Ah, good to see the Norman doing more conquering. Their ancestors would be so proud... I'm sure the Gorf will eventually learn to accept their new overlords. If not, I doubt a rebellion from them would be much trouble.
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Great to see the Hautevilles expand! This planet will surely benefit from the benevolence of the Empress.
Hoeddim IV
Avalon
Avalon
It was 1st February 2221 when the colony ship HVT Macau broke orbit of Earth. The goodbye ceremony had been pompous, the Empress herself giving a speech and blessing the journey. It was all joyful and cheerful and the celebrations covered the earlier scandals. Since Yobhanir III was a special world, there was also some corruption involved, especially with distribution of land and decision on where to build the capital- and who of course owns most of the land there. Also, some shady characters started selling land on their own. Most of them had no right to do so, but the special case was where one managed to sell 100 square kilometers of land to poor buying, forgetting to mention that it happened to be in the middle of the ocean. All that was behind now, some people in jail, some disappeared, some richer, some poorer.
It's a long-long road to travel upon
This was the furthest colony Normans had. It took three jumps, rest of them had been just one jump. First, just from Sol to Alphecca system. From there, jump to Soval, across the Great Emptiness between spiral arms. Finally, from there, one final long jump to Yobhanir and then, once again, burning ion drives to get to the planet. They arrived in October. It was hell of a journey, in cramped quarters for roughly 260 days, with stale air and space food. Everyone was fed up.
The arrival was worth it though. Yohbanir III was even prettier then it was in brochures. Warm, pleasant, ample sunshine, enough rain. Food grows well, people are feeling happy. This was truly a paradise on Earth. Well, paradise on somewhere in Universe. The locals started calling the place Avalon and soon, the name spread. After a year, everyone was calling the planet that- and also, the star system.
The locals were quick to exploit that. They called the capital Port Arthur and as the defining feature of the city, a special feature was constructed. Excalibur, sword of Arthur, was erected to the port of Port Arthur. Not lifesize, of course, but reaching about 70 meters above sea, with guard of the sword converted to viewing platform and pommel also serving as a lighthouse. The view was breathtaking though. Growing city of Port Arthur on one side and beautiful, blue and clear sea with islands filled with greenery on the other. It became quickly popular, especially amongst the elite of the Empire, to pose in the guard, beautiful world of Avalon as background, and post the pictures to social media so that everyone could be envious.
Avalon, in all her glory
Tragedy in Rixim IIIa
Lorenzo de la Guardia found something disturbing in Rixim IIIa. It was once a bright, shining world, with meadows and trees and sunshine and happiness. Now, it is a toxic wasteland, unable to sustain life of any kind. The crew had to wear protective gear and breathing apparatus while on the surface.
Not a pretty sight
The sight was unsettling. Walking amongst the ruins where ordinary people lived their everyday lives, some happy, some miserable. As usual. All the lives lost to the folly of sentient species. It was something that made every human realize that Normans prevented all that- and also, spread the humanity across worlds, to prevent something like it from happening to humankind. Be it self-destructive folly or an alien invasion. The Normans were prepared, ensuring the survival of humanity. It is a cruel galaxy out there, and you have to be strong to survive.
Nothing had survived the destruction of Rixim. Not even how they called themselves or how the planet was named. Nevertheless, Emma proposed and the parliament agreed that 15th of May, the day the scientists first set their foot on the planet, should be called memorial day, when humans and other species of the Hauteville Empire would mourn the people of Rixim IIIa. And other species, gone forever.
This is perfect example of showing the true results of unrestricted warfare
Other Discoveries
Yet another sentient pre-space species was found in Cursa system nearby. On a planet, called Thurs-Ophaluud by the native species, the Qix’Lufran, was yet another teeming close-to-space-flight planet. Still divided amongst the warring nations, though. None of them had enough stupidity to use nuclear weapons, so it was likely the planet will not turn out to be another Rixim IIIa.
More almost space-age species nearby
Lorenzo de la Guardia did another valuable discovery in the Rixim System. In upper atmosphere of a gas giant, Rixim II, he found an alien ship, stranded. The sensors showed that the ship is abandoned, but on a safe orbit. For now, until more info was to be found, Lorenzo was ordered to leave it alone.
This discovery needs a bit better scientist...
That was not all though. In Rixim VIIa, he found another sign of alien life. Cenotaph, but there few millennia ago, by yet unknown species. Telling stories that were so unbelievable that they must be not true. Surely. Hopefully.
There are some weird things in space...
Djomar Commonwealth
The Djomar, or the ticks, as they were perhaps not so affectionately called by the Normans, were molluscoid species. They actually had the same ruling system as the Normans did, they were materialistic and individualists, but in addition, they really hated aliens. They made it perfectly clear that they expected the Normans to leave them on their own and they seemed to be happy looking for that inward perfection.
Guys, you were doing so well until the last sentence. Bad ticks!
Normans, seeing that they are not really a threat, just sighed and left them on their own.
Djomar and some of their lands
Hoeddim IV
Struggling in their thermal gear, vision impaired by snow goggles, backpacks full of samples. Usually knee-deep in snow, and the blizzard blinding them. Hoeddim IV was not the nicest place to live, or to explore. It was by accident when Norman scouting party, led by Paseka Hauteville-Kumato, stumbled upon a camp. The dense forest just ended so suddenly, without warning- like being cut by a knife.
Hoeddim IV, totally not meant to for humans, but so inhabitable.
There was a fire. A bonfire even. And some primitive huts, covered in fur and also, with smoke coming from the openings on top of them. The locals could survive the freezing cold, it seemed, but they prefered the warmth.
It was hard to say who were more surprised, the Normans or the locals. For there were people, sitting by the bonfire, about 30 of them. From small babies to elders. They were chanting something, but the arrival of Normans spooked them. What appeared to be females grabbed the little ones and run to their huts, while the apparently male ones grabbed primitive spears and axes, apparently made of stone. From what Paseka could see, it was fine craftsmanship- and the Normans were not wearing chainmail, so it could be a real threat if these started flying. Bloodshed was not part of Norman plans though.
Some gestures are universal. Or at least, universally understood. Paseka raised his hands, showing his empty palms to the natives. He beckoned his crew of two to do otherwise. Yes, they had the guns and most likely, they could clear the clearing, but Paseka had no desire to do so. Abducting cattle, that is ok. Even temporarily borrowing one of them natives and putting implant on his head, ok also. But just killing them seemed wrong.
Instead, the Normans stood there in the blizzard, showing no signs of aggression, hands up. The locals stood there as well, covered in fur, wielding spears and axes, ready to strike. None of the parties moved. The standoff lasted for good 15 minutes. Then, the native leader, realizing he had the initiative, lowered his spear, grunted something in his language and beckoned the Normans to join them by the fire.
Relieved, Paseka lowered his hands and whispered to his crewmate: “You had some food in your pockets, right? Take it out, slowly, and give it to me”
The lad nodded, put his hand to his pocket and produced an energy bar. It was a gamble, but from data gathered from so far, Paseka concluded the natives had indigestion system quite similar to humans, so it should be safe. He unwrapped the bar, took a small bite himself and then, presented it to their leader.
Doubtfully, the male thing took the bar. He sniffed it, he held it close to his three eyes, trying to figure it out. Then, the opened his jaws and took a small nibble. His eyes widened, he took the rest of the bar, broke it to half and shoved one half to his mouth. Then, he made a gurgling sound and one of the females came out from the hut, small child in tow. He gave the bar to female, made some encouraging noises and the bar was again split into two, half being eaten by the female, the other half by the child. Rest of the tribe seemed to be ok on how the loot was split.
“Anything edible goes to them,” Paseka ordered and Normans opened their backpacks. It meant some more energy bars, some military field rations, some sweets and chocolate and also, thermoses full of hot coffee. Normans gave it all to the leader, who distributed it amongst his tribe, eating another energy bar in the process.
Then, the Normans and natives sat by the fire, sharing hot coffee and trying to communicate. The natives, still roasting some of their hunt, offered some local roast to the Normans. Luckily enough, an animal already catalogues and deemed edible (and also, eaten after the test), so Normans ate it with no worries. The meat, though unseasoned, but roasted upon fresh fire, tasted heavenly. Apparently, the natives enjoyed the field rations as much.
Paseka and company spent hours by the fire. The attempts to communicate failed, though some basic words were learned. The thing is, natives didn’t have more then a few words and human faces were different enough that the facial gestures could not be reproduced. The natives were admiring and touching the Norman gear, the Normans were inspecting their weapons.
In the end, natives stopped adding more wood to the fire. It was a sign of bedtime. The native leader beckoned the Normans to their huts, but Paseka declined, bowed his head and showed it is time to go. The leader seemed ok with the answer. As a final gesture, he took his axe, held if from the head and offered sharf to Paseka. Apparently, it was a gift. And very valuable gift, for to make an axe of that quality with primitive tools was hard work. Paseka took the axe, then thought for a bit, took a knife from his belt. He showed the sharp edge, pulled his heir and split it with the knife, warning that it was truly sharp. Then, he gave it to chief in similar manner. To primitives, it was as valuable gift as the axe. Even more so, for good Norman steel stays sharp for a long time.
Then, the Normans marched into darkness, the primitives waving. The blizzard had ended and the sky cleared. The light of the stars was guiding the Normans, for Paseka told no artificial lights yet. They marched for a kilometer, until they met with landing ship, coming to pick them up and deliver them to orbit. The same time, all the scouting teams got orders to be careful and avoid contact with the natives.
Soon, Normans departed the orbit of Hoeddim IV and continued the exploration of the system. As for the axe, Paseka Hauteville-Kumato kept it as a memoria. When back on Earth, he ordered a small sealed glass box, displaying the axe and kept it on his work desk.
Strange encounter in Hoeddim IV
Well, there i was, thinking i'd barely touch the proto-civilization event, and then i started fighting and couldn't stop. Hope you enjoyed the story.
And galaxy can be cruel place, full of death and toxic worlds... and of course, nasty neighbors. So far, the Hauteville Empire is boxed in by three xenophobic empires and one friendly...
The strange fungoids have to learn to live with the humans. To them, the alien overlords might seem a more tougher concept to swallow. Though they are xenophiles! But you got the Gorf 100% right. Collectivistic pacifist xenophiles. Nothing touches the Norman ehtos...
Ok, thanks for the hint. I'll try to read some of his books- the descriptions seem interesting!
And minimum bloodshed, maximum results! Always a good thing!
Well, the ancestors got a county here, a duchy there, so the thought of conquering an entire planet would have made Robert Guiscard... i'd say ecstatic, but i'm not even sure the Normans back in 1066 would understand a concept of conquering the entire planet. They would have been proud though, yes
As for the rebellions- there are enough Gorf around who want to join the Norman army and of course, the Normans accept the collaborators with open arms. As long as they stay on the planet.
Eventually, yes. I hope so too. Well, at least they took a leap of century or two!
Thanks! And well, i love the fact that Normans are the aliens doing the invasion
And galaxy can be cruel place, full of death and toxic worlds... and of course, nasty neighbors. So far, the Hauteville Empire is boxed in by three xenophobic empires and one friendly...
The strange fungoids have to learn to live with the humans. To them, the alien overlords might seem a more tougher concept to swallow. Though they are xenophiles! But you got the Gorf 100% right. Collectivistic pacifist xenophiles. Nothing touches the Norman ehtos...
Ok, thanks for the hint. I'll try to read some of his books- the descriptions seem interesting!
And minimum bloodshed, maximum results! Always a good thing!
Well, the ancestors got a county here, a duchy there, so the thought of conquering an entire planet would have made Robert Guiscard... i'd say ecstatic, but i'm not even sure the Normans back in 1066 would understand a concept of conquering the entire planet. They would have been proud though, yes
As for the rebellions- there are enough Gorf around who want to join the Norman army and of course, the Normans accept the collaborators with open arms. As long as they stay on the planet.
Eventually, yes. I hope so too. Well, at least they took a leap of century or two!
Nicely done on the description of how Normans do alien invasion.
Thanks! And well, i love the fact that Normans are the aliens doing the invasion
The Djomar Commonwealth sounded like a wonderful new addition to the galaxy right up until that last part of their greeting. Now I'm just happy their military is inferior. Sounds like a good target for conquest sometime down the line.
I love your depiction of the proto-civilization event. My little headcanon will have that tribe's descendants unite their species, still speaking of a legendary encounter centered around a knife.
I love your depiction of the proto-civilization event. My little headcanon will have that tribe's descendants unite their species, still speaking of a legendary encounter centered around a knife.
Star Kingdom of Normandy
Battle of Baranik
Battle of Baranik
Baranik was the only star system with something hostile in the newly taken area. Ancient mining drones, still going on, doing their jobs. Unfortunately, they were also programmed to attack any threats and they considered science ship a threat. So, on came the Norman fleet. Longest trek the boys and girls of the fleet had made. Arriving in august 2222, they engaged the enemy straight away.
This time though, the Normans were past their early stages. No longer three, but total 19 corvettes were the fleet and as the mass cannons of the Normans pounded the enemy, there wasn’t anything to write home about. The victory was quick and clean and soon after, the mining station was blown up as well. No longer scared by space monsters at least..
Poor drones, once they were a threat. Now, they are target practice
This time though, the Normans were past their early stages. No longer three, but total 19 corvettes were the fleet and as the mass cannons of the Normans pounded the enemy, there wasn’t anything to write home about. The victory was quick and clean and soon after, the mining station was blown up as well. No longer scared by space monsters at least..
Poor drones, once they were a threat. Now, they are target practice
Hulfir Dominion
In August 2222, another race contacted the Hauteville Empire. Again, they carried the usual message- stay out of our borders, you alien filth. So far, of discovered aliens, two were peaceful and friendly and five xenophobic bastards. The galaxy is not the friendliest of places... The humans were already starting to feel themselves filthy, despite bathing regularly. Well, most humans.
If i kill enough of them, will they stop calling me space-beast?
Outpost in Rixim
Rixim System, just outside of borders of Djomar Commonwealth, was a perfect spot for an outpost. There were two reasons- first, it stops Djomar from moving on northwards, to the Hauteville territory. Especially since Dimis, a nearby star system, had an oceanic planet theat the Djomir prefer to live on.
Newest Hauteville outpost orbiting the star of Rixim
It also adds the resources of Rixim, Djormir and Yssam system to be exploited and perhaps, colonized later, by Hauteville Empire. The Djomir protested about this landgrab, calling humans again filthy aliens and pretentious ugly things, but no-one cared. Normans didn’t even bother to take a shower. The tip of the spiral arm was Norman without question and Djomir were too weak to oppose.
And the map of nearby systems. Good investment.
There is Science to be Done
Perfecting the mass drivers Normans love and use is always a challenge. But in 2223, the Norman scientists came up with improved model that does more oomhp. And of course, the more oomph, the better. Ship designs were not updated yet though. Not yet.
Better on offensive...
The designs were not updated upon researching improved deflectors as well. Though the new proto-shields were an improvement over the basic ones, there was a bottleneck called the “power reactor” that needed to be researched before the ships could be used in proper fashion.
... and also, better of defensive
Finally, there is this discovery on how to colonize tundra worlds. To be saved into very distant future though..
This is for very distant future.
Amazing Discoveries
300 million years ago. There wasn’t even a hint of humans. Dinosaurs roamed the Earth. And in space, there was an interstellar war going on. One unknown species attacked the other. Nothing else is left from either of them but this mural on Hoeddim III, discovered by Paseka Hauteville-Kumato. Apparently, one species had won, exterminated the other and were sorry enough to commemorate the victory with mural. Why they went to war, who they were, why they are gone- all else is mystery.
Ancient is too young a word to describe this discovery
At the same time, Lorenzo de la Guardia went on completely different mission- to secure a species called Tassargoid, for the planned zoo in Palermo. It was in Cuunbar system, the same system where Immutharans live, but on a tropical moon called Cuunbar IVa. The beast had a nasty habit of sucking the brains of the victim and apparently, humans brains did ok. It was for the first time in exploration history when something like this happened- crew members lost. Now, it was three. One of them was promising xenobiologist, so the monster got to munch on brains of a genius. Still, in the end, the thing was caught- but sometimes, the price is too damn high.
Brutal, these beasts. Just brutal.
Star Kingdom of Normandy
The royal yacht was landing in Hauteville-sur-Mer. Alisce Normandie-Hauteville stretched herself from comfort of her chair and leaned closer to window, trying to get the perfect first look. Young lass, only 21 years old, just finished Space Academy and now this... she felt her dream of successful career as explorer collapse as the votes pulled through. She didn’t even want to participate, but was persuaded by her dad, third son of Duke of Normandy, to try. Oh well, at least it will be good story to tell and valuable experience, she thought. Now, there she was. Star Queen of the Star Kingdom of Normandy. It was all Empress Emma, who said that “The best ruler is not one wanting the power, the best ruler is someone who doesn’t want to be a ruler but is capable of doing good job nevertheless” and pulled her support behind Alisce.
The thought of her first meeting with the Empress still gave her chills. Emma was already closing on 50, her hair proudly gray, her eyes still as sharp as ever and no time for fancy words and idle talk. She felt like a schoolgirl (well, she was that still, to be fair) being invited to director’s office. And she felt very silly when she told her that i want to be Queen of Normandy cause her father told her so. But it must have been something that she said or was that really impressed Emma, and she was hard to impress. After this meeting, Emma did everything in her power (and her power was plenty) to convince the population of New Normandy to support her.
Oh, and yes, her name is written Normandie-Hauteville. Alisce was not only descendant of Robert Guiscard, but amongst her ancestors was also Rollo, the viking leader to came to plundert Normandy and stayed, giving Normans her name. Only family name written before the Hauteville, not after- the Hauteville way of acknowledging that there is only one family they consider to be superior to theirs. More then 1000 years old loyalties... Not that it stopped Hautevilles from conquering Normandies, but still, they acknowledged that once, Hautevilles were vassals of Rollo and his descendants. Normandie-Hautevilles, besides Duchy of Normandy, also rule Kingdoms of England, France and Aquitaine and have several duchies and counties within these realms, making them one of the most powerful families.
Alisce was now the most powerful of them all. She mouthed the title again. Star Queen of Normandy. Grand Queen of New Normandy and Normandi IV (yet uncolonized tropical world). Heh, she chuckled. What is England orFrance compared to two planets? The planet of New Normandy was below her, huge stretches of still uninhabited lands, wild forests, empty plains. Signs of civilization here and there. When approaching the capital, Hauteville-sur-Mer (situated on banks of one of the largest riverst, lovingly named La Manche, and about 200 kilometers from sea, but hey, minor details), the signs of civilization became more and more apparent. Buildings, roads, fields. Hovercars flying below her. And the city itself, already around 150 000 citizens there. It was beautiful.
When the ship finally landed, the donned her formal outfit and went through tedious ceremony where people accepted her and sent her to her freshly constructed palace. You can do wonders with concrete and a few month she had been on journey, but it lacked the elegance. Oh well, something to be fixed later, she thought.
And Star Kingdom? Well, it was Emma’s idea. Why give single planets as a fief when you can do it for the whole star system? Much easier, plus it gives the crews of orbital stations a liege as well, and it makes controlling multiple-planet systems much easier. Plus, it sounded much better then Grand Kingdom. Luc I Hauteville-Sforza got the same treatment, and he seemed ecstatic.
Alisce ruled wisely and for a long time. Under her command, the Star Kingdom of Normandy prospered.
New Normandy, growing steadily
As Normandy grew, i started wondering if the Grand Kingdom is good enough term. It kindla lacks the power of it. And then, i thought- hey, these should not be planetary kingdoms, these should be system-based. Star Kingdom sounds much better. And hence the story.
Otherwise, advancing slowly to a point where the only way forward is the military expansion. Constructors are constructin', science ships are scinenting' and population is growing. All is well. Just need fusion reactors for me ships..
My, thanks!
Oh yes, they are gonna love their new alien overlords with their -40% happiness boost But yes, give it a generation or two and things will get better eventually.
And yes, that can happen. If they live enough to begin bronze age. I might keep them around, just to see how things work out. But there are other possibilities- the leader will be killed for the knife and so will every other who claims ownership of it, until they decide that the knife is cursed. Or the leader could just accidentally drop it into river two days from the even and this is it
Otherwise, advancing slowly to a point where the only way forward is the military expansion. Constructors are constructin', science ships are scinenting' and population is growing. All is well. Just need fusion reactors for me ships..
That alien scene was beautiful.
My, thanks!
Oh yes, they are gonna love their new alien overlords with their -40% happiness boost
But yes, give it a generation or two and things will get better eventually. And yes, that can happen. If they live enough to begin bronze age. I might keep them around, just to see how things work out. But there are other possibilities- the leader will be killed for the knife and so will every other who claims ownership of it, until they decide that the knife is cursed. Or the leader could just accidentally drop it into river two days from the even and this is it
The Star Kingdoms sound like a much more appropriate title. Alisce pretty much won the lottery. Lucky for everyone I suppose, considering it sounds like she did a fantastic job.
I know it comes from their traits, but I love how stupidly overconfident the Hulfir Dominion sound considering they are classified as inferior to you. What could happen from insulting an empire stronger in every way?
I know it comes from their traits, but I love how stupidly overconfident the Hulfir Dominion sound considering they are classified as inferior to you. What could happen from insulting an empire stronger in every way?
Great writing, I quite like the idea of Space Normans
With the other species blocking off expansion in some directions, how long do you think you can keep going until you have to fight someone for more planets?
With the other species blocking off expansion in some directions, how long do you think you can keep going until you have to fight someone for more planets?
So Alice went to Emma and said "I wanna be a queen, cause daddy told me to", and she GOT IT?
Things seem to be progressing well. Honestly you can't really blame these other interstellar civilizations for wanting to keep the Normans away from their borders. They aren't stupid. They have probably learned about Earth's history and have seen how the Norman's came to dominate all the other civilizations of Earth. Plus, the Norman's already invaded one species, they likely don't want a similar treatment.
HVT Salvage
Or How the Hauteville Empire got them a Cruiser
How to Made Friends. The Celestial Axis
Or How the Hauteville Empire got them a Cruiser
How to Made Friends. The Celestial Axis
It was in 2223 when Hauteville diplomats became more active with the Fex’Klanga Star league, the only nice neighbours the Empire had. At first, a research agreement was signed. Much more to their benefit then to Norman benefit, but hey, sometimes you have to give. Datalinks between two nations, sharing their discoveries, were established and Normans also benefited some of it.
First step of friendship- share the knowledge
Then, there was mutual guarantee of independence. Both species claimed that they will defend each other in case one got attacked. Deterrent to angry pigs, that is for sure. And also, this was much better deal for the Fex’Klangans then it was to Humans. First, Hauteville Empire was much more powerful then the Fex’Klanga Star League, so it added additional safety against Cynn Empire, the hostile nation next to their border. Also, Normans gave them active sensor links.
Second step of friendship- help your buddies out
In February 2224, Non-Aggression Pact was signed between the two nations. This time, the Normans found out that aliens can be as corrupt as humans. A bribe of minerals was added to sweeten the deal. Fex’Klangans, still a bit wary about the Human invasion of Gorf, were suddenly singing a different tune and agreed to sign the pact.
Third step of friendship- give bribes... no, no, gifts, to your friend and promise not to hurt them
By this time, the relations between two nations had become really cordial. Cordial enough that the Fex’Klanga Star League and Hauteville Empire became the best buddies ever and in March 2224, they announced the creation of Celestial Axis, an alliance between the nations.
Final step of friendship- best buddies!
Fex’Klangas had 18 corvettes, they were using warp drives and preferred missiles. They had better reactors then Normans, but worse shields. Warp drives of course meant that the first war Normans planned, they are unable to join, due to the poor rate of warp drives. Still, it meant that North was secure and Normans could go on without fear of backstabbing.
Fex'Klanga fleet, orbiting the their homeworld of Flexla
The Fex’Klanga Star League had three planets. Their home planet, Fexla, was about the size of Earth and about as populated as Earth. Two others were recent colonies, one already booming colony, with planetary administrations, other recently settled. Overall, pretty average Empire of that time. The only known species to have more were Hautevilles, with their six planets and Jusstkan Pig Coalition with five planets. Both had fleets about the same size as well.
Fex'Klangan homeworld and ship design
The Aliens can be Nice, or the Pithok League
Ugly arthropods, but with friendly attitude. The Pithok League managed to gain comm channels to the Hauteville Empire in May 2225. South from Interstellar Imari Sovrenity, or the Peaceful Toucans, the Pithok were materialistic and democratic nations, valuing science and liberty of the individuals, just like the Hautevilles. An Embassy was established.
Another nice aliens!
Why Alliances are Good
The Imari, or the Peaceful Toucans, nation south of the Angry Pigs, preferred to live on their own. Despite proddings of the Hauteville Empire- the embassy was established a long time ago and the talks of closer relations were always on board, they still weren’t that interested.
Now, as the Jusstkan Galactic Coalition had colonized every planet nearby, they wanted to expand. Their choices were simple. Toucans to the south or Hautevilles to the North. Aggressive expansion and building up the fleet and active research meant that the Normans were about the same power as the Jusstkans. Plus, the Celestial Axis- even though the Fex’Klanga were inferior to Jusstkans, the combined power of Axis fleet surpassed the pig fleet. So, it was logical they turned their eyes south, towards the Peaceful Toucans. In November 2225, the Jusstkans attacked Imari. First war between interstellar Empires had broken out.
This could be a threat to Hautevilles as well, especially if things go as predicted and the Toucans will be conquered by the Pigs. But, for now, it meant that the south was also secure. Jusstkans were too busy to start another war.
I'm guessing that pacifism doesn't really help against the aggressive neighbors. Give militarism a chance!
Observation Post in Cursa System
The Qix’Lufrani, living in planet they called Thurs-Ophaluud, located in Cursa System, near the edge of the Hauteville Empire, had unlocked the power of the atom and were looking at the sky, seeking the future of their species there. Little did they know that the sky looked back. And occasionally sneaked in to steal their cattle and probe the people. Sneaky sky...
The Normans built the observation post in February 2225 and soon, steady stream of data started flowing- about the nations, about the culture, about the customs of Qix’Lufrani. Soon, Normans knew more about them then they did- especially the genetics part. Well, one could say that Qix’Lufrani had to suffer a bit in the name of the science.
Fresh observation post above the skies of Thurs-Ophaluud
The Science
More minerals, especially finding better storage for minerals. In 2224, Normans found new ways to storage the minerals. Yay.
The better mineral storage will be useful... eventually, when we get enough minerals to store
At the same time, Normans learned how to blow up the mountains. Apparently, you can use explosions to do that. Or, in this case, mass driver slugs fired from space, if you think the fleet needs some training as well.
The trick is simple- you bring enough explosives and the mountain gives up.
At the same time, Fang Tan found yet another derelict cruiser, in Baranik system. Once again, stashed in the atmosphere of a gas giant. When it’s raining, it’s pouring.
It's raning cruisers! Hallelujah!
Also in Baranik, Fang Tan completed the analysis of the mining drones. The only thing of interest- their reactors. Normans needed better power for their ships and the mining drones made that a bit easier.
Yay for mining drones. Was worried that no reactor tech thus far
HVT Salvage
Paseka Hauteville-Kumato was amazed. So was the rest of the team. The ship was absolutely stable. No vibrations, no trembling, nothing indicating that it was in the atmosphere of a gas giant. Compared to a bumpy ride there, the vibrations of small Norman shuttle as the technicians welded through the airlock. Then, there was a moment of suspense...
... and they were in. The owners of the cruiser were most likely about twice the size of humans and it showed. Ceilings were too high. Halls empty, covered in writings of unknown language. Most likely, directions, like bridge that way, engines that way, cantina here. Doors were too big. And doors were opened by pressing a button next to it. The humans had to team up to reach it. And the chairs... You felt like a baby climbing to the chair made for adults. Something about the ship made it an eerie experience. It was mostly the silence. Not even a hum of engines, and the only sound was steps of human boots and their voices, echoing through too big of a space.
First step
“We should be glad they were giants, not some kind of space dwarves,” one of the crewmembers tried to lighten the atmosphere up, “Or we’d be crawling through”.
The voice and few chuckles died out though as the hollow echoes bounced back. The team continued in silence, gazing around as they marched through the weird ship. Soon, they split up, trying to find some kind of command center, engines and powerplants. Total 10 humans, nothing much. And they managed to do so within a few hours, without awaking some ancient horror sleeping in the ship or the space monsters trying to eat their brains and lay their eggs on them or anything else. It was just silence and emptiness. Not even a single boobytrap...
Paseka and his crew stumbled upon command center. It was obvious where the captain’s chair was. Throning over the room, giving the commander total overview of the situation. Paseka climbed up and then sat on the chair, dangling his feet in the air. The eerie atmosphere was gone from here. No more empty halls, covered in unknown writings. Instead, the comfortable feeling of bridge. Positions to be manned, screens to be looked at, nice gaze to the storm from the windows. Add a cup of coffee to his hand and Paseka would feel right at home. Well, if he would be twice the size, but here, it didn’t seem to matter that much.
“Absolutely do not press anything,” he told his crew, for about hundredth time or so. They nodded, for about hundredth time or so.
Engines and reactors had already been found. Initial findings had been that indeed, the ship had reactors and indeed, the ship had engines. Both operating with low power, keeping the ship steady. For how long, hard to say- but it was obvious that the energy drain was low enough for it to last for a few centuries even.
Is it useable? was the main question, and initial survey said “yes”.
Getting to the ship, finding the best approach, without disturbing the delicate balance of the ship was one thing. It took month of planning before Normans even dared to breach. Now, came even harder part. Getting to know the ship, so if can be flown away, to space and then to fleet on Earth. And of course, getting the ship ready for humans.
Both started simultaneously. Soon, the eerie atmosphere of a derelict ship was gone, replaced with construction crews, technicians, chair replacement teams (they did other furniture as well. After all, all the beds were Emperor size too) and scientists, trying to figure out how the ship should work.
In the end, the ship wasn’t as advanced as it seemed. Not the fastest engines, not the best weapons, no shields. Still, it was big, a marvel of engineering, and it had hangar for fighters and very much energy.
The whole refitting and learning part took from April 2224 to November 2224. In 20th November, it was all ready. Interfaces were human, engines and reactors checked, the power connected and all furniture human-sized. Not the screens though. Here, human logic of “the bigger, the better” was applied and all attempts to replace them with navy standard were met with protests of the future crew. At 18:30 hours, EST, capitan Wymond Dregnot gave the simple command: “Take us to space,” and with the intensifying hum of engines, the ship powered slowly up and breached the atmosphere and 19:11. Humans had their first cruiser.
Masterful display indeed!
Newest addition to Norman fleet- HVT Salvage
What of the aliens who made the ship? It seemed like the cruiser was planted there for a reason, and the reason was either surprise attack or an ambush. Plant cruiser there, then send some crew in later and you have a ship and the enemy has a nasty surprise. It appeared that they never got around to part two, sending in the crew. Did they just forgot? Or did the plans change? Or was there something else?
Apparently, aliens were well-aware of the fact that even though the chances of finding the cruiser is slim, it is still possible. Therefore, they were very careful not to leave behind any information that could identify them. No star maps. Instead of language they were using, or at least Norman scientists thought so, some kind of war speak, not connected to the main language at all. No medical records, no medical equipment. No “Made in Somewhere” signs anywhere. The humans had a ship, but how old it was, where did it come from or who were the previous owners, not a soul had a clue.
One alliance, one cruiser. Angry pigs neutralizing themselves. Things are looking up. And everyone- happy Midsummer to you all!
And much more cooler title as well! And yes, from student to Queen of a star system... that is quite a promotion
I'm just thinking the poor Hulfir have no idea how powerful the Normans are. Or, they are overconfident- how can some filthy beast-aliens be better then them? We see this trait in humans as well. Gap the size of Grand Canyon between their self-image and reality
Thanks!
And well, currently i can say with absolute certainty that the first proper war for Normans is not the next, but the episode after that.
The motivation and the ability to do the job are not that tightly connected. I'm guessing Emma saw her to be good at latter. Plus, it sounded fun!
Well, yes. The thing is, the other species also have the similar history- dominance in their homeworld, then outward expansion. And if you happen to be militarist xenophobe, then most likely you didn't unite the homeworld in peaceful way. More like, you hated your neighbors, you conquered your neighbors, now you are trying to do the same on galactic scale But overall, Norman expansion has been faster then anyone else, so there is some reason to worry.
And much more cooler title as well! And yes, from student to Queen of a star system... that is quite a promotion
I'm just thinking the poor Hulfir have no idea how powerful the Normans are. Or, they are overconfident- how can some filthy beast-aliens be better then them? We see this trait in humans as well. Gap the size of Grand Canyon between their self-image and reality
Great writing, I quite like the idea of Space Normans
With the other species blocking off expansion in some directions, how long do you think you can keep going until you have to fight someone for more planets?
Thanks!
And well, currently i can say with absolute certainty that the first proper war for Normans is not the next, but the episode after that.
So Alice went to Emma and said "I wanna be a queen, cause daddy told me to", and she GOT IT?
The motivation and the ability to do the job are not that tightly connected. I'm guessing Emma saw her to be good at latter. Plus, it sounded fun!
Well, yes. The thing is, the other species also have the similar history- dominance in their homeworld, then outward expansion. And if you happen to be militarist xenophobe, then most likely you didn't unite the homeworld in peaceful way. More like, you hated your neighbors, you conquered your neighbors, now you are trying to do the same on galactic scale
But overall, Norman expansion has been faster then anyone else, so there is some reason to worry.
An alliance is born! Nice to have some buddies as you conquer the stars. Let's hope you both have room to expand so you're not immediately betraying each other.
The HVT Salvage... rather appropriate name, considering its origins. Now we just wait and see how long it lasts before it is inevitably destroyed in battle.
The HVT Salvage... rather appropriate name, considering its origins. Now we just wait and see how long it lasts before it is inevitably destroyed in battle.
Step 1: Rename cruiser Robert Baratheon.
Step 2: Boar Hunt
Step 3: Victory Luau! (There should totally be a Hauteville-Kamehameha family, one of whom should be appointed military governor of occupied Pigland.)
Teach the peaceful Toucans the benefits of militarism.
Step 2: Boar Hunt
Step 3: Victory Luau! (There should totally be a Hauteville-Kamehameha family, one of whom should be appointed military governor of occupied Pigland.)
Teach the peaceful Toucans the benefits of militarism.
The Final Preparations
or how the Hauteville Empire was about to enter their first interstellar war
Hauteville Fleet
or how the Hauteville Empire was about to enter their first interstellar war
Hauteville Fleet
The space combat can be terrifying. And even more, terrifyingly fast matter. Sometimes, even more then humans can handle. Ships moving around at breakneck speeds, situation changing every second, the space filled with debris, cannons booming. Thus, the combat computers. Leaving humans to give them general directions, but able to to make quick decisions on their own- like igniting side thrusters to avoid incoming salvo of mass driver slugs. Made the ships more durable. Because, the best defence is not to be there where the enemy hits.
Leave the minor details to the computer and concentrate on big things
In January 2227, the Hauteville scientists also solved the power problem plaguing the ships. New fusion reactors gave enough power for the new systems. Not more then enough, but still, much more then from the old fission reactors.
Finally, the new powerplant
Then, Robert Guiscard MK III corvettes were commissioned. Ion engines, much better weaponry and good defense. Also, the new combat computers. No armor though, the shields will have to be enough. Still, it was the most modern fleet nearby.
Robert Guiscard Class Corvette, MK III
Addition of another derelict cruiser, HVT Scrap, rescued from Baranik system in April 2226 and identical to the previous one, changed the number of cruisers in Hauteville Empire to two. Still no clues on who dropped the cruisers there or what the general plan was. But you don’t look the gift cruiser to the mouth.
HVT Scap, second cruiser, just after recovery
With that, the Hauteville Fleet had now 28 corvettes and 2 cruisers, it becoming the real threat to any neighbours. And... it was finally time to put it to good use.
The fleet, manouvering around
Grand Kingdom of Soval
The system holding the Gorf homeworld of Jurg-Faliigh was in need of a ruler. Desperate need. And not enough people willing, for the Gorf were still kind of angry to be conquered this way by the Normans. Some bastards even sabotaged the robots.
It was Tancred Hauteville, firstborn son of Emma and Bohemond, who finally stepped up and picked up the crown. Volunteering and not hearing a word from his mother and father who thought it was not such a good idea. The lad, born in 2200, so was 26 years old, full of energy and more then capable.
The ceremony in Palermo was as grand as ever, everyone lining up to see the brave prince, now the newest Star King of Normandy. The departure was different though. No luxury yacht, no comfy cruise. Instead, military transport, filled with his personal guard of 10 000 soldiers (and hovertanks, and strike craft, and soldiers armed to the teeth) and few corvettes. And no ecstatic crowds in Jurg-Faliigh, greeting their new King. Instead, silence and empty streets.
Grand King of Soval will have some interesting subjects
Tanrced had a plan though. He did his best to pacify the locals, not to offend their customs, show that the Hautevilles are actually good and being part of the Empire is not such a bad deal. But he also made a call to humans everywhere, calling them to settle in the new planet. Gorf.. were not pleased, but truth be told, there was plenty of empty land in Jurg-Faliigh.
Hello, friends! Come join us, nice climate and friendly locals!
What will happen, we shall see. But one thing is certain- the royal palace of Tancred looks more like a military fortress then a palance. And no drinking coffee in the balcony and enjoying the view for him, because mass driver sniper rifles have ungodly range.
Expansion or Stagnation?
It was in year 2227. Slowly, but steadily, the Norman expansion machine moved towards grinding halt. First were the scientists. All the nearby systems had been already surveyed, uncovering both valuable resources for the Empire to exploit, something for scientists to chew upon and also, uncovering the mysteries of the universe. Now, they were orbiting the space stations in Earth and Tuscany, feeling bored and idle and quite often, drunk.
Next were the construction ships. One by one, they finished the construction of various mining and research stations in Hauteville Empire. Only place where there was still room for construction left was Yssom, but the ships there were finishing it already. Rest of the space was filled with constructions of variable kind, bringing valuable minerals to the Empire. Still, the end was nearby.
Overview of the Hauteville Space. As you can see, all has been discovered and most has been exploited already
As of total, Normans controlled six planets and total 40 billion of population. Most of them humans, also some robots and some gorf. Total control was 23 systems, with Baranik and Sarpocchus next to Avalon coming to Norman influence soon, making total system number to 25.
Earth of course was still number one of the Hauteville planets. Its population was currently 14 billions and growing- soon, this planet will be filled to the brim. Tuscany, the second planet of the Empire, was growing as well. Already, 8 billion people and quite a deal of robots. New Normandy, the third one, was still in the need for some serious environmental engineering, but also, 5 billion people people.
Earth and the first colonies. Doing quite ok
For New Tallinn, it was time to build planetary administration and and some robots soon. As with New Normandy, the planet was still in the serious need of terraforming. Jurg-Faligh was still in trouble- the gorf were having trouble adjusting. Finally, Avalon was growing. Steadily. Most likely to become one of the crown jewels of the empire, but still a far way off from there.
The second part of six colonies. Doing also ok, well, expect the Gorf homeworld
Now, the Hauteville Empire was facing a choice. To stagnate, and try to build upon existing resources, or to expand at the expense of the neighbours. Was it even a question? Come on, the Normans had their last proper war 400 years ago, and the invasion of Gorf was just an appetizer. The whole Empire was gearing for war. The target- angry birds, or the Pelx-Cardonian Sovereign States, now four planets strong empire in the other spiral arm of the galaxy. The plan- simple. Drop in Tyl, build a wormhole station there, keep the fleet in to defend the construction and then, hit the enemy in their homeworld Cradon in Cradoniana system.
The Battle Plan
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This is it. Final update before going to first war. Overall, there is war or bust. I could actually try to move northwards, through the allied territory, but somehow i don't think this is the best idea, so angry birds it is.
Well, i'm not in a rush. I like my northern borders secure. And there are still plenty of nations whom i can conquer around...
And the cruiser was named by Paradox, not me. Thought it funny and kept it. And the HVT Scrap, the second one, is named by me! And seeing they have no shields, then i don't think they will last for very long.
With the Asimov, the federations are getting a haul to make it more tolerable, but i'm still not sure. I hate the idea of losing control of my foreign policy for a time. Rather, if there was Hauteville Federation, where Humans rule supreme, then yes. Otherwise, still no. Plus, finding two other aliens who like me and are willing to join an alliance might be a challenge.
Heh, good idea! The pigs will be next, but first, the birds.
And not just because they are weaker. With pigs, i have good idea of the nearby space. What is there, what is in the neighborhood. So, i know for sure that when i conquer, i will get the systems nearby and have new neighbors and that's that. With birds, there is a chance i will open up new interesting frontiers.
But i promise you, the flagship will be Robert Baratheon and the governor will be Hauuteville-Kamehameha and there will be victory Luay! And roast pork will be served!
Well, i'm not in a rush. I like my northern borders secure. And there are still plenty of nations whom i can conquer around...
And the cruiser was named by Paradox, not me. Thought it funny and kept it. And the HVT Scrap, the second one, is named by me! And seeing they have no shields, then i don't think they will last for very long.
With the Asimov, the federations are getting a haul to make it more tolerable, but i'm still not sure. I hate the idea of losing control of my foreign policy for a time. Rather, if there was Hauteville Federation, where Humans rule supreme, then yes. Otherwise, still no. Plus, finding two other aliens who like me and are willing to join an alliance might be a challenge.
Heh, good idea! The pigs will be next, but first, the birds.
And not just because they are weaker. With pigs, i have good idea of the nearby space. What is there, what is in the neighborhood. So, i know for sure that when i conquer, i will get the systems nearby and have new neighbors and that's that. With birds, there is a chance i will open up new interesting frontiers.
But i promise you, the flagship will be Robert Baratheon and the governor will be Hauuteville-Kamehameha and there will be victory Luay! And roast pork will be served!