Grand Theft Stellaris

[HistoryDude]

Cali is now free...

The (former) Alari nobility is in big trouble now - Cali has little reason to defend them...

I wonder what will happen on the Human Reservation. It apparently becomes the site of the proxy war later... What are the other factions besides the Minutemen, the Manifesti, and the Imperial Loyalists?

 

[Macavity116]

The (former) Alari nobility is in big trouble now - Cali has little reason to defend them...

He he he... the soon-to-be former nobility.

I wonder what will happen on the Human Reservation. It apparently becomes the site of the proxy war later... What are the other factions besides the Minutemen, the Manifesti, and the Imperial Loyalists?

Most of those worldbuilding details are still under construction. And as it turns out, building the scenario itself has been very fun for me. I've actually gotten to use some of the new knowledge and skills I picked up from the Army Basic Leadership school last fall. I'm putting a lot of effort into the final 3 chapters of this story because they will have a significant impact on how this worldbuilding/scenario-making goes...

So far, the Human Civil War is a proxy conflict, like you pointed out. There are several factions in play, and I'm trying to give them all an objective on the Human Reservation, something to fight for. A few factions were created by merging smaller groups together or splitting others apart where it made sense to do so:

BLUFOR governments	BLUEFOR military forces	OPFOR military forces​	OPFOR governments​
Interstellar Treaty Organization (supranational military alliance)	Interstellar Security Assistance Force (multinational peacekeeping force)	Imperial Military (Professional uniformed military force)​	Galactic Imperium (Superpower empire)​
Protectorate of Arcadia and Concorde (government-in-exile)	Minutemen (irregular militia)	Arcadian Self Defense Force (Professional uniformed military force)​	Arcadian Interim Government (puppet state)​
State of Alaria (INTO member)	Alari Armed Forces (Professional uniformed military force)
Scyldari Confederacy (INTO member)	Special Forces Reaction Group (clandestine special forces/black ops)		​

Like I said, the scenario is not completed by any stretch of the imagination. I want to add one more faction to the OPFOR side, specifically some kind of Special Forces that can run Counter-Insurgency Operations (COIN) against the Minutemen. I used the Vietnam War as a starting point but this scenario has, over the past few days, started taking a turn toward more recent history, such as the Syrian Civil War and 2014 Invasion of Crimea.

 

[Idhrendur]

As often happens, I fell quite behind. But what a delight to catch back up!

 

[Macavity116]

Chapter 13: Revolutionary Alaria​

---

Cali set foot on her Homeworld for the first time in three years.

Alaria was not that different, physically, from the last time she had seen it. It was still a planet with sprawling continents and vast oceans. The lush green farmland and deep blue skies above evoked the same imagery in Cali’s mind as the Alari flag.

Politically, Alaria was a different story. While she and her friends were staging their escape from the Stellaris, a full-scale revolution had swept Alari civilization. The Manifesti had seized full control of the nation, and they were still in the middle of reforming the government.

After landing on the surface, Cali asked her Manifesti escort for a few minutes to walk around before heading to the final destination and they obliged. Cali, Ruto, Dak, and Tik disembarked from the shuttlecraft on the outskirts of a small village named Nikalor. This is where the D’Kara family ranch used to be. Cali gave her friends a tour of the ruined farmstead and they admired a herd of wild Fanti on a grassy hillside.

Before being uplifted by the Holy Fevarian Empire, the Alari were a deeply agrarian society. Nearly everyone lived in small farming communities, and Cali’s ancestors raised livestock near Nikalor for as long as there were written records. But then, roughly three hundred years ago, Cali’s family came into their vast fortune. The D’Kara family left their ranch behind and moved to Varnala, the Alari capitol, to start their new lives as aristocrats.

Once Cali and her friends got re-accustomed to their Homeworld’s gravity and air, their Manifesti escorts loaded the foursome into an armored car and drove them to Varnala.

The Alari capitol was a vast city built on a river delta, adjacent to the ocean. With ample space to build in most directions, Varnala grew outward instead of upward. The metropolis extended dozen of Kilometers in each direction and contained only a few skyscrapers.

Cali and her friends knew little of what was coming. All they knew was that they were going to participate in a trial of some kind. So they were very surprised when the armored car drove past the Supreme Court building and instead parked in front of the most important building on the plant.

“Woah… the ANC building.” Ruto breathed. “I never thought I’d live to see it.”

Spoiler: Alari Capitol Inspiration

Author's note: The overall design of the Alari Capitol is loosely inspired by the Michigan Capitol Building, mainly because I live not too far from it and I like it. The glass floor in the Alari Capitol is taken directly from this building.

The Alari people held their democratic system of government in high regard, so naturally, the headquarters of the Alari government was a very grand-looking structure. The Alari National Congress building was a massive structure decorated in marble and bronze. The blue and green flag of Alaria waved proudly above the structure as the group walked up the marble steps.

Looking around, Cali realized the Capitol complex was very busy. Government workers moved quickly between the administration buildings, talking urgently on cell phones. A few people were speaking to holographic images of other people, projected into the area by flying drones. Even more drones were buzzing overhead, some moving between buildings, carrying small loads of cargo. Other drones were photographing a nearby protest. A flash mob of Manifestis were signing and dancing just outside of the Capitol grounds while the police looked on with perplexed expressions.

Inside the ANC building, Cali finally saw firsthand the evidence of the recent Manifesti Revolution. The interior of the Capitol had been turned into something resembling an art museum. Paintings adorned the walls while sculptures and holographic art took up some of the floor space. Colorful ribbons hung from the light fixtures, dazzling everyone who passed under them. The rainbow light effect was amplified in the entrance hall, where Manifestis installed a strange art piece underneath the famous glass floor.

Cali, Ruto, Tik, and Dak were guided into a wide hallway, and after walking for a few minutes, found themselves in the Hall of Congress. This place was where the ANC did all of its work. On the ground floor of the hall, some five hundred desks and chairs were arranged in a horseshoe formation around a stage. Each row of seats was set higher than the row in front of it, turning the ground floor into an amphitheater. A massive semicircular balcony on the second floor allowed thousands of spectators to watch their government work from almost any angle.

Even in here, the Manifesti Revolution had left a mark. As she was escorted into the hall, Cali spotted dozens of Legislators wearing colorful and outlandish outfits that identified them as Manifestis. To her left, Cali saw the National Mural, a painting that depicted the history of Alaria. Someone was projecting a hologram over the mural, one that re-imagined the National Mural in a very provocative light. Cali looked away quickly, wishing she could go back to a time when she had not seen the ANC founders in such unflattering positions.

“They’re really going to have a trial in here?” Dak said, looking around. “In front of the ANC?”

The Hall of Congress was not in its usual configuration. Specifically, the center stage had been set up for an adversarial debate, with two podiums on the rear platform, two desks on either side, and a third podium about ten meters in front of the first two, with its back facing the 500 Congressional seats.

Cali, Dak, Ruto, and Tik were made to sit down in the front row. They occupied a row of desks which, according to the nameplates, belonged to Legislators from the 15th Southern Polar District. (Alaria’s internal political boundaries were usually determined by geographic regions) Tik looked around, taking note of the other spectators in the room.

“Don’t look now, Cali, but your parents are here.” He said.

Cali fought the urge to scream as she whipped around in her chair. Sure enough, Rin and Aris were seated nearby, a few rows back. They looked genuinely terrified, and were looking around frantically, the color drained from their faces.

“Van’s here too.” Dak said. “He’s by the door.”

“What the hell is he wearing!?” Ruto whispered, nodding her head in Van’s direction.

Cali spotted Van B’Eren across the room and found her urge to scream being replaced by the urge to laugh.

“He’s wearing prison jumpsuit!” Cali giggled. “What happened to the hero’s welcome?”

“Come to think, did anyone see the Stellaris when arrived?” Dak said. “Something like that would stick out like a sore thumb over Alaria.”

“No.” Ruto said. “Stellaris isn’t here. I don’t think it’s even in the system.”

“Oh… do you think the Special Forces made off with the ship and just left Van out to dry?” Ruto asked.

“If they did, I’m not gonna complain.” Cali said. “The new Manifesti government clearly has an issue with Van, so they’re all good in my book.”

The hall was filling with people now. Mostly Alari, but visitors from other worlds were here as well. Representatives from the newly founded INTO alliance stood in the back to watch the proceedings while correspondents from Xenonian News set up their camera drones before letting them take flight. A pair of AAF soldiers moved onto the stage and announced to the crowd:

“We will be acting as bailiffs for today’s trial, which will begin shortly. Please rise for the Alari National Anthem and the entrance of the Alari Presidium!”

Cali, Dak, Tik, and Ruto stood up to join the rest of the crowd in a rousing chorus of “Advance Alaria Fair” while at the same time, a group of people entered the room. These people were, by a wide margain, the single biggest consequence of the Manifesti Revolution:

The Manifesti had overhauled Alaria’s political system. Throughout the galaxy, there were five different types of governmental authority: Democratic, Oligarchic, Megacorporation, Dictatorial, and Imperial. One thing all five of these systems had in common was that a single person served as the leader of each government.

There was one Commissary-General of the Kel-Azaan Republic, one Life-Giver of the Maweer Caretakers, one Revered Elder of the Scyldari Confederacy, one President of INTO, one Galactic Emperor, and so in. This is how nations are governed in space… except for Alaria.

Up until a few weeks ago, the leader of the Alari government was the Chancellor, a member of the National Congress who was elevated to a position of leadership. After the Manifesti takeover, the office was abolished outright and the Presidium established.

The Presidium was a council of eight people, acting as a collective Head of Government. The duties and responsibilities of executive power were shared between members of the council, while the leadership role, titled First Among Equals, rotated between Presidium members on a regular basis. The new Presidium consisted of eight people:

An old man.

An old woman.

Two middle-aged men.

Two middle-aged women.

A very young-looking man.

…And one child.

Dak shouted, his voice drowned out by the national anthem:

“Gar! Moka!”

Cali recognized both of the youngest members of the Presidium: Gar was Dak’s twenty-year-old brother. The young man was holding the hand of a girl who looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old. This was Moka J’Bassim, the youngest sibling of Dak and Gar. The national anthem ended and everyone started to take their seats. Dak leaned over to speak with one of the Manifestis.

“What’s Moka doing there?” he hissed.

“When the Presidium was established, the Manifesti Convolution wanted at least one member of the council to speak on behalf of young people.” The Manifesti replied. “However, a few of the minority parties expressed concern about allowing a young person to join the Presidium, so a deal was struck. A brother-sister pair would be elected to the Presidium and be counted as a single person instead of two. Together, those two youngsters are officially serving as ‘Taras J’Bassim.’ You’ll get to see more of Taras once the trial starts, since they will be acting as the judge today.”

“WHAT!?” Dak raised his voice in a mixture of outrage and confusion.

Dak started moving to stand up and confront the Presidium, but one of the Manifesties grabbed him and said:

“This is neither the time or place.” The Manifesti said. “In a few moments, Miss D’Kara is going to need you. Please stay close by.”

At that moment, both of Dak’s siblings separated from the rest of the Presidium and stepped onto the stage. The two bailiffs reached out and draped both youngsters in purple cloaks. Then, Gar and Moka stood behind the two podiums at the center of the stage. Cali could not help but smile. Moka J’Bassim had tied up her bluish-purple hair in a bun and pulled her clock tightly around herself, hiding her small frame from view and forcing everyone to look her in the eye. Moka seemed, at least for the moment, to be living up to her title as “youngest Head of State in the galaxy.” She had a decent sense of presence, anyway.

Next to her, Gar banged a gavel and called for silence.

“Please take your seats. The trial will now begin.” Gar said.

Gar gestured to himself and his sister before continuing:

“We are Taras J’Bassim, on the orders of the Presidium of the Alari National Congress, we will serve as the judge in today’s trial.” Gar declared. “Ahem. Court is now in session for the trial of Vaki D’Jir. Will the council for the prosecution please approach the court?”

Cali’s jaw dropped.

“Wait a minute.” She said. “Did your brother just say Vaki D’Jir? Did I hear that right?”

Dak, Tik, and Ruto did not reply. They were distracted by another surprise development.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Tik said aloud. “It’s Okepi!”

Okepi ins-Tebh, dressed as smartly as a corpse-like Fevarian could be, approached one of the desks on the stage and placed a briefcase on it. As he unpacked his paperwork, Okepi said:

“My name is Topi om-Tet. The prosecution is ready, your honor.”

Cali, Dak, Ruto, and Tik were all left speechless. Okepi had given a false name as comfortably as though it was his own. Tik rose from his seat, ready to call out Okepi’s lie, but the judges were already speaking again:

“Is the council for the defense ready?”

Two Manifestis rose from their seats and each one grabbed Cali by the arm.

“That’s you.” One of them said.

This sudden twist caused Tik’s words to die in his throat. Meanwhile, two voices cried out from behind the group.

“Cali! You’ve got to save us!”

As Cali was escorted to the Defense Attorney’s desk on the stage, she spotted her parents in the crowd. They were still looking panicked as they called to their daughter, begging for Cali to save the D’Kara family.

“Cali D’Kara, formerly of the Imperial Navy.” Said one of the bailiffs. “She will stand as the council for the defense.”

“Good.” Said Gar J’Bassim. “Bailiffs, bring forth the defendant.”

“Excuse me.” Cali said in a hoarse whisper. “I could have sworn you said the defendant was Vaki D’Jir… you don’t mean-”

Cali did not finish her question. At that moment, a bailiff stepped away from the stage and took a small black box from an Alari soldier in the crowd. He placed it on the third podium and opened the top. Inside, Cali could see a fine grey powder.

Ashes.

All that remained of Vaki D'Jir, infamous space pirate.

---

Yup. Thanks to the Manifesti randomly showing up partway through the game, this story is now going to have a really trippy and nonsensical ending. Just like the damned Manifesti.

 

[HistoryDude]

They're trying him after his death? That's hilarious. Why would Cali defend him, though? Can she just say that she finds the prosecution's arguments convincing? She and her family are NOT on good terms...

Ah, the Manifesti acting weird. It's interesting that their chancellor is 8 people. Including a child really extends the definition of "equality for all people".

 

[Midnite Duke]

This extends the definition of ashes to ashes and dust to dust. Thank you

 

[Von Acturus]

Twists and turns abound! A Manifesti trial sure is a disconcerting procedure for everyone except the judges.

The Tara's J'Bassim collective seems very collected and in control, I guess after all they have a certain knack for the job. And the Presidium meetings sure must be interesting...

 

[Macavity116]

They're trying [Vaki D'Jir] after [her] death? That's hilarious. Why would Cali defend [her], though? Can she just say that she finds the prosecution's arguments convincing? She and her family are NOT on good terms...

The Manifesti almost certainly have an ulterior motive in this trial, and there's a very good chance Cali will guess what it is.

Ah, the Manifesti acting weird. It's interesting that their chancellor is 8 people. Including a child really extends the definition of "equality for all people".

The new Alari Presidium is based off the only country on Earth to practice "Collective Executive power."

Switzerland does not have a single person to call their "Head of State" or "Head of Government." The Federal Council is a seven-member body that functions as the head of the Swiss government. The Presidency of the Council rotates on a yearly basis.

I gave the Presidium a "Manifesti twist" by allowing multiple people to hold a single seat on the Council and be counted as a single person, so long as one of the two people is underage.

This extends the definition of ashes to ashes and dust to dust.

Strangely enough, putting dead people on trial seems to be quite the thing in Human history. Joan of Arc, a French national hero, was posthumously acquitted of her crimes. A Catholic Pope had his papacy undone through a posthumous trial as well. (The inspiration for Vaki D'Jir's trial)

The Tara's J'Bassim collective seems very collected and in control, I guess after all they have a certain knack for the job. And the Presidium meetings sure must be interesting...

Glad Taras J'Bassim made a good first impression. I was deeply conflicted over how to use the character Moka J'Bassim in this sequence because an older version of her is going to be one of the main protagonists in the sequel story.

Cali and Moka will be going on a sci-fi military adventure together in the sequel, and I wanted them to have an established friendship going in before the events of that story kicked off

 

[Macavity116]

Welcome to the second-to-last chapter of Grand Theft Stellaris.

Chapter 14: Show Trial​

---

According to Alari tradition, the story goes like this:

“Three hundred years ago, Alari territory was a wild place on the outermost limits of Imperial territory. Our people fought with the Desstican Horde, a devouring swarm long since vanquished by the Holy Fevarian Empire. Amidst the chaos, opportunists found ways to make a living.

“Pirates plied the trade routes, taking civilian vessels and then ransoming the passengers back to the government. But one stood out among them: Vaki D’Jir.

“In a civilization ruled by men, Vaki D’Jir stood out as quite possibly the most powerful woman who ever lived. She seized control of her husband’s starship, the Blind Fury, after he was killed in a fight. Vaki kept the loyalties of her crew by using her husband’s loot to pay the crew a regular salary, something uncommon among pirates.

“The promise of regular pay brought more men to her side. Before long, Vaki D’Jir commanded more than one ship. An armada few a woman’s flag, in open defiance of Alarian social norms. Vaki’s fleet was so large that it was able to raid and loot entire planets, and even meet the Desstican Horde in battle with hopes of victory. There are rumors that her fleet once raided a planet controlled by the Horde.

“Military fleets were dispatched to bring Vaki to justice. Professional warriors felt as though victory was guaranteed, because thousands of years of civilized society taught them a simple lesson: no woman could ever best a man on the field of battle. It was unthinkable.

“In their first meeting, Vaki D’Jir used strategies and tactics never imagined. The military found itself outmaneuvered and in danger of defeat. With their ships crippled and commanders humiliated, the professional armed forces were left with no choice but to retreat. Vaki’s fleet sustained minimal casualties, and the opposing commanders were forced to resign in shame.

“This battle repeated itself twice; each time Vaki and her fleet came away victorious. Yet the pirate fleet was sustaining losses. The Pirate Queen knew she would not be able to make war against the Imperial government and survive. Defeating Alaria was something she could do time and again. Defeating Aix was outside of her ability. So, Vaki decided to make a final stand on her own terms. She directed her fleet to the Fevarian Homeworld, Aix.

“When they arrived, Vaki’s fleet kept its guns aimed on the Imperial Capital while she presented her terms to the Galactic Emperor: All of the pirates serving in Vaki’s fleet would get amnesty, and be allowed to keep their spoils. Furthermore, Vaki would be allowed to keep her husband’s starship, the Blind Fury. The Galactic Emperor refused these terms outright, saying a woman would not command them.

“Vaki knew it would only be a short time before the full might of the Imperial Navy was brought down upon her, so she responded by ordering her fleet to open fire on the Capital. Nearly 250,000 Fevarians were killed during the ten-minute assault. When it was over, Vaki descended to the surface in a shuttlecraft, she entered the Imperial Palace, walked directly into the inner sanctum, and demanded to speak to the Galactic Emperor face-to-face.

“Vaki’s terms were unchanged. The Galactic Emperor accepted Vaki’s demands. A ransom was transferred to the Blind Fury, consisting of wealth and treasures taken directly from the Emperor’s personal treasury. Supposedly, there was so much cash, coins, jewels, trinkets, relics, artifacts, volatile motes, rare crystals, exotic gasses, living metal samples, nanite clusters, zro canisters, and other treasures aboard that the Blind Fury could barely move.

“Every pirate under Vaki’s command was pardoned by the Galactic Emperor. Every ship was given to the Imperial Military. Vaki kept the Blind Fury and its store to treasures. She departed Aix and kept her promise to the Galactic Emperor: In return for her own freedom, Vaki would return to Alaria and never depart her Homeworld again. The Blind Fury was last seen entering the planet’s atmosphere and has not been heard from since.

“Vaki herself lived out her days in the small farming town of Nikalor. She married into the D’Kara clan, a family of Fanti ranchers. After her death, the D’Kara family abandoned their humble ranch and moved to the great city of Rattia. Since then, the D’Kara clan has lived comfortably on the vast riches inherited from Vaki D’Jir.”

…

“That is the story, is it not?” Said Okepi ins-Tebh, speaking in his guise as Topi om-Tet.

Standing opposite him in this bizarre courtroom, with the Alari National Congress as her audience, Cali D’Kara tried to gather her wits.

Okay, what the hell have I just gotten myself into? Cali asked herself.

Over the past two months, Cali and her friends had followed the Manifesti in the news. She knew that this ridiculous group of people hid their true intentions behind insane displays of chaotic performance. This was a show trial… but it had a purpose.

“The defense agrees with the prosecution,” Cali said slowly. “Nothing put forth so far is untrue. This is basic fact.”

From their podiums, Gar and Moka J’Bassim read a slip of paper together. Then Moka spoke:

“Vaki D’Jir is known to have committed the following crimes: abduction of Alari citizens and conscripting them into her navy. Enslaving both Alari and Fevarians and then selling them to parties unknown. Larceny, burglary, and piracy against both the State of Alaria and the Holy Fevarian Empire. Using weapons of mass destruction against the Throneworld Aix. Holding the Galactic Emperor for ransom; and finally, crashing a starship into a population center, the village of Nikalor.”

Cali could not help but notice that despite her efforts to portray herself as mature and grown-up, Moka’s voice instantly gave her away as an immature child. Moka struggled with some of the words and tripped over a few pronunciations. This gave Cali enough time to think.

Okay, they’re pointing out Vaki’s crimes against both Alaria and the Empire. Cali thought to herself. But they’re not actually charging her with a crime. Why?

Over at the prosecution’s desk, Okepi started talking at length about how Vaki’s guilt was established long before she died. It was proven by the fact that she forced the Galactic Emperor to pardon her. In the audience, Cali’s parents tried to interrupt the proceedings by shouting:

“Vaki is dead and gone! What’s the point? Why are we doing this!?”

As the bailiffs moved to ask the D’Kara parents to be silent, Cali turned to the judge(s). She needed to figure out what the Manifesti’s motive was here. Cali decided to press for more information, hiding her own machinations by playing along with the show trial as best she could.

“Your honor.” Cali said to the judges. “The story of Vaki D’Jir is a closed book. Three hundred years of death is not going to retroactively make her guilty or innocent of anything. The Defense moves to dismiss the case on those grounds.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Cali saw her parents cheering loudly in response.

Wait a minute… why would Mom and Dad approve of this? Cali asked herself. They were against the trial from the start.

In a moment, Cali got her answer. Gar J’Bassim shook his head.

“We must deny your motion, Defense,” Gar said. “This court was charged by the Alari National Congress to determine whether or not the space pirate Vaki D’Jir was sufficiently punished for her crimes. We have not done that yet.”

A charge ran through Cali’s body as the knowledge hit her.

Sufficiently punished… Vaki got a pardon. She was NEVER punished!

This had to be it. This had to be the answer. Cali’s mind started to race as she thought about everything she knew about the Manifesti and their goals. Why would they want to put a dead pirate on trial, just to punish someone who was already dead?

While Cali was thinking, Okepi launched into his speech:

“Vaki D’Jir was motivated by selfish greed. She robbed tens of thousands of people of their lives and countless more of their livelihoods. She wrought destruction and misery upon the galaxy and was ultimately paid for her treachery. Atop all of this, Vaki’s descendants, the D’Kara family, has benefitted from her crimes for generations. Rin and Aris D’Kara used Vaki’s ill-gotten gains to enrich themselves and elevate their family above Alari society at the cost of those around them! Your honor, this is not justice! The prosecution calls for this court to sanction the D’Kara family, to punish them in D’Jir’s place!”

A huge cheer rose up from the audience. Cali looked around the Hall of Congress. Legislators and spectators alike stood up to cheer at Okepi’s request. At the same time, Cali’s parents were looking terrified. Their fear worked its way into Cali, and she understood.

The court was going to punish Vaki’s descendants in her place. Rin, Aris, and Cali were all about to become victims of the Manifesti Revolution, and its anti-aristocracy agenda.

Except… violence was not the Alari way. Harsh punishments in her society were rare, usually replaced with rehabilitation. Okepi knew that. He was born and raised in Alari space. He said so himself. Why was he calling for harsh punishment like this?

Okepi finished his speech by demanding the court punish Cali and her family. Then he looked at Cali, giving her a curious facial expression.

He wants me to do something really specific. Cali said to herself. He’s setting me up for something. Something that my parents don’t want. Does he think I would go along with it?

Cali latched onto this idea and decided to run with it.

“Your honor, the Defense understands the court’s desire to deliver proper justice.” Cali said. She spoke slowly, watching everyone’s reactions. “However, the defense is… obligated… to ask the court to consider a lighter, less harsh punishment that is not excessive.”

Cali’s optical implant captured several things at once: Her parents cheered. Several members of Congress applauded Cali’s statement. Cali’s plea for restraint was generally well-received.

“Perhaps,” Okepi was speaking a little more slowly. He was playing along. “The prosecution is interested in the defense’s proposal. So long as proper justice is delivered to those who suffered because of the D’Jir and D’Kara families, the prosecution is willing to consider a lighter punishment for both.”

Cali’s heart began to race. She was on the right track now, she knew it! This show trial was a setup, and its architects had a very specific outcome in mind. Okepi, the two judges, possibly even the Manifesti government itself were all trying to give Cali a chance to do something that her parents would oppose… something that she herself was already willing to go along with. Cali had a general idea of what that was, but now she needed to make absolutely certain.

“The defense is also interested in justice.” Cali said. “But is concerned about overstepping. The D’Kara family… my own… is a member of the aristocracy established by the Holy Fevarian Empire. I have no doubt that the Revolution has already done some of the court’s work for it.”

“The defense is correct.” Gar said. “The Alari aristocracy is abolished, and those who sought to horde our nation’s resources have been held accountable. Furthermore, several imperial-era laws have been repealed, and their associated traditions have been made an end of.”

Cali’s optical implants flicked back to the crowd. She spotted her friends, who were watching all of this play out, trying to figure out what was going on. Then she spotted her parents, who were silently pleading for Cali to “save them.” Finally, Cali saw Van B’Eren. He was seated between two armed guards, handcuffed and looking thoroughly defeated.

How did a man from a wealthy aristocratic family end up like that? Cali asked herself. Van’s family could solve any problem by throwing money at it.

And then the answer came to her. Cali faced the prosecutor’s desk, ready to make her move.

“The defense reminds the prosecution that harsh and cruel punishments are not socially acceptable in Alari culture.” Cali began. “However, there are methods that can simultaneously punish perpetrators and aid their victims. The defense asks the prosecution to consider this: Vaki D’Jir’s fortune, the ransom she took from the Throneworld, still exists. It is still in the D’Kara family’s possession. This is a known fact, Your Honor. The defense asks that all of Vaki D’Jir’s living descendants be spared imprisonment, forced labor, or any form of active punishment.”

Cali paused, using her implant to read the room as quickly as possible. Her parents and Van seemed to have guessed what she was about to say. They were going pale. Okepi was nodding very slowly. He knew what was coming and was on board with it.

The Manifesti had somehow managed to guess correctly. This was absolutely something Cali was willing to do. Full of confidence, Cali finished making her offer:

“In turn, the defense will consent to all of the D’Kara family’s financial assets being seized by the court… up to and including the starship Blind Fury and its contents, which may then be returned to the citizens of Alaria.”

The court descended into an uproar that threatened to raise the roof. Cali’s parents screamed in despair. Manifestis cheered and whooped. Gar and Moka banged their gavels, calling for order.

“What is the prosecution’s response to the defense?” Moka asked.

Okepi allowed a smile to cross his face.

“The defense’s offer is agreeable, not just to the court, but to spacefaring society as a whole.” Okepi replied. “Three hundred years of injustice will be set right, especially for the descendants of people who were victimized by Vaki D’Jir, or taken advantage of by the Imperial aristocracy. Your Honor, the prosecution accepts the defense’s offer.”

Gar and Moka spoke to each other for just a moment before they slammed their gavels and announced their verdict:

“This court will impose a new sentence on Vaki D’Jir for the crimes of piracy, enslavement, and kidnapping: All of the assests previously owned by Vaki D’Jir and passed on to her descendants will be seized by the State of Alaria and used to pay reparations to victims of both herself and the Imperial aristocracy. There will be no active punishment for any of Vaki D’Jir’s living descendants, and all members of the D’Kara family shall be released from custody at once.”

This time, there was no stopping the massive celebration that erupted in and around the Alari National Congress.

 

[Von Acturus]

Seizure of all their inherited wealth and discrediting of their ancestors as criminals? Cali's parents must be on the verge of dying of shock!

Do the Manifesti know exactly who the prosecution advocate is? Is Okepi collaborating with the new authorities to show his loyalty?

 

[Macavity116]

Seizure of all their inherited wealth and discrediting of their ancestors as criminals? Cali's parents must be on the verge of dying of shock!

Rin and Aris have just had their world irrevocably rocked.

Do the Manifesti know exactly who the prosecution advocate is? Is Okepi collaborating with the new authorities to show his loyalty?

They may not know Okepi's exact identity, but they do know he's a member of the AAF Special Forces. Okepi and the Manifesti were in cahoots on this one.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Do actual victims get reimbursed or people who are using an excuse to do less than their best? Thanks

 

[Macavity116]

Do actual victims get reimbursed or people who are using an excuse to do less than their best?

That question will have to be answered by the Alari government. And I would not be surprised in the slightest if a whole new type of crime was invented to take advantage of this.

 

[Macavity116]

Chapter 15: Dreams Become Manifesti​

---

Cali, Dak, Tik, and Ruto had just lived through the most insane and outlandish three months of their lives. But there was one more surprise in store for them.

As suddenly as it appeared, the Manifesti movement vanished. Lawmakers going to work in the morning found a note pinned to the front door of the Alari National Congress building. All it said was:

The Manifesti Convolution is dissolved.​

It was the biggest mystery in the galaxy. What few political parties survived the Revolution regained power and took control of the newly created Alari government. An unspoken agreement was made to continue using the institutions created by the Manifesti, mainly because they were better than the ones made by the Holy Fevarian Empire.

While the organization was gone, its members remained. None of the activists could offer a good explanation for the Manifesti’s sudden disappearance. The ludicrous collective gave up their power as quickly and easily as they had seized it. Attendance at museums and art galleries was higher than ever, but the public’s interest had moved on from the Manifesti itself.

After a few confused days, a post-Revolutionary government came to power, and a new Presidium was elected. Gar and Moka lost their Presidium seat and became ordinary citizens once more, having secured the record for “shortest reign of an interstellar ruler in history.”

The new Presidium decided to uphold most, if not all, of the policies and decisions of the Manifesti, including the show trial judgement against Vaki D’Jir’s descendants. Cali was living in Dak’s apartment in Varnala when government agents came to see her.

“We have good news and bad news.” One of the agents said. “First, the bad news: You have been ordered to forfeit all of your financial assests by the ANC.”

Cali knew this was coming, and despite Ruto’s protests, she allowed the government to seize all of the money in her accounts. Cali was destitute for about two minutes while the agent delivered the good news:

“You should know that during the Revolution, the government outlawed forced marriage and set up a fund to support victims of said crime.” The agent explained. “Van B’Eren was convicted and sentenced for attempting to marry you by force. As part of his punishment, we have seized a fraction of the B’Eren family fortune and it will be given to you as compensation.”

…

In the aftermath of the Revolution, life slowly started to return to normal for most Alari. Cali and her friends took a little longer to acclimate.

Government agents debriefed them. Cali and friends told everything they knew about the theft of the Stellaris. Then high-ranking officers from the Alari Armed Forces came to debrief them. Cali, Ruto, Dak, and Tik told the same story. Finally, professional interrogators from the AAF Special Forces came to talk about the theft with Cali and friends. Once more, she told the story of the past three months. This time, Cali asked exactly where the starship Stellaris was.

“I’m sorry, we can’t tell you that.” The Special Forces soldier said. “You are not a member of the AAF. None of you are.”

Thankfully, the Special Forces soldiers were able to help Cali, Dak, Tik, and Ruto do all of the legal paperwork that would allow them to renounce their commissions in the Imperial Military and reclaim their Alari citizenship. Cali could not help but notice that starting around this point, Dak’s younger sister Moka started following her all over the place.

Moka was eternally curious about whatever Cali was up to. Moka moved into Dak’s apartment, using the long-awaited reunion with her older brother as an excuse to hang out with Cali.

“Your girlfriend is so cool!” Moka told Dak. “Do the two of you do awesome stuff like this all the time?”

…

Over the next few days, Cali and Dak prepared to for a trip to Rattia. Cali was going to help the Alari government dig up and seize the wreck of the pirate ship Blind Fury. Moka stayed near her the entire time and Cali got to know the youngster who had very briefly ruled the State of Alaria.

Moka J’Bassim was, simply put, an adventurous thrill-seeker. She actively sought out new and novel experiences and loved meeting people who did interesting things… like steal a warship. Moka had more scars on her arms and legs than the average fifteen-year-old girl. According to Dak, they were souvenirs from Moka’s solo hiking trips into the wilderness.

Dak, Cali, Moka, Tik, and Ruto all travelled to Rattia together, and it was a good thing they did. As soon as they arrived in Cali’s hometown, the first thing the group saw was a massive team of government workers, digging up the grassy hill behind the D’Kara family ranch. Cali’s parents were there, and as soon as they spotted Cali, they got hostile.

Dak, Moka, Tik, and Ruto closed ranks around Cali, shielding her from Rin and Aris’ wrath as they made a very public display of disowning their daughter and voicing their newfound hatred for her. Behind Rin, an AAF frigate used a tractor beam to lift a three-hundred-year old hulk of metal out of the ground. Moka jumped for joy at the sight of the starship Blind Fury and asked the workers if she could look around inside of it. Tik, to the surprise of no one, asked to join her.

“Moka is going to be like Tik when she’s older.” Ruto commented. “Mark my words.”

…

The value of the treasures contained within the Blind Fury was estimated to be almost equal to the economy of the Kel-Azaan Republic. Alaria would be elevated to the status of a wealthy economic superpower. Thanks to the ruling from the show trial, most of money would go toward reparations for the victims of Vaki D’Jir. This decision had wide-reaching positive consequences. The Alari people quickly grew to support the post-Revolutionary government. Elsewhere, Alaria built up trust and goodwill with other spacefaring nations.

A week after the Manifesti movement died out, the State of Alaria was formally accepted into the Interstellar Treaty Organization. Alongside her new allies, Alaria now had the ability to confront the Galactic Imperium in a full-scale war.

Thankfully, such a conflict was not going to happen soon. There were other concerns. The Fevarians were still in the midst of their own civil war, fighting for control of the Galactic Throne. It was not the only such conflict.

…

About a month after Cali and her friends settled down to start their new lives in Rattia, the first wave of Human refugees arrived. They brought word of a terrible conflict on Arcadia.

Two factions of Humans were doing battle for control of the Human Reservation in a bloody civil war. One side wanted to build an alliance with the State of Alaria. The other side wanted to join the Galactic Imperium. The death toll was catastrophic. The news of this disaster made Cali feel as though her heart was breaking.

…

One day, Cali, Moka, and Ruto were doing volunteer work at the Rattia Spaceport. They were helping Human refugees move from their starships to temporary housing. Ruto was talking to a group of Chinese women when she spotted an old man among their number. Ruto called Cali over.

“This guy speaks Alari!” Ruto said. “Say he met one of us in Tianjin. Didn’t you say you lived there?”

Cali ran over to the old man, and when she realized who he was, her jaw dropped.

“No way!” Cali gasped. “Lai Jiahao! It’s you!”

The Chinese soothsayer greeted Cali with a warm smile. Moka let the old man lean on her shoulder as the Alari led Jiahao and his followers out of the spaceport.

“You look different.” Said Jiahao. “Like you’ve been through interesting times.”

“Cali went on adventure!” Moka butted in. “She stole a starship and flew it across the galaxy!”

“My, my. That is interesting.” Said Jiahao. “And you seem to have come out the other side for the better. My congratulations.”

“I guess that fortune you told me all those years ago came true.” Cali laughed. “At the end, I actually did have to confront my family’s past, in a way. But you could have said my ‘Year of Hell’ was going to end with a show trial run by clowns. That would have been nice to see coming.”

Jiahao stopped walking. He tilted his head at Cali, regarding her with a disappointed look. Everyone paused in their tracks to look at him.

“Dear child, you seem to have misinterpreted my words.” Jiahao said.

Cali’s smile faded.

“When I told you that you would face a Year of Hell, I meant every word.” Jiahao said. “I can see in your eyes, in the way you talk and carry yourself… that this event has not yet come to pass. Remember what I said: You will stand at the center of a terrible crisis and be tested by all around you. Your trial has not yet begun.”

…

For weeks, Cali mulled over Jiahao’s words in her mind. She absentmindedly contributed to the reconstruction of her family farm, lost in thought the entire time. Dak and his siblings watched Cali with concern in their eyes. Ruto and Tik regularly visited to make sure she was okay.

Finally, on a cold winter morning about seven months after the trial of Vaki D’Jir, Cali and her friends were gathered in the Human Refugee camp. Alongside about four hundred Humans, they watched a holographic news report being displayed in the central courtyard for all to see. The holographic reporter said:

“The civil war on Arcadia has finally come to an end after a negotiated ceasefire between the imperialist and pro-democracy factions. The status quo will be maintained as the pro-democracy faction will remain in full control of the Arcadian government. This result is being celebrated in the free parts of the galaxy while the Galactic Empress issued a statement affirming both her disappointment and willingness to abide by the ceasefire agreement. Human refugees have already begun to return to Arcadia. The planet is in desperate need of able-bodied workers as preliminary estimates show roughly seventy percent of the adult male population has been killed over the course of this conflict. The INTO military alliance has announced its intention to deploy a multi-species Peacekeeping force to Arcadia with the mission of helping the planet rebuild.”

In the camp, all of the Humans began to celebrate, happy to finally be able to go home. Cali, Ruto, Dak, Gar, Moka, and Tik joined in. They drank, danced, and sang with the Humans until the sun rose. Moka found a Human teenager and kissed him. Tik and Ruto got up on the stage and joined the Humans in a chorus of their national anthem: Ode to Joy. Gar ran into town and came back with even more alcoholic drinks. Cali and Dak danced with the other Humans while music blared loudly.

Eventually, the morning arrived. Humans began to pack up, eager to return to their surrogate Homeworld. Cali and her friends broke away and returned to the D’Kara farm. They sat down on the hilltop that once concealed the pirate ship Blind Fury and took a moment to rest.

“It’s all over, huh?” Ruto said. “The Humans are gonna leave, we’ll have our planet to ourselves again… and I guess we’re gonna get back to our normal lives... whatever normal happens to be.”

“Yeah… I’m gonna be moving to the other side of the planet soon.” Tik said. “I met a girl, one of the volunteers. We’re gonna get married.”

“That makes two of us.” Dak said. “Cali and I were talking about making it official sooner or later, we just haven’t picked a time.”

Moka, naturally, immediately started demanding to have a role in the wedding ceremony. Cali said this would be perfectly fine with her, since Mika and Dak were siblings. Then she turned to Dak:

“Actually, I wanted to say something about that, Dak. I want the wedding to be soon. I… I’m thinking about a life change.”

Everyone looked at Cali. She sat up and brought her knees to her chest.

“When I was living on Arcadia… I fell in love with the place.” Cali said. “The people, the culture. It really hurts to know it was all destroyed.”

Dak put a hand on Cali’s shoulder.

“You want to join that new Peacekeeping mission, don’t you?” He said.

“Was I obvious?”

Everyone laughed. Dak took Cali’s hand and gently squeezed it.

“Let me go with you.” He said. “As soon as we get married, we’ll go together. How does that sound?”

Cali hugged Dak and kissed him.

“That’s all I ever wanted.”

The six friends settled down to take in the morning sunlight. Moka tried to ask if she could become a Peacekeeper as well, but everyone reminded her that she was too young. Ruto told her to relax and enjoy this moment, since it was now going to be the calm between two separate adventures.

Cali knew the Year of Hell was still ahead of her, but for the first time, she felt as though nothing could beat her. She had the best friends she could ever ask for and the best man she had ever been with.

She was ready for anything.




THE END.

---

Thank you for reading!

 

[Von Acturus]

Another beautiful story completed!

The Manifesti Convolution is dissolved.

An hilarious ending to an hilarious plot. Just like the Manifesti to, after all their theatrics pack up and go home silently after all objectives have been completed.

Moka J’Bassim was, simply put, an adventurous thrill-seeker.

So that's why she advanced (will advance?) against a tank on foot like it was the most natural thing on Alaria...

“I can see in your eyes, in the way you talk and carry yourself… that this event has not yet come to pass. Remember what I said: You will stand at the center of a terrible crisis and be tested by all around you. Your trial has not yet begun.”

That sure is foreboding. It seems that the troubles she just went through have just been the appetizer when compared to what the peacekeeping of human space will bring to her and all of her friends.

seventy percent of the adult male population has been killed over the course of this conflict.

That is horrendous. I shudder to think what weapons must have been used.

This was a great story, and I sure am hooked for the sequel!

 

[Macavity116]

Another beautiful story completed!

An hilarious ending to an hilarious plot. Just like the Manifesti to, after all their theatrics pack up and go home silently after all objectives have been completed.

Thanks so much for reading! I was not expecting this story to have such a nonsensical and comedic ending, but I thank the Manifesti for suddenly showing up to mess up my playthrough and make it so memorable.

So that's why [Moka] advanced (will advance?) against a tank on foot like it was the most natural thing on Alaria...

Moka J'Bassim really does not have a sense of self-preservation. Like most teenagers, she suffers from the occasional delusion of invincibility.

That sure is foreboding. It seems that the troubles she just went through have just been the appetizer when compared to what the peacekeeping of human space will bring to her and all of her friends.

It's kind of a call-forward. I've already written a line of narration in the sequel story that says something to the effect of "Everything that came before was just the prologue. The real story starts now."

This was a great story, and I sure am hooked for the sequel!

Thanks again!

Survive, Adapt, Win/Year of Hell/All That Remains, or whatever the hell I end up naming this project is very much still a work-in-progress. At the moment, I'm just having fun creating the scenario and building the world/conflict.

I have a general idea of how the story is going to play out. Suffice to say that I'm planning to finally take the metaphorical gloves off. Remember back in All Our Sins Remembered and The Last Heroes, I kept saying that I was tempted to take the story in darker directions? Well I figured that if I'm going to write a sci-fi war story, then I may as well embrace the kind of mood and atmosphere you'd find in stories like The Expanse.

 

[Macavity116]

Dear readers, I wanted to thank you all for reading this little story of mine. Things seemed to really go off the rails toward the end, and I have a newfound respect for all those who write their AAR's based on gameplay alone.

I wanted to let you all know that I've been giving a lot of thought to writing a new Stellaris story, one that would take place on the planet Arcadia, the sanctuary world where our recent protagonist Cali spent her younger days. I have seen in the comments that there is some interest in a sequel. I'm going to keep writing and exploring this idea of mine.

So, I'd like to announce that a sequel to Grand Theft Stellaris is officially under construction! It will be coming to the forums... *checks notes* Sometime around the end of April.

The tale I'm working on is a war story, with emphasis on planetary combat in a Stellaris setting. Haven't you ever wondered just what the hell is going on with those really long planetary battles in-game? Especially when they seem to take years to resolve? I have, and that's what I want to explore. So here is the synopsis for my next story:


"Year of Hell is set on the planet Arcadia, surrogate homeworld for a displaced Humanity. The story follows two alien soldiers, a veteran peacekeeper named Cali and her sister-in-law self-proclaimed niece Moka, an overeager rookie. When war suddenly breaks out on Arcadia, Cali and Moka are cut off from their own people and trapped on Arcadia with seemingly no way to escape from the war zone. Their only hope of survival is to join up with a small band of Human guerilla fighters and make a desperate stand against the treacherous foe. Meanwhile, a mysterious and enigmatic ally forces our heroines to ask just which side of this surprise war they are really on."

Spoiler: Special Preview

Special Preview: here's a sneek peek at what you should expect from the sequel to Grand Theft Stellaris



Year of Hell, Day Zero

---

Time: Stardate 2256.03.01, 09:17hours
Location: Concorde, moon of Arcadia


This transcript consists of all unsecured and unencrypted radio communication between INTO soldiers on the morning of Stardate 2256.03.01 in chronological order.
Transcript begins at 07:44hours and ends at 11:01hours. Long durations of silence have been removed for clarity.


Gunship pilot: Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle. We’re taking off now.

Pol T’Talok: So they really locked down the roads again, huh?

Cali D’Kara: There was a miscommunication between ISAF and the SDF. We were supposed to decommission Naval Base Beta today, but I guess that’s not happening. Human troops are blocking our trucks and refusing to let our people work. It’s a mess.

Pol T’Talok: Why am I not surprised?

Moka J’Bassim: Hey! Look over to the west! There’s a dropship at Camp London. I thought we decommissioned that one already.

Cali D’Kara: Looks like someone changed their mind. Command is dragging their feet on the whole “withdrawal” thing.

Pol T’Talok: Is anyone left at the Joint Station?

Cali D’Kara: Negative. No one’s left over there. They’ve all gone home.

Moka J’Bassim: Landing Zone Zathura is gone.

Cali D’Kara: Thank goodness for that. The Human SDF were raising hell about that one. Practically screaming at us to dismantle the site. They’ll be happy to hear the LZ is gone.

Pol T’Talok: Respectfully, the Humans can go fuck themselves. We didn’t massacre seventy percent of their male population and I guarantee you there’s not a single Alari Peacekeeper who actually wants to be here.

Cali D’Kara: Besides me, you mean?

Pol T’Talok: Oh… uh… yes. Besides you, ma’am. Hey! Hey wait a second! I thought all of the roads were closed.

Moka J’Bassim: They are.

Pol T’Talok: Okay, so why is there a truck driving out of Camp Moscow?”

Cali D’Kara: I guess something important is going on.

Gunship pilot: We’re landing at Camp Moscow now. Please refrain from moving until the engine powers down. … All right, we’re here. Thanks for flying. Now get out.


[about 27 minutes of radio silence]


Cali D’Kara: T’Talok can you hear me? I’m on channel 47B. Get in the second truck and follow us. We’re driving to the Gemini Training Facility.


[about 40 minutes of radio silence]


Cali D’Kara: T’Talok, this is D’Kara. The Humans are really on edge right now. When you get to the checkpoint, you make sure to be on your best behavior, understood?

Pol T’Talok: Yes, ma’am. Understood.

Branch 15: Branch 15 calling Central over.

Central Command: Central here, Branch 15. Send traffic, over.

Branch 15: We’ve lost all comms with Gemini. Say again, Gemini JTF is radio silent. Are you able to reach Gemini at all? Over.

Central Command: Uh, wait one. We’ll see what we can do.

Branch 15: We’ll be here. Branch 15 out.


[about 12 minutes of radio silence]


Cali D’Kara: This is Captain D’Kara calling Gemini! Requesting emergency medical evac! The Commander is down! I repeat the commander is down! Over.


[about 1 minute of radio silence]


Cali D’Kara: Gemini, I say again! Requesting urgent medical support at my position! Commander D’Soto is down! Please respond!

Gemini Joint Training Facility: Gemini to Central! Shots fired! Requesting support! We are under attack! Over!”

Central Command: Gemini, Central. We hear you. Over.

Branch 15: D’Kara! This is B-15. Get the fuck back here now! Over!

Cali D’Kara: I copy, B-15. But what about Gemini? I can see them from here. It’s a full-on gunfight over there.

Branch 15: GET BACK HERE NOW! Out.

Central Command: Copy your last, Gemini. Reinforcements are on the way. Just hold on! Over.

Cosmic: Cosmic here. We can see explosions at Gemini. Weapons fire at multiple locations. Central, what’s happening? Over.

Central Command: Situation unclear. All units on this net, cease unnecessary chatter. We have an emergency on our hands and the line needs to be kept clear. Central out.


[about 3 minutes of radio silence]


Central Command: Central to all INTO forces on Concorde: Yellow on Green! I say again! Yellow on Green! SDF forces are now considered hostile. Defend yourselves! Out.


[about 5 minutes of radio silence]


Cali D’Kara: B-15! My team just had a gunfight with Humans in the swamp to your west. Over.

Cali D’Kara: B-15! Do you read!? Can you hear me? Over!

Branch 15: B-15 to Central! We’re under attack by Human infantry and armored vehicles! Request immediate air support! Over.

Central Command: Negative, B-15. All air support is already engaged. Make do with what you can. Out.

Central Command: Central to all INTO forces on Concorde: Sound general retreat! Say again: Sound general retreat! SDF forces have overwhelmed the spaceport. We’re pulling out. Regroup at your emergency fallback positions! Out!


[about 11 minutes of radio silence]


Cosmic: Cosmic to any unit vicinity of B-15. We’re setting up an evac point at LZ Zathura. Over.

Cali D’Kara: Cosmic, this is Captain D’Kara. We’re coming to you. It’s just the two of us, me and my niece Moka. We’re moving out now and we’ll be on your position in about five minutes. How copy? Over.

Cosmic: You got it, D’kara. We’ll hold, but we can’t wait forever. You’d better double-time it! Over.

Cali D’Kara: You got it, we’ll be there! Over!


[about 2 minutes of radio silence]


Cosmic: Cosmic to all units! We just got buzzed by a Starfighter! Move your asses or we’re gonna leave you behind! Out!


[about 6 minutes of radio silence]


Moka J’Bassim: Cosmic! That Starfighter is coming back! Get out of there!

Cali D’Kara: FUCK! Cosmic, what’s your status? Are you okay?


[about 34 minutes of radio silence]


Pol T’Talok: Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?

Moka J’Bassim: Holy shit, is that you, Pol?

Pol T’Talok: Moka! You’re alive! Damn I thought we were the only ones left. I got together with some guys from the communication center. We’ve been holed up at the outpost next door for about an hour now. Over.

Cali D’Kara: Stay where you are. We’re coming to you. Over.

Pol T’Talok: Understood, holding position. Out.

Sarim den Iridar: This is Commander Sarim den Iridar, Scyldari Special Operations Forces. If you can hear me on this channel, respond. Over.

Pol T’Talok: Yes, sir. I’m receiving you. Over.

Sarim den Iridar: Next time, don’t broadcast your exact location over an unsecured radio frequency. Got it? We’re consolidating all surviving INTO forces at a secure location. If you wanna live, you’d better listen up. Same goes for you, D’Kara and J’Bassim. If you get this message, change your radios to the encrypted frequency. It’s safe to assume the Humans are listening to the standard channels. Out.

Cali D’Kara: Understood. We’re on the way to you. Out.



The transcript of unsecured and unencrypted radio transmissions ends here.

No further INTO transmissions occurred without security precautions on Arcadia’s moon for the remainder of the war.

 

[Von Acturus]

Respectfully, the Humans can go fuck themselves. We didn’t massacre seventy percent of their male population and I guarantee you there’s not a single Alari Peacekeeper who actually wants to be here.

If this is indeed a generalized sentiment then no wonder SDF (Is this the Imperial aligned government?) and the human public fell out with the Peacekeepers. When a counter insurgency army fails the "hearts and minds" stage, things usually get really bloody really quick.

Let's hope humans and Arcadians eventually mend their way out of this mess, hopefully without another catastrophic death toll (though I wouldn't get my hopes up.).

This is a very ominous beginning, I'm hooked!

 

[Iwantdumplings]

Great story, technically accomplished and an enjoyable ride. Looking forward to you taking some inspiration from The Expanse, not many better places to find it out of recent franchises.

I wonder if all that money from the Blind Fury will come up again... While the judgement sounds very nice and wholesome, we know the people in charge of administering the wealth and its restitution are wily, unscrupulous, and mysterious (Okepi who?). And, presumably, most of the "victims of Vaki J'Dir" involved are far outside of Alari space, now in active warzones. A lot of room for ambitious Alaris to show the sharp edges of soft power.

 

[Macavity116]

If this is indeed a generalized sentiment then no wonder SDF (Is this the Imperial aligned government?) and the human public fell out with the Peacekeepers.

SDF is shorthand for "Arcadia Self-Defense Force." They are the professional uniformed military of the Protectorate of Arcadia and Concorde. They're going to play a massive role in Year of Hell.

And your guess is correct: the ASDF, or SDF for short, is aligned to the Galactic Imperium while the civilian government is friendly toward Alaria and INTO. This "split loyalties" situation is not going to last.

When a counter insurgency army fails the "hearts and minds" stage, things usually get really bloody really quick.

TRUTH. (Says the soldier who serves with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans) This will come into play in the plot.

Let's hope humans and Arcadians eventually mend their way out of this mess, hopefully without another catastrophic death toll (though I wouldn't get my hopes up.).

This isn't the Stormbreaker Universe, friend. The kid gloves are off, and the Galactic Imperium is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention.

Great story, technically accomplished and an enjoyable ride. Looking forward to you taking some inspiration from The Expanse, not many better places to find it out of recent franchises.

Thanks for reading! I'm just glad to have a good reason to revisit the show and books.

I wonder if all that money from the Blind Fury will come up again... While the judgement sounds very nice and wholesome, we know the people in charge of administering the wealth and its restitution are wily, unscrupulous, and mysterious (Okepi who?). And, presumably, most of the "victims of Vaki J'Dir" involved are far outside of Alari space, now in active warzones. A lot of room for ambitious Alaris to show the sharp edges of soft power.

This is a fascinating idea. Soft power is pretty much the whole reason I play as xenophiles and criminal syndicates these days. I like having a tall empire with lots of diplomatic weight, influence, and envoys/spies to throw around.