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Chapter 4: End of an Era
Chapter 4: End of an Era
Once the AI Uplink Relay was installed, the Stellaris became a much quieter starship. Not because the engines were running smoothly, but because very few people were left aboard. The flagship was now almost totally automated, with the organic crew being supplanted by an army of droids and robots.
“Just think about it.” Cali said. “A month ago, this ship would have needed a crew of almost twenty-thousand people just to exist without falling apart. Now we’ve got the crew compliment down to fifty.”
“I can walk for ten kilometers through the interior and never find another person.” Dak replied.
The young couple raised their eyebrows at each other, realizing that from now on, they could be alone together whenever they felt like it. Dak did a double-take when he saw the suggestive expression on Cali’s face.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Ensign.” He admonished her. “You’re on duty.”
Cali smiled a mischievous smile and Dak could not resist the urge to make the same face.
…
Three weeks had gone by since Cali and Dak joined the Stellaris. Tik and Ruto were the only people the pair saw on regular occasions, and when they did, there were only two major topics of discussion: the political crisis on Aix and total automation.
The rise of Galactic Empress Khetreph was causing widespread political unrest. Over the past few weeks, a dozen vassal-states had announced their intentions to leave the Empire. What started as public outcry for democracy was quickly growing into a nascent separatist movement. In response, the Imperial Military was making preparations for a show of force. The Galactic Empress had even sent a messenger to the Stellaris, warning the crew that soon the vessel would be called into active service. Cali and Ruto would need to finish their upgrades quickly. Speaking of which…
After less than a month of work, the Stellaris had reached a state of near-total automation. Using the AI Uplink installed in Engineering, Cali and Ruto were able to let the shipboard AI take full control of the day-to-day maintenance of the Stellaris. The dreadnought had even gotten to the point where it could manufacture its own ammunition and repair itself after a fight. To sustain all of this, approximately six thousand droids and robots were manufactured and deployed within the ship.
Cali came up with a brilliant idea to enable easy communication between the organic and robotic crew. She created an AI personality whose sole purpose was to serve as a go-between for the organics and droids. Simply named “Helperbot,” this AI would instantly supersede and take control of any droid the organic crew attempted to speak with.
Cali and Ruto had a lot of fun testing the concept. Cali used the internal monorail to travel all the way to the bow while Ruto went to the engine room. From bow to stern, the Stellaris measured almost ninety kilometers. Once she reached the bow, Cali picked a random Droid and said hello to it. At once, the bipedal robot rounded on her and a yellow light illuminated its face, to show that Helperbot had taken over.
“Hello there!” Helperbot declared. “I’m as pleased as ever to report the sensor array is performing at 99.98% capacity this morning!”
Ruto’s voice sounded over the intercom.
“Cali, is there a reason you made Helperbot so… cheerful?” Ruto asked.
“I heard Tik complaining about the AI’s disposition being ‘too sunny and cheerful’ and I just had to mess with him by turning up the settings.” Cali replied. “Ask Helperbot a question where you are.”
Ninety kilometers away in the engine room, Ruto said:
“Helperbot: Tell me about our docking schedule. When is the next time someone’s coming aboard?”
Without a moment’s delay, a droid in the engine room turned to reply:
“The new Commanding Officer and his second-in-command will be boarding later today at Docking Bay 94. I hope all of your preparations are complete!”
…
Forty-two people came to the docking bay to welcome the new CO. This was all that remained of a crew of 20,000. Thanks to automation, everyone else was transferred to other ships. A shuttlecraft landed in the hangar and the crew raised their arms in salute as two men emerged.
The first was a Fevarian man dressed in an officer’s uniform. Cali could see the “Commodore” insignia on his chest and knew that this man was the new CO. Cali also noticed something strange about this man. Despite being a member of the Fevarian species, the new CO was wearing the uniform of the Alari Armed Forces. The blue and green Alari flag was displayed prominently on his chest. Next to him was an actual Alari. This really was no surprise to most of the crew. The Stellaris was an Alari ship and most of the interfaces were designed for Humanoids such as Alarians.
For one particular member of the crew, however, the second officer did come as a surprise.
Cali gasped and very nearly broke her salute. The Alarian Captain was the same officer who was with her mother at Runa Starbase, the one Cali had mistaken for an Admiral. The Captain was pushing a wheel cart loaded with a large black box. The Alarian officer stepped aside from his cargo to join his Fevarian companion. And to make matters worse, now that he was closer, Cali realized with a sense of growing terror that she had seen this man before. While Cali was busy concealing her terror and trying to maintain her salute, the Commodore positioned himself in front of the crew and began to speak:
“Crew! Stand at ease!” Said the Fevarian Commodore. “This may be a military ship, but as long as we speak to one another with respect and courtesy, I’m willing to allow a less than formal environment. Relax a little.”
The crew lowered their salutes and listened to the Commodore’s introduction.
“My name is Okepi ins-Tebh.” Said the Commodore. “By order of the Alari National Congress, and with the express permission of Galactic Empress Khetreph, I assume command of this vessel. For those of you who have not met me yet, I served in three military campaigns, against the Enigmatic Fortress, the Spectral Wraith, and the Ether Drake. I recognize one of you from the battle against the Drake.”
He nodded at Dak.
After that, the Alarian officer stepped forward to introduce himself. As soon as he began to speak, Cali’s worst fears were finally confirmed:
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” He said. “I am Captain Van B’Eren, and I’ll be serving as the Commodore’s number two. I look forward to meeting each and every member of the crew, especially the one particular crew member I’ve met before… Ensign D’Kara… you look resplendent.”
Cali could not help it. She recoiled, taking a whole step away from the Captain. Van looked slightly upset. It really was him; the repulsive man her parents tried to force Cali to marry three years ago. Van B’Eren in the flesh.
“I know we got off on the wrong foot, you and I.” Van B’Eren said. “I look forward to mending our relationship, Ensign D’Kara. I am confident that my companionship will change your mind about me in due course.”
Cali opened her mouth, ready to spew a tirade of insults and vitriol, but Commodore ins-Tebh was clearly paying attention and realized there was going to be a problem.
“Not now.” He cut in. “We have work to do. D’Kara, B’Torak. Have you completed your work on the automation?”
“Um, yes sir!” Ruto said quickly. “The Stellaris can run with a minimal crew.”
“Good.” Commodore ins-Tebh said. “I would like yourself, Ensign D’Kara, Commander J’Bassim, and Lieutenant Commander Y’Pana to join me in the conference room at the end of the hangar. All other crewmembers, please follow the instructions of this droid.”
Cali, Ruto, Tik, and Dak broke off from the group to follow Okepi and Van away from the scene.
…
In the conference room, Cali tried to find a corner as far away from Van as possible. Dak intentionally placed himself between the pair, glaring at Van.
Pacing back and forth, Okepi started talking as soon as everyone was in the room.
“The situation is critical and we are short on time.” He began. “I am going to be blunt. B’Eren and I do not work for the Empire. We are both members of the Special Operations Forces of the Alari Military. If you are in this room right now, it means you are being drafted for a black op. You don’t get a say in this. We are commandeering the ship and you are coming with us, that’s final.”
This was too much to take in all at once. Cali looked from the Fevarian Commodore to her hated ex-betrothed, wondering just how either of them managed to not only join the Alari Armed Forces, but also become members of the elite SOF. Come to think, she had never once asked Van about his background.
Meanwhile, Tik was asking the important questions.
“Why the hell would Alaria try to steal a dreadnought from our overlord!? Wasn’t this thing a Gift to Emperor Tukhethu?”
“Those considerations are immaterial considering what’s going to happen soon.” Van B’Eren replied. “Have any of you been paying attention to the political situation? The Holy Fevarian Empire is going to collapse. Probably within the next few days, certainly before the week is out.”
A stunned silence hung over the room. Ruto finally managed to say something.
“That’s so… that’s such a horrible thing to say!” She choked out, “You could be shot as a traitor just for saying that!”
“Commander B’Torak, I don’t think the seriousness of the situation is sinking in yet.” Okepi said. “A few short days from now, The Galactic Emperor’s authority will stretch no farther than this very star system. The Alari National Congress is already drafting a declaration of independence, and many other species are doing the same. We have only a few days left before chaos breaks out. This is the calm before the storm and we do not want to be here when it starts.”
Cali snapped out of her stupor.
“Wait a minute, what storm? What do you mean get out of here?” She asked.
“Alari SOF has received intel suggesting the breakup of the Holy Fevarian Empire will be violent.” Van explained. “Dozens of separatist movements have established communications with each other and are planning to make their moves all at once. We are currently expecting to see somewhere between twenty-five and thirty armed revolts across the Galaxy. This will be the first full-scale war since the formation of the Empire a thousand years ago.”
“No one is ready for such a conflict.” Okepi added. “The first few days are going to be chaos, and that’s when we need to complete our mission.”
“The mission you’re planning to drag us into?” Tik said. “What have the four of us got to do with your mission? What happened to the rest of the crew?”
“The remaining crew is being put off the ship.” Okepi answered. “They will be left behind on Runa Starbase.”
“Left behind!?” Dak said. “We’re taking the ship somewhere?”
“Correct.” Van said. “Okepi and I have a multifaceted mission. There are several objectives we must accomplish, and we’ve orchestrated things so that we can kill several Tiyanki with one missile. In fact, thanks to Cali and Ruto’s work on the automation systems, one such objective is being accomplished right now.”
Van gestured around himself.
“The Automated Dreadnought Stellaris is the rightful property of the Alari National Congress.” He declared. “On the ANC's authority and with the ANC’s express permission, we have now repossessed this vessel and will return it to Alari space.”
Ruto screamed.
“You’re stealing it!” Ruto cried out. “You’re stealing the Galactic Emperess’ flagship! You won’t get away with this!”
Ruto ran out of the room and back into the hangar.
“Helperbot!” Okepi yelled. “Detain Commander B’Torak and lock her in the brig!”
Cali, Dak, and Tik ran out of the conference room and back into the hangar just in time to see two incredible things:
First, a dozen droids ran full-tilt across the hangar bay and dive-tackled Ruto to the floor as she tried to flee.
Second, Runa Starbase was very far away.
The Stellaris had undocked from the shipyard and was now flying under her own power. The Automated Dreadnought was departing the Throneworld System at best possible speed, leaving behind a scene of chaos.
The planet Aix was still visible. Cali, Dak, and Tik looked out of the hangar bay doors to see an armada of warships closing in on Runa Starbase. As they drew near, the warships opened fire, pummeling the starbase with weapon strikes. Meanwhile, a Cruiser broke off from the formation and started launching a barrage of missiles at the Throneworld itself.
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"Congratulations! The Stellaris is being repossessed... please do not resist."
That’s what it felt like.
Nice update.
That’s what it felt like.
Nice update.
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Oh that's rough for Cali! A dangerous, long voyage on a giant but nigh deserted starship with her ex betrothed? Wouldn't want to be in her shoes.
And, in addition he's now her hierarchical superior. Couple that with his pushy behaviour and I bet he'll try to use his authority to try and "convince" her he's such a good choice of a husband.
Also, Alaria has pretty much gone past the point of no return because once the Empress finds her shiny flagship has been stolen by her supposed vassals, she will likely want to make Alderaan out of Alaria.
And, in addition he's now her hierarchical superior. Couple that with his pushy behaviour and I bet he'll try to use his authority to try and "convince" her he's such a good choice of a husband.
Also, Alaria has pretty much gone past the point of no return because once the Empress finds her shiny flagship has been stolen by her supposed vassals, she will likely want to make Alderaan out of Alaria.
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Chapter 5: Broken Empire
Damnit, now I want to watch Rogue One again. I freakin' love that movie.
Oh it gets worse. Van showed up with plans.
Oh the point of no return is here. See below:
Chapter 5 – Broken Empire
The demise of the Holy Fevarian Empire played out over a single day. Cali and her friends watched it play out on a television screen.
Unwilling to interact with Okepi or Van, Cali, Dak, and Tik brought a widescreen tablet computer to the brig and propped it up on the wall. Looking through her cell door, Ruto was able to watch the events with her friends as they played out:
On the very last day of peace, Galactic Empress Khetreph announced she would deliver a speech tomorrow. She was going to talk about a major political reform she was planning. People all across the Galaxy speculated wildly about what she would say, what she would do. But the speculation only lasted for a short period of time.
Somehow, the plan leaked.
Khetreph was planning to re-organize the Holy Fevarian Empire into a new polity called “The Galactic Imperium.” She was going to do away with the indolent policies of her predecessors. The vassal-states were going to lose the self-rule they had enjoyed for one thousand years, and the Galactic Empress would seize direct control of her dominion, the first Fevarian in more than a millennium to do so. Within an hour of the leak, unrest and public anger started to transform into revolt and armed rebellion.
The Kel-Azaan Republic was the first to declare independence. The insectoid nation sealed their interstellar borders to all traffic, while Kel-Azak soldiers seized Fevarian bases and outposts. After that, the avalanche began. The news reporters had trouble keeping up as word of uprisings poured in from all across the Galaxy.
When the State of Alaria declared independence, Cali gasped and hugged Dak as tightly as she could. Ruto felt deeply conflicted. She was terrified Alaria would draw the wrath of the soon-to-be Imperium and be crushed. The news agency attempted to report on the theft of the Stellaris, but that was when the first reports of violence came in.
During the night, there was an assassination attempt on Galactic Empress Khetreph. A group of armed assailants breached the Imperial Palace and engaged the guards in a gun battle. Khetreph survived, but it quickly became apparent that none of the vassal-states were responsible for the attack. A faction of Fevarians living in the Outer Rim claimed responsibility for the attack. The announced their objective was to overthrow Khetreph and establish the “Great Fevarian Empire.”
In retaliation, the Imperial Navy turned its weapons against the Throneworld, targeting cities that sympathized with the rebels.
By this point, it was all over. Across dozens of planets, violence erupted as the Imperial military found itself under attack from all directions. The news reporters on screen, looking very distraught, promised to continue broadcasting for as long as possible…
…
The heavy door opened and the two SOF officers entered the brig. Commodore ins-Tebh and Captain B’Eren looked at the four Alari with mournful expressions.
“So it’s finally happened.” Van said. “The Fevarians are finished. Their empire is dead. Alaria is free.”
Dak turned away from the screen, unable to watch the new reports of attacks and violence.
“Did you see the reports from the other planets?” Dak breathed. “This is no uprising… this… this is a civil war, the likes of which no one has ever seen. There hasn’t been a full-scale war in over a thousand years. Hundreds of thousands of people are going to die, maybe millions.”
“True. We are at the end of an era.” Commodore ins-Tebh. “Now we must ensure that Alaria survives the chaos and is able to have a strong starting position once the new era begins. That is why we are here.”
The Fevarian folded his arms.
“I owe you an explanation. I was born on Alaria, in the Imperial Garrison.” The Commodore said. “I learned about the Alari principles of egalitarianism at a young age. They made more sense to me than the hopelessly out-of-date tenants of the Holy Fevarian Empire. I enlisted in the Alari Armed Forces as soon as I was old enough, though I’m not the first Fevarian to join the AAF.”
“He and I were recruited into the Special Operating Forces about a year and a half ago.” Van explained. “The SOF has been convinced the Empire was going to collapse for quite some time and they’ve been preparing for it. Okepi and I have been given multiple missions to carry out over a single operation, and that operation started with repossessing this ship. Now we need to talk about what happens next, as well as why you four need to come with us.”
Cali stood behind Dak, showing only part of her face as Van continued:
“First off, we are not going directly to Alaria. We will be detouring to four crucial locations along the way.”
“First, we are going to Chor’s Compass.” Okepi said. “We are going to need both Dak and Cali to join us on a short mission at Tradestation Tungle, the home of the Caravansary Caravan Coalition. It will not be a combat mission, so your skills in battle won’t be needed. However, we do need to exploit Dak’s fame as a Dragonslayer and Cali’s technical prowess.”
“Second,” Okepi said before anyone could interrupt. “We must use the Gateway network to reach Luthadrial. The Necromages of Tufsin are based in that system and they are the only other Necroids in the galaxy. We need to carry out a short operation on their planet before moving on. We need Tik for the mission.”
“Why me?” Tik demanded to know.
“Because you are a qualified Starfighter pilot, you have a history of flying on arid planets, and your service record shows you have no sense of self-preservation.” Van said candidly.
“Once we are finished with the Necromages, we’ll press on to the Hazbuzan Syndicate, a criminal organization not far from Alaria. Ruto, your services will be required for a mission here. I need to you meet a contact at the Human-Hazbuzi border crossing.”
“No way!” Ruto shouted through the cell door. “I’m not helping you!”
“Again, none of you get a choice in this.” Van said. “The ANC has signed off on the entire operation. Now, after the Hazbuzan, we’ll cross the border into the Human Reservation. Cali and Tik, you’re both going to be needed for a mission to Concorde.”
“Concorde?” Tik said. “What the heck is that?”
“It’s the moon of Arcadia.” Cali replied. “The moon is fully militarized. No civilian population, just Human and Alari military bases everywhere. I’ve never been there, but I met Humans who have.”
“Oh, come on. You want us to blow up an army base on Concorde!?” Dak protested.
“Actually, we need you to deliver something to our Human contacts on Concorde.” Okepi answered. “And don’t worry, it is not going to explode. Killing you would make it impossible for us to complete our final mission.”
“Final mission?” Cali said. “Isn’t that just delivering this ship to Alar Station?”
“Delivering the ship is part of it, yes.” Van confessed. “But there is another part. We need to deliver Dak here to one of our contacts in the city of Rattia.”
Cali startled.
“Rattia!” She repeated. “That’s my hometown. My whole family is there. Why the hell does Dak need to go there?”
Okepi shook his head.
“Many apologies.” Okepi said. “But we are under explicit instructions not to tell you any details about that particular assignment.”
“You can’t tell us? Really?” Dak said, raising his eyebrow.
“No, no, no.” Van said, waving a hand. “We cannot tell Cali D’Kara any of the details. The instructions in our mission brief explicitly mention Cali by name, and that she must be left out of the loop on the final part of the mission. The other three are allowed to know.”
“So you’re gonna tell us, then?” Tik said.
“Not until its absolutely necessary.” Okepi said, folding his arms again. “You four are close to each other. I have no doubts that you’ll inform Cali as soon as we divulge the crucial details. So everything stays under wraps until the right time.”
“I don’t like this.” Cali said.
“I don’t like this either.” Dak added.
“Regardless of whether you like the arrangement, everything we discussed is going to happen.” Okepi said. “The Stellaris is already underway for Chor’s Compass. We need to move quickly as some of these missions are time-sensitive. If all is done correctly, and if the Hyper Relays and Gateways stay open, then we should return to Alaria in about three months. That should give plenty of time for tempers to cool and unit cohesion to build.”
Okepi cast his dead-looking eyes at Cali and Van.
“You’ve got another thing coming if you think I’m gonna work with him.” Cali growled, nodding her head at Van.
Van raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
“I realize we aren’t going to fix all of our problems overnight.” Van said, “But rest assured, Cali… you’ve been on my mind constantly, ever since that brief encounter in Rattia two-and-a-half years ago. Our parents could not have made a better choice, and I know in my heart that before long you’ll come to agree with me on that front.”
“I’ll see you in Hell before that ever happens.” Cali spat.
“You’ll have to go through me first.” Dak added.
“Okepi seemed to look concerned for the first time and he shot a nervous glance at Van, the type of expression one uses when things are not going to plan. For his part, Van laughed.
“Commander J”Bassim, I think it would be best if we let the interested party decide for herself.”
Cali retreated behind Dak’s frame, hiding from view. From the safety of her boyfriend, Cali raised her voice and called out:
“Helperbot! Captain Van B’Eren is banned from Engineering. Post security droids at the entrances and don’t let him in!”
With a series of friendly beeps and whistles, Helperbot’s voice replied over the intercom.
“Well I’d be happy to do that!” Helperbot declared. “It just warms my circuits to keep you safe!”
Van shrugged and lowered his hands.
“I can see you need your space while you sort out your feelings.” He said. “I’ll stick to the command deck for now… but remember Cali. My door is always open when you’re ready to talk.”
Van left the brig. Tik and Dak both closed ranks around Cali, shielding her as Okepi took a step forward.
“It’s going to be a long three months.” Okepi said. “And this will all go much smoother if we can work together. If that cannot happen, I can and will crack the whip.”
Then he turned his attention to Ruto’s cell door.
“Your loyalty to the Holy Fevarian Empire is commendable. You’re staying in there until we get to Hazbuzi territory.”
Then Okepi left as well.
Cali, Tik, Dak, and Ruto were left in a state of total shock. They barely noticed the large tablet computer on the floor where Dak dropped it. The news program was still playing, the words of the reporter lost in the terror of the moment…
“For those of you just joining us, her Imperial Majesty Khetreph has just delivered her much-anticipated speech, officially re-organizing the Holy Fevarian Empire into the Galactic Imperium. In her statement, the Galactic Empress said this action is to promote peace and stability in the face of recent unrest throughout various regions of the galaxy.
In other news, diplomats from the Scyldari Confederacy and the State of Alaria have arrived on the planet Hiverion to start discussions on the creation of a military alliance between their nations. The proposed diplomatic agreement is referred to simply as the ‘Interstellar Treaty’ and would be the first such agreement between star nations in over one thousand years. Many political analysts speculate this proposed military alliance could become a rival to the new Galactic Imperium were other star nations to join.
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Galactic Civil War dialed up to eleven approaches! I shudder to think of the absolute chaos that will be war amongst the dozens of vassals and factions in that fractured galaxy.
And I agree with Okepi. It will be a long voyage. And I bet the tension between the crew members is just going up from here, with no relationship spared...
And I agree with Okepi. It will be a long voyage. And I bet the tension between the crew members is just going up from here, with no relationship spared...
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Three months from now Cali is in Fevarian hands. I wonder what will go wrong and if someone betrays her…
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Now Khetreph just needs to start building a Colossus.... That would make things even crazier, and it’s the sort of thing Galactic Empresses do, right?
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Ruto may have to share her cell with one or two others before too long.
Double-check the Prologue and compare it with some of the screenshots I've shared. You might be able to figure out exactly where Cali was captured.
If she does, she needs to do it quickly. About seven or so years after the Empire collapsed, I finally got the "Ghost Signal" event chain. It triggered right around the same time as the "end goal" where I consider this story to be ended.
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Yes! Two updates!
Oh, Cali has to work with her betrothed. Yeah, that's going to be awkward. I wonder if they will learn to get along - and if he can move on.
Given that Cali is going to end up in Fevarian hands, I wonder if the Stellaris ends up in the Imperium's hands. If it does, I'd bet on Ruto managing to escape and capture the ship. That might require reprogramming Helperbot, though, although we know that such a thing has been done before, so it's possible.
That's a good way to resolve the situation where the Galactic Imperium formed immediately after the Holy Fevarian Empire died. I wonder if these Fevarian rebels will join in alliance with other rebels across the former empire? Or will they form their own factions, even if it risks their destruction?
Does your comment about the Ghost Signal that the Worm will be in this? That could be very interesting...
Actually, are you playing Alaria or the Holy Fevarian Empire? Or both?
Given that Cali can't know the plan, I wonder if it involves pinning the blame on her if this operation fails? Or if it involves getting her out of the way so that her betrothed can try to woo her later? Another interpretation is that he's a nice person who wants her to survive, which would explain why Dad can know the plan (he'd agree to protect her, even if she wants to be in the action).
Oh, Cali has to work with her betrothed. Yeah, that's going to be awkward. I wonder if they will learn to get along - and if he can move on.
Given that Cali is going to end up in Fevarian hands, I wonder if the Stellaris ends up in the Imperium's hands. If it does, I'd bet on Ruto managing to escape and capture the ship. That might require reprogramming Helperbot, though, although we know that such a thing has been done before, so it's possible.
That's a good way to resolve the situation where the Galactic Imperium formed immediately after the Holy Fevarian Empire died. I wonder if these Fevarian rebels will join in alliance with other rebels across the former empire? Or will they form their own factions, even if it risks their destruction?
Does your comment about the Ghost Signal that the Worm will be in this? That could be very interesting...
Actually, are you playing Alaria or the Holy Fevarian Empire? Or both?
Given that Cali can't know the plan, I wonder if it involves pinning the blame on her if this operation fails? Or if it involves getting her out of the way so that her betrothed can try to woo her later? Another interpretation is that he's a nice person who wants her to survive, which would explain why Dad can know the plan (he'd agree to protect her, even if she wants to be in the action).
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Helperbot will need to lock up the armory. Last thing this group of people needs is access to blaster rifles.
It was yet another oversight from the days of the Stormbreaker Universe. When I made Faith in Chaos, The Stormbreakers, and The Last Heroes, I would always lock the end-game crisis at "Contingency" and I forgot to turn it back to random when setting up this galaxy. Contingency event chains started popping up about 7 or 8 years after the Holy Fevarian Empire fell apart, but that kind of makes sense due to the high number of cyborgs and robotic pops within the HFE/Imperium.
Playing as the State of Alaria and occasionally switching to the HFE/Imperium to guide the Stellaris on its return trip to Alaria. Alaria itself requires lots of babysitting, as it has only two planets and its economy cannot support a large military. I've been relying heavily on mercenary fleets to do the heavy lifting. Roughly 20 years before the events of the story kicked off, I recovered the Surveyor relic from the Ancient Mining Drones and used it to pack my tiny region of space full of resources. Before the HFE collapsed, Alaria was a prospectorium under it, so my raw resource output allowed me to ride out the chaos relatively intact.
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Chapter 6: Grand Theft Stellaris
Author's note: I desperately wish PDX would add an espionage event that would allow empires to steal Relics from each other in daring clandestine raids. It would make for awesome storytelling.
Chapter 6: Grand Theft Stellaris
Present day
“Wait a minute, wait a minute.” Cali interrupted the Interrogator. “How the hell did you know what we were talking about in the brig?”
The Fevarian Interrogator paused, doing his best to hide his elation at finally getting some kind of reaction out of Cali.
“When the Stellaris re-entered Imperial territory, we compromised the vessel’s cyberwarfare suite.” The Interrogator replied. “We have the logs for any conversation your ‘Helperbot’ participated in.”
Cali did not reply. She cupped her chin in on hand as though she was deep in thought. The interrogator leaned forward.
“You know, all you need to do is confirm the identities of the other people in the story I’ve told so far. Match faces to names. Like in this footage for instance.”
The Interrogator placed his tablet computer on the table and turned it around to face Cali. It was a recording of security camera footage, taken from the Silversun Casino at Tradestation Tungle.
“A few weeks after the Flagship was stolen, it reappeared in Tiyun Ort… the Tiyanki Graveyard.” The interrogator said. “I assume this is where your co-conspirators planned their little… excursion into the Tradestation…”
…
Back to the story…
Cali and Dak were alone together in the sensors tower, a skyscraper-shaped superstructure that jutted out from the dorsal side of the Stellaris. Cali was staring out of the window, admiring the Tiyanki Deathworld from a distance. Dak had his back to Cali, and he was armed with a blaster rifle. The door opened and three people entered.
Tik, Okepi, and Van joined the duo. Van stayed back, keeping a wary eye on the weapon in Dak’s hands. Okepi launched into his briefing:
“We have a job to do at Tradestation Tungle before we take the Stellaris home.” Okepi said. “I need to emphasize that you two are going to be smaller parts in a bigger operation. There are nine members of the Alari Special Forces already on the station waiting for us.”
“What is this op?” Dak said. “What are we doing?
“We are stealing something.” Okepi replied. “Dak and Cali, you will be pulling double duty: You will be doing clandestine observation, keeping an eye on security. You will also be running distraction. Keep the casino staff focused on yourselves and not the heist.”
Refusing to look away from the window, Cali spoke up.
“So you want us to draw fire?” She said.
“No, no, not at all my dear.” Van replied. “We have prepared cover stories for you. The Cyberwarfare division of the AAF has already saturated the casino staff, consciously and subconsciously, with expectations for your visit. They have also scrubbed all record of your service aboard Stellaris. You will enter the casino as high-rollers and crewmembers of the starship Hotoro.”
“That’s the vessel I served on when we killed the Ether Drake.” Dak commented.
“Dak, you will be the distraction.” Okepi said. “You’re a military veteran, a famous one at that. The staff will dote on you and pay attention to you. You must keep their attention on yourself as best you can. The AAF will provide you an inordinate amount of money to gamble away at the casino. Make sure your bets are high-risk.
“And what about me?” Cali asked, turning her head.
“You and Dak are already a well-oiled machine.” Van conceded. “We decided it would be best for you to stay together. While Dak is coasting on his fame and keeping the whole damn casino staring at him, you need to keep an eye on security and update our unit on their activities.”
“We know your body is modified with a number of cybernetic implants.” Okepi added. “Normally, the casino would scan everyone for implants that could be used for cheating. My operatives inside the casino are going to disable some scanners and spoof the rest. We are going to insert a few extra lines of code into your brain implants that will disable most scanners when you walk through them. Once you are inside the casino, you will communicate with the SOF team. Keep them appraised of the security situation, and use your implants to conduct cyberwarfare if the situation calls for it.”
…
The flagship Stellaris kept her distance from Tradestation Tungle, sending the Galactic Empress’ personal yacht to drop off the two infiltrators.
Cali and Dak were dressed to the nines. He wore a military dress uniform adorned with the shiny medal he got for killing the Ether Drake a year ago. She wore a shimmering sleeveless dress that hugged her tightly and showed off much more of her body than she preferred.
“I look ridiculous.” Cali grumbled as she stepped out of the gilded shuttlecraft.
“That’s kind of the point.” Dak said.
“Either way, I still hate this plan.” Cali said. “I really hate it.”
Check comms, check comms. This is Viper calling Overwatch. How copy? Over.
The cybernetic implant in Cali’s head projected the message directly into her brain. Viper was the name of the Alari Special Forces team who would actually execute the heist. Overwatch was the shared callsign for Dak and Cali.
Good copy, Viper. Cali replied. We’re making entry now.
There was only one entrance to the Silversun Casino, even though the structure took up an entire module of Tradestation Tungle. Every spacefaring species was represented here as people crowded the business strip, trying to gain entry to the casino. Dak and Cali got in line with everyone else, but a pair of casino guards spotted them. The two guards were both members of the avian Yondarim species and stood head and shoulders taller than everyone around them. One of the Yondarim pointed at the couple and then spoke into his radio.
“I have eyes on the high rollers.” The guard said. “We’re escorting them to the casino floor now.”
Cali was able to hear this thanks to a cluster of nanobots she had installed in her inner ear a year ago. She nudged Dak and said:
“Alright, it’s showtime.”
…
Cali and Dak were escorted through the grandiose entrance and into Silversun Casino. She had to blink several times to adjust her eye implants. It was sensory overload! The casino floor was a sea of lights and sounds. Digital slot machines made beeping sounds while their analog counterparts clanks and whirred. Credit chits were exchanged for CaravanCoinz. People cheered as they won, only to cry out in agony as the house reclaimed its prize. Intoxicating food and drink was so commonplace that Cali could see several motionless bodies slumped over tables through the haze.
To make matters worse, Casino staff and guests alike swarmed the couple. The staff already knew Dak was carrying vast amounts of money on a digital credit chit in his pocket; they were determed to convert as much of his wealth into CaravanCoinz as possible. Dak was quickly taken away by a host to start gambling. Meanwhile, a greedy-looking Hazbuzi closed in on Cali, offering her a very powerful-looking drink. Cali quickly scanned the beverage with her eye implants, making sure her bio-mechanical stomach could actually handle whatever she was about to imbibe.
Once she realized she was holding a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster, Cali tipped her head back and downed it in one gulp. It was harmless to her but…
Any unmodified Alari would have been instantly knocked unconscious.
…
While Cali kept a close eye on the person who tried to knock her out with a drink, Dak was putting on a show. He found a Fanti Racing pit. Fanti were a type of bovine livestock native to Alaria. The casino manager promised to give Dak 1000 credits’ worth of food, drink, and Kobarian prostitutes if Dak would only consider betting on a race. Dak responded by wagering the equivalent of his yearly salary on the very next race. He knew the house was going to win, but it did not matter. He had insane amounts of wealth to play with, and if he so much as implied that he wanted to continue gambling, the casino host would bend over backwards to make it happen. Dak tried to avoid wincing when three scantily-clad women started trying to embrace him: a pretty Humanoid, a cute Mammilian, and one hideous Fungoid.
…
Dak, please forgive me, it’s all an act. Cali thought to herself as she allowed a handsome concierge to lead her across the casino floor, wrapping herself around him as though he was the last man in the galaxy. She was pretending to be drunk on Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters, which gave her an excuse to look around.
Viper, this is Overwatch. Cali transmitted via implant. Security on the floor consists of armed guards, battle droids, and drones. The guards are Morbuzakh. Repeat, the guards are Plantoids. They’re blending into the scenery. Be careful when scanning flora.
The SOF team replied with something that sounded a little like gratitude:
Carnivorous Plantoids as armed guards!? Now I’ve seen everything. Good call, Overwatch. We are proceeding with caution. Can you get a closer look at the battle droids? Verify the make and model for us?
Still acting drunk, Cali meandered over to one of the digital slot machines. She pushed the button repeatedly, feeding more and more money into the slot machine until her losses reached the quadruple digits. Then Cali started to cry and ran over to one of the battle droids.
“That damn thing is rigged!” Cali screamed and wailed. “Gimme my money back!”
The machine looked down at her. Cali’s eye implants dilated, focused, and took snapshots at high speed.
“Invalid input.” Said the security droid. “This unit cannot accommodate your request.”
It pushed her away, and one of the hosts quickly approached Cali. He offered to do anything to make her feel better. While Cali sobbed into the Human’s chest, she silently transmitted the important data to the SOF team:
Battle droids are modified Iribots. Toxoid in origin. Networked via ultra-high frequency radio.
Cali went back to drawing the staff’s attention by loudly complaining about her boyfriend’s absence. Out of the corner of her eye, Cali saw one of the battle droids stumble in its patrol route. The SOF were jamming the droid’s uplink frequency.
…
Dak and Cali were both losing money faster than the Fevarian economy, but high above in the hotel, something of even greater value was being moved.
Nine members of the AAF Special Forces used modified weapons to incapacitate the Plantoid guards. An electronic weapon system disabled Iribots from a distance as they moved through the hotel complex. Near the very top of the Silversun Casino was a suite of hotel rooms reserved for the highest of high rollers.
One of these suites was permanently reserved for the now-deceased Galactic Emperor Tukhethu, and his personal items were still inside of the room.
The AAF Special Forces team reached the dead Emperor’s private room, shooting down two Plantoid guards outside of the door. A frame charge was mounted to the door and detonated, knocking it down. The soldiers swarmed into the room and ransacked the place. They were looking for a very specific object.
While the search went on, one of the elite operatives brought a large black box into the room. Van B’Eren was pushing the very same box around three weeks ago when he boarded the Stellaris. The Squad leader broke the seal and opened the box to reveal what was inside: a Reliquary.
Reliquaries are a product sold by Tradestation Tungle. No one knows what is inside of a Reliquary until the moment it is opened, and the Caravaneers consider the mystery to be “half the fun.”
In his private suite, the deceased Emperor Tukhethu had a single Reliquary. It was on display in a trophy room, where Tukhethu kept many valuable possessions. The seal was broken, showing that it had been opened once already. The AAF Special Forces opened their own Reliquary. It contained a high-yield plasma bomb.
In a careful operation, the Emperor’s Reliquary was opened. Contained inside was the single most valuable object in the galaxy:
The Galatron.
The elite soldiers carefully removed the Galatron from the Emperor’s Reliquary and placed it in their own. The plasma bomb was gently placed inside and a simple trigger was wired into the lid. The next person to open the Emperor’s Reliquary would be vaporized. The Galatron was placed into Van’s Reliquary and it was sealed. Then the SOF troopers staged their exit, sending a signal for Dak and Cali to do the same.
Dak and Cali returned to the Stellaris via the Emperor’s Yacht. They met the AAF soldiers for only a few minutes, just long enough to take possession of the black box. As instructed, they carried the large black box aboard the Stellaris and returned it to Van B’Eren.
Neither of them had any idea what was inside of it.
Chapter 6: Grand Theft Stellaris
Present day
“Wait a minute, wait a minute.” Cali interrupted the Interrogator. “How the hell did you know what we were talking about in the brig?”
The Fevarian Interrogator paused, doing his best to hide his elation at finally getting some kind of reaction out of Cali.
“When the Stellaris re-entered Imperial territory, we compromised the vessel’s cyberwarfare suite.” The Interrogator replied. “We have the logs for any conversation your ‘Helperbot’ participated in.”
Cali did not reply. She cupped her chin in on hand as though she was deep in thought. The interrogator leaned forward.
“You know, all you need to do is confirm the identities of the other people in the story I’ve told so far. Match faces to names. Like in this footage for instance.”
The Interrogator placed his tablet computer on the table and turned it around to face Cali. It was a recording of security camera footage, taken from the Silversun Casino at Tradestation Tungle.
“A few weeks after the Flagship was stolen, it reappeared in Tiyun Ort… the Tiyanki Graveyard.” The interrogator said. “I assume this is where your co-conspirators planned their little… excursion into the Tradestation…”
…
Back to the story…
Cali and Dak were alone together in the sensors tower, a skyscraper-shaped superstructure that jutted out from the dorsal side of the Stellaris. Cali was staring out of the window, admiring the Tiyanki Deathworld from a distance. Dak had his back to Cali, and he was armed with a blaster rifle. The door opened and three people entered.
Tik, Okepi, and Van joined the duo. Van stayed back, keeping a wary eye on the weapon in Dak’s hands. Okepi launched into his briefing:
“We have a job to do at Tradestation Tungle before we take the Stellaris home.” Okepi said. “I need to emphasize that you two are going to be smaller parts in a bigger operation. There are nine members of the Alari Special Forces already on the station waiting for us.”
“What is this op?” Dak said. “What are we doing?
“We are stealing something.” Okepi replied. “Dak and Cali, you will be pulling double duty: You will be doing clandestine observation, keeping an eye on security. You will also be running distraction. Keep the casino staff focused on yourselves and not the heist.”
Refusing to look away from the window, Cali spoke up.
“So you want us to draw fire?” She said.
“No, no, not at all my dear.” Van replied. “We have prepared cover stories for you. The Cyberwarfare division of the AAF has already saturated the casino staff, consciously and subconsciously, with expectations for your visit. They have also scrubbed all record of your service aboard Stellaris. You will enter the casino as high-rollers and crewmembers of the starship Hotoro.”
“That’s the vessel I served on when we killed the Ether Drake.” Dak commented.
“Dak, you will be the distraction.” Okepi said. “You’re a military veteran, a famous one at that. The staff will dote on you and pay attention to you. You must keep their attention on yourself as best you can. The AAF will provide you an inordinate amount of money to gamble away at the casino. Make sure your bets are high-risk.
“And what about me?” Cali asked, turning her head.
“You and Dak are already a well-oiled machine.” Van conceded. “We decided it would be best for you to stay together. While Dak is coasting on his fame and keeping the whole damn casino staring at him, you need to keep an eye on security and update our unit on their activities.”
“We know your body is modified with a number of cybernetic implants.” Okepi added. “Normally, the casino would scan everyone for implants that could be used for cheating. My operatives inside the casino are going to disable some scanners and spoof the rest. We are going to insert a few extra lines of code into your brain implants that will disable most scanners when you walk through them. Once you are inside the casino, you will communicate with the SOF team. Keep them appraised of the security situation, and use your implants to conduct cyberwarfare if the situation calls for it.”
…
The flagship Stellaris kept her distance from Tradestation Tungle, sending the Galactic Empress’ personal yacht to drop off the two infiltrators.
Cali and Dak were dressed to the nines. He wore a military dress uniform adorned with the shiny medal he got for killing the Ether Drake a year ago. She wore a shimmering sleeveless dress that hugged her tightly and showed off much more of her body than she preferred.
“I look ridiculous.” Cali grumbled as she stepped out of the gilded shuttlecraft.
“That’s kind of the point.” Dak said.
“Either way, I still hate this plan.” Cali said. “I really hate it.”
Check comms, check comms. This is Viper calling Overwatch. How copy? Over.
The cybernetic implant in Cali’s head projected the message directly into her brain. Viper was the name of the Alari Special Forces team who would actually execute the heist. Overwatch was the shared callsign for Dak and Cali.
Good copy, Viper. Cali replied. We’re making entry now.
There was only one entrance to the Silversun Casino, even though the structure took up an entire module of Tradestation Tungle. Every spacefaring species was represented here as people crowded the business strip, trying to gain entry to the casino. Dak and Cali got in line with everyone else, but a pair of casino guards spotted them. The two guards were both members of the avian Yondarim species and stood head and shoulders taller than everyone around them. One of the Yondarim pointed at the couple and then spoke into his radio.
“I have eyes on the high rollers.” The guard said. “We’re escorting them to the casino floor now.”
Cali was able to hear this thanks to a cluster of nanobots she had installed in her inner ear a year ago. She nudged Dak and said:
“Alright, it’s showtime.”
…
Cali and Dak were escorted through the grandiose entrance and into Silversun Casino. She had to blink several times to adjust her eye implants. It was sensory overload! The casino floor was a sea of lights and sounds. Digital slot machines made beeping sounds while their analog counterparts clanks and whirred. Credit chits were exchanged for CaravanCoinz. People cheered as they won, only to cry out in agony as the house reclaimed its prize. Intoxicating food and drink was so commonplace that Cali could see several motionless bodies slumped over tables through the haze.
To make matters worse, Casino staff and guests alike swarmed the couple. The staff already knew Dak was carrying vast amounts of money on a digital credit chit in his pocket; they were determed to convert as much of his wealth into CaravanCoinz as possible. Dak was quickly taken away by a host to start gambling. Meanwhile, a greedy-looking Hazbuzi closed in on Cali, offering her a very powerful-looking drink. Cali quickly scanned the beverage with her eye implants, making sure her bio-mechanical stomach could actually handle whatever she was about to imbibe.
Once she realized she was holding a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster, Cali tipped her head back and downed it in one gulp. It was harmless to her but…
Any unmodified Alari would have been instantly knocked unconscious.
…
While Cali kept a close eye on the person who tried to knock her out with a drink, Dak was putting on a show. He found a Fanti Racing pit. Fanti were a type of bovine livestock native to Alaria. The casino manager promised to give Dak 1000 credits’ worth of food, drink, and Kobarian prostitutes if Dak would only consider betting on a race. Dak responded by wagering the equivalent of his yearly salary on the very next race. He knew the house was going to win, but it did not matter. He had insane amounts of wealth to play with, and if he so much as implied that he wanted to continue gambling, the casino host would bend over backwards to make it happen. Dak tried to avoid wincing when three scantily-clad women started trying to embrace him: a pretty Humanoid, a cute Mammilian, and one hideous Fungoid.
…
Dak, please forgive me, it’s all an act. Cali thought to herself as she allowed a handsome concierge to lead her across the casino floor, wrapping herself around him as though he was the last man in the galaxy. She was pretending to be drunk on Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters, which gave her an excuse to look around.
Viper, this is Overwatch. Cali transmitted via implant. Security on the floor consists of armed guards, battle droids, and drones. The guards are Morbuzakh. Repeat, the guards are Plantoids. They’re blending into the scenery. Be careful when scanning flora.
The SOF team replied with something that sounded a little like gratitude:
Carnivorous Plantoids as armed guards!? Now I’ve seen everything. Good call, Overwatch. We are proceeding with caution. Can you get a closer look at the battle droids? Verify the make and model for us?
Still acting drunk, Cali meandered over to one of the digital slot machines. She pushed the button repeatedly, feeding more and more money into the slot machine until her losses reached the quadruple digits. Then Cali started to cry and ran over to one of the battle droids.
“That damn thing is rigged!” Cali screamed and wailed. “Gimme my money back!”
The machine looked down at her. Cali’s eye implants dilated, focused, and took snapshots at high speed.
“Invalid input.” Said the security droid. “This unit cannot accommodate your request.”
It pushed her away, and one of the hosts quickly approached Cali. He offered to do anything to make her feel better. While Cali sobbed into the Human’s chest, she silently transmitted the important data to the SOF team:
Battle droids are modified Iribots. Toxoid in origin. Networked via ultra-high frequency radio.
Cali went back to drawing the staff’s attention by loudly complaining about her boyfriend’s absence. Out of the corner of her eye, Cali saw one of the battle droids stumble in its patrol route. The SOF were jamming the droid’s uplink frequency.
…
Dak and Cali were both losing money faster than the Fevarian economy, but high above in the hotel, something of even greater value was being moved.
Nine members of the AAF Special Forces used modified weapons to incapacitate the Plantoid guards. An electronic weapon system disabled Iribots from a distance as they moved through the hotel complex. Near the very top of the Silversun Casino was a suite of hotel rooms reserved for the highest of high rollers.
One of these suites was permanently reserved for the now-deceased Galactic Emperor Tukhethu, and his personal items were still inside of the room.
The AAF Special Forces team reached the dead Emperor’s private room, shooting down two Plantoid guards outside of the door. A frame charge was mounted to the door and detonated, knocking it down. The soldiers swarmed into the room and ransacked the place. They were looking for a very specific object.
While the search went on, one of the elite operatives brought a large black box into the room. Van B’Eren was pushing the very same box around three weeks ago when he boarded the Stellaris. The Squad leader broke the seal and opened the box to reveal what was inside: a Reliquary.
Reliquaries are a product sold by Tradestation Tungle. No one knows what is inside of a Reliquary until the moment it is opened, and the Caravaneers consider the mystery to be “half the fun.”
In his private suite, the deceased Emperor Tukhethu had a single Reliquary. It was on display in a trophy room, where Tukhethu kept many valuable possessions. The seal was broken, showing that it had been opened once already. The AAF Special Forces opened their own Reliquary. It contained a high-yield plasma bomb.
In a careful operation, the Emperor’s Reliquary was opened. Contained inside was the single most valuable object in the galaxy:
The Galatron.
The elite soldiers carefully removed the Galatron from the Emperor’s Reliquary and placed it in their own. The plasma bomb was gently placed inside and a simple trigger was wired into the lid. The next person to open the Emperor’s Reliquary would be vaporized. The Galatron was placed into Van’s Reliquary and it was sealed. Then the SOF troopers staged their exit, sending a signal for Dak and Cali to do the same.
Dak and Cali returned to the Stellaris via the Emperor’s Yacht. They met the AAF soldiers for only a few minutes, just long enough to take possession of the black box. As instructed, they carried the large black box aboard the Stellaris and returned it to Van B’Eren.
Neither of them had any idea what was inside of it.
- 1
- 1
A Grand Theft successfully completed! And with no itches, really a model operation. Van, who appears to be able to put the professional before the personal, was right when he declared Cali and Dak a well oiled machine. Both did a great acting job!
This sequence had something of both profoundly real and disturbing and vaguely Hitchhiker's guide like.
Now the Galatron is in the hands of the Alarians, the Empress is sure to go beserk! I'm surprised how civil the interrogator's being.
This sequence had something of both profoundly real and disturbing and vaguely Hitchhiker's guide like.
Now the Galatron is in the hands of the Alarians, the Empress is sure to go beserk! I'm surprised how civil the interrogator's being.
- 1
Is it wrong that as soon as I read the words battle droids I thought, “Roger, Roger!"
- 2
- 1
Van has an ulterior motive behind his perceived kindness, tragically. You'll see what he's preparing to propose in a future chapter.
As I build this setting and explore more and more of it, the galaxy is becoming a much more hostile and punishing place than the Galaxy featured in my now-concluded series.
Once she finds out the Galatron was stolen, the Galactic Empress will try to retaliate against someone. Hopefully Alaria and her newfound allies can get the Interstellar Treaty Organization up and running before said strike occurs. A mutual defense pact could save lives.
My mind went through plenty of similar flashbacks whenever I referenced the Micore Droid Army in the Stormbreaeker Universe. Star Wars burned that damn phraze into my mind as a little kid.
- 1
- 1
Well, Dak and Cali's relationship is okay. I wonder what Van is planning...
What does the Galatron do? Is it merely symbolic of the Fevarian unification of the galaxy? Does it grant legitimacy to any potential rulers of the galaxy? Does it have some sort of actual power?
I love how they're pretending to be stupid gamblers. There's nothing like gambling to kill suspicions of you! Speaking of which, how are they going to pay everything that they've lost, considering that it's apparently more than the entire Fevarian economy? There's no way that they personally have that much money - will the Alarian government pay it?
What does the Galatron do? Is it merely symbolic of the Fevarian unification of the galaxy? Does it grant legitimacy to any potential rulers of the galaxy? Does it have some sort of actual power?
I love how they're pretending to be stupid gamblers. There's nothing like gambling to kill suspicions of you! Speaking of which, how are they going to pay everything that they've lost, considering that it's apparently more than the entire Fevarian economy? There's no way that they personally have that much money - will the Alarian government pay it?
- 2
I personally consider his plan to be generally F***ed up. Hopefully readers will agree when we get there.
According to the Caravaneers "It Galatrons." Narrative-wise, the Galatron retains its ability to periodically produce vast riches from seemingly nothing in full defiance of the laws of the universe. It is literally a man-portable cheat code.
I had fun writing this section. I mostly relied on memories of meeting a high-roller during my own Las Vegas vacation several years ago. (Cool trivia: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Faith in Chaos were written in a Las Vegas hotel)
The Alari Armed Forces footed the bill for this insane excursion. As to where the money came from... it was stolen by the AAF Special Forces while this operation was in the planning stages. Thanks to the clandestine nature of the theft, is going to be a little while before the Human-led government of Arcadia and Concorde realizes it was robbed.
- 1
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Chapter 7: First Contact
Author's note: This chapter was created specifically for the release of the newest Stellaris DLC, First Contact. I hope you are all making sure that your starships do not alert Pre-FTL societies about the existence of spacefaring civilizations.
The fantasy world of Faleen was used with the permission of its creator, my younger sister blackgirlgarden
The galaxy is a vast place. Due to its sheer size, news does not travel at the same speed across all sectors. Even though a month has passed since the Empire collapsed, there were still those who did not know of the disaster unfolding around them.
So when the Stellaris emerged from Hyperspace in a distant star system, the first thing Cali did was run a full sensor sweep of the region and listen in to the local radio communications. After listening to the radio chatter for about half an hour, she reluctantly called everyone to the bridge. (Except Ruto, who was still in the brig)
“We’ve got a problem.” Cali told the others. “News of the Empire’s collapse has not reached this system yet. The Starbase and outlying stations are acting as though everything is business as usual. We are being hailed by almost every ship in the system. The Starbase is asking for recognition codes, and the crew of a nearby Observation Post is demanding we leave right away because we’re interfering with their mission.”
“Observation Post?” Tik repeated. “There’s a primitive civilization on one of the planets?”
“Affirmative.” Cali replied, looking over the sensor data. “An avian society. According to my sensor readings, they’re in the early space stage. They've figured out nuclear fusion... which means... oh... oh no. They can totally see us. The Outpost is right. We need to jump out of the system as soon as we can! We’re going to mess up their whole civilization!”
“That’s what I love about you, Cali.” Van said. “You are so caring and considerate of others. A more perfect wife I could never ask for.”
“If you’re not going to say anything helpful, B’Eren, then shut your mouth.” Cali snapped. “Commodore, what’s the best way to get out of here?”
“The Gateway we’re looking for is about one-hundred-forty Lightyears away.” Commodore ins-Tebh replied. “We can get there using the Jump Drive. If we start spooling up the Jump Drive now, when can we jump?”
“Nine days from now.” Dak replied. “Let’s just hope those Pre-FTL people don’t suffer because we showed up in their night sky for a few days.”
…
DAY 1:
“Attention Flagship Stellaris. This is the Faleen Observation Post. The natives have observed your ship via ground-based telescopes. We have detected references to you in scientific communications across the planet. There is debate among the Faleen scientific community as to your identity. Some consider you to be a previously undiscovered planet. Others argue you are an oversized asteroid. A minority wonder if you are a comet.
However, we feel the need to alert you to a very small subset of the Faleen who have correctly guessed, without evidence, that you are a spacecraft. Please leave the system as soon as possible.”
…
DAY 2:
“A news agency in one of the larger cities has reported on your discovery. Fevarian agents dispatched to the surface are attempting to manipulate government officials into burying the story. Conspiratorial thinking and distrust of the government is being reported in rural areas outside of major cities.
We have also seen at least one Faleen scientist claiming that you are an extrasolar object. We predict one more day/night cycle before the entire Faleen civilization knows you are a starship. Please leave the system immediately.”
…
DAY 3
“Almost the entirety of Faleen civilization knows you are an extrasolar object and that you are not orbiting the sun. We have observed panic-buying in many stores in major cities. At least 3 million Faleen civilians have evacuated the major cities of their own accord. Atmosphere on the planet is tense.
2 dozen large-scale government telescopes and tens of thousands of stargazers are tracking your ship. Civilians are setting up skywatching groups to observe your movements. You are the primary topic of discussion on most news networks. Government agencies in the regional superpowers are planning to conduct hearings in regard to your existence. You are causing a severe disruption to this Pre-FTL civilization. Please leave the system immediately.”
…
DAY 4
“You have been identified. The Faleen scientific community linked all radio observatories to each other in order to create a planet-sized radio telescope. You have been photographed by this newly created planetary telescope. Photographs of your starship are being circulated everywhere.
Panic is widespread. Faleen civilians are fleeing the cities in a very disorganized fashion. Stores and food depots are being emptied out. Martial law has been declared in several regions and military forces are being sortied. Many people on the surface are beginning to talk about the possibility of an extraterrestrial invasion. You are causing irreversible damage to this civilization. Leave the system immediately.
…
DAY 5
“The military forces of the largest nation-state on the planet are actively searching for additional starships in the system. They have detected the local Starbase and it will not be long until they detect our Observation Post.
The situation has become untenable. The primitives are going to open fire on our station as soon as they find it. Request the Stellaris divert to our location to evacuate the crew immediately. This station must be decommissioned at once. Please come to our location to start evacuation procedures immediately.”
…
On the bridge, Cali, Dak, Tik, Van, and Okepi read this final message and descended into their most intense argument yet.
“Screw your mission! We’re turning around to rescue those people!” Tik yelled.
He tried to grab the helm and turn the ship, but Helperbot reached out to grab him by the arm.
“Absolutely cannot let you do that, buddy.” Helperbot said. “I have strict instructions from the Commodore not to deviate from our current course.”
“The primitives on that planet are going to kill the observation crew!” Dak and Cali protested.
“How many people are on that station?” Tik added. “Are you ready to sacrifice all of them?”
“An Observation station like that will have about fifty crew aboard.” Helperbot replied quickly. “All scientists.”
“Those people are irrelevant to our mission.” Okepi countered. “They have no connection to what we are doing, and it needs to stay that way.”
“That’s a load of Fanti dung.” Dak said. “We’ve thrown off their work irreversibly, and on top of that, we’ve endangered their lives! We have an obligation to help. A moral obligation!”
“In any other circumstance you would be right.” Van replied. “But you need to remember the importance of our work, the timelines we need to keep. If this is about proving your manliness and strength of character to Cali, then pick another battlefield. This isn’t the one for you.”
Dak was rapidly losing his patience with Van.
“You want me to pick a battlefield? How about right here and now?” Dak snapped, reaching for the assault rifle strapped to his body.
“Enough!” Okepi yelled. “We are not going back for that crew and that is final! Am I understood!?”
“There’s three of us and two of you.” Tik growled in a threatening tone. “I say this isn’t final.”
Tik and Cali both cracked their knuckles. Dak grabbed his blaster rifle with one hand. At the same moment, Van reached into his uniform jacket and withdrew a subcompact pistol. The two men were ready for a standoff.
“Dak J’Bassim!” Okepi yelled loudly. “Don’t you dare act against us. Remember what’s waiting for you on Alaria! You’re only going to make things worse for your family!”
Dak hesitated. Looking out of the corner of her eyes, Cali saw this and was immediately alarmed.
“What the hell is he talking about!?” Cali said.
Dak’s hand shook. Cali felt a rising sense of alarm. Something was horribly wrong. After a moment, Dak lowered his rifle.
“Fine.” Dak said. “But I’m going to make sure Helperbot keeps a record of all this. Everyone on Alaria is going to know you sacrificed fifty innocent people when you could have saved them.”
“Good luck with that.” Okepi replied. “According to the AAF Special Forces, I don’t exist.”
…
Cali and Dak put dozens of miles between themselves at the rest of the crew. Tik refused to let the issue die and continued having a shouting match with Okepi. Van disappeared into one of the many communications rooms.
Once they arrived in a lounge, Cali rounded on Dak.
“What the hell was that?” She demanded. “Why’d you back down? Do those two have something on you?”
Dak hesitated for a moment, then he looked out the window at the planet Faleen.
“Yeah, they do.” Dak said.
Cali started to speak, to demand more answers, but Dak headed her off.
“I can’t tell you what it is.” Dak said. “Those two made themselves very clear that there will be consequences for you. If I tell you anything, the hammer comes down on you, Cali.”
Cali swore. She started pacing around the lounge. She vented her feelings by wishing aloud for Van and Okepi to meet with an awful fate. Then an idea hit her.
“What if I find out on my own?” She said, turning back to Dak. “Is it possible?”
Dak took a deep breath, thinking hard.
“It is.” He finally said. “But the important thing is that if you do find out what’s going on… Don’t tell anyone. Not even me. As the Humans say, you’ve gotta play your cards close to the chest, okay?”
Cali felt hurt, but understood. She grabbed Dak and brought him in for a kiss.
“Just gimme a tiny hint.” Cali begged. “Where do I start?”
“Try to call your family.”
The fantasy world of Faleen was used with the permission of its creator, my younger sister blackgirlgarden
Chapter 7: First Contact
The galaxy is a vast place. Due to its sheer size, news does not travel at the same speed across all sectors. Even though a month has passed since the Empire collapsed, there were still those who did not know of the disaster unfolding around them.
So when the Stellaris emerged from Hyperspace in a distant star system, the first thing Cali did was run a full sensor sweep of the region and listen in to the local radio communications. After listening to the radio chatter for about half an hour, she reluctantly called everyone to the bridge. (Except Ruto, who was still in the brig)
“We’ve got a problem.” Cali told the others. “News of the Empire’s collapse has not reached this system yet. The Starbase and outlying stations are acting as though everything is business as usual. We are being hailed by almost every ship in the system. The Starbase is asking for recognition codes, and the crew of a nearby Observation Post is demanding we leave right away because we’re interfering with their mission.”
“Observation Post?” Tik repeated. “There’s a primitive civilization on one of the planets?”
“Affirmative.” Cali replied, looking over the sensor data. “An avian society. According to my sensor readings, they’re in the early space stage. They've figured out nuclear fusion... which means... oh... oh no. They can totally see us. The Outpost is right. We need to jump out of the system as soon as we can! We’re going to mess up their whole civilization!”
“That’s what I love about you, Cali.” Van said. “You are so caring and considerate of others. A more perfect wife I could never ask for.”
“If you’re not going to say anything helpful, B’Eren, then shut your mouth.” Cali snapped. “Commodore, what’s the best way to get out of here?”
“The Gateway we’re looking for is about one-hundred-forty Lightyears away.” Commodore ins-Tebh replied. “We can get there using the Jump Drive. If we start spooling up the Jump Drive now, when can we jump?”
“Nine days from now.” Dak replied. “Let’s just hope those Pre-FTL people don’t suffer because we showed up in their night sky for a few days.”
…
DAY 1:
“Attention Flagship Stellaris. This is the Faleen Observation Post. The natives have observed your ship via ground-based telescopes. We have detected references to you in scientific communications across the planet. There is debate among the Faleen scientific community as to your identity. Some consider you to be a previously undiscovered planet. Others argue you are an oversized asteroid. A minority wonder if you are a comet.
However, we feel the need to alert you to a very small subset of the Faleen who have correctly guessed, without evidence, that you are a spacecraft. Please leave the system as soon as possible.”
…
DAY 2:
“A news agency in one of the larger cities has reported on your discovery. Fevarian agents dispatched to the surface are attempting to manipulate government officials into burying the story. Conspiratorial thinking and distrust of the government is being reported in rural areas outside of major cities.
We have also seen at least one Faleen scientist claiming that you are an extrasolar object. We predict one more day/night cycle before the entire Faleen civilization knows you are a starship. Please leave the system immediately.”
…
DAY 3
“Almost the entirety of Faleen civilization knows you are an extrasolar object and that you are not orbiting the sun. We have observed panic-buying in many stores in major cities. At least 3 million Faleen civilians have evacuated the major cities of their own accord. Atmosphere on the planet is tense.
2 dozen large-scale government telescopes and tens of thousands of stargazers are tracking your ship. Civilians are setting up skywatching groups to observe your movements. You are the primary topic of discussion on most news networks. Government agencies in the regional superpowers are planning to conduct hearings in regard to your existence. You are causing a severe disruption to this Pre-FTL civilization. Please leave the system immediately.”
…
DAY 4
“You have been identified. The Faleen scientific community linked all radio observatories to each other in order to create a planet-sized radio telescope. You have been photographed by this newly created planetary telescope. Photographs of your starship are being circulated everywhere.
Panic is widespread. Faleen civilians are fleeing the cities in a very disorganized fashion. Stores and food depots are being emptied out. Martial law has been declared in several regions and military forces are being sortied. Many people on the surface are beginning to talk about the possibility of an extraterrestrial invasion. You are causing irreversible damage to this civilization. Leave the system immediately.
…
DAY 5
“The military forces of the largest nation-state on the planet are actively searching for additional starships in the system. They have detected the local Starbase and it will not be long until they detect our Observation Post.
The situation has become untenable. The primitives are going to open fire on our station as soon as they find it. Request the Stellaris divert to our location to evacuate the crew immediately. This station must be decommissioned at once. Please come to our location to start evacuation procedures immediately.”
…
On the bridge, Cali, Dak, Tik, Van, and Okepi read this final message and descended into their most intense argument yet.
“Screw your mission! We’re turning around to rescue those people!” Tik yelled.
He tried to grab the helm and turn the ship, but Helperbot reached out to grab him by the arm.
“Absolutely cannot let you do that, buddy.” Helperbot said. “I have strict instructions from the Commodore not to deviate from our current course.”
“The primitives on that planet are going to kill the observation crew!” Dak and Cali protested.
“How many people are on that station?” Tik added. “Are you ready to sacrifice all of them?”
“An Observation station like that will have about fifty crew aboard.” Helperbot replied quickly. “All scientists.”
“Those people are irrelevant to our mission.” Okepi countered. “They have no connection to what we are doing, and it needs to stay that way.”
“That’s a load of Fanti dung.” Dak said. “We’ve thrown off their work irreversibly, and on top of that, we’ve endangered their lives! We have an obligation to help. A moral obligation!”
“In any other circumstance you would be right.” Van replied. “But you need to remember the importance of our work, the timelines we need to keep. If this is about proving your manliness and strength of character to Cali, then pick another battlefield. This isn’t the one for you.”
Dak was rapidly losing his patience with Van.
“You want me to pick a battlefield? How about right here and now?” Dak snapped, reaching for the assault rifle strapped to his body.
“Enough!” Okepi yelled. “We are not going back for that crew and that is final! Am I understood!?”
“There’s three of us and two of you.” Tik growled in a threatening tone. “I say this isn’t final.”
Tik and Cali both cracked their knuckles. Dak grabbed his blaster rifle with one hand. At the same moment, Van reached into his uniform jacket and withdrew a subcompact pistol. The two men were ready for a standoff.
“Dak J’Bassim!” Okepi yelled loudly. “Don’t you dare act against us. Remember what’s waiting for you on Alaria! You’re only going to make things worse for your family!”
Dak hesitated. Looking out of the corner of her eyes, Cali saw this and was immediately alarmed.
“What the hell is he talking about!?” Cali said.
Dak’s hand shook. Cali felt a rising sense of alarm. Something was horribly wrong. After a moment, Dak lowered his rifle.
“Fine.” Dak said. “But I’m going to make sure Helperbot keeps a record of all this. Everyone on Alaria is going to know you sacrificed fifty innocent people when you could have saved them.”
“Good luck with that.” Okepi replied. “According to the AAF Special Forces, I don’t exist.”
…
Cali and Dak put dozens of miles between themselves at the rest of the crew. Tik refused to let the issue die and continued having a shouting match with Okepi. Van disappeared into one of the many communications rooms.
Once they arrived in a lounge, Cali rounded on Dak.
“What the hell was that?” She demanded. “Why’d you back down? Do those two have something on you?”
Dak hesitated for a moment, then he looked out the window at the planet Faleen.
“Yeah, they do.” Dak said.
Cali started to speak, to demand more answers, but Dak headed her off.
“I can’t tell you what it is.” Dak said. “Those two made themselves very clear that there will be consequences for you. If I tell you anything, the hammer comes down on you, Cali.”
Cali swore. She started pacing around the lounge. She vented her feelings by wishing aloud for Van and Okepi to meet with an awful fate. Then an idea hit her.
“What if I find out on my own?” She said, turning back to Dak. “Is it possible?”
Dak took a deep breath, thinking hard.
“It is.” He finally said. “But the important thing is that if you do find out what’s going on… Don’t tell anyone. Not even me. As the Humans say, you’ve gotta play your cards close to the chest, okay?”
Cali felt hurt, but understood. She grabbed Dak and brought him in for a kiss.
“Just gimme a tiny hint.” Cali begged. “Where do I start?”
“Try to call your family.”
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I have your family? Seriously? That's... that's evil. I wonder if this will get out, and, if so, what the consequences will be for the government of Alaria? I can't imagine the Alarians would be very happy.
That was a very quick course of events. Was the primitive race just really xenophobic? Was the observation crew just overly paranoid? Also, is the planet unified? If this happened on Earth, I imagine that the governments wouldn't be able to agree on anything quick enough for it to be an issue.
That was a very quick course of events. Was the primitive race just really xenophobic? Was the observation crew just overly paranoid? Also, is the planet unified? If this happened on Earth, I imagine that the governments wouldn't be able to agree on anything quick enough for it to be an issue.
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It's worse. It is going to be so much worse.
Based on my sister's description, I would say the Faleen are fanatic xenophobes with a militarist streak. They generally prefer to be left alone and will aggressively defend their claimed territory. An overwhelming majority of Faleen want nothing to do with the wider galaxy and fear being conquered or subjugated.
The Faleen don't have a government in the traditional sense. Their society is very de-centralized with an Assembly of Clan Leaders being the closest thing they have to a planet-wide lawmaking body. The largest military juntas would have been the ones to coordinate and actually execute the shootdown of the Observation Post.
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