30-11-1999 05:17									#91
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Location: U.N. Headquarters, Commissioner Pravin Lal's Office


"I- can't- get- no... Sa- tis- FAC- TION... mmm-mmm-mmm-mmmmmmm, mmm-mmm-mmm-mmmm..."

Lal simply stares at Lieutenant General Zhu. Lady Jane gazes at the roof, with raised eyebrows. For myself, I am looking at the floor, fiddling with my moustache to hide my grin -that is threatening to turn into laughter- from Lal. It's unheard of for Zhu to be anything except serious or slightly sarcastic at most. This display of humour is doubly effective thanks to it's unexpectedness; too bad it is entirely unappropriate at the moment.

"General Zhu, that was not funny."

"Yes it was", Lady Jane mumbles through clenched teeth. Zhu smiles, a bit embarrassed.

"I am sorry, Commissioner. I have studied twentieth century culture, and this bit just popped into my head. Please excuse me. But you must realize that this text is ridiculous!"

Lal frowns and shakes his head. "There is nothing in this message that is ridiculous or funny in any way. On the contrary, this is a nightmare. Miriam is asking me to take a stand in the Believer-University Vendetta by renouncing my treaty with the University. What is truly awful about this is that some University diplomats seem to suggest we do the same against the Believers! They both want me to tip the balance of this war to their favor, at least psychologically, and if I refuse our relationships will surely deteriorate."

Zhu nods. "Then you must say no to at least one of them as politely as you possibly can. Remember, she is showing you a carrot as well."

"Yes; their future assistance with the Hive. Madness! I don't want either conflict to spread more that they already have. If I agree to this we might end up arranged into two axises, with us and the Believers on one side, and the Hive and the University on the other. And if I side with the university it is the Believers who might side with the Hive. In addition, we are currently in a military co-operation with the university to find and punish the persons responsible for the poisoning of University Base." Lal shudders. "I will not support any action that could have such widespread detrimental effects to the stability of Planet."

Zhu looks annoyed. "Well you can't both eat the cake and keep it, commissioner."

Lal assumes his distant gaze that we know so well. Eventually, he purses his lips. "It's bad, but I think I see a way out. For now, the wishes of the University have not been expressed officially, so we will deal with that problem when it arises. As for the Believers, I intend to dictate a letter and I want you to listen. Here goes." He fiddles with the controls on his desk, and a red light indicates a recorder is activated. He is silent for a moment, and then clears his throat.

"Best greetings, sister Miriam of the Believers. I hope your religious practices are proceeding to your.." Lal hesitates and glares at Zhu. "...wishes. I have considered your request, and have come to a conclusion: Were I to scrap my current treaty with the University, I would also have to cancel the treaty that the Peacekeepers have with your faction as well. To do otherwise would signal that I support either side in this conflict, and I do not wish to do so. I must admit I am also concerned with doctor Zakharov's unethical research, but I still wish to maintain friendly relations with him, as I do with you. Your concern for the lives of the University citizens is well placed, but would sound more true in my ears had I not known of your habit of dealing out death for the slightest break of the rules in the Holy Bible as you currently interpret them."

Lal pauses for a moment.

"As for your offered assistance with the Hive, know that I am maintaining the vendetta out of necessity. Your help would escalate the conflict, and possibly prolong it as well; therefore I thank you for the suggestion, but fear I must decline. I am most honoured by your offer, however, and hope we can arrange some other form of cooperation, but in a less violent manner. You have my best wishes."

Lal stops the recording and lets his gaze wander over each of us in turn. "Well, what do you think?"

Zhu nods. "It's good once you remove that comment about her bible-thumping. That one could result in a surprise attack if I know her well." Lady Jane nods and smiles grimly.

"Very well." Lal edits out the sentence, and plays back the message. "Anything else?"

I sigh. "It would be interesting to know how the Believers managed to discover Superstring Theory ahead of all projected speeds."

Zhu looks at me and winks. "I would guess that Miriam keeps a datapad of Macchiavelli's 'The Prince' next to the Bible under her pillow."

I smile and nod. "Yeah. I guess so."

Even Lal smiles slightly. "Not that she has to. I think all the important bits are present in the Bible too, if you wish to read it that way. Too bad she doesn't appreciate hinduism; this would be much easier if she had a principle of nonviolence. Anyway, since none of you have any further suggestions, I will send this letter." Lal punches in some commands on his desk-terminal, and the recording is converted into text. Lal reads it through to make sure everything is correct, and then keys in the comm-frequency for the Believers.

A short notice on the terminal informs Lal that the message was sent successfully.

	30-11-1999 08:26									#92
	Tired of ads?

Sister Miriam read and reread the Lal's reply. She closed her eyes, and, mentally clutching the cross around her neck, prayed a brief prayer. "That peacekeeping Lal... always wanting to please all parties, even to the extent of compromising one's own value system." The letter will have to wait until later, when the Lord's Council once again convened. For now, she had an appointment waiting.

"Don Kimball, at your service." A tall man, dressed in black, entered the room. He bowed his head.

"No need for formalities, Agent Kimball," Miriam replied. Her mere presence naturally attracted the admiration and worship of her followers. "We are waiting for one of our Ministers to come."

"Sister Miriam, sorry I'm late," mumbled Sean as he ran into the room. Just last night, he had a dream where Elizabeth was calling out his name from the distant horizon... as if somehow she was still alive... maybe a sign from God?

"Sean, you are probably familiar with Agent Kimball. I believe he served in Operation Chaos. I would like to once again commend both of you for a job well done." Sean looked over at Don, and forced a smile so fake one could feel the tension in the room. Right after he found out about Elizabeth's true job, he met Don and knew that Don and Liz went to the same academy, and were more than friends it seemed. He knew his dislike toward Don was purely based on jealousy, and that was wrong, but... he didn't like the way he treated her, either.

"After Agent Wivern's passing, I've decided to anoint Don as head of the probe teams. He will be heading our next probe mission; and once again, you, Sean, will be guiding him." Sean barely flinched... just the thought of that cold command room underground gave him horrible feelings associated with Elizabeth's capture, but he had to get over it.

"This mission is quite simple, really. I wish to give Agent Kimball more experience in the seas as I predict we will need it later. Your assignment is to find out which faction is responsible for the raidings on our faction's ships. Infiltrate the group's datalinks if possible. If this faction is one we know of already, they will pay dearly for attacking God's people."

Miriam collected her things, and walked toward the door. "I expect the operation to begin tomorrow. May the Lord be with you." She shut the door.

Miriam seemed more stern than usual, Sean thought. Something must be on her mind... He looked at Don's cocksure face... he remembered how he totally abandoned Elizabeth without a thought, leaving her to die in the clutches of Zakharov.

"Look, Sean, I know you don't like me. I did all I could to get Elizabeth out of there. We need to put our differences aside before the operation tomorrow." Don was always direct, and liked to nip problems in the bud. Qualities that Elizabeth admired.

"Whatever." Sean hated confrontation. He also knew the Lord wasn't pleased with his hatred toward Don; the Lord equated that with murder. And he knew Liz wouldn't have wanted him to. "May the Lord be with you tomorrow. Do you have transportation to Fishes and Loaves?"

"Yeah, I got free access to the Planetary Transit System anytime. Don't you love the kickbacks of working for the government?" Don asked, desperately trying to break the ice.

"I'll be in contact with you tomorrow at 0800 hours. Bright and early."

0800 hours?? Ugh... I am NOT a morning person.. Don thought, but felt it best not to question Sean right now.

	30-11-1999 21:14									#93
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

M.Y. 2235
Port Svensgaard, Nautilus Pirates Psi Corps

Through his farspecs, Vincent Jones could see the Isle cut a swath through the sea fungus, heading straight for his position on the dock.

This Isle was one of the biggest he had ever seen. If the records were right, this Isle of the Deep was classified as a Great Boil. It had mysteriously appeared near Port Svensgaard after Vincent's conversation with the PlanetMind, in which the "Voice", as the PlanetMind called itself, had agreed to help Vincent.

Vincent soon found out that he could issue simple commands to the aquatic mass of Mindworms, such as "move", "stop" and "carry". The latter command caused the Isle to open up in the middle, to allow at least two squads of infantry or one rover group to be "transported" by the Isle.

The massive Isle of the Deep slowed as it neared the dock. The aquatic Mindworms making up the Isle parted near the middle, opening up a hole large enough for a average-sized person to crawl through.

A chorus of cursing could be heard as four men clad in dark jumpsuits wriggled their way through the small opening in the Isle and stood unsteadily on the dock.

Vincent sighed. It had not been easy for Doctor Lukas to persuade the four Probe Team operatives sent from the Ministry of Intelligence to participate in this experiment. They had protested vehemently when they discovered their role in the experiment and it was only after Doctor Lukas agreed to pay them double of what they were originally to be supposed to be paid that they grudgingly agreed.

He cringed as the four very annoyed men, eager to take out their frustration on whoever was closest at hand, stomped their way across the dock towards him.

"You stinkin' moron, did you know what you put us into ..."

"... can't stand that awful chittering all around us..."

"Yeah, you tell him, Fred. Felt as if we were suffocating in there, no air at all to breathe..."

"I'm gonna rearrange yer face, man..."

Four voices ranting at him simultaneously.

Vincent tried to calm the men down, but the cacophony of complaints and assorted obscenities drowned out his voice. Looking across the dock for help, he saw Melissa grinning at his predicament. He shrugged helplessly.

"Gentlemen, please. Calm yourselves." A wizened old man appeared behind him. Vincent heaved a sign of relief. Doctor Lukas would know how to handle them.

He left Doctor Lukas to the four probe team operatives and walked over to join Melissa at the computer she was working on.

"Hi there. Looks like you were having fun with those probes."

Vincent had to smile back. Her grin was infectious.

"Why didn't you just, y'know, will them to go away? Save yourself from being yelled at." She slipped her hand into his as they walked back along the dock, away from Doctor Lukas and the rest of the Psi Corps team.

Vincent shook his head. "No, probes are creepy. You don't know what secrets they have in their heads. I won't trust them as far as I can throw them."

"Well, you better not get on the bad side of those guys. You're important to the team, you know."

"I guess so, but I'm pretty certain that there are many empaths out there who are more powerful than me. We just haven't found them yet."

****************

CONFIDENTIAL

To: Admiral Harold Briggs, Nautilus Pirates 2nd Fleet
From: Doctor Lukas, Director of Operations, Nautilus Pirates Psi Corps

Admiral Briggs:

From recent experiments conducted to determine the speed and carrying capacity of these Isles of the Deep, we have discovered that the average speed of an Isle of the Deep is roughly equilavent to that of a Cruiser Transport, with the additional bonus of being able to move through sea fungus quickly and undetected.

As for the carrying capacity of each Isle of the Deep, a Boil is able to transport two infantry squads or one group of assault rovers. However, I predict that this carrying capacity can be further increased once we stop controlling these Isles through the PlanetMind and establish direct control over each Isle of the Deep.

Currently, it is impractical to use these Isles of the Deep as transports for our ground troops due to the limited carrying capacity. However, it is possible for us to use these Isles of the Deep to transport our Probe Teams to carry out covert operations deep within enemy lines. Due to the added stealth and the ability to move unhindered through sea fungus, Probe Teams can be moved deep into the heart of enemy territory where they can cause the most damage.

On the other hand, recent experimental subjects have expressed extreme discomfort when transported in the Isle of the Deep, namely incessant chittering, cramped conditions and lack of air. We shall require more time to solve this problem before actual probe team operations can be carried out.

Datalinks Item 493-PC-2235

	04-12-1999 04:27									#94
	Put an end to popups!

Location: U.N. Watcher.

"Attention! At ease. Listen good. That noise you hear in the background is our insurance lifting off. Two full squadrons of chaos needlejets are blasting off currently, ETA Data Decentral six hours from now, ..make that four-thirtytwo aye em. One hour from now, we will blast off, using our airdrop boosters to travel to the Isle of Dexamenus. So I want to say a couple of not-so-well chosen words before we leave." The soldiers lined up in front of Manuel try to keep their faces straight, nevertheless some sniggering can be heard. Just as Manuel wanted. He organizes his thoughts.

"I know some of you old-timers don't trust this new fancy-pansy hi-tech stuff you are carrying on your backs, but I don't think you would prefer swimming to the Isle of Dexamenus. Also, that rifle you are carrying is just as hi-tech, and you sure didn't complain when they were handed out. So why don't you follow the rookies' example, and be glad for every toy you are handed?" Ah. That sunk in as expected. Manuel hasn't seen his veterans look so fierce and determined since they were paraded in front of Commissioner Lal, during a combat demonstration.

"And as for the small M.M.I -outlet on the back of your skull; look at it as more metal between you and death." Not that Manuel likes the Mind/Machine Interface any better. He just senses that his soldiers aren't comfortable yet with their new equipment, neither external nor internal, so this speech is necessary. He wants to go into combat with soldiers willing to give everything they have. Manuel quickly resists an urge to scratch the back of his own skull; the doctors have told him any itching has nothing to do with the contacts just under his skin, other than as a sign that he needs to get used to the device being there..

"These new toys will probably mean that many of you will come home who otherwise wouldn't. So STOP WHINING! I don't want to hear ANY complaints from here on, until we land on the Isle of Dexamenus. Understand? Then ATTENTION! Company; prepare to disembark!!"

Thirty seconds later, Manuel is alone in front of the supply-bunker assigned to the company. A queue is already forming between the bunker and the assigned blast-off zone, and each soldier's personal supplies is stacked in a neat pile on his assigned spot. Manuel listens for a while as the sergeants bark instructions, and then checks the time by mentally commanding his M.M.I. to display it for him. Ghostly green letters seem to appear about three meters away. Manuel nods, and heads for the headquarters of the airbase. He salutes to the door-guard, while his M.M.I communicates the necessary clearance to the security-system. The door swings open, and Manuel enters. A glowing, green line leads him through the corridoors and elevators to the office he is looking for. Inside, Air Commodore Leclerk nods at him.

"At ease, captain. You are right on time. Here is the complete data we have been able to assemble for you. Due to the fact that we want you to arrive without warning, we haven't been able to probe or scout the area. However, second-hand probing, specifically in the University and the Morganites, reveals some details you should be prepared for." The Commodore motions for Manuel to take a seat.

"This report is classified. I'm afraid you cannot relay this information to your men." Manuel nods, and grabs the datapad that Leclerk is holding. The Commodore continues his briefing while Manuel reviews it's contents. "Most concerning is the evidence of a power-source far superior to fission. This easily translates into tougher military units. However, your sudden arrival, as well as the pre-bombardment by the needlejets -and no less than two missiles- should have left them in a daze. Nevertheless, be prepared for a resistance the likes of which you have never seen."

Manuel nods. "Sir, have you detected any chemical weapons?"

"Luckily, no. Were that the case, we would not use a conventional assault."

"I understand. Was that all, sir?"

"Yes. Dismissed."

Manuel returns to the launch area. The company is in formation, and a lieutenant orders them into attention as he approaches. "Thank you, lieutenant. Company; at ease! Have the pre-launch checks been made?" The lieutenant steps forward. "Yes, sir! All systems ready and functional sir!" Manuel nods.

"Good. Launch is.. eight minutes from now. Make any final preparations you have. Lieutenant, assist me." With the Lieutenant's help Manuel straps on his airdrop boosters and links them with the M.M.I. Some text immediately appears in front of Manuel.

### Airdrop System Online ###

SYS-check: OK

A string of large rectangles, continuing out of sight among the clouds, appear above Manuel, creating boundaries that he shouldn't cross during flight.

NAV-reticule: Activated

The boosters give a cough, and the Lieutenant steadies Manuel so he doesn't lose his balance.

Engine test: OK

Each flap meant for navigation is tested in turn.

Control Surfaces: OK

### All Systems OK ###
### Ready for Launch ###

Manuel turns to his men. "Allright! You are creating history as well as justice on this mission. Be proud, be strong, and be brave. Let's go! First Platoon, First Squad; GO!" A roar fills the air as a dozen soldiers activate their boosters. Manuel switches to messaging via the M.M.I. ">First Platoon, Second Squad, GO!<" Another squad thunders away. Manuel is on the third squad, so he signals a lieutenant to take over. ">First Platoon, Third Squad GO!<" Manuel wills his boosters into action, and his head slams into the cushioned supports as several G's worth of acceleration grips his body. When he manages to straighten his head and look around, he sees that his initial burst has already propelled him hundreds of meters into the air. Below him, the first squad of the second platoon are blasting off.

Manuel orders another boost, longer and milder, and is soon dodging clouds. ETA Data Decentral: Four hours, fifty-five minutes.

	06-12-1999 01:22									#95
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

New Jeruselum, Main Cathedral

"I am most honoured by your offer, however, and hope we can arrange some other form of cooperation, but in a less violent manner. You have my best wishes," Miriam reads to her Council, in a neutral voice.

"That self-righteous Lal! How dare he lecture us!" shouted Peter, the hot-headed advisor of the holy bunch. Sean leaned back in his leather chair, and looked up toward the ceiling.

"Perhaps there is another way by which we can coax Lal into joining our side. Maybe frame Zakharov with a probe mission?" Andrew spoke up. Andrew always preferred the more subtle maneuvers.

"Lal would know it was from us. Remember the 'framed' attack on University Base? Now Lal and the other poor souls who chose to burden themselves with his meddling alliances are hot on the perpetrator's trail," Sean replied with unusual boldness, sitting up in his chair. Since Elizabeth's death, his character had undergone quite a change.

At the head of the table, sat Miriam, hands together and observing her advisors comment back and forth, like a judge watching a tennis match. At times she would remain unusually silent like this, seeing ideas spring back and forth, feeding into the cognitive factory that was her mind.

Furthermore, the Lord's Council never cast votes on any issue. It ruled by consensus, with the buck stopping at Miriam.

"In any case," Peter said, "I personally am tired by this treaty of 'friendship' we have with Lal. Not only does he disrespect our beliefs, he still insists on maintaining that godless democracy of his, and he continues to befriend Zakharov, and..."

"I don't know what you're suggesting, Peter," Matthew interrupted. "But if you are saying we should cancel our treaty; it's out of the question. The Lord called us to be stewards of our money; with only Lal's and Santiago's treaties, our commerce is barely thriving. To lose our business with Lal would devastate our economy. And Lal knows that."

Finally, Miriam spoke up, her clear voice immediately silencing the murmuring advisors... "After much prayer these past few days, I believe it's time to... befriend other factions. The Believers cannot tolerate dishonorable leaders; as to our economic loss, I would remind you Matthew that our cause is for the Lord, and not for the god of Money." She paused, waiting for the Council's reaction.


"Justice must be swift," Peter said. "The Hive and the Peacekeepers are in a dead heat. A possible tip of the scales toward the Hive..."

"NO. Even if it meant crushing Lal's democracy, Yang's kingdom would double in size, and afterwards we would have reaped a monostrosity of a dictatorship," Miriam replied firmly.

Miriam began to scan the centuries-old memory banks that resided in her head... faces of different faction leaders sweeping through as she considered the different attributes of each leader. With a Ph.D. in Psychology, this process only took but a moment. It was a difficult decision; each faction leader seemed to be embroiled in their own vendettas, those of which she wanted no part in... for now.

She looked up. "Let Lal and Yang fight their own war, and hopefully God will mete our justice upon both those factions. I have endured enough of Lal and his self-righteous minions--"

"But Miriam," interjected the usually quiet Andrew. Council members turned to him in shock, for no one ever stopped Miriam when she began her final decision-making process; doing so was almost equivalent to disturbing the annual ritual of the Lord's high priest in the Holy of Holies during the Jewish era. Miriam overlooked his audacity, for most of the time he was quite meek. "What if Lal would ally with Zakharov and turn against us?"

"God will punish him for his hypocrisy if he were to do so. He does not wish to take part in anyone's vendetta... except his own, of course. I intend to break off our treaty with this Pharisee at once. Though I cannot say I regret to do so," she said as she remembered the relationship they had on the Unity. Times certainly have changed. Matthew stared at the floor, head bowed in humble submission, albeit reluctantly.

"Furthermore, I wish to contact our tree-hugging friend, Lady Dierdre. After all, she is the most 'beautiful' of us all," Miriam smiled. The Lord's Council broke into mild laughter. "My desire is to bend her will to the Lord's. We shall see if we can convince her to accept God's love and grace. Lal has had his chance."

She raised a hand. "Council dismissed. Minister Sean, may the Lord be with you in Agent Kimball's probe team mission. I hope you will bring good news at our next meeting. Council, I will contact Lal and Deirdre myself tomorrow. Today I am quite preoccupied... the academic semester for the Zion Seminary is drawing to a close, and I must finish writing the exams for our students. May the Lord be with you."

Even though Sister Miriam ruled the Believers, she still considered it a priority to continue teaching and preaching to her followers. The Zion Seminary was the most prestigious seminary in all of Believer territory, and the upcoming exams were sure to be a challenge.

	07-12-1999 07:02									#96
	Got spare money?

Her muscles ached and her lungs burned. Native plant life flashed past her eyes as she pushed forward. Liz pounded the ground with her feet as she ran, ignoring all pain to reach her goal. Years of training made it easier, but nothing could prepare you for running for your life. All she was thinking about was getting back to Believer territory, the route firmly planted in her mind. The trip would take a few days, but she had enough provisions to make it.

The alarms had gone off seconds after she had cleared the city defense perimeter, the guards were distracted and hardly noticed her slipping off. A small entry in some security log would note a person running off, but the University Security Chief had clear orders to overlook anything of the kind.

Prokhor Zakharov watched the recording later that day in his newly repaired headquarters. An entire bank of monitors showed the Believer spy’s every move from the time she woke up in an obscure bar in a back alley of University Base, to when she slipped past the security checkpoint. Zakharov looked over at Doctor David Jones, his head biologist, and nodded approval. The doctor was content to smile with satisfaction, everything had worked out perfectly. If all went as he planned, Sister Miriam Godwinson would be standing upon a pile of rubble, the result of a carefully planted bomb in her capital city.

Liz finally stopped to rest after running for a good portion of the day; she had to make it believable after all. Who would think she really escaped from the University of Planet if she showed up back home looking no worse for wear from when she left?

----------

Academician Prokhor Zakharov finished a quick lunch consisting of a combination of replicated earth food and some native delicacies. He cleared the dishes himself, not requiring much effort, everything was just dumped in a recycling unit to be sorted, cleaned and reused. He wiped his desk off with a cloth napkin before tossing it in with the rest. Every University of Planet citizen ate well and many technological breakthroughs had culinary applications, improving quality and quantity.

Zakharov picked up a datapad to review his notes once more before having his secretary put through the conference call request. A few minutes went by before the wall monitor turned on displaying the seal of the Peacekeepers. He slid the datapad aside and folded his hands on top of the table, waiting for Commissioner Lal. The Peacekeeper symbol flickered and the visage of their leader appeared.

“Good afternoon Prokhor, what can I do for you?” Lal smiled and leaned forward curiously. Zakharov was not known to make calls of other faction leaders often.

“It involves the resent attack against University Base by chemical weapons. As per your report, Peacecorp troops have departed for the base of the party responsible and are scheduled to meet with a detachment of my forces within a matter of hours. There is only one base; it is unlikely they will be able to defend for long against our superior militaries and air forces. When their defenses have fallen and the leaders captured, I wish to hold them for war crimes against humanity.”

“That is a bold move Prokhor, but what do I and my fellow Peacekeepers have to do with that?” Pravin Lal cocked his head not quite sure where all of this was leading.

“I would like to hold them up for war crimes in the tradition of the U.N. Court of Justice at The Hague, Netherlands. I am willing to publicly state my faith in the U.N. Charter you uphold and support the spread of democracy. I have already committed a good portion of my military to the protection of the Free Drones and am willing to do the same in the future for others.” Propping his elbows up on his desk, Zakharov leaned forward and rested his chin on his folded hands.

Commissioner Lal sat back in his seat and closed his eyes for a moment thinking back to his letter from Miriam Godwinson. “Are you suggesting we sign a Pact of Brotherhood Prokhor?”

“That was my intention. I know your war with the Hive is at a virtual standstill and it is in both our best interests to preserve Democracy over Chairman Yang’s vicious Police State.”

“I shall have to think this over, it is not a decision to make lightly as I am sure you know.”

Zakharov sighed in response. “I realize that I have been accused of unethical research methods and experiments in the past. My research continues as it always will, but I am willing to open my laboratories to Peacekeeper personnel to inspect to your satisfaction.”

“That is not my main concern Prokhor, I have several other things to consider before I can commit to a Pact of Brotherhood. I will contact you when I have come to a decision. Good day.”

The channel was shut down and Zakharov sat looking at a blank monitor for a minute before shaking his head in disappointment.

	07-12-1999 08:25									#97
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

1200 hours
Morgan Interstellar
Warehouse District 1-3-5 Blue Sector

“Sinder has been an interesting irregularity, she continues to amaze me.”

“I think you take to much interest in these simpletons.”

“They are no different then you or I.”

“But your wrong about that… they are ignorant to the future.”

“Ignorance can be better than knowledge.”

“They fight each other, without hesitation. They have doomed themselves to humanity’s past mistakes.”

“But there is hope.”

“Yes there is hope, but hope does not mean victory.”

“Perhaps, but we will help our fellow simpletons tip the balance.”

“That is, if project rebirth succeeds.”

“It will, I have my best man on the job.”

“He better be your best, for your sake and mine.”

“Actually, last time I checked, he was making great progress with the specimen at the training facility.”

*********************************************

1200 hours
Secret Hollow

Sinder paced her room slowly, trying to evaluate her precarious situation. ‘If they find out about this base, we are finished. But I can not do anything about it, for now. We just need more time!’ Sinder annoyingly thought as she stopped in front of her desk to look at a blinking message on her datapad.

- Message Urgent -

Sinder, come to the test grounds, Zebra and I have something to show you.

- Beetle

You may have your wish at last!

- Message Complete -

*********************************************

1300 hours
Rebuilt HQ, Data DeCentral

“What do you have to report Daniel? I trust you didn’t interrupt my meeting with Morgan representatives for nothing.” Tomahawk said as he walked into his personal command room and took his seat at his desk.

“Sir, I have urgent news, I suggest I brief you while we go to the war room, your commanders are waiting." Daniel Wheeler, Tomahawk’s new assistant said as he motioned for his boss to follow him.

Both men briskly walked out, chattering as they walked to the elevator lifts, to reach the underground floors, where the new war room had securely been built.

“What’s the problem Daniel, do we have something incoming.” Tomahawk asked as he walked into the elevator.

“Actually Sir, several incoming targets are approaching from the east. We are not sure about their makeup, but we know their Peacekeepers.” Daniel had yet to see actually combat and was nervous about the impending events.

“Peacekeepers, here now? Why?” Tomahawk yelled out as he irritatingly waited for the elevator to drop to the bottom.

“Who knows Sir, but intelligence has been getting hints about something the Peacekeepers were planning militarily. I guess this is what they were conceiving.”

“Have our forces been mustered?” Tomahawk inquired as he finally stepped out of the elevator, into a dark glowing red room three levels underground.

“Good afternoon sir.” The group of commanders said simultaneously as he appeared.

“I hope you have better news gentlemen than what Daniel as told me so far.” Tomahawk said as he nodded back to his commanders and took a seat at the war table.

“I have scrambled one squadron of the F-3bs, but I'm not optimistic. They are only equipped with impact weapons, dating before the civil war.” Lt. Commander Blanca, who commanded the small airforces said as he stood up and addressed the table.

“Unfortunately Sir, we are also uncertain of our chances on the ground, we have only a few units available. The two plasma garrisons, with the missile rover battalion is the only units operational. The real problem is that they are unequipped to fight large air formations. If you remember Sir, our plan was to equip these units next spring with the photon armor and triple A capability.” Commander Kirk said, as he looked at Tomahawk ashamed of his army’s poor shape.

“No need to be ashamed gentleman, it is regrettable that we are forced to fight a conventional war, so soon since our last battle with Sinder. Does anyone have any ideas to equal the balance or any intelligence on the incoming forces?” Tomahawk asked to an ere quiet table.

The table was silent as the half a dozen commanders pretended to check statistics and information on their datapads, all knowing that they were in a pitiful shape.

“I see…..we must wear down the forces slowly. Our only chance of victory is to make this fight a meat grinder. Blanca, use your fighters to keep them busy, I know I’m asking almost suicide, but you must. Kirk, deploy your forces in the city and out of harms way from those attack aircraft. We are still unsure if they have a ground attachment on some naval vessel headed our way, but if they do. Fight house to house, they are to far away from home to be resupplied. And knowing the Peacekeepers, they tend to avoid or retreat if faced with a drawn out battle. God Speed.” Tomahawk finished and the commanders broke to contact their respective sub-commanders.

‘I know why they are coming…..that bastard Sinder, they are blaming us for her order. If we lose this battle, I may have one more card to play.’ Tomahawk thought as he walked to the large map of the Isle of Dexamenus plastered to the wall and looked at the topography of the area.

	07-12-1999 13:18									#98
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Dressed in black, Agent Don Kimball looked out into the vast blue sea. All he could hear was the waves lapping against the foil, and some dolphins, or whatever they were on Planet, laughing in the background. God truly was a remarkable Creator.

He looked at his new probe foil, sleek, black, and barely emitting any trace of a sound. His two probe members, the same two who were a part of Operation Chaos, sat at the end of the foil, talking, as the foil moved along the waters.

He closed his eyes, feeling the fresh breeze embrace his body. How he longed to see Liz's beautiful face again. Since he abandoned her into the hands of the University soldiers, he never shed a tear for her loss. To avoid the pain of her death, he tried to fill his mind with other thoughts...

"Don! Stop the ship!" crackled a voice from his radio. Thankfully, his depressing reverie was over. Sean's voice urgently continued, "Radar detects some ships passing in your vincinity."

Sure enough, from the horizon came a fleet of five mighty ships, armed with powerful artillery. Don narrowed his eyes, looking through his bronoculers on his headgear. Thank God, he thought. They won't detect us.

Yet as the fleet began passing by their probe foil, Don noticed that unlike most factions' fleets, these ships were not all constructed in the same style. Two of the ships' paint was chipped, with a faded dark green diamond on its side. Gaian ships... Another small and raggety looking foil had a white semi-circle with a dot in the center on its hull.. Remnants of Yang's symbol... And the last two... sure enough.. bore the familiar symbol of a cross. The sailors milling about on the decks were not those in clean-cut uniforms, but a rag-tag bunch of rowdy buccaneers.

My God, Don thought. These are the mysterious misfits that have been raiding our ships.. Don burned with holy anger, but kept his mind focused on the mission. He must locate one of these mysterious faction's bases. "Minister Yang," Don spoke into the radio. He decided to begin addressing Sean formally, to get on his good side. Sean would never forgive him for abandoning Liz... "I've located some of this faction's ships... two of them were Believer ships. This faction does indeed exist."earthbeing...

"What? What did you say?" Don asked.

"I didn't say anything Agent Kimball. Proceed toward the east..."

earthbeings... follow earthmiriam... planetnotpromisedlandplanetnotpromisedland.. earthbeingsnotwelcome..

A flood of foreign psi energy began to penetrate Don's brain, and he slammed his hands over his ears in a futile effort to block the waves. The other probe members kneeled to the ground, clutching their heads and bowed in agony.

notwelcomeatseaearthbeings.. planetnotpromisedland.. planetnowelcomeearthbelievers.. earthmiriamruinplanetplanetpromisedlandnotwelcome

Soon the stream of words became accelerated in speed and virtually incomprehensible... "GO!!!" screamed Don to the pilot of the probe foil, who then went full speed ahead. Going full speed could risk getting caught by other factions, but it was worth it..

Meanwhile, back in New Jeruselum control room, Sean stared at the screen with eyes wide open. Though he was miles away from Don, the same psi energy penetrated Sean's mind, filling his head with a voice that triggered horrible memories from the death of his mother.

However, unlike the incomprehensible gibberish that Don heard, and that Sean heard ten years ago when he witnessed a swarm of mindworms kill his mother, a very clear voice spoke in Sean's head, clear and yet accompanied by a multitude of quiet chittering.

Minister Sean Yang... came the singsong voice. Sean looked around in panic. No one else was in the room. Hands filled with perspiration, he quickly breathed a prayer to exorcise the demon that was plaguing his mind...

Planet is angry, and know that I am here to pronounce judgement. the voice continued, accompanied by raspy whisperings. This time the voice sounded strangely human. High-pitched, hollow, almost like a child...

We have observed your kind for years, Minister Yang. Know that for every filthy creature that abuses this land, Planet stores up Her wrath tenfold. Your kind believe that Planet is somehow your possession, your 'promised land,' as you disgustingly call it. Planet's patience wears thin, and I will execute Her will."

Sean could do nothing. The voices hurt his head considerably, yet he remained mentally as sturdy as a fortress, trying to heed this strange voice carefully.

Moreover, you mock Planet with your so-called 'economics.' Your kind multiplies and spreads across the land like a plague, and your factories spew their venemous poison into Planet's air. You think you can defeat Planet? You think you can overcome Planet?

Minister Yang, I remember you. I specifically remember your father's decision to construct thermal boreholes at the outskirts of Terrible Swift Sword, during his tenure as governor. I hope your mother's death taught your father a fine lesson.



NO, Sean thought. Rage filled his heart as hot tears streamed down his cheeks, as he realized that his mother's death was not because of wild mindworms, but was ordered by this.. Satanic voice...

The steely voice continued. Yet you and your kind continue. I see your kind have decided to explore the seas. Do you think Planet will allow you to spread your filth to other lands? Do you think I will allow you to? As a testament of my power... I shall execute these mortal friends of yours. Let this be a sobering lesson to your arrogant kind.

No, Sean thought. He must mean... Don and the probe team.. He had already lost Liz on his first mission. He will NOT lose another probe team, even if it was Don, whom he disliked. A part of him desired sweet revenge on the one who abandoned Liz, but he knew the Lord called him to forgive him. NO... I implore you, whomever you are. Do not destroy these... worthless mortals for the sake of punishing those truly responsible.

The voice hesitated, apparently somewhat surprised that a mortal could use psi energy to communicate so clearly. Such ability usually signified an innate, close connection with Planet and was quite rare. Very well, Minister... Planet tells me She is impressed with your latent psi capabilities, and deems you someone worthy of trust. For now. Know that you have suspended Her wrath but for a moment. Notify that Religious Freak, Sister Miriam. My isle of the deep has already mentally downloaded your commlink frequency from your probe foil and I will communicate with your bible-thumping leader soon.

Suddenly the chittering stopped. Sean slumped back in his chair, exhausted and sweaty. "Minister Yang? Are you there? I think we finally escaped... I believe it was another wild isle of the deep. Thank God we got away."

Relieved to hear Don's voice, Sean replied, "Yes, the Lord has been merciful once again to us.. May the rest of the mission be a success." Sean decided to forgo telling him about his... experience. He sighed. Obviously Miriam would have to know about this, but she probably wouldn't want to, given her current diplomatic pressures of dealing with Lal and Dierdre.

Meanwhile, 40 stories above Sean, sat Miriam facing the screen on the left wall. Saying a quick prayer, she dialed the commlink frequency for Pravin Lal.

	08-12-1999 03:14									#99
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Location: U.N. Watcher

"This is flight control to Alpha and Bravo groups; come in."

The response is loud and without interference:
"Alpha one here."
"Bravo one here."

The comms-officer nods to a commander, who grabs a microphone. "This is Air Commodore Morito. You are now three minutes from your target. Report."

"Alpha one reporting. We are at full operational status. All wingmen are go."

"Bravo one reporting. We have less fuel than predicted due to some heavy turbulence at four thousand meters. Otherwise all systems nominal."

The commodore glances at Bravo group's fuel readouts and nods. "Alpha and Bravo, you have the all clear. Commence operation 'Hubris'."

"This is Alpha one -roger that. Switching to active scanners... Bogeys at fifteen degrees! Alpha group -engage."

"This is Bravo one. We'll cover you, Alpha."

"Alpha one, firing..."

"Alpha six firing.. splash! One down."

"Alpha three, I'm hit, I'm hit!"

Air Commodore Morito brings up Alpha three's stats onto his comm-screen. The hit, although a bulls-eye, didn't penetrate. "This is flight command. The enemy is using outdated weaponry that poses little threat to your photon shielding."

"Alpha three, received."

"Alpha group; this is Alpha one. Use evasive tactics and save some armour. No use being cocky because they can't shoot you down at once."

"Bravo two reporting a splash! He's dow- Hey, how did he survive that? Ah well. Firing.. Boom! NOW he's gone."

"Bravo five here, one down."

"Alpha one here, one down."

"Bravo one here. One down. Hold on. Remaining bogeys are breaking off. Pursuing."

Air Commodore Morito nods, satisfied, as the remaining needlejets are shot down. "Alpha and Bravo groups, patrol for hostiles until your fuel reads fifty per cent. Then return to base."

"This is Alpha one. Got that. Scanners show no hostiles.. No military-grade energy signatures from the base. Doing a fly-by.. No enemy units detected. Initiating standard patrol."

Location: Data Decentral

"Whoo-hooo!!"

">Storgard, knock it off. You need to break your descent some more if you wish to keep your legs intact when you land.<"

">Right, Captain! First platoon, start landing sequence on my mark! Ready! NOW!<"

The pink smudge just south of Data Decentral quickly becomes a large fungal field. Seconds later the mottled pink surface seems to stretch all the way to the horizon. Manuel slowly increases the thrust, until he hovers about ten meters above the ground. He lets the automatic landing program take over, and he lands lightly. He unfastens the drop boosters, and turns around to shout some orders. Then he remembers he doesn't have to, anymore. A queasy feeling overcomes him as he watches Storgard, now a Lieutenant, silently bark the orders to the first platoon.

">Get out of the way and start assembling your crawler!<"

'How different this war is from operation Tunnel Fire', Manuel muses. 'Now we can roar orders without opening our mouths, and we can fly like rockets as if it were the most natural thing in the world. All hail M.M.I.'

The first platoon's infantry crawler is assembled, and Manuel stows away his drop equipment. He assumes position just behind Lieutenant Storgard, who is at the controls. The second and third platoons are also quickly assembling their crawlers, and in the distance Manuel can see the lights as the 27th regiment's third company lands. He wills open a commlink.

">This is Captain Cormora of the second company. We're all clear -and mildly bruised. What is your status?<"

">Captain Steiner of the third here. A soldier from the second platoon landed on his head. It's not a pretty sight. We're bringing his body with us. Otherwise we're ready.<"

">Ok. Will contact you once we're inside city perimeters.<" Manuel flips to another comm-frequency. ">This is Captain Manuel Cormora to Alpha and Bravo groups. How are you doing?<"

">This is Alpha one. Our fuel is almost at the halfway mark, so we'll be leaving you in a few minutes. Don't seem to be much activity around; we haven't seen a single rover since we got here. However, our scanners are being jammed -so you should expect some kind of resistance. Not a big deal, though, judging from the gnats we swatted out of the sky. Since we can't find another target the two missiles are heading for the harbor and the airport. That should eliminate the chance of any escape or counterstrike by sea or air. ETA fifteen minutes.<"

">Thanks. Anything else?<"

">Mission control wishes good luck, and -oh, yes. The University forces should arrive early tomorrow morning.<"

">Allright; the base should be flagging the U.N. emblem by then. Over and out.<"

Manuel surveys his company of soldiers once more. He notes how much Corporal Ulrich reminds him of Corporal McDougal. The stance is the same, but Ulrich's expression is much more fierce than the gentle McDougal ever could have managed. Of course, the illusion is strengthened by the Mayhem Minigun, a Chaos-gun that replaces the minigyro, that Ulrich is carrying.

">Let's move. Company! March!<"

	08-12-1999 04:34									#100
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

Unity Drone Quarters
M.Y. 2100


Domai entered in the U.N.S Unity drone quarters with the sound of war around him. Most of his loyal drone allies were already awake and giving orders to his men. The Drone Rebellion was proceeding smoothly. They had blocked all entrances to the drone quarters and were pushing the Talents outward. Within the hour, control of the nearest landing pod would be theirs. Once there, they could get inside and make Planetfall. After that, the war for freedom would truly begin.

Domai proceeded out into the hall. The sounds of fighting could be heard farther down the corridor. The Drones were making excellent progress. As Domai continued down the hall, the door burst open. Domai quickly opened a nearby service hatch and hid inside. Several men ran past him, oblivious that they were in Drone territory, and all armed with shredder pistols.

“I hear Svensgarrd‘s forces are making a break for the left wing!”

“That’s where the sea escape pods are! The bastard must be trying to make a water landing and escape us! We have to hold him off!”

“My men are ready for ambush. He won’t make it.”

“Good. Once we defeat him, we can secure that pod for Provost Zakharov. That will be three for him, right?”

They continued down the hall, and Domai heard their screams several seconds later as they ran into the battle zone. Domai felt no pity for them. After all, they were the enemy. They were the ones who would enslave him if they caught him. Domai mulled the situation over. ‘Hmm… Svensgarrd has gone rebel as well… sea escape pods? Planet must be mostly water, and he wants a pod for his people!’ Domai broke into a run now and dashed toward the conflict zone in search of a weapon.

It didn’t take him long to find out how bad the situation actually was.

The corridor was mostly filled with fighting men, apparently on three different sides. Domai could recognise several of his troops still up, still pushing the attackers back. However, Domai himself was unarmed and he dived for cover into an alcove and found himself in an air duct. Deciding that crawling through the duct was better then getting himself shot, Domai continued forward. Perhaps he could get some idea what opposition was up ahead and relay it back to the rebel leaders. After all, Domai was just a simple drone himself.

From beneath, Domai could hear the sounds of war. The entire ship, and not just the Drones, had broken into chaos and was desperately fighting each other for control of the eight landing pods. The name U.N.S Unity was not without a touch of irony, it seemed.

After several minutes, Domai found himself on top of a grating, looking down into a room. Inside, he recognised Security Chief Yang and several others.

Yang spoke, “What of the search? Any sign of Aki Hansen?”

“None yet, Chairman. ‘Chairman?! We searched the closest sick bay and found it empty. Entry to the next one over is blocked by Morgan’s troops, and we lacked a sufficient force to overtake them.”

Yang’s eyes blazed, “Need I remind you what she could do for us? We must capture her. I don’t want excuses; I want results! Send a larger force and break through. Now, you there! What about Domai?”

“Nothing also. After a quick fight with some of their kind, we found the drone quarters had been evacuated. No sign of Domai.” Evacuated? They must have left to board the pod!

“In other words, you have failed. Find him!”

“But Chairman! He’s just a common drone. There are many of his type. Why must we sacrifice our lives for one stupid drone?”

Questioning Yang was a good way to wind up dead, but Yang answered, “Domai… is special. The brain damage while repairing the Unity has made him almost completely dumb to pain, and he possesses a real skill for managing a construction zone. I want him, not one other Drone.”

“With the Drone rebellion, not to mention the other factions, he’s probably already dead.”

Yang sighed, “No… no. He’s not dead. He’s so close… so close.”

At that moment, the grating Domai was on collapsed and he fell into the room, and at the business end of several shredder pistols.

“Well well, it’s Domai. Nice of you to join us. You’ll be coming with us. Check him for weapons and-“

The door burst open, “Chairman Yang! Lal’s men have stopped their assault on our bay and are falling back! Now is the time to get you in!”

Yang nodded, “Secure the hall from here to there, and also from our cytobay. It’s time to get our people onboard.” he turned to Domai and sneered, “You’ll love what we have in store. You’ll be quite useful for our new nation. Let’s go!”

The troop moved toward the bay, and toward the future.
[This message has been edited by Jasonian (edited January 13, 2000).]

	09-12-1999 05:27									#101
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

1710 hours
Data DeCentral
City Block Alpha, Moses Street

“Here they come….fire on my signal.” Commander Kirk whispered over the comlink to his sub-commanders who were scattered throughout the city street buildings, waiting to ambush the unsuspecting enemy.

“Let’s combine our attack on that large infantry crawler out front. My guess is that they got most of their infantry riding inside.” Kirk said as he motioned for one of his soldiers to throw him an anti-tank impact rifle.

“Sir, the rovers are standing by inside the Grumman building, sergeant Sagat wants his orders.” Kirk’s comlink operator said as he trudged over to him.

“Tell Sagat to hold them there, let’s use the infantry first to demobilize them.” Kirk answered back as he rose his firearm up to the window.

He could see one or two large crawlers slowly traveling down the rode, with a couple dozen men walking briskly beside it. They were definitely Peacekeepers, and were far better armed then Kirk’s three units were. His sub-commanders must have thought him nuts to keep the rovers on stand bye for now, but he knew what he was doing. He had left the underground bunker with Tomahawk to be close to his troops and see the battle as it happened.

“Their armor is to strong to pierce, so lets try to force it onto its side.” Kirk said he pointed his anti-tank weapon at the crawler.

“Every thing is in place Sir.” The same comlink operator said as he put down his radio gear and took out his own rifle out.

“Let’s do it…….Fire!”

A large buzzing broke the silence of the street, stopping the Peacekeepers in their tracks as they looked around the street wondering what the noise was. Most of the younger Peacekeeper troops had never heard impact rifles, do to the weapon’s old age.

But, unlike these weapons, many of the Peacekeepers would not live to grow old. The gates of hell opened as several dozen screaming anti-tank impact shots dashed through the building windows on a path for the infantry crawler.

The infantry crawler swayed back and forth until, one group of well placed shots hit the side, forcing it to topple onto its right side. There was hardly any external damage, but several shots had damaged the gear treads, demobilizing it onto its right side.

“Alright men, over the top.” Kirk yelled over the comlink as the two plasma garrisons broke more windows and started sniping the unprepared Peacekeepers.

Several dozen of the men inside the wrecked crawler staggered out into the hell fire of chaos and impact energy weapons. Several small teams of Peacekeepers managed to get safely into the street buildings that were along the street, while most opted to hide behind the crawler.

Men hobbled along the street without arms or legs, shocked psychologically from the burst of pain and agonizing fire they felt inside their bodies. While some crazed men stood up from their cover and started shooting insanely in any direction, appalled and driven insane by the situation, until they were permanently silenced.

“Sir, we got a problem.” Kirk turned his head to see his comlink officer who had stopped firing.

“Son, get your butt back on the firing line, we can’t let them get organized.” Kirk screamed to the young first class private.

“Sir, we got more company. A second undetected Peacekeeper platoon is about a half a mile away from our position, and they’re on their way to help these guys.”

‘Damit, we attacked to soon, we should have waited till all the Peacekeeper platoons were inside the city.’ Kirk thought, but only managed to scream a volley of curses out to his soldiers inside his own building. The two men suddenly were tossed back, as the wall of the building erupted, do to a peace keeper chaos weapon.

“This is suicide…” Kirk said as he laid against the opposite wall bleeding and broken. Then all was black.

The street battle continued on as the Peacekeepers finally started to organize themselves into small units under the fire from all sides. Men littered the street… the unfortunate ones who couldn’t get to safety quick enough. Yet, the Probe warriors were doing not much better. Their protective buildings were being shattered by the enormous blast radiuses of the chaos armed Peacekeepers, and blood ran through the streets in abundance.

The remaining Probe infantry commanders, separated in their own little mini-fort buildings along the doomed street, stopped firing to hear a message that came over the comlink.

“This is Sgt. Sagat, of the first missile rover battalion, we will be there in several seconds, you must hold on.” A dozen rovers several streets away rammed through their protective buildings, in which they were hiding from Peacekeeper scanners, on their way to help their infantry brethren.

The commanders turned back to the battle to see thousands of rounds buzzing throughout the street, some pointed at individual stronghold buildings, while even more were aimed at the by now, charred crawler and its defenders. They felt confident that help was on the way. But as the Peacekeepers finally received help from the infantry platoon that had rushed to their assistants, they felt their fate was sealed as the horde of overpowering infantry began to destroy any sign of probe resistance still remaining.

[This message has been edited by Cotroneo (edited December 08, 1999).]

	09-12-1999 09:44									#102
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1800 hours
Secret Hollow, Testing Grounds

The testing grounds were nothing more than a slab of cleared grassland, that was unoccupied by the bases slowly growing population. It was still within the cloaking field’s perimeter, making it a perfect place to test new types of mining equipment, robotic systems, and weapons if needed.

“What did you drag me out here for Beetle, I thought the new mining equipment was working perfectly inside the first borehole.” Sinder said to Beetle, who was standing with several scientists looking at the large patch of grassland.

“Watch closely.” Beetle replied, not even bothering to turn to her and talk.

Suddenly a large metallic disk shot out of a device to the left of Sinder. Sinder took a step back and covered her ears from the sudden sound crashing against her eardrums. The diskette slowly grew quieter as it gained altitude and distance from their position.

“Don’t blink Sinder!” Beetle finally yelled over the disk’s noise, as it reached its arch apex.

A burst of glowing white light seemed to come out of know where directly from the center of the field. The stream of pure white light followed the disk until the two forces met. The steady drone of the disk suddenly stopped, and then the sky erupted into a ball of fire, as if the sun had exploded directly in front of them.

“What the...” Sinder stopped what she was about to say as she turned her eyes from the flaming disk to the point at which the glowing white light had originated.

The area around the point seemed to fizzle back and forth. Almost like when a person looks at the horizon in a desert. Another white light caused Sinder to turn away and close her eyes. She turned back to see one of the smaller ogres idle at the center of the grassland.

“…heck was that.” Sinder finally completed what she had started to say.

Just before Beetle could answer her, a person slowly appeared to come out of the ogre, drawing the spectators’ attention. The man who came out of an opening on top of the metallic beast, stood up slowly and waved to them. Sinder quickly pressed three buttons in sequence on her wrist pad, causing her optical contacts to zoom in on the person. Sure enough, it was a slightly gray haired Zebra. He propelled down a stairs that some engineers brought over, and started to walk over to the others who had watched the spectacle from a distance.

“Sinder, I think this is the ‘solution’ you were hoping for.” Beetle simply said as he turned to Sinder who still had a visage of amazement on her face.

“Boy, I leave you guys alone with your toys, and this is what happens.” Sinder comically replied as she mentally took in everything that happened.

“It was actually Zebra who developed the human systems able to maneuver the ogre.” Beetle said modestly.

“Last time I saw this thing, it was still inside the B building, how did you get it out of there?” Sinder asked to Zebra who had finally arrived.

“Well, I guess I should start from the beginning.” Zebra stopped and took a seat at a console that was set up around the test area to monitor the ogre’s readings. “Several days ago, we made an important discovery. One of our minor technicians found what looked like a power uplink attached to the structure of the ogre. We played around with one of our portable power generators, and with a few modifications we….well to put it in layman’s terms….we turned on the power switch, which activated the onboard generators. After that, it was simply translating the machine’s limited computer database into a human control system. We built a compartment, similar to a cockpit, inside the beast, where we can uplink and control the creatures commands. Although, I must admit, I don’t understand much of the computer language, if you can call it that, so our abilities are limited at this time.” Zebra finished and turned to his console’s monitors and looked keenly at some of the readings.

Sinder, feeling that she got the gist of what was said, turned to Beetle to further question what had happened. “How did it appear out of thin air?”

“It didn’t just appear from thin air Sinder, it was actually there the whole time. We felt that a few ‘intriguing’ modifications might make it more ‘interesting’. One being the miniaturized stealth generator attached to it. We found that the machine’s internal engine supply is so tremendous, that we are able to power add-ons like a stealth generator with out a problem.” Sinder seemed even more confused as ever after Beetle’s explanation.

“What was that beam of light Beetle, a chaos gun?” Sinder asked as she took another look at the metallic beast standing in the field.

“Chaos, that’s a laugh, we know it’s not that.” Zebra answered for Beetle as he turned away from his console to join the group.

“Then what was it?” Sinder directed her question towards Zebra this time.

“Well….we’re not sure….but I’ve seen specs on chaos weapons before, and it was far from them in weapon energy and design. This test that you saw was a group of tests planned to test the weapon’s strength, power and lay out. That circular disk was made up of multiple silksteel alloys, and it cut through it like a hot knife threw butter.” Zebra said lavishly.

“I would prefer to be told about any tests that are being done, next time. Were you aware of the danger of testing a weapon system this strange inside the stealth generator? We have no clue about this……battle ogre’s……origins or abilities. It could be a University bomb for all we know.” Sinder felt like she was scolding a child who stole some food from the kitchen before dinnertime.

“We both understand, but we felt it was important to go ahead with the tests as soon as possible. Especially with the attacks on Data DeCentral happening as we are speaking.” Beetle said as he tried to play peacemaker between the two.

Sinder took a step back, and stroked her hair back covering her eyes.

“I’m sorry gentlemen, I’ve been extremely busy lately, and it seems you made a prudent decision on your part. Any proposal that you guys would have made may have slowed down the project, your initiative is commended.” Zebra merely nodded to Sinder’s apology.

The strain of running a faction, even as small as the Data Angels, without adequate supplies or personal was extremely stressful. Sinder wished she could go back to her old probe days working for Morgan, but she felt that freedom and self-determination out weighed her personal lavish feelings. Sinder proceeded to walk back slowly to her command room, yet she felt very confident that she had the right people in government and that good times were just around the horizon. Perhaps these three new battle ogres could prove to be the security that she wished for.

	11-12-1999 00:45									#103
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

*bleep*

Miriam waited patiently as the Peacekeeper symbol remained on her screen, signifying that Lal had not yet arrived at the command room but would soon be there. Taking advantage of this down time, she asked God to give her guidance for the right words to say.

A harrowed looking Pravin Lal appeared on the screen. He looked more tired than usual. Typical signs of an ardent peacekeeper, straining to keep the factions at peace with each other. Miriam almost felt some sympathy for his cause, but remained resolute.

"Greetings Brother Lal. As usual, I commend your humanitarian efforts and hope things are going well in your web of diplomacy," Miriam started.

"Sister Miriam, spare the formalities. It is obvious why you have contacted me," Lal replied. Lal's face remained stern. Ever since the breakup at the Unity, Lal's idealistic visions for the unification of humankind were falling apart, and he no longer wished to beg and plead sycophantically with factions to join hands. Although he never abandoned his cause, his approach had become more straightforward and blunt, for he subconciously blamed his weak personality for the breakup of the Unity. Had he taken charge aboard the ship, these splintered factions would not exist, and all of Planet would be under his legitimate rule.

True or not, that was the psychoanalysis that Miriam came up with to describe his current personality. The tone of his voice, the look of his face was enough to communicate that he was slightly on edge. Miriam did not have to look at the bioscan to know that.

"Brother Lal, I will not bother to repeat my arguments in the letter. I give you one last chance. Cut off the treaty of friendship with the immoral Zakharov. Bear in mind our own treaty of friendship, and that it is a two-way street."

"Miriam, my decision will not change. Zakharov has done me no wrong. In fact, I would implore you to call of your vendetta on Zakharov yourself. In the name of 'religion' you have murdered thousands..." Lal shook his head. Normally he would speak more diplomatically, but he was tired of the same conversation, and his true opinions must be known. "Would you only allow your citizens to decide for themselves what to think..."

"Brother Lal," Miriam interjected, face burning with anger. "Do not attempt to preach at me with your self-righteous rhetoric. You are essentially asking me to throw away everything that I believe in."

Miriam continued, "Back on Earth, when they began to recruit crew members for the Unity, God was gracious to me and allowed me to be selected. I was overjoyed by the opportunity to bring God's love and freedom to the dying souls of humanity, and to bring His guidance to the promised land. However, during the months leading up to the Unity, I felt betrayed. Those in charge demanded that I compromise my faith to accommodate those on board.

As 'psych chaplain,' I was not to go around preaching my religion. My sole purpose was to provide a source of inspiration, counseling, and hope to those on board, a disgusting and watered-down version of what I felt I was truly called to do. The reason? Those in charge of the Unity project were mired in politics. The only reason I was chosen was because they wanted to appease the growing population of believers."

"That's not true. The whole project reeked of politics, yes," Lal replied, remembering that he himself arranged to get his beloved Pria on board though she failed the medical exam. He also thought it rather ironic that Zakharov and Miriam, bitter enemies, both shared the same hatred for politics. One wanted unfettered research, the other unfettered religion. He continued, "You were chosen for your remarkable charisma, you ability to counsel those in need..."

"Hogwash! Regardless of my abilities, the believers would have overthrown the government had they not chosen me, their leader. And yet after I was chosen, they attempted to purge me of my beliefs for the sake of 'compromise,' as to not 'offend' others on board, and most of all, as to not lose the support of the governments and other various godless constituencies.

"As you can see, Pravin," she continued in a rare personal manner, "all of life I have had to deal with your kind, so-called 'democratic' idealists who wish to eradicate God for the sake of 'freedom' and compromise! Although I lamented the breakup of the Unity, I suddenly saw that God Almighty had graciously bestowed upon me the freedom I had always longed for. Freedom from meddling politicians. Freedom from those scientists and activists who would destroy my faith. I finally had the freedom to enact the Truth of God onto flocks of people willing to follow me. I cannot let go of that freedom."

Lal remained silent for a moment, slightly angered that Miriam would rejoice at the breakup of the Unity... "What are you saying, Miriam?"

She closed her eyes and breathed, her passion and anger dying away. She calmly replied, "The treaty of friendship is cancelled." Her eyes opened, her piercing gaze magnifying the effect of her words.

Feeling as if hit with a ton of bricks, Lal's heart grew heavy, yet at the same time he was not surprised at all by her reaction. It could have been much worse... she could even have sided with Yang. This only proved that Lal could only remained straddling the fence for a period of time. He quickly wondered how long he would be able to maintain his treaties with Dierdre and Morgan. "As you wish, Miriam. Know that your contentious bible-thumping behavior does not sit well with me. You will soon find out that true freedom will be yours when you decide to cease shoving your extremist moral code down other people's throats. Lal out." Lal hated ending dialogues on a sour note, but sometimes fire just had to be fought with fire.

Unfazed by his response, Miriam closed the commlink and felt a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Suddenly, she heard an urgent knock at the door. "Enter," she said wearily, as evening was approaching and she had had a long day.

Sean rushed into the room and said, "You're not going to like this."

	11-12-1999 20:33									#104
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

M.Y. 2235
Alpha Prime, Cybernetic Consciousness Headquarters

Phelan Ward slowly opened his eyes. He sat up in the bunk he had been sleeping in. Then the memories came back to him.

Had it been all a dream? The interrogation. The torture. An incredibly vivid, but nonetheless, still a dream?

Phelan peered around his confines. A windowless room, completely bare except for the cot he was sitting on. To call it a cell would be more appropriate.

Noiselessly, the door to his cell slid open. From what he had been through, he'd expected a titan to come through the door, but what he saw surprised him.

A girl of about his own age appeared in the doorway. She wore her dirty blonde hair very straight, allowing it to fall halfway down her back. Upon closer scrutiny, Phelan noticed that she had emerald-green eyes and a pert, upturned nose that gave her otherwise emotionless face an amused expression. Like Phelan, she wore a flowing teal robe. Phelan could only gawk at her. He had never seen such beauty back home in Safe Haven, nor anywhere else for that matter.

Then he noticed the metallic nodes sticking out of her head. A mixed pang of fear and realization struck him in the pit of his stomach. She was a Cyborg.

"Good morning, Lieutenant Commander Phelan Ward. I trust that you have slept well." Phelan could hardly believe that a cyborg could have such a soft, lilting voice like the one he was hearing. "Please follow me, Lieutenant Commander. There is someone who needs to speak to you."

Phelan meekly got to his feet and followed her through the doorway. The girl led him through a long corridor until they reached an unmarked door at the end. She punched a series of numbers on a panel beside the door. Tones rang out as she did so, but they were too quick for Phelan to remember.

"Please proceed, Lieutenant Commander." Phelan would have preferred to continue staring at her, but curiosity pushed him to keep moving.

As he entered, he saw that this room was as spartan as the one he had been in before, except that this contained a metal table and two chairs, one of which was occupied.

A familiar figure rose from the chair to greet him. "Hello, Phelan."

****************

"Rear-Admiral de Bilde?! But... how can this be? I saw the Prometheus sink during the war with the Cyborgs... there were no survivors..."

"How can I be still alive? To put it bluntly, Phelan, I'm not. After the Pirate reinforcements departed, Cyborg salvage teams managed to recover my body from the sea. Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde is dead, Phelan. As it is, you are now speaking to the Consciousness through what used to be the human Thomas de Bilde."

"But why? Why do this?"

Rear-Admiral de Bilde, no, not Rear-Admiral de Bilde, just a cyborg now. The cyborg motioned for Phelan to take a seat.

"Phelan, you have to realize that we are a small faction, somewhat like the Nautilus Pirates. Like the Pirates, we have considerable military power, but that is where the similarities end. We do not have the vast seas to expand in like the Pirates. Therefore, we have to expand into the lands of other factions. You know that we, as small factions, need to expand and consolidate our power to have any chance at all of standing up against the larger factions such as the Hive or the Believers.

"When we placed our information on the other factions into our simulators, the simulators projected that we had the largest probability of success against a relatively new faction calling themselves the Free Drones. This probability of success was to be further increased when your Captain Ulrik Svensgaard agreed on a joint attack on the Free Drones, or so we had been led to believe.

"But Svensgaard decided to take his chances and work together with the Free Drones against us. This led to 91% losses incurred during the Free Drone campaign, not to mention the loss of our element of surprise."

Phelan rested his chin on his steepled fingers. "You're driving me around in circles, Rear-Admiral, or whoever you are. If you are really willing to supply me with answers, why don't you start with the reason for your 'resurrection'?"

The cyborg mimicked Phelan's action. "Spoken like a typical human. Very well, Phelan, I shall 'cut to the chase', as you call it. My mission is simple. After this conversation, I will be taken abroad a transport foil, painted in Morganite colors. This transport will then move dangerously close to Nautilus Pirate waters. When the tranport foil is boarded by the Pirates, they will find an unconscious Rear-Admiral Thomas de Bilde in the hold. Rear-Admiral de Bilde will be suffering from amnesia, and will not remember a thing about himself nor the Pirates.

"The pirates will not doubt his story, and will surely claim to have rescued him themselves to claim a larger reward. Sometime after he has been brought back to Safe Haven, Rear-Admiral de Bilde will engineer a sabotage of the Maritime Control Center, neutralizing the Pirate fleets. The Nautilus Pirate bases will then be ours for the taking."

Phelan's temples were thumping. This plan of the Cyborgs was foolproof. Thomas de Bilde had been one of the Landers together with Svensgaard, and was one of the few people Svensgaard trusted implicitly.

Seeing Phelan's silence, the cyborg continued. "It is the only logical thing for us to do. The Free Drones will be anticipating a counter-attack, while the Pirates will not be. Futhermore, from the information that you have 'provided' for us, it would be suicidal to launch a frontal assault on the Pirate bases. The sea is their element, not ours."

"Even though we are not completely human, we are not evil, Phelan. We are just doing what needs to be done for us to survive. Oh, and do not even think of communicating what you have learnt back to your Nautilus Pirate friends. You know what you know simply because you will stay here with us for the time being as a 'guest'. Perhaps, in time, you might even desire to join us."

Almost as an afterthought, the cyborg added, "Remember, you are but a pawn on the chessboard that is Chiron, do not outlive your usefulness or you will be sacrificed."

	12-12-1999 10:36									#105
	Get a bigger avatar today!

0700 hours
Morgan Interstellar
Warehouse District 1-3-5 Red Sector

“What am I?” The young pupil asked as he slowly walked closer to his aging master.

“You are hope.” Master Kurita said as he turned to his innocent pupil.

“Hope sensei?” The pupil asked as he sat down into a lotus stance near his master.

“Yes… hope. You have been given a great gift.” Kurita replied as he stood towering over his student.

“Gift? By who… what for?” The young pupil uttered quickly, almost sounding like he said one long word.

“You ask many questions young one. Perhaps you should train as hard as you ask questions.” Master Kurita turned to a shelf attached to the wall and took four sparring gloves off. He handed a pair to his pupil and he put on the other pair.

“Is it not human to ask about your surroundings?” The young pupil followed his sensei into the center of the faintly lighted room and reached down to his legs to stretch his body out.

“What is your definition of human… Am I human or you? Human is merely a term we give ourselves, so that we justify to our brains that we can be killed.”

The young student looked up to his master puzzled as ever, and quickly bowed honorably as they got ready to spar.

“If I am not human, then I can’t be killed… master?”

“Now you understand young one…prepare yourself.” The master said as they both erupted off their feet and began to hurl rapid punches and kicks at each other. Until they heard the loud thud of a pupil hitting the ground violently.

	12-12-1999 00:34									#106
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

"Sister, I..."

"Sean, aren't you in the middle of a probe team operation. Why aren't you underground?" Miriam interjected.

"My radio is still on... Miriam, I believe another faction exists among us on Planet. And it isn't the ship-raiders that Agent Kimball is hunting for right now."

Miriam pondered the implications of the new development briefly. Knowing that a friendship treaty had just been broken, the Believers would have to turn to other means for economic growth. "Is this faction one that we could potentially work out a treaty of friendship with?"

Sean hesitated. "Um... actually, I doubt it. In fact, I fear just the opposite."

"Your intuition serves you well; your fears have been confirmed," came a voice from out of nowhere. Both Miriam and Sean wondered if that was from their own heads.

As if on cue, the screen began to flicker and a face appeared.

"How did you..." Miriam said, knowing that she had to give permission for other leaders to contact her first.

"That is the least of your worries," replied the mysterious figure. Both Miriam and Sean stared in shock. This... faction leader was a mere boy. A boy dressed in fanciful and somewhat ridiculous trappings.

"Minister Yang, I would not insult me if I were you," the boy responded, reading Sean's thoughts. "Greetings, Sister Miriam. My name is Prophet Cha Dawn. Your minister already knows me well." A slight smirk crossed his face.

Completely caught off guard by this new presence, Miriam maintained her resoluteness, mentally shielding her mind from any telepathic waves this... "prophet" would send her way. "I will forgive the blasphemy that is your title, Cha Dawn. What would you want with us?"

"Your bible-thumping followers, Sister, have ravaged the lands of Planet for hundreds of years. The plague that is your kind spreads across this world. You rape Planet, you mock Planet, and I am here to enact Her retribution." His eyes suddenly leveled, gazing at Miriam with his glowing red pupils, as if bringing down the gavel of judgement.

Miriam heard plenty of environmental preaching from Dierdre, but she knew this was different. "Cha Dawn, your insane worship of Planet is ridiculous. You live in a fantasy world, Cha Dawn... a fantasy world of your own creation. Your innate anger at the human environmentalists for not going far enough, has bred in your soul a demonic alter-ego that has created a false god called 'Planet' that you would serve and dedicate your life to. And, unfortunately, you have dragged thousands of others into your drug-induced fantasies, damning their souls for eternity."
Sean stood with awe and admiration that his leader would have the God-given courage to stand up to this boy.

Cha Dawn's eyes glowed furiously red. "YOU would dare speak in such a manner to the Prophet of Planet? You worship that which you cannot see, but, as you will soon find out, what I worship is clearly seen. In fact, I wish to prove to you mortals the awesome power of Planet. Cha Dawn out."

Miriam calmly turned from the screen, her unshakable faith keeping her from worrying. Knowing that Sean clearly did not possess such faith, she remarked, "Sean, God is on our side. That in itself should be enough to calm your spirits. I assume that was what you wished to 'warn' me about. Leave the matter in God's hands."

With that, Sean speechlessly walked out of the office.

	12-12-1999 06:18									#107
	Inflate your Upload Space

U.N.S Unity
Corridor to Landing Pod 3
Controlled by Yang’s forces
M.Y. 2100


Yang’s men quickly spread out down the corridor, pointing their shredders at every access hatch and air duct that they passed. Domai was marched along behind them. Although he was not bound, several others that were being moved along with him were. Domai recognized Pankol and Kohai from the beginning of the Drone rebellion that had began unexpectedly in the mess hall. Since then, his people had obtained a large force and almost secured their own landing pod. Domai wondered if Yang had pinpointed the capture of those two as well.

Domai entered the landing pod and was strapped in. The pod was a full fifty levels tall, with 200 souls on each level. The pod was nearly full and a defining din filled it as people talked, know these moments could be their last. The security guards bound Domai and then strapped themselves in. The door was sealed and a monitor above came on. It showed their current location, as well as the location of the seven other pods, plus the Sea Escape pod. They were all clustered together, since break-up had not yet occurred.

A ten-minute countdown had started. The suspense built as the last few seconds counted down, and as it hit 00:00 the pod was dead silent. Nothing happened, and the timer started to go negative. The booming noise started again as people began to be truly afraid. Most were aware that the landing window was very small, and any break-up error could strand them in space.

The ship gave a sickening groan. It was going to break up, controlled or not. Around –02:30, however, sounding of a nearby fire fight were heard. And finally, a full three minutes after it should have happened, there was an explosion and they were free.

The monitor showed the pods scatter. One had been completely destroyed in the explosion. The other eight, including the Sea Escape Pod, began to drift apart. During moments where the shaking didn’t threaten to knock him out, Domai saw that their pod was the only one left on the screen.

They fell for what seemed to be forever, and eventually they actually began to feel their own weight. That didn’t help at all, and Domai finally fell unconscious. He awoke again seconds before impact. The impact jarred them all, breaking some restraints and sending some of the passengers flying.

At last, Planetfall had ended. Talk slowly began again as people began to recover from the trip. When most were awake, Yang boomed over the com, “My citizens. Welcome to my Hive.”

************


Free Drone Central
MMI Labs

Domai sat patiently as his assistants disconnected the plugs from the MMI unit installed on the back of his head. Most of the rest of the people in the room were still staring up at the monitor that had played Domai’s vivid memory of Planetfall.

Domai spoke, “You all look so shocked. What’s the matter?”

Hain finally found his voice, “We… we came from space?”

Domai was shocked, “Yes! Of course! You mean to tell me you didn’t know that?!”

“No… we were never taught that. Just how to take orders and to operate machinery. Stuff like that. We had assumed we were here all along. We heard nothing of this U.N.S Unity craft and chaos onboard that split our race like it is now.”

Domai said nothing and just stared at the ground. Malcolm said, “Umm… Domai? What happened to Pankol and Kohai, and to the rest of the Drones that secured the colony pod?”

“… Pankol didn’t survive the trip, and Kohai died in a revolt. As for the rest of the Drones… although they never told me, I overheard two talents talking about the ‘Drone lander explosion.’ I’m afraid… our comrades were aboard the pod that exploded. Either it was damaged in the fighting, or they couldn’t figure out how to control it properly during Planetfall.”

There was silence, then Atlasia asked, “Why did you insist that we replay that, Foreman?”

“I was hoping that I could find out some information on our Cyborg enemies. If I recall correctly, a young talent under Zakharov named Aki Hansen was involved in some sort of pre-sentient experiment involving attaching computers to human brains, similar to what I have now. The project never began, however, and Aki was stripped of rank. She came down with some sort of sickness and was placed in the sick bay. Now that I have seen that memory again, I recall that Yang was looking for her, but she had vanished. Which leaves us pretty much at square one again.”

More silence. Finally, Malcolm said, “During that flashback, I call came in from Venus. Her team has sighted land and she wishes to disembark and search it for Cyborg life, if I can use the term ‘life’ with them.”

Domai nodded, “Fine. Tell her to be cautious as usual and to remember that these people won’t show her any mercy. I believe we all have things to do, yes?” Everyone nodded, “Then let’s be on our way.”

The council members scattered.

[This message has been edited by Jasonian (edited January 13, 2000).]

	12-12-1999 08:38									#108
	Full PM-box? Change here!

Going down the elevator reserved for top officials, Sean was still recovering from the exchange that had just occured on the top floor.

So quick, so furious... Sean thought. He didn't expect the dialogue between Cha Dawn and Miriam to fire so quickly. Moreover, he was surprised at how fast Miriam interrupted Cha Dawn's utterances, and how quickly she pronounced judgement and essential vendetta on his faction, barely allowing this "prophet" to get a word in.

Cha Dawn's fury, his zealousness... Perhaps she saw so much of herself in this young boy, that she couldn't bear to maintain conversation with him.
******************************************

Main Cathedral, Top Floor

Meanwhile, Miriam slumped back in her chair. What had I just done? Miriam reflected. In less than a minute, she had had a conversation with a new faction leader, and instead of reasoning with him or trying to convert him she immediately let the sparks fly and vendetta declared.

In any case, Cha Dawn seemed bent on declaring vendetta, and there was nothing she could do about it.

She quickly sent an electronic message to Minister Peter Herriott, authorizing him to begin recruitment of trance and empath troops, for she imagined that this would be psionic war. One problem: She didn't know where this.. Cult of Planet was even located! The Ministers of the Council will be surely surprised and shocked by this recent turn of events.

No matter. God was on their side. And "Planet," a mere creation of God, would not be able to withstand His wrath.

In any case, she had planned to negotiate a treaty with Dierdre. The day had been a circus of diplomacy, and now this was the final act.

Weary and tired, Miriam began dialing the commlink frequency for Lady Dierdre Skye. She would use discretion as to whether or not to tell her about this new Planet-loving faction. Skye would either be overjoyed at discovering those who respected Planet, or greatly disturbed at discovering those who claimed to be the essence of Planet herself.

*******************************************

Main Cathedral, Underground

When Sean finally reached the Underground Command Room, he saw a magnificent sight on the screen that was Don's view.

As if on cue, a voice spoke in his ear, "Minister Yang! It seems we've found this seafaring faction!"

Sean looked on in amazement at this faction's beautiful sea colony, and said a quick prayer.

	13-12-1999 03:43									#109
	Got spare money?

Location: U.N. Headquarters

"How she has changed. Back at the Unity, things were so different; we understood each other perfectly. We could talk. There was none of this 'freedom'. She saw all people as equal, no matter who or what they bowed their heads and prayed to. I don't know.. it's this blasted planet. It makes everybody see red. Red sand, red fungus, red sky, red mindworms. Even red dreams. And now she terminated the treaty of friendship. 'The friend of her enemy is also her enemy'."

I have never seen Lal like this; nothing has come close since those grueling first weeks after the Unity was deserted. I don't know what to say. Not that Lal is expecting an answer of any kind that I can give.

He is silent for several minutes, that far-away look mixed with a dreadful weariness. Then he shudders and refocuses on matters at hand. His face becomes stern, determined.

"Now, professor kropotkin, what was it you wanted?"

"Um, ah, I'm, I'm here to report a breakthrough in our research on monopole magnets. We are currently in possession of all the necessary info to build a prototype mag-tube."

Lal nods. "To speed up unit relocation during the vendetta, and to facilitate civilian transportation in general. Yes. Very good."

I continue. "So now our research-department is free to pursue new goals. I was wondering if you have something specific in mind?"

Lal looks at me for a while. "No. I will not set a new goal. You will research what you see fit, or what happens to come your way. I won't interfere." He continues almost whispering. "There's been enough interfering with freedom today."

I nod and prepare to exit the room, but Lal holds up a hand. "Don't leave yet, Johan. Of all my advisors, you are the most trained in abstract, as well as logical, reasoning. So I ask you, what would you do?"

I shake my head in confusion. "Do when?"

"When your old friendships crumble. When the world changes so that the truth yesterday is untruth today. When Miriam breaks off all contact, and Zakharov offers an alliance, even though you have strived to treat both as equals."

I nod as understanding dawns. "Ahh. I've seen this happen; some of my most brilliant colleauges have retired to pursue some absolutely irrational new goal. As a matter of fact, a professor in particle physics is now spending his time conducting synthetic orchestras near fungal fields. He even insists he can hear applause from the occasional mindworm."

I smile sadly. "You said it yourself. Planet changes people. It's bound to happen, once you enter the third century of your life. Nobody 'crystallizes' and stays the same forever. I can give you several dozen medical reasons, but never mind." I think for a moment. "As to the situation, I'd accept Zakharov's offer." I probably look a bit embarrassed when I continue. "You know I'm no diplomat, or schemer, or whatever, and that I'm probably biased, but something tells me that Miriam's years of peace in the next millennium can be counted on one hand."

Lal nods. "I know you're not the expert on this field, but I could use a fresh point of view. Go on."

I take a deep breath, warming to the role. "Miriam is getting more fundamentalistic every year. Soon she'll declare holy war for the slightest perceived transgression against her preachings. This means everybody is a likely target; even us. On the other hand, Zakharov has seen the business end of an atrocity and is likely to remember the event for some time. This means he will distance himself from such behaviour in himself as well as others, and he will be very receptive to our political ideals. This cooperation would only grow more efficient by a pact." I look at Lal. "But I'm telling you nothing new, am I?"

Lal nods. "No. I came to the same conclusion. There simply isn't any way I can fit in Miriam's current politics to what this mission originally stood for, anymore. She has become a threat to my perceived world order; her scenario is almost as bad as that of Yang's." He sighs. "But let's hope she comes to her senses. She can change again." He looks up at me, smiling. "Thank you for your thoughts. They are appreciated."

After some small talk I leave. In my absence Lal hesitates but for a moment, and then he dials the comm-frequency of the University. The holoprojector flickers into life, and Zakharov is shown walking along a corridor. He turns his head towards Lal and nods sternly.

"Greetings again, commissioner. What can I do for you?"

Lal momentarily forgets his real reason for calling. "How can you stay focused on a holoprojection while moving along a corridor? How can you see my image?"

Zakharov merely smiles knowingly. "It's a kind of magic, commissioner. I trust you are calling about my offer?"

Lal takes a deep breath and steels himself. "Yes; I have come to a conclusion. It seems that you are indeed the closest one can come to an enlightened despot on Planet; you are certainly the voice of reason embodied. Therefore it is with pleasure that I accept your offer and enter a pact with your faction."

Zakharov stops walking and turns completely towards Lal. "What excellent news, commissioner! I am looking forward to seeing you at the official signing ceremony that will declare this pact to Planet. It will show that technology is indeed one of humanity's great stabilizing forces, and that research is best conducted in peace."

Lal stands up. "Prokhor, it will be an honour to meet you again face to face, after such a long time." He bows.

Zakharov returns the bow. "I agree. You have my best wishes, Pravin."

The commlink closes, and Lal returns to his chair. He looks around wildly as if staring at the suddenly shifted continents that are Planet's political blocs.

"Computer, open log. Record: To use Miriam's terminology, I have just made a leap of faith -into darkness. I have no Idea what will happen next; I merely sense the relative peace on Planet is about to end. Stop record."

	14-12-1999 02:16									#110
	Support Apolyton

Lady Deirdre Skye gazed out the clear glass that overlooked Gaia's Landing. Beautiful, tall, green and white pines graced the red sky. Peaceful citizens in flowing green robes strolled up and down the paths that weaved through the trees. In the distance, endless fields of blooming xenofungus swayed back and forth in the gentle breeze. The entire city was one integrated, organic unit, living in harmony with Planet. She closed her eyes, and could almost feel Planet's embrace...

*blip*

Reverie interrupted, Deirdre turned around at her screen to see an orange sign encasing a small cross. Sister Miriam, Deirdre gasped. It has been so long since they last had contact. Almost a century... Scanning her memory banks, Dierdre remembered their last few conversations. Their factions still small, Dierdre had no qualms with Miriam's radical beliefs, nor with Miriam's regular economic behavior. No treaty was made, for Dierdre wished to be left alone with her environmental initiatives, and wanted no part in Miriam's arbitrary crusades.

Now, both their factions had grown considerably, and she was dismayed that Miriam decided to exploit Planet for the sake of increased growth and production. Morgan, however, was practically destroying Planet with his venemous factories, a plague of death fueled by the high demand for Morganite products at home and abroad. She hated war, but for the sake of Planet's protection, she had to fight... she would never let the same human mistakes be repeated on Planet. Embroiled in a deadlock vendetta with Morgan, Dierdre had no time to address Miriam concerning her own economic practices.

But perhaps now was the time.

She pressed a button on her control panel, and the familiar face of Sister Miriam appeared. Compared with a century ago, her face had a slightly more reddish glow to it.

"Greetings, Lady Dierdre. It has certainly been quite a while since we last talked. I trust your environmental practices are going well? Have you put an end to Morgan's monopolistic grasping?" Miriam politely asked.

Flinching just barely, Dierdre responded, "We have just recaptured a base on our territory that was recently subverted by Morgan. My hope is that I will no longer have to use force to convince Morgan to end his deadly practices."

"Sadly, Lady, force is often needed to successfully convert one to your beliefs," Miriam replied. Dierdre felt quite uneasy at her provocative remarks. What did she want?

Miriam continued. "Now, to the point. Lady, I would like to propose a treaty of friendship between our factions. I know this request is unexpected, but I have been praying for you and your faction lately, and it is my belief that God would have us be friends. We have no qualms with each others' behavior, and so a treaty could only benefit us, both relationally and economically. My only requirement would be that you refrain from signing a treaty with the immoral Zakharov; but seeing that you are not engaged in one, this offer should be... ripe for your taking."

Dierdre hesitated for a moment. Is that truly all? she wondered. She knew that friendship with Miriam would eventually lead to her demand for Dierdre to change her government, something she was loathe to do. Having signed a territorial pact with Lal, the interaction between the Gaians and the Peacekeepers had increased, and his ideals had penetrated her citizens enough to convince her to implement a democracy. Moreover, she highly valued her subordinates' beliefs and wished for her citizens to exercise their own control.

"Sister Miriam, you need not worry about my relations with Zakharov. I had worked under him long enough as Unity botanist to know that he will cut any corner it takes to add to his precious 'research.' His disrespect for life in general, both plants and animals had always made me uneasy." Seeing a look of satisfaction cross Miriam's face, she continued, "Nevertheless, I do not intend to join your crusade against him. That is not my business to interfere with his work."

"As far as your offer goes, I fear I really must decline. Your planned economics system, Miriam, is simply unacceptable. Your ballooning population and growing industrial might is dangerous to the environment; you wouldn't want to see Planet end up as Earth did, would you? Your sprawling empire would do well with Green Economics; I guarantee that your allocative efficiency will be improved greatly by it, decreasing the loads of deadweight loss that your current system yields." As much as Dierdre feared Miriam's powerful military might, her stance on her environmental beliefs were much stronger than that fear.

"Moreover, even if I were to engage in friendship with you, our trade would be unsuccessful. My people refuse to purchase goods imported from factions deemed high-polluters; there is no market for your commodities here," Dierdre explained. Of course, she had left out the fact that there was a sprawling black market rampant in her territory for Morganite goods. A market that would have to be weeded out.

A look of dissappointment crossed Miriam's face. It was apparent that the day had not gone well for her. She replied, "Very well. Know that I continue to pray for you, and know that the offer is still on the table. Before I leave, I would implore you to reconsider your government style. Not only is it godless, it does not offer the true freedom and love that God's love brings. Sister Miriam out."

Normally, Dierdre would ignore other factions' pleas to change this or that. However, this time, she began to ponder.

As a scientist, it was difficult to accept Miriam's concept of "God." However, she had always admired her sturdy faith, a faith that never flinched even in the face of immeasurable odds. Back on the Unity, both of them shared a value for human life, and when the ship was falling apart, Miriam was the only one who remained calm and steady.

Morever, the vendetta with Morgan was becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Few of her pacifist followers were ever willing to go to war and risk their lives, even though the cause was great. With the unanimous passing of the War Recruitment Act by the legislature, Dierdre could not recruit soldiers without offering significant compensation. This compensation crippled her production significantly... She had hoped to have three tree farms and two hybrid forests planted by this year to investigate the Earth/Planet interaction of organisms; and with the draining war on her hands not one was even constructed yet!

In addition to her support cost woes, she thought about the recent subversion of Resplendent Oak. Thankfully, she had recaptured it, but not without the loss of thousands of lives and key base facilities. How could my followers be so easily subverted? Dierdre thought. Perhaps she had overestimated her followers' devotion to her cause...

Suddenly, Dierdre shook her head. A fundamentalist government?? Impossible! There was no way she would ever model her government after Miriam. But she couldn't deny that she was almost convinced, surely by some outside force.

Perhaps this... "God" was more real than she thought.

	14-12-1999 02:54									#111
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

Location: Data Decentral

Captain Manuel Cormora takes a brief look at the craters in the wall opposite to the one he is prone against. He knows those marks very well; only a short time ago the weapons generating such marks were standard Peacekeeper armament.

">Storgard, take a look at those blast-marks.<"

">Yeah; Impact Rifles. But the attack on University Central was with missile launchers.<"

The obvious question is immediately answered by a series of tremendous booms. The roof above Manuel and Storgard buckles and shatters, pummeling the men's photon shields with heavy debris. When the dust settles Manuel can clearly see a missile rover stopping mere meters from him. Luckily, the rover's attention is focused across the street. Manuel pulls his chaos rifle loose from the rubble, checks it's systems, and blasts the rover to kingdom come. Then he sprints further into the building as snipers start chipping away at his shield.

He stops with two walls between him and the action, and wills forth a summary of the situation. Ghostly green letters seemingly form in front of him; they tell a grim message: More missile rovers are arriving. Ten people are dead or missing from Manuel's company, fifteen more are injured.

Storgard takes a deep breath. "Kinda makes you wish for the confined spaces of a Hive base, doesn't it?" He grins. Manuel doesn't.

"Rolf, remind me to remember that remark, so that I can shove it down your throat afterwards." Several loud explosions herald the demise of two more missile rovers. Manuel smiles grimly. "Once more onto the breach, my friend."

"Huh?"

"I'll explain -later. Let's go."

Back outside the fighting has abated. A large hint of what happened is the meandering rows of craters along the buildings, and Corporal Ulrich's red-hot Mayhem Minigun. He rests his weapon on the buckled hood of a missile rover. Sporadic shots are still fired, but they are immediately answered by a volley of shots by the Peacekeepers.

">Secure these buildings, and look out for snipers in the next block.<"

Manuel turns a full circle and listens to the city as Storgard silently orders the platoon into position. He notes how the hums and buzzes of several machines can be heard, even after all this fighting. So different from a Hive base, where the engineers cheered when they got emergency lighting to work after the Hive sabotaged everything as they retreated. He wills open a commlink.

">Second and third platoons, what's your status?<"

">Second Lieutenant Toyama here. Second platoon is securing the steel-gray tower to your south-east. Will give you info once the building is cleared.<"

">Lieutenant Kladis of the third here. We're one block to the north of you, advancing.<"

Manuel nods. ">Everyone, listen up. Advance cautiously, and do not leave a single building unsecured. The enemy is likely to try and ambush us on every block, so stay sharp. And immediately report the discovery of any structure that looks armored or otherwise reinforced.<"


6 Hours later.


Manuel kicks at a smouldering rack of dehydrated foodstuffs, causing a couple of packages to fall to the floor and spill their contents over his boots.

'Dry beans.. I HATE dry beans...'

He is standing in what is apparently called 'resource-distribution center fourteen', fashioned in the style of a 20th-century shopping mall. It has more craters than Pholus, now. Fourteen people -two soldiers and twelve armed civilians- sacrificed their lives to keep this strategically unimportant building from falling into Peacekeeper hands. And there are scores of buildings like this all over the base.

'This isn't the act of a suppressed population. Only people who know what it means to be free act like this. These people actually consider us a worse option than their current government! How different from the Hive.'

Manuel wills open a link to Captain Steiner.

">Captain, how are you doing?<"

">Not so good, Manuel. My men are totally worn out by this incessant combat; morale is at an all-time low. I'll have to halt for the day real soon.<"

">And hope they won't attack you while you rest.<"

">Yeah. I just love it when I'm disappointed.<"

">Same here. Why not call it a day now, and save some lives otherwise lost to fatigue? We can fall back, fortify a relatively intact building, and wait for the University forces. Those chaos cruisers should be able to pound some of the fight out of these people.<"

">Good idea. Will call you back soon.<"

Manuel opens a link to his entire company (or the four fifths of it still alive, anyway).

">Men, let's fall back to that engine shop a few blocks back, and set up a camp.<"

A virtual chorus of cheers erupts over the commlink, until Lieutenant Storgard manages to 'shout' it down. The company retreats to the building; a three-story bunker with a large double door of steel as it's main entrance. Soon the building is well secured and guards assigned, and Manuel has time to talk again to Captain Steiner.

">Captain, this is what we'll do tomorrow. Once the artillery has hammered a bit we'll drive a spearhead straight to that big tower-like structure in the center of the base. It seems the resistance gets heavier as we draw near it; with any luck we can disable their command structure, removing their ability to strike back.<"

">Hmm. That's gonna be a high-loss manoeuver.<"

">More high-loss than sweeping this city clean of soldiers before finding out who's in charge?<"

">Good point.<"

">Then I'll contact you in the morning.<"

A shot from a chaos rifle sounds. Manuel peers into the night until the soldier on guard informs that the intruder is dead. Then he unrolls his sleeping-bag, and hopes he'll actually sleep this night.

	14-12-1999 10:17									#112
	Got spare money?

Dawn of Planet
Isle of Deinara

Prophet Cha Dawn stood satring out his window at the sweeping expanse of Planet. A living, pulsing, breathing Planet. And idiots like Morgan had the audacity to disturb it's sacntity. On one wall hung the Cultist banner. Xenofungus pink with the image of a Mind Worm's maw. Encircled with Planet's resonance. He looked up as his tactical minister entered.

"Tell me Claude what is their on the agenda today." Claude had been one of the original Ecological Malcontents. Those who had taken Cha Dawn from the xenofungus and declared him Planet's messiah.

"These Believers appear to have two bases on the outer perimeter of our territory. Our Biology Lab has just finished breeding another boil. That makes five in all. I'm guessing we're at war and I've drawn up some battle plans" Claude said. Cha Dawn remained silent for along time. Then he turned to Claude.

"Thes Believers will soon know just what Planet has in stoer for them. Dismissed."

	17-12-1999 01:43									#113
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

Judgement Seat
Isle of Deinara

"Governor, the Lord has been exceedingly gracious to us. Hundreds of soldiers have been recruited at the behest of Minister Herriott," the advisor reported.

Governor Esau Williams nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent," he said. "I'm glad Minister Herriott was wise enough to heed my recommendation to allocate military resources in this base." Not knowing where to begin recruitment of trance/empath soldiers, Peter Herriott trusted Esau's intuition. Judgement Seat was a medium sized base on an island separate from the Believer mainland.

After years of administrative training, Esau specifically requested assignment to Judgement Seat. Most Believers were only interested in poring over the Bible, but he had a special interest in Planet, Planet life, xenofungus, and the like. Although criticized my some of the more conservative beureaucrats as being too obsessed with Planet, he was unscathed, for he could debate theology with the best of them.

Judgement Seat was surrounded by rich xenofungus, which was what drew Esau to this area. He even remembered a voice one night... (God's voice?) beckoning him to this area. Surprisingly, though, there had not been a single mindworm attack on his base since his administration began five years ago. Not that he was complaining.

When he heard of the recent development of this mysterious cultish faction, he was more thrilled than worried. Perhaps dealings with this faction could contribute to his Planet research. Unfortunately for him, they were at war.

"Have the hypnotic trance implants and empath song implants been constructed yet?" Esau asked his advisor.

"Yes it has... but I'm afraid we had to use all the minerals that you had specifically allocated for your tree farm project..." the advisor replied anxiously, knowing how important Esau's pet projects were. Before Esau could get angry, he added, "It was by direct order from Minister Herriott."

Esau bowed his head and sighed. None of the Lord's Council, nor most believers, for that matter, appreciated his dedication to Planet research. Nevertheless, it was for a much worthier cause; that of the Lord's.

Perhaps through this vendetta, some mindworms could be captured and studied... His colleagues in Gaian territory constantly bragged about their latest findings on mindworm research, but Esau had no access to their research since they had no treaty with them. He also never understood how the Gaians managed to capture mindworms when, in his experience, every Believer attempt at doing so either resulted in dead mindworms or dead Believers.

"Good work," Esau said. "Your reward is great in heaven."

The advisor smiled proudly, and audaciously returned, "Thank you! This blaspheming faction will meet God's wrath. Planet is ours for the taking!" He began to march off.

"No, advisor..." Esau fumed. "Planet is not 'ours'. Planet is God's, and everything in it. That which God has graciously bestowed upon us is to be cherished, and to be cared for, and to be studied. We humans have already practically destroyed the first home created for us, Earth. The Lord is giving us a second chance. I hope we do not ruin it again." Esau's face burned, no longer at the advisor, but more at the believers in general...

As Esau looked off into the distance, eyes wondering what the future of the Believers would bring, the advisor discreetly and quietly slipped away.

	17-12-1999 07:06									#114
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

0530 hours
Command Center, Secret Hollow

“Hello gentlemen, what do you have for me this morning?” Sinder asked as she walked into the room and sat down at the great ‘round’ table.

“Well there’s good news, and bad news.” Beetle responded as he nodded hello to Spirit who had walked in behind Sinder.

“Well let’s have the good news first.” Sinder said as the council finally got settled in their chairs. Sinder had a surprisingly pleasant sleep even though she was fully aware about the fighting on Dexamenus.

“Hopefully this is the good news. The robot sappers that bring the material up from the hole are processing all three boreholes day and night as of yesterday. The amount of different types of materials is staggeringly great, which is an enormous advantage in the near term future of this base. I have found that simply engineered machines can take the place of our worker shortage, until that problem is resolved.” Spirit exclaimed to the entire council, proud of his production engineers who have been working the long unmerciful hours to start mining all the boreholes.

“Having materials essential for buildings and components is perfectly nice, but do we have the infrastructure to turn these raw materials into finished products that are essential to this small bases needs?” Sinder asked, taking a bit of Spirit’s joy away.

“I have been setting up industries in new bases all my life Sinder, and I have noticed that the infrastructure that you are suggesting grows by itself due to the needs of the community. As our population problem naturally resolves itself and average working families want to grow economically, they develop the needed economic foundation or infrastructure. We must have patience.” Spirit answered as he stood up and signaled to Sinder’s secretary to bring him some hot coffee.

“Spirit has a point Sinder, although we are in a precarious situation, our defenses and industry grows every day. I look forward to the day we can turn off this marvel of technology.” Zebra said as he pointed to the yellow glowing cloaking field out the window.

“I understand and appreciate your confidence in our mission here and you are correct, we must have patience. Oh yes, before I forget, how goes the refitting of the Messiah, Junior?” Sinder leaned slightly back on her chair as she brainstormed about several different ideas.

“Although we can not run flight tests, due to the limited distance of the cloaking field perimeter, we are very confident in its ability to reenact our past flight if needed again. It was a wonderful feeling when her engine kicked in, and the fusion drive started percolating.” Replied Clark, although a bit ticked off about being refereed to by his annoying call sign.

“Hopefully we will not need to use the aircraft in its previous role.” Raptor interjected into the conversation, referring to their precarious departure from Data DeCentral.

“That brings me to my next point nicely Raptor.” Sinder said as the holo-projector formed a picture of Chiron, and its faction boundaries. “Perhaps we should start ferrying loyal personal from other factions into our new community here, to increase our industry and economic growth. The way we used to back at Data DeCentral with the skimships. I believe small quick trips with the stealth transport could ferry enough people, without detection from the Spartan government near by.” Sinder pointed on the holo-projector to several cities within the Morgan and Spartan territories, showing the council how many ‘citizens’ within these bases wanted to brake away from their current leaders for a better life.

“You are aware of the risks Sinder.” Raptor said as he examined the cities in question.

“Raptor is right Sinder, any time we tell assumed ‘loyal’ people about this secret base of ours, the increased chance that the ‘wrong’ people can get there hands on this base’s whereabouts and intentions.” Beetle cautioned, as he remembered how they had let Tomahawk join their city and latter their council, without a thought of his true intentions.

“Perhaps a vote is in order.” Clark offered, acting in his usual peacekeeping role.

Sinder : yes
Zebra : no
Beetle : no
Spirit : no
Junior : yes
Raptor : no

“That settles it. Perhaps at a later date, when we are in a better tactical position.” Zebra said to the group.

Sinder was not annoyed at being out voted by her fellow council members. Although she was head of the council, she viewed herself as their intellectual equal, and was proud that her friends were willing to stick up for their opinions. Her belief in democracy had been revitalized by the smooth running of their base even through the worse of times.

“You had commented Beetle about bad news, would you mind clarifying yourself.” Sinder asked as she straightened her back out and stretched.

Beetle stood up and clicked several touch screen buttons on a datapad, which brought up a full three-dimensional view of Data DeCentral on the holo. “As you are all aware by now, Peacekeeper forces, with additional University forces have landed on Dexamenus and are moving towards Tomahawk’s capitol building.” Beetle stopped as the holo-projector placed the forces on the 3D map.

“Do to a lack of available satellite hook ups over Data DeCentral, we are still unaware about the current condition of both conflicting faction forces. But, we are fairly certain that our old ‘friend’ Tomahawk is not doing so well. Several Peacekeeper laser transfer messages back to Peacekeeper Command, that we have intercepted, have told us that the island will be pacified completely within the week. Which brings up several obvious problems.” Beetle took his seat after finishing addressing the council.

“If I am not mistaken, I’m pretty sure your alluding to Tomahawks capture, and probably interrogation.” Sinder replied as she took a sip from her glass.

“Do you think he would actually give away our position, to the Peacekeepers….and to the University?” Asked Spirit who had finally received his coffee.

“If it gets him out of a bad situation, I’m sure Tomahawk would use us as his scapegoat. It makes me wonder if it was wise that I made the order to strike against the capitol. Even though it resulted in this borehole being empty of University scientists for us.” Sinder brushed her forehead with her hand, as she leaned on the table with her other elbow.

“What is done… is done, and theirs nothing we can do about that now. We must continue to prepare ourselves for the worst, and inevitable return and retribution from the University.” Raptor said, trying to comfort Sinder.

“Thank you Raptor. I believe our last objective for this meeting is to determine our next production goal for this base, which must not interfere with further excavation and use of the boreholes, which although progress has been made, must continue to be escalated.” Sinder said as she motioned for suggestions from the group.

“Perhaps a fusion plant to further increase our standard nuclear packs which run the cloaking field. This may be a prudent solution to our long term city goals.” Suggested Zebra, always concerned with the pursuit of technical tasks.

“That could take years to complete Zebra. I say we dissipate our future production into various projects to help every sector of our base. A fusion plant or lab would only help the more scientific minded citizens while the maintenance and production crews would be shoved off to the side.” Spirit countered as he stood up in protest.

“Perhaps we must compromise gentlemen.” Clark said as he pressed several buttons on his own datapad, and stopped to watch what appeared on the holo-projector.

The group also stopped their side conversations about future production plans and turned to the 3D picture on the holo-projector. They watched as a picture turned slowly, showing the members the various parts of the high tech facility.

“An orbital facility Junior, what gave you that insane idea?” Beetle asked as he turned to Clark, or better known as Junior among the council members.

“Actually is quite an interesting idea if you think about it.” Junior said as he leaned forward to look straight back at Beetle. “The satellite will take a long time to build, but the amount of infrastructure that will be needed to build the launch facility and maintenance system, will further increase our production from the boreholes from developed tech along the way. Spirit, your construction workers will have a tremendous amount of work building these facilities for Zebra’s scientists, who will intern be busy developing this trail blazing technology. This project is tremendous in size which means, it probably could take years to complete, but it will be something our small population could work towards. Just think about the intelligence abilities of such an object. Many of the factions already use space because it’s so invulnerable from current technologies, making it a perfect intelligence asset.” Clark finished and took a deep breath and fell back softly into his chair thinking about the momentous idea.

Every member slowly nodded in consensus for the project. It was ironic that they had always wished for a space based intelligence ability, and now that they had the ability to obtain it with the immense raw materials of the three boreholes, they were apprehensive over the idea.

The members slowly filtered out, talking between themselves over the project they were about to embark on, almost completely forgetting about the hardships at Data DeCentral.

*********************************************

0530 hours
Data DeCentral
City Block Delta, Intrepid Street

“Get down!” Sgt. Zuni yelled to his unit as the buzzing of shells cut the morning silence.

The night had been fairly quiet, with both forces consolidating their troops for an early morning offensive or in the Data Angel’s case, an early morning withdrawal. The artillery shells had only sporadically came during the night, but this morning, the shells were landing like crazy.

“Lets go men, our orders are to regroup at HQ before six-hundred hours.” Zuni ordered as he viewed his tired and weary troops.

He had originally been second in command of the 4th squad dragoons, but his commander had died the previous day, by a Peacekeeper sniper on Data Code Street. His men now only consisted of no more then a handful of lightly armed soldiers with several civilians who had joined during the fighting, which all lacked any form of military training.

“Sir, those Peacekeepers are every where, its suicide to try to get back to HQ.” Private Lena said as she looked out of a broken window, from the resting-place inside the building.

“I’m not asking you if you want to… I’m ordering you!” Zuni understood what his troops felt, but to show them weakness, would have shown them that they had no chance of survival. “All units are regrouping at the HQ, and I don’t plan on being late.”

They slowly got up from the floor of the blown out restaurant, which they had hid the night in and cautiously creeped out from the building into the street. They kept against the right side of the street, trying to blend into the ruble of the street front buildings.

“Hold! I think I here something.” Zuni yelled and came to a halt, barely a hundred meters away from their starting position, and motioned for Private Kell and a citizen soldier named Fricka to scout ahead around the corner. The rest of the group waited for their return, and listened to shells landing several hundred meters away and the isolated sounds of shooting close by.

No more than two minutes latter, the small group heard the insane sound of chaos weapons firing just around the corner. Sgt. Zuni stood up and motioned for the rest of them to follow him around the bend to perhaps help his two scouts if they were in trouble.

“Holy…!” Lena yelled as she turned the corner and saw the bees nest of troops firing at two lonely men who were taking cover behind some rubble about thirty meters away.

“Their University Soldiers… there must be dozens of them!” Lena continued as the group ran over, dodging fire from almost all sides, to help their friends. Apparently Rivera Street was a staging area for University troops.

The group, now only about half a dozen members, dove for the cover that Kell and Fricka were hiding near. Shots were ricocheting off all around them, as the gravel and boulders of one time buildings absorbed the awesome power of the University troops, which were by now circling behind them.

The group of men and women looked like infants curling up behind there quickly vanishing cover as the chaos rounds shot off pieces of their protective rubble.

“If were going down, let’s take a few of those science bastards with us!” screamed Zuni nationalistically as the group stood up from their protective emplacements and fired at the horde of troops almost directly on top of them, without fear or hesitation.

*********************************************

0600 hours
HQ, Data DeCentral

“Damn it!” Tomahawk screamed as he listened to the latest battle reports.

“Sir, the University cruisers are stopping our troops from regrouping or getting back here. Most of our commanders are stuck behind the current lines, and there isolated without supplies.” Commander Jackson, the newly appointed army commander following Kirk’s death, said as he read some status reports coming in from the front lines.

“Is that all the bad news you got for me Jackson?” Tomahawk said comically as he dropped into his chair like a log, extremely tired from the restless night.

“Unfortunately not, University marines have landed and have been sited inside the city already. Sir… no disrespect intended but… I suggest you surrender.” Tomahawk looked over to Jackson, appalled at what his commander had just suggested.

“Surrender! Never!” Tomahawk stood back up from his chair and rushed to comlink system that was attached to the wall, and touched the screen, enabling him to talk to all his units out in the field which weren’t being jammed.

‘All Data Angel units…this is your President… Larry H. Greenburg. I don’t speak today as your leader; rather, I speak to you as a friend and compatriot. We have all fought hard and some have died fighting for our freedom against these old rigid factions and from the appalling rule of Sinder Roze. Today, I ask you to rise up against these dark hordes, and follow me one last time. To hold the line against the night!

These factions have attacked us without provocation, and come here seeking territorial expansion and retribution for our former leader’s insipid decisions. Peacekeepers say they believe in democracy, and all the freedoms we have here. So why do they fight us… because their hypocrites of there own philosophy. They intend to enslave you like Yang or torture you like Morgan, so surrender is not an option on any scale. Data Angels Forever!’

Tomahawk pressed the send command on the screen, and took a step back from the machine, hoping for a miracle. He knew he had bent the truth, but propaganda is an effective tool of war.

“I will never surrender… Jackson tell your forces to regroup around this building, no matter the cost, and we will fight to protect this last bastion of defiance, to the death.” Tomahawk ordered, knowing all to well that he still had an ace up his sleeve.

‘I wonder what they will pay for Sinder’s location... These Data Angels and Peacekeepers are merely another pawn in the step to domination… I will survive, even if I have to sacrifice all these pathetic individuals.’

	17-12-1999 07:28									#115
	Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

Location: Unknown
Controling faction: Unknown
Description: Continent north of Free Drone Nation


“Commander Venus, the reports from the satellite are coming in now.”

“Copy, 2nd. I’m receiving them now.”

The transport’s radar scanner lit up with the new data from the Free Drone satellite-uphook station. Indeed, there was something out there.

“2nd, inform Domai that were are going ashore after all. Looks like we found something interesting over there.”

************

The probe team dashed through the safety of the fungus. Although mindworm attacks were frequent, fungus travel was still the best way to move unnoticed. Plus, since the team was elite, they were given the best equipment for travel, increasing their landspeed by about 50%.

‘I suppose there are plusses to being the best,’ Venus mused to herself as they approached their target, ‘Still, this fungus is repulsing. Planet would be so much better if it was just all burned away…’

The team stopped near a clearing in the fungal field. Inside were three rovers hopelessly stuck in the fungus. Hopeless for civilians actually. The probes could dig them out. The fun part was getting them to join the drones first.

“All right squad two. Jam the coms and go for a nice clean subversion. Try out those new Cyborg viruses that base has made for us.” Venus hastily wispered over the com, “Team one goes with me. We’ll go up ahead and be ready for anything else coming this way.”

Team two didn’t even bother to respond. They had their orders and quickly went to work.

************

Several minutes later, Venus received a cackled reply that the subversion had been successful, although expensive equipment had been used.

“Venus, the Cyborg virus program worked like a charm. We’ve just finished digging them out of the fungus and await further orders.”

“Copy that team two. Was any additional information captured with the rovers?”

“No new technology. However, for what good it does us, they were suppored by a base named Iota Station. Quick deployment records show that they’ve been moving south, so the base is probably farther up North.

“…Team two, take the captured rovers back to the foil. Load them and get onboard yourself.”

“But… that will fill the transport to the brim! What about you, Venus!”

“My team will move on Iota Station. You must sail back to base and get those rovers ready for inspection.”

“That wasn’t in Domai’s orders!!”

“Domai isn’t in charge here. Look, we’re running out of time. You get out of here with the rovers, and I’ll be hidden by morning. If I’m successful, Domai will be very happy with us. If not, then you tried to stop me and will not be held accountable. Venus out.” She snapped the com closed and cut of the transmission.

The probes moved through fungus toward their new target

	17-12-1999 10:00									#116
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

Drink Planet Fizz and you'll discover why inside quenches your desire. A blend of favors just for you, so smooth it goes down easy too.

*blip*

Soda Commercial
MorganLink 3D Vision

The image of singing, dancing mind worms dissapeared from the screen. Deirdre turned to her council members and sighed.

"And you're sure this is one of the items on the Morganic black market inside our territory ?" she asked. Her council members glanced nervously at each other until one answered.

"Yes, Lady. That beverage is quite popular with our citizens. Unfortunantly it is produced in Morganic territory" said a woman named Jasmine. Dierdre nodded gravely.

"I understand that our people like this drink, but we can't allow Morganite filth to infiltrate our faction. Options !"

Again Jasmine spoke up. "Perhaps if we produced our own sodas" she suggested. Nods and murmurs of assent buzzed through the council. Finally a man named Jerome spoke.

"Yes that happened back on Earth. Two major beverage companies..uh let me think..Coca-Cola and..uh..Pepsi-Cola. One company would come out with a soda and the other would take it and rename it. Thus creating a rivalry."

Deirdre nodded. This was encouraging. Pehaps Gaian distilleries could create a ecologically safe comeptetor to Planet Fizz.

"We would need names for our soda" she said.
"How about XenoSoda ?" Jasmine suggested. Dierdre nodded and said yes.

"Anymore issues ? No, all right meeting ajourned" she said. The council members began to collect their belongings and file out. But Deirdre stayed behind. She wanted to talk to Miriam again.

She dialed up Miriam's comm frequency and waited patiently while the computer processed the order. Finally the familiar face of Sister Miriam appeared on the screen.

"Good day Sister, I trust your life of worship is proceeding to your satisfaction."

Miriam smiled and replied politely.

"Fine as for your enviromental initiatives I trust the same ?" she asked. Deirdre smiled and nodded back.

"I've thought about your proposal to change my government to Fundamentalist, and I've decided to give it more thought. I trust you've thought about my proposal to switch to Green economics ?" Miriam nodded silently. Obviously she was dissapointed.

"I have a topic I think will interest you Lady. Recently I have come into contact with a faction lead by a certain Prophet Cha Dawn. They claim to be worshipers of Planet.
And they promise revenge on mankind for our supposed rape and mockery of Planet" she said in her most serious voice.

Deirdre stood dumbfounded by this turn of events. A cult ? For Planet ? This was both interesting and disturbing. She would have to find out more.

"Do you have their comm frequency ?" she aksed.

"Yes I'll send it now" said Miriam. Deirdre watched as the frquency downloaded itself.

"Thank You. I hope to see you soon Sister. God Bless !"

	17-12-1999 21:47									#117
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

M.Y. 2235
Safe Haven, The Maritime Control Center

The two men walked stiffly behind the ensign as they moved through a long corridor. The small group reached a turbolift at the end of the corridor and stepped into it. Both of the men shot looks at each other as the lift rose.

As the lift stopped, the group moved into a large room. Noticing their entrance, a scarred man with long hair tied back in a ponytail stood from his desk to greet them.

Captain Ulrik Svensgaard returned their
salutes, then turned to the ensign. "Where is the Rear-Admiral now?"

"We took him to the sick bay. Unfortunately, the Rear-Admiral has not shown any sign of recognition of his whereabouts or who he is as yet."

"Very well. That will be all, Ensign. Dismissed."

The ensign saluted smartly, turned, and marched out of the room.

Svensgaard then turned to the two men. "Now, gentlemen, your report says that your crew managed to rescue Rear-Admiral de Bilde from a Morganite transport."

"Uh, yeah, Cap'n. Didn't put up much of a fight, them Morgan moneygrubbers. Jus' ran for them lifeboats and took off, jus' like that." The man on the left scratched his cheek as he spoke.

"Hm. How on Chiron did you know that the Rear-Admiral de Bilde was on board?" Svensgaard's single eye narrowed.

"Uh...." Svensgaard could almost hear the gears turning in the pirate's head as he scratched his head.

"Did the Morganites tie the Rear-Admiral to the deck so that you could see him, then?

The left pirate looked at his friend for help, who seemed to be more preoccupied studying his fingernails at the moment. He looked back at Svensgaard, speechless.

The eye narrowed into a slit. "You raided the transport, didn't you."

The two men looked as if they'd each swallowed a wasp. Exchanging nervous glances at each other, they nodded to Svensgaard in unison.

"I see. Did you not receive my orders after the signing of the treaty with the Peacekeepers that no one serving within the Nautilus Pirate Naval Corps is allowed to raid any transports belonging to others factions?"

Silence from the two men.

"Out with the truth, then. Tell me about the raid."

The pirate on the left finally managed to find his voice. "Um... much like them other raids we did before, Cap'n. 'cept this time them moneygrubbers didn't even wait for us to board 'em. Jus' ran to their lifeboats and fled. When our boys searched the transport, we found the Rear-Admiral inside the hold."

"We thought of the story 'cos we thought we might, y'know, get a larger reward for somethin'" the pirate on the right added helpfully.

"Not this time, gentlemen. Be grateful that you still have your jobs. Just remember this, as long as you are serving within the Naval Corps, you will not raid the transports of other factions. If you are not in the Naval Corps, what you do is none of my concern. Dismissed."

The two pirates, too relieved to even salute, turned tail and scurried out of the room. Svensgaard returned to his desk. He felt something amiss, though he couldn't quite place it. What was a Morganite transport doing so far from home, not carrying any valuable cargo except for the missing Rear-Admiral Thomas De Bilde?

****************

Alpha Prime, Cybernetic Consciousness Headquarters

Phelan Ward moved his bishop to take his opponent's knight, then hesitantly moved his fingers away from the chesspiece.

His opponent then captured Phelan's pawn with her queen. "Checkmate, Phelan."

Phelan sighed. Playing chess was one of his main pastimes here in Alpha Prime, and he was an awful chess player. He looked up from the chessboard and grinned. "I totally suck at this, don't I?"

"You have improved since your arrival here, Phelan." His opponent, her face devoid of any emotion, did not return Phelan's grin.

Phelan sighed again. He had to remind himself that as beautiful as she was, she was nonetheless a robot, controlled by the Cybernetic Consciousness. All he knew of her was that she was an Alpha Talent, whatever that was, assigned to "nursemaid" him during his stay with the Cyborgs.

There was nothing else to do here, except to play chess or to take walks around the city. No form of entertainment whatsoever. The Cyborgs didn't need it. Most Cyborgs worked as researchers, others served in the army and air force.

Phelan glanced out of the window. The land stretched out until it met the sky at the horizon. He hadn't seen the sea at all for the months he had been here.

Despite the generous amount of freedom he was allowed, Phelan still felt like a prisoner. A bird in a gilded cage, that's what he was.

He began to doubt that he would ever see the sea again.

****************

0100 Hours
Safe Haven, Officers' Quarters

Vice Admiral Bernard Rawlings was very tired. His eyes felt like lead but there was still so much paperwork to finish. He glanced up as a tall figure entered his room.

Rawlings almost did a double take. "Rear-Admiral de Bilde? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be resting in the sick bay."

"I've had enough of rest, Vice Admiral Rawlings. Besides, I have something important to discuss with you." Rear-Admiral de Bilde stood stiffly at attention, his hands clasped together at the small of his back.

"Aren't you suffering from amnesia, Rear-Admiral? I still think you should get some rest."

"I'm fine. By the way, aren't you the only person besides Captain Svensgaard and Admiral Jenberg who has access to the control and navigation system of the Maritime Control Center?"

"Yes, but I don't see what this has to do with our discussion."

Rawlings then saw Rear-Admiral de Bilde reveal what was in his hands hidden behind his back. In his left hand, Rawlings recognized a retinal scanner. In the right, a shredder pistol.

It was the last thing Vice Admiral Bernard Rawlings would ever see.

[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited December 17, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited December 17, 1999).]

	18-12-1999 10:23									#118
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[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited December 17, 1999).]

	18-12-1999 08:56									#119
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Isle of Deinara
42 kilometers outside Dawn of Planet

High Dervish Max Durr stood looking over his boil. As a Cultist brood trainer his assignment was to guide his mind worms into battle and train them. And right now the enemy, the Believers was their target. He could feel their psi signatures carressing his mind. Planet had given them the gift of mind worms and Prophet Cha Dawn intended to see that they did not misuse that gift.

As far as anyone could tell, vendetta had been pronounced not even halfway through the conversation. But the Prophet usually didn't let them know what he had discussed. Durr had been given the task of helping to attack one of the Believing bases on the edge of their territory.

But for now he could only wait and watch as turned and danced her mystical dance of life and time.

	18-12-1999 08:57									#120
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[This message has been edited by Bearcat (edited December 18, 1999).]