our work all the more easier in completing the genome project. With the building of each network node at each colony we essentially get multiple uses from it."

"My Prophet, I can not agree more. The genome project has tremendous long term implications but the virtual world, when completed, will give us immediate results." Lance chimed in.

"Then let us agree then. Make the preparations now so that when we complete the research in a few turns we can re-allocate the resources we have already accumulated for the genome project to the virtual world. It should take decades off of the time needed to complete, thank you for coming."

Both men got up and left. Cha also had discovered something else about the virtual world. Everyone person who entered it and used it created a window in his mind which allowed for the opportunity for someone to "look in" and see what the person was thinking. It was not all together clear as to how accurate or how deep the information could be retrieved, not at this level
of research and not without a working prototype. The scientist on the team who was working on this aspect of the research was under Cha's personal guidance. He had granted him full access to the network node at colony two and had given him alpha level clearance so that no one, except Cha, could look into his research. The last thing he wanted was Ivan finding out about this and getting control of it. Cha had already began building a special annex to his tower for the monitoring equipment to be installed. This technology would be his...

*~*~*~*

Dreams of Green, MY 2143

“Well, it seems Crazy Zak is wanting to expand,” Lu Ling commented as she pointed toward the representation of Climactic Research on her map. “Lindsay reports it has decrdeased in size, and it is clear there is no famine due to the farms and forests we know are in the area. The question is, where will this pod go? We have already claimed territory here,” she said, pointing to where the former crew was building a road and a sensor. “They can’t build a base there anyway since there is a huge wall of fungus between Climatic Research and our territory.”

“They could go south,” Sven said. “There is a small connection of land here,” he said, pointing at a small isthmus west of Uranium Flats. “He could send the pod there, and there are a few places where a colony could be created.”

“Could he take the Flats from us?” Ling asked.

“No. Song of Planet has establishd our hold, but he could poach some territory along the western side of the Flats from us.”

“Can we do anything about it?” she asked.

“Not really,” he mused. “We don’t have any extra scouts, and our colony pods are already allocated. We won’t be expanding into that area for a good long time. My only concern is that he might poach twice by placing a colony, then another further into our territory. Then he might be able to take part of the Flats.”

“We can’t allow that,” Ling said, frowning.

Sven only nodded, even if he had no idea what they could do about it without war.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2143

Ivan walked down the main street of the Dawn of the Planet. Beside him and behind were his cadre of aides or personal guards. He had decided to look in on the research being done by the scientists at the main labs. Cha had been spending more time each month as the research begin to reach a breakthrough. He had tried using the net to access the project files but some, in fact, many had been locked out under alpha clearance. Only Cha had alpha clearance so what was he hiding. Byram and Lance had been dead ends or so they said. But Ivan suspected the Master Caretaker of knowing more than he said. Since taking control of Cult resource management he had quietly and effectively reorganized the system and imposed a very efficient infra-structure, one that Ivan had to admire. Many of his loyal supporters found themselves thrown out leaving him little influence to no control at all on the day to day things he once controlled. At one time that control had gained him a lot of power and influence when the Prophet was in the wilderness and now the Master Caretaker had it all. Ivan turned the corner and reached the lab entrance. At the entrance stood a guard.

"Move aside I have business inside." Commanded Ivan.

"I am sorry Ranger One, but on the Prophets order only those on my list are allowed access into the labs. In fact, your name is on the restricted list of people who are not allowed." Replied the guard .

"Let me see!" Ivan snarled back.

Ivan snapped the clipboard from the guards hands and scanned the names. There were eight names on the access list and the only name specifically listed on the restricted side was his. Damn the Prophet!

Ivan throw the clipboard back into the hands of the guard. What made it all the more humiliating was the fact that normally security was handled by the Rangers but the guard was a Guide, under Byram Sungs' control. Damn, Damn, Damn! He knew now for sure now that both The Master Guide and Master
Caretaker had lied to him.....

*~*~*~

North of Flower’s Preach, MY 2144

“So, how long have we been out here?” Faroque said.

“Four years,” Marlin grunted as he wheeled the terraformer about to remove more of the rocky outcrop.

“Good thing the newbie former crew from Preach showed up. It’ll speed up gettin’ this rock pulled out a lot. This nutrient lode is almost uncovered now, isn’t that great?”

“Yup,” Marlin said, longing for a silence that he knew would never come.

“Now, what did the Landing tell us we were supposed to plant here?”

“A forest,” he said, as he had said several thousand times – in the last week.

“Well, that aught to be nice!” Faroque said as he turned a few of his remotes to tackle a particularly difficult granite formation in sector 23, and a few haulers to process soil and from the valley and rock flower from the crushers.

“Where’re we going next?” he asked after a very brief pause.

“Don’t know,” was the simple reply.

There was a short pause while Faroque thought of something else to say.

“Say, want to see my boil?” Faroque asked.

Marlin would have screamed if it would have helped.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2144

Shari Moon had traveled for several turns with Delta and believed that she knew all that one could know about the native life of planet until she saw "it". Delta had become agitated as they moved southwards over the wilderness and as far as Shari could tell for no reason. The small team of candidates and support people followed behind at a discreet distance. The more time Shari spent with Delta the more she only liked to spend time with other guides so it suited her just fine to have them back there. However, as they crested a small hill and began to go down Delta suddenly turned and moved northwards in a circular pattern and as Delta rounded the hill that is when she saw "it". It was so alien it made a worm mass seem normal. It was circular at the base with small tendrils at the base that could only be called feet. The creature had a solid form, unlike the worms, and at the top it sprouted what could only be called tubes that were flaying about. Delta moved forward and Shari felt the pulse as Delta began to summon its power to attack the creature. The creature began to tremble and pulse and moved to attack as well. The problem with all of this was that the small group of support people had set-up camp, since it was getting late in the day, and were now in the middle of the creatures attack path. Shari knew she could not re-call Delta so she keyed her comm-link.

"Get out you fools, RUN!!" She screamed into the link. She began to run to try and keep pace with Delta who now was at full speed and firing psychic blasts at the creature. Suddenly, one of the cooks began to scream in horror while jumping up and down. Shari slowed a bit to see the man suddenly run towards the creature and fall in front of it on his knees.

"Stop, please stop DELTA! Your are killing Gorm!" He cried at the top of his lungs.

Shari picked up the pace again and ran till she reached the spot where Delta had stopped only a few feet in front of the cook and the creature. The creature had settled and seem to have shrunk and the hose like tendrils at the top were caressing the man.

"Shari Moon, this is Gorm. He is my friend." The cook said.

Shari stood for a few more minutes and then reached for her comm-pad at her wrist and punched in the code to signal Byram.

"Byram, this is Shari Moon, over!" After a few minutes the comm-link barked back.

"Shari, this is Byram. What is the situation."

"Master Sung, I think you had better link the Prophet in on this because I doubt either of you will believe me until you see what I am looking at now...

*~*~*~*

Dreams of Green, MY 2145

Sven toggled on an overhead display, which winked to life. It showed a schematic of the eastern portion of University and the western portion of Gaian territory. Climatic Research with its perimeter defense figured prominently, and to its east was the Great Fungal Wall, the eastern edge of which marked the beginning of Gaian lands. A former was working there to build a road for a new colony site. Southwest of Climatic Research was formerly unused land. A new icon showed up there – a city called Mandelev College.

“Well,” Sven said to Ling, “they did it. Lindsay reports that Crazy Zak has built his new colony about where we thought he might.” He pointed to the new city.

Ling bent closer to examine the city, and then touch activated a detail display that pulled up some of the survey data they had on the area.

“Not a great place for a base,” she said.

“No, but they can fix that. There is at least one terraformer in the area that is building farms and roads. They’ll have the city up and running in no time.”

She touch activated a time index to see where the natural borders between the Gaians and University had been before and after the base had been constructed. “Hmmm. Didn’t change as much as we thought.”

“Right. What it did do is give Zak the ability to build a base here,” he said, pointing to the western edge of the Uranium Flats. “If they do that they can claim a third of the Flats before we can post a base there.”

Ling looked up from the display at Sven. “Any evidence they are moving a colony there?”

“Not yet. Lindsay is keeping an eye on it, but she can only do so much. This new base also opens up our territory for infiltration since we have no resources east of Mandelev college. That could be a problem.”

“When can we fix that?” Ling asked.

“Not any time soon. We are finishing a recycling tank soon, and Landing has told us our next project will be a colony pod or maybe a laser speeder. It all depends on the tactical situation. Regardless, we can’t get any resources down there.”

“Too bad our Unity speeder was destroyed by mindworms,” Ling said, almost to herself. “Would have been useful now.”

“Yes, it would have. Who would have thought it would fail in its attack on a worm? A damn shame,” Sven replied.

“I’ll bet we regret that bad luck soon.”

Sven nodded, and they both returned to the strategic display to look for angles.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2145

Cha was monitoring a lecture given by a new professor. He rarely watched these but the topic was too intriguing for him not too, "Planet older than we think". The lecture was nearly over when the young academic seemed to break from the prepared speech and switch to something new.

"As I have stated, Planet is much older than we expected. Our science is not complete on this subject but from all indications so far it could four to five times older than earth, perhaps even more. What is most intriguing about this is some rare fossil samples that I have uncovered indicating the possibility of a life form, possibly a sentient life form. If this was the case how far did they evolve. If they did become a dominate force on the planet why did they not use up the very abundant resources found on planet.

What is most striking from the sites I have studied is that some of the mineral and nutrient areas look to be as old as the planet. So how could a civilization ever prosper without tapping into these resources. These are just some of the many questions my feeble research has brought up so far. I wish now to ask you to turn to page 114 of the hand-out and..."

Cha turned off the feed and thought about this for a long while. Could there have been a previous society and civilization on Planet. If so, what did they use instead of the naturally appearing resources that seemed so abundant.

Cha hit his comm-link. "Ivan, I wish to have Professor Markus Flower transferred to my staff effective immediately. He is to be given the space in the new annex to the network node at colony two. He will have gamma computer clearance and report only to me from now on. Prophet out."

If this man was correct the secrets to building a greater society, a society in harmony with Planet, might be locked away some where on planet waiting for him....

*~*~*~*

Dreams of Green, MY 2146

Sven was smiling. “They finally approved it! Our proposal went through!”

Ling looked up. “Really? When are the credits coming?”

“Within a few weeks! Then we’ll be able to trade the resources to finish the recycling tanks! This moves our production schedule ahead at least four or five years, not to mention the bonus that time and the extra resources the tanks will give us. We’re in business!” he said.

“That complicates our lives, you know,” Lind commented.

“Oh?”

“We don’t have the time to figure out what to propose for our next building project. The nutrient lode to the north has finally been stripped of its fungus, but it won’t be productive until there’s a forest planted. So, until that becomes available we still have a pretty limited resource base. What do you suggest?”

“Another former?” he said, skeptical of his own answer.

Ling thought about it. “No. We already have seven formers working since Time replaced the one destroyed by worms. They’re always busy, but we only have so much room to expand. What about another laser infantry?”

“Pretty useless. They can’t go anywhere, and they really couldn’t defeat anything or take a pounding since they have no armor. I like the idea, though. Maybe a laser speeder?”

“Hmmm. I think we can convince Landing of that since our Unity speeder bit the dust. Too bad we can’t convince them to invest in some military or defensive technology – they are so high-minded. If they were on the front line against Crazy Zak like we are they might change their mind.”

“You might be right. Still, I wonder if they don’t have a big plan,” Sven said.

“Maybe they do. I can’t see it, though.”

“Me either. Dinner?”

“Sure,” she said as they walked out of their cramped ‘tactical’ room, that also served as den for them.

	18-12-2002 23:33									#11
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

Cult, MY 2146

Cha walked into the lab with Ivan, Lance and Byram following a few feet behind. Cha had asked them to join them today to see the completion of the work on the advanced network/holographic interface.

"As you can, the work is done. We will switch the resources we have already accumulated next turn to the completion of this new project, the virtual world. Colony two will take up the challenge of the human genome project in a few turns once they complete their recreation center next turn and then a colony pod. I wish that we could do both projects here but that would be unwise and impractical." Cha said as they reached the center of the room and stopped in front of the prototype device.

"My Prophet, what does it exactly do?" Asked Byram.

"Master Guide, it will allow any person to create any world, any environment, any situation they would like and through the neural interface it will seem that you are actually there. For example, if you wish to create a program in which you are walking in a park back on earth the computer will generate it for you and then when you step into the chamber and place the interface helmet on it will transmit the images directly to your brain. Once inside the virtual world you can then continue to create, to add to the program by interacting with it. Once you are in the program your actions will cause the computer to continue to add to the program. Also, the more you use it the virtual world will begin to anticipate your actions and add events, people or situations to the program. It will give our people a recreational outlet unprecedented in history and it will also have tremendous scientific capabilities as well. Scientists or engineers will be able to upload their work into the virtual world and from their directly access the data. Imagine the engineer working on a new vehicle design, such as the ships we anticipate on building some day, the engineer can build the ship in the virtual world and walk inside of it, run it, test it on the open ocean and collect valuable date before it is even built!" Replied Cha.

"A masterful achievement by Prophet." Ivan said as his hands touched the chamber.

"Byram, it will be important for the duration of the project that a mind worm and its guide remain at Dawn of the Planet always. The people here will be asked to work long hours to build the working models that will be sent to each base and all of the computer equipment it will need. Until the virtual world is built some of the people might become stressed and cause problems. With the presence of a mind worm about I am sure the people will be reminded of their duty and not fall into making trouble." ordered Cha.

"My Prophet, your command will be followed. In fact, I had been thinking of stationing Gorm in the new colony being prepared now in the east. The pod should arrive in two turns and then it will only take a turn after that to get it set-up. If the colony did not have to build a garrison right away then they could devote their resources to a terra-former or even a recycling tank. Gorm's guide is nearly 50 years old and is having trouble trekking the wilderness." Byram turned to the Prophet awaiting his answer.

"That is fine Byram, very good indeed. Master Caretaker, what is your suggestion? What should be built first at colony four?"

"Terra-former, no doubt in my mind, my Prophet. Colony four will have access to both a high yielding nutrient lode and a mineral one as well. Also, as you commanded I have prepared the plan for the replacement of the fungus. The plan will replace fully 2/3 of the fungus already destroyed by forests, farms or roads. I have also worked with Master Sung and Ranger One Ivanovich so that the placement of the fungus will serve as a barrier to any possible invaders should they try to land on our islands. The fungus will prove to be an effective barrier to stall any invaders long enough for Master Guide Sung to deploy his guides and worms and Ranger One to alert the colonies garrisons for an attack." Replied the Master Caretaker.

"Excellent, most excellent. Now it is time to go and get to work."

*~*~*~*

Fallow Time, MY 2147

Terry sat down in the impromptu Council chambers at Fallow Time.

“For the record,” Terry stated, “all Council members are present: Skye, Booth, Sung, Ag’dre, and Henderson. This meeting is called to order.”

Terry paused as the other members were settling themselves in the rather small meeting room that the governor of Time had given them. They also each gave special attention to the treats and snacks the governor had thoughtfully placed there for them. Colin in particular seemed to be enjoying himself as he delicately munched some lemon sprinkles, being careful not to let to many crumbs escape from the brittle pastry. Terry didn’t partake.

“The meeting agenda is on your flimsies,” he said. A few members, including Dee, picked theirs up and gave them a quick glance. “The first order of business is a matter of discipline. It seems the trance scout stationed at Flower’s Preach has deserted their post for the better part of a year, and they have been reported derelict of duty on at least 12 occasions. The Governor Plathkee is quite beside himself, and the AWOL group has not even tried to answer calls on regular occasions. As a result, the governor has asked for a formal reprimand and that the scout group be disbanded and reconstructed. In fact…”

“They went into the fungus east of Preach, didn’t they,” Colin said between munches.

Terry looked up, annoyed at having been interrupted. “As a matter of fact, that was their last reported position.”

“That small fungal field hasn’t been explored yet, has it?” Colin asked.

“No,” Terry responded.

“Do you know if they found anything?” he asked as he carefully put the remains of his fifth lemon sprinkle on the table.

Terry’s brows furrowed. “No, I don’t”

“I do,” he said as he casually examined his fingernails for crumbs. He let the pause continue for a while.

“Out with it Colin. We don’t have time for these games,” Terry said.

“I just got a squirt from Michelle, who is a great friend of mine. She hates that officious idiot Plathkee, you know. Always butting in and giving orders,” Colin said as he looked pointedly at Terry. “Anyway, it seems they ran into a mindworm.”

That got everyone’s attention. “Was anyone hurt?” Dee asked. Her face was full of concern. They had lost a former crew and their Unity speeder in the not too distant past, and mindworms were always a threat.

Terry looked over at Dee. “Well, I don’t think so. It turned out to be rather friendly, you see, and bonded to Michelle. Isn’t that amazing?”

The news electrified the Council, and Colin put up his hands defensively as questions were hurled at him: Where are they? What did Michelle have to say? How big is it? When are they coming in? Were there more mindworms out there? How much fungus is left that we haven’t explored?

Terry sat amid the happy confusion. He muttered to himself, “You could have put that on the agenda.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2147

Byram Sung, Ivan Ivanovich and Lance Thompson walked into the council chamber single file and began to take their seats when they realized that their was now a fifth chair. They all stood their watching each other then glancing at the fifth chair, why? The doors to the Prophets private
quarters opened and Cha walked in followed by a person they had never seen before.

"Greetings my Prophet" Chimed each of the three council members.

"Welcome, pleased be seated. I want to introduce the newest member of the council, Master Seeker Evans. I am re-organizing slightly the distribution of responsibilities and duties. The Seeker Guild will be responsible for all communications and intelligence for the Cult of the Planet. His people will be responsible for maintaining lab, communications and military secrets. I know that this is a change but I am sure you all will handle it and it will work out for the best for us all." Cha said glancing around the room but his eyes always seemed to go back to Ivan.

"My Prophet, have you found dis-favor with the way the way that the Rangers have handled things?" Asked a very nervous Ivan.

"No, Ivan. But this will allow you to concentrate on your more important duties. The Rangers, the new religion, base operations. These are more important right now more than ever. The Rangers will still operate the public vid-channels they will only be monitored by the Seekers, as a
precaution, that's all." Replied a very calm and serene Cha.

"By your will, my Prophet." Ivan was clearly unhappy. Cha always seemed to make Ivan become "unglued". Always for everyone else Ivan was the rock, the blank slate, but when Cha was around it was night and day, he seemed to be always on edge, worried.

"Resources will be dedicated soon to building a strong Seeker Guild to support the Master Seekers duties but for now we need to concentrate on some other issues. First, the virtual world project has been started. We should complete it in 30 to 40 turns depending upon how soon the new bases we build can add to the resources we are already committing to the project. I have also made the following decision. With the help of the Master Guide and our scientists I now believe that we have the technology and resources to build biological labs to raise our own mind worms!"

With the exception of Byram Sung, all of the other council members were stunned by the announcement.

"It will take us time and more study, perhaps another 12 years. But at the end we should have the technology in place to begin building biological labs to raise our own mind worms. Also, a very clever scientist, whom I have rewarded with a lavish gift, has also made some very intriguing discoveries into telepathic communication! By studying the minds of the Guides who have worms under their control some very interesting areas of the mind were charted so that we can now use our minds to communicate. With the enhancement of our trance technology these same people could also "stretch" their minds out across this planet and see if there are other survivors from the Unity."

"My Prophet, surely this must be our top priority! With the discoveries we have made perhaps these others might have made other breakthroughs as well. We can exchange informa.."

"My Prophet, I am sorry to interrupt but lets not be too hasty here." The Master Seeker leaned forward over the table, "Let us gather more data before any discussion should be raised about exchanging information at least not until we have a fully developed intelligence agency to protect our secrets."

"Agreed, we are still talking of the distant future for now. Nearly 30 turns by my best calculations. So let us turn to your group reports." Cha replied. " Master Caretaker, what is your report?"

"My Prophet, I will be brief. The sensor array at colony four is nearly complete and will be on-line when the colony arrives. A new road is being built and a sensor system will also be installed for colony five that is planned to be built just south and west of Dawn of the Planet. Once the sensor systems is complete at colony four the terra-formers will remove three fields of fungus to uncover rich nutrient and mineral sectors, the third sector will be a road sector with a forest. Plans are prepared to restore two sectors of fungus to the east and west of colony four in
accordance with the master plan of fungus preservation and defense." Lance ended his report with a nod to the Prophet.

Cha waved his hand at Ivan.

"My Prophet, the new recreation center is complete at colony two. Colony two is also expected to reach population index three in several turns but when the new colony pod is done it will transfer some of those people to colony five. Dawn of the Planet is building the virtual world project and we hope to complete that in 40 or so turns. Colony three is still working on the recycling tanks and then they will also build a network node in accordance with your master plan for the virtual world. Also, fully 2/3 of the population now are members of the Planet Cult and attendance is climbing at our weekly meetings. No reports of any disturbances or problems at any of the colonies." Ivan ended his report with the customary nod of the head as well.

Cha waved his hand at Byram.

"My Prophet, Alpha remains here at Dawn of the Planet and seems to be enjoying himself very much. Last week we attended several children events to foster a greater understanding between the planet and us. By the end of the visit they all wanted to become Guides, I am proud to report." Byram's face beamed with pride.

"You have also been very busy with some of the young ladies as well, it seem our Master Guide plans on filling the ranks with his own sons and daughters." The Master Caretaker ended is reply with a hearty laugh.

"Ever since the Prophet in his wisdom many years ago ended the institution of marriage and promoted the program of communal life and interchange I am as free to spend my time and my energy with as many women as I like." Byram had turned a slight shade of red. " Now, back to business, Beta and Delta are still in the wilderness, a shrinking wilderness," Byram gave a quick stern look to Lance," Gorm is protecting the new colony pod on its travel to site for colony four. As I have agreed to Gorm and his Guide, Anderson, will stay at the colony and provide security. With Gorm's ability to attack at a distance by using his deadly spores coupled with the long range sensors of the base it should be the most secure base we have." Byram ended his report with a nod to the Prophet.

"Excellent. I will now meet with the Master Caretaker first then Ranger One then the Master Guide, I have already met with the Master Seeker earlier." Cha got up and turned to return to his private quarters.

Ivan watched them leave as well as the new Master Seeker who also seemed to be watching him from the corner of his eye. Damn the prophet to hell! Ivan got up and began to walk out wanting to catch up with the Master Seeker but when he left the room and entered the hall he was gone. Ivan looked all around and the only person, other than himself, was the Master Guide.

"Where did the Master Seeker go?" Asked Ivan.

Byram looked up from a note he was reading.

"Why, he was just here a second ago, he must have hurried off somewhere" Byram went back to reading the note.

DAMN!

*~*~*~*

Fallow Time, MY2148

“But we’re not ready yet! We just finished the rec commons, and we need to get a recycling tank on line. We are resource poor, and we can’t efficiently handle a project like the Human Genome Project! Landing has over twice the industrial output that we do. They can start any Project they want and hope to finish it. It will take us almost 50 years to get the Genome Project done!”

“Calm down Joel. Landing knows we’re resource poor, but they also know that we will grow our way out of that problem. Working on a recycling tank will take us a very long time, and the Council has decided it would be better to put those resources toward a worthy goal like the Genome Project. I might be inclined to agree with you, but I put my faith in the Council. They saw fit to start the Weather Paradigm a while ago, and now it is near completion. Everyone will benefit. The same is true with the Genome Project.”

Joel was quiet, and he looked over at the elderly Marilyn. She was a lander, one of the original settlers from Earth. Not all the landers had her calm outlook, but they certainly did have a reputation of being worldlier. Marilyn pulled a lot of weight here at Time even though she had retired from the governorship long ago.

“OK. I’ll play. The orders will go out today. I hope the Council knows what they are doing,” Joel said.

“So do I. They can’t know everything, but they have done pretty good so far. Anything else, Governor Witherspoon?”

“Nothing important. Want to help me with the paperwork?” he asked with a hopeful lilt to his voice.

“Again? No, that is one of the reasons I retired. Your assistant Bill can help. He’s young, but he’s anything but stupid. One of the first lessons I learned: delegate, delegate, delegate. You’ll have to train him, but that is your job. After all, I trained you, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did. Damn you! You set me up, that’s what you did!”

Marilyn chuckled. “Finally figured it out, eh? Took you 15 years? Maybe you’re not as bright as I thought.”

“Hmph. I got paperwork to do.” Joel got up, cycled the airlock and left.

Marilyn watched him leave, then turned her attention back to her chamomile tea, which was cold now. She sipped it anyway. No use wasting perfectly good and expensive tea.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2148

Shari Moon had just gone to sleep when the attack began. The psychic link between Delta and herself caused her to almost jump out of bed with terror and anger. Another worm had somehow been able to sneak up on the camp and now it was attacking. Some of the candidates stood their ground but the mind numbing terror forced many to flee. Shari ripped open the tent door seals and grabbed her face mask and stumbled out into the darkness. Now she could see what she already knew from the link with Delta, a rogue worm attack.

Shari could see only a little from the feeble light cast from the various tents around the perimeter. She knew where Delta was, she could sense where he was, and she began to run. She stumbled over some loose baggage that had been left carelessly on the ground and as she began to pick herself up she looked straight into the oncoming mass of the rogue worm. It was only about
20 meters away and it was gaining speed as it now seemed to be locked on her. Delta was moving to close but in the seconds for her to take all of this in she knew that Delta would arrive the same time the rogue one did. Shari closed her eyes and began to concentrate on the rogue worm, forcing her mind with all the power she had to halt the rogue worm. In seconds it hit her full on just as Delta arrived. However, the worm did not kill her. It enveloped her just like Delta did and another link was formed. Gamma was his name! Of all the wonders. The worm, Gamma, began to push on her and ingest her clothing then it explored every inch of her body, just as Delta had. Gamma entered her mind with a flood of love and devotion. How could this be, two worms with one guide? Shari reveled in the contact and soon she felt Delta joining in. The two worms joined and briefly became one and the bond was overwhelming. After a few more seconds both worms pulled back and left Shari standing their naked to the world. Shari turned and quickly ran for a tent. The night air was freezing beyond belief and she needed air. Once inside the now empty tent she found a comm-link left behind and opened a channel.

"Command, this is Shari Moon, I need a link to the Master Guide ASAP!"

	01-01-2003 22:36									#12
	Put an end to popups!

Song of Planet, MY 2149

“I have to say I’m impressed. Who would have thought this forest would thrive in this uranium-rich rather arid ground?” Carlisle said as he fingered some soil through his fingers. He didn’t mind doing so since he knew the dosage from this batch of soil was not especially harmful. The same could not be said for the more enriched areas.

“Mark my words. Song of Planet will be a top energy producer for us one day. We may be small now, but we can only get bigger!” his companion said.

“Cut the marketing crap. You know as well as I do that we won’t be getting much bigger any time soon. Our food production is low, and Landing has asked us to start accumulating the resources for another colony on that inviting nutrient lode southwest of here. Imagine – nutrients and an energy bonus, all in one area? My guess is that we will create the colony that will be the biggest energy producer. Technically we’re not in the Uranium Flats. We can only take advantage of some of the area.”

“Fine. Rain on my parade,” he said as he stalked off.

Carlisle called after him. “Move to the new colony. Then your statement will be true!”

Carlisle watched him leave, and didn’t envy him one bit. Being the youngest son of Lady Deirdre Skye was not what it was cracked up to be. Everyone expected so much in terms of intelligence and leadership. Jonathan had hints, but at 17 he need a bit more polishing. In fact, he needed a lot more polishing.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2149

Cha sat back in his chair and watched the screen intently. It was the map of the world as he knew it. Four colonies made up what could be the only humans that survived the disaster that befell the Unity. Dawn of the Planet, Light of the Planet, Mind of the Planet and Song of the Planet. Soon there would be a fifth colony and then a sixth. There could be no more until the learned the secrets of building ships, had the resources to build ships. Cha shifted in his chair slightly. He was now starting to feel his age, something his doctors were about to take care of, a special tissue and cell replacement therapy. The test subjects had survived the process and had show remarkable effects, aging had either reversed itself or halted depending on the age of the subject. He needed to continue his work on planet. Cha had made sure that it was not possible for him to fertilize any women. It was crucial to his master plan that no pretender could rise and change the direction of his vision. No, he saw the path, he was the path.

Cha looked back at the screen. The Master Caretaker had made Light of the Planet headquarters for the caretaker guild. The Rangers claimed Dawn of the Planet as theirs. Mind of the Planet was the guild headquarters for the guides. As for the Seekers he had still not been able to get the Master Seeker to divulge the whereabouts but since the organization, if it even had one, lacked a headquarters it most likely was operated on a ad hoc basis for now. In time, Cha would demand that the Master Seeker set up shop somewhere but for now he just appeared then disappeared. When Cha asked him last time if he needed any support staff Master Seeker Evans just laughed and said all he needed was credits, that's all. So far the Master Seeker had done a fantastic job, his reports on the workings of all the organizations of the Cult were detailed and complete.

Cha slowly rose and left the room, it was time for the first treatment...

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2150

“Lady Skye?”

Dee looked up from her reading, adjusting her bifocals down so she could see Herm, her assistant. She had objected that she didn’t need an assistant, but the rest of the Council had overruled her. This was one issue it was easier not to fight. The glasses were irritating, too.

“Yes?”

“Just got word. Our eighth base, Greenhouse Gate, was officially opened today. In record time, too, I might add!”

“Come in, Herm. Sit down,” Dee said as she put down her old-fashioned fungus fiber book. She patted a spot on the padded couch she was sitting in, beckoning him to take her place by her.

Herm stood for a moment as if unsure what to do, then walked over and sat down. His posture was straight and formal with his hands clasped in front of him.

Dee saw this and grinned a little. “Loosen up. I won’t bite!”

“Yes, Lady,” he said, his formality getting the best of him. I was hard to think of Lady Skye as a real person instead of a legend.

Dee signed. Herm would need some work.

“Can you tell me about Greenhouse Gate?” she asked. She’d already gotten a squirt on it, but wanted the opportunity to talk to her new assistant and thaw him out, as it were.

“Well, I haven’t been there, but I know it on the southeastern coast. It’s liked by road to Flower’s Preach and Virgin Soil along the eastern coast, but the roads west aren’t finished yet. Not much to say about the territory, and nothing except the road has been terraformed yet. It will take a lot of work, but I’m sure it will be great base some day!”

“Yes, I think you’re right. I’d like to visit it soon. I’ve visited all the new bases within a few months of their official opening, and I’m not going to leave Greenhouse Gate out. Could you arrange that with the officials at Greenhouse Gate? I’d appreciate it. And make sure to make arrangements so that you come too. I can always use your help.”

“Yes, Lady,” he said as he started to get up.

“Oh, Herm?” she said.

Herman turned around.

“Call me Dee. Everyone does.”

“Yes, La…Dee,” he smiled, turned and left.

Dee kept her smile as he left. Idol worship can be a good thing, but Dee was always perplexed why she was the fixture of so many as their idol. Everyone needs heroes, she reflected, but why me? All she had done was to escape from Earth, and survive for 50 years here on Planet.

By the time she finished that thought Herman had left and Dee turned back to her book: Treatise of the Bioaffinaty of Fungal Vectored, Systematic Symbiosis and its DNA Coding, by Deirdre Skye. Proofing and polishing her works was a labor of love, and she gladly spent her time off from the Council on her first love.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2150


Cha walked down the hall leading to the command center of the Planet Cult. The normal stares that usually accompanied a visit by the Prophet were now ones that held not only reverence but awe. The Ranger guards opened the doors to the command center and Cha walked in.

"Peace and good health to you all!" Cha announced as he entered.

The room was packed with all of the senior councilors and Cult administrators. The Master Guide, Seeker, Caretaker and Ranger One were all sitting at the conference table flanked by their deputies. Everyone looked on in stunned silence as Cha walked around the table and sat down. Cha had been a very young man barely into his twenties when he had been added to the scientific staff of Professor Zakhrov when the Unity mission was being planned. To this day Cha still did not understand how he got added to the list, perhaps Planet was calling for him through the vastness of space. When Cha sat down his reflection was caught in the highly polished black
stone of the table. The scientists had done a wonderful job. 30 turns of age had disappeared from his frame. His face was young and his body was no longer stiff with age. The faces of the entire command staff still held the wonders of the change.

"Please be seated, we have much work before us. As you can see I have recently returned from the rejuvenation center and much of the toils and hardships of Planet have been erased from my body. My mind is as sharp as ever and it is time to get back to work. Also, I have laid out a schedule for similar treatments for the senior command staff but it will not be as extensive as mine was. Suffice it to say some of you will see your great great grandchildren buried before you will return to the recycling tanks. The way of the Planet demands that I continue my leadership of the people. They will now for a great long time that Cha Dawn will guide them through the ages as we become one with the Planet." Cha finished holding his hands before him with his palms up as if in a blessing on them all.

Ivan continued to stare in disbelief at the Prophet. So this is where all of those extra resources had gone to. Ivan could have equipped the entire Ranger garrison units with the new trance technology in one turn for the amount of credits that had been used for Cha's rejuvenation treatment. At first he was angered but if too would partake perhaps it would not be all bad. However, those treatments were under the control of Cha, not the Rangers, making Ivan more dependent upon Cha. Damn.

"I have been told that the sensor array is complete for our fifth colony when it departs from Mind of the Planet in several more turns. How soon will we be able to have our sixth colony?" Asked Cha.

"My Prophet, it will be another decade at best. Heart of the Planet is still building a recycling tank but once the terra-formers uncover the rich nutrient and mineral deposits in that area the construction could move even quicker. However, we still face the issue that it will be the last colony we can build. There is no more room after that. Plain and simple. We need to have sea technology to move our people and colonies across the sea. To our northeast and south their is every indication from long range radar of large land masses, mountains in fact, that we can use for our purposes. But, how can we get their. We will soon complete our work on the research for the biological labs. In less than a decade it will be complete and then we can start the new guild you have requested, the Empath Guild, to be constructed. Perhaps then we can find or hope to find others that might have ship designs we can use." Lance Thompson ended his joint report of the senior command staff.

"Excellent, now I will hear from the rest of you since I will go over in more detail with the senior command staff later."...

*!*!*!*

Dreams of Green, MY 2151

“Crazy Zak did it. He extablished a base at the edge of the Uranium Flats,” Ling said, pointing at the map. “He’s encroaching on our territory.”

“Not only that. Look at this,” Sven said, pointing at the proposed Gaian base site along the land bridge between Gaian and University lands. “He’s built a road, which will link up our new base to their road system at Climatic Research.”

“Can we do anything about it? Isn’t Lindsay in that area?” Ling asked.

“Not without destroying the two University terraformers that are doing the work. I estimate that they will complete the road next year.”

“And we’ll be open to attack, overt and otherwise.”

“Yes. I’m afraid that Lindsay won’t do much good now. Most of the fungal wall is gone now, since University forests have grown through and destroyed almost all of the fungal fields.”

“Well, that puts us in a difficult spot. I hope Landing knows of this?”

“I squirted them the info this morning. They said they’ll take it under advisement.”

“They’d better. We’re defenseless, with no armor and now weapons except for a few mindworms. Who knows what Crazy Zak has cooked up.”

Sven nodded. It had not been a good day.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MYT 2151


The terraformer crew master stared out over the rolling hills that had just been cleared last week of the fungus. As a devoted follower of the new faith it had been hard, very hard for him to do what had been asked. To destroy the fungus. If the order had not been countersigned by the Prophet himself he would never had done it in a million years.

"Master Chief, new orders from the Master Caretaker himself. We are to build another farm on this sector, solar collectors and a road linking it back to the colony. When that is done, get this chief, we are to and I quote " proceed with all due haste to the sector just south of our present
location and clear the fungus from their. We are to build a road and plant saplings" end of quote. Can you believe it Master Chief? I mean the Master Caretaker must have gone out of his mind." the Master Chief's assistant sauntered over and handed him the orders.

Master Chief Williams read the message. His assistant had left out the last in which they had orders to move on after that and clear out a rich mineral load sector that was fungus covered as well. Then and only then would they re-plant more fungus to the east and south of the new colony. The Master Chief just looked at the message and then crumpled it up. He knew the computer would have the recording logged away but it did give him satisfaction to tear it up. The Master Chief and turned his back on the lush green rolling hills and looked on the scarlet beauty of the fungus. Some day, not in his lifetime for sure but some day his sons or daughter would see a planet covered in fungus in which they would live in harmony with the planet. He said a silent prayer to keep the planet pure and for it to protect the Prophet in all his work to make Planet and people of the planet one.

"Okay, lets go. We need to tell Master Chief Simmions that his crew has new orders as well. I am sure that tree hugger will be happy about the new orders. All of those earthers except for the Prophet love their old ways too much for my taste. I just hope that they are not corrupting the Prophet and giving him bad advice. Destroy more fungus, it just makes you want to cry."

Both man walked up the hill in silence.

*!*!*!*

Autumn Grove, MY 2152

Deirdre Skye was all smiles as she worked her way down the receiving line, which was very long indeed. The opening ceremony for the newest Gaian base Autumn Grove, their ninth, had spiraled out of control. Originally the planners had thought it would be a rather sedate affair, with dignitaries from nearby Song of Planet and the new leaders of Grove with a smattering of colonists from the new city.

But that was before it was known that Lady Skye was going to attend. Everyone knew she hadn’t been feeling well recently and was recovering from a trying bout of breast cancer. In the end it taken a rather severe form of treatment to eradicate the disease, and much of her lymph system had been removed.

Still, here she was, offering smiles and words of encouragement. She was rather wan and pale and thinner than was probably healthy, but her stature betrayed none of this. The citizens came up, one after another, to shake hands with the colony leaders. Dee took her place among them, and ended up forming her own impromptu receiving line as many of the colonists wanted to talk to their ‘old friend’ Dee, or just to wish her well.

At about 9:00 PM the city leaders of Autumn Grove had to rescue Dee from her admirers, so they cooked up a story about a ‘closed consultation’ they had allegedly scheduled with Dee. When they was presented to her Dee accepted the white lie for what it was. She was tired.

Saying a few more good-byes she left. Many eyes followed her.

The party went on without her.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2152


Byram Sung walked down the corridor from his latest conquest. Garrison duty had been good to him, almost too good. The rejuvenation treatments had done wonders for him, just wonders. His stamina had returned along with many other things. He had become very famous for his claim in being the father of nearly 43 children. Of those 43 nearly half were enrolled in the Guide Guild and soon more to come. All the better. Byram continued to walk down the hall and as he approached the door he began to feel as if someone was watching him. His psychic abilities had become sharpened over the years and he now knew when he was being watched. He turned the corner and then jumped back only to see an empty corridor.

Damn. He thought, he now must be getting really bent from old age.

He quickly turned the corner again and there stood the Master Seeker.

"By the Planet you have got to stop doing that. I mean you nearly gave me a heart attack from that. I think I now know how Ranger One feels about your quick departures."

"I am sorry but I must be careful. I suggest that you go to the med-labs at once. I have every reason to believe that someone might be trying to kill you." The black clothed seeker remarked in a calm manner.

"What in the Planet are saying. I feel great! Never better." Replied Sung. He began to turn and circle around the Seeker when he suddenly started to feel sick. His knees began to buckle.

"Too late it seems. I just discovered myself that the women you slept with was hired by agents unknown to us to kill you. She must have transmitted the poison during your visit." The seeker braced the Guide up and began to help him down the hall.

"But why?" Croaked Byram.

“That is what I am trying to find out. I am sure your partner is already dead since I have had to help you rather than get to her."

"But why?" Byram began to slump. The Seeker hoped the poison would not work as fast as this. Suddenly the wall at the end of hall crashed in and a huge mind worm began to ooze through the crack. It stopped inches from Byram and began to wiggle under him and left him up.

"Byram if you can still hear me command your worm to go to the med-lab. I have medics on hand to help." Suddenly the worm began to thrash and moved out at high speed in the direction of the med-labs.

The Master Seeker stood their for a few minutes and keyed in some information that would be transmitted to the med-team. He walked back down the hall and opened the door to the room Byram had been in. Sure enough during the time he spent helping Byram someone had sneaked in and killed the women in a very sloppy but quick fashion. Blood was still pumping from the slash across her throat, she had only seconds now.

Evans kneeled down and asked the women who had done this.

"One" She answered and died.

A mystery, a puzzle but one he would figure out. This had been too sloppy, unprofessional, the mark of amateurs. They had not anticipated even the simple things something a professional would have caught right away. So, there were some kids on the block that wanted to play rough. Well, they would soon learn their lesson. Evans stepped into the hall and reached up into a dark space just above the door. He pulled down a small camera and pocketed it. He would see, he would see.

	01-01-2003 22:39									#13
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2153

“Our current population?” Colin asked.

“Over 13,000 and rising,” Terry responded. “All things considered, that is pretty extraordinary.”

“And Zak?” Dee asked.

“We don’t know. We can see two of his bases, which have a total population of 3000. It is not clear what bases he has to the west, and he hasn’t allowed any of our people to that area. To be fair, we haven’t allowed any of his into our territory either. It’s a standoff.”

“Until he sends troops, that is,” Hendrickson said. It was the ugly truth that no one wanted to say.

Terry didn’t miss a beat. “Dee, what was Zak’s last response to our overtures?”

“He declined to trade technology, and wasn’t interested in anything more than a truce. He did want us to declare war against the Cyborgs. Of course I declined.”

“Hmmm. Sounds similar. How about Aki?” Terry asked.

“She was much less hostile than she was in the past, but wasn’t interested in technology trades. She did want us to give her Secrets of the Human Mind for free. I declined.”

“Good. Seems we have rather unfriendly neighbors. Colin, how goes the Weather Paradigm?”

“Well,” he said, drawing out the moment, “we should be done in two years. Unfortunately, our technological breakthrough will be in three, so we can’t reallocate resources.”

“A shame,” Terry said. “Any other business?”

“No. I move we adjourn,” Colin said.

Hendrickson said, “Second.”

“Voice vote. All in favor?” Terry asked.

A chorus of ayes followed.

“Meeting adjourned. Same time next month,” Terry said as the others on the Council moved toward the airlock.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2153


Cha walked through the nursery slowly and with the purpose. He looked out among all of the new born babies and could feel the surge he had long hoped for. He walked down to the end and looked into the eyes of a small new born baby. The card that was attached to the crib indicated the parents were both of the caretaker guild and this was their third child. Cha reached down and picked the little girl up and held her and in that second his mind exploded. Here was a kindred spirit a child of the planet! Someone else that could sense the bonds between planet and human.

"This child will come to live with me. Inform the parents that the child died of fungus spores that leaked into the nursery. Have the death certificate signed off and inform them that the body was taken to the tanks immediately. I will contact them myself and visit them to ease their grief. Take this child to the special room I had prepared years ago and inform no one of this. For now this is our secret." Cha turned and walked from the room and left.

Master Seeker Evans walked to the spot Cha had been standing in and keyed a message into his wrist pad. Within minutes two of his agents arrived and the Master Seeker explained to them what needed to be done. They quickly went about their work removing the tag and overriding the computer system records so that it all appeared as the Prophet wanted. The blacked clothed Seeker reached down and picked up the child and smiled at it.

The heir to the throne! It had taken over fifty years for someone else to be born with the special genetic trait that allowed a person to be in "tune" with the Planet. Evans knew already that the child would be groomed from now until the time came for Cha to pass on the mantle of rulership. Their would be no democracy ever for the people of the Planet. The new faith would bind them to Cha and this heir until the end of time. Perhaps what the Prophet did not know was that the Master Seeker would make sure that he would become this childs tutor, mentor, as Merlin was for Arthur, the Master seeker would be for this child. He turned and left the room with the child in his arms....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2154

The headlines read: Weather Paradigm Complete!

The major research effort, which was orders of magnitude larger than any other Gaian investment to date, had finally borne fruit – a deeper understanding of Planet and how it works. Benefits were likely to be immediate, and significant: rainfall condensers, raising and lowering land, faster construction of farms, forests, and sensors.

Already formers were on the way to do just that – make more land. The University had penned them in the west, and the sea had penned them in to the north, south, and east. The lack of land was no longer the issue, and it might even be possible to link their land to islands that might be possible in the uncharted seas.

But the question: what to do now? What research was needed? Technology to explorre the sea? Explore planet?

No. This triumph of understanding is followed by more mundane concerns – defending what the Gaians had gained. Orders went out – construct a Command Center at Dreams of Green, block University scouts in their territory, stationing units in University lands if need be, focus on prototyping needed hardware, and research military offensive and defensive technology.

Would it be enough? Time would tell.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2154


The colony pod team was nearing their future home. Just one more sector to go and then they could set-up Dreams of the Planet, the fifth colony of the people of the Planet. The colony team leaders hoped that the would be given a Guide and a worm for protection as well but so far no response from the Prophet. This had begun to worry many of the colonists but the committee of
three reminded each person who brought it up that Dawn of the Planet and Mind of the Planet had Guides with worms just three sectors away, there was nothing to fear. Also, they still felt that the Prophet would employ the same strategy as before and station a worm at Dreams of the Planet first allowing them to build a terra-former first and military hardware second.

Life for those brave souls who dared to take the challenge and seek a new life was a wonder to behold. All of them had different reasons for leaving. For one family it had been the loss of their new born daughter to fungus spores that had driven them to a new life. Shortly after the loss of their daughter the Prophet himself had visited them and provided comfort and understanding for them. He suggested that they should make a new start, a new life and asked them if they would like to leave to get away from the loss of such a deep blow. They had agreed and the Prophet had given their family a new name, Windriders, and ordered that their old names and records were to be destroyed forever as a sign of their new beginning. It had been a momentous moment for them all. Especially when the Prophet had chosen new names for the children as well and offered each of them the choice into any guild that they wished when they came of age.

The Prophet was understanding, generous and loving.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2155

Colin leaned forward, and his voice was almost pleading. “I won’t accept that. We can be true to our goals and protect ourselves. We do not have to spend the next decade or so researching Impact weapons! Are we going to become a warlike society, one that spends its resources to intimidate and conquer its neighbors, like the Americans did just before and after they became a Christian fundamentalist theocracy? I say no. The University hasn’t made any aggressive moves against us…”

“Except that they stole territory from us at the Uranium flats, and the small detail that they declared war against us for no reason,” Terry said in monotone.

“Old history,” Colin said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “But what have they done lately? Nothing! Zak hasn’t been overly aggressive against us, and I believe that if we treat him fairly he will come around. We can spend our hard-earned research on development! And maybe help him out, to our benefit, since he loves technology so much.”

Angie Hendrickson sat with her arms crossed across her chest. “I’d like to agree with you, Colin, but a lot of ‘what ifs’ are going through my head, such as: what if Zak develops even basic weaponry and uses it against us? What will we be able to do? You may not have noticed, but we have no significant defensive – none! Our two mindworms will not be able to defend us against a concerted attack. Imagine a squad of impact speeders – what could they do against us? It isn’t difficult to imagine. Our scouts wouldn’t last long, and we would have to choose between submission and a futile fight to the finish. Think of University armies marching into Gaia’s Landing. No, Colin. We have to have some defense.”

Colin saw he had lost even Angie. His last hope was Dee, and he looked toward her.

Dee was slow to respond. “I appreciate your position Colin,” she said deliberately as Colin deflated. He knew what was coming. “But we have to provide for some defense. We can’t seem to get any armor on line, so we have to consider offensive weaponry. So I agree with Terry’s proposal to focus our research resources toward NonLinear Mathematics.”

Colin was defeated, and when the Council vote was taken he was the lone dissenter.



*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2155

Byram Sung knocked on the door to the Prophets inner sanctum. The Prophets aide had told him to go right in but he still knocked anyway before he opened the door.

"Come in Byram." The sweet voice of the Propet called him in.

Byram opened the doors and entered the inner sanctum of the Prophet. There was no furniture to speak of. Hundreds of pillows of various sizes all made from fungus cloth were scattered about the room. Byram walked across the room to where the Prophet was sitting in a lotus position and knelt before him.

"My Prophet, it seems Shari Moon encountered a worm in the wilderness but could not bring about a bond. She had her second worm Gamma with her and was able to destroy it but for the first time ever the battle was not so easy. Gamma was badly mauled during the conflict and is injured. Shari thinks it took nearly 50% damage before destroying the larger worm. After feeding on the destroyed remains Shari's Gamma doubled in size and the Planet pearls we recovered were double the usual amount." Reported Byram.

"This is troubling indeed. Why should planet react so. I have not received any feelings of pain or injury we have caused." Cha seemed to respond in a trance like manner.

"I have been told that the forests did spread again in the wilderness. The road was completed linking Heart of the Planet with the other colonies and the small forest to the south seems to have spread to their. I was troubled by this news. I know the plan is to reclaim some of the land, to restore it, but it can not come too soon." Replied Byram.

"We must stick to the plan. I know it is difficult but we must get the site ready for colony six and clear the two sectors of fungus that have the rich mineral loads. Also a few farms have to be built." Byram had begun to cringe even more at these words.

"Byram, you know of the plan, this is not new to you." Scolded the Prophet.

"I know, but still, it will be nearly 20 turns before we can begin to start the restoration of the fungus."

"YES, I know! But what would you have me do Byram!" Shouted the Prophet.

"I am sorry my Prophet. You of all others know the pain of Planet and the true dream for us all."

"And that is why, for now, we need to build these things. In time, and it will not be that long, it will pass in the blink of an eye. We will restore fully double the fungus we have cleared. The map you have worked out for the fungus restoration is fine work. And once it is restored the Master Caretaker has sworn to preserve it. But for now some areas have to be cleared so that in the future others can be restored." The Prophet rose and took Byram's head in his hands and kissed the crown of his head.

"Be in peace and serve Planet with all of your heart." The Prophets words were as a command.

"All praise to you my Prophet. Through the Prophet we will be become one with the Planet." Replied Byram and he rose and left the room.

Cha sank back down into the cushions and worried that perhaps expansion for the purpose of building a greater Planet people was beginning to take its toll. Six colonies was all they could build without massive damage to the planet. NO, they would find other means, other lands to colonize. The Empath Guild project was almost ready to begin. The resources already accumulated at Mind of the Planet would allow the completion of the project in a very short while. The Virtual world was only 32 turns away from completion now and perhaps sooner once Dawn of the Planet reaches 3000 citizens in just four more turns. The small earpiece that was linked to his child's room reported that Eve was awake and hungry. Cha rose and entered the secret room and walked over the crib that held the small child. She was very hungry. Cha reached into the small cabinet and pulled from it the bottle of worm milk. Actually it was an excretion from the worms that the Guides used to provide emergency food or energy when needed. Cha had ordered all worms to be "milked" and the juice to be sent to him. Many thought it was for him, a rumor he wanted to keep alive for now.

"How is she today my Prophet?"

Cha turned and saw his most trusted aide walk in, the Master Seeker.

"She is fine and has a fine voice today. I intend to work with her outside today in the fungus patch. Make sure all prying eyes are kept at a distance." Commanded the Prophet.

"By your will, my Prophet."

Cha turned back and fed Eve her bottle. Yes, working with her was very rewarding. Already she showed signs of her abilities far beyond anything he could do. Yes, she truly would be "Eve" in all things but first he must build her a paradise to live in, to rule in....

*~*~*~*

Dreams of Green, MY 2156

Governor Ling stepped out of the shadows and walked toward Deirdre Skye. She had an eager look on her face.

“Well, do you believe him?”

Dee thought about it for a second. “Yes, I do. I’m going to recommend to the Council that we agree to Zak’s proposal. I think its worth our files on the Secret of the Human Brain to get Sheng-Ji Yang’s communication frequency. They could be useful to Zak’s people, and I’d like to talk to Unity’s former head of security. I’m happy he still lives.”

Ling was impatient. “But what about his other proposals? You can’t agree to them can you?”

Dee looked up at Ling. “Of course I am. Zak offered us a treaty of friendship, and I’m going to accept. It could be a new beginning for us. I’m also going to recommend we pull our troops out of his territory after we cement the agreement as an act of good will. I know I’d be upset if University troops had been in our territory as long as we have been in his.”

Ling crossed her arms across her chest. “He wouldn’t trade technology, you know. He flatly refused, saying something about us ‘Stamping out all legitimate research’! What sh*t! He demands technology and refuses to trade in return? Is that the mark of a friend?”

“No, it isn’t,” Dee replied. “But the fact he is talking to use is better than before. Plus, did you notice he let a few other details slip?”

Ling was still obstinate, but her eyebrows arched a little. “No.”

Dee smiled a little. “He hinted his society was a planned democracy when he said ‘my ordered economy’ and ‘recent elections’. He is much more advance in that sphere than we are, and he will reap those rewards. He also bragged that his population was ‘an order of magnitude larger than we started’, which is a clear indication he has about 10,000 people in his care, or maybe a bit more.”

“We have over 16,000, so he shouldn’t brag that much,” Ling stated.

“He doesn’t know that,” Dee said. “And we have some advantages he doesn’t, although giving him Secrets may give him an overall edge. Still, it was worth it, and I’m sure the Council will agree.”

“Don’t trust him, Dee. Keep your guard up,” Ling said. There was a plaintive tone to her voice now, almost a pleading. “We have too much to lose.”

Dee stood up form the holo consol and looked Ling in the eye. She reached out and touched her hand. “I won’t. We’re researching military technology now, just in case.”

”I bet Colin had kittens,” Ling said.

Dee nodded, remembering his heart-felt pleas.

“Get it done soon. Our Command Center will be done, and ready when you give the order. If Crazy Zak gets out of line we’ll teach him a lesson.”

“I hope it won’t come to that. Maybe we’ll be friends.”

“Maybe,” Ling responded, “but a little insurance isn’t a bad idea.”

“No. Thanks for the hard work. Say hello to Lindsay when she gets in from the fungus.”

Ling nodded, and Dee got up to leave.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2156

Dreams of the Planet was the newest colony for the people of the Planet. It was rumored that the Prophet himself would come and hold a special service in the fungus fields to the south. The base was nearly a year old but the committee was well pleased with the work that had been done already. To the north a farm and solar collection station were being built but until it was built they would have to make do with what the forest to the north and what it provided and of course, the fungus. The planet people could be proud of their accomplishments. Over 9,000 souls made up the people of the Planet. They had five bases with a sixth base pod about to be set for construction. If it were not for the shortage of land, the people would have all that they want. The committee had been warned by the command council that the Prophet was only a few turns away from ordering a new transformation, a new beginning for the Planet people. The Prophet had worked up new laws and customs and with the aid of technology the people of the Planet would adopt a green economic model that would bring about a harmonious union with the Planet. The committee could hardly argue with the wisdom of the Prophet. When the Prophet had landed with the firsts they were all but wiped out by the vicious attacks of the mind worms. Of the nearly 1,000 people who landed with the Prophet fully a third of them were claimed by the planet. If it had not been for the wisdom, the guidance, the power of the Prophet they would not be here even now setting up the newest colony. All praise to the Prophet!

	01-01-2003 22:42									#14
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2157

“Excuse me. Chairman Yang, I trust you are doing well,” Dee said after her pointed correction by the stern faced figure facing her on the holo projector. He looked much like he had on Unity to Deirdre, with the possible exception that his eyes were more hooded and obscure, if that was possible. Dee trusted her instincts with people and how she dealt with them, but with this older Sheng-Ji she was unsure and her ‘gut’ didn’t tell her anything.

“I require technology from you, Lab Assistant Skye, to aid our workers in their struggles against this planet. You will give me Centauri Ecology, which I have been led to believe you are withholding from the rest of us,” the Chairman stated after Deirdre’s interrupted introduction.

Dee bristled a little at the contempt in his voice. So, he wasn’t going to be civil. Very well. She put on a sweet smile and leaned forward toward the holo emitter so that her vestige would grow. “I would be happy to give you Secrets if you will repay our trust with some technology of your own, such as Doctrine: Loyalty, which Zakharov mentioned you had developed. It would be…”

“Out of the question. The Hive cannot trust you with such sensitive information. You will turn over to The Hive your information at once, Assistant. You are putting the lives of hundreds in peril by your irresponsible actions. Do I make myself clear?”

“Very,” Dee said as she leaned away from the emitter. “I’m sorry, but I must take this up with the Gaian Council, and I very much doubt that they will agree to your demands. If you change your mind I am willing to listen. But consider this: your intransience is denying your people the technology to build and use terraformers, which we have found to be most useful. In 50 years they have partially transformed our land. I suggest that you take the interests of your people to heart.”

Dee terminated the unpleasant conversation, and had the pleasure of a brief flicker of surprise on Yang’s face as his image winked out. Evidently he was not used to being cut off.

Deirdre was in a sour mood. No one on Planet was friendly. The obscure Cyborgs were led by the erratic Aki, who was alternatively neutral or obstinate even with their friendship treaty. Zakharov’s first reaction on meeting was to declare war, and then have a cold war until recently. And now Yang was even more unpleasant than those two. It would be nice if at least one reasonable person lead some of the Unity survivors.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2157

Cha walked slowly down the line of Rangers that stood at attention. The last thing for him to do while visiting the new colony at Dreams of the Planet was a review of the garrison. This was no normal garrison though, each one had been fitted out with the latest trance helmets to protect them from mind worm attacks. The unit was still green but it was getting better, or so Cha was told by Ranger One. The investment in the new technology was minimal since production had caught up and the kinks had been worked out. Still, they were still behind in getting the other colonies garrisons equipped but with the mind worms also garrisoned it made the priority a bit lower since the worms could help in any defense.

"My Prophet, it has been a great honor for us with your visit, are you sure you must leave?" One of the Committee members from Dreams of the Planet asked.

"Yes, I have a very special project I have to attend to back at Dawn of the Planet. Something that requires my attention, so I am unable to stay for any length of time. We are only two turns from completing our research into a new field of study. From it we will be able to build labs that we can raise our own mind worms and I have plans to add a new guild, the Empath Guild. Also, we will begin our great work as a society to transform it into a green economic model. Which should bring all of us into a greater union with Planet." Cha replied.

"All praise to the Prophet." Chanted all three of the committee members.

*~*~*~*

Last Rose of Summer, MY 2158

“And with this I formally open our newest base, Last Rose of Summer! I have to congratulate all the engineers, planners, and colonists for their hard work. You are a credit to our people, and your hard work makes us all stronger! Congratulations to all of you!”

Colin raised his hands as the cheers from the crowd swelled. This was the tenth Gaian base, and with it the total population had swelled to 18,000.

Although he didn’t say it, Colin saw that this base was marginal at best. There was little land for development since it was at the southeastern edge of the Gaian lands. If it grew it would have to share resources with Greenhouse Gate and Flower’s Preach since they were only three sectors away from each other. It was likely that it would get most of its resources from the sea, and that wouldn’t happen for a long time since they didn’t and wouldn’t have any significant sea technology for a long time.

But those concerns were for the far future. Right now the colonists were celebrating, and there was plenty of land for all.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2158

Cha walked among the new saplings and stared in wonder. Just a turn ago this entire sector just west of Dawn of the Planet was covered in the soft, welcoming crimson fungus. Now the nearest fungus patch was over two sectors away. Tears started welling up in Cha's eyes and he began to cry. All gone.

"My Prophet, I am truly sorry this has happened." Master Caretaker Thompson said. " I assure you once we can we will burn out all of this and return it to its natural state."

The Master Caretaker was a few steps behind Cha with the some of his senior staff. They had been ordered by Cha to accompany him to this sector and review the devastation that the forests and brought. The Master Caretaker and the Caretaker Guild had learned a great deal about the planet, fungus and the ecology of the planet. It turns out that the tree saplings developed by Cha and his bio-engineers were too good. They had been able to adapt the earth seeds to their new environment and the ecology of the planet. What they had not anticipated was the rate of growth the trees could reach and the means by which they spread. It also turns out the fungus itself was very fragile in some respects. When the tree seeds began to land the seeds actually consumed the fungus and provided a rich growth medium for them. This had allowed rapid growth in those sectors that had fungus in them. This research had also been very important to the work being done on the plans for switching to a "green" or "Planet friendly" economic model.

"Master Caretaker I am charging you and your entire guild with the task to preserve the remaining fungus fields. THEY MUST NOT FALL!!" Commanded Cha who then turned and strode back to the land rover to return to command.

The Master Caretaker gathered up his deputies and herded them back to the land rovers. He had plans, important plans to begin.

*~*~*~*

North of Gaia’s Landing, MY 2159

Dee and the rest of the Council, and assorted dignitaries, stepped out of their speeders. It had been a grueling three-day ride over semi-improved land and forests but now they were here at the land ‘reclaimed’ sea.

Dietrich, the head engineer, secured his breather and then started talking. “The two formers completed the ground raising just three weeks ago using the insights we gained from our research on the Weather Paradigm. Four new sectors of land were created, three of which will be available to Landing. The last is too far north. That isn’t the only interesting part though. Look through your binoculars to the north and northwest. What do you see?”

The Council members dutifully pulled up their binoculars, which had been thoughtfully provided by the project team. One by one they scanned the horizon, sweeping back and forth.

Dietrich waited patiently with a grin on his face.

“Hey!” Colin exclaimed. He had focused in on something. “Aren’t those the two Unity pods we sighted in the ocean? They’re on land now!”

“Yes they are, and they’re now available for inspection, if the Council deems it prudent to do so,” Dietrich said. He seemed rather satisfied for himself.

“So,” Dee said slowly, “not only are we making new land available for colonization, but we also can investigate the Unity pods without having to have sea technology?”

“That’s correct,” Dietrich said.

“Let’s do it! Send a scout out immediately!” Colin said. He was getting positively excited at the prospect of finding what was in those pods.

“Wait a moment,” Terry interjected. “Let’s think about this for a moment. It would be better if we held them in reserve, and then investigated them when we could respond to any…unfortunate incident that might occur. These pods have been there a long time. They might be infested with mindworms, or something else even worse. I say we raise some more land, establish a new base next to the pods to survey them thoroughly, and then open them. It will take longer, but I thing the results are more likely to be positive.”

“I agree,” Hendrickson said, “they’ve waited for almost 60 years. A few more years won’t hurt.”

Colin was getting agitated. Dee noticed this, “Lets table this until the next Council.” She turned toward Dietrich. “You’ve done a tremendous job, and I want to congratulate you and your entire team. You’ve shown us we made the right choice in completing the Weather Paradigm instead of the Human Genome Project. I hope you can continue your efforts. Please present the Council your team’s recommendation on how to proceed. We’ll act on it immediately.”

Dietrich was clearly pleased. “We’ll get on it right away Lady Skye.”

“Dee,” she said. “Call me Dee. Everyone does.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2159

Cha stepped into the labs and walked up to the team of scientists that had been the leaders for this research project.

"Is it done?" Cha questioned.

"Greetings and all praise to you Prophet." chanted the group. "Yes, my Prophet, we are done!" exclaimed the lead scientist.

"Report!" commanded Cha.

"We will complete the research by the end of the turn. The candidates have all been selected for the special talents we need. In about 28 turns we should have a group of people, with the aid of the mind projectors, to scan the entire planet and search for anyone who is out there. Also, Professor Applewhite completed the work on the mind worms and we should be able to begin building a lab at either Heart of the Planet or Light of the Planet to raise our own mind worms." The lead scientist turned over the report to Cha and bowed.

"Excellent work. The planet will reward your work. I can also assume that the recommendations have been completed as well for transforming our society's economic emphasis into a "green" mode?" Cha asked waiting for the answer.

"Yes my Prophet. The study was sent to all of the command council and the Master Caretaker and Ranger One will be the leaders on it to make sure all aspects are put into place." Replied another scientist.

"Good. For now all aspects of the Empath Guild are to be sent to me and only me. I have a candidate in mind to head up the Guild but she is not of age yet or her mind trained enough to assume control. I doubt anyone will mind my temporary control of the Guild, do you?" Cha asked in a tone that indicated it would not.

"My Prophet, what is our next task?" Asked the lead scientist.

"I have not made a total commitment yet but we need sea power. We need to expand beyond our shores. We need to work towards that goal. However, I have been told that we need to prefect the means to move on the land first, at rapid speeds, so that will have to be our first goal. Not as ambitious our difficult so you should be able to complete the work faster than before. I have committed fully 60% of our energy to the labs and network nodes so that you can increase your speed. Currently our research is only yielding a breakthrough ever 12 turns or so. I need it under 10!" Cha ended his order with a strong emphasis on the goal of ten turns.

"My Prophet, until we build our sixth base our ability to do this will be restricted or until we get more labs up and running or another network node." Replied the lead scientist.

Cha walked over to the scientist who quickly lowered his head in deference
to Cha.

"We have 10,000 souls all working to the final goal of unity with the Planet. That is our ultimate goal. Get me the ships and I will get you more colonies to spread out the work!" Cha ended his reply and turned and left the room.

"Well, that could have gone better." Remarked the lead scientist as the others drifted away from him back to their work.

*~*~*~*

Memory of Earth, MY 2160

Colin was tired, and he drifted off to sleep on the visitor’s room in the central housing complex of the newest Gaian base Memory of Earth. It had been established in record time since roads were present from the origin base of Song of Planet to the south-central shores where Memory of Earth was located. It had only a sliver of land at the edge of the Uranium Flats, but the decision was made to place the base here to take advantage of the extra energy of the area and since the terraforming of farms and a forest was already complete.

The opening had the standard ribbon cutting and speeches, not a few of which were by an energetic Colin. But, after 18 hours, his strength had faded at last and he had to beg off the fourth party he had been invited to. A very nice buxom brunette had done the inviting, with hints of more to come, but Colin knew he wasn’t up for it and regretfully declined.

Colin smiled as sleep took him. It wasn’t every day that an 89 year old, no matter how well preserved, got propositioned by a 30 year old!

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2160

Cha walked into the room with a smile on his face, something he hardly ever did.

"Greetings to you all, may you all become one with the Planet." Cha said to the four men who sat at the table.

"All praise and honor to you the Prophet." Replied to the four men.

"Master Caretaker we shall begin with your report." Cha turned to Lance Thompson and pointed to him.

"My Prophet, the new laws and procedures are in place throughout our society. From now on our people will follow the way of the planet and all aspects of our society are geared towards preserving our planet, to become one with our Planet. The new way has, as far as I can see, only one slight drawback. With the restrictions placed on women as to the number of children they can have our population growth will be slow. But since we can only build one more base anyway this is hardly a big issue. The terra-formers have cleared the mineral rich sector east of Heart of the Planet and in four turns we should have a mine in operation in that sector. They terra-formers will move south-east to the final spot for our sixth colony site. They will clear one sector of land only and build a sensor array. All farms are in production at this time and we are storing more energy each turn due to the savings brought about by the changes in our society." Lance finished his report by handing out a more detailed report to each of the command members.

Cha then waved his hand at Ranger One.

"My Prophet, Heart of the Planet will soon complete its recycling tanks, in about 4 turns. Then they will begin construction of a new colony pod. Once the pod is completed an "official" garrison unit will be built at the base. As much as I know how effective our native forces our it still will not hurt to have a Ranger garrison there equipped with trance protection. I have also been contacted by the designers of the trance helmets and they have informed me that with the new discoveries you have made my Prophet they can alter the helmets so that they will act in the reverse. Instead of the helmet being a defensive item it can be changed to operate in an offensive capacity adding to the mind power of the attacker! This could be very important should we ever have to face an outbreak that our native forces could not handle." Ivan Ivanovich finished by handing out a report to each of the people sitting there.

"As of now continue with trance protection only. I see no reason yet to begin switching to an offensive stance. We want to be one with the planet." Replied Cha who then waived to Master Guide.

"My Prophet. I have little to report. Shair Moon has her two worms in the wilderness guarding the terra-formers who are operating there and she is also patrolling looking for more worms. The remaining mind worms and spore launchers are at colonies supplementing the Ranger garrisons." Byram ended by handing out his report.

Cha waved to the Master Seeker.

"My Prophet. All bases have now been ordered to prepare for construction a seeker unit at a date in the future that they can fit it into production. Some bases can begin as early as a decade or so, some later. Once the Seeker Guild is built at each base we should be able to keep a better track on what is happening." The seeker ended his report. The Master Seeker was the only person exempt from a written report.

"Thank you all. We have completed our greatest achievement. We have switched the resources from building the human genome project to the Empath Guild. We estimate the Guild should be done in under 25 turns. Quicker once the base increases its population to index level three in just 9 turns. The Virtual World project will be done in almost the same time period. We will start to collect and store energy in case we need to crash complete one or the other projects. I am currently leaning towards the virtual world. Lastly, we are researching land transportation and it will hopefully lead us to the ability to travel on the sea. This could take us 20 to 25 turns to reach our final goal. Our priority for the next thirty turns will be this. Research and obtain sea travel, complete the virtual world and then the empath guild and lastly improve each base by having as network node and a biological lab. These will be tough goals but attainable."

Cha stood up and raised his hands in a blessing over them.

"Go in peace and serve the Planet." Cha chanted.

"All praise to the Prophet." The four men replied.

	01-01-2003 22:45									#15
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2161

“We should have switched to a Green economy a long time ago. What ever happened to our principles?” Colin asked. He was in a sour mood.

“It isn’t practical. It will gain us no extra energy or scientific output due to the inherent efficiency of a Green economy, and the restrictions will be placed on our populous will be significant,” Terry responded. This was an old argument, but he wanted to get these points of logic in the record. “We won’t grow a quickly as we should, which means our resource base will be smaller. And while I like the idea of being in greater harmony with Planet, that doesn’t get us much of a benefit either. There isn’t any fungus to explore, and worms have been rare for a long time. I move we table Colin’s proposal to switch to a Green economy for this session.”

Dee looked on as their newest Council member Ling, formerly governor of Dreams of Green, quickly seconded. She was the official ‘hawk’ on the Council, and her move was not unexpected. “We can’t stop our expansion or the University will overtake us. They have a more advanced social and economic model than we do, and they are growing much faster even if they seem to have fewer bases. I agree with Terry. A Green model isn’t practical at this time.”

Colin glowered at her.

“But eventually I do think it would make a lot of sense, particularly once hostilities start with the University. I am sure a greater understanding of Planet will help our mindworm handlers in their task of defeating any University forces that might come our way. Then I’ll happily support such a proposal,” Ling continued, throwing a bone to Colin. Colin still scowled.

“Motion seconded. I call for a vote. All in favor say ‘aye’,” Terry ordered. There were three ayes. “Opposed say ‘nay’,” he continued. There was one ‘nay’ – Colin. He looked over at Dee in surprise, as did the rest of the Council. She was had been a big supporter of the switch. “Abstain?” Terry asked. Deirdre reluctantly said ‘aye’.

“Motion carried. Colin’s proposal will be tabled until the next meeting, which will be in a month. Motion to adjourn?”

A chorus of ‘ayes’ and quick seconds followed with the scrap of chairs as members moved to leave the room. Terry dutifully recorded this in the Council log while the stampeded of Council members surged out the airlock without him.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2161

Martin VanWimm was nearing the end of his days. His assistant helped him up from his chair so that they could walk over to the observation deck so that they could watch the trainees. Nearly 100 small children had been selected by the Prophet to become the "core" of the new empath guild. They had all been between the ages of 5 and 10 and all of them had some "spark" of telepathic ability. Now they were all cloistered away in a special barracks so that their training could be conducted without interruption.

"We lost two more children today. They could not cope with the loss of their parents and as such refused to continue in the program. It really is amazing to see such independence in a seven year old." Remarked Iman Sand flower chief assistant to VanWimm and project coordinator.

"Yes, well, not too surprising since that is one of the traits we need. This new guild by its nature will be small, I suspect if it ever has more than twenty five actual operatives then it will be at is maximum. Of course behind each operative there will be a host of support people who will take the data and record and catalog it but still. It will be hard to find the correct mix traits, talents and genetics." Replied VanWimm. " Already we have lost 20 candidates."

They both continued to watch the children work and train. The Prophet himself had devised some of the metal training exercises to help enhance their abilities. The Prophet would always stop in and visit the children each week to talk with them and review the progress.

"The report I have you should look. The Prophet has found more "yearlings" as he now calls them. He plans on sending them to us within a week. He suggests that we begin setting a schedule by which new candidates can be incorporated into the program." Iman handed VanWimm the report.

"Between you and me I have never understood the Prophet or even liked the Prophet. I know, I know, I should not talk so loudly and I also know it does offend your faith, if it were not for our friendship and the fact that the Prophet still needs me I doubt I would still be here. I should have been with Professor Zakharov in his pod. I regret each day that I live on this planet that I did not get assigned to his pod. There was a keen and brilliant intellect. A GENIUS!! Now I am working for a man who has taken this "cult of the planet" worship too far." VanWimm turned and walked very slowly back to his desk and sat down." Go on get back to your work. I am okay. Soon this will be all of yours. I doubt I will make it beyond this turn anyway, my friend, and soon this burden will be yours." Iman was about to argue with his mentor but VanWimm just waved his hands to shoo his friend out. Iman turned and chuckled and walked out of the room.

Behind a small ventilation grill a small remote camera unit switched back into sleep mode since it was only motion activated. Far away in the Capital city of the People of the Planet a man sat in a small room, dark except for the light of the various screens that showed people working, talking, eating from all of the Cult cities. The man dressed in black eased himself back into a chair and sat their quietly for a long time then he pulled out a small radio from his belt pack and keyed in a certain frequency.

"Agent 0045 this is Seeker command. I have a job for you."

*~*~*~*

Dreams of Green, MY 2162

“This is very wasteful. We could be spending these resources on development, like network nodes or biology labs. Why are we building scouts?” Andy asked as he prepared another trance subassembly.

“As far as I can see, two reasons” Winston stated. “It is cheaper to build new trance scouts than to upgrade existing scouts to have trance ability. The original scout grouping is then scrapped, and partially recycled. This also reduces the maintenance, and it has the side benefit that all the bases around us can have highly trained troopers from our Command Center.”

“Hmmm. OK. I’ll buy that. But why send the old scouts to Gaia’s Landing? It takes them a long time to get there. Why reassign and then scrap them there? Then the resources won’t go to the base that originally built them?” Andy asked.

Winston turned and pointed in Andy’s direction. “Exactly! That way Gaia’s Landing gets the resources! Do you know what they’re doing at Landing?”

“Kind’a. They’re building a special project, and they haven’t said much about it.”

“And you won’t hear much about it, except rumors and most of them aren’t true. That said, I hear they’re planning something that will knock your socks off.”

Andy moved closer to Winston and bent near him. “Any idea what it is?” he asked in a conspiratorial tone.

“Yes,” he whispered back, “but I can’t tell you.”

“Why!” Andy replied in a much louder voice.

Winston looked both ways, then motioned Andy to come closer. He put his head close to his and cupped his hand as he said, “Cause then I’d have to kill you.”

Andy’s eyebrows went up in alarm until Winston started chuckling to himself. Andy realized he’d be had.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2162

Cha had traveled most of the turn to review the new site. He now stood on a small hill overlooking the mine, behind him stood the Master Caretaker and his Steward in charge of this site. Cha had reviewed all of the reports carefully while traveling here. The precautions taken to safeguard the Planet from ecological damage were enormous. It had taken fully 4 turns for the site to be built but the report itself on how to construct the mine and its operations took nearly the same amount of time.

"It is not as bad as I thought. However, it is still lucky that we do not plan on building more than one more of these abominations." Cha commented.

"My Prophet, I assure you that we do no more damage than any other site on this planet. Our mining operations are highly respectful of the Planet. I would even venture to say that we actually do less harm than the forests or farms. We are only mining ore, nothing more. The mine operations only occupy a small portion of the land leaving the surface in its natural form, with the exception of the fungus." Chief Steward Rameriez said. The Chief Steward was very proud of his mine. The mine was producing more minerals than any three forest sectors combined and with little to no impact on the Planet.

"Be that as it may. I am glad there will only be two and that you will be in charge of them both. I knew your father Chief Steward, he was a good man and a friend to the Planet." Cha turned and looked at the man.

"You are too kind my Prophet." Rameriez replied.

Cha put his hands on the top of the Stewards head and said a silent prayer for both him and the Planet.

*~*~*~*

Last Rose of Summer, MY 2163

“You see, this is the second land reclamation project we’ve finished. We’ve reclaimed three sectors of land from the sea, and the two formers will be moving out next year to build a road and then reclaim some more land, this time likely to be six sectors. As they expand outward they should have similar success,” the chief engineer explained as he waved his arms around in a rather general fashion.

The adults in the VIP tour group all nodded knowingly, with a few whistles and ‘oohs’ from those who were inclined to be impressed.

A little boy in the front had a confused look on his face. After a moment he bucked up his courage and asked, “Where did the land come from? Wasn’t it water before? Land isn’t water.”

The head engineer and most of the adults looked down at the child, who couldn’t be more than 10 years old. He was looking straight at the engineer with expectation on his face.

Pausing for a moment, the engineer addressed the boy and the crowd, “The formers are an amazing tool, and they can do a lot of work, especially in tandem. They possess the ability to move a great deal of earth, in addition to basic fabrication that can be used to put together the elements of solar collectors or farms, or roads. We’ve crisscrossed most of our territory with roads, and our forests are spreading nicely.”

“But mister,” the child asked, “where did the land come from?”

The engineer stopped again, and he patted the boy on the head. “Such a precocious child,” he said, looking up at the mildly embarrassed parents. “So full of questions, as only children can be.”

The child jerked his head away from the hand he thought was petting him. Adults always did that, and he didn’t like it. He was done being polite. “You don’t know, do you,” he stated.

“I explained about the former…” the engineer stared.

“But the land. Where did it come from?” he persisted.

Now the boy’s parents were shushing him and his father bent over to whisper in his ear. There were a few, “But Dad!” from him, but he lapsed in to a sullen silence.

That problem out of the way, the tour continued. The adults dutifully looked where the engineer pointed, and nodded as he explained the intricacies of terraforming and the plans for this area in a few decades.

While he did so the boy muttered to himself, “The land has to come from somewhere.”

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2163

Byram Sung looked at the report once again and still was amazed. Shari Moon's Delta was twice the size of his Alpha now while her Gamma was Alpha's equal in size. Amazing he thought to himself again. Byram turned slowly in his chair and looked out on the courtyard. People and transports were all hard at work building and expanding the central city of the People of the
Planet. However, he sat in his office still waiting. Alpha did not seem to mind at all, except for the fact that he did not have any fungus near the city anymore thanks to the those damn trees.

Byram could feel Alpha close by, he was returning from a patrol from the outer sections of the city districts. He could see children running to greet alpha and throw him "sweets" to eat but really they were fungus flowers. It was time that Alpha and he returned to the wilderness for awhile at least. Communications had improved so staying in contact with the Guild was now problem. Anyway it was time for Shari to take over for awhile in her duties as chief deputy and learn the politics of the job. The Prophet had thankfully agreed to the request so now he was free. Once the terra-formers reached the spot for the sixth colony Shari would order Gamma to move to Dawn of the Planet and then he and Alpha would head out. Once they reached the colony site Shari would head back. Byram had at least ten turns of freedom before he would have to return. Anyway ever since the assassination attempt garrison life lost much of its appeal. Byram leaned over to the comm. station at his desk and opened a channel to Guild
headquarters.

"This is the Master Guide. Send the message to Guide Shair Moon that I sent you earlier today. When she confirms it let me know so that Alpha and I can prepare to leave." Byram clicked the channel off. Yes, back to the wilderness again and freedom.

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2164

Ling was annoyed. “Does he want to rub our nose in his intellectual superiority? Why does he do that?”

Dee didn’t respond. She just looked at the now deactivated holo emitter that had just displayed Zak’s irrational visage moments ago.

“I mean, why would he flaunt his possession of Intellectual Integrity, Ethical Calculus, and Doctrine: Loyalty and then demand that we give him Doctrine: Mobility?” she continued. “And then he out-and-out refused a trade? I think he is crazy. Crazy Zak, that’s what he’s called, you know.”

“I don’t know why he taunts us like that,” Dee said. “It is disturbing, though. I can’t help but wonder if all the faction leaders are as irrational as Yang, Aki, and Zak. And do we seem irrational to them? It’s worse than Earth.”

“I’m just glad we will be finishing Nonlinear Mathematics soon, and then can prototype some impact speeders. I sure wish we had Zak’s technology that allows his sneaks, though. We have to beware of those since we have almost no defense against them.” Ling had calmed down a little now.

Dee leaned back from the dead holo screen. “I’d trade a couple of your impact speeders to see what his cities are doing, and what he’s researching. That could give us valuable information on what his intentions are, and if he does plan to initiate some form of aggression.”

“Amen to that. Won’t Landing be working on that Project we discussed on Council soon?”

“Yes, I think so. It hasn’t worked its way through channels. But soon.”

Ling harrumphed. “Not soon enough, I’ll bet.”

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2165

“Anything new going on?” Colin asked between mouthfuls of penne pasta with a light garlic sauce. He stabbed a piece of new cheese with his fork between bites of pasta.

Terry looked on at Colin’s enthusiastic demolition of his third plate with a mixture of distaste and amazement. It was a wonder he could even move, considering all he ate and how much he enjoyed it. “Not much. Dreams of Green completed a new trance scout. Song of Planet has started a network node, as well as Virgin Soil a few years ago.”

“Node?” Colin asked as he slurped in a few more bits of penne pasta, with a few errant noodle whipping up and plastering on his upper lip with sauce.

“Yes. To increase the research capability of our scientists. Don’t you remember us discussing it at Council a few months ago?”

“Well, not really. I was more interested in our discussions of the Empath Guild. When are we going to start it?”

“Don’t you ever pay attention? In a few years,” Terry said. Sometimes Colin could be so dense yet be able to connect with people so easily.

Colin finished his plate, sopping up the delectable sauce with a last piece of Italian bread.

“Ah,” he said as he patted his surprisingly slim waistline. “Now, to dessert!”

Terry just shook his head.

	01-01-2003 22:47									#16
	Increase the size of your Attachments

Cult, MY 2165

Cha walked into the conference room that Ivan Ivanovich used as his office. Ivan got up from his chair as Cha walked in and bowed deeply as Cha made his way into the room.

"Health and peace to you Prophet, voice of the Planet." Ivan offered the praise with just the right amount of sincerity.

"Peace be onto you and may you live in harmony with the Planet my son." Cha replied. " What did you wish to talk with me about?"

"My prophet. I have had my base administrators working on some numbers and it is becoming clear that the resources being sent to the capital have reached record levels. Exactly how much longer will this last? As it stands now with our research labs taking nearly 70% of our energy reserves and resources and, of course the two projects, leave little left for anything else?" Ivan said as he pushed the report towards Cha.

"I am aware of the report Ranger One." Cha pushed it back to Ivan. "I sympathize with your situation. However, I might have a solution. Currently we are 18 turns away from completing the virtual world at Dawn of the Planet. The Empath Guild is only a few turns behind that. What I have been mulling over is switching production and resources between the two bases. If Dawn were to build the Guild project we could have it done in 6 turns! The virtual world would be pushed back to 32 turns at Mind of the Planet but the end result would that we would free up one base for production purposes and ease the drain on resources. If we were to apply our growing energy reserves along with our stored planet pearls we could complete the Empath Guild in perhaps three turns!." Cha ended his reply by folding his arms into his robes while getting up from his chair.

"I think the choice is obvious then, is it not my Prophet. Complete the Guild now and use the added production capacity of Dawn of the Planet to complete the virtual world project?" Ivan finished his statement as more of a question than a response.

"Nothing is obvious Ivan. Both of the these projects are very important, critical in fact. In order to complete one project we might have to sacrifice the other. Perhaps another group did survive the Unity disaster and they are also working towards the same goals as we. We can take some comfort that we have two bases that have amassed a great amount of wealth and resources. Should we loose one project while completing another there are still other projects. We could complete the genome project in much less time than the virtual world at Mind of the Planet. Perhaps 12 to 15 turns rather than the 32 for the virtual world." Cha turned his back and began to
leave the room. Just before exiting the room he stopped and turned around.

"Ivan, whatever is decided know that it is done by my will alone! The planet guides me in all aspects, we live to serve the Planet, nothing else. We are its protectors and guardians! That is our goal. We could do many things different. We could strip the land of its resources, over populate and expand and put pressure on the resources and environment of the Planet but we do not. We follow the will of the Planet. Through this we survived. The children of the planet protect us. The Planet provides for us. We need nothing else. If others survived I can only imagine what devastation they have brought about. Some might have allowed their population to breed like rabbits, others might be tearing the Planet apart to gather minerals and nutrients to build their societies and war machines. Know this that Planet will not stand for this forever. We will act first and she will complete our work."

"All praise and honor to you, my Prophet." Ivan bowed and this time he sounded actually sincere in the appropriate response when the Prophet left a room.

"Yes." Cha whispered and left the room.

*!*!*!*

Autumn Grove, MY 2166

“They’re finally off. I wish them well.”

Marilyn looked over at her best friend Jerrold. “They’ll be in position in four years, and that is with roads. That’s a long time.”

“Not as long as it would take without roads. Have you heard how the colony pods at Greenhouse Gate and Last Rose of Summer are coming along?”

“The pod at Gate will be done next year, and they are scheduled to set up northwest of Song of Planet at the edge of the Flats. That should take some ground back from the University, and make sure they don’t steal any more.”

“Right. Crazy Zak won’t get any more of our land. What about Rose?”

“They’re colony will be going on the new land that is being built east of Rose, which a trio of formers are building,” Marilyn stated. “I think there is one more colony planned on reclaimed land north of Landing, but that will be longer in the future. When established, that will mean we will have 15 bases. The last I heard the Council thinks that is enough, and we can start on our infrastructure.”

“Right. That will be a whole lot more than Crazy Zak has, I’d bet. He’d better not start trouble again.”

Marilyn looked over at Jer in surprise. “Warlike talk? I thought you were a pacifist.”

“I am, as long as people leave us alone. Have her experienced the holos on the Hive society? It makes me shudder. A planned police state, for heaven’s sake! And the Cyborgs are a little creapy. I’d feel better about Zak, but he seem to be unstable. We’re in the only normal society on Planet.”

“Hmmm. You might be right. Maybe they’ll come around.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

*~*~**!*

Cult, MY 22166

Shari Moon sat cross-legged across from the Prophet. She had not seen him in years, decades in fact, not since her merging, her joining with Gamma. Now she was acting head of the Guild of the Guides and she was having tea with the Prophet.

"Shari, I have read all of your reports with interest. I am still amazed as to how you are able to support the bond between two worms? Cha asked while sipping his tea.

"It is not hard at all. Currently I have a guide in training, a journeyman by rank, with Delta in the wilderness. I, of course am here with Delta. I sense what each worm mass feels and "thinks" and if I need to have the other guide do something to help Delta I have only to key in his comm-link and make sure it gets done." Shari responded.

"Wonderful. Simply wonderful. You have been a great help Shari more than you can possibly imagine. The energy nodules, the planet pearls, you harvest from the remains of the rogue worms have built up our energy reserves greatly. Your worms have also protected us from rogue attacks for decades." Cha eased himself closer to Shari.

Shari was a little taken aback by the sudden intrusion into her space. She had heard rumors of the Prophets sessions with other women and men but never thought she would ever be included. She eased herself back on the cushions hoping to create more space but the Prophet seemed to take this move as a declaration for something else. He sat down his cup and moved even closer so that they were touching now.

"Shari, do you wish to help me?" The Prophet asked.

"You have but only to say and if I can, if it is in my power I will try." Shari responded.

Cha moved his hands so that they pushed back his robes and then moved to push hers back as well.

"Yes, I do believe you can help me Shari Moon and it is within your power to do so." Cha responded in a slightly deeper voice than the normal child like tone he carried.

"By your will my Prophet."

*!*!*!*

Virgin Soil, MY 2167

‘Sir? Wake up sir,” the voice said.

Don struggled to wake up. It was dark, and for a moment he wasn’t sure where he was. After a moment he focused and knew he was in his apartment, and that it was very late at night. His small window showed that it was still dark outside with only a low ebb of waste light from his city.

He hit his communication stud. “Yes,” he croaked. His voice was a bit horse. He wanted a drink of water, or something better.

“Sir, this is Wipf. We have a crisis.”

Donald was instantly awake. “What is it?”

“There has been an environmental shift. It was somewhat catastrophic, sir. There is a new river between the area south of Virgin Soil that links up with the river valley at Landing.”

“Was anyone hurt?” Don said as he threw on some clothes. He wasn’t being too particular, and he didn’t even bother to turn on the lights.

“We don’t know yet. The former crew in the area hasn’t checked in yet, and the area isn’t heavily populated,” the ops technician said.

“I’ll be at the center in 10 minutes,” Don said as he left. He did, as a matter of routine, remember to cycle the airlock as a matter of course, but he left the communication link open.

In the empty room a young voice asked,” Sir? Are you still there? Sir?”

Minutes later Don arrived. No one noticed his attire. “Give me an update.”

“Glad you’re here, Sir,” Johnnson Wipf said. “We know little more than what I told you. I took the liberty of sending a recon team to the area, but it will be a while before they are able to report.”

“Show me on a map,” Don told him.

Johnnson called up a topographic holo. “Here,” he said, pointing at the new forest that covered the area, “through here.” His finger ran from the area south of Soil to the northwest, going through the lowlands toward the sea and Gaia’s Landing.

“Any ideas?” Don asked.

“It may be our terraforming, Sir,” he said. “It started where the forests have grown since the landing, and the forest cover almost the entire area now, including the new river valley. It may be they disturbed the weather patterns, which built up to a critical point.”

“A new river,” Don commented. “That could be an advantage. Extra energy and travel speed. I just hope no one was hurt.”

“Yes, Sir.”

*!*!*!*

[ b]Cult, MY 2167[/b]

The terra-former master crew chief looked slowly turned in a circle taking in the view around him. His crew had been assigned to clear the a sector of fungus from the highest point of land in Cult territory. Just below him was the source of the river that flowed nearly 7 sectors to the west. This was the second to last sector of fungus that they would clear, the other to the south was being cleared by a another two teams to expose a rich sector of nutrients. These were the last two to be cleared. In time once they learned how to re-plant fungus they would reclaim much that had been lost but for now they would have to keep to the plan. This sector was to have a road, farm and solar collection station built. The land was rich and fertile and the river would provide excellent irrigation and the soil was had adequate mineral content as well. To the north Heart of the Planet could just barely be seen and to the south was Light of the Planet. To the west was the sensor array they had just completed that would soon be connected to a new colony, Soul of the Planet, but the colony pod was still being built but would be done in 3 turns and then they would have six bases. His buddies back at command said that within the next four turns they would complete the designs for the new high speed land rovers and then they could begin on ship designs.

"Chief, are we ready to clear this sector?" Asked one of his assistants.

"Yes, gather the crews so that we can say the prayer of forgiveness for what we are about to do to Planet." Replied the Master Chief.

The Chief looked down at the rich carpet of fungus and a tear began to form in his eye. In time, he hoped that he would never have to do what he had to do....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2168

“Honored Council, the Empath Guild is done, thanks to the application of 140 terrajoules authorized by your august body,” Senior Administrator Morrison stated.

The Gaian Council members nodded, and there were smiling.

“These new resources will give those among us who are sensitive to the still poorly understood mental powers, which seems to be linked to Planet itself. It is clear that before coming to this place there was no evidence whatsoever for any ‘psychic’ phenomenon. Yet, we have seen since our arrival at Planet that there is something else going on here, and this new Guild will allow our sensitives to expand their powers by at least an order of magnitude.”

“Raynold,” Dee asked, “what exactly are our sensitives going to be able to do?”

“That remains to be seen,” the administrator started, “but we do have enough information to speculate. First, we should be able to sense the grouping of humans no matter where they are on Planet and, once located, probably be able to initiate some form of contact.”

“So we’ll probably be able to contact any other factions that exist on Planet,” Dee said.

“Essentially, yes. And, once located, we’ll probably be able to focus even more to detect basic information, intelligence if you will, about the goings-on in cities and for a society as a whole. We should be able to determine what they are building, and where they are building it. Moreover, we should be able to determine the generalities of what they were researching, although not the details.”

“So, we can tell what they are researching, but not how it works,” Terry said, reiterating what he thought he heard.

“Exactly,” the administrator said.

“We’ll be able to snoop on others,” Colin said. “Isn’t that unethical?”

“That’s not my decision. It is yours. You’ll be able to find out this information, if you want to. Or not. So you can determine what level of ‘snooping’ is appropriate. I can assure you that the empaths won’t care, since it will mean more time with their families and to pursue their own interests.”

“Very good, and well done,” Terry said. “When will it be operational?”

“That is the good news,” Morrison said. “You’ll be able to get your first bits of information by next year.”

“I’m sure it will be of great use to us. Please keep us informed,” Terry said.

“You can be assured that I will. Just let us know what sort of information you need, and if we can it will be provided.”

Terry nodded, dismissing the administrator, who left with a huge smile on his face. “Now, to the next item on our agenda…”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2168

Cha woke from his sleep drenched in sweat. During his sleep when his mind was at its most responsive state he realized that the Empath Guild had been completed by someone else. A sudden shift in the in life strains of the planet had taken place. Once the others had melded their minds to the psychic energies of the planet no one else could "overlay" their minds on those energy waves. No, the Empath Guild was gone. Cha stripped the soaked sheets from his body and hit the comm-link next to his bed. "Call an emergency session of the command and support council at once!" Cha barked into the link and then hit the off button. Cha was not angry. No, but what he was worried as to who might have taken control of this project. It had to be Zakharov only he had the scientific skills to see that this was a valuable project. Cha strode up and walked into his bathroom and began to shower. The hot water soaked his body and released much of the tension built up during the night. Soon there would be endless hours of work with little sleep. What he must do is make sure that the Virtual world project and the humane genome became his!

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2169

Deirdre was exhausted. The empaths had come through and provided the elusive communication links to the other faction leaders Corazon Santiago, Pravin Lal, and Cha Dawn. The previous five hours had been spent in unadulterated frustration. Corazon had been somewhat friendly, and had agreed to trade for Doctrine: Flexibility. At last the secrets that would allow sea going ability would be available to the Gaians. She had even suggested a friendship treaty, which Dee had heartily accepted.

After that negotiations had broken down. She wasn’t willing to trade other technologies, accusing the Gaians of ‘stamping out legitimate research on Planet.’ Her response was disturbingly like Zakharov, who was significantly ahead of the Gaians and everyone else. Pravin Lal was even worse since he wasn’t even polite. To Dee it made no sense at all, since he rejected out of hand any technology trade or even a friendship treaty, even as he touted the UN Charter! He was even more of a mystery than Santiago had been.

Now there was one more: Cha Dawn. Dee chose to contact him last since he was entirely new, unlike Santiago or Lal. The empaths said his society was closely aligned with Planet, more so than the Gaians. However, after her experiences she was not wildly optimistic.

Dee activated the communication channel, and hoped for the best.

	01-01-2003 22:49									#17
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

Cult, MY 2169

Gaian Proposal: Treaty of Friendship; trade technology Doctrine: Flexibility for Planned, with a promise not to build the Virtual World

To the Gaian people and Deirdre Skye: We accept your terms and most readily agree to the establishment of a peace treaty of understanding between our two peoples. It came as somewhat of a shock to us that there were actually other survivors from the Unity disaster. Since the landing we have never encountered another soul on this planet other than the native ones. We also except the exchange of technology and your promise NOT to use said technology to advance a project that will become apparent to you upon reviewing it, the virtual world. Should you betray us in this regard you do so at the risk of not only offending us but the Planet as well. We have striven since landing on Planet to live in harmony with the planet in all aspects of our lives. Since you have the Empath Guild you will most likely be able to "glean" some information from us, about us. In order to prevent any mis-understandings I will be clear and upfront with you. We, the people of the Planet, have dedicated ourselves to protect, nurture and preserve this Planet. Our society understands that Planet is special in many aspects and believe that it has a soul, a guiding spirit. We have become partners with the planet in all aspects of our life. Our army is composed of many mind worms and spore launchers. We have no mechanized forces to speak of, except for our city garrisons, as I suspect others already do. We have ordered our society in such a way as to minimize in every aspect any damage it might have on Planet, a "green" social and economic model. We restrict our populations, industry and expansion so as to not to over stress the planet. After reviewing the advance information sent by your council I see you believe in many of the same things we do. I remember you from the Unity and you always showed a deep understanding of the importance of the science of life. I still have several of your works and they were very valuable in helping us in the early days after the landing. Since you also pursued the Empath Guild project you also understand the value that the mind has. I myself have one of the highest ESP ratings every charted and I have also developed the ability to "link" with the planet and see the wonders it offers. I can not stop your Empath Guild but as allies working towards a greater goal I would take great offense to any "snooping" by them should I every find out. If you wish information all you have to do is ask and if possible I will provide it. I am the fountain from which all information flows from my people. I am the Prophet of the Planet. I have been given visions by the Planet that have brought us to a greater understanding of the will of the Planet. In time, I hope to bring that understanding to you.

You mentioned briefly in your introductory communication the possibility of exchanging other communication frequencies. This is not important to us. Should you wish to "gift" them to us they would be looked upon as the first building blocks of a beautiful bridge of friendship. From the data your transmitted many of the other groups have turned their backs on the planet in favor of seeking power, wealth and domination. All of these bring harm to the planet. We, the people of the Planet see no use in discussing any topic so long as they pursue these goals of destruction. We hope to bring the will and spirit of the Planet to them and make them see the error of their ways. Lastly, I have been informed that your society has not shifted towards a "green" economic and social model even thought you have the means to do so or you would not have been able to complete the Empath Guild. This is troubling to us since you seem to champion the idea of being allies with the planet yet you do not practice it. I hope that you will soon take advantage of the benefits that being a friend of the planet can bring. I would hate to see Planet turn its back on someone who already sees the value in living in harmony with your surroundings. May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cha keyed in the message and turned to look at the other members of the council. All of them had been very quiet since the first news had reached their ears, other survivors! "Ranger One, what are your thoughts?" Cha asked.

"My Prophet. It seems that many of the other groups are violent and hold little respect at all for the Planet." Replied Ivan. "I agree my Prophet. It seems that most of the other groups hate and abhor the native life of the planet, her children. Some actively go about to destroy them in fact." Shari Moon hastily added. " With the exception of the Gaians it seems that all of them fear and loath the worms. I suspect that if they knew that our human children play with the worms and are welcomed as brothers and sisters it might actually cause them to fear us."

"I agree with Shari, my Prophet." The Master Seeker quickly interjected. " I should think it would be prudent to limit our contact and not to provide any information as to our location on Planet, even to our new allies the Gaians. It seems that they are grouped very tightly, the Gaians, University and these Cyborgs. That would mean there are still other factions out there that we know little of that could be living just a few sectors away. Once we are able to integrate the ship technology and build a transport and scout and learn a little more about our surroundings, but until then, we should remain quiet on this topic. The Gaians Empath Guild might know the general area we are in but I doubt much more than that, if that at all. If we provide them with map files than we open ourselves up to the risk of having that information spread to others that could result in very negative consequences for us."

The black robed seeker finished by easing himself back into his chair. "I agree with your view." Cha turned to the Seeker and nodded his approval. " For now let us be the like the small fungus worm hiding in the field. We will move with caution and not draw attention to ourselves. Only if Planet demands that we aid her in her struggle against the destruction the others bring down upon her will we make our presence known. If the Gaians wish to take the lead we will let them for now. They will be the lighting rod. We are one with the Planet so in the end we will be the victors."

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2170

Deirdre sent a brief not of acceptance to her new potential friend Cha Dawn:

“Dear Cha Dawn, I readily accept your friendship and technology trade. I have the commitment from the Gaian Council that we will not pursue the Virtual World project in exchange for the Planetary Network technology. I sincerely hope that the sea technology of Doctrine: Flexibility will allow you to expand you holdings, if you seem that appropriate, or at least explore the territory near your territory.

Our society is in its formative stages, and at this point the Council as determined that it is not necessary to pursue a Green economy. The Gaian people are naturally efficient, and we have a basic rapport with Planet, so the benefits of a Green economic orientation do not seem prudent at this time.

I also have a bit of information to you. The leader of the Peacekeepers are near completing the project Virtual World. You might want to consider measures to gain this project for your peoples, although I’m sure that the Peacekeeper people will find this to be of benefit to their people if you decline to pursue this project in an aggressive manner.

Lastly, you did not express much interest in the communication frequencies of the other faction leaders. It is the Gaian Council policy to give these if they are requested by other faction leaders since communication is the they to understanding. If you wish any frequency you only have to ask.

Go with Planet,
Deirdre Skye, representative of the Gaian Council”

Dee finished the holo and sent it to what the Cult of Planet. That was an odd name, and it would remain to be seen if they would be as fanatical as old Earth’s more fundamentalist religions or if they simply took their reverence of Planet to a new level and integrated it more fully into their society’s belief systems.

In other matters, Dee was happy to be informed that two new Gaian bases have been established in the last few years. Velvetgrass Point had been founded on a sensor on the land bridge between University and Gaian lands. When it was formed the effective border shifted west, giving the Gaians more territory, including a sensor and forests planted by the University. Dee had some misgivings about ‘stealing’ this land, but she knew it was important to have a bulwark to protect Gaian lands, and provide a bridge between the northern and southern seas, which would otherwise impassible.

The second new base Silverbird Park was founded at the northwestern edge of the Uranium Flats, and here too the University-Gaian border shifted west in favor of the Gaians. Now they controlled the entire Uranium Flats, to the loss of Gagarin Memorial.

Although the founding of two new bases was exciting it did mean that Dee would have to make an official dedication soon. Dee almost dreaded this since she felt tired almost all time. Maybe that is normal for a person in their 100s, even if they are well preserved. She hated the thought, but she knew one day she’d have to agree to pressure to ‘hit the tanks’ for rejuvenation. It seemed unnatural, but Dee knew that the pressure from her advocates and her own weak physiology might decide the issue for her.

Dee signed, mentally agreeing to the inevitable. Then she slipped into a silky nighty and went to bed.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2170

Deirdre Skye,

I commend you and your peoples commitment in the protection and preservation of Planet. However, by transforming your society as quickly as possible to a "green" society you make the ultimate commitment to the eternal life of Planet. I will not lecture you on a subject that I am sure some if not many of your advisors might already advocate. Suffice it to say that it is one thing to talk about protecting the Planet it is another to actually make the commitment. Planet is alive, it is as alive as the person who sits next to you. To treat it just as another "resource" is not worthy of the person who wrote so masterfully about the importance of protecting nature, and I quote, "Nature does not operate like a machine or a computer. It feels pain and joy. Only when nature is left to operate under is own rules and not of man can we truly understand its beauty." You wrote that yourself. Your breakthroughs in understanding nature allowed you to develop the weather paradigm, to better control nature. But, what if, consider this, if what you were controlling did not want controlling? Would you take a friend and force him to grow, or gain weight or loose it? No, you would not. What I wish to point out that just because you can do a thing to Planet does not mean you should do it. Please consider this when you begin your next
terra-forming project.

The Planet Cult is 14 turns away from completion of the virtual world. I wish we could finish it faster but to do so would require much more energy than we have at the moment. It would be a terrible blow to my people to loose such a worthy project but it is now in the hands of the Planet. We can not force any more energy or minerals from Planet just for our sakes alone. That would make us into what we hate the most. I can only hope that we can complete it before them.

The sea technology will be of great value to us. We immediately began construction on two ships, a transport and a scout foil to better explore the seas. There are two large land masses to our south and to the west that, if not occupied, would offer us decades of expansion.

We appreciate your gesture of the comm-links. If you wish to transmit to us any of the frequencies you wish to offer please do so. Our philosophy is still basically the same, that of none participation with other factions. However, should our new ships find boundary markers to other factions it might be wise to have them so that we me avoid any conflicts at that time.

In time I hope you will see that our passion for the protection of planet comes from our desire to see life in its most beautiful form remain just that.

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.
________________________________

The Master Caretaker and Ranger One had been locked away for days, perhaps weeks with their staffs trying to come up with a solution to complete the Virtual world in under 10 turns. Sadly they could not find an answer. Suddenly a claxon began to wail and a nervous communication technician ran into Ivan's conference room.

"Ranger One, I have an urgent communication from Dreams of the Planet. It seems a new life form appeared from the seas and attacked the city. It was unlike any of the life forms we know of. It most closely resembled a giant sea snake from ancient earth mythology!" The technician turned over the report to Ivan.

"It seems the garrison was able to defeat the worm, thanks to the trance protection, no word yet if they recovered any planet pearls." Ivan folded the report and ordered the tech out. " The Prophet must be told at once!"

*!*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2171

Cha Dawn,

I must apologize for some inaccurate information I have given you about the Virtual World. What I should have said is the that Peacekeepers are within a few years of completing the Human Genome Project. The only faction working on the Virtual World besides yours is the University. So, my warning should have been that you may want to hurry your efforts on the HGP if you want to acquire it for your people.

I respect your arguments on the benefits of a Green economy, but at this point the human impact on Planet is rather small. There are a about 100,000 humans on Planet, which is about as many as were in a medium sized suburb of one of Earth’s old megalopolises. As humans we can certainly do damage, and it is clear that there are some activities that can cause enormous harm. It is a matter of scale and I feel that, as long as we are careful about our activities, we can limit our ‘footprint’ on Planet. The bottom line, Cha Dawn, is that as humans we are consumers. We need to be thoughtful about how and what we consume, and keep in sharp focus the possibility of harming Planet.

Our new sea foil had an amazing discovery this last year. While exploring the fungus they encountered a sea-based mindworm the crew dubbed an Isle of the Deep. Luckily for them it turned out to be friendly, and this new mindworm will be most helpful in exploring the oceans. I recommend that you focus your efforts on a sea foil so that you can also encounter these new creatures. I’m sure you will be as amazed as we are.

I have included the communication frequency of all the factions. I hope these other factions will be more flexible to you than they have been toward us.

Dee

	01-01-2003 22:53									#18
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

Cult, MY 2171

Deirdre Skye,

We thank you for your most generous gift in the various communication frequencies. As I have stated earlier we will most likely not contact any of them for some time but in case something happens it will be good to have them. I have also been told that the Peacekeepers have changed their priority from building the human genome project to the virtual world. I can only assume that we are evenly matched in this regard since I have been told that if we had changed we could have completed it in one turn as well. So, we seem to be evenly matched in this regard. I can only hope that within the reaming turns ahead we can squeeze out some advantage to put us ahead.

We are working to build several ships and our scout ship will have special empath guides to help defeat any rogue "isle of the deep" that we can not bond with. I we will also build a colony pod as quickly as we are able to set-up operations on one of the larger land masses.

Lastly, I wish to broach a subject of some importance. Are you currently engaged in any hostile actions against any of the other factions? If so, I would assume that you would look up any trades or exchanges of data or information as a sign of betrayal as we would if you did something similar. Please advise us on this regard.

I will have many important duties over the next few turns or so unless you have something of urgency I doubt I will contact you in the near future.

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet.
He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

__ ___ __ _ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___ _ _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Cha closed the book and on the report from Ranger One and the Master Caretaker. He would have to support their recommendations to reduce the amount of surplus energy to the labs so that more of it could be stored to quickly complete the Virtual world project. It was somewhat disheartening to know that the reduction would have such a tremendous impact on their research but, it could not be helped.

Cha looked down at the small girl that played under the desk with her dolls. He had meant for her to be an important part of the Empath Guild but now events had determined another course of action. Eve looked up and smiled and Cha could feel her thoughts and he smiled. It took a great deal of concentration to keep his mind shielded from her. There were things that a child should never know of....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2172

Cha Dawn,

The Gaians are not at war with anyone at the moment, although Zakharov saw fit to declare war on us when we first met. He decided to offer a truce, and then a friendship treaty, so I have some optimism as to where our relationship is headed. We have been in a treaty of friendship with the Cyborgs since we met, even if our relations have otherwise been somewhat frosty. Santiago has been relatively friendly, and Yang and Lal have told me in no uncertain terms they aren’t interested in any relationship except a truce.

I also know that the Cyborgs are at war with the University and the Hive. I have no idea who started what, but all sides have been insisting that the Gaians joint their war on their side. I have refused, even if this has strained our relationship with the University and Cyborgs. Their wars seem petty, and there is no compelling reason for use to become involved in their wars of aggression or misunderstanding.

Your idea of an empath foil is a good one, and I may just use that idea in the near future. I appreciate your insight.

Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2172

Cha had been with the command council for days, around the clock in fact, completing all of the negotiations. Only each of their most trusted aides had been allowed to enter the room during any of the negotiations that were being conducted. Cha reached across the table and turned off the comm-link to Pravin Lal and smiled.

"I am amazed at how foolish and naive' all of these leaders seem to be." Cha remarked as he eased himself back into his chair. "Each one nearly fell over himself or herself trying to get us to become their partners to attack the others. Master Seeker your advice was invaluable to say the least. We gained more technology during this one turn then we could have done in a lifetime. Not to mention the many map files and extra energy credits we gained. We now have a clear picture as to the relative positions of all of the major factions with the exception of the Hive. Our energy reserves are over 135 units. Yet, the most important thing we gained is neutrality! Not one alliance did we enter into as if we would ever deal with the likes of them. To think we would become allies with Zakharov who described Planet is a barren rock! If it had not been for the Master Seeker I almost turned off the link in anger. Suffice it to say we gained more than we could have dreamed of!" Cha ended by holding his arms out to bless them all.

"We must not forget the Gaians." The Master Seeker quietly said as he turned his chair towards Cha. " With their Empath Guild they will quickly now that we have made major gains in technology and energy. They have yet to respond to the Prophets request of not "spying" on us, which I would expect they would do even if they promised not to do so. I would find it very hard to believe that they did not have one person over their that, like me, would want to keep the "big picture" in mind, shall we say. I expect the Gaians will soon come calling asking for something. I would advise offering something in response or perhaps securing energy credits. From the initial reports from both Ranger One and the Master Caretaker the deluge in technology will keep us backed up for decades of turns so more technology now, no matter how valuable would leave us with little help in the now or in the near future. lastly, what ever we do we can not "exchange" map files with anyone. Our position is very unique to say the least. The Gaians might be able to "sneak" about in our minds and discover a tidbit or morsel that they can use to piece together a picture about our general goals and economy but without knowing "where we are at" they are blind to the specifics of our society, for the most part. Lastly, if our enemies do not know where we are at they can do little to strike at us. While we on the other hand know exactly where to place force of arms, if need by."

"My Prophet, I can only assume what the Master Seeker is saying is correct at this time. However, do you not see how much we have gained by making a few shrewd trades?" The Master Caretaker had held his tongue for some time but now he could not anymore. " In time we will have to find allies. All of the other factions, with the exception of the Gaians and the Peacekeepers seem bent on military conquest of some form. Should we not make allies now
and firm up our long term goals?"

The Prophet stood up and began to walk to the door, then paused. Everyone held their breath for what seemed like hours, nervous eyes darted to the Prophet and to each other, in particular Lance Thompson.

"No, it is not time. For now we will lay "low". We will not contact anyone else unless we are contacted. We are the void. The empty space, the enigma. We will prepare for the day that we will join with the Planet in her struggle against those who will tear at her heart and destroy her. When Planet has given me the vision to declare the holy Jihad against all who fail to follow the path of the Planet then we will have our most powerful ally."

Cha began moving again and opened the doors and returned to his private quarters. Everyone else sat quietly for a while then collected his papers and began to leave. No one could argue against him now, not ever and especially when the Jihad was called. No, the Prophet in his wisdom by the guidance of the Planet would find a way to prevail and win or so they hoped...

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2173

Terry checked off another item on his list. “The next item on the agenda is Dee’s latest chat with Santiago. If this report reads correctly,” he said as he glanced up at Dee, “she was positively enthusiastic, and readily agreed to exchange Nonlinear Mathematics for Ethical Calculus, which we had just started working on. She did not agree to an alliance, or any other sort of trade, which is unfortunate. So, it seems that all the faction leaders are still technically friendly but in effect hostile like Zak and Aki, neutral and hostile like Lal and Yang, or just aloof like Cha Dawn. In short, we don’t have any real friends. I find that to be disturbing.”

“Maybe if we didn’t flaunt our power the other factions would be more favorably inclined toward us,” Colin mentioned.

“And how, pray tell, could we do that?” Terry said. He was annoyed at Colin, as usual. “We haven’t threatened anyone, nor have we demanded anything. I agreed to Dee’s policy of open communication, and granting communication channels to all who asked for them for free, not that it has gotten us a thing except contempt.’

“Terry,” Colin said as he steepled his hands and looked at him as if lecturing a small child, “the Guild has demonstrated that we have almost twice the population and base as any other faction. We are the only faction to complete one, much less two, Projects. Until recently we were the technical leader on Planet, and we still have the highest research rate of any faction. And we can snoop into any other faction’s business at will. Don’t you think that might make people envious?”

“The fact that the other factions haven’t had as good leadership isn’t my problem, Colin. And being a little more successful than some of our neighbors hardly shows we are flaunting our power! If anything we’ve been restrained! So leave your simpering defeatist ideology at the door and try to use a little logic for a change. We can only do so much for the other factions.”

“Gentleman,” Dee said. Once again she had to interject to stop a barbed exchange between these two old friends. “You are both right. We can control our growth if we switch to a Green economy, and still get significant benefits. I propose…”

“That was discussed and tabled in the last meeting, Dee,” Ling said. “We voted to switch to a Democratic government first, then to a Green economy if it proved feasible. However, we still don’t have the resources yet for the complete change.”

“Then do a partial change! Switch to Green right now!” Colin said, almost yelling.

“This is not on the agenda,” Terry said, poring over his list to make sure, “and will be stricken from the record. Ling is correct. Those resources have already been allocated, and that discussion is closed until next year.”

Colin glowered, his eyes darting to the hawk Ling and the curmudgeon Terry. Dee was impassive.

“The next item is Cha Dawn. It seems he has come into a huge amount of technology, undoubtedly from trading due to the communication links we gave him. I suggest we as for a bit of remuneration,” Terry said.

“He asked us not to spy on him and his people, Terry,” Dee said.

“Really? Good! More power too him! Maybe Cha can talk some sense into the other faction leaders out there!” Colin said.

“My proposition stands,” Terry said.

“I oppose this proposition,” Colin said. “Cha is just a better negotiator than we are. No offense, Dee.” Dee smiled and nodded. “His people should benefit from his leadership, and we shouldn’t start demanding anything. That is just the sort of attitude that will infuriate him! And we don’t want that since he doesn’t seem to hate us yet, like so many other leaders. Maybe one day we can ask something of him, something important that is in alignment with his values that he will agree to, but we should not demand anything of him. It isn’t right.”

“I agree with Colin,” Dee said. She didn’t often make strong stands, but when she did the Council took notice. “I would move we table Terry’s proposition, and further that we at least partially seal any snooping on his people unless it is specifically authorized by the Council.”

“Second!” Colin said with his typical enthusiasm.

Terry dutifully called for a vote, and his proposition lost. Dee’s won, with only Terry abstention.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2173
The Master Seeker sat at the table pondering his next move on the board he looked up and Eve was still watching him, she had not twitched a muscle in 12 minutes.

"Excellent, your chess move and your body control training are becoming first rate. Now, to my question, what would you do Eve?" The Master Seeker said as he pushed his pawn forward.

"You have lost, Master Seeker, that was not the correct move." Eve said as watched the Master Seeker for a reaction, but none was shown. "If I could make the decision I would order Beta and its Guide to board the nearly completed transport. Then they would move eastward and explore the areas there and with luck bond as many worms or spores as possible. Then the transport should come back and pick up a colony pod and set sail back. With even a little bit of luck they should arrive on the shores with at least several worms to provide protection."

"Why not south?" The Master seeker asked as he watched Eve make her move. "If we would move southwards we are assured that we will not meet anyone, all of the land is ours for the asking."

"No. In the short run that might be the safe move and in time I am sure father will move that way but for now we need to move east and block any expansion that might come that way. Also, the Peacekeepers seemed to have a very strong fondness for sea travel and they have explored a great deal of territory already. By placing a base to the east we might be able to thwart any further southern expansion into our domain."

"What is your analysis of the planet politic?" Master Seeker asked as he moved his rook into place.

"The Gaians think they are secure and that might be their downfall. The simple truth is that they are ringed, hemmed in, by potential adversaries that would like nothing more to plunder her treasures. Soon, one if not all of them might try to make a move against the Gaians. The Spartans, University and the Cyborgs are all within striking range of her. Another advantage for us to move eastward is if the others attack we are in a position to either aid the Gaians or grab our fair share of the spoils." Eve moved her queen. "Checkmate."

"Excellent game. I do not think I have one in over a turn. Another question, if you could choose would you make allies with the Gaians now or later?"

"I would wait. They are too arrogant right now and any relationship between us would be one of master and slave, in its most basic form. Let the hounds nip at their heels for away and then lets see how the wind blows." Eve reset the board. "I like Lady Skye from what I have read about her and she has a keen mind. But, they are still trapped by earth thinking. I agree with my father. No alliance until they switch to a green economic/social model. Their politics are irrelevant to our core belief that only by becoming one with Planet will we ever reach our new evolutionary stage. Once they become green in both mind, heart and soul will the new faith ever take hold. I have read that many of the Gaians still are fearful of the worms and planet. Sad."

"Eve, I think your father will be well pleased with your training today." The Master seeker stood up and kissed the child on the head. Such a mind for one so young.

"You do know that the our expansion west also could bring the my fathers vision, the faith, to the people of the atom quicker than expected. I doubt that they could withstand wave upon wave of mind worms. They are not that far ahead of us and as such a quick strike might be warranted." Eve suggested as she started another game against the computer.

The Master seeker stared at her for a few minutes.

"Eve, you were doing so well and now you lost, you nearly had won this session. That last move was too bold and overplayed. I shall prepare a lesson for you on our next session as to the current military preparedness of our faction and the others. Do not venture an opinion until you know all
the facts. Wanting something to be is a far cry than knowing it can be done. For now, your father is most correct. We wait and see how the wind blows. Our only real ally is Planet. We must be careful."

The Master Seeker turned and left the room. Eve stood up and reached under the pillow she used to raise herself up and took the papers that were underneath of it and threw them on the table. The papers were a military breakdown of Cult troops and military preparedness versus the other factions of Planet, the author was the Master Seeker.

	01-01-2003 22:56									#19
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2174

“Hey Dee, I have another research project for you,” Colin said.

“Colin,” Dee said in a measured tone, “it’s 2 in the morning. Can’t this wait?”

“No, I don’t think so. Hear me out, and look at these pictures.”

A series of holos flashed into Dee’s terminal, and a brief synopsis of each played across her holo. One showed a exuberant green primeval forest, complete with flowering plants at the edge of the towering tropical trees. Another showed a rich swamp, not unlike a cypress swamp of the American Mississippi delta before it disappeared due to sea level early rises in the 21st Century. A third was a panorama of a rolling wooded expanses that extended as far as the eye could see, with the sea coast along its western side. Dee drank these exotic images in, picking out details as they flashed by. The trees had an odd fractal pattern that Dee had never seen on any earth tree, and a creature swimming in the swamp had two tails and was an odd shade of pink.

There was something wrong, and after a moment Dee figured it out. “Colin,” she said, “these aren’t from Earth, are they?”

Colin’s image flashed back on her screen. “Bingo! You win the prize! Certain friends just squirted these to me, and while I was impressed I was sure you’d be bowled over by them. Any guesses as to what they are?”

Dee realized that Colin was toying with her, but she was willing to play along in spite of the unforgivably late hour. “They are biomes of a tropical jungle, which is dominated by photosynthesis – hence the reflected green hue. Since I saw Alpha Centauri A and B in the background of one image I’d conclude they are on Planet, although it could be an elaborate hoax. If so I’m going to be very upset with someone.” Dee let a sharp edge creep into her voice as she transfixed Colin with her gaze.

“Don’t kill me yet! They’re real, all right. I didn’t notice the suns myself – a dead giveaway, that. These are the initial surveys of our foil, and they show part of the coastline of a new island or continent. The part the they saw is covered by this jungle, Dee! And these are only some of the images they’ve found. I also have their initial bio surveys, which I might be able to throw your way for a price…”

“More butter cookies?” Dee asked. Colin nodded vigorously. “OK. You have yourself a deal. Be over here in a few hours and we can talk about it.”

Colin saluted in a sloppy fashion and the holo winked off.

Dee was in no mood to sleep now. Imagine – a jungle here on Planet, with a biome that has almost no apparent link to the xenofungus that covers the rest of the landmasses! The very idea was exciting, and enticing.

She threw off her covers and pulled on a robe, pausing for a moment to put her hair in a somewhat stylish Celtic hairnet Colin had given her a few years ago. He like touches like that, and Dee knew she liked the decorative item anyway. Then she found and put on her slippers and padded out to the small kitchen and began pulling out the ingredients for her ‘secret’ recipe. She decided to make a double batch since it would likely be a while before Colin left, and he had a habit of demolishing butter cookies.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2174

The governing committee of Light of the Planet looked out the window at the scene down below. Below them the Prophet moved among the population of the city to cheers and cries of happiness as he stopped every few feet to say a kind word or listen to a persons grievances. Just a week ago the streets had been filled with rioting looters and all mayhem had been caused but now peace and order had been re-established by the Prophet. When he arrived he did not come alone. With him were hundreds of medical specialists and security forces, Ranger Green berets. Within hours order had been re-established and the word had been sent out that one of Shari Moon's worms would be attached to the base to provide security and re-build trust with the people. The committee members watched as the Prophet worked his way closer to the command building and soon he entered through the main doors three levels below. The committee members turned and waited for the Prophet to arrive which he did several minutes later as the doors flew open.

"What in the name of the Planet has been going on here!" Cha screamed at the top of his lungs. "What were you idiots thinking that you could control over three thousand people with no recreation facilities and no extra guards! To think you fools are leading this city is beyond me. Ranger One begged me to be merciful that it was his error in not supervising his Rangers more closely. Well, he will be dealt with as will you!" Cha stormed around the room and then turned and walked up to each of them.

"Order has been restored. Gamma will be here soon to make sure all is well gain. YOU THREE ARE FIRED! Here are your orders to report back to command for re-assignment. I have hand picked your replacements who are already taking charge below and getting things back on line. I fully expect that by the end of the turn I will be able to remove the specialists and production can resume on the empath foil ship. GO NOW!" Cha shot his arm out pointing to the door and the three of them left very quietly. In a few minutes the Master Seeker entered followed by an aide.

"My Prophet, as ordered the ring leaders have been secured and have been quietly taken care of. The remains will not be found. As instructed DNA has been planted in the building they riot leaders were using for their headquarters. When the fire is put out by the Rangers everything will look like that one last attempt to promote chaos was attempted but failed. Evidence was also planted to discredit the ring leaders as paid spies of a foreign power. This should easily shift the sympathies of the people to us and in time win their hearts back. Also, Ranger Ones security codes have been removed and I have agents assigned to his office now to help supervise things at Command." The Master seeker quickly handed over the report that detailed all of the actions taken.

"Good, burn this now." Cha handed the report back not wanting to read it. "I will slowly rehabilitate Ivan Ivanovich so that he will learn who the master is and who is the servant. The fool! To think that he could get away with this foolish attempt to stash energy credits away in order to line his pockets rather than using it to fund a proper base here."

"Yes, the evidence I showed you is very convincing, is it not?" The Master Seeker fell into step with Cha as he began to leave the room.

"Yes, it was very convincing indeed, but, I still need Ivan and I do not want a power struggle in the Rangers, not now." Cha folded his arms back into the large sleeves of his gown and slowed his pace to the normal gate he took. To the world he was the Prophet, he who could not make a mistake!

*!*!*!*

Dreams of Green, MY 2175

“Yes, and with this baby we won’t be helpless again!” Argos said as he patted the side of the prototype impact rover. It had just survived its final test run, and it was now ready for full production.

The Council members in attendance showed mixed reactions. Ling, who was formerly governor of Dreams of Green and who started the prototype, was clearly ecstatic. She was all smiles, and when she wasn’t pumping the hands of the team of engineers and drivers that had demonstrated this marvel then she was expounding on how this device would ‘save the Gaian nation!’. Colin, by contrast, was rather quiet and thoughtful. Dee looked troubled and uncomfortable, particularly when one of the senior project engineers talked about kill ratios and raw firepower.

Then the lights dimmed and a holo simulation started, with the senior engineer’s voice as a voiceover. The sim showed the view from the cockpit, and a driver at the wheel and a combat engineer to her left at the controls. Outside the world tilted crazily as the rover took hard turns over rough terrain, one moment seeing blue sky as it hurled up a hillside, the next seeing only rocks and trees when it bounded down the other side. It was like riding a huge wave on a boat, only on land.

In the distance a city was visible. It had gleaming white rounded domes, and a few towers at its center. Only the most unobservant viewer wouldn’t see this as a representation of the University city Climactic Research, their second most populous. In a few moments the city grew in size as the vehicle approached. A high pitched whine filled the cabin, and the combat engineer was busy at his controls. Seconds later a brilliant white light filled the land in front of the rover, obscuring the city and the lands arounding it. When the light dissipated a fraction of a second later a curl of black smoke poured from the nearest perimeter of the city, and fire was licking around one of the larger domes. Some defenders started firing back, ineffectually it seemed, and this gave the impact rover a real target, which they promptly fired upon. The east section of the city started to char and decay as repeated bursts pierced it, and gradually the defensive fire ceased. Inside the cockpit the driver and engineer gave each other high-fives and yelled in near unison.

Dee was shocked. Colin said, “I hope Zak never sees this.”

Dee nodded in mute reply.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2175

To Deirdre Skye and the Gaian Council

In order to foster better relations between our two peoples we would wish to discuss the possibility of a trade in technology for information. We would like to offer you technology to build sea farms that should boost your nutrient production greatly. In exchange, we would only like access to some, information. Your Empath Guild gives you great "insights" to the workings of other factions. With this in mind we wish to get information on the University and the Peacekeepers. Specifically any map files you have on the University and the status of projects being worked on by the Peacekeepers and University. We are curious as to how soon, or how quickly they will complete the Virtual World project or any projects being worked on. I think this is a fair exchange since the technology we are offering is a very important building block for future discoveries. We only wish to make the following stipulation. If you agree to the exchange we will transmit the files without any "strings attached" in turn, we would like a detailed report and the right, after we review the report, to ask for clarifications on the information, if needed. I also wish to broach another subject. I have been contacted again by several factions leaders to build an "alliance" against other factions. As your empaths can probably tell you we have maintained our neutrality for now. We wish to avoid any entangling treaties or alliances at this time. However, we do wish to ask from you what your status is with the other faction leaders. It seems some of the other leaders on this planet do not like you Gaians very much, to put it plainly and as such we would like to know how you stand.

I hope that this can be the first of many important and meaningful exchanges.

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cha finished the letter and forwarded it to the command bunker for uploading on the next diplomatic link. He turned off his computer and eased himself back into the cushions and let out a small sigh.

"Do you think they will bite?" Asked the Master Seeker who sat across from Cha. The spy sat in the shadows and only moved slightly as he asked the question.

"I am not sure. Technology for information. Many of the other leaders have done so, some giving us vast amounts of information for technology that was far less valuable. The Gaians seem to be girding for war with the University or preparing to defend themselves." Replied Cha.

"Yes, that Zakharov has a terrible temper which is ill-suited for the work he tries to do on the diplomatic front. We deny his request to build this grand alliance then threatens us in the same breath if we do not join him. He may be a genius from all accounts but a spy, a negotiator, a deal maker, no, he is not that."

"Well, we should wait and see. If they went to all of the expense to build the Guild they should leap at the chance to make it work for them. Perhaps by making themselves as indispensable brokers of information it might cause the other leaders to hold their fists from striking at the Gaians, then on the other hand, they might want to grasp it for their own." Cha remarked in
a very monotone manner.

"We shall see, my Prophet, we shall see.."

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2176

Dear Cha Dawn,

After much discussion the Gaian Council is happy to accept your offer to trade information for your valuable technology. It is my personal wish that this exchange can be the beginning of a truer understanding between our peoples, and that we can grow to appreciate our mutual interests and goals.

First, you wished to know of our diplomatic status. At this point we have a friendship treaty with the Cyborgs, University, Spartans, and your society. Commissioner Lal and Chairman Yang will not even discuss a friendship treaty with us, and this distresses us greatly, especially since we have so much in common with the Peacekeepers. Our treaty with the Cyborgs has been the longest standing and we value it immensely. We also view our treaty with the University to be something of a triumph since our relations started with a severe misunderstanding that lead to a decades long war. Although we have broached the subject none are interested in a alliance, and perhaps that is too much to ask. We are all young societies that have yet to mature, and any alliance requires deep thought and consideration.

Second, we have attached our map files. You will find we know nothing about the Peacekeepers, and our knowledge of the University if fragmentary. We can only see three of Zak’s four bases, and significantly we are not able to see University Base, which undoubtedly lies to the west of our known area. We are correcting this information lapse with the construction of a small fleet of foils, which have and will deploy in the nest few years. You might also be interested in the map of our holdings, which we are sending you as a gesture of trust. Our land is modest in size, but we are increasing it through sea reclamation to the north and east. In a few years we will have our first colony outside of our continent in the Monsoon Jungle, which should be of enormous academic interest to us.

Third, you asked for the status of various Projects by the University and the Peacekeepers. The University will complete the Virtual World in 17 years and the Peacekeepers in nine years. I hope you can gage your efforts appropriately. I would caution you not to cut it too close since either of these factions has ample energy reserves to hurry their projects along. In that vein, you should know that our city Fallow Time completed the Human Genome Project this year. We are, quite frankly, exhausted by these Projects and have let necessary city improvements and defenses slide during these efforts. Our base governors will now correct that problem.

Walk with Planet,
Dee

	01-01-2003 22:59									#20
	Full PM-box? Change here!

Cult, MY 2176

To the Gaian people, Deirdre Skye and the ruling body,

As we stated the technology we offered is attached to this transmission for your use. I think it will be of great use to you since the sea will provide a huge source of nutrients and energy in the years to come. However, I must caution you that kelp farms require great care. Kelp can expand beyond the sectors you have allotted for production very quickly so you must be on your guard to keep expansion to a minimum. We ourselves have problems in containing our forests and with much heartache they have expanded into the lush fields of fungus thus destroying them. We hope that someday we can recreate the process to re-seed sectors with fungus thus restoring the Planets ecology. We are striving to make as many in-roads as possible to this effect. Currently our scientists are working on improving our agricultural process and production through gene-splicing. Some variants of crops have shown promising results by adapting them to native planets. However, we are being very careful as to not to introduce a variant that might explode on the native environment and destroy Planet in its natural form. This is the risk. We are close to completing this project and with it unlocking more of the wondrous secrets of Planet. Perhaps when we complete it we could once again look at another exchange of technology. Since gene-splicing is a very advanced level of scientific research we would only accept an exchange of equal value or several technologies in exchange.

Perhaps it is our reluctance to become involved with the workings of other factions that lead the other leaders to pursue us and an alliance. Last turn I was contacted by four leaders all seeking alliances, all seeking energy credits, all seeking to destroy another faction. It is just another reason for us to remain neutral as long as possible. As I have stated earlier we can accept the current situation with your people since you do have a positive approach to Planet. However, until you or perhaps another faction becomes aligned with the Planet and adopts a green social and economic model we must maintain our current standing. With that being said I wish to give you a friendly warning, concerning your neighbors, I would look towards your defense as quickly as possible. Several of your "allies" seek alliances/power-blocs, with us, to overthrow you. Of course, we have refused such attempts but this only gives us more fuel for our belief in neutrality.

We do look forward to your map files. However, at this time we feel a mutual exchange of map files is out of the question. Through careful negotiations we have the foundations of a very good map of the planet. However, we are still missing a piece or two and the information you will send us will clear that up very quickly. Once again a word of caution. Your expansion into the jungles will put you very close to a faction that wishes your downfall in a very urgent way. Take precautions to defend any colony you establish!

To the second part of our agreement. We are also nine turns away from completing the Virtual World project. From what I have been informed we also have the largest treasury on Planet currently so the rapid completion of the project will be to our favor, not the Peacekeepers. We will continue for several more turns then commit our reserves to the completion. Also, we have switched projects and will work on the completion of a command and control network. We do not begrudge your completion of the Human Genome project. You have a large society that requires all the more resources to control. In fact, I am glad you completed it in the hopes you will see the need to switch to a green economic model. Many of our cities will begin building special children crèche's to improve the health and safety of our children and as a result we should begin to see some improvement in longevity and health among our people. But, back to the matter at hand. We would like to know how close the Hive is to completing a similar command and control network as I have been told they are very close. Can you confirm this. Also, you could give us an exact or approximate figure as to the amount of energy reserves the Peacekeepers have.

Lastly, I wish to know if I could begin transmitting some informative vids about our people on your recreational channels. Our society is focused on the preservation of Planet and we wish to inform your people of the hard work and the insights we have made. I think many of your citizens would welcome a fresh perspective on the benefits of becoming one with the Planet.

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2177

Cha Dawn,

The Gaian Council has formally accepted your proposal. I hope the information we have provided, and will provide in the future, will aid your society as it grows and expands. In that light, you were interested in the status of the Peacekeeper’s energy reserves. They have 179 megacredits in reserve. You were also interested in the Hive’s progress on the Command Nexus, a Project you have expressed an interest in pursuing. They are 51 years from completing this effort, and you should know that our empaths have told me they have experienced some reverses recently. It is not clear what the cause of these reverses might be, and I would be very interested in knowing if such information might come into your field of knowledge. I can tell you that they haven’t lost any bases to another faction due to war, but little else. The world is largely black to us.

Our defense has been an object of increasing concern to us as we find our way on Planet. We have developed some significant offensive weaponry and are developing a fast response force that will help defend us if attacked, and a small cadre of ‘sneaks’ for defense against espionage or, if necessary, to initiate sabotage against those who wish us harm. We are critically lacking any defense technology, however, and it appears that only Chairman Yang possesses defensive technology. Moreover, he is researching advanced defensive technology that I am sure we would all benefit from. Like some others, he is not very interested in any kind of technology trade with us.

Your advanced in Gene Splicing would be of great interest to us, and the Council would be willing to trade technology for this valuable ability. At this point all we could offer is offensive technology in Nonlinear Mathematics, should you be interested.

I invite you to send any and all information to us. We are an open society and welcome any information that can help us understand and appreciate another’s way of life. In a like vein, I would offer to send you Gaian information and programs if you are interested. We have a wide range of entertainment and educational programming that you might find interesting or insightful, even that which is rather ‘base’ or light hearted.

It seems we should have taken your advice on empath foils. Our valiant foil met an untimely end recently while patrolling in the fungus. It seems to have met a hostile isle of the deep, and the details are sketchy. Our isle of the deep will investigate now that it has deposited our new colony in the Jungle. I hope that they get their scientific base established before the mysterious enemy you mentioned comes to investigate. You can be assured we will do what we can to defend ourselves.

You should know that the Gaian Council has recently approved a resolution switch to a Green economy this next year if the resources for the transformation can be appropriated. I would imagine that this will serve many purposes, and its primary disadvantage can be mitigated by a more egalitarian Democratic social structure in the near future. I would be interested in relaying your observations of the Green economic model to the Council, if you are willing.

Walk with Planet,
Dee

*!**!*

Cult, MY 2177

To our new brothers and sisters of the Planet, Lady Skye and the Gaian ruling council,

I was barely able to contain my joy and wonder at the news of your switch to a "green" society or as we like to say a planet friendly model. When you complete your transformation you will notice a lag in the growth rate but this is to be expected since you do not wish to overburden planet with more demands than she can supply. In time, you will find other means, new avenues will present themselves to you that will allow you to resume moderate growth. We ourselves are beginning to invest in children crèches which should reduce child mortality and increase the lifespan of the children raised in them. This alone will add quality of life to your people, not quantity, and thus increase your population over time. Also unlocking the secrets of the soil and the plants will increase your harvests and thus feed more people without adding more land to production. Once you complete your transformation contact us and at that time we can then begin discussions that could lead us to a greater alliance, the alliance for the Planet. Also, as an incentive once you complete your work we will transfer to you technology that will allow you to build those "defensive" structures" you seem to lack. We will gift these to you with no expectation of a return, it will be your reward for seeing the light of reason in protecting Planet and as such we wish for you to be protected in turn.

We appreciate the quick response to our "add-on" questions and clarifications. They were most useful, we have nearly 70 megacredits MORE in reserve than the Peacekeepers so we have a significant edge there. As to the command and control project, once again we will finish it decades before the Hive does. Your map information only confirmed our deep concerns for your safety. Your are "ringed" by potential enemies and only the lack of ship transportation by your enemies keeps your shores safe. I can see now why several leaders have been very desperate to gain this technology, the very same that wish to see you in chains. Suffice it to say you are safe now and for some time. We have withheld that technology from all factions since we too benefit from distance.

I have informed Ranger One, the chief administrator of our new faith, to begin transmitting our informational vids to your people. I hope that in time we can establish a chapter house in your capital city so that our Rangers can bring the word and will of the planet to your people. May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet.
He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Cha sat in the conference room and looked at all of his advisors each one had been against any further advances with any factions for now with the exception of the Master Caretaker.

"I understand your concern but I have talked with the Master Seeker on this and we both agree. The fact that the Gaians "perceived" lead on the planet makes them the target for attack by the other factions will play into our hands! All of them want to take a bite out of her and if it were not for their mutual hatred of each other they would most probably have already done so. No, world domination is not our "end goal" but the preservation of planet, the nurturing of a new man born of Planet who works towards the day that he can live and walk amongst the fungus fields without an air mask or envious is my version of victory." Cha finished his argument by pushing back the reports of the nay sayers away from him.

"My Prophet, we only wished to warn you to be more cautious. To be more planned in our response. Not one faction alone can take out the Gaians so the University is ruled out and the Spartans and the Cyborgs seem to be their least violent neighbors though that Santiago women has no love for the Gaians, contempt is more like it. Farmers not fighters not being worthy of the right to live without Spartan control is how you put her response." Replied Ranger One.

"My Prophet, it is just that we are going into some very tenuous times. We have our transport taking John Miller and Beta to the future colony site and our empath foil is out searching for these sea based mind worms. We are close to completing two major projects so perhaps this is not the best of times to begin "reaching out" to others. You yourself said that we should wait and watch." Replied Byram Sung via the vid/comm-link he had.

"NO! now is the time, I have seen it in a vision. The Gaians and the Cult will sweep the non-believers aside and we will purify Planet in the future. Without the Gaians as our allies this will never take place!" Cha shouted back who then quickly stopped his outburst and quietly rose from his chair and walked into the his private rooms....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2178

“This Cha Dawn seems to paint a pretty bleak picture of the factions on Planet. Do you really believe that all the other factions are lining up to attack us? Are they really that bloodthirsty?” Colin asked.

“Colin, don’t be naïve,” Ling said. “Of course they are lining up against us. They’re lining up against everyone, trying desperately to gain advantage. Don’t you remember the Peacekeepers asking us to betray Aki and declare war against her for a Pact with him? Or the constant demands from Zak and Yang to declare war on Aki, or from Aki asking us to declare war on the Hive and Zak? The only factions that hasn’t asked us to declare war on someone else are, surprisingly, the Spartans and the Cult.”

“I think we can forgive both Zak and Aki. They’ve been at each other’s throats for decades, literally,” Dee said. “Maybe we should act as intermediaries to end their wars?”

“Maybe,” Terry said. He’d been staying out of this particular discussion since versions of it came up in almost every Council meeting, “but keep in mind Zak’s first reaction to us.”

“Or Aki’s reaction!” Colin exclaimed. “She offered us a treaty of friendship immediately and has kept it for decades.”

“Point taken” Terry said. “Still, there is the strange ambivalence of the Peacekeepers. There is definitely something wrong when the Peacekeepers aren’t interested in peace, and are actively pursuing wars of conquest against their neighbors.”

“At least Cha Dawn seems to be reasonable, and even truly friendly. It’s been a long time since our friend Aki had a kind word to us,” Dee said.

“Look,” Terry said. “This isn’t helping. We can chase our tails and talk around these issues forever and it will get us exactly nowhere. If we want to do something positive, then fine. I agree that we can ask the other faction leaders to make peace, but besides that we can’t do anything else. “

Colin shut up, and Dee and Ling fell silent. That always happened when they realized that Terry was right, even if they didn’t like it.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2178

"I am still amazed by the constant demands made on us by the other faction leaders for plans and technical files on ship designs. Zakharov is so desperate for it he is willing to offer us the world for it. He wants an alliance, he will trade us technology for it, he will give us energy credits, it goes on and on. You were very shrewd in dealing with him my father to keep the bait dangling in front of him like that. He traded you those advanced designs for particle weapons for sea farm technology instead of the ship designs he wanted. Now we are equal in military technology to any faction on the planet and what is ironic about it is that we traded him sea farms for it, a technology he can not even use yet." Eve chuckled a bit at the end as she reached for her spoon to eat some very tasty fungus soup.

"Child, these people are desperate. From what I can tell and from the information the Master Seeker has provided the Gaians, Peacekeepers and us are the only factions that have ship designs. It is one of the most powerful technologies indeed. You have seen the map, look how Lal has used his transports to fling his colonies to the wind they are spread out all over Planet, a full third of Planet. Once his people get working on building and from what I have been told Lal believes in rapid expansion his people could be a very serious threat. You would have thought Lal would have learned from the mistakes his people made back on earth concerning the problems of overpopulation but alas no, he has not." Cha replied as he picked up the loaf of bread and broke it. He silently said a prayer for the protection of Planet and handed Eve the other part.

"Father, you have only contacted the various faction leaders once and they have contacted you several times, do you think that at some point they might become angry about our stance of neutrality?"

"Yes, my child I do. But there is nothing for it. Once the Gaians inform us of their success in switching to a planet friendly economic and social condition, as we have done, we will begin discussions on a greater alliance. We will give them the perimeter defense files so they can build walls and detection equipment to secure their bases against attack so that they will be protected from those who are enemies of the planet." Cha turned and picked up the spoon and begin to eat some soup as well.

"Father, I can see the obvious advantage here. Once we join with the Gaians we will become the most powerful alliance on the planet. But what concerns me and I am sure it does you that even though the Gaians might become "green" that they truly do not believe it, in their heart of hearts. Since opening up relations I have read their books and watched their vids and for them living in harmony with the planet is more a scientific exercise, not a spiritual one as we have done." Eve looked into her fathers eyes waiting for an answer.

"You are correct Eve. I do think the same way as well. The Gaians have lacked my guidance, my vision, my contact with the Planet. For our people living in harmony with Planet is both a physical and spiritual act. In time the Gaians will see the truth of it and when they do I will be their to guide their people to the promised land and you will be there by my side and together we will usher into reality a new man and women that will live with Planet and this planet will become a second Eden to us all." Cha replied as he reached across the small table and took Eve's hands into his. Together they began to say the prayer for the Planet and when they were done they resumed eating....

	18-01-2003 22:28									#21
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

Memory of Earth, MY 2179

Dear Cha Dawn,

I’m visiting one of our southern cities in the Uranium Flats and I wanted to drop you a note that our transition to a Green economy has gone well. It seems the doomsayers were wrong and that there weren’t any great social upheavals, or plummeting and expansion. If all goes well we will also become a true Democracy next year. Our energy resources are scant, but I have felt that it is important to give our people a true democracy and make the Council more of a guidance council to an elected parliament. There is always a risk when changing government in such a significant way, but I have always felt that in order to lead a people you have to trust them to do the right thing, and that is the essence of democracy itself.

You expressed some concern over expansion and it is likely that Gaian expansion will be slowing down soon. We have 14 bases now, with only a few more planned to the east and north on our continent. It is too early to tell what we can do in the Jungle since so little is explored, so we will have to wait and see. I do know that our new foil and isle are busy exploring the seas around us, and three more foils are in production. I expect that we will know the areas surrounding us fairly well in the near future, including the mysterious ‘enemy’ you mentioned is proximate to the Jungle. I can only hope the are far away since our ability to defend our new base there is rather scant.

A few of our bases are girding our defenses, but most are concerned with development and inner improvements. I expect that you would agree that building vertically is more ecologically prudent then endless sprawl and the Council embraces this idea, and I hope a future democratic government will, too.

I’d be happy to exchange ambassadors when our people finally meet. For us you are somewhere ‘out there’ and, not knowing your situation, I wish you well.

Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2179

To the esteemed Lady Skye, the Gaian Parliament and the Planet loving Gaian people my most warm greetings,

It seems we have completed the Virtual world project but the command and control network was completed by Lal and his Peacekeepers. I have also been informed by my aides that the University and the Hive have embarked on new technologies, new special projects. We will continue to accumulate resources at Mind of the Planet in the hopes of working on another worthwhile project.

As I have promised the attached files on perimeter security are yours, as a gift to your people in token of their determination and foresight to become with the Planet. I would suggest that you begin building these security structures as soon as possible at all of your border cities with the University. I find it interesting that your people have chosen a democracy. For the people of the Planet, there is only me. I think my children would be lost without me and as such they have put all of their faith, hope, dreams and power on my shoulders. I know it is not a task that every leader could measure up to but I have a great ally, Planet. Planet sustains me and gives me the strength to guide my people and with our two peoples becoming closer together I will be ready to help them as well.

In time I hope we can exchange ambassadors but for now, due to the distance, it would be too difficult. If you need our assistance or you wish to explore new avenues of friendship or exchanges, please call me.

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet.
He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++

Cha looked at the video feed from the command center of Dawn of the Planet. Captain Charles Seabird, commander of the empath foil, had uplinked the most recent footage of his expedition. What they saw amazed them. Nearly the entire sea area north and west of their main islands were covered in sea fungus. Hundreds of sectors of a vast floating sea of fungus.

"Amazing, simply amazing!" Cha shouted. " To think Planet could create such wonders. Imagine what is lurking in the depths of that fungus! No navy could ever penetrate the fungus safely once we bond several sea worms! It is like having a vast shield to our north. I understand the captain of the transport is going to try and cross over at this one section here." Cha pointed to a spot on the screen where the fungus had narrowed to only one or two sectors. Once across the transport would be free to continue westward and deposit Beta and his guide at their intended target.

"Yes, my Prophet, you are correct." Ivan Ivanovich replied. It had been decided that all sea going ships were to be crewed and controlled by the Rangers. " Captain Seabird is already making maximum speed to intercept the transport once it clears and if needed to defend the transport."

"Excellent. If all goes well then in the time it takes us to make our next breakthrough we could have Beta on the new land mass to the west exploring new lands and hopefully bonding more worms!" Cha turned and walked out of the command room which had tripled in size over the past three turns. Even though the Cult did not get the command and control project completed before the Peacekeepers there had been a few side effects that were useful.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2180

Cha Dawn,

The Council was very impressed by your generous gift, and we will build perimeter defenses at our more crucial bases. I have to say that even our more cynical members of the Council were taken aback, particularly since this will likely be useful in the near future. All we can offer in exchange at this time is an open offer to give you information you might deem to be useful, and if we come across anything that we think might be interesting to you we will not hesitate to pass it your way.

We were able to pull together the resources to change to a democratic government, and the first Parliament will be convening in the next year. The parliament and the prime minister will have primary legislative and executive power, and the Council has been assigned a supernumerary status. In the case of a vacancy the prime minister will propose and the parliament approve future members. Current members, myself included, will have permanent status as Council members, should we choose to accept the appointment and continue our service. Our primary function will be as a diplomatic arm and as an advisory panel to the parliament and prime minister. A supreme court will also be appointed and confirmed, and with this judicial branch our government will be complete.

Congratulations on completing the Virtual World project, and I imagine this will be a continuing boon to your people. I was not surprised that Lal completed the Command Nexus when the Virtual World was denied to him, especially when the resources were already at hand. If we come across a technology that will allow you to complete a Project we will forward it to you immediately.

Deirdre Skye and the Gaian Council

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2180

To the enlightened Lady Skye, the noble government of the Gaian people and their Planet loving peoples,

We do not expect nor require any gifts in return. The voice of the Planet wills me to help and nurture any people that come to the light of understanding and live in harmony with Planet. It was not by my will but Planets that the gift was made to you use it to protect your people and
Planet. If you feel the will of the Planet move you to offer a gift or information then it is by the will of the Planet you do so. All praise and wonderful glory to Planet!

I am concerned that the Peacekeepers did complete such a powerful project as the command nexus as it is being called now. This has an ill feeling to it and I worry that this will only embolden them to do something rash. Be on your GUARD!

Soon we will be expanding again. Our transport has found new ground and a worthy Guide and a companion mind worm will soon begin exploring the new land. The transport will return in a turn or so and prepare for the transport of a new colony pod to be established on the new land. Our empath foil has yet to uncover any signs of sea worms, much to my distress.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++

John Miller stepped out of the landing craft, specially built to transport mind worms and their companions and stepped onto the new land. John had been told by both the Prophet and Master Guide Byram Sung that he would never return to his native lands. It was just impractical to make any return trip back to the core colonies any time soon. Within days the transport would leave and he, Beta and the support team would be all alone. He had been told that to the east the Planet Cult foil Sea Spirit was exploring but it would be a turn or more if they would need any help if they could get here at all. No, he was alone. Perhaps this is what the first colonists felt like in those first days after the disaster of the Unity befell them. Alone, lost, frightened with little to no resources. Well, at least he had Beta, a huge amount of supplies, a base camp with advanced communication gear, a doctor, two medics, and a whole host of apprentice Guides in training all looking to make a name for himself. What intrigued him the most was that he did not hold complete command of the team. This young, very young girl, named Eve was in charge of some aspects of the expedition. The Prophet seemed to defer to her several times and the Prophet warned him that Eve was special that she had wonderful talents. Well, Shari Moon had been barely out of puberty when she landed her first worm so, this was not all that different.

"All right lets get going!" John shouted back at the boat team. " Get the planks down now and so Beta can get off. If he even touches the water he will begin to become very agitated and you do not want to see him angry!"

*!*!*!*

Northern Sea, MY 2181

“Sir, we have another blip in the fungus. Orders?”

Captain McKenny looked over at his Sensitive, who was in constant contact with the isle of the deep they were riding with. The empath closed his eyes and was silent for a few minutes, his head lolling slightly to one side. Everyone around him was silent out of respect and a mote of concern, since they knew the results of this touch would determine their future.

After a few minutes the sensitive’s head righted itself and he came out of his trance. His eyes opened, and he focused on the Captain. “The blip is an isle, a young one that ha s just accreted in the sea fungus. At the beginning of its cycle it is likely to be receptive to patterns as its sentience coalesces. If we can influence this process we could gain another ally.”

McKenny nodded to acknowledge this new information. “Thank you, Mathers. Be sure to thank your isle for me.”

“The isle is not mine, and you needn’t thank me,” the sensitive said. “I will try to relay your thanks, even though mindworms typically haven’t understood such concepts, particularly when they are so young and haven’t been in contact with humans for any length of time.”

“Please ask the isle to advance on the larval isle in the fungus and initiate contact. Everyone else,” the Captain said, “prepare yourselves. There are never any guarantees, so gather all your protective and survival gear, just in case. Barnes, contact Michelle and tell her to be ready in case this doesn’t go well. Clear?”

There were a few ‘ayes’ and even more nods.

As they finished they discerned the isle was moving north toward the blip. It was always a hair raising experience when the isle moved since the resonance fields generate sympathetic static elecctric fields, which wash over the human inhabitants of the isles. As a rule the static was harmless, but it was disconcerting to feel a fine tingling all over your body that felt disturbingly like small crawling insects.

Already the isle was flowing over the sea fungus, and the crew hurried on their tasks.

*!*!*!*

It was over before the crew even knew it. All the crew felt was a particularly strong static field, and some of them who had some sensitivity thought they heard snatches of ideas, fragments that were unintelligible.

Sensitive Mathers opened his eyes. “Captain, we have a new friend, our third isle that has found harmony with us. It is making its way this way and will expect a human crew to establish a link. It is quite extraordinary, Captain. This isle seems to be openly curious. It may even decide to form links with semi-sensitves. I’d recommend sending a number over and let the isle decide. Who knows, maybe this one will link with more than one! Now wouldn’t that be interesting.”

“Yes, it would,” the Captain said. “I have a few candidates in mind and will get on that right away.”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY2181

The Master Seeker looked at the report from the exploration team and smiled. The team had not been there more than a turn and they had already impressed a young spore launcher and failing the capture of a mind worm defeated it and harvested the planet pearls for their vast energy stores. Also with the radar mapping done by both teams it now looked very good that the large land mass to the north was just that and it would be an excellent place for the people of the Planet to expand to. Cha had already ordered a colony pod to be built and one was in construction now but it would be 10 turns before it would be built, transported and then set-up. The report from the Master Caretaker was interesting as well he was going to advocate sending one if not two of the terra-former teams to the new area so that they can begin site preparation and begin improvements. A very interesting plan. There was little left to do on the two islands for terra-formers. Cha would not build anymore mines, roads now connected every city, sensor arrays were built and on-line, there were four farms with solar collectors and two mines on very rich mineral sectors. No, there was little left for them to do unless the Master Caretaker had found the ability to plant fungus.

He flicked a few keys on his keyboard and was able to bring up the report from Shari Moon and then Ivan Ivanovich. Nothing of any real importance from either one of them. Cha was always the wild card when it came to these meetings. The others were so careful to put everything in writing, none of them had Cha's photographic memory. Well, he was sure that Cha would report
that their next scientific breakthrough was only a few turns away. Gene-splicing should be able to add a vast amount of nutrients to the strained system and hopefully the Master Caretaker's new sea going terra-formers would provide even more energy. The new children crèches were being built and they should do wonders to add to the longevity and health of the population but only at those cities that will build them. In time all would have them but it would be slow going for awhile.

There was a lot to be proud of but still, the Cult was vulnerable. The other factions were racing to gain as much technology and power as possible while the people of the Planet resisted this expansion or rather Cha resisted. But even still he had been very good so far. With a bit of luck and good planning the Cult was second when it came to overall power on the Planet.

The Master Seeker hit a few more keys and deleted all of the reports his agents had obtained. He slowly got up and began to go to the door, it was almost time for the monthly meeting....

	18-01-2003 22:29									#22
	Full PM-box? Change here!

Vale of Winds, MY 2182

Cha Dawn,

I am here at our newest base to celebrate the opening of the Unity pods that are situated adjacent to it. This base is immediately north of Gaia’s Landing, and the pods were originally floating in the sea, and as a result they were in accessible to us. We raised the land here with two intentions: to provide more land for bases near Gaia’s Landing, and to get the pods out of the water. This may seem like doing it the hard way, but it worked.

Vale of Winds was actually established a few years ago, but it took a while to finish the former there to open the pod, which we did a few weeks ago. We were always cautious about what the pods might contain after all these years, and knew they might be inhabited by mindworms so we took precautions. Vale of Winds, being adjacent to the pods, was able to study them thoroughly before opening to reduce risks and our caution has paid off. When we opened the pod it contained Industrial Base technology, which previously Chairman Yang has hoarded to himself. The Council would have gladly traded him any technology he wanted for this, but he refused. That was his and his people’s loss.

The Council has fully approved transferring this technology to you and your people. In addition to allowing the creation of a more sophisticated industrial infrastructure it will also allow a Project that enhances economic performance. You might be interested in this Project. Another key deficiency will be addressed since Industrial Base allows the use of better armor for our civilian and military units. We will begin construction of a trance synthmetal defender immediately, and will upgrade our defenders as we can. This and a perimeter defense, which was so kindly provided to us by your people, will give us some senses of security in the future.

It seems odd that it has taken so long for us to re-establish our industrial capabilities here on Planet. But in a way maybe that is a good thing. The wanton rape and pillaging of Earth’s resources was done to feed its industrial machine, and perhaps this lag means that we will be different in our treatment of Planet. I would hope you would agree that we must live in harmony with Planet, and do what we can to understand and nurture its denizens.

We will open the second pod next year, and I will let you know what we have found. You should also know that we have identified a few pods floating by some of the other factions. We intend to open these pods when our isle reach them. The Council had a rousing discussion on whether this was ‘stealing’ or not, and in the end we came to a consensus that if they had left them unmolested the other factions were not interested in their contents so they are fair game.

Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2182

To the most noble Lady Skye, the distinguished leaders of the Gaians and their Planet loving peoples,

Greetings, we thank you for your most generous gift. We will complete the merchant exchange project in less than four turns which should boost our industrial capacity greatly. I for one am not too upset about our lack of industrial progress. We people of the Planet have do not love the machine as some others do, only the Planet. However, without some industrial capacity it does make our work on Planet more difficult. We do not plan on any extensive efforts into this field since our scientists do not have much expertise in this area. Our strengths are our understanding of Planet and as such we will move towards those areas.

It seems our scouts are having excellent luck and the land mass they have discovered has revealed a strange "crater" like area. It is massive! The crater itself would could hold one of our islands all by itself. Preliminary surveys indicate that the whole area is rich in resources and minerals and once we can get a colony pod over their we plan on setting up a base at the heart of the crater. I am informing you of this find so as to give you some indication as to our location and the area we will claim for the People of the Planet. At some time in the future we will consider giving you a map of our area but my advisors still caution me that such information could be transmitted to others and that is something we do not want.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires! May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet
He who walks in the soul of the Planet

*!*!*!*

[ b]Northern Sea, MY 2183[/b]

“Will the worms like each other? Don’t they fight sometimes?” the Council liaison asked.

“Not that I know of,” Sensitive H’Lar stated. “The only time worms have attacked each other is when an allied worm was prompted to attack by their Gaian sensitives. However, when attacked the worms defend themselves vigorously. Of course, worms will attack anything ‘foreign’, such as rovers or foils in and near the fungus. Does that answer your question?”

“Interesting. So the larval worm we allied with a few years ago will be happy to board the isle? And we can transport this worm to explore other areas?”

“Yes. That’s the idea,” the Sensitive said. “It will be a while before we get there, but we have a detour first. We’re going to Hive territory to harvest some Unity pods we have detected bobbing in the sea. Chairman Yang hasn’t seen fit to explore them, so we will do so first, if we can.”

“Won’t he be offended? Each faction seems to have an allocation of pods that made it to land after Unity broke up. Isn’t it stealing?” Liaison Maywood asked.

“Frankly, I don’t think the Council cares. I haven’t spoken with them, of course, but everything I’ve heard is that he has been uniformly unpleasant and uncommunicative. Moreover, his society is a repressive warren, a horrible police state, and his economy is a horribly inefficient planned model. I just hope we get them before he does.”

“That makes sense. How long will it take to get there, and won’t it be dangerous?”

“It will take many years,” the sensitive said, “and it will be dangerous. The pods could be infested with mindworms and by no means are all of them friendly. We’ll have to take our chances. If you’d like I can put you ashore with our new larval land-based worm before we open it.”

“No, no,” he said. “I wouldn’t miss it, and I’ll take the risks.”

“You’ll have plenty of time to think it over in case you change your mind. Just let me know,” H’Lar said. “Would you like to see the rest of the isle now?”

“Oh, yes! I’m very interested in anything you might have to say, and what I might find. The Council will be very interested, too, since they don’t get a chance to get out as much as they might like. Lead on!”

H’Lar motioned to his arm to his right and the two of them trudged over the uneven isle surface, which formed clumps that were comprised of the husks of now long dead worms which formed millions of miniscule air-filled compartments. The sensitive pointed out various features, including the hard to understand resonance field that provided movement for the isle.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2183

Eve began to stood up and was stunned by the sight she beheld. There was the great crater valley. Immense. Massive. The first sight of it took her breath from her and she was awestruck. Nothing she had every seen compared to this!

"Mistress Eve, can you come over here?" John Smith asked the mind worm Guide to Beta.

"Yes, what is it?" She said as she walked over to him.

"I have ordered telemetry to be sent back to command but the Prophet wishes to speak to you!" John handed the headset to her.

"Yes, my Prophet, this is Eve."

"Eve. Greetings, may the peace of the Planet find you and keep you well. Can you give me a good report?" Cha asked of his daughter.

"Yes." Eve walked away from John so he could not hear. “Yes, my father I can. This is the most perfect spot ever. I almost changed my mind and ordered the transport captain to change course and head directly hear rather than prepare the sight we had chosen earlier. But, it is best we stick to our plans. The landing sight is perfect for a base. It has access to a river, a rich nutrient sector and an offshore mineral deposit that from all reports has the potential for high yields. Also, it serves as the perfect staging area between the two land masses. However, instead of building improvements the base will concentrate on building colony pods as quickly as possible. It will be the transit point for some time for our people. Once the transport is able to shuttle enough colonists across the sea then a new pod will leave the base. From all indications right now we should be able to establish another 6 to 8 colonies here. Not as encouraging as we had thought but time will tell. This area will be much more rich in nutrients and minerals as our current area so that is something."

"Eve, sensors have picked up a rogue isle of the deep operating east of our main islands. I have ordered the Captain of SEA SPIRIT to investigate and hopefully bond the sea worm to us. I am telling you this because if something should go wrong it might be sometime before you could rejoin me. You will have to make do with what you have. The transport is returning to you and should make landfall next turn, it is loaded with two terra-formers. Should things go bad I will contact Guide Smith and inform him that you are now in command. Clear?" Cha asked.

"Yes, father I understand. I love you. Eve out."

"I as well, Prophet out."

*!*!*!*

Southeastern Gaian Continent, MY 2184

“We’ll be there in a few weeks! And once we get there…” colony pod leader Matherson said.

“Sir!” a voice said over the radio.

Matherson stopped and activated the communication link. “Yes?”

“Sir! Forward unit, we have a problem. There is a worm landing at our colony site, and there’s a isle with a spoor launcher in the area. A former crew is trying to evacuate, but they may not get out and they warned us. They are telling us to reverse course right away and head west, and try to get a hold of the nearest military units to help us. We have no ability to resist, Sir.”

“Thank you, and get out when you can. Matherson out,” he said as he turned toward his attaché. “Get all the pod elements on line immediately and tell them to reverse course. Tell them as little as possible, just tell them it is an emergency and to do it right now. Clear?”

“Yes,” she said as she dialed a State 1 emergency message to all pod units, which were spread out over this 10,000 km sector.

“Then put out an all point bulletin to get the nearest military unit, preferable a trance unit or a rover, to help us,” Matherson said. “Tell them this is a Stage 1 emergency, and give them a full rundown, including our disposition and the known positions of the worms.”

‘Getting responses, Sir. Over 90% have reported in, and they are relaying the Stage 1 to all other units to get a 100%,” she continued. “Sending general Stage 1 to nearby areas.” She paused, listening to a message. “We have acknowledgement, and they’ll send what they can, likely a trance scout.”

“Good. Keep on it, and let me know when they’ll be here.” He turned to a tactical display and tapped at a holo control, zooming into the area proximate to the worm threat, which he pondered for a moment. “We will be safe for a while, but after the worm hit the fungus there’s no way we’ll be able to outrun it.” Almost to himself he said, “The former crew isn’t going to make it.” He turned to his attaché, “Will the count make it there in time?”

His attaché shook her head.

Matherson became grim. “Do what you can, and keep me informed. I have to squirt Gaia’s Landing to let them know.”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2184

To the most beautiful Lady Skye, the knowledgeable Gaian Government and the Planet loving Gaian people,

I have been contacted by the Hive informing me that the Peacekeepers have attacked some of their holdings. I do not have a clear picture as to the extent of the attack, something the Chairman was unwilling to share. Suffice it to say that if it had been trivial I doubt he would have contacted me hoping to gain an alliance with me. I pass this piece of information on to you since I know you have both sea worms and scout ships patrolling the seas and I would hate for them to become entangled in a conflict that you would not like to be part of. This information is yours to do with as you please. All I can hope is that you will use it to save lives.

I think the geo-political situation on Planet is becoming more hot by the turn. From what I can tell the University, Cyborgs, Hive and now the Peacekeepers are waging active campaigns of warfare. For some strange reason the Spartans have decided to sit on the sidelines for now and I
suspect are waiting to test the winds.

The situation here at home could not be better. Next year we will unlock the secrets of genetic manipulation and thus increase our harvest dramatically. Our scouts are nearing completion of their work on the new land mass to our east and our terra-formers will land next turn to begin
their hard work on that new land. What I would like to share with you at this time is a discovery of a new native life form. While one of our Guides was exploring the northern part of the new land he encountered what could only be explained as bizarre. From out of a fungal patch towering nearly 90 meters into the sky was a giant fungal tower. Its girth was a little over 100 meters at the base. When the scout/spore launcher tried to contact it no activity occurred that you would expect from a meeting with a mind worm. However, readings suggest that a vast supply of planet pearls could be part of the tower. Also, from our early studies it seems that these fungal towers are a breeding grounds for the other native life forms. What the linkage is between the two Planet has not given us that wisdom yet. I hope to learn more soon. I would suggest not harming these towers since they are as of now still unexplained and we do not fathom their purpose yet.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

	18-01-2003 22:31									#23
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2185

Cha Dawn,

We have noticed that the other faction leaders seem to be a little bloodthirsty, and they have a distinct propensity for declaring war against each other. At this point we’re not sure if this spate of wars are driven by ideology, which is understandable but reprehensible, or a desire to conquer a neighbor, which is just reprehensible. As a matter of policy we have not allowed ourselves to be drawn into any wars, and the Gaian Council is gratified that you have not allowed yourselves to be drawn into these unsavory conflicts. At this point there is little we can do to save lives besides asking the combatants to agree to a truce. We did so last year, and Zakharov agreed to a truce with Aki. It never made sense that the two research-oriented factions were at each other throats. I am at a loss as to what to do about the other factions since they will rarely speak to us, but we do what we can. I trust you will do likewise.

Our knowledge of the area surrounding us has expanded considerably. We were able to acquire the map files of the Peacekeepers for our data on Centauri Empathy, which a bargain. This technology might even allow the Peacekeepers to gain a greater understanding of Planet and its life forms. Moreover, we have been exploring a considerable portion of our territory. We know, for instance, that the Spartans lie to our south, although we don’t know the layout of their holdings, which are modest. Our knowledge of Planet grows significantly with each year as our isles and foils explore the lands around them.

As always, I thank you for your peoples goodwill and the Council will be happy to help you as we can.

Walk with Planet,
Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2185

John Francis Hogan stepped into the control room of what was being called the merchant exchange center. He had been the leader of the project since its conception and now he was awaiting the arrival of the Prophet. The room was filled with men and women who constantly monitored all aspects of energy consumption and usage thought the city of Mind of the Planet. Every watt of power was measured and controlled from here and as a result a vast increase in the production, use and storage of energy was about to take place.

"Sir, the Prophet is here." Hogan's aide pulled at his elbow and whispered quietly.

"My Prophet, all praise and honor are yours! Come let me show you what we have done." Hogan quickly moved in front of the Prophet and bowed deeply.

"Director Hogan, I have seen the plans and studied them I do not think I need a tour, but I thank you anyway. I will be honest with you I care little about the science of this project. But what I do care about is results. From what you have told me you expect to nearly double our energy output in just a second year. I will need that energy. I have begun new work at our labs that will allow us to re-plant the fungus fields and help us maintain our harmony with Planet. I will need the energy from your project as quickly as possible." Cha stated as the briefly moved his hand around the room blessing it and the workers there.

"That should not be a problem my Prophet. Not at all." Hogan replied.

"Excellent, fine work!" Cha placed his hands on Hogan's head and quickly said a blessing and then turned and left the room.

Hogan waited a few minutes until he was sure Cha had left the area. He had been a strong supporter of the new faith for some time, every since he was a child. But, when he began to learn about the science and engineering that had been left behind on Earth and what other factions had already achieved he always dreamed of doing something equally grand, equally powerful. Now
he had.

"All right everyone I am turning her on now! With the extra energy and the added nutrients we are getting from the altered plants we will be growing and building at a historic record!" Hogan announced as he turned around and fit his key into the panel and switched on the project.

*!*!*!*

Memory of Earth, MY 2186

“They did what?” empath master Su Hoi stated.

Karlson grinned. “Captured another isle, Sir. It’s our fourth isle, and there’s something else. It had a life form we haven’t seen before, although Cha Dawn of the Cult has mentioned them: spoor launchers. They are strange beasts according to the first reports, and the spoors they fire can be horrific. The spoors pulverized a sensor and a farm, over ten years of terraforming effort. It will be interesting to study, if it lets us.”

“Yes, it will!” Su Hoi said. “That brings us to three worms, one launcher, and four isles. They’re all pretty small, aren’t they?”

“Of course,” Karlston said. “All except the first worm are larval stage, as best as we can tell. They have a strange growth cycle and seem to thrive on conflict where they absorb the remains of the defeated worm.”

“Or the larvae burst out of their hatchery in a human head,” Su Hoi said.

“There is that. It is clear, Sir, that our greater empathy with Planet is assisting us better understand the alien life form, and our ability to bond with them is much greater. I wonder why we didn’t do this sooner.”

“Only the Council knows. I’m sure they have their reasons.”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2186

Eve walked along with Dawn in tow. The exploration team had been moving back down the crater walls into the great valley when the mind worm appeared. It had been moving at near full speed at them when it suddenly stopped and waited. Eve had known instantly when the worm mass had stopped what had happened. Her training with her father had prepared her for this moment and now she had bonded a worm. There had been some arguing at first about the whole issue. John Smith had contacted the Master Guide almost at once who then wanted her sworn into the order of the Guides. However, Eve keyed in her emergency comm. channel to her father and the issue was solved at once. The Prophet had exempted Eve from all service and that she and her worm, Dawn, were independent operatives under his direction only. Suffice it to say the Prophet's commands ended any further discussion. Eve had then decided to break from the team and go off on her own of awhile and so her she was.

"Dawn, I have wanted to see what is on the southern side of this crater for some time, shall we explore it?" The worm could only communicate in very basic ways but it was eager to go, that she was sure of.

Then lets go, lets explore this new world she thought.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2187

“I have to say I’m impressed. Even a social scientist like me can see that Gene Splicing will have enormous implications, allowing us to enhance the natural abilities of organisms on Planet and from Earth. But, I wonder if we have the wisdom to use it wisely? Look at what happened to Earth. There were 15 bio-plagues in the last decade alone, and all of them were directly tied to the unlawful or unwise alteration of life. Remember Black Algae, which some brainchild designed as a more efficient food source? It did that, and when it escaped it choked the Black Sea until it died. No sunlight got through the algal mats, and when the blooms died down the entire sea when eutrophic. That was a catastrophe.”

Terry leaned forward. “I think you misunderstand the abilities of Gene Splicing, Colin. This is specifically designed to allow the safe alteration of our Earth food stocks to Planet norms. In other words, we can now use the huge nitrogen stores to their benefit, and can combat the chronic deficit of carbon due to the carbon sinks. We can design our crops to work around these problems, and allow them to flourish, providing us with more bounty. Does that make sense?”

“Well, yes it does. But can’t we design the killer viruses, or invasive biomes,” Colin asked.

“No, we can’t, although we might be able to in the future. That is a long way away, likely many decades,” Terry said. “I agree with you, though. I hope we do gain some wisdom before we gain such abilities. Or at least I hope we gain some ability to protect ourselves before some of the other factions since they seem to be more than eager to initiate hostilities.”

Ling finally took an interest, as she always did when hawk issues came up. “The sooner the better. I don’t think that any faction, except for ours and maybe Cha Dawn’s, would hesitate in using any weapon they had, and I have no doubt they would use it against us if they saw fit. It needs to be our priority, as does improving our defenses, and offensive abilities.”

Colin shook his head vehemently. “No, we don’t. We can improve what we have, and focus our efforts on peaceful development of our societies and those of our neighbors. We won’t win any friends by pointing a gun at them, Ling. We can get compliance, maybe, but not friends. But that is what we need – friends. Friends stick with you, while those who comply due to a threat or a perceived threat will bolt and likely stab you in the back at the first time they can.’

Ling waved his argument away. They had been over this ground hundreds of times and the policy battle lines had been drawn.

Deirdre intervened since she didn’t want to have the debate devolve again. “We still have to decide what we will direct our scientists to do. I propose we have them focus on Ecological Engineering, which will allow us more resources to build both our infrastructure and defenses.”

Colin thought about it, and then offered a ‘Second’. Terry, dutifully noting the proposal and second, called for a vote. For once, it was unanimous.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2187

Cha Dawn was feeling annoyed. His chief scientists who ran his research teams had been full of excuses so he ordered them to leave and not to come back until they had solutions not problems. Cha had demanded that they continue to try and force ahead as far as possible with the line of research they had been working on but now they seemed to have hit a brick wall. Complaints about inadequate lab space, lack of computer time, lack of this lack and of that were all they could say. The bottom line is that it will take them nearly 30 turns to complete the next step in their research goal. That was not acceptable. It had been hoped or believed that that the merchant exchange project would give the scientists more than enough energy but that has turned out to be not the case. The people of the Planet were already committing nearly 70% of their energy output to research and they were building two more network nodes with more in the planning stages but what they needed was more labs and more labs meant more cities. The colony pod from Heart of the Planet was done and next turn it would leave to embark on the transport to the new lands. If everything went according to plan then in 5 maybe 6 turns they would have a new base operating on the new continent. What worried Cha now was the fact that the mind worm scouts had found indications that perhaps some of the surrounding sea area next to the crater on the eastern side might be claimed by another faction, the University. It was a good thing then that the people of the Planet now had three worms and one spore launcher operating on the new land. Should anything happen they would be a force to contend with. Also, the land was heavily covered in fungus which made it ideal for the worms.

Cha was feeling a little better that he was able to calm his mind and review the situation. He slowly stood up and realized that his hip was hurting him. Soon, very soon he would have to return for another special treatment. Byram Sung had been told he would not be able to withstand another treatment and arrangements had already been prepared for Shari Moon to take over the
Guild of the Guides. He really liked Shari and especially her young son, who, looked very much like him...

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2188

Council Member Ling had an almost comical grin on her face. “No, no,” she said as she shushed Colin. “I want to hear it again since I just don’t believe it. Dee, what did Zak do when you called him?”

“He was very polite, and I have to say it was almost like he was pandering, fawning almost,” Dee said. “We have a long series of pleasantries, and he actually asked me about my research. He didn’t even do that when I worked for him back on Unity. When I asked questions in return he was enthusiastic in his answers. Did you know he is married and has three children and five grandchildren? Our old aesthetic Zak, married! He also asked polite but not intrusive questions about all the Council members, and even some general questions about our society.”

“So, he was servile,” Ling said.

Dee paused. “No, not servile. That is too…base for Zak. But he did seem somewhat submissive, which is an amazing change from our first meeting.”

“And it’s all because of our military buildup,” Ling announced in an overly loud voice. “Now that he is staring down synthmetal garrisons, impact speeders, probe teams, and mindworms I’m sure he can do the math and knows that provoking us is a very bad bet.”

Colin shifted in his chair as Ling listed the troops that faced Zak, and defended the Gaian cities. Ling had been the driver of the buildup, and had built the Gaian’s only Command Center at Dreams of Green when she was Governor there. It was not a prototype haven, and it focused on military production with support shifted to nearby cities so their industrial ability was not significantly impacted.

Dee nodded. “Maybe. He also could realize we mean him no harm and only want to be good neighbors.”

Ling snorted. Colin said, “Here, here!!”

Ever practical, Terry said, “Did he agree to trade technology?”

“Not directly. He said he’d be happy to trade technology after they have finished the Citizen’s Defense Force, and then he’d be open to any trade.”

“He’s just putting us off,” Ling said. “He’ll have some other excuse when he finishes the CDF, and then another. We’ll never get any technology out of him. For that matter, we haven’t gotten any technology trades from anyone except the Cult, and they are falling behind.”

“They’re following their hearts,” Dee said.

“They’re a bunch of fanatics, and they need more bases. They haven’t reached critical mass,” Ling said.

“After starting on a small island, and not having sea going ability, they are doing as well as we might have in their position,” Dee said. “We’ve been fortunate, and shouldn’t take our good fortune to mean intellectual, spiritual, or philosophical superiority.”

“We’re only reaping the benefits of our decisions of 50 year ago. We’re not geniuses, but we made better decisions than the other factions have. Look at the other factions. Yang is at war with almost everyone, and has only a few pathetic bases that are crippled by supporting a huge army of obsolete military unit. Lal is spread all over the place, willy nilly, and he will have no way to defend himself. Zak didn’t expand at all for 50 years when he could have, and by the time he reached us it was too late since we had a claim on the territory. Aki’s perfect society is too small, and like the Cult does not have critical mass. Who’s fault is this? Ours? No, it is theirs. They need to see their faults, and then fix them.” Ling stopped her monologue and to see if there would be any response.

There was none.

Terry intervened. “The next item on the agenda: A proposed switch from a Green to a Planned economy from the expansionist wing of the Parliament. Their proposal is on page three of today’s meeting agenda…”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2188

The newly appointed governing committee of Hope of the Planet sat at the table and listened to the Prophet.

" I can not stress enough that once you disembark you will need to set-up your colony as quickly as possible. Two terra-formers have already prepared a rich site for you so resources will be waiting for you. You have only one task and that is to serve as a jumping off point for new colonies. Your base will be the foundry at which we will build all new colony pods on the new land. Protection is also taken care of since there are three worms and a spore launcher already there. The colony will also have a sensor system waiting to be linked with your equipment as well. Once again, growth is your goal, nothing else! You will build a children's crèche' almost immediately and then concentrate on colony pods! I need bases on the new land. You will set-up five new bases in all. Two will be in the crater and three on the land to the north, including yourselves. More expansion will occur to our south, in time. Do not fail me. Upon landing and establishing your base you will be contacted by a women name Eve. She is my personal
representative over there. If she gives you a command consider as if it were spoken from my mouth!! I can not be more clear on this. I wish you luck and good fortune. May the all powerful blessings of Planet sustain you and keep you all through your days." Cha placed his hands on each of them and then left the room.

The three women all looked at each and winced slightly. What had been asked of them was a challenge indeed. They were the first all women command committee ever and now they were entrusted in populating an entire continent.

"Well, what do you think Jolene?" Asked the Ranger committee member whose name was Rose.

"Everything is ready. The colony pod and colonists will load up next turn and the transport commander has promised a quick passage across the channel, two turns at most. One turn to disembark and then we can get things moving. Not bad. I have communicated with our security forces there. They have assigned a boil size spore launcher to maintain security for us and a another worm is returning as well. I suspect that they will have us commit our ship born supplies to building the crèche first instead of a Ranger garrison, we will have native forces for awhile." Jolene responded.

"Excellent work. I take it that once we are up and running the terra-former crews will fall under your care, correct?" Rose asked the remaining council member.

"Yes," Jill answered. "In time we will assume control and support duties as well. I am not sure as to how soon but I suspect that the bases here will not want to continue that support since the crews are not even helping them anymore."

"Well, lets get everything wrapped up and our next meeting will be right before launch!" Rose stated as she collected her papers and walked out of the room with the other members.

	18-01-2003 22:32									#24
	Put an end to popups!

Hivean Sea, MY 2189

“Sir, we’ve completed our scans. As far as we can tell the anomalies in the sea outside of The Hive are Unity pods, and we won’t know anything more specific until we get within detection range of the pod’s proximity system. There is a 30% chance that the variances in the anomaly are a feature unique to Planet, but we know that it is composed of refined metal and, as far as we know, that can only come with the landing.”

Sensitive L’Har nodded to accept this report, and he had come to a similar conclusion. He turned to Gaian Council Liaison Maywood. “Does the Council have any direction for me at this point? Our original charter was to proceed with all due caution, and then to investigate the apparent Unity pods we found in the survey.”

“Yes, yes. Of course! I’ve been waiting for this for years, and I see no reason to delay. Are we ready to proceed?” he asked.

“We are,” L’Har said. Then he closed his eyes and his face went slightly blank. Maywood felt the familiar wash of static fields that folded over the isle of the deep whenever it was underway, and particularly when it started its movement. At that time the difference was stark. After several days he found he stopped noticing his fly-away hair and the tingling in his extremities. As odd at it might sound, it felt normal.

Harold Maywood paced up to the amorphous edge of the isle and peered to the west, hoping for a look at the pod, even though he knew it was too far away. Finally, he thought, we’ll get to explore this pod! It’s been almost 90 years since Unity fell, and these may be some of our last links from Earth. It could be anything, literally anything!

The pace of the isle picked up and stiff wind washed over the isle. Harold leaned forward slightly to fight the breeze as he stood on what passed for the bow of the isle. The tangy air, unique to the fungus-filled seas, filled the air and made the wind seem crisp. The pleasure of the moment did not distract from his excitement. He could hardly wait.

+*+*+*+*+

“Sir, we are within 10 klicks. The anomalies are up to 87%, and the pings suggest the refined metals are not Unity standard; there is too many exotics, some of which we can’t resolve, and the organic content is more like an encrustation. And our flyeye just sent back pictures. Key in sequence 16,” information technician Busche said as he handed his datapad to Sensitive H’Lar.

H’Lar took the pad and activated the entire condensed sequence of images of the ‘Unity’ pod. It took several minutes, and as the moments passed his eyebrows went up involuntarily. He reached sequence 16 and said,” It looks like the fungus has formed a shroud around the magnetic anomaly, entirely covering it surface.” The tech nodded. H’Lar asked, “Is anything of the surface visible?”

“No, sir,” the technician said. “Only the fungus, which seems to be similar to the isle in structure and size. We can’t know more until we directly investigate.”

“Very well. We will do so.”

Later the man-made out boats were lowered into the fungus-laden part of the sea, and crews of 10 in each of three boats skimmed toward the anomaly. The last boat towed a variable inflatable skiff that could be somewhat customized to accommodate what might be found.

H’Lar was impassive, but Harold could barely contain his excitement. He fidgeted and paced, waiting for news now that it was clear that this was not a Unity pod at all, but possibly much more. He didn’t need to wait long.

A direct feed showed what they saw, and there was a slight babble of background noise of voices shouting orders, directing activities, or responding to tasks. The stationary mound did not bob in the water and it seemed to heave up and down as the swells rose and fell. It was also clear that there were times when the water levels had marked the sides of the worm-isle, and there were many weathered benches showing erosion and staining when the seas had been higher. At this point a cliff that was 15 meters high rose out of the water, and above that the isle-like island curved sharply to form an irregular low dome. Along semi-regular intervals there were erosional channels which directed runoff off the top of the mound. All along the sides and on some are of the dome there was evidence of worm repair, showing bright pink against the weathered gray and stained black and green along its sides.

One by one the boats moored, anchoring themselves on irregular nodules that formed the surface of the mound. Up close it looked like there were numerous small caves and ledges, some of which could be passable if care were taken. The lead boat made for one that looked like a beach and had a gentle rolling surf rolling in, and the other three held back to observe. Nothing untoward occurred as the boat approached, and they finally committed and rode a curl onto the beach. As the curl collapsed and started to ebb two crew members jumped out and drew the boat further up the beach with a stout pull. Then the team leader reported in: “Team one landed. Initial observation is that the structure is composed of sea worm chrysalises, as the isle. Wave action has reduced much of this to sand here that has a pinkish gray hue. No evidence of life upon initial inspection. Proceeding up the beach. There are several alcoves here, which we will investigate in four teams of two with two manning the boat. Activating team holo recorders, which will be transmitted directly to home base.”

The holo views came in showing a quad of beach views, with a few teams starting toward alcoves and caves. Most proved to be shallow, little more than overhangs undercut by ages of wave action. Others were deeper caves, or eroded crevices. Team Two used pinions and clamps and started climbing the sea wall, aiming toward a depression near the start of the dome. Team One and Four started along the sea and beach side, maneuvering across steep cliffs and sea benches that dominated the boundaries of the mound. As they went on their way Team Three traversed a deep erosional gully that had a rather gentle slope, considering the circumstances.

Team Two made slow progress, and as they reached the apex of the sea wall they were rewarded by seeing something they had not noticed on the mound before: a smooth surface. The team leader Mara Flains focused his holo downward and zoomed in, showing a polished ivory and pink colored slightly iridescent surface. Her hand reached out, and the view showed her gloved hand touching the smooth material. She commented, “It feels warm to the touch, and it tingles. There is very little resistance.” Her holo view panned upward to show the oval-shaped expanse. “It is appears there is no debris on this surface, not even dust. Proceeding on to the depression toward the apex of the mound. My partner Hollis is staying behind to vid my progress.”

The holo wobbled. “Surface slick. Pausing to apply tack strips to my boots. Moving toward the depression at the middle of the surface.” She panned upward as she took steady, slow steps. “Skin tingling sensation increasing as I get near the depression. Nearing the edge now, looking down.” It was dark in the depression and only shadows were visible showing a few nearer rounded features and blackness behind. As she roved the view back and forth the shadows faded, then disappeared. “It looks like there is some generalized illumination, no apparent source. This appears to be a tunnel. Proceeding down the ramp. Actuating high-density data feed.”

As she descended the curving ramp she looked to each side, and it appeared that the illumination came from an interlocking voids in the chrysalis matrix. At the end of the ramp was an oval shaped depression in the smoothly sloped floor. “It looks like an iris valve,” she said as the holo view showed her hand reaching out to touch the interlocking curves that radiated out from a central point. “It seems to be made of the same material, and it is also warm to the touch. The tingling feeling seems to be stronger here, and I must say it is not unpleasant. I also sense a slight humming, and I don’t know you can hear it, and it kind of sounds like a multi-note series of chords. I really can’t describe it if it isn’t coming over the data feed. Maybe a ringing?”

There was a slight pause. “Wait!” she said, “something’s happening! The ringing is increasing, and the iris valve is moving. I’m stepping back so you can see.” The holo image jerked as she stood up and moved away, and then looked down at the floor. After a fraction of a second the valve seemed to flex outward and it trembled. A brief flash of light played across the portion of the valve that Mara had touched, pulsing from a deep red to a light pink. The light migrated from the outer portion of the valve to the center. As it did so the area of view increased as Mara stepped back and away from the flexing iris.

“My god! Look at that!” she said. The iris valve puckered, and the petals folded inward in a slow, fluid motion. As the portal pealed into itself more diffuse light poured outward.

“Motion has stopped. Moving forward,” she said. “Looking into the portal.”

There was silence from Mara and, for a while, the holo only showed a bright light.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, and then paused again.

The light became brighter. “I’m going in.”

Light increased in the holo, filling every image. Mara’s bio tell-tails spiked upward from their already peak levels, and her cortex stimulation index reached a apex.

A second later the holo and the data feed ceased. All the transfixed viewers held their breath, and waited.

*+*+*+*

“Is Mara OK?” Harold asked.

“Oh, yes,” L’Har said. “She checked out fine, and she apologized profusely for her long absence when the rescue team found her. According to her instruments she was still transmitting, and she had an internal log of all her actions. You can view them if you like, and I suggest the Council gives them a thorough review. Discretion is appropriate, of course, and they will have to advise the Parliament on the disposition of the record. But, there is one thing you should know. Follow me.”

Sensative H’Lar turned and ambled down a path cut into the isle’s rough and irregular surface. It served as an informal footpath from the forward observation station to the habitation modules carved out of the bulk of the isle. Harold followed right behind him, nearly stepping on his heels as H’Lar ambled down the path. A pair of guards were stationed at around a deeply set door, and the two straightened at his approach. They seemed to know Harold, and one of the guards stepped to the door and open it. It was dark inside.

“We keep the light low,” H’Lar said as he walked into the room. “Look to your right.” Harold turned to his right and looked straight ahead. “Do you see anything?”

“No, I…” he started. “Wait. What is that glow? And that hum?”

An object formed in Harold’s mind’s eye. It was almost ethereal, and its indistinct edges showed an form that was about a meter tall and three quarters of a meter at its base and roughly cylindrical.

“What is it?” Harold asked.

“We don’t know” H’Lar said. “Every person who sees it sees something slightly different. It is clear it is not of human manufacture. What you re seeing is an alien artifact, and now our lives will never be the same.”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2189

To the most gracious Lady Skye, the noble Gaian leadership and the Planet loving Gaian people,

It has come to my attention that perhaps your people have decided to turn away from the path of the Planet. News reports indicated that your leadership and people wish to switch to more industrial/expansionist economic policy. I do hope that this is not the case. Such a change would
result in severe consequences. Planet would consider this a betrayal as we would as well. We had hoped that you would have seen the tremendous benefits of a "green" or "Planet friendly" economic model. I hope that your people will re-consider any such change and continue with the only proper choice for a person or people that have sworn to leave in harmony with their surroundings. Perhaps I could address your Parliament and plead my case for maintaining your current status in order to live in harmony with Planet? I hope I am not too late to make this request on behalf of Planet. If I am then I fear the People of the Planet must re-assess our diplomatic stance towards you and your people. If you can so casually throw away your commitment to the Planet then how can we expect a people like that to stand by us? Surely you can see our point of view. We gifted you technology in order for you and your people to prosper without the need for heavy industrialization and now it seems you still wish to proceed down that path. I hope that this is not the case and that in time and with the proper amount of reflection the only responsible choice for you and your people to make is to stay green, live green and to love Planet with all of your hearts!

I have good news to report! Our sixth colony pod will land next turn on the new colony site on the continent to our northeast. Our plan is that within the next decade we will expand and add three new colonies to our territory bringing our total to nine cities of the Planet. We understand that our society is far smaller than yours but our commitment to Planet guides us and does limit us in all things. Our planners hope to double the amount of new colonies in the following decade to six if all things go well and that would include expanding our holdings to the south. Every indication leads us to believe that just to our south a large land mass is available for expansion and that it has a large mountain chain that should be wondrous to see.

Lastly, we have not had much contact with any of the other factions with the exception of Col. Santiago. It seems her people though war-like seem to understand the need to live in harmony with the Planet. I hope in time we can build a new alliance with them and teach them the way of the Planet.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2190

Dear Cha Dawn,

I can understand your concern over a possible change from a Green to a Planned economy. You must have gotten a hold of the official Council transcripts from almost two years ago, and I think I understand your possible confusion. Our Democratic government uses the Council as an advisory group to the Parliament, and any significant economic, diplomatic or military decision is required to be routed for us prior to consideration. There are over 15 political fractious political groups in our Parliament, and the two strongest are the Progressives, which favor industrial and economic expansion, and the Greens, which advocate a Planet friendly economic model above all else. These groups are pretty evenly divided, and the Greens are currently able to hold a coalition of smaller groups to control the legislative branch. The proposal you found was an attempt by the Progressives to bypass impediments by the Greens to change to a Planned economy. The Council considered it, and then recommended to the Parliament that we continue with a Green economy. At this point it is clear that a Green economy makes more sense, and it is in better keeping with the underpinnings of our society. Personally, I favor a Green economy and there are few circumstances that would warrant a change. Other members of the Council are more aligned toward the Progressives, and most are likely to be persuaded by circumstances.

One of the primary benefits of a Green economy is the greater harmony and empathy it has given us in understanding Planet and its denizens. We have had considerable success in allying ourselves with native life forms, and we currently have four mindworms, a spoor launcher, and five isles of the deep that have allied themselves to us. This alone shows the superior nature of the Green economy, and I can see little reason to change from this orientation. We also recently found an ancient artifact in the fungus outside of Hive territory. It must be hundreds of thousands of years old, and perhaps it is older. One of our isles is bringing this wonder back to our territory. This same isle also found a Unity rover in a nearby Unity pod that was in the sea east of Hive territory. It will take considerable time for the isle to make it back to our lands, and when it is done it will have to return to investigate the third and last Unity pod. These are great prizes due to their rarity, and it is likely it may not be there when we return in six or more years hence.

The Council appreciates the generosity of you and your Society, and it is becoming clearer that we have more similar goals with each passing year. I am disappointed that my former colleagues from Unity have proven to be so hostile to friendly relations, and that others have chosen to create repellent societies, like that of the Hive. It is the Council’s wish that we do what we can to create harmony on Planet, and I support you in your evident wish to do likewise.

Your friend,
Dee

	18-01-2003 22:34									#25
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

Cult, MY 2190

To the most revered Lady Deirdre Skye, the most right honorable members of the Gaian government and their Planet loving peoples, Greetings!

It was very good to hear that the rumors and vid-channel news was not correct and you have decided to remain as child of the Planet, living in harmony with the wonderful spirit of Planet!

I was both amazed and very curious of the discovery you have made. It only confirms what we People of the Planet have known for a long time that there were other inhabitants on Planet millions of years ago. I am including some research by a very prominent scientist that might be of use to you and your team of researchers. There are many "clues" left behind by the "old ones" as we have come to call them that indicate they had a great harmony, empathy and respect for Planet. Perhaps some of the information in the relic will give us more insight to who they were. I do understand that it was your discovery but it is obvious to all that such a discovery should be shared by all of us. I do hope that you will at least share with us!

We have at last encountered an isle of the deep! But alas our empath foil is exactly in the wrong place, on the opposite side of our islands. Some of our researchers think that the isles perhaps conserve a vast amount of energy by floating on the natural currents of the seas and that they travel around Planet in accordance with some schedule, much like the whales on earth did. Our hope is that soon we will see more. We have an abundance of native "land" life forms who have joined with us , over six worms and two spore launchers! But still no isles. This does create some distress since we are eager to merge with such a powerful creature and learn more about Planet!

Due to the arrival of the isle of the deep our transport had to make a detour and did not land in the exact spot as we had planned. It did discharge the colony pod and it will arrive next turn and then begin operations the following turn. This is a slight set-back but it can not be helped. We are beginning to seed the seas of Planet with kelp beds and we will soon begin to harvest a huge bounty from her that will once again begin a "natural" population expansion by our people.

It does seem that our new northern territory is not "attached" to the landmass to the west that the University occupies. The lack of sea transport by the University has allowed us to claim first rights to this very wonderful piece of land. It also explains why the Professor has been so very eager to try and get us to "gift" him sea technology, but, we have refused since he does not want to exchange with us. We have decided to help some of the other factions, namely the Spartans, by trading them technology to give them the tools to harvest some of the fruits of Planet. Our hope is that they will learn that by trusting and living in harmony with Planet they will benefit and thus become a friend of Planet!

Once again I wish to thank you and your wise advisor council on seeing the merits and fruit of remaining a friend of Planet. If there is anything we People of the Planet can assist you in, please call upon us.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires! May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet
He who walks in the soul of the Planet

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2191

Dear Cha Dawn,

Although I don’t know where you are I think I can help clarify the disposition of various peoples somewhat, and to this end I have attached the Gaian world map. The University holds territory that is nowhere near the apparently undeveloped lands to their south. South of us are the Spartans, and it is possible that they are proximate to the lands you want to settle. If I could give you more information I would, but we are somewhat resource limited.

One of our isles captured yet another isle. To date we have had few negative encounters with isles, and that leads me to question whether most of them are pre-disposed toward humans? We know from hard experience that most of the mindworms and spoor launchers we encounter are hostile to us and only a limited number of links have been formed. In fact, I suspect that our spoor launcher will be killed by rogue launcher she stirred out of the fungus on a continent to the east of us. This launcher and a mindworm are trapped by two hostiles, and I hope that they pull through.

I have no new news about the artifact, but I will keep you informed on what we learn from it. It does seem to be a very advanced piece of machinery, and some of our sensitives claim they feel a sentient emanation from the device. At this point I don’t know what to believe, but this in combination with a strange monolith we have seen suggests there was an alien civilization on Planet at one point in the past. With research we should uncover some of the truth, but will we ever know the full story? That is hard to tell.

Walk with Planet,
Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2191

Cha looked at the map and rubbed his eyes again in disbelief. The cult had been trying to look for the Hive for decades and there they were right next door to the crater area! All of his advisors were bent over the map, taking in the newest details.

"My Prophet, based on this information I will order two worms to the eastern flanks of the crater area at once to protect against any Hive invasion!" Shari Moon remarked as she moved two flags on the map to the eastern shore line of the crater continent.

"I agree with your move Master Guide. Master Caretaker you will need to build a road as soon as you can get your terra-formers ready and begin building a road to the crater at once! Ranger One, priority MUST be given to colony pods at ALL COSTS!. The core cities will not be able to produce another colony pod for at least another 10 turns at best so it is up to you!" Cha stared at Ivan with a fierce determination.

"I agree my Prophet, your will be done!" Ivan responded.

"My friends, we are in a race now more than ever. We must build a bulwark in the east to shield the core cities. This will force our enemies to seek less costly ground. I would think that once the University and Hive do gain ship technology they will only have two choices, north or south. To move eastward puts them up against the Gaians and west they run into us. No, neither one of these factions are idiots they will seek the path of least resistance. We should also begin preparations to expand to this area in the south. I have always been intrigued by the mountain range their so lets make that our next priority. Soon three land masses will be under our control. Should anyone one of them fall the other two can continue the struggle. We must turn our "perceived" weakness into our ally, agreed?" Cha asked as he looked around the room.

All of the council members nodded in agreement.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2192

“I think we should do it,” Colin said. “Dee has brokered a peace between the Cyborgs and the Peacekeepers, and between the Cyborgs and the University. I think we could do some good. All we have to do is convince a majority of the other factions that Dee should be the leader of the other factions. Then we can help the other factions live in peace, and we can help them. Maybe even the Hive, and help Yang see that a police state is wrong. And convince Lal that his antipathy toward us is unwarranted.”

“But what if the election fails. Pravin Lal is likely to be elected if Dee isn’t, and he has shown us ill will since we first contacted him,” Terry said. “Then we could be in the situation where Lal could use the office of Governor to make our life unpleasant, and try to foist his goals onto other factions. We could be in trouble.”

“What could he do to us?” Ling asked. “Trade sanctions? We don’t have any significant trade since our economy is so primitive, and it is so hard to establish trade routes over the seas. Could he form some UN-style army or navy to take over our ports, or invade us? Somehow I don’t think so, at least not for a while, anyway.” Ling sat back in her chair. “I don’t see how it make much difference either way. It sounds like an ineffective office, ceremonial or an honorific.”

Colin jumped in. “Right, but Dee can set the tone for the future when trade and warfare might be an option. We can’t let the opportunity slip away!”

Terry turned to Dee. “What do you think?”

Dee hesitated. “I’ll do it if the Council agrees unanimously.”

“Very well. I call for a vote on the proposal to call a Planetary Council and nominate Deirdre Skye for Planetary Governor,” Terry said.

Colin gave it a quick second.

The vote was unanimous, except for Dee who abstained.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2192

Lady Skye and the Gaian High Council,

Gaian Operatives have approached my councilors asking for their help to sway my support for your attempt to become Planetary Governor. I have listened to them and I will be blunt with my answer. The people of the Planet do not wish to be involved in any planetary government. We have always gone our own way and seek a greater path to enlighten. If this is your wish and the wish of your people to embroil yourselves in the petty concerns of the other factions you are most welcome. In fact, we will support your advancement toit given the following conditions. One, that you will use your power to preserve planet and protect her. Second, that your government will transfer to us some useful technology as compensation for our support. These are our only conditions. My intelligence staff informs me that you have brokered several peace treaties between the factions at war. I applaud your efforts and if this is how you wish to fill your hours then it is your time to fill. I do wish to make one point clear. The Cult of the Planet are the protectors of this world. We will strike down all those who will plunder its resources and turn it into a wasteland. We will comply with all "civilized" laws of warfare but we do not feel restricted to the UN charter. As much as Pravin calls me to remind me of all the terms and conditions therein I will not let some piece of paper come between our need to protect Planet from those who wish to do her harm. With that being said we would never pursue any weapon that would bring harm to Planet. I hope that we can come to some agreement on this and I think our terms are more than reasonable. I read once that the best government is no government. Obviously that is not the case now but if we have to have a Planetary government let it be at least a minimal government.

We have established our seventh colony and with the vast stores of nutrients at our new colony we should be able to build and man a colony pod every ten turns! This is a great achievement for us and it will make our colonization efforts of the new mainland easier to say the least. We still have had no luck in finding any sea worms and this is most distressing as each turn goes on. We search the fungal seas but find nothing.

I have also seen for the first time reports on the Hive. What a horrible place. They drill into Planet to carve out their homes and vent their waste and debris with little regard to the impact it has. I have to be blunt that as long as the Hive keep their disgusting ways to themselves on their little island we will tolerate it for now. However, any expansion by them especially to the west, our east, will result in swift action on our part.

I wish you the best of luck on your new job!

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that
transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2193

Dear Cha Dawn,

The Council agrees with your terms. We should have a breakthrough in Ecological Engineering in about nine years, and we will happily give this to you. I can assure you that the vast majority of the Gaians have Planet’s best interests at heart. Some of us viewed, first hand, the degradation and destruction of Earth and we will not let that happen again. Ever.

I am happy to announce that we have just founded Gaia’s High Garden north of Gaia’s Landing. It is a very promising site, and the city is located on a nutrient lode that will provide Planet’s bounty. Two more cities are almost ready north and northwest of this location. We are not in a huge hurry to establish these new cities since we are focusing on infrastructure. The Gaian research station Razorback Wood is doing well, too, and you should know that the chlorophyll-based plant life there proves that a sort of parallel evolution occurred here on Planet, although it is not at all clear why this vegetation is limited to such a single area. Continuing research here has eased our fears that introducing Earth-based chlorophyll plants would be too much of a shock for Planet. Eventually I hope to use this information to find out the extent to which we can have these types of organisms live in harmony as a single ecology. I believe the Monsoon Jungle will provide the needed insight to give us the answer to this and the many other crucial questions we have about Planet.

Walk with Planet,
Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2193

To the respected Planetary Governor Lady Deirdre Skye, the honorable Gaian Parliament and the Planet loving Gaian people my most heartfelt congratulations,

It seems your election was closer than you had anticipated I think. It is fortunate that once again the path of the Planet guides us in our actions. I can assure you that Pravin Lal lobbied hard and long for my votes and promised me many things but I refused his offers and supported you. It really was not too much of a choice since Planet commanded me to vote for you since you and your people live and work in harmony with the Planet, her loyal allies! I was contacted again by Lal trying to secure a "pact" before the vote and perhaps he thought he might "grease my wheels" as the saying goes but I was able to obtain some very interesting technology from him. However, it seems that the University was able to exploit it and complete the citizens defense force first. Be that as it may it did give us some interesting files on building an internal police and improving morale of troops. I am sure he is very angry with himself for failing to secure my vote.

What troubles me now is the realization of an alliance between the Cyborgs and the Peacekeepers. This new axis of power threatens you more than me and from the communications I got from the other faction leaders it does them as well. All of them, except for you and me, wanted to form a military alliance to destroy the Peacekeepers and Cyborgs. In time I hope that whatever mis-understandings exist are smoothed over by your Planetary administrators but if Lal is able to convince the Cyborgs to join his cause he might be able to convince others, such as the Spartans or the University.

The day has been a long one and I am very tired. I hope you excuse my brief message but I do wish again to congratulate you on your new role. We do expect that in time you will have the opportunity to repay those who have supported your cause.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn First Disciple of the Planet.
He who walks in the soul of the Planet

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2194

Cha Dawn and the people of Cult of Planet,

I want to personally thank you for your support in the elections for Planetary Governor. The vote was very close, and I was surprised that Aki, a long-time Gaian ally, voted for Lal after she had declared war on him a decade ago, and especially since I helped broker a peace with them recently. I have to admit that Aki is a mystery to me since she declared war on Zak too, and she seems to have quite an emotional streak for a dispassionate passive Cyborg. I wasn’t surprised that Yang abstained since he has expressed his contempt for us and I believe he is at war with the Peacekeepers. We have had peace treaties with both the University and Spartans for a long time and I had hoped that would lead them to support the Gaians, but that was not to be the case: they abstained, too. In the end I was two votes shy, and your votes effectively elected me Governor.

I contacted Zak this last year to see if he would be willing to trade technology, and he did trade Intellectual Integrity for Gene Splicing. I also gave him Centauri Empathy in the hope that he would use this technology to become more friendly to Planet. He hasn’t shown any evidence of being hostile to Planet, merely indifferent. A few years ago I also gifted Centauri Empathy to the Cyborgs, and I have to admit I had the same hope in mind. During my call Zak asked me to launch a surprise attack against the Peacekeepers, and of course I declined. It seems that every faction we contact asks for us to declare war on some other faction, offering a Pact in exchange. This sounds similar to the description you have given me in your experiences and I can understand why this gives you concern.

At this point, as Planetary Governor, it is my duty to intervene to broker peace where I can. I would appreciate it if you could inform me if you find out about a war that has broken out, or if there are some other subterfuge that might lead to war. So far Aki has proven amenable to a truce when I have asked and it is possible that the same might be possible for other situations, too. Your idea to use this office to ensure that Planet is being respected and protected is a good one, and I will incorporate that into my unofficial duties and will inform you when I find situations that suggest that Planet is being harmed.

Thank you again for your support, and if there is anything I can do to aid your efforts to understand and protect Planet please let me know.

Your friend,
Dee

	18-01-2003 22:36									#26
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

Cult, MY 2194

The council meetings had become less formal over time to the point that they no longer even met in the council chamber but rather Cha's living space. However, this meeting was different. It was still in Cha's personal quarters but they had begun in the morning and it was nearly 8:00 in the
evening and they were still working. The primary reason for the difference was Cha himself. Cha had informed everyone that this meeting was to be a strategy session, plans were to be set into motion that could change the future of the people of the Planet.

"My Prophet, this plan of transferring the last two terra-former crews to the unexplored lands to the south is risky." The Master Caretaker had been complaining about this all day and now was the time for decision. "Surely you can see that by sending the crews without a worm for protection puts them in grave danger."

"This is not the time for being careful!" Cha roared at him. Cha quickly regained his composure and continued, " Master Caretaker, we will transfer a worm as soon as we can but for now the transport is there, ready to go. Your terra-former crews are there, ready to go. Would you have us strip the mainland defenses further by sending a worm first then the terra-formers. No, the terra-formers will go first, the transport will return and pick-up a colony pod and a worm at that time! When the transport returns to the new lands a sensor array should be up and running along with other improvements."

"My Prophet, I still have worries. But, I will have to trust in your judgment." Lance sat back in his chair. He knew he was done for now and that was all there was to say. They had talked for hours trying to come up with an alternate proposal but Cha would hear nothing of it.

"Ranger One, I have your word and promise that a colony pod will leave Hope of the Planet within the next five turns, correct?" Cha asked Ivan.

"Yes, my Prophet. My only concern is that the colony pod will leave and the terra-former crews will only be a turn or so ahead of them. It will be race to see who arrives first at the crater. The plan is to have the pod set-up operations on the nutrient lode on the northern side of the crater and when the second pod is ready it will set-up on the south side. We will have two colonies operating in the crater." Ivan stated as he gathered up his papers.

"Excellent. I think this concludes our business." Cha stood up and the others began to file out. After a few minutes a panel opened up and the Master Seeker stepped in.

"I am glad that I no longer have to attend those meetings." The Master Seeker said as he walked to the table and sat down. " Have you considered my plan yet?"

"Yes, I have and I agree. Once we are able to collect enough forces and most importantly several isles of the deep we attack the Hive and eliminate them before they strike at us. The Hive will be ill-equipped to defend themselves against an army of native forces and their defenses are only good against conventional weapons. Once we gain control of the Hive's territory we can rebuild their society and fill in those damn holes!" Cha turned and slowly walked to the map on the wall. He stretched out his arm and placed his hand on the island the Hive claimed. "In a short and very quick campaign we can double our size and seize more resources than we could imagine! They are the weakest faction on Planet and yet they do the most harm to her."

"What of the Governor?" The Master seeker asked as he pulled his black robe around him tighter.

"The Gaians will not intercede, of that I am convinced. They have no reason to support such a regime and if we move quickly enough it will be a moot question. They are children of Planet, though I sometimes wish I had a few more of my temples in place over there and of course my Rangers to help them to see the right path." Cha moved his hand off of the map and turned about.
"If we can assemble at least five powerful worms and a few spore launchers the Hive will be crushed very quickly, of that I am convinced. They are the only forces we have that can operate far from support and still maintain full combat readiness. Shari Moon will not like the plan but she will obey, as will the Hive."

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2195

“I vote no. There is no need to switch to a Planned economy.” Colin turned to Terry. “Must we have this on every agenda? This gets so tiresome, and the arguments don’t change.”

“Our charter is to consider the proposals from any party that gains more than 30% of the votes in Parliament, and the Progressives have consistently get over 35%. They are insistent that we will benefit from a short period of a Planned economy, and will benefit from a feature they call a ‘population boom’. The simulations I have seen show they are correct, but that this will only occur with the stabilizing influence of bases with a children’s crèche and if we have the benefits of a democratic government.”

“Yes, yes. I know all this, “ Colin said as he waved off Terry. “But they only include economic stability, not social stability. Such rapid growth will severely strain our cities above 50,000 people, and we will be forced to take emergency measures to ward off chaos. The University cities Gagarin Memorial and Mandelev College were in riots for almost a decade, and Zak couldn’t build appropriate infrastructure to fix this problem because of this chaos. Catch 22.”

“This hardly seems to be an issue since we can prepare,” Terry said. “If you review the proposal there are measures we can take. For instance, the Progressives have proposed that our garrisons be upgraded to have non-letal methods to keep the peace, and that hologram theatres be built where growth will be significant. We are building a hologram theatre right now here at Landing, and a couple Virgin Soil is also building one.”

Dee stepped into the fray. “We have crèches at only two bases, so at this point I see very little benefit to this proposal since this boom will occur at only a few stations. I am also less impressed with the argument that it will enhance our industrial production by 10%. And then there is the benefits our society gains from a Green economic structure, not the least of which are a greater empathy with Planet. We have captured six mindworms and isles, and one launcher. We also have a better chance against rogue worms, when they are encountered. This cannot be undervalued, and the Progressives do not touch on this important point. I propose we send a formal response to the Parliament that they not give us a future proposal to switch until the fundamental conditions change since this wastes the Council’s time.”

“Here, here!” Colin exclaimed.

“We have a proposal, and what I assume is a second from Colin. Vote called.”

Terry collected the voice votes, and Dee’s motion carried unanimously. Even Terry voted for it.

“The next item on our agenda is our research rate, which has spiked considerably. Our next breakthrough is likely to occur in five years, and we need to consider what we will recommend to the Parliament on what our next research goal will be…”

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2195

The Master seeker sat in his tiny command room and looked at the computer screen. It had taken decades but he had at last penetrated the inner sanctum of most of the other factions command councils and now he had an agent in the Gaian council. He was a secret believer in the new faith and was green, a friend of the Planet and now an agent of the Cult. Right now he barely suspected that he was an agent since much of the information he forwarded was through conversations between other cult members and him. The Master Seeker eased himself back into his chair and tapped his finger on the table. Yes, he would have to be careful. Gaian empaths were formidable indeed and for now he did not want this operative to know the extent of the role he played. The man had a brilliant mind but doubtless he lacked the mental discipline to shield his mind. For now he thought he was aiding his society by championing the cause of the Planet, that was all he needed to know for now. Doubtless if he were ever discovered or if Gaian security knew what information was being leaked to the Cult he would loose his freedom but he had been careful and had kept contacts and agents screened and protected. Gaian society was open, free and easy to penetrate and easier for the Cult being a treaty member and friend. Hundreds of Gaians had chosen the new faith and when Cha would call them they would become loyal operatives to the cause. The Master Seeker took a few minutes to send a report to Cha about the continued attempts to switch to a more industrial society by the Gaians which would cause Cha to rant for several hours. Now, for other matters....


*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2196

Dee worked to compose herself, brushing a few errant strands of hair that hung in wet ringlets around her face. Lal had chosen to call in the middle of her exercise routine, but he called so infrequently that Dee was not about to refuse him or ask him to call back later.

She switched on the holo channel. Pravin Lal looked as prim as ever in his soft light gray suit. In back of him was a wall-size gilded emblem of the old United Nations. Lal sat in front of the emblem at a huge carved wooden desk, the top of which was covered in a green felt protector and a few well placed and tasteful ornaments. The effect was both rich and ordered, and it had been this way ever since Dee had first contacted him after the Empath Guild was effected.

“Greetings Governor,” he said. His voice conveyed a practiced warmth, but to Dee his deep brown eyes were cold and penetrating. “I trust you are doing well? Are you indisposed?”

“Oh, no,” she said. “I’m always happy to take your calls, and I look forward to them.” Dee returned the smile Lal wore, telling a little white lie. Lal’s calls were infrequent and the conversations were always contentious. “What can I do for you?”

Lal leaned forward. “I’m calling to discuss a matter of some importance. It seems our former colleague, the self-styled Chairman Yang, has been increasing in his paranoid fantasies and repression. His society is a nightmare that flies in the face of all human values, and he seeks nothing less than the subjugation of all of the remaining humanity under his iron fist. It is your duty as Governor to stop him. He has violated the letter and intent of the Charter and has resisted all entries of diplomacy. The only option left is military action. Chairman Yang must be stopped.”

“Well,” Dee said as she paused, buying time, “I agree that Yang’s police state is repugnant, but I don’t see how he is a threat to anyone. His holdings are small, the smallest of any faction, but well defended. His army is biased toward garrisons, and his technological progress is such that he isn’t likely to get anything better soon. Since he doesn’t have a navy, and since he won’t for some time, I don’t see how he is a threat to anyone.”

“You simply don’t understand,” Lal said, his outwardly polite demeanor slipping a little, ”his current abilities are irrelevant. It is his entire society that is a threat, as is his way of life. He must be stopped.”

“I’m afraid I don’t agree, Pravin,” Dee said. “Yang hasn’t threatened anyone, and as of yet I haven’t gotten confirmation of the source of the wars he is in with the University and the Cyborgs. He may be culpable in initiating these conflicts, but until the source of these wars in clear it is not prudent to act, at least not in a military way.”

“I see,” Lal said as he sat back. His manner was close to seething even if he remained his superficial layer of civility. “So you won’t act to protect the Charter, or humanity. I had hoped to convince you otherwise.”

Dee jumped in his slight pause. “Perhaps if evidenced mounts, or if his hostile intent is demonstrated.”

“The evidence exists, I assure you, and the Peacekeepers will work to demonstrate it to you,” Lal said. “But I have another matter to discuss. I have noticed that our societies have taken a route that promotes human equality. Due to this similarity my Congress has instructed me to offer you a Treaty of Friendship so that we can further expand peaceful engagement.”

Dee was nonplussed. Every entreaty she had made had made to the Peacekeepers for a treaty or technological trades had been summarily rejected. It was clear Lal didn’t like this, probably more so since he was denied his coveted position of Planetary Governor in the recent elections that had elected Dee to that position. His tone and mannerisms suggested he was reciting something given to him, and he probably was. Still, it was a Friendship Treaty.

Dee let a smile grow. “I’d be delighted to accept, Pravin. Our societies have so much in common and I think we can grow together, and learn to understand each other. I can only hope this will be the beginning of something greater.”

“Indeed,” Pravin said, his voice dry and flat. “That is my hope also. I trust you will convey this to your Council and Parliament?”

“There is no need. I have the authority to accept any Friendship Treaty, and I will inform them of your offer and our acceptance.”

“Then our business is complete. Please feel free to call anytime,” Lal said. His tone suggested otherwise.

“Thank you for the call, Pravin. Take care,” Dee said. Lal nodded in return and the holo ceased.

Dee felt a knot in her gut, the same knot she felt every time she had to talk to Lal. Why was he so hostile? What had the Gaians ever done to him?

The knot would remain for hours. Dee got up to continue her exercises in the hopes the effort might alleviate the discomfort, or at least provide a distraction. At least that was something.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2196

Cha was trembling with fear and apprehension as he continued to read the reports on his desk. Planet was angry. Planet was in pain. That could be the only explanation that fit. Dreams of the Planet, Hope of the Planet and his mind worm scouts in the crater area all attacked by land and sea rogue worms and sea serpents. All the bases had held and the mind worm scout in the crater as well but not since the initial days after landing on Planet had the native life forms been so active. Sea serpents boiling up from the sea! Reports had flooded command for days of sightings of possible worm sign giving Ivan and his Rangers little chance to sleep or even get a handle on the situation. The only positive part to this catastrophe was the fact the Cult had gained large amounts of energy reserves from the planet pearls but Cha would have preferred to capture those worms to strike at the true enemies to the Planet. The question that was on his mind is why would Planet raise her hand against her chosen children!? This was the mystery and the problem. What had he not seen or felt? He knew Planet was unhappy about the Hive and even some of the other factions who destroyed the flesh of Planet but why the people of the Planet, why were they being attacked? Cha sat there for hours, thinking about the entire solution and during that time he could only believe that Planet was punishing them for not acting quicker to remove her enemies! Cha entered the private encoded comm-link to his daughter.

"Eve, this is the Prophet, do you read me?" Cha waited for the response.

"Father, this is Eve. How can I help you?" Eve responded. Her voice seemed tired and out of sorts and that was when Cha realized it was in the deep hours of night that he had called.

"I am sorry for disturbing you my daughter but I have important work for you. You must capture more worms I need more worms, more than you can imagine! You must capture them and train them as quickly as possible. Do you understand." Cha waited for the response back.

"I do father. I do understand and we will do our best, I will not fail you." Eve seemed to have gotten her head clear at last.

"Good Eve, good. Expect to launch an attack when we can muster at least 6 to 7 worms and several spore launchers. You are half way there now so be quick about your work. I will have a transport ready for you when you have the worms. Prophet out."

Cha closed the link and slowly got up and looked out the window waiting for the dawn...

*!*!*!*

Southeastern Continent, MY 2197

Lindsay was finally happy. She had convinced the Council that decades of vigilance watching the University should be duly rewarded. True to form, they passed a resolution giving her a special honor, Metal of Planet, and a generous stipend for her retirement.

[1]Retirement??[/I] Is that what those butter ball gabbers thought she wanted?

Of course she summarily rejected their generous offer, and was gratified when most of the Council (except Ling, who looked bored) wanted to know what she wanted. She remembered blurting, “To explore! That’s what I always wanted to do, and I couldn’t. Let me explore!”

“Why yes, we can do that,” Colin said. “Where do you want to go?”

“East! There is a huge continent south of the Jungle, and there’s no one there! We need to get some worms and we can see what’s there! There’s still time, and imagine what we’ll find! All I need is a transport…”

“We’ll get an isle for you,” Dee said.

“…and I can take my worm with me! He’d love to go…”

“It can be ready in a week,” Colin added.

Lindsay looked over at them. “Please! I have to go!”

Terry, Colin, and Dee looked at each other, then at Lindsay. “We said yes.”

Lindsay paused. “Oh. Good.”

That little exchange had occurred over a decade ago, and ever since Lindsay’s brood had brown. It now included three worms and a spoor launcher, all of whom were almost fighting themselves over the fungus laden terrain to see what was there. Lindsay was there nexus, through their handlers, and every day was a joy, a revelation.

And now she had something even more important to report. She had found Unity! The edge of the crash site was just in range, and the engines were barely visible.

Wait till the Council heard!

	18-01-2003 22:38									#27
	Full PM-box? Change here!

Cult, MY 2197

"Cha Dawn, I plan on making this offer only once. My aides gave you the outline of my treaty earlier in the day and I think you have had time to make a decision." Corazon said as she leaned forward in her chair which seemed to make her face expand in the viewer.

Cha had thought long and hard about he proposal and he had consulted with the Master Seeker and had already made up his mind before the expect call from Corazon. The Cult had avoided entangling treaties since landing on Planet. Their only treaty for some time had been with the Gaians but with the all of the other factions trying to forge pacts and build military alliances Cha had realized the need, no the absolute need to develop more allies. The only real choice as he saw it were the Spartans. Cha hated Zakharov. He did not understand the Cyborgs who were as alien as this Planet was to earth people. Lal was building a power base to tear the Governorship away from Deirdre. The Hive was hideous beyond measure and they were soon to face the wrath of the Planet for their defilement of Planet. No, the only allies other than the Gaians were the Spartans. Cha understood the Spartans and in time he hoped he could convince them of the need to maintain good relations with the Planet. They were also the perfect balance to the Peacekeepers/Cyborg alliance.

"I accept your proposal for a treaty of friendship Corazon. I think our alliance will serve both our people. I have also agreed to the transfer of the two technologies, for energy credits, as well. I think they will help your society to prosper and grow." Cha finished his reply with a gracious
smile.

"I care little for society Cha, only power. I think we both understand that. With your aid we can harvest more food to feed our soldiers and workers. I expect that trade between our people will also fill our coffers with credits which, in turn, I can use to build a more powerful army. I have grown suspicious of the Gaians growing might and I suspect that they are trying to dominate all of the other factions."

"Colonel, if your troops were face to face with the Gaians I suspect that they would run in fear. Though, they, like us, have a large cadre of native forces that for us serve as our army while the Gaians use them as a supplement. We will soon be able to breed our own worms in captivity to
add to our forces. You might find such an army, an army of mind worms more than you bargained for." Cha replied feeling very comfortable with the might of his native forces.

"Which is exactly why I wish to form an alliance with you. Your native forces combined with my elite human forces would make a potent combination, if needed, of course." Corazon said with a slight sly look to her face.

"I think you understand the situation clearly Colonel. I am up linking the technology files now and I wish you a good day. May Planet shine on you and give you Peace." Cha finished by waving his hand in a blessing.

"True peace is not gifted but is taken by force of arms, by securing your borders by having a strong military, Colonel Corazon Santiago, out!"

Cha watched the screen go blank and briefly thought that perhaps this treaty was not the best idea after all....

*!*!*!*

Dreams of Green, MY 2198

“And why are you building a crèche?” Council member Ling asked.

The current governor tried to hold his ground. “It was suggested by the Parliament, and approved by the Council.”

“It was not, I assure you,” Ling said as she paced around Governor Snelt, who stood still. “The proposal approved by the Council is that this base, with the only Command Center in Gaian lands, was to produce garrisons and impact speeders, and that these would be placed strategically around our lands, and eventually one would be sent to Razorback Wood in the Jungle.”

“I think you might be in error…” he started.

“No,” she said, her voice dripping with ice, “it is you who are in error. I don’t know who subverted the will of the Council, but I assure you I will find out, and when I do they will wish they were in one of Yang’s ‘re-education centers’. I think a very public inquiry of all those involved would be a good idea.”

Ling stopped right in front of Tim. “Don’t you?”

Governor Tim Snelt did not answer. Ling gave him a cold smile in return. “I expect you might be called to give some more answers to rather explicit questions. In the meantime I will make sure the Council gives Dreams of Green the resources to finish your crèche, and then you will ensure that Green continues to produce garrisons and speeders. Is that crystal clear Governor?”

“Yes, sir,” he said. As soon as he said it he realized the error of his mistake but didn’t dare to correct himself.

“Very good,” Ling said. “I will be personally attending to your progress, and the progress of other Gaian cities that are building Command Centers. Now, I have other matters to attend to. Good day, Governor.”

Snelt continued to stay at attention as Ling left the room, and his relief was palpable. He would have to tell his contacts of this immediately. Council member Ling was clearly a loose cannon, and this cannon needed its muzzle filled with cement, or preferably decommissions. Perhaps its iron could be remade into plow shares.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2198

The terra-former crews finished unloading their equipment and all of them were amazed at the sight before them. No where had they ever seen a mountain so large. The new land they had landed on had a single mountain range running north/south and it was huge! The crews had been ordered by the Master Caretaker to begin a sensor array as soon as possible and then begin preparations for a new colony to arrive within the next five turns. They had also been told that a worm should be transported as well but that was only a rumor as of yet. Of the coast they could make out the empath foil, SEA SPIRIT that was patrolling the area looking for sea worms and mapping the coast. It did give them some assurances to see the ship but they were still alone.

"All right you sluggards!" The master chief roared. " We got a new continent to explore and settle and we wont get it done setting around here."

The crews begin the re-assemble the terra-formers to begin their work....

*!*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2199

Dear Cha Dawn and the people of Cult of Planet,

Our scientists finished their work on Ecological Engineering sooner than expected, which is always a welcome surprise, and I am pleased to forward this technology to you. I am sure you will find it to be of significant use since it will allow us to harness the mineral bounty Planet loans to us. The Gaian people appreciate your support in our efforts to sustain, understand, and protect Planet, and this small gift should aid you our mutual search.

We finally were able to harness the artifact we found in the sea outside of Hive territory. It contained the specifications for an advanced armor based on a Plasma principle, one that the Hive has had for quite a while. After contacting Aki we were able to trade her Ecological Engineering for Resonance Armor, and this will be of greater use than Plasma Armor in our efforts to protect ourselves against rogue agents of Planet.

You should also know that a faction in the Parliament has convinced the Council that we should research more mundane economic and industrial technologies. I was skeptical, but my fellow Council person Colin, with whom you may be acquainted, pointed out to me that to defend ourselves against the deprecations of these technologies we must first understand them, and in understanding them we can use them wisely, and perhaps advance understanding of Planet itself.

Take care Cha, and Walk with Planet,
Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2199

The honored Governor Lady Deirdre Skye, the esteemed Gaian Parliament and the Planet loving Gaian people my most heartfelt and warm greetings!

I can not tell you how much your gift has meant too us! We can now begin to restore the fungus that has been ravaged by tree expansion throughout our lands. It has also allowed us to proceed to the next level of discovery, the creation of an isle of the deep. We have yet to see only one isle since our arrival on Planet and I know suspect our area is devoid of them. Perhaps this has something to do with the toxic waste the Hive dumps near our territory! We fully expect that once reaching this new plateau of research in another 14 years we should be able to unlock many new secrets about Planet. What I would like to propose is this. We will complete our research in a few years and we will transfer this technology to you under two conditions: one, that you do not use any of the fruits of this research to explore any special projects that might come from it and two, that you send to us one technology, of our choosing. I think this is more than fair since the "level" of technology we shall transmit to you is far and above greater than any of the mundane technologies you might have. Please consider this offer carefully since I think it will compliment both of our societies.

I also have grave misgivings with your exchanges with the Cyborgs. I think they have fallen under the spell of the Pravin Lal and are nothing more than his lapdogs. Lal has made a bargain with the devil and as such will sacrifice the purity of our race for his power, please be cautious in your dealings with them! Beware the machine!!

Lastly, I have considered this for some time and I now think it might be prudent if we were to exchange maps. Our exploration of Planet is leading us into new areas and uncharted waters. Perhaps it is time to exchange information so as to avoid any problems in the future.

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.

	18-01-2003 22:39									#28
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2200

Dear Cha Dawn and the people of the Cult of Planet,

The Gaian people are always eager to expand our knowledge, and your terms are more than fair. The Council also enthusiastically agrees to your proposal to exchange world maps, since this is also a form of knowledge. Our world map is attached, and I think you will find we have pushed back the veil over large parts of Planet.

I’m afraid I can’t agree with your assessment of the Cyborgs, Pravin Lal, or even the Hive. As Planetary Governor I have to keep an open door to all unless there is severe provocation, and to do my utmost to help engender peace to flourish. I do have some concerns since I recently found out it was the Hive that declared war on the Cyborgs, but as of yet I do not know who has declared war on whom between the University and Cyborgs. These unpleasant situations resist most efforts of simplifications, and there is more to be learned. I have no information that the Cyborgs or Peacekeepers are undertaking any efforts hostile to Planet or other factions, but I will keep both an open mind and a vigilant ear and would be most interested if you come across any verifiable data on these subjects.

Walk with Planet,
Dee

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2200

The Master Seeker slowly crept into the room and quietly sat down at the table. He was getting old now and soon he would have to relinquish his control of the Seekers Guild. He never trusted the techniques used to prolong life and the very fact of exposing his mind to possible examination and examination was not something he ever wanted to happen.

"You are here." A quiet but firm voice asked. The Master Seeker swiveled in the chair, his robes spinning about as he grasped the dagger beneath his robes.

"Please, be at ease. I am sorry that I did that but I only noticed that you had entered the room as you sat down." The voice moved towards him and the Master Seeker switched the lights on from the table console.

"Ahh, it is you, good, Akim Sula, the Hive Thought Guard covert operations specialist. Why did you come so far to meet with me." The Master Seeker slowly resumed his seat as his Hive counterpart did the same.

"Master Seeker John Evans, Chief of Cult intelligence services. I am glad you got my cryptic message but I knew that if anyone could understand the cipher I used it would be you." Akim pulled back the hood of his robe and a very young man appeared. He was thin but one could tell very muscular and his features were very plain. The best for a spy that wishes to blend in. " I am here to talk to you about an alliance. A treaty. I am sure you can talk with Cha Dawn and persuade him to join forces with us."

"Why do you ask such foolish questions. If you are as good as I know you are why would you ask me something like that when you know the answer." Evans responded.

"I ask it because it is the only logical course of action. We have intercepted some comm-link traffic that suggest you are looking to attack us and that I assure you would lead to both of our destructions. So, if we can not be enemies lets be friends." Akim finished with a slight sly smile on his face.

"I know that war with you would be too costly for us both, but Cha is determined to have Yang's hide for destroying the Planet. As long as we have sea technology and you do not we can strike at will while you can not. We can field an army that does not require forward supplies, just a fungal patch for food and rest. So, why should we be afraid of attacking." Evans asked.

"Your worms are impressive but they can not go down into our cities, our shaft, our tunnels. So, we will wait and see who can win. But, I have a counter-offer from Yang. He will support any attack you make against the Peacekeepers which will clear them away for northern expansion. Yang will move east towards the University and you north. Your west is protected by the Spartans so you are in a very good position. However, you can not wage war in both directions-east and north."

"I will pass this on to Cha. I doubt he will agree. Until hostilities break out can we agree to not kill either nations operatives or agents. The Unity Pact is still in effect, correct?" Evans asked as he stood up and put forth his hand.

"Agreed. I do admit that I look forward to the day that I can test myself against you and your seekers. But for now as agreed upon by the Unity Pact, no overt actions until vendetta is declared." Akim shook his hand and turned and left the room.

Evans slowly sat down again. Well retirement would have to wait for now...

*!*!*!*

Thorny Vineyard, MY 2201

Deirdre stepped up to the dias and proffered an oversize pair of sizzors, which she then took down to waist level and placed the open blades over a bright green ribbon.

“With this cut I officially open the newest Gaian city, Thorny Vineyard! This is our 20th and latest city, but it is certainly not our least! Your potential is only limited by your resourcefulness, and the bountiful energy your city is founded on is likely to give you a bright start. Congratulations!”

Dee cut the ribbon with an elaborate gesture and it fell away, floating to the floor. A spontaneous cheer went up from the thousand excited colonists, who lined up in the middle aged deciduous forest. The leaves were turning and the floor was tinged with gold, as was the sky. It matched the mood of the celebrants.

A surge of well-wishers formed a receiving line, and Dee was drafted to be on of those being honored. She tried to beg off, but the new Mayor Fineroy insisted, and conveniently put himself immediately next to the luminary that Dee was, that way everyone who shook her hand would also shake his – ham-handed but effective political maneuvering.

It only took a few hours before all the hands had been shaken, and all the rounds had been completed. Dee was tired and finally convinced the Mayor to excuse her departure. He demurred, being slightly disappointed that she wouldn’t take up one of her famous impromptu interactive lectures on her insights on Planet.

As Dee left she reflected on the subject of how much growth is a good thing. With 20 bases the Gaians had the population and resources of the next three largest factions combined. How much was enough? Clearly they had enough to defend themselves and their way of life, and Dee vowed that there would be no more gratuitous colonization, except perhaps in the Jungle – for research purposes.

Dee found her cube and drew back the inviting blankets, and in a few moments she was asleep.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2201

Eve looked down from the crater rim and smiled. There before her eyes were two lumbering terra-formers and a colony pod. They would arrive next turn and begin setting up a colony. The colony would not get built right away, a sensor system would be put in first, a delay, but a necessary one. Then the crews would build a farm on the high yield nutrient sector to the north and then a forest. Then they would move on to build another sensor array for the second colony to be built in the crater. Her father had given her the honor of naming the new colony and she had chosen Eden as the name. Eden would be her command center and capital of the Cult people on crater continent. She had also asked her father to reveal her true status but he had refused. She had been told that doing so would put her in to great of risk.

The colony pod and terra-formers continued to lumber along and she continued to watch. The people of the Planet had grown but they were still weak when compared to the others. Many of the core Cult cities had network nodes and a biology lab, children crèche's and other improvements. The cities were comfortable and pleasant places and she hated them. Ever since she had been allowed to come to the new land she had loved the danger, independence and exploration. Now, her father told her she must put aside such things since he was now the Governor of Crater continent.

Suddenly her comm-unit beeped and she keyed in the link.

"This is Eve, over?"

"Governess Eve, this is Hope of the Planet command center. We have wonderful news to report. A rogue worm tried to attack the city but it bonded with an apprentice Guide. As you instructed, should another worm become available, we have ordered them to explore the northern end of the
island and if they can tackle the fungal tower, over?"

"Very good, councilperson Tong. Send me an update of the status of the second colony pod over my palm unit, Eve out." Eve flicked the link closed and breathed slowly. She wished it was her exploring that fungal tower but other tasks demanded her attention.

She slowly walked down the slope where the crews were still trying to move along the steep path.

*!*!*!

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2202

“I propose a moratorium on further colonization, unless authorized by the Council or expressly ordered by an act of Parliament. This would mean that base governors would not have the authority to start gathering the resources to form a new base, and it would mean that factions would not be able to push for further expansion without the consent of the majority in Parliament or a plurality in the Council.,” Dee said to the assembled Council.

Terry dutifully recorded the proposal and waited for a second, which came reluctantly from Colin.

Ling was fidgeting, and finally couldn’t stand it anymore. “That is all grand theory, not harming Planet and not over utilizing it resources and all that, but the fact remains that the other factions will not stop their expansion, such as it is, and I see no reason why we should hobble ourselves. More bases mean more resources, and resources are the key to preserving our way of life.”

New Council member Martinez spoke up, “We need to be sensitive to the perceptions of others, Councilperson Ling. If we grow too large we will be viewed as a superpower, much like the United States was in the late 20th and early 21st Century, and China and the EU in the middle 21st Century. The former was targeted by everyone around them, and eventually succumbed to fundamentalism, and the later were consumed in pointless flash wars until they fragmented.”

“Yes, yes,” Ling said. “That is an interesting history lesson, but you have not shown that if they had hobbled themselves that they would have survived or survived better. Others would argue that the US was decaying into a theocracy long before it was attacked on all sides, and the Chinese and EU experiment were crafted from disparate parts that were bound to disintegrate and reform. Your argument proves nothing.”

Dee interjected. “I would say that we don’t need to expand, so we shouldn’t. Why have tens of bases all over Planet? I can understand a few scientific stations or bases to observe critical areas, but there is a point of diminishing returns. We also need to consider the fact that our existing bases need to concentrate on development, and producing so many colony pods is debilitating to their resources and population base. It is time to grow ‘up’, and not ‘out’.”

“Well said,” Colin said. “What do you say to that?” he said to Ling.

“As long as we can defend ourselves I can support this proposition as long as it is clear that it can be revoked when needed,” she said.

“Agreed,” Dee said. “Terry, could you modify the text please?”

“Sure,” Terry replied. “Consider it done.”

Dee asked. “When can we submit this to Parliament?”

Terry thought for a moment. “A couple days at most. Want to get a final read?”

“No, it is clear. Just submit it.”

“Motion amended. Call for a vote,” Terry said. There was a series of ‘ayes’, and no ‘nays’ “Since there are no more items on the agenda I propose we adjourn.”

The Council members looked at Terry in surprise. He never asked for adjournment!

“Hot date, Terry?” Colin asked.

Terry looked at him. “None of your business.” He looked around. “Second?” Colin laughed a little and seconded the motion, which was followed by more ‘aye’s and the scraping of chairs as Council members left. For a change Terry was the first one out the door.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2202

Cha had been sitting at his desk for hours relishing the good news that continued to flow through his desk day by day. They had completed the first biology lab and had begun the process to create their own mind worms. Within two turns two new bases would be established with more two come. Sea-formers had added more valuable kelp farms and tidal/energy collectors and soon his Dawn of the Planet would have its own sea resources. And what is the most important news had just come in. An isle of the deep had been captured by the Sea Spirit! What news! Just a few more pieces had to come into place and soon the Cult could strike. With Eden up and running it would serve as the forward command center for the attack on the Hive. Master Seeker Evans had assured him the Eve was as ready as ever to start the campaign and run it once the forces were in place. It almost seemed like too good of news.

The next report was from the Master Seeker stating that his Gaian agent, who was still a secret to Cha, was continuing to give more valuable information to him. The Gaians had stopped expanding. This was both good news and bad. The time would allow the Cult to catch up but the Gaians would have more infrastructure. He had been ready to threaten Skye with severe consequences if she continued to expand putting further strain on the Planet. To grow for growths sake was not acceptable. No, he much preferred it this way for now. The Gaians had stopped claiming more land and the Cult would do so as well since the plan was not to claim much more "new" land but liberate that which was already in use.

A small boy, barely four years old ran under the desk and laughed as Cha pulled him out from underneath.

"Adam, have I not told you to knock first before entering!" Cha scolded the boy but with little enthusiasm.

"Father, I was getting bored waiting for you. You promised to show me the video of the new sea worm!" Adam stated with hands on his hips.

"Yes, lets go look at this new creature, together..."

	25-01-2003 21:25									#29
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

Virgin Soil, MY 2203

“I don’t get out here as much as I should,” Colin said as he sipped his tea. “I’m glad you invited me. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?”

Colin’s friend smiled. “Nothing in particular. I’m just currious how things are going, and what’s new.” He said this as casually as he could, knowing it would evoke an immediate response from the talkative Colin.”

“Well, there’s lots going on. You’re going to keep this on the QT, aren’t you,” he asked.

His friend nodded and put what he hoped was a sincere look on his face.

“It’s not a big secret, be we were able to get the Cult’s maps. That was a real eye opener, let me tell you. We were all shocked, just shocked, at how undeveloped some of the factions are. I mean, they’ve had over a hundred years to do some basic terraforming and the Spartans and Hive have done hardly a lick! The Cyborgs and University are much better, but that may be because of their limited space. We all thought the Cult had done a fine job, with forests everywhere and farms interspersed among them. It was a little confusing, though, since in all his correspondence the is Cha Dawn speaks very strongly on how we should preserve Planet, and here he goes removing the fungus! Odd, that. Anyway, the Peacekeepers are spread all over creation, but we knew that already, and their terraforming is weak at best.”

“How does our terraforming compare?” he asked.

“Pretty good, I suppose,” Colin responded. “We are heavy on forest, and have several farms at critical areas. We even have or are constructing a few condensers…”

“Condensers! Doesn’t that damage the ecology?” his friend asked.

“Not much, and the forests make up for it,” Colin said as if trying to convince himself.

“Please, I interrupted. Go on.”

“We have a number of mines now, but they aren’t being used yet to any great degree. Some planner somewhere has issued a white paper on how mines will be necessary in the near future . I don’t know why, and I never looked into it to find out. One good thing is that our road system is the best on Planet, and we are able to move goods back and forth with ease.”

“And troops?” his friend said.

“Well, yes. Troops can be efficiently moved back and forth, especially the speeders and probe teams. And formers too, although they are generally pretty busy where they are and it doesn’t make much sense spending a lot of time moving them around. Most are filling in forests in otherwise unproductive land. There may even be a time when they have nothing to do.”

“No!” his friend exclaimed.

“Yes!” Colin took a deep sip of the tea and helped himself to more cookies, munching in silence for a few moment.

While he was eating his friend jumped in again, “Any new work on Zak? I hear he’s made another breakthrough.”

Colin held up his finger as he finished savoring the butter cookie, took a sip of the aromatic Earl Grey tea, and then responded, “Yes, he is building the Planetary Networks, which will give him intellectual parity for sure.”

“Hasn’t the Council persuaded Zak for a trade?”

Colin snorted. “Not likely. He is magnanimous and all, but he has no interest in trading technologies, claiming we’d steal his Project and all.”

“Would you?” he asked.

“Not if he asked us not to,” Colin said. “He just doesn’t trust us.”

“Too bad, just too bad. Anything new on Dee?

Colin launched into a detailed rendition of the festivities at Thorny Vineyard, and his friend laughed at all the right places and exclaimed when he should.

He also recorded everything Colin said. Certain parties would be very interested, very interested indeed.

*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2203

Cha walked with Master Seeker Evans through the small garden next to Cha's private quarters. Twilight bathed the garden in a fiery red glow highlighting the fungus patch and blooms.

"Plans are in place to begin re-seeding the home islands with fungus. Two terra-formers are to be built with this function only." Cha remarked as he continued to walk.

"It is funny that you bring that up my Prophet. I was just about to report to you that since our last exchange of map files the Gaians seemed very shocked by the lack of fungus throughout our lands." Master Seeker Evans leaned over and picked up a broken fungal flower that had fallen to the ground and begin to pick the petals from it.

"The Gaians! HAH! They have had technology for decades to maintain the correct balance of fungus and yet they still plow under every field they have a chance. I mean to address this with Lady Skye on my next communiqué to her. To think she is a friend of the Planet and her and her compatriots support continued expansion." Cha huffed loudly as he finished.

"Be that as it may. The Gaians are expanding in all aspects. They have mines, they have huge forests. They have a huge continent to live on and yet they expanded across the sea to gain more land. This hardly seems the acts of a Planet friendly race." The spy master continued to pull petals from the flower.

"Once Eve has a three more mind worms, a spore launcher and two isles of the deep will land and tack the most southern city away from the Hive. We will then continue our campaign and with my prayers to the Planet she will rise up and strike down Yang and his society. I will.."

"My Prophet, I do not mean to interrupt but if we are to make this attack I really do strongly suggest that we also invest in building a intelligence unit to travel with the worms. Once the Hive city is secure the intelligence operatives will make sure the city is secure from any
subterfuge."

"Agreed. I will issue orders for Eden to build one intel. unit to proceed with the task force." Cha turned and began to walk back to his rooms.

"I think it would be prudent that one the attack is about to begin that you inform me so that I can put some pressure on our operatives in the Gaian councils to get us Empath Guild intelligence on the strength of the forces arrayed against us. I am sure Lady Skye will not give us that information freely, so we must help ourselves. I will have our operative obtain information on the most southern Hive city. This way he will reduce his exposure." Master Seeker Evans was almost out of petals as he reached the door to Cha's quarters.

"Good. You will return later to begin military instruction on advanced tactics to Adam, correct?" Cha asked as he waited for Evans to open the door for him.

"Yes my Prophet. So I have your support for my operations, the intelligence team and the spy?" Evans asked.

"Yes, I thought I had made myself clear on that." Cha walked in and the door slowly closed behind him.

The Master Spy pulled the last fungus petal off of the stem and then crushed the stem in his hands. The Hive must be broken like the stem. Capture the outlying cities first leaving Yang only his capital and then crush him before he tries to crush us...

*!*!*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2204

“Lady Skye, our infrastructure projects are proceeding nicely. This year we have finished four children’s crèches, all due to the timely allocation of energy from Gaia’s Landing. Several bases of our smaller bases, particularly our first base Razorback Wood in the Jungle, will need recreation commons soon, but soon all of our bases will have the basic infrastructure of a recycling tank and a recreation commons. We are less developed than factions like the University, Cult of Planet, or the Cyborgs, but we have significantly more resources,” senior planner Meuller stated.

Dee looked over a schematic map of the Gaian homeland, which was color and symbol coded to represent base size and the level of improvements in these bases. She pointed at Gaia’s landing, Fallow Time, and Virgin Soil. “These bases seem to have the most improvements, and Gaia’s Landing and Fallow Time are working on research hospitals. Why haven’t the bases outside this ring been developing their structures?”

“As a rule they have either been collecting the considerable resources needed to form and support colony pods, or they have build Command Centers to build basic defenses for the heart of our lands. For instance, Flower’s Preach must have formed at least four colony pods and it is just now starting on its improvements, and Dreams of Green has provided most of the defenses we have now, and it just finished the prototype resonance armor garrison. Some bases have build perimeter defenses, and eventually all of our bases will have perimeter defense and upgraded defenders. In short, they’ve been busy.”

Dee nodded. This fit with what was discussed in Council, even if those discussions rarely went into this much detail. There were simply too many issues to address, and this time pressure prevented delving into any one issue to any depth.

“What is the status of our research? The last I heard we were doing pretty well,” Dee said.

“Yes. We have bested your old boss Zak by several multiples, and have three times the research of any other faction. Our early emphasis on establishing bases is the key here, and our natural efficiency which enhances our effective energy production. The fact that we are allocating 70% of our energy to research helps, too. We expect a breakthrough in Industrial Economics in four or five years, and it is likely we will research Industrial Automation next.”

Dee’s brow furrowed. “Industrial Automation. Why that? Who did you hear that from? I don’t recall that being brought to the attention of the Council.”

“The Science Advisory Board of the Parliament asked us to issue a white paper on what technology area would provide us an overall advantage to production and economy without harming Planet, and this technology was a clear choice.” Planner Meuller looked at Dee, who was silent and contemplative.

“Thank you for your time, Joel. Do you mind if I mention this to our Council members?” she asked.

“Of course not. I’m surprised you didn’t get the white paper. It wasn’t a secret.”

“I’m surprised, too,” she said. “Do you have a copy?”

“I’ll squirt you one. Is this evening OK?”

“That’s fine. I look forward to it. Thanks again.”


*!*!*!*!*

Cult, MY 2204

Ivan Ivanovich had been brooding for hours. For nearly two decades his power had been on the decline, Cha only took advice from the old man, the Master Seeker. He had spent the last year in the hospital receiving a youth treatment, something that had become more rare as of late. It seems that Cha's preferred method of elimination these days were natural causes. The
new faith, which had been in his hands for decades had all but been turned over to a new clergy of devoted fanatics all committed to the Planet and Cha Dawn. The two new terra-formers were not to be operated by the caretakers but by the Rangers religious arm. Each sector of soon to be reclaimed fungus was to be blessed and protected from future expansion by the trees.

Ivan had let lapse many of his old contacts but recently he had begun to use his contacts with other factions to build up new ones. Ivan hoped that in time that he would regain his stature with Cha, who despised dealing with the other factions, by being the main contact for the Cult. There were many obstacles that needed to be undone first. The master seeker was number one. Also, he needed to re-establish control over the new faith and take over the appointment process of Ranger priests rather than Cha. So much to do, so much.

Suddenly the comm-ling buzzed and Ivan opened the channel.

"Ranger one, this is Ranger Thomas Miller. I am contacting you to report something I have seen."

"Speak Ranger Miller, what is it?" Ivan leaned closer to the comm-station and hit the white noise button that would protect this conversation from eavesdropping.

"Ranger One, I was working with the Prophet this morning on some issues with some new converts in the Gaian lands and a small child entered the room and called the Prophet, his father!" The voice on the other line begin to quiver a bit.

"Easy, easy. Tell no one of this and come to my apartments as quickly as possible!" Ivan closed the channel and released the white noise lock.

He smiled a bit and thought, leverage!

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2205

Dee sighed. Yet another demand from a faction leader for a war, and this one from the Peacekeepers! Pravin seemed livid in general, and apoplectic in specific against Chairman Yang. He cited all sorts of wrongs, some real and others likely imagined, that should be used to justify a ‘quick war’ against Yang to ‘serve humanity’.

It was enough to make Dee want to pull her hair in frustration. Granted, some of the faction leaders had formed truly odd societies. Yang had chosen a neo-communist style of authoritarian government, with a strong emphasis on thought control. The Cyborgs were, well, cyborgs and they seemed to love all things mechanical. That said, Aki’s and Zak’s societies were at least understandable in their desire for understanding, even if Zak tended to push the envelope of ethics now and then if reports were to be believed. Santiago was her old ‘blood makes grass grow’ self, and the few times she had deigned to talk to her it had been about military matters, although she was more interested than most in trading technology. Lal had been a hypocrite for decades, and his wars against the Hive were most unseemly. And then there was the enigmatic Cult, and its leader Cha Dawn.

What do I think of them? Dee had thought long and hard about that subject. On one level they were natural allies since they held the belief that Planet must be protected. On another level they were certainly not a free society, and it was pretty clear that Cha Dawn had no interest in individual liberty, and that he cared very little about democracy. The Cult beliefs smacked of some of the old irrationality of Earths old religions, taking the veneration of Planet to an almost hysterical level. Their belief systems were their right, but sometimes Dee knew she had a hard time following their logic, particularly in Cha Dawn’s ‘Given Truths’ lectures that seemed to permeate the Cult airwaves. These had made it to Gaian lands, and there were Cult temples popping up in many of the larger cities. Their attendants were not large in number, but they were very vocal and many cried out that the Gaian government was corrupted and had betrayed Planet. Luckily they were a very small percentage of the population, but their protests made great news lines, and lately they had taken to mocking the Council, and had targeted particular Progressive members of Parliament.

It was enough to give her a headache. Were all the factions on Planet lunatics? Or maybe we are all lunatics from a lunatic world that had destroyed itself?

Now it was late, and Dee put on her silk nightgown and took off her slippers. After a long day her bed looked so inviting.

	25-01-2003 21:27									#30
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Cult, MY 2205

Ivan had just fallen into a deep sleep when two strong arms picked him up and then wrapped around his neck. Ivan's mind was reeling and he desperately fought at his attacker but to no avail. The seconds began to add up and his mind was beginning to fog over and it was getting hard to see. Then standing in front of him was the Master Seeker and he was saying something.

"You should have been content with your role in life Ivan. The Prophet has always been pleased with your work but you have always had a problem with boundaries. Now you will go to a place that has none. The Prophet will pray for you." The Seeker seemed to look behind him and said. "finish it" and then he turned and left.

Suddenly Ivan felt more pressure and then nothing.

____________

Cha listened to the report the next morning of the brutal attack on his most beloved disciple Ivan Ivanovich. No clues had been found by the investigators but something would turn up. Cha looked around the room at the entire command council of the Planet. Each department had brought all of their senior advisors and aides. All of the chairs were filled except for one.

"I grieve as you all do for the brutal attack on our most favored disciple but life and our cause must go on. So I have decided to raise Ranger Victor Ramos as the new head of the order of the Rangers!" Cha finished as he waved his hand and the doors opened and Victor Ramos walked in. Victor was a tall man over six feet four inches. His hair was black and streaked with white and he had very bushy eyebrows. His robes did little to hide his very muscular build but his most distinct feature were his eyes. Victor had nearly black on black eyes, hardly showing any white at all. They seemed to bore into you whenever he caught your gaze. The new leader of the Ranger was a fanatic to the new faith, completely devoted to Cha and the cause of the Planet. Victor walked over to Cha and threw himself to the ground and kissed Cha's feet.

"My Prophet, you do my great honor!" Victor said with great awe in his voice.

"Raise my first disciple and receive the greetings of the council." Cha reached down and helped Victor to his feet. All of the other senior councilors and aides all clapped.

"I swear by this Planet that I will bring the faith to all of the people on Planet in the name of the Prophet!" Victor boomed over the clapping.

"Thank you, thank you." Cha said as he turned towards Victor and motioned for him to sit. Quickly all of the others in the room sat except for Cha.

"We have much work before us. We will be expanding again soon and our population is growing as well. The bounty of the sea has allowed our people to prosper but not at the expense of the Planet. In less than six years we will complete our next breakthrough and many of our empathic citizens will complete their training to go out among the people and help them with their good works. All of them have been chosen by our new Ranger One and they are the vanguard of the Rangers. They will make sure the citizens prosper and live in harmony and live in the word of the Planet. There is much work before us and our great cause. Soon things will be put into motion that will forever change things on planet. We must carry our cause to the other non-believers on Planet so they see the wisdom of serving Planet before all other things. Now I wish to thank all of you for coming and as you leave please give your thanks to Ranger One. If the senior command council could stay for a small and quick meeting we would be most thankful."

The aides and advisors all began to leave and as the filed out they paid homage to Victor Ramos. Cha turned slowly to look at the Master Seeker who quickly looked up at him. For a brief second an understanding of what had been done passed between them and Cha knew that his master spy had killed Ivan Ivanovich. The planned leak over a year ago to test Ivan's loyalty must have gone as planned and this was the result...

*~*~*~*

Lily of the Valley, MY 2206

“So why are we going to Lily? I thought we were based at Green?” gunner Shue asked.

“I’m not really sure, but I think it has something to do with the delays in the Project Lily of the Valley is working on. They should have completed it a long time ago, and they are accumulating resources too fast,” Second Lieutenant Marshal said.

“But why send us there? What does that have to do with their Project?”

“I think that Lily is going to be our new home base, and we’ll draw supplies from there instead of Dreams of Green. Our other impact rover traveled to Lily last year for re-homing, and the garrisons are going, too. Green will be able to increase its industrial production by about 30% without us drawing supplies from them.”

“Oh,” Shue said. “And Lily’s accumulation of minerals toward their Project will decrease.”

“Yes, exactly. Everyone wins, and when the next Project we can complete comes up then Lily will be able to complete it immediately. And, before you ask,” Marshal continued, “I have no idea what that Project might be. The other factions seem to have a lock on useful Projects, and there have been no announcements of technology trades for a long time. So, I think Lily’s stuck.”

Shue nodded as if he understood, but to Marshal he had a somewhat blank expression on his face.

“I hope their food is better,” Shue said as he turned back to his consol on Impact Rover Squad Two.

“It will be different, at least,” Marshal said, following Shue’s line of thought. “No more fungal fiber for us.”

Shue screwed up his face in distaste. “I hate that stuff. Why do they even make it? It does make good lubricant, though.”

“Yes,” Marshal said, “cleans you right out.”

“I always **** pink, too,” Shue said.

Marshal let that one drop, so to speak.

*~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2206

Governess Ever walked down the corridor and stopped at the door to her private quarters and then quickly punched in her keycode and entered. It had been a very tiring day. They had complete the work on the forests and she then ordered the terra-formers to proceed to the east to begin building another sensor array. Hope of the Planet had completed a second colony pod, right on schedule and it would soon be moving eastward to set-up the new colony near Eden. She eased herself into her chair and turned on the computer and began reading the days mail. Junk. Her aides had not yet gotten the knack of screening her mail leaving her only the most important stuff to address. Suddenly her comm-link began to beep, the tone indicated it was her father on the private line.

"Eve, this is your father. How are you doing my most cherished daughter?" Cha asked, his tone was very warm but something was wrong.

"Father, I am well, I can I serve you?" Eve asked.

"You can inform me as to why you have not bonded more worms! We need at least three more to begin the attack. The isle of the deep is working its way north and should be at the embarkation point in just five turns. You have fallen behind and I need for you to move more quickly! The intelligence team I asked you prepare is not even started yet at Eden. I will authorize more energy next turn to aid you but you need to work your people harder and faster! Cha out!" The comm-link went dead.

That was not good at all, not one little bit. She knew her father wanted that southern Hive base before it could expand any further and reinforce itself. Eve had also expected that her father would demand she strip her mind worm garrisons but that would leave them all too vulnerable. No, she needed to bond more worms and fast.

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2207

The pleasant voice of the intercom sounded. “Lady Skye? There is an important message for you.”

Dee struggled to wake up, leaning up on one elbow. As she did she voice-activated the lights that instantly filled the room. It was a bit too sudden and Dee shielded her un-adjusted eyes.

“Who is it?” she asked. She had left an imperative for her rest not to be disturbed since she was recovering from longevity treatments, which not only wracked the body but were hard on the mind. It was very hard to think clearly.

“It is Chairman Yang, returning your call,” the voice said.

“Yang?” Dee repeated. Under her breath she said, “I called him two weeks ago, and now he calls back? Not very prompt.”

“I’m sorry,” the voice said. “I didn’t understand. Could you please repeat your request?”

“Put him through,” she said as she pulled on a robe and ran her fingers through her hair, which was not raven black again.

Dee turned toward her small communication center, and as she did so the austere visage of the Chairman came into view.

“Greetings Lady Skye,” Chairman Yang said in a low controlled voice, “My aids tell me you wish to speak with me about some issues of some importance.”

“Yes, Chairman,” she said as she sat down. “I have had several conversations with Aki of the Cyborgs and Pravin Lal of the Peacekeepers about the state of war that apparently exists between you. I have been unable for decades to speak with you directly, and I would like to get your side of the story.”

“The diplomatic status of the Hive is not your concern, Lady Skye,” Yang said.

That gave Dee pause. His body language wasn’t overly hostile, nor were his statements. Was he being deliberately provocative, or just evasive?

“I’m afraid it is, Chairman. You see, I was elected to the post of Planetary Governor, and part of those duties is to investigation any political disturbances, and war counts as a disturbance. It is clear you have been at war with the Cyborgs since before our factions met, and with the Peacekeepers almost that long.”

Dee paused for a second, considering how to continue. As that second ebbed she decided to be for a logical approach. “In order to make wise decisions I need to have the appropriate data, and one critical piece of data is who is at war with whom, and why. It is also necessary that I understand the cause or causes of this war. My decision will involve marshalling the resources of Planet to resolve this issue before it entangled the rest of our peoples, or distracts us from the daily tasks of trying to survive.”

Yang’s face didn’t change, but it was clear that he understood what ‘marshalling resources’ might imply.

She continued. “If you withhold your input then I will be forced to make my decisions without your version of events taken into consideration. Aki and Lal gave me complete information, and it would be…unfortunate…if theirs were the only views to which I have had access. Does that clarify my position for you?”

“I think I understand more clearly now,” Yang said, “and although it is none of your concern I am willing to divulge certain information as a personal favor to you. The Hive is a peaceful society, based on the good of the whole. We do not strive to subject others to our will, but only to expose them to our wisdom. Other factions are not so enlightened, I’m afraid. At our first meeting the Cyborg leader Aki declared war on The Hive, as did Pravin Lal shortly after we established communication. Their attitudes are most distressing to us, and we would be happy to lay down our arms if they would do the same.”

Now Deirdre was somewhat annoyed and alarmed. “Chairman, both Lal and Aki told me you started the war, stating that you told them that ‘the evils of democracy must be removed from the surface of Chiron’. Those were pretty strong words, Chairman, and they don’t fit with your account.”

“You are correct, Lady Skye. Those are strong words. Unfortunately, I did not say them. I have had little or no contact with other factions as we strive to build a worker’s paradise, and I have had little time for diplomacy. What you make of these statements and my refutation I do not know.”

“So,” Dee said, “you are saying that Aki and Lal are lying.”

“I am not,” he said. “I am saying that I did not say the statements that they attribute to me.”

“You did not start the wars?” Dee asked.

“No. As I explained, the people of The Hive love peace and would not seek to subject our will on others, and it is our hope that others would learn to accept this wisdom. We will gladly lay down our arms if the Peacekeepers and Cyborgs do likewise.”

Dee felt a headache building. Someone was lying.

“Very well,” she said. “Now, on another matter…”

“I am sorry, Lady Skye, but I have other matters to attend to. Perhaps you could attempt to contact us another time,” Yang said as he stepped out of view. The holo winked out.

Dee stared at the empty space. Had Yang just hung up on her? He was almost as irritating as Pravin Lal.

*!~*~*~*

Cult, MY 2207

Planet friend Lady Skye, the most distinguished delegates of the Gaian Parliament and the Planet loving Gaian people my most warm and sincere greetings to you!

Lady Skye, it has been far too long since we last spoke and I consider myself the cause. I focus too much of my time on my research and to my devoted people that I fail to take time to talk with our loyal allies in arms. I have much to tell and much to discuss and much to ask.

First, we people of the Planet have raised, in our own facilities, a mind worm! The worm itself is identical to any of the ones you find in the wonderful fungal fields of this planet. We did not use any form of exotic bio-engineering! We did however have our empaths concentrate their minds on the worm mass throughout the growth process so that when it was ready to emerge from the incubator it immediately was a friend of our people. Another amazing thing is that it will take orders from any of the empathic guides not like the bonded ones we found in the wild. It has opened up brand new vistas of research for us!

Second, We have established a colony on a small southern continent to our south. It is an amazing place with a ridge of mountains that extend for nearly 9 sectors! Our isle of the deep continues to search areas out to our south east and our empath foil explores to the south west. Soon we will have a new foil ready for sea trials. It will be an empath foil but it will be armored and have particle weapons! Its task is to explore our northern seas and hunt down more isles of the deep. I weep each night that we have not found as many as you and it truly makes my heart break. They are the most marvelous of creatures and I do so love them!

I would like to propose an exchange of maps. We have been exploring more of our seas and land and I think it would benefit us both. I suggest that if you agree please indicate so and I will release our map files to you. Also, we are now very close to completing our next scientific breakthrough! In less than three turns we will have the means to raise our own isles of the deep and we have created a new "cadre" of citizen helpers who are trained in medical arts, psychoanalysis and who are also extremely empathic! They will soon replace our field medics that travel throughout our cities aiding the populous.

I do wish to re-affirm our agreement for the exchange of our data for yours. Under the terms we will send you files to create your own isles of the deep and in exchange your will not pursue any special projects that might arise from it. Also, you will send us a list of technologies that we might not have so that we could select a first or second tier technology of our choosing. Is this still correct? Also, we should discuss in some depth perhaps coordinating our research again so that we can advance again as brothers and sisters in arms to protect Planet!

I do wish to inform you that on the continent to our north that has the "bowl of Heaven" as it has been renamed the new continental Governess is a lady named Eve. Her authority is only second to my own and she is fully empowered, under my guidance, to conduct whatever negotiations or matters that fall under her scope. She supervises all matters on the northern continent.

Lastly, I must tell you that I find the continuing bickering between the factions to be a constant drain on my time. I for one am glad that you are the one who has to deal with this than me. When I do try to talk with many of them I find they are abusive and cruel to my efforts to spread the cause of the Planet and inform their people of the virtues of our new faith. I know the new faith is still in its infancy in your nation but we count hundreds of new converts to our cause all who are faithful followers of the Planet. Only the Spartans have allowed us to send a few delegates to their nation and establish two temples to Planet. Alas, for all the others I find ridicule and scorn for my efforts!

I wish you well in your work and the Peace of the Planet!

May Planet shine on your good people and give them the peace of mind that transcends all worldly desires!

May you live in Peace and serve the Planet.

Prophet Cha Dawn

First Disciple of the Planet. He who walks in the soul of the Planet.