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The Aztani
or How the Normans are actually nice
Destorying the Reinforcements
or How the Normans are actually nice
Destorying the Reinforcements
The year 2245 started with enemy incursion to Juss system. Small enemy fleet of three corvettes entered the system, did a flyby on the homeworld Jusstka, found it heavily defended and moved on- doing the smart thing and attacking the wormhole station built in the edges of Juss system. Limiting mobility of the enemy- that is a smart thing to do.
Enemy fleet doing flyby of Jusstka
At the same time, Earth had been constructing new destroyers, one after another. Three of them were ready, and were sent to defend the station. At the same time, the enemy brought 5 additional corvettes to the system. This was actually enough to force the Hauteville main fleet to abandon all fleet operations in Karazit and jump back to Juss.
One fleet engaging the Normans, other closing in
Right on time as well. Hitting the first, smaller fleet as they emerged from wormhole, then turning their attention to bigger one. It came as a total surprise to Jusstkan- and seeing the Hauteville fleet dwarfed the small Jusstkan fleets, there was no question about the victor. Just two more fleets wiped out of the sky.
Surprise!
Turning their attention to bigger one
That's the end of that.
The Aztani
Seeing that the military capacity of Karazit was destroyed, Aveline thought there is no point of heading back to the system. Instead, she chose a new destination, another nearby system, Chox. Another system that was core of the enemy- but this system held a surprise. First though, there was an enemy planet called Cranodeth. With it’s own spaceport. Norman fleet descended upon it like vultures and soon, there was no more spaceport.
Spaceport above Cranodeth has no chance against Norman fleet
Same with Vurl-Zajet. The poor spaceport that was built on the orbit had no chance against the might of the Hauteville fleet. Easy battle for the Normans, another spaceport lost for the Jusstkan. In space, it was all the same.
Destruction of spaceport in Vurl-Zajet
The planet itself, it was very different. It was not desert world, it was ocean world. For starters. And it wasn’t colonized by Jusstkan, it was home of a species calling themselves Aztani. Molluscoid, from the first glance. Apparently, the Jusstkan had done the same thing with Aztani as the Normans did with the gorf- they invaded the poor buggers. There, the similarities end though. The Normans did the conquest with the minimal loss of live and from there on, did their best to integrate the gorf into Hauteville Empire. The results... took their time, but nevertheless, humans were benevolent conquerors. As for the Jusstkan... let’s not speak of atrocities during invasion. Let’s speak of how 6 billion of Aztani, of the nine billion total, are enslaved. Rest three billion were almost slaves. No wonder the aliens became deeply xenophobic.
These poor-poor Aztani
Hautevilles changed their plans immediately- liberation of Aztani became a priority.
It’s a Trap! Again!
In March 2246, Normans had completed their own defence station in Juss. It was now time for them to trap the the unsuspecting Jusstkans. And right into the trap- two corvettes were caught like flies.
This is what defence stations are good for. Picking up stragglers. Avoiding the enemy sneaking in and taking back one of their planets. Allowing the fleet to keep their whole strength in offensive matters while the defence is left to the stations. Even though the station is just an immobile gun platform, it’s ability to disrupt warp means that the enemy always lands on top of it. And as we can see here, the enemy hits the stations much more effectively then the station hits the enemy- but the good defences mean that there is little damage the enemy can do. At least, fleet of that size.
First successful battle of a defence station
A bit later, something even more valuable popped in. It was in August 2246, when the warp disruptors got their hands on a transport fleet, prepared to take back Juss. With a help of some new corvettes stationed in, the invasion met it’s unfortunate end before it even begun.
Hello, enemy transports. This is not how you do an invasion
Fighting the Quislings
“Strap up, boys and girls, we are going in,” said Alexei Skobelev to the Norman soldiers. The invasion fleet was already orbiting the Vurl-Zajet, and the bright bluish hue of the planet turned the command center also eerily blue. “And remember, try to hit the islands, not the oceans! There will be time for swim later, first we have a planet to conquer!”
Then, he grabbed his rifle, marched right to his dropship, strapped himself in, gazed at his crew, already ready. He made an encouraging grin and told the pilot: “Take us in”
The hatch closed and thickly armoured ship was almost dark, just a small red light blinking. The pilot, aptly called Crazy Horse, released the ship from mothership and with just a small thrust of engines, let the gravity to do it’s job.
Inside the belly of the dropship was silence. Some sort of tradition. Nothing to say much- you either get there or don’t. Plus, as the ship gets the gravitational pull and Crazy Horse starts engaging side thrusters to add unpredictability to the trajectory, you were too busy to keep yourself not throwing up to keep up civil conversation.
The journey was bumpy indeed. Crazy Horse moved like crazy, trying his best to avoid the flak fire. His maneuvers shaked the ship even more than the close explosions of the flak, and the few occasions where Crazy Horse flipped the ship and engaged the landing thrusters to gain more momentum (according to army manuals, totally forbidden, but General Skobelev was more interested in getting down alive then manuals) made your stomach turn inside out.
Though it felt like a century, the landing actually took just a few minutes. The final push, engaging the landing thrusters to change the speed of the dropship from falling rock to survivable landing, engaged perfectly by Crazy Horse, again ignoring the safety limits. That was always the worst part. But the landing was surprisingly soft. Then, the sides of the ship fell off and the company hurried to find some cover. Successful landing. Again.
The battle was surprisingly fierce. Jusstkan were smart in their divide and conquer politics. Giving some Aztani the power, the privileges and the command over other Aztani, they had divided their society into two. The upper class and the slaves. And the upper class knew when the Normans were coming that they had to fight for their lives. Not only against the Normans, but their co-operation with the enemy was not looked upon favourably by the rest of the species. So, they fought like hellcats.
Again, we are dealing with enemy who have been bombarded before. Their supplies low, their command structures broke and if they did try to reorganize, there would be orbital bombardment. Again, forced into guerilla fights against Normans, they knew they’d have no help, they knew they cannot win. But the preferred to go down fighting, for this would be easier for them then revenge of the fellow Aztani.
In the end, they failed. Their lives were ended by the Norman soldiers and the planet was liberated. Normans then went for a swim.
As for the Aztani. Most of the people were kept in horrible conditions. Slave collars, barely edible food, hard physical labor in their mines and farms. Though the Normans set them free, they were wary. God knows how long the poor buggers had been suffering under Jusstkan yoke. They weren’t sure if the Normans were as evil or perhaps were even planning something more devious.
The invasion complete
Soon, the war is over. But for now, let’s leave the Norman soldiers to their R&R
Science Gets Done
As the Normans waged war, the Norman scientist continued their advancement as well. First, the Galactic Administration. Brand new plans for the Palermo. Taking account that the city was now home of the interstellar Empire, governing over 15 planets. Perhaps most important was the new Parliament Building. Main features- easily extendable. The main hall was the central piece of the building, reaching over several floors. Built in a way that one could just build another floor on top of it and extend it as needed. Also, the number of representatives per planet was changed. One member of parliament for 1 billion people, be it human or alien. Also, the proposition included addition of chips right into the brains of the citizens, allowing more efficient voting and otherwise dealing with the government, Both plans were delayed due to war.
Ahh, the Capital-Complex and more government. Good-bye, influence issues!
Also, new spaceport expansions and modules for cheaper and more efficient production of destroyers. One more step towards AI in self-aware logic, giving Normans more choice in their research options. Finally, new Biolabs.
Yay! Especially for Research Alternatives!
Death of a Giant
It was October 2245 when Paseka Hauteville-Kumato drew his final breath. Nothing serious, nothing tragic. The man just expired. No wonder, he was 89 years old at the time. Over half of his lifetime, 45 years, he spent as captain of HTV Caldwell. During that time, he dwarfed every other explorer the Earth had even known of. He was instrumental in early expansion of Normans, discovering Tuscany, New Normandy and New Tallinn. His team discovered Avalon. During his life, he surveyed dozens of systems and found several anomalies. Thanks to him, the Normans know much more of the space around them
Good-bye, Paseka. You will be missed.
His body was found in the morning. He died in his bed, peacefully. It’s like he went to sleep and decided never to wake up. He was transported home.
He actually managed to sire three children. Before his days of explorer. Actually, by the time he took up captaining, the youngest was in the university already. Now, he had grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. The sight of grandpa (or great grandpa) was rare, for he didn’t visit home too often. But when he did, he always brought strange presents and told them wonderful stories of the universe. They all loved him and mourned him.
So did Empress Emma. She acknowledged the great explorer and his exploits, expanding the horizons of the Hauteville Empire. She also considered him a dear friend, with whom to chat and drink tea during his rare visits to Earth. She mourned him as well. And granted him a state funeral, put up a huge statue of him in front of soon-to-be-built Empire Capital-Complex.
The funeral ceremony, attended by over 10 000 people, was grand. And unusual. It didn’t end up in graveyard, it ended up in spaceport. Paseka was put to a coffin there and then, put to transport ship. In Oort Cloud, it was released to space. For it was deemed that the man who loved the space so much and spent so much time there should never be buried in the ground. No, he drifts in space until the end of universe, his coffin dimly lit by distant stars.
As for HTV Caldwell, Fernanda Quesada took over. Her attention to details will help the Normans to discover anomalies hidden to first glace.
The new science
There you go. Discovery of another species. Liberation of that species. Plus, first death in the old guard of leaders. May you forever live amongst the stars, Paseka Hauteville-Kumato. You did a good job.
Hehh, true! I cannot claim credit for the idea though, it's was all Deaghaidh!
Not let... but didn't do anything to prevent it too. For HTV Robert Baratheon was the first destroyer, thus the first on the list, thus... the first one to die. And yes, i chuckled at the irony as well. Destined to be killed by the pigs anywhere!
May his mass drivers rest in peace!
Unfortunately, too late for that. The birds will have to suffer for another decade, unfortunately. I'll take the Jusstkan core worlds first. Plus, i've found poor Molluscoids to help out!
That is so appropriate!
Hehh, true! I cannot claim credit for the idea though, it's was all Deaghaidh!
Sad to see Scrap lost in the battle, but I'm convinced you let Robert Baratheon die in that battle. It's too funny to let him die against space pigs.
Not let... but didn't do anything to prevent it too. For HTV Robert Baratheon was the first destroyer, thus the first on the list, thus... the first one to die. And yes, i chuckled at the irony as well. Destined to be killed by the pigs anywhere!
May his mass drivers rest in peace!
Unfortunately, too late for that. The birds will have to suffer for another decade, unfortunately. I'll take the Jusstkan core worlds first. Plus, i've found poor Molluscoids to help out!
That is so appropriate!
The Aztani can not help but do better under Norman rule. It's been a long, long time since slavery was legal on their Earth.
The pigs will pay for their treatment of the Aztani! Hopefully the Aztani will learn to trust the Hauteville Empire over time...
Sad to lose Paseka Hauteville-Kumato. His achievements for the empire has earned him a place of honor in history.
Sad to lose Paseka Hauteville-Kumato. His achievements for the empire has earned him a place of honor in history.
The Great Luau
or how the Hauteville Empire won the war and found some never before seen troubles
The Victory
The pigs were defeated. They knew it, Normans knew it and everyone else knew it as well. They had no fleet, nor the production capacity to build a new fleet that is able to compete with the Hauteville Empire. Their homeworld was under Hauteville occupation. Few feeble attempts to retake the Juss System ended up as disasters. And Normans showed no fatigue whatsoever. or how the Hauteville Empire won the war and found some never before seen troubles
The Victory
They were not willing to give up yet though. So, the Normans did two things. First, the army invaded another planet in the Chox system, called Cranodeth. The resistance was actually less fierce than with the Vurl-Zajet. Recently colonized, thoroughly bombed, not much armies yet. This was the easiest battle of the war, truly more resembling a pig hunt then an invasion.
Invasion of Cranodeth, over
At the same time, fleet departed Chox system and headed to Tau Cygni. Once again, caught in the nets of the Jusstkan defence station and bringing the enemy spaceport nicely into range, Normans destroyed the defence station and spaceport of planet called Sadolic into oblivion.
Attack of infrastructure of Sadolic
... and the result
This was it. The moment when the Jusstkan backbone finally broke and they realized the futility of the fight. The date- 30th September 2247. Jusstkan diplomats signed a peace where they ceded total four planets to the Hauteville Empire. Including Jusstka, their homeworld and the heart of the Empire.
Jusstkan finally giving up
The Great Luau
The ceremony was held in Imperial Palace of Jusstka. The only place in the desert planet where there was water aplenty and the lush green was the dominant color. To really humiliate the Jusstkan, the Normans held the celebration in the throne room of the Emperor. The heart of the the Jusstkan Galactic Coalition. The throne room was a masterpiece. It actually had no roof and just one wall- the wall of the Imperial Palace. The wall was a sight of it’s own though. Covered with frescoes showing the accomplishments of the Emperor. Hunt scenes. War scenes, where Emperor himself beheads a tuuki-bird, no sorry, an Imari. Everyday life- like the Emperor sitting in a throne room, listening to his subjects. Kind of like inception. And so on and so on. The tradition is that when the Emperor dies, the whole wall is dismantled and displayed in a museum, while the new Emperor starts with a clean sheet. Or a clean wall. Rest of it was open-air, with columns giving the field feel of the space. Columns also lavishly decorated, and on top of each column, a statue of a Justtkan who did something heroic. The greatest honor is to displayed there.
The signing of the peace treaty was done in form of Great Luau. The throne room was decorated in traditional Hawaiian style. All the Jusstkan heroes on top of their columns were decorated with leis. Pretty much everyone was wearing lei as well. The traditional Hawaiian dishes everywhere. Enough poi, kalua pig, pole, lomi salmon and other Polynesian dishes around. This was nothing compared to the fires though. Hundreds of them. And roasting on each fire, a pig. The greatest affront to the Jusstkan ever possible. For it hinted that they had some relation to pigs on Earth. Of course, humans claimed that it was just traditional victory party of Lisa Hauteville-Kamehameha, the new governor of the Uvea sector and the Star Queen of Juss. It of course fooled no-one.
That is luau without this?
Two armies guarding the party (and no worries, they had their own luau the next day and the whole week), not allowing any pig in unroasted form near the 10km perimeter to the palace. Except for the ambassadors though. Emma and Bohemond, as Emperor and Empress, to sign the peace treaty. The Jusstkan ambassadors, for their Emperor did not really feel like coming to have one final look at his palace. The traditional hawaii music and of course, hula-dancers. Plenty of beer and cocktails. Everyone were having a good time, except for the pig ambassadors, who did not take a single bite of food and single dip of brewages. They just signed a treaty as soon as possible and left. Quite impolitely. But then again, Emma managed to extend the signing ceremony to two hours of pure pain and torture of the Jusstkans. Not literally though. Of course, the party continued until dawn. Then, Lisa Hauteville-Kamehameha took over the Imperial palace as the governor and Star Queen and settled quite nicely in the Emperor’s bed. Emma and Bohemond started their long flight back home.
The Hauteville Empire after the war
The Spoils of War
Uvea is a small chiefdom located in the Island of Wallis and smaller islands surrounding it. Lt is part of Wallis and Futuna, small island group in the Pacific Ocean. Even with Earth holding 16 billion people, Uvea still has about 15 000 people living there. No wonder too, for it is distant and the the whole Wallis island and nearby islands are only 96 square kilometers.
Uvea was also chosen as a name of the sector, now responsible for governing the newly conquered Jusstkan plantes. Chosen by governor Lisa Hauteville-Kamehameha herself, for in Earth, she was Countess of Wallis and Futuna, daughter of King Kalani IV Hauteville-Kamehameha of Polynesia. Branch family of Hauteville-Kamehamehas of Hawaii. Their territory encompassed area from Tahiti to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Small islands all.Why choose Lisa? Because she is brilliant, of course. Because she can get things done. And because the Governor of Newly Conquered Jusstkan Worlds was not the most popular job in the Hauteville Empire- even with Star Kingdom of Juss thrown in as a lure. She was one of the stupid, or the brave ones. And now, instead of her islands, she now governs systems. Overall, she is responsible for four planets.
New Uvea Sector
The most important one is of course the Juss System and moon of Jusstka, orbiting the gas giant of Drogena. 16 billion angry pigs live in the system and boy, are they angry now. Living under the Norman rule- that is something really hard to swallow if you thought to be part of an invincible Empire. But, as they say, time heals all the wounds. Lisa Hauteville-Kamehameha, the Star Queen of Juss, is more then certain that in time, the Jusstkan will see the Hauteville way.
Jusstkans aren't particularly pleased by their new overlords
Tahiti, formely known as Karazit system, was a system closest to the Norman worlds. The name- well, if you name your sector Uvea, you might as well pick islands from the Pacific. Plus, the contrast of the name Tahiti, usually associated with clear blue sea, sky of the same color, sand and beaches and the desert world of Pendalor, made Lisa Hauteville-Kamehameha chuckle. “At least, they have sand too, so they have something in common” she commented. The Star Kingdom of Tahiti was given to Robert Hauteville-MacGregor, second son of the Count of Tahiti, Tavish Hauteville-MacGregor. Their grand-grand-grand etc father landed an expedition there once and the locals crowned him as King- mostly due to his powerful-looking red beard. He settled for a count and was a vassal of Polynesia.
As for Pendalor, 10 billion Angry Pigs and one Monument of Purity. Normans allowed to keep it.
Tahiti System
The third conquered system was Safalon, in the Hawaii system (formerly known as Boldoon system). The Star Queen of it, another Lisa Hauteville-Kamehameha, was this time coming from the Hawaiian Kamehamehas. Bright and young, she got herself a world untouched by the war, and with 8 billion angry pigs.
Hawaii System
The Trouble with Aztani
The Chox System was special. Two settled planets- one of it now under Hauteville Empire, the other still ruled by Juss. This didn’t stop Hautevilles from renaming the system into something more appropriate- after Fatu Hiva, a small island in the Polynesia. This is actually the most appropriate name for it, for Vurl-Zajet is actually an ocean world. Ruled by James Hauteville-Kamehameha, another child of Kalani IV Hauteville-Kamehameha.
The Aztani were not the easiest subjects though. First, of course, they were distrustful of their new rulers. After all, the Hautevilles did come as conquerors. They did invade their planet, after keeping it under constant bombardment,. And they killed a lot of collaborating Aztani. Not for the joy of it, but because the Quisling Aztani were fighting back, but still, they killed them. Plus, Vurl-Zajet gave Normans a challenge they had not faced yet. Well, rest of the Justtkan worlds had the same issue, but it was less common there.
The thing is- Jusstkan had enslaved about two thirds of the Aztani population. Making the economy of Vurl-Zajet to rely heavily on slave labor. More than any other Jusstkan planet encountered thus far. And conversion from slave-based economy to norman free market economy prevalent in the Hauteville Empire isn’t the easiest task in the world. For example, we have a mine owned by collaborating Aztani family. With around 100 slave families. The mine is confiscated by the state and all the slaves freed. The state is uninterested in a mine. Why keep it? The best practice of Hauteville Empire had been taxation of private enterprises, not trying to hog everything to themselves. But to whom to give it? Auction it off? Slaves don’t have the money for it. The previous owners of the mine have some- but selling it off to former slavers is wrong. You basically tax them the value of mine and allow them to keep status quo. Auction it off to other members of the Hauteville Empire, be it humans or gorf or someone else? This means you give all that is valuable in Vurl-Zajet to aliens and that creates even more problems. Reducing Aztani to just labor force, with not a single one of them owning anything... this is calling for a revolution.
The solution was simple in theory, but a bit harder in practice. Long-term leases of mines and farms and factories and other enterprises. Meaning, for a while, Hauteville Empire, or at least Star King of Fatu Hiva, James Hauteville-Kamehameha, owns everything in the planet. And rents it out. Rent not to be paid in advance, but first installments only in couple of years. Then, when business is going well, the renters have a chance to buy it. If not, new renters will be found. Former slaves, or companies owned by former slaves, are preferred. Especially if the slave worked in the mine for example. But they have to have a good plan of what to do with his property first. In practice, it meant reading through billions of applications and keeping the businesses afloat while the system was in progress. It took years to complete.
The other thing is that slave labor is cheap. The labor in Hauteville Empire, not so much. Meaning that if you had 150 slaves, you will go bankrupt if you pay them fair wages. Meaning, to stay afloat, you have to cut quite a bit of the the workforce and do a lot of automation. Replace slaves with picks with demolition crew and jackhammers. This resulting in two additional things- first, you need specialists, for you cannot just hand a common slave a stick of dynamite and expect anything but explosive results. Second, you have a lot of slaves who are finally free- and soon, who are out of a job. As a slave, you at least had a leaking roof under your head and some shitty food on the table. Now... you risk to lose them both.
The solution- reeducation campaigns and unemployment benefits that allow Aztani a bit better life then their lives as a slaves (though that was not so hard to achieve). As for reeducation- this is a lengthy process, and you start with educating the educators of the educators of the educators first. To make it short: Vurl-Zajet is going to be a big hole in the Empire’s treasury before it normalises.
This basically left James Hauteville-Kamehameha with a planet whose way of life had just been turned upside down by the invasion, full with social problems that are just waiting a chance to explode. Not to mention the grudge held by slavers caste- their holdings were confiscated, after all. Most hid their money and valuables though. Normans didn’t pursue much as well. Still, from life of luxury and power to being a normal destitute citizen. There were few in the Empire who envied the task of James.
To see the difference- mostly, Star Rulers arrive with personal bodyguard and few friends and staff to the colonized worlds. They arrive with few divisions of bodyguards and with less friends to the occupied territories. To Vurl-Zajet, James Hauteville-Kamehameha arrived with few divisions of bodyguards and few million of staff. Educators, robotics and automation experts, financial experts, experienced farmers and miners and so on. Plus, all the stuff needed to process the applications, deal with unemployment benefits and so on. The people needed were in that high number that the Army actually lended the King their transport ships. Later, this was called “Second Invasion” or “Invasion of Bureaucrats”. There is hope though that in time, Vurl-Zajet will become a shining star, showing off how nice the Normans really are.
Fatu Hiva. The troubled Aztani. And Cranodeth, still in Jusstkan hands, in the background
Syracuse
Near Carthage System, the newest sector of the Empire, is Gomeisa System. The second world orbiting the yellow sun is yet another tropical world. Lush, green and rainy. And the Hautevilles needed that world, for the expansion in the south, towards thus far empty spiral ring, was also vital. So, the colony ship was sent there, and the colonization of Syracuse, named after an ancient Greek city in Sicily that Carthaginians never managed to capture, begun in June 2246.
Colonization of Syracuse
By July 2247, it was ready. First settlers were in, the system was secured and Carthage sector and Avis Caveam Sector were connected. Syracuse was given under control of the Carthage Sector. Poetic justice- or injustice, if you liked Syracuse. But in space, Syracuse is part of Carthage.
Overview of the Carthage sector
Science
Two vital discoveries were made. Energos was discovered, a stimulant that helps the all species to adapt and evolve in the hostile worlds. And also, makes laser weapons deal a bigger punch. The Normans were currently more interested in the first property. Plans to start refining energos and using it to help to make the colonized worlds more habitable were developed soon. The location was still under dispute.
Besides that, better hydroponic farms were developed. Might seem like a small deal, but it helps the growth of the colonies and also, means that less land needs to be under farms for the already developed worlds.
Both really useful. And cheap.
That's that. The war is over. Angry Pigs, who once were a serious threat, just aren't that no more. So, overall, life is good. And luau is good.
And as for the Aztani, it just got me wondering on why they are so pissed off and how the transition from slavery to normal society works.
Oh yes, they will (eventually) be really happy under Norman rule. And heh, i wasn't even paying too much attention to what i'm demanding, thus the dual controlled system. Liberated by accident!
Well, i get a feeling that eventually, they will become productive members of the society.
And it was his time, unfortunately. First of the beginning leaders to fall.
Well, since he was launched into space, the chances of anyone disturbing his rest are... so small that it's not worth mentioning. Peace is guaranteed almost up to 100%
And as for the Aztani, it just got me wondering on why they are so pissed off and how the transition from slavery to normal society works.
Oh yes, they will (eventually) be really happy under Norman rule. And heh, i wasn't even paying too much attention to what i'm demanding, thus the dual controlled system. Liberated by accident!
Well, i get a feeling that eventually, they will become productive members of the society.
And it was his time, unfortunately. First of the beginning leaders to fall.
Well, since he was launched into space, the chances of anyone disturbing his rest are... so small that it's not worth mentioning. Peace is guaranteed almost up to 100%
Ah, what a perfect way to humble the arrogant pigs. The new Uvea Sector is a wonderful addition to the growing Hauteville Empire.
I love your explanation of how awkward the transition is for the Aztani. Really complicated situation for them.
I love your explanation of how awkward the transition is for the Aztani. Really complicated situation for them.
Looks like a good solution to the former-slaves problem. It will take some time but eventually they should adapt to it. The pigs as well.
Your description of the Norman plan to switch the Aztani to a non-slave economy seems apt. They're a long-term investment.
The victory feast was suitably disparaging of the Jusstkan.
The victory feast was suitably disparaging of the Jusstkan.
you mean like with those cruisers you stole from an ancient long dead cyvilization and used as your own?Well, since he was launched into space, the chances of anyone disturbing his rest are... so small that it's not worth mentioning. Peace is guaranteed almost up to 100%
I think unless entropy catches up to the universe sooner or later will come a time when hauteville empire is no longer even remembered and some scientists will salvage this ship and ponder over this ancient alien being whose corpse and ship was thrown into open space and left there.
Unless he crashes into something gets too warmed up with a supernova or too close to a black hole (but with that last one he might still end up a test subject)
Golden Anniversary
Bohemond Hauteville, Emperor of the Hauteville Empire and husband of Emma, was feeling relaxed. Sitting on co-pilot’s seat, or rather, slouching on co-pilot’s seat, feet on console. He turned 85 this year, but not a living soul could give him a day over 50. One of the advantages of being an Emperor- you get the best longevity treatment the Empire has to offer. His mind was still sound, his body in good condition and he would most likely live a few decades more, barring some accident. Not that he was worried.
For next to him, on pilot’s seat, was Emma herself. 82, but also looking more like 50. She was a bit more intense-looking, for she was the one doing flying, but hey, it’s space! Quite empty. You set the course from Jusstka towards wormhole station and then, you watch the ship fly.
The royal yacht was a corvette-sized ship. Emphasis on speed, shields and luxury though. Especially the latter. Few smaller guns as well, to give some surprises to attackers. Not that anyone has ever been stupid enough to attack the ship of Emma. Now though, in the Juss system, the ship moved with only a quarter of its potential speed, for three destroyers assigned as its escorts just couldn’t keep up. And even though the war is over and Juss is Norman, the life of Empress and Emperor are too valuable to be risked.
Emma and Bohemond had told the crew to rest and relax. Now, they sat in the lounge, but were feeling neither restful or relaxed. After all, they were responsible for the safety of the Empress, but now, in still potentially hostile waters, they were told to shove off and leave the ship in capable hands of Emma. Instead of relaxed crew, the Empress and Emperor had one really nervous and stressed crew, strolling nervously in the lounge and constantly checking monitoring equipment there. Emma and Bohemond were of course totally oblivious to this.
Instead, they were having fun. Emma enjoyed the piloting and Bohemond enjoyed watching her.
“You know, my dear,” said Bohemond. “This is like flying back from Tokugawa Station after we got married.”
Emma smiled: “I was having the same thought, you know. Just, we have a bit more space this time.”
Bohemond laughed: “Yes, the royal suite versus two cramped bunks. Still, they were good times.” His face turned into sly grin: “We were young, we were in love and the cramped bunk was just what we needed then”
Emma started laughing as well. “Well, we ain't young no more, honey”
Bohemond nodded: “And now, i actually prefer to have some space, so i can actually turn over.”
Then, after a moment of silence, he added: “It is so hard to believe it was 50 years ago”
The both started laughing again, and cheered: “Golden anniversary!”
Turning a bit more serious, Bohemond added. “Yes, that was fine celebration back in August. Thank god we decided to keep in family event only.”
“No chance in doing that for my Golden anniversary in December as an Empress, unfortunately,” Emma sighed. “This is going to be tiresome week.”
“50 years,” they both added in unison.
“It’s a shame we never got to our honeymoon proper though,” Bohemond added. “We had reservations and everything. One tropical island waiting for us, sand and sea and peace and quiet... Skinny dipping in moonlight, cocktails on the beach, and the big bed, so much bigger then the bunk”
“Ahh, just the two of us,” Emma said, longingly. “Shame it never came to be... but becoming an Empress”
“Golden anniversary also means 50 years without vacation,” Bohemond added.
Then, Bohemond hesitated a bit.
“Dear?” Emma looked at him, inquisitively
“Well, honey...” Bohemond reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a slim holopicture holder and handed that to Emma.
She turned it on and the cabin was filled with gorgeous holopicture of an island. Or rather, a paradise. Deep greenery, palm trees sprouting all over the island, small villa of about 15 rooms and two swimming pools, with balconies opening up to the sea. And oh, the sea. Just the right shade of blue, inviting to swim. And not another island in sight. To add to the picture, a small pier with small yacht, ready to sail.
Emma was captivated by calm beauty emanating from the picture: “What’s that?”
“A tropical island.” now, the grin on Bohemond reached from one ear to other. “I bought it last week!”
The eyebrows of Emma reached her hairline. “You bought it?”
“Well, it was meant to be our Golden Anniversary present, but the owner did need some extra persuasion before he agreed to sell,” Bohemond laughed.
“So, now we own a tropical island? Where? Caribbean? Indian Ocean? Pacific?”
Though it seemed impossible, the grind of Bohemond widened a bit more. “Avalon”
“Avalon? But we cannot go there, it’s too far, it...” then it dawned to Emma. She smiled, savouring the idea.
“Yes, honey- we are 50 years late for our honeymoon. I suggest we go now- and make it a permanent honeymoon!”
“Abdication?”
“Time to let out children prove their worth...” said Bohemond. And added, after a pause: “And for us to finally enjoy life.”
“Oh dear, i’ve been thinking the same thing for a few years. I’m tired of ruling the Empire”
The holopicture fell on the floor, filling the entire cockpit with images of tropical paradise. Emma and Bohemond stood up and kissed. Surrounded by military gray and cold space, the holopicture, by some trick, put them instead on the tropical beach.
2nd December 2247 was important date. It was Golden anniversary of Empress Emma I. She had been ruling Hauteville Empire for the last 50 years. It was also a last day of her rule. So, the planned week-long festivities had to be abandoned. Or at least, delayed. At age 82, Emma abdicated the throne and the next day, she and Bohemond left to Avalon.
After additional month of travel, they arrived to their little paradise on alien world. The space travel, then landing in Port Arthur, then taking a shuttle to City of Camelot, from where they took a yacht. The normal one, for sailing on water, not sailing in space. And after three days of sailing, they finally arrived to their destination. Laughing, they docked the boat and run to seaside, where they kissed again. This time, the sand under their feet was real and the breeze wet and the sun warm. Their honeymoon had finally begun, 50 years late.
New home for Emma and Bohemond.
The war with anrgy pigs ended in such a perfect time that Emma had just got her 50 years of ruling the Empire. And here i thought, why not let her retire happily and finally enjoy life- and here you go, one little story of the Empress and Emperor.
What will happen to the Hauteville Empire? Who will be the next ruler? Stay tuned for the next episode:
Heh, pigs and luau go together. Just not in a way Jusstkan see it
And thanks!
Made most sense to me. And the pigs will adapt or die. They got what they desrved. Aztani didn't.
Well, at least, there werepigs aplenty! :d
Overall, yes. I pondered why the negative happiness over releasing slaves and then started thinking that the transition can't be as easy as to say one day "You are free" and hope this will be over. So, i started thinking of difficulties and reasons and solutions. Hope it made some sense.
And the victory feast- Deaghaidh was the one demanded Luau!
That's why i released him to Oort cloud. Anomalies are detected around planets, not in deep space. Hopefully, he can rest more easily there. But yes, who knows what the next million years or so will bring. Hauteville Empire might cease to exist, or the Normans turn them into energy beings and spook the young civilization like good void clouds should, or they could leave the galaxy to another dimension. So, there might be some salvaging going on. But hey, Paseka would probably appreciate if someone found him and opened him and researched him. Or at least he would understand- after all, he did the same thing!
What will happen to the Hauteville Empire? Who will be the next ruler? Stay tuned for the next episode:
Heh, pigs and luau go together. Just not in a way Jusstkan see it
And thanks!
Made most sense to me. And the pigs will adapt or die. They got what they desrved. Aztani didn't.
A perfect peace signing, I dare say.
Well, at least, there werepigs aplenty! :d
Overall, yes. I pondered why the negative happiness over releasing slaves and then started thinking that the transition can't be as easy as to say one day "You are free" and hope this will be over. So, i started thinking of difficulties and reasons and solutions. Hope it made some sense.
And the victory feast- Deaghaidh was the one demanded Luau!
That's why i released him to Oort cloud. Anomalies are detected around planets, not in deep space. Hopefully, he can rest more easily there. But yes, who knows what the next million years or so will bring. Hauteville Empire might cease to exist, or the Normans turn them into energy beings and spook the young civilization like good void clouds should, or they could leave the galaxy to another dimension. So, there might be some salvaging going on. But hey, Paseka would probably appreciate if someone found him and opened him and researched him. Or at least he would understand- after all, he did the same thing!
Well, there is no rule that all the rulers should leave in a coffin. You could retire too!
And let them have a few decades more. After all, they're only in their 80ies!
Hauteville Empire is one where I'd live for sure. Thank you insofar for the narrative and bringing about a hegemony that works towards the positive. Balancing kindness and justice with firm strength is difficult, but it seems to work here.
Also, subbing now instead of lurking hereabouts.
Also, subbing now instead of lurking hereabouts.
Aw, that was so sweet. After fifty years of making the Hauteville Empire prosper, they've definitely earned that late honeymoon.