Master_Kainis

Sure, why not. What could possibly go wrong? So a constant connection is required. The norm these days. Let EA think that it's going to make a difference and you can get away with anything and everything inside of three months. This includes modding among other things. Day one modding never a good thing because that means someone is making something for a system they don't totally understand. I'd say a good month is needed before any sort of modding can be done with a minimal amount of bugs, even though I'm guessing there may still be a good number. Now, I'm going to start building up a database for my plugins folder for the upteenth time because I can't seem to remember what goes where for my current backup folder. See you on the other side, I suppose.

I'm starting to wonder if Cthulian horrors are hiddin in this game now.

Whoo, finally. After hammering out details, finally got a privateer working in the Helios system to start messing with the HCA. The final rebellion is still a ways away, but we'll be getting to it soon enough...in about a year. ^^;

Tanka stared out into space, looking past the floating asteroids to the city of Central Hub and it's creeping sprawl. She wondered how the preparation for the trip to Carpathia was being handled. She knew Cross well enough to not worry, but she couldn't help it. They were now in uncharted waters, as it was. Declaring a formal name and seeking allies under the table instead of out in the open were big steps to undermine a corrupt government. Yet they didn't show themselves to be resistant to anyone. It was all getting muddled in her head. She brought her mind to her current job when she heard the beep on her arm comp. She was still getting used to the new device that Cross had made for everyone. She pressed the answer button on the touchscreen and held her arm in from of her. Tanka - Sitrep? Pilot - Um, the captain of the ship we're meeting is wondering if it's ok to...uh..."beam" aboard. Tanka - If that's their prefered method of transfer, then fine. Give them the location of the meeting room. I'll be there momentarily. Also, let them know that we have no artificial gravity and they should dress accordingly. Pilot - Understood. Jenks out. Tanka twirled and pushed off the airlock that she and her guards were waiting at and headed towards the meeting room, if it could be called that. It was nothing more than a two couches and an heavy weapons case bolted down to the floor. Once the captain was aboard, Tanka remembered that she would have to have the pilots rotate the gunship for some artificial gravity. She always enjoyed zero-g too much. She decided to float above one of the couches as she waited. One of the guards stood at, or rather, on the door. Then there was a moment when Tanka blinked and Varlira was there with a couple of her guards, who were wearing some sort of armored suit. Tanka had to feign apathy to hide her surprise while the guard nearly shot them with his SMG. She raised her hand to stop them. Tanka - Captain Varlira, I presume? I should have given you my arm comp code. Or at least a temporary one to warn me ahead of time so that my guards don't jump the shark. Valira: Jump the shark? Never mind that, I am here. Valira looked over at the guard with an odd look on her face for a second, then looked around the room, then back at Tanka. Tanka - I see. Leave us. Don't even leave a guard at the door and return to your posts. The guard looked puzzled at the order, but complied anyway. He was out the door without further question. Tanka - Jenks, get us rotating for some gravity, please. I'm sure our guests would appreciate it. Pilot Jenks - Affirmative. Give it a few minutes. A little gravity returned as Tanka slowly lowered herself into the couch and pulled out a folder from her cloak. She let it slowly fall to the table, the string keeping it closed. Tanka - I know it's archaic compared to what you're used to, but it's both easier and safer this way. Electronics are known to be fickle and trackable whereas paper and film are easier to hide than links through the net. I'm sure it's not the first time. Valira: Yes, though most people I've come across usually still use electronics. Just who are you trying to hide this from? Tanka - Yes, well, we are trying to hide from the Human Colonial Administration here. I don't know if you've run across them or not, but their intelligence department has pulled some crazy stuff out of their asses before. I don't want to take the chance of using electronics, even if the transfer goes through a wire. We are paying good money here. You can deal with it. Valira: Indeed. Now, just what is the plan here? Tanka - Pretty simple, really. Take down food and mineral transports that leave Port Edge, harass the escorts, record footage so you can be paid or bring in the freighters themselves. Anything outside of that is up to you. Every freighter you take down from Port Edge, you'll get paid. For every Biohazard container you bring down, you'll get paid. For every HCA ship you take down, you'll get paid. Starting hire rate for you is 100,000 Universal Curreny. I could have it routed through customs somewhere to whatever currency you wish to recieve it in. Valira: Okay, anything else? Tanka - A free port will open up soon for people like you soon enough in the system. Within the next week, if it isn't up and running already. It will be run by a woman you will know as Councilor Yvette. Part of your payment is free docking and reduced repair from mission damage. Outside of that, you'll have to pay full price. The location will be given upon acceptance of the contract. Valira: I'm assuming that the HCA isn't just going to let this happen. Tanka - Of course not. But from what I've heard, you can handle your ship exceptionally well. Of course, you'll be up against their fighters, which are not much to speak of. Their firepower comes from their destroyers and cruisers. They're an overpowered "escort force". The destroyers are armed with 150mm autocannons and 200mm rail cannon with two point defense clusters on the top and bottom. The cruisers are more heavily armed with the same autocannons as before, but more of them. Also armed with twin 300mm rail cannons with smart shells. Also a missile bay with 50 missiles. Half and half of both split missiles for ships and cluster missiles for technicals such as fighters and space frames. The real worry is the battleships. Everything as before, but more missiles, autocannons, and up teh rail cannons to 500mm. There is also a single dreadnought among the fleet that belongs to Admiral Keesh. It's a special prototype that tries to utilize a large amount of combat grade laser weapons. A first for the HCA. Valira: Is that all? How come you can't take care of them yourself? Tanka - Heh, so you think we're weak to ask help from pirates such as yourselves? We're strong, but not situationally inept. We'd do it ourselves, but then there's the chance we'll be traced. With this, there's less risk of you getting captured because of your experience, less chance you'll let something slip unless they pay you more, and we don't have to waste nearly as many resources doing the same exact thing. You'll also attract other pirates who we won't pay. All that is asked is that you bring all cargo to the port to be "inspected", some will be skimmed off the top, but you'll get compensated. The others won't unless we hire them to do the same job you're getting. With this, the HCA will become distracted from what we're doing on the surface. Valira: Okay, but why tell me that? Tanka - [Grinning] Because it'll be obvious. The problem with paying attention to us, though, would mean to pull attention away from you pirates. And the more you know about your job, the better you can be at it. So here's the full offer. You now know that you are acting as a decoy, but also as a supply disruptor under the guise of a pirate and you're also going to attract vultures to provide even more of a distraction from the surface. This is the full upfront plan of our rebellion, with you being a privateer. Are you still interested in the contract? Tanka leaned forward, placing her elbows on her knees and resting her head behind the peak of ther hands. Her eyes betrayed nothing, only showing the business face she practiced to hide the sadistic glee of setting plans in motion. Tanka - Well? Valira thought for a moment before responding. 'Shouldn't be a problem... Hmm, they believe Myon to be the more advanced of the races around here? Interesting' Valira: I accept. Tanka - Great. I'll be sure to inform Councilor Yvette and have her send the port location your way. Any other questions before you leave? Anything you'd like me to check within the system while you're here? Valira: Just how many ships does the HCA have? Tanka - Hmm. That fluctuates. However, at any given time, there is at least Sys Admiral Keeshs' Dreadnought, 3 other battleships, 15 cruisers, 30 assault destroyers, 45 destroyers, and numerous fighter craft stationed on the capital ships. Anything else? Valira: Okay. I can't think of any other questions right now. Tanka - That should be all then. If you ever have need to contact me or my boss directly, ask for me by the name of Aide Bakti. You'll get me shortly thereafter if not immediately. Oh, and welcome to the Helios System.

Hmm, I thought about running RHW in my regions, but from my experience, it takes a bit of work.  And I'm lazy (though becoming less so), so I don't do much outside of interesting terraforming. Still, looks awesome and may actually convince me to start using RHW.  As always. -MK

I wonder. If switching the consciousness of two subjects is something of importance, what is it important for? My vote on espionage.

This. Is. AWESOME! +1

Act 1 - The Rebellion Council East Hub Agriculture Labs Imar had finished clearing out his office. He was done, and was glad to be rid of it all. Soon he would have his own lab where he could do his own work. His latest details could hold wonders beyond what most people would even dare to venture. He had just put on his coat and was about to walk out the door when the familiar face of Dr. Cross appeared behind him on the screen. Imar - Ah, Dr. Cross. Couldn't come to see me off in person? Cross - You know exactly why I'm calling. Are you sure about this? Imar - Doubly sure. Soon, you won't have to deal with me. Hopefully never again. That would be best for both of us, right? Cross - Imar, I know what you're doing. I've got this entire planet covered. I know what you're planning and it' Imar - What I wanted to do in the first place. The colony was set up for our pet projects we could never do anywhere else. Cross - All of our projects were experiments of questionable ethics and methods! What you plan on doing goes right past all that straight into a UN Ethical Tribunal! Imar - Nothing ventured, Cross. You know this. Cross - Imar, this is serious! If you go through with this, your bioweapons won't even be looked at as an atrocity! Imar - I know. But I am willing to risk it for a dream. Something I've been allowed very little of my own since I got here. Cross - You...Imar? Imar - Ever since landing, I've been pressured to do someone elses projects. Now, I'm going to disappear in a seemingly vibrant ball of fire. I'm sure you can understand the passion one feels when they enjoy their work. I have served my time like you have. I want my piece, now let me enjoy my plot of heaven. Cross - ... Imar - Cross? Cross - It's going to be hard to make sure your labs aren't seized. Imar - Anything of value or incrimination has already been moved or seized by their "rightful" owners. Nothing of my own work remains. I trust you can cover? Cross - If nothing else, Imar. Just don't let me catch wind of what you're doing. I'll try to keep it secret until we get our independence. Maybe even past that if you want. I'll see you later. And the screen blinked off. Imar smiled as he put on his hat and picked up his suitcase. As he closed the door, the shaped charges in the room were set off. Noone else was in the way between him car pool underneath the complex. He was dead to the world and the universe. And he sincerely hoped that Cross succeeded with whatever plans she had set. Fort Bolster Cross sighed as she entered the breifing room. Losing Imar, even though they were constantly at each others throats, was going to cause further problems. She guessed he wouldn't be truly happy being under her strict command. The colony was set up for those who wanted to practice the less ethical side of science away from prying eyes back in Sol. As long as nothing went against the forbidden elements of research set forth by the UN, they turned a blind eye. That was the whole purpose of Colony Project C05. She quickly forgot about this when she finally looked at the assorted person sitting in the room. Professor Klines was present, as was Doctor Higani, and Cross' own second in command, Tanka. The person she didn't expect or want to see was Kierta Honra sitting next to Klines. Kierta didn't look particularly comfortable sitting in the den of ther very person that wanted her dead, but she wasn't a pile of sludge on the floor yet, so she maybe Cross had grown some mercy somewhere. Cross - Three seconds. Kierta - Well, maybe not so much. I am here to render assistance. Cross - Klines? Klines - She checks out. Kierta is System Intelligence Director for the Helios system. She's above other Unified Intelligence members in the system by far. Cross glared at both of them. It should have been enough to burn holes in the ground, but only a strong breeze whirled around the windowless conference room. Only when Higani stood and stood between then did Cross actually register anyone else being there. Higani - We are here for more pressing matters. And having an insider into UN's politics and intelligence is key to our success. She checks out, so chill, Vera. Cross grunted and took her seat at the head chair. Avoiding to look at Kierta, she touched a few keys on the inlaid console and brought up a hologram of the surrounding galactic area. Cross - Alright. We are all gathered here to devise an actual strategy to oust the Human Colonial Administration from the Helios system, or at the very least, the planet. This has caused me to actually take stock of our political situation outside of Earth, Mars, and C05. All present are hereby entrusted with the secrecy of this mission for independence. Cross eyed Kierta as she finished this last statement. She realized she would have to do something to garner enough trust to at least not be glared at. Kierta - Other HCA run colonies are out of the question. Those that have their independence are also out. They either don't have the ability to set up a network to help us, or they don't have the resources or manpower to be of use for what we need. The former has the added problem of HCA running everything that goes between planets. Messages, supplies, exports. They're all watched and we can't count on them. My personal network, however, may be able to spread word of what we need, should we need it. Cross - I see. Anything to add? Tanka stepped forward and brought something that superimposed over the galaxy map. Tanka - I may have been able to secure a privateer contract. I still need to discuss the details in a physical meeting, but I should be able to get them to sign on with little problem. There are also a few other independent groupd that I'll be able to get enticed. If they become too much trouble, they can be eliminated without too much trouble. Our privateers, though, will be exempt from such treatment. Kierta - I should hope so. It's one thing to hire privateers to wreak havoc, but enticing pirates and killing them if they do too much? That sounds rather unethical, even by my standards. Tanka - We must be percieved as being a stable colony should we want to continue to prosper as we have. I see these as necassary steps to causing discord towards the HCA. They will be given fair warning. Kierta - At which point, they will laugh and do what they do best. Hit and run raids can do wonders to a systems economy. Cross - So what do you suggest? Kierta hid her surprise. Cross actually looked curious. Whether it was an act or not, she had to say something. Kierta - Well, how about controling the underground ourselves instead of enticing it? Cross - Hmm. Go on. Kierta - It'd be simple, really. We set up the pirate havens in the belts and dumping zones and the control the smuggling routes. Havens always spring up in systems where a scorned record keeper decides to damage his company by selling the routes. I could easily get that information and form a haven given time and proper escalation. The pirates could even act as an impromptu mercenary force if need be. Cross - Interesting. Tanka? Tanka - It could be done. With the routes so readily available, we could easily name a price for our high priority targets. Cross - Excellent. Next topic. When we finally get our independence, do you think we'll be able to hold it on our own against the whole of the HCA? Klines - Considering the power of the fleet in orbit above us, I would think not. We'd have an ongoing conflict that we couldn't outlast with outside help. Kierta - Yes. And the HCA Star Forces are not likely to take a humiliation lying down. Prideful idiots. Higani - So we'd need military or political assistance from some other source. How about AFDES? Cross - We are only an observer state through Cauldron Refining, which is dwindling quickly. We could vie for full membership status, but that also entails that we would need to provide some sort of compensation for their help. Something we may not be ready for, even with all the minerals and fuels we produce. Kierta - It's still a viable option, Cross. Let's not rule it out. C05 has been an observer, what, twenty-five, thirty years? I'm sure that's a long enough time to be considered at least. Cross - Yes, but it's the ethics of the situation. While they may be politically lax, it would still be bold of us to ask for assistance of a lowly observer. Kierta - True enough. Higani - Follomer on Earth would be a natural choice, but they may be far too small to actually do anything beside provide arms and training for our own PMC military. Cross - Out of the question. They've had too much done to them already on Earth that involving themselves with us would not make them look really good to the world around them. There's have been several attempts at subverting the government by various states, even the United States. Higani - What about the empire that borders us spinward (north)? The al'Hasiq? Klines - If we could find them in a timely and inconspicous manner, sure. However, they are rather reclusive and territorial at best. I don't think a small colony on their border would garner much interest for them to come out after being hidden for 10,000 years. Kierta - Heh, heaven help us if they do. We'd be the center of galactic attention, which would be detrimental to our fight. Of course, if we could strike a deal under the table somehow, it'd shatter the HCA's grip of the system in a second. Tanka - Hmm, I guess the next faction would be the Muphridish. Do...we actually have any contact with them? Cross - Through UN diplomats, yes. But that doesn't mean we can't contact them ourselves. With the size of their empire, I'm sure we could find a planetary governor or an ambassodor willing to help us in some way. We may be able to get the empire proper to help us if we can find the contacts. Kierta - There's always their diplomatic front door. I'm sure I can get someone there in ample time. Cross - We may need to. Though, with an empire that large, it may take a while. Next? Klines - The Miyon Union. A very culturally diverse nation. The home planet, if I remember correctly, is home to three major civilizations that exist as their own empires. I don't remember all the details, as the information is hard to gather this far out from them. But I do know the al'Hasiq were originally from their home planet. Higani - Their power base? Klines - Hmm. Compared to those around them, an elevated level of technology. Large capital ships, good fighters, decent ships in between. Everything would still pound us into the ground should we ever get into a conflict. Of that, I'm sure. Cross - I don't hear much of their ships, though. Kierta - They use a precursor gate system to move people mostly. Apparently they're spread all over the galaxy. There isn't one here, though. Klines would have found it by now. Cross - Heh, can't have everything easy. Next is...Carpathia? Tanka - I severely doubt New Carpathia would be willing to help us. After two major conflicts for the confederation to just survive, I don't think they'd risk conflict with the UN for a single colony to gain its independence. Higani - No, but there are a large number of embassies in close proximity. If our direct channels take too much time, we could try here at a central location. At least several people would here us then. Tanka - While that may be true, that's rather underhanded. The nation is still recovering from two almost system destroying catastrophes. Kierta - Who's to say HCA won't do that to us? Maybe we could solicit a contract with the subspace network providers. Get our own hub and everything so we don't have to be nearly as subtle and won't have to worry about HCA interception nearly as much. Cross - It could also bring business in. More business means more money coming in, meaning more funds. I'll get some things together for a trip, then. Hopefully we can get something from there. Anyone we missed? Tanka - The Vinawasho and Dlowarni. Both of which we can't seem to find much on. They are advanced, but they are also reclusive. They stick to their own empires, usually. Cross - Hmm. Ok. Here's the plan, then. I will go with Tanka to New Carpathia and see if we can't broker a deal with Galanet for our own subspace network. Also there, we can take stock of the situation with other star faring empires that we missed, maybe even getting more information on the ones we know. Kierta, work through your contacts and try to get in touch with the Muphridish. If nothing else, we could set up trade to get some capital. Klines, since you're more knowledgable, I want you to take a trip to Myon to see if you can render assistance from them. Again, same as Kierta, if nothing else, open up trade. You are to go to Earth and open negotiations with AFDES about military assistance should it be needed. You could also stop by Follomer is you think they may be able to help. Any questions? Kierta - I sure hope you don't expect to present ourselves as Colony C05. We have to have a name. Tanka - This is true. A proper name is long past due. And you are the Prime Lead of this council. Cross thought for a few minutes to think of what to say. What name should the colony go by? There was nothing very distinguishing, other than the central location of where Hub was, which was considered the capital city. So Cross quickly decided. It could be changed later. Cross - One last thing, I guess. By the power invested in me by Cauldron Refining and the United Nations, I hereby declare this colonys' proper name to be Central, in honor of our solidarity to the central goals of science for prosperity. The first session of Central Council is now adjourned.

Evillions - I would, but I actually couldn't find the pieces parts I wanted/needed. I'm probably going to do some stuff in the lot editor. I also like the grass in the port. Save money on all that reinforced concrete. I'm sure it will get it soon, though. nathanthemayor - I'd need to know which steep slopes. If you're talking about the starports, I just used the hill raiser lot from the hole digger set and then used street leveling. Much cheaper than terraforming, actually and more precise. Those of you still watching, got another update coming later today in about 12 hours. That is, if class lets out early.

Act 1 - The Enemy of My Enemy The new starport, along with the new section of the city, was abuzz with grim gossip. In the port sat three battleships belonging to the HCA. The port wasn't even open for that long before they had forcefully landed. In the control tower at the north end of the port, Klines was already on the control deck above the terminal floors. He was waiting for the officers from the ships to come in. He eyed them suspicously. One time, he would have been tripping over himself to appease them and get them out. However, thanks to Kierta, he wasn't too afraid of the battleships. He knew what they were doing. The door opened and two rear admirals walked in flanking an admiral. Again, a show of force meant to intimidate. He wasn't all that impressed, seeing as how he's seen how others handle it. A gun doens't scare him. A knife and rope does. Klines - I'm sorry to have to say this, but you will have to move your ships back into orbit. The admiral eyed him, showing a hint of feigned rage. It was easy to see. He expected Klines to be cowed. Admiral Herring - I beg your pardon? Our ships need maintanence. And I do believe that we can land where ever we want on this colony. Klines - This city is not part of your holdings. Only Port Edge is yours. I do believe its starport is more than adequate for your vessels. This port is only for light haulers, shuttles, and civilian transports. Admiral Herring - A port is a port. We can land where we please on this colony. You will abide by these rules as per your contract. Klines - My contract? You mean the one that has been fulfilled for five years? My planetary surveys have already been completed. And as per my contract, I hold all rights and responsibilities of this portion of this colony, which consists of this city and the surrounding land mass. As it turns out, I don't have to let you land. The land is mine by my contract with Cauldron Refining. We have neither the tools, materials, or security for you to land here for maintenance. I do believe the orbital defense stations have everything you need. Admiral Herring was red in the face by the end of this. Klines mearly stood his ground and stared at him through his glasses. Behind them, he was worried about his next move, though he was sure he could see it coming. One could never tell with old military dogs. They had always had to do political maneuvering eventually. Admiral Herring - So? It's not as though you can stand on your own. What military do you have to defend you from pirates? I hear they're starting to encroach on the territory. Klines - So predictable. When the time comes, I'm sure a PMC would be more than willing to pick up an escort contract. Maybe even a civil defense force if need be. You, on the other hand, are uninvited. What you have done is commited an act of aggression against a civilian settlement. I'm sure the UN is watching, as I hear United Intelligence has several agents all over the different colonies. I expect this incident to be reported within the hour without you even realizing it. Admiral Herring - Oh really? You expect something I already know to scare me? Especially when the agents in question answer to System Admiral Keesh? As if cued, Kierta appears behind the admirals without garnering any attention. Kierta - Seems someone needs to learn their place, and quickly. Admiral Herring - WHAT IN STARS BLAZING HELL!? A knife whiffs by Admiral Herring's head and into an operators panel screen, causing her to shreik in surprise. Herring leans out of the way, drawing a pistol. The rear admirals jump in surprise at Kiertas appearance and reach for theirs. Within seconds, several other guns are heard from the security guards that blended with the surrounding room. Looking around, Herring thought better about retaliating, as he knew he was pushing his limit. Kierta - By the power vested in me by the UN United Intelligence Agency, I declare you in violation of colonial rights held by the leader of the colony. You were denied landing in the city's port, yet you still proceeded to land without clearance. Currently, you are all liable to be held on charges of negligence of command, refusal to submit to port control, and reckless endangerment of civilians. The United Nations, I'm sure, will find much more. This goes for all three of you, due to your rank. Admiral Herring - You can't-! Kierta - I can. I'm not part of your attached intelligence. I hold the rank of System Intelligence Director, meaning your agents are my agents. Not the other way around. Now, Founder Peter Klines, would you like them to be detained for their charges? Klines looked at the admirals in thought and weighed the option of the situation. There were several different options open to him. There would be a good amount of litigation if there were a trial. A precendence would surely be set. The two rear admirals looked lost as to what to do. However, he had already decided the ultimate decision before this had even started. Klines - I will not press charges. I will, however, hold them should he attempt another dangerous manuever again. Admiral Herring, you and any ship you are on are banned from ever coming near Port Origin. Be sure to land in Central Hub, or better yet, Port Edge. The other two, I would like to deal with seperately. Admiral Herring - They are my subordinates! Whatever sentence you hand them, I must hear! Klines - And yet, I don't think I have their portion of the story. I would like to talk to them without their commanding officer breathing down their neck. You needn't worry, I've already hand you your sentence. You will be notified of theirs once I have passed it. Admiral Herring - I'll have your-! Kierta - Admiral Herring, I believe you've been dismissed. Return to your ship and leave immediately. Admiral Herring - You-! Kierta - Last. Warning. Next is step is a tribunal. And believe me, more than just this will be revealed there. Herring glared at Kierta. He finally holstered the pistol he had been gripping with white knuckles. It was evident that he wanted to shoot her. But the security guards with submachine guns pointed at him would never get let him have the chance. He holstered his pistol and walked to the elevator, he looked back past Kierta, who was still glaring at him, at Klines. The glare off of his glasses hid Klines eyes, so Herring couldn't tell if he was being played. His posture was that of a wall. Tall and triumphant against all who would assail it. It definitely wasn't one of a humble leader he had heard about. Admiral Herring - You are entering a dangeroud game, Klines. I'm not the one you will have to worry about now. And there, a smirk crossed Klines face as the elevator door closed. It definitely not something Herring was expecting. He realized he had just been played himself. He made a note to reassign the two rear admirals to other jobs the first chance he got. Kierta sighed as her personality slid back to her normal sadistic self. She held a hand to her head and laughed with her head back. Kierta - Well played, Klines. You're a natural at this. I didn't even have to cue you on anything and even took things a few steps further. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is perfect! I knew there was something I liked about you, Peter. Klines - I would prefer it if you didn't address me like that in public. I still have a position to uphold. Kierta - And you're doing it wonderfully. Don't worry, this isn't all that public and people aren't likely to spread those things if you really don't want. I can arrange it. She sweeped the room with a menacing glance and a sadistic smile as people who were absently listening returned to their work in a hurry. Klines - I doubt anyone would know who you were anyways. Noone really likes to mess with intelligence. Now, about you two. The two rear admirals tensed up as the topic changed to them. One was rather pale. Kierta moved past them to stand next to Klines and lean on the rail down to the sensors pit. Klines - You are going to explain why you went along with your commanding officer in this horrible idea at intimidation. Kierta - Take your time. Not too long, though. Kierta flicked a knife out of her sleeve and held it at the tip while rubbing it against her cheek. This didn't really make the the two admirals feel very comfortable. The pale one became even paler. Klines didn't even move to stop her. Kierta - How about names? You. You're Rear Admiral Treska Kino. You are following in your familys' footsteps by being in the Navy. You decided to take it one step further and join the UN Star Force as a wide-eyed idealists. After attaining your rank of Rear Admiral, you realized just how screw up the galaxy is after being assigned to the battleship Obliterator The not pale admiral looked at Kierta in surprise. The first actual change in expression he showed since Kierta first came in. He nodded in affirmation as he regained his composure. He was actually really dark compared to the other people in the room. Kierta surmised his family originated in South Africa. Klines - And I've read your file. Rear Admiral Intaris Drake. I've seen some of the daring raids that earned you your current battleship, Immolator. Entered the UN Star Force Officers Academy with high hopes and illusions of granduer. Seems you've lead a bright life. Kierta - Now, you're about to enter the darker portion of your life. You'll never be able to see the light again, I'm afraid. Being recruited for counter-espionage really sucks, beleive me. Klines - I doubt you found it that horrible. Kierta - Well, you see, it all started when-. Klines - Anyways, I don't really need to know why you followed Admiral Herring down here. Orders are orders. However, you will be told of the things we plan on doing and why. Kierta - The HCA has overstepped its bounds. R-Admiral Drake - We are well within our rights! Kierta - Section 5, Article 1 of Colony Project C05 pertaining to Planetologist Peter Klines. At a time when Professor Klines and his portion of the colony has paid back initial investment, all civil and equivalent national rights are hereby granted to Professor Klines and his Founded cities. The HCA is under no obligation to aid Professor Klines and his Founded cities unless aid is specifically asked for pertaining to defense and well-being of economic defense. The HCA can not, under any circumstances, force themselves upon Professor Klines and Founded cities. To do so is a breach of contract and contravenes the HCA's edict of maintaining, not enforcing, stability. Offenders are subject to a court marshall and a tribunal before the assembled nations at the United Nations should Professor wish to pursue charges in higher courts. R-Admiral Drake - You're making that up! The HCA would never agree to that! Kierta - Wake up, kid. The HCA is a branch of the UN Peacekeepers. That is why they do not have the authority to press themselves onto nations. It is a technicality that keeps being overlooked. R-Admiral Kino - She's right, Drake. That is the law. R-Admiral Drake - How can you side with them!? R-Admiral Kino - It is the law. The contract even reaffirms it. By following Admiral Herrings' orders, we have possibly tarnished our careers in an irreversable way. I wouldn't be surprised if Herring reassigned us to another system to keep us away from him. R-Admiral Drake - NO! I can't do that! If that happens, I'll never forgive Herring for talking me into this! I'll make him PAY! Kierta - Oh, all fired up. Just what we need. Klines, even though you're my underling in all this, you hold the power to actually punish them. R-Admiral Drake - Please, sir! Have mercy! I was only following orders! Herring, he-! Klines held his hand up to cut him off. Drake face went sullen as he waited to hear the dreaded punishment. Klines - After a bit of consideration, I find that the best punishment is community service. Drake was on the verge of tears. Kino heaved a sigh and put a hand on his shoulder. R-Admiral Kino - What does the service entail, sir? Klines - You will take the Immolator and the Obliterator and patrol the Helios system for a year. After the term, you will be released back into the HCA. Kierta, Kino, and Drake all looked at Klines in surprise. Other people had stopped and looked from their jobs as if they heard wrong. Klines - This part of the punishment is what will be public. The rest, I'm sure Kierta already has it written up and will send it to you after your first report. You two are now dismissed. Your routes will be sent shortly. The two rear admirals both looked at Klines back in astonishment. It was a good minute before they both saluted and left for their ships. A few moments later, their ships lifted off. Kierta reached up and grabbed Klines by his lapels and pulled him into her chest. Kierta - That was excellent! Two battleships that are practically under our control, and we didn't even have to pay for them! You are the best lackey I've ever had! Where were you when I was quelling rebellions on Mars? Klines - Surveying the Alpha Centauri system. Too bad nothing ever happened there. Kierta - Oh, we are so going back to your place now. Think of something for dinner. Something that goes well with red wine. Oh, tonight is going to be so much fun! Kline - [sigh] Yes, ma'am. Central Hub Control Tower/Administration Tower Cross - And god looked down upon the world. He was not please with what she saw. Cross sat in what was the central governing office of Central Hub. With parking underground and the starport just across the way, it was the perfect place, or so she thought. Higani was safe at Fort Bolster working on miniturized cores again. Cross was worried at first, but was later convinced she could do it after seeing what she considered Lightcalling. Whereas Cross could take air and throw a strong wind that could knock over a skyscraper, Higani could take light and energy around her and sling pellets and beams of light around with devastating effect. Not that she was scared of Higani, but if she could control energy, they it's possible that she could get the mini-fusion reactors to work. But now, she had a different problem. An HCA problem. The recently completed Central Hub Starport, which was to help expedite the immigration process, was now full of HCA destroyers and cruisers. Luckily, the shuttle pad was full and the hanger had a weird angle that didn't allow fighters to land. Tanka - The leuitenant commander of the 51st Assault Flotilla is on his way up, ma'am. Cross - Have the troops on standby. I want boarding teams ready if they're here to take over. Tanka - Already in place. Cross - Any news on notable pirates? Tanka - I have one who may be coming. The al'Hasiq that are spinward to us are also dormant. I've had a few feelers looking for any signs of them to see if they're even real. Cross - If they want to be seen, they'll show themselves. I don't expect a hyper-advanced race to just come to play big boy on the playground for us. We need support, not another person to fear. We also need someone to run pirates around the system to start distracting the HCA from the surface. Course, the way the HCA is making its presence knownm we may have to speed up plans before they pull something. Tanka - Are you sure we want pirates to take food bound for other colonies? Cross - Yes. They are moving the bioweapons out on the food transports. They need to be stopped, or at least stymied. A lot of escorts will start being assigned up until capitals are used to guard them. At which point, we'll start taking down their ships. They will suspect something before then, but it'd be too late. I already have gunships being manufactured at Fort Bolster. Tanka - Yes. The new- ma'am, he's here. The door opened into the the spacious office Cross sat in. The officer in question looked rather smug as he walked in. He was so sure of himself he missed the face of rage and the floating hair that Cross had going. The still air had started to move. When the officer actually opened his eyes to look at Cross, he stopped for a second. And that's all he got before a wind slammed the door closed and Cross was halfway between her desk and the door in midair, ready to plant a fist in the officers face. Officer - Whoa! Whoa!! WHOA!!! I'm here for peace! PEACE! Cross slammed a right hook into the mans cheek with all the force of a tornado behind it. The only reason the man didn't die was because Tanka had jumped in and braced to catch him. Already, she could tell that there was a dislocated jaw, if it wasn't shattered. Cross walked towards the man who was now in a daze in Tankas' arms. She smacked him a few times to get his focus back. Officer - Whuhat dah- AAAH! Cross - Peace doesn't come with a flotilla. It comes in a single ship. Why are two squadrons sitting on my pad? Officer - PEESH! PEESH!! Cross - Tanka, fix his jaw. If he says he's here for peace, then I want an actual explanation. An hour later, the officer and Tanka enter through the side door of the office. It was a hidden door behind a bookcase to Cross' room. The officer was walking on his own with Tank walking ahead of him. Tanka - He should be able to talk. He was talking a bit before we came out. Cross - Name and rank, now. Officer - Lt. Commander Ross Neilson of the Indianapolis, lead cruiser of Alpha Wing of the 51st Assault Flotilla. Cross - Neilson, what possessed you to come down to city? Are your superiors wanting something I have? Neilson - Um...uh...how to put this. My CO, Commander Bowde, is...looking for another employer. Cross - Oh? What makes him think that I'll hire him? Neilson - Well, um. He looks into the underground networks every so often, and he know you're...uh...yeah. But, what really tipped him off is that he's seen the ancient ruin that's northwest of Port Origin become rather active in his orbital patrols and- [Click] Neilson - And that's a gun to my head. Great. Cross was looking at her book, not even looking at Neilson. A small smile showed up, but she didn't look away from her book. Tanka - What does your CO plan to do about that ruin? Neilson - Nothing. He knows that it will become public shortly as local PMC base. He's worried about his people. He's wondering if there can be an arrangement between you and him so that he doesn't get caught in the crossfire. I know it sounds cowardly, but listen, he's been around for a while. He's practically a father for those of us that decide to stay in the service. He's seen what happens to other colonies that decide to get violent and what happens to the first group of ships that happene to be there. He wants to avoid unnessaccary blood. He knows the rules and is willing to even help and provide services if it will keep his flotilla out of the way. So... Cross never stopped smiling. She stood and shut the book in her hands and closed her eyes. A rumbling started to fill the room and shake everything in the room. Then came a whirlwind that filled the room. It reached a crescendo and fell suddenly silent. Then cross threw the book in her hand at one of the think window. A hurricane could be heard as it flew at impossible speeds, tearing itself apart as it went. All that was left when it hit the window were pages and bent peices of cardboard. But that didn't stop it from blasting the glass out into several small shards. Neilson was in awe before looking back at Cross, who then terrified him with a the posture that said she was in charge of this negotiation. Cross - Tell Bowde to get his own ass down here. Until then, he is to stay out of the atmosphere unless I let him. Next time he tries this stunt again, I'll crash all of your ship into the sea to be forever lost, got it? Neilson - Y...yes, ma'am. I'll...I'll go tell him now.

Munchiez - Thanks a bunch. Believe me, I am impressing myself that it's turning out so well. Leech10 - If you want to know what happened to Higani, look here ---> https://www.simtropolis.com/cityjournals/?p=view&id=1897&page=15 The earlier parts of development are there also.

Tanka - Master Kainis seems to be busy trying to resist carpeltunnel after writing this on top of coding and trying to type something for his spanish class. So I'm going to explain some things that I'm sure he meant to before. His handwriting's terrible, so please bear with me. 1 - See if anyone's interested in assisting Cross. Tanka - Hmm, simple enough. I'm sure you could post here of send him a message. I may be the one you get, but any assistance a star faring nation/organization could provide I'm sure would be met with gratitude. Not to mention compensation for those that decide to help us with our privateering ploy. 2 - Hint at what will come ^ MIGHT Tanka - ...Ok so the question here is what will happen. There are currently several ways this could pan out, which is all decided on whether or not we can get assistance from a properly equiped force, how much support we get from our own populace, who sides with who, and if Kainis can think that far ahead along that many different paths. I'm sure he has a general idea, but it all depends on how things come together. 3 - Encourage Commenting Tanka - [sigh] I guess he's doubting himself again. Of course, anyone would. Kainis is always looking for feedback. What do you like about this? What don't you like about it? Did he forget to turn off the grid again? Is there something you'd like to see? Any predictions? Please, let him know. 4 - Explain the relationship between Tanka and Cross Tanka - [ahem] Well, it's complicated. You see, I would like if I could just-! [CRASH] Cross - NO! BAD TANKA! BACK TO WORK TRYING TO FIND PIRATES! Tanka - Yes mistress. Ow. @@

Act 1 - The Waking Truth The sun shone brightly through the filtered window of her room. The EKG beeped in time with her pulse, confirming that she was, in fact, the one hooked up to it. Higani just watch as smoke and steam from outside played some interesting shadows on the wall. She had finally decided to tilt her head to see if a nurse and standing by. Except the room didn't resemble anything like a hospital room. It was a large bedroom. And she was in a king size bed with an IV and several other tubes hooked in her arms. Struggling to fight the muscular dystrophy that, she sat up with the realization that she may have been out for a lot longer than she thought. Or maybe she was in a different plane? This seemed to luxurious for a normal hospital. Higani - Did...did I die? And is this the afterlife? Higani stared at her hands, which looked a little thinner than she remembers. Then she got a flashback of her last moments before blacking out. The heat. The light. The fire. The concusive force. The sheer power she stood against. She remembered what happened and what went wrong exactly. The electomagnetic sheild didn't allow for coronal plasma to be vented, causing a pressure buildup and ultimately a containment failure, resulting in an out of control reaction. The cooling rods and coolant dump wouldn't have been enough. She remebered feeling the core the energy of the core. It felt too compressed up until contaiment failure. After that, it felt as though her body was surrounded by light and energy. She herself was fine. She couldn't see. She was blind in the energy of the cores eruption. Which brought her back. She had suddenly looked around and noticed that things didn't look quite right. There was no color. At least, color that was normal for the equipment around her. She thought that EKG machines had a white casing. Instead, it had a faint electric blue look to it. She could see the panels, the buttons, the wires, but no casing. She reach to couch it when her hand came into contact with hard plastic. Higani tried to reason what was going on. She could see, but...only electricity? The only thing that stopped her from going crazy was the door opening and a familiar voice. Cross - Finally, you're awake. Higani - Cross? What's going on? What happened? Why are you green and surrounded by a dark green haze? Cross - Hmm. So you can still see, but not in the way I would have thought. Higani - Wha? I'm blind!? Cross - Yes. To normal spectrums, it seems. You were at the epicenter of a fusion reactor explosion. Even if you weren't looking at it, you would have been blinded. Being blind is not what concerns me, though. What does is the fact you're still alive. Higani - I...I survived...so it really did...I...I yet live... Cross - Yeah, that's what the sergeant who found you told me you said. With a grin on your face as well it seems. Higani tried to jar her memory again. Sure enough, it came. The reactor exploded, forcing itself through whatever holes if youlc find and blasting them open even more. She felt it, even through all the light. She remembers desperately trying to find a way out, and found it through the energy that was forcing its way to the top. She instantly felt herself at the head of the energy. She was at the top of the explosion. After blacking out for a few minutes, she woke to people barking orders and several people moving around. She could see much. Everything was still sort of white. She could make out fuzzy human figures, though, so she stuggled to her feet, and marched with triumph for overcoming a nuclear bomb. She knew it was shock. It was making her high and delerious. And then she saw the sergeant. And heard a humming that sounded like her talking. And then the ground came as blur and turned black. Higani was considerably more calm now that she knew what happened. She was blind due to a reactor exploding. What she didn't know was how she survived. Cross - We still don't know why you survived or why you don't have radiation poisoning. Higani - I'm sure it's related to how I can still 'see'. Cross - How are you doing that, anyways? Higani - Well, there's...no color. But I think I can see energy. For instance, the EKG by the bed. I can see the electricity in the wires. I can also see the data panels and the color frequencies of the different colors. So in a sense, I can still see color on screens. You, on the other hand, look like a bright green collection of nerves surrounded by a dark green fuzz. Probably your natural EM field. Cross - Or that might be my windcalling. This may actually help my research into it. So, you can see energy. What does the surrounding area look like. Higani - Hmm, it doesn't feel familiar, but...what...the? Cross, where are we? Cross - Hahaha! I was wondering how to go about this. Seems like it'll be easier than I thought. Here, give me you hand, and I'll walk you to the top. I think you may get less interference from the walls. Higani - Wha? Um. Ok. After taking out the IV and the EKG sensors, Cross helped Higani walk to an elevator. From what Higani could tell, she could see kinetic energy as well. But not just see it, but also feel it, though it wasn't as strong or as vibrant as the electricity that was running throughout this city. As the elevator stopped, Cross helped her walk out. For the first time in what seemed like years, she felt the wind. It was very comforting. But what was astonishing was where she was. Apparently at the top of the building she was in, she noticed that what she detected before was only a smaller portion. What she felt was a bustling island inside a high ring. Maybe from a supervolcano. She could feel people around the base fo the tower she was around. She could feel the four thorium reactors blazing hot as it produced energy for the city. The docks were abuzz with incoming materials. She was also pretty sure that was that the ground beneath the tower was actually a massive base and ship manufacturing complex. It was simply amazing to her. Higani - Cross, where are we? Cross - We are at Fort Bolster. A massive, self-sustaining base and munitions and arms manufacturing center. It is here that the HCA will soon meet its match. Higani - The...the HCA? Why? Has something happened? Cross - Yes, a lot has happened. You've been out for two months. I don't know if you had any plans for Port Edge, but it is no longer yours. Higani - WHAT!? The surrounding metal arced as a look of rage came to Higani's face. If she was week, she longer showed signs of it. Even her skin and muscles started to return to normal. Cross - The Administration pulled some stunts with paperwork and intellectual property rights and managed to wrest control of Port Edge, and more importantly, your university and labs, from you. They claimed that since you were doing work for them, you being incapacitated wasa breach of contract. Meaning they took Port Edge. Higani - You're the Administrator of this colony! It belongs to Cauldron Refining! How could you have let them take Port Edge from me!? They have overstepped their bounds! Cross - First off, Cauldron Refining is in the midst of a hostile takeover from some upstart. Right now, I am the sole proprietor of C05. Cauldron is finished. I don't know how, and I never saw it coming, that's what has happened. And since you still had outstanding conditions on your contract, they were able to bog down the courts enough to where their deadline came and they took over a month ago. As of right now, we are on our own as an independent colony. I was able to do that much with my contacts in Cauldron. They won't be the same if they ever get out of this. Higani - What about Klines? And Imar? Cross - Klines is maintaining his city. As far as I can tell, he's not really doing anything. He is building a city defense garrison after I told him of the situation, though he seemed knowledgable of the situation already. Imar seems to have gone quiet. He's outright refusing to talk to me and refusing me access to his labs in East Hub, which he has no authority to, especially since I have total charge of this colony. And I know why. I haven't pushed the issue, but the East Hub labs are producing several strains of bioweapons to be used on colonies that resist the HCA's "Administration of the Colonies". Higani - What? Bioweapons? Why is he doing that? Cross - Don't know. I looked into it, and it seems Imar worked on anti-pathogens for crops to increase yeilds back home. Apparently that knowledge was pressured into use by UN Interstellar Intelligence. I have no clue why they would risk their reputation. Higani - Um, dur hur, Vera. The Administration controls all interstellar communications. An outbreak could be labeled as such, just an outbreak. They'd be able to control the media and anyone that was able to uncover anything would be hard pressed to be able to get it published outside of a single system or even get out to people that could. Cross - Maybe. Higani - Um...What has happened to Port Edge since I ...you know, exploded. Cross - Hmm. Cross - Well, to start, the University has been rebuilt. It wasn't what it once was before the incident, but it's also being used as an officer training school now. I hear they're forcing certain students to become HCA officers, mainly in engineering. They still don't know what to do with the crater the reactor left behind. Cross - The HCA have also built themselves into the northern mountain wall of Port Edge. Right now, it's not that big on the surface. But it does take up a lot of room underneath that. Recruiting, training, city/colonial administration. It's all done there. I even hear that the HCA plans on expanding into Central Hub and Port Origin, but both me and Klines have refused. Don't know how much longer we have until we have to resort to force. Higani - Force? I thought we didn't have a military. And I also thought colonies were disallowed militaries except for PMC's for escort duty and city defense. Cross - What do you think Fort Bolster is for? The HCA doesn't even know it exists. I even have someone who's in the survelience branch making sure that this area shows up empty. We're building ships and starcraft for escort duty on the surface and in space. We're bringing in volunteers to act as a defense force. We're also starting to consider using channels through what's left of Cauldron to see if we could ask support from the AFDES or even from an empire that wouldn't mind slugging it with the UN's space force. I hear there might be one spinward to us in Helios. Higani - That...are you sure? Cross - What? Higani - Asking for help from a group of people we know next to nothing about? AFDES maybe, if our interests coincide. From what I remember, we're still only an observer. Even after fifty years, we have next to nothing to offer. Cross - We have mineral resources that could be useful. We also have a planets worth of oil sitting below the surface that we've tapped. Both Port Origin and Central Hub have full refining facilities that can finally be put to full use. Higani - But we're only a colony! We don't even have a proper military. Only a militia under the guise of a PMC. We can't stand on our own, we have little to no friends becase we're only a colony and don't have access to our own intersellar communications. We can't even properly produce our own wormhole drives! I could come up with a quick production method, but even that would be crude! Cross - That's why I have Tanka looking for some privateers to start causing some trouble. I may even get in touch with an aquantence of mine to see if she can stir up some social unrest in Port Edge. Higani - Pirates? Why? Cross - To, A, give us a valid reason to 'hire' a PMC, and B, to keep the HCA distracted. Though I have no idea who would want to do that for us. Have to wait for Tank to figure that out. Higani heaved a sigh and looked out the only inlet to the base. There, she could tell that submerged ships were keeping a hidden vigil. She knew that if Fort Bolster were discovered now, it would be over. C05 would be declared a rebelious colony, with paperwork declaring the opposite, and the HCA would take over with the overwhelming force that sat above them in orbit. Even though so much was against them, Higani knew Cross had things under control. That's just what she did. A natural leader. She was her only hope to regain Port Edge. It all mattered on who decided to help them in their struggle. They could do it on their own, but so many would be lost in the ensuing battles. Higani - I guess it's one of those times that I have to go with the flow. Cross - [sNRK] Higani - Shut up, Vera. I know what I said. But it's appropriate. Cross - Whatever you say, Tasuki. ::END CHAPTER:: ==Edited for spelling, because I suck when I type fast==

Looks awesome. Wonder what else they'll go through and what friends/enemies they'll make other than what they already have.

Alright. I don't know if anyone's been paying attention, but now I'm actually starting to move things along in my CJ. Soon, Colony C05 will declare its independence from the Human Colonial Administration. However, it is still a long road that requires a bit of undermining and sabotage. Currently, Tanka Jutei, supposed head of the underworld market on C05, is looking for willing volunteers to begin piracy in the Helios System. There is a good amount of money involved. Any materials you can manage to snag, half of it will be bought at 50% above market price. Most materials include refined fossil fuels, refined metals and ores, and locally produced products such as food and tools. Please express your interests, because Tanka will contact you. This method is in the interest of our security.