The Syndicate [Done]

[Cidonia]

The Syndicate

The Greeb and Their Dealings​

Overview:
Here I will link the various stories together once they are written.

1. History and Overview of the Greeb Syndicate
   
   1. History of the Greeb Syndicate Pre-2200
   2. History of the Greeb Syndicate & Neighbours 2200 - 2400
   3. Overview of the Greeb Syndicate
   4. Overview of the Galactic Community
      1. 2252
2. Into the Galaxy (TBD)
   1. Pebble's Perusals
      1. Mecura
   2. Commander Ffistrell Chessil's Exploration Log
      1. Log 1 & 2
      2. Log 3
      3. Log 4
3. AAR
   1. Dar-Hesh
   2. Caloctora
      1. The Uprising

1.1 History of the Greeb Syndicate & Neighbours 2200 - 2400

An irenic bureaucracy governed by Coordinator's, male or female, of the Greeb species. They evolved on the planet Tarcadal and were conservationist, and aquatic. They used to dwell in the nooks and crannies of various reefs and corals of Tarcadal. Ever wary, ever afraid, they did not venture out of the said nooks, crannies and corners until they decided that it would be best to stick together. Only Greebs would help Greebs, and no one else. Soon they established themselves across their home world of Tarcadal, and were soon set to expand into their own solar system and in due time, the galaxy. It is the year 2444. The ideological war of liberation against the Dar-Hesh Royal Territories concluded seven years prior, with Emperor Missel II being forced to abdicate and the drenching of Sol III, thus ending the animosity and rivalry between the two neighbours that had gone on for for two centuries. While the Martial Order of the Thorn faction, led by Governor Karshh Matt'sash, relished in the fact that the Greeb Syndicate was finally in a glorious war as an aggressor and not anymore as a defender, the No Entanglements Watch, led by the Coordinator herself, Fiz Baydweller, was in uproar.

The fact that they were still in a federation, despite being much stronger (allegedly) than their federation counterpart the Caloctora StarCorp, made them livid. There was even the discussion of a migration treaty between the two spacefaring empires, which no Caloctoran took advantage of, but the very *idea* that a plantoid wretch would set branch, stem, or root upon their beloved ocean planets was ridiculous, and disgusting. Never mind the fact that there was a war and that war was instigated by the Greeb Syndicate itself. The sheer paperwork to have conducted the undertaking would take decades to archive and file correctly.

Naturally, the Xeno Equality Network, led by Governor Skower Kelpmonger, was in uproar for decades about the fact that the Greeb Syndicate still enslaved the Ti-Zru, after all they had done for the Syndicate, never mind the work they put in. The fact that the Menjeti, former enemies of the Greeb Syndicate, were kept as livestock and eaten on a regular basis by upper echelons of the Syndicate disgusted them. The fact that an entire planet, Sol III, had been drenched by the colossus "'SS Hopes Extinguished" sent them into a fury, but was a matter that was discussed only in intense debates.

The Coordination Forum of the Syndicate was in disarray and Coordinator Fiz Baydweller had to manage internal expectations, as well as pressure from abroad. Relations with the Caloctora StarCorp, long time neighbour and ally, were excellent and had been ever since the inception of their second federation in the 25th century, by standard calculation of the Galactic Community. For the Greeb it was the 33rd century. They had weathered the Hythean Khan's invasion, and resisted the wars initiated against the Syndicate declared upon the federation known as the Cosmic Entente.

The Cosmic Entente was founded in the 24th century by Backatta Intersolar, a megacorporation, and the United Alvothari Systems, a despotic hegemony ruled now by Overlord Gemess I. It previously had the Dar-Hesh Royal Territories among their ranks, but after a few failed wars against the Syndicate and internal disarray, their power waned and the Syndicate took advantage of it to ensure the local threat was no more. There had also been the Menjeti Interstellar Empire. They, too, had declared war upon the Syndicate numerous times in an effort to gain systems and undermine their position in this corner of the galaxy, known to most as the Arija Patch. The last war fought between the two led to the Menjeti Empire being split into two and enforcing a government form with a Coordinator upon the Menjeti. The remnant was integrated into the Syndicate and the Menjeti were sold on markets to be eaten, and enslaved. A few decades afterwards, the other Menjeti Empire fell for unknown reasons and the fungoids scattered across the galaxy. Those unfortunate enough to be caught within the borders of the Syndicate were soon turned into livestock for the Greeb, who soon became known as Greebl as they enhanced the genetic composition of their species. Currently, the Menjeti have even been engineered to taste better and are a delicacy that is only found on 6 of the Syndicate's 34 planets.

The Hythean Successor Khanate is a neighbour that used to be part of the Menjeti, but was conquered when the Khan of the Hythean's awoke and pillaged their toward the Syndicate. Soon after the collapse of the Khan and the formation of the successor they were forced to become a corporation by the Caloctora. Their ruler was overthrown and though their leader still maintains the title of Khan, currently Khan Gybbess Slipsalt, an Alvothari, the Khanate is a trade focused corporation that mostly trades via their various trading posts.

The Glirr Entity is a neighbour only due to the L-Gate that was opened and soon conquered by the hive mind. The lithoid hive mind minds it's own business and was given association status by the Mutual Assistance Concord (MAC) and the main goal of the Syndicate is that the Glirr maintain peace in their corner and don't impact the Greeb lifestyle.

Those are the main neighbours of the Greeb Syndicate. Other major players in the galaxy include the Mandasura Hive, Backatta Intersolar, currently leader of the Cosmic Entente (CE), Prikki Union who rebelled within the Alvothari Systems and founded their own theocratic republic and clearly disavowing their kin, the Prikiki-Ti. The Prikiki-Ti are fanatical purifiers hellbent on... well, purifying the galaxy in their own view. Due to their distance to the Syndicate they were not a priority, but the Glirr and Alvothari regularly fought against them. The last few entities that exist are of little note and have no impact on the galaxy. Save for the Iribot Exterminators of course. A Rogue Defense System of the Alvothari Systems went rogue and rebelled within the Alvothari Empire and gained quick ground. Their distance to the Syndicate is so far however, that they need no mention at all save for informational purposes.

Ruled by the 80 year old Fiz Baydweller, female, recruiter and explorer. Her agenda is national purity.

There are 8 sectors:
Tarcadal the core sector; Coruscon, Lightbuoy, Swell, New Eddies, Tarcadal II which is very similar to Tarcadal and had plants and animals from Tarcadal imported to mimic it, Oxbar, and Schlemmer.

1.3. Overview of the Greeb Syndicate

1.3.1 Sectors and Information

Here you will find an overview the Syndicate from roughly 2448. Data is not entirely up to date and will be updated in the next census (2458). You can peruse the link here (https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/8098525/). It is separated by Sectors (Tarcadal is the first sector) and thereafter by various data. It starts with stability, but you can change it.

(Tarcadal Sector sorted by Pops [2448])
​

1.3.2 Leaders of the Syndicate

Here you will see an overview of the leaders of the Syndicate, dated 2448 for their age. They will be marked as deceased at later points in time, if necessary. There are the most important members of the Syndicate society and rule over various areas of the Syndicate, or hold positions of power in one form or another. You can sort it as per the information given, which is limited, via the link below.

(Leaders of the Syndicate [2448]) (https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/8051190/)
​

1.3.3 Greeb Syndicate Coordination Forum

Here you will find the primary factions within the Greeb Syndicate. The data is interactive as well (https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/7751384/edit). You can "spoil" yourself for future development by going to 2452, which will be addressed in later posts, or check the historical 2444 forum layout. I did not track data much further back, as it is not pertinent to the eventual story.

The forum consists of 250 permanent seats. The distribution is according to forum elections every four years. Only Greeb are allowed to vote and it is done entirely digitally via the various planets. Only election ballots that fulfill all requirements of the Forum are accepted, but thanks to the tendency for the Greeb to ensure that every instruction is read, and followed meticulously, almost no forms for voting are voided.

(Greeb Syndicate Coordination Forum, the political forum of the Syndicate, here shown the year 2448)
​

1.4. Overview of the Galactic Community

The Galactic Community, formed in the 23rd century, has been a cornerstone of the galaxy for many centuries. The alignment of the galactic senate as shown below does not reflect their alignment in terms of the governing ethics, or civics. It is simply by size, save for the Prikki Union. Here highlighted is the Greeb Syndicate in the year 2449. You can interact with the senate overview by checking this link. (https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/8032919/) The Galactic Community has all diplomatically involved empires represented.

(Galactic Senate 2449 - Highlighting Greeb Syndicate (187 seats))

(Current modifiers of the senate)

(Overview of all Pops by species type, and species name [2424] Interactive here (https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/8031925/))

​

Save file corrupted. I can't look into info like I used to, so I will do another AAR instead. New version new AAR who dis

 

[Cidonia]

Visit to Heshsey​

The new capital was very similar to the old capital. The location was the same, Heshsey, has it had always been for the Dar-Hesh since pre-history. Their newly appointed Coordinator Lhansa Canley was a charistmatic and upstarting political contender within the Dar-Hesh Assembly of Stars. Headstrong and fierce, he rose up the political ranks within the necroid species quickly. Allegedly he had fought against the Syndicate as well, which improved his election chances within the upper echelons of the Assembly, but annoyed the Syndicate.

Only ten years prior had the Greeb Syndicate invaded the Empire and drenched an entire planet to enforce their ideology and overthrow the former Emperor. It would be impertinent to say the name of the Emperor now, as it had become an illegal offense. Many of the heads of the monarchist movement went underground, if they had not been beheaded, hanged, or otherwise lynched by opportunists who thought it would garner them some favour from the Syndicate. It is rumoured many escaped on Heshsey itself, others in far off frontier sector planets that a handful of Dar-Hesh hear and talk about, and even less know - or care - about. The galaxy was a large place and one could easily get lost if one wanted to.

The Dar-Hesh had fallen from grace and were humiliated by the Greeb, something that the Greeb would remind them of often and frequently. Coordinator Canley knew well of the history of the two empires. It was long and full of grievances. From the first contact there had been conflicts, according to the recent book she read in Peny Martlebone’s new book, available as a eBook and hBook as well, “Greebs and Us” which instantly became a bestseller. There were rumours that the Syndicate bought up many copies to increase interest, as it has very pro-Syndicate rhetoric. Nothing was certain though, and the Assembly’s new espionage department was underfunded and corrupt.

Canley knew where the problem was. The Syndicate had imposed this new government upon the Dar-Hesh and they would not cooperate with the Syndicate. He was grateful of course that the Syndicate forced the Emperor into exile. But they could not help them any more than that and would not accept any more help from the Syndicate. It would go against their very nature and the history of their people. As he awaited to speak to the envoy from the Syndicate, Biewit Chessil, as well as the closest sector’s governor of the Syndicate, Woolko Riser, he remembered the tales of his family. They would not be forgotten and he would make sure that they would be heard until the end of her days.

Canley’s ancestors had escaped in the hectic panic that ensued after the Menjeti Commonality was integrated into the Syndicate. At first it was said that Dar-Hesh could leave if they wanted and were encouraged to do so, but it was an option. Months later there were appropriations of land and allegedly some Dar-Hesh were being forced to work for the new Greeb rulers. Canley’s forefathers had come from Slemmig. He would not recognize it if he were to visit it, as it had now been terraformed into an ocean planet. But he recalled the stories from his father of how they used to own lands in a valley not far from the capital of Slemmig, Slemm.

The slimey and impudent Greeb arrived with their shuttle she scowled at the thought of having to speak directly to the Dar-Hesh. She hated the monarchy, she hated the emperor, and she hated the nobles that still flowed in one way or another through the veins of Dar-Hesh society. But more than that, she hated the Greeb. They were a necessary evil in their endeavour for freedom and equality, and though skewed, they had it. A piece of it. Any influence of the Syndicate upon the Dar-Hesh was just a different form of servitude. A farcical charade.

The Greeb slithered out of their shuttle to no fanfare, parade, or celebration. It was a calm and slightly cloudy day and the meeting point was the backyard of the embassy of the Greeb, the former Imperial Infrastructure Bureau. It had been recently renovated and formidable for a professional and redacted environment where things were, as Canley hoped, to be discussed curtly, quickly, and very briefly. Perhaps better to have it not happen at all, but it had to be done. The Syndicate envoy insisted.

“I am glad you have chosen such a nice and moist area for our embassy. I can see mold already on the walls.” Woolko noted, his arms outstretched, knowing well that the Dar-Hesh liked things to be dry, being more acclimated to the alpine planets such as their homeworld. Biewit could feel it as well, the dryness, and he subtly pressed a button on his wetsuit to ensure that his moisturization was increased 10%… No, 15% just in case. He scowled and a frown formed across his stretched and moist face. Canley ignored the first of what was surely to be many backhanded compliments that came through the translator device.

“We, the Dar-Hesh Assembly of Stars, welcome you, Woolko Riser, to Heshsey.” He closed all of his 8 eyes as a sign of respect to Riser. Though known to be a brutal governor, Woolko replied by closing his eyes and giving a curt nod of his head. It is rumoured Woolko had worked the slaves so hard on the planet he ruled, that there was a deficit of workers in every department. He was revered and feared.

“I thank you, Coordinator Canley. It slithers right off the gills. Coordinator Canley. Delightful. Let us begin. I believe you have many algae to clear from your view in the coming years. Things are not ideal, I have been informed, in your new Empire?”

Canley opened his eyes and led the way swiftly, caring not if the Greeb could keep up or not.

“I assure you Woolko, we have everything under control here.”

“Here, perhaps,” Woolko snickered as he slithered behind Canley with Cheswit at his side. They managed to keep up the speed. “Yet, I hear that the situation in Sol leaves much to be desired.”

Canley stopped and spun around, staring at Woolko.

“You know very well why the situation is as it is in the Sol system.”

Woolko laughed “You get what you deserve, Canley. Though, frankly, you deserved much more than Sol.” Woolko Riser chuckled to himself which sounded to Canley like screeching. A voice in her ear, from the team speaking with her to ensure everything went smoothly and she was aware of everything, informed her “That’s how they laugh.”

Canley shuddered and straightened herself. She took a deep breath and tried to focus on the matter at hand, it was important to maintain some semblance of cordiality in this meeting.

“That is in the past. We have successfully terraformed Sol III into an alpine world which will suit the Dar-Hesh excellently.”

Woolko’s joviality vanished “Ah? Ah? Biewit you knew of this?” Biewit shook his chunky head.

“No, Governor Riser, I had not. Lamentable, truly a sad affair.”

Canley tried to control herself. A sad affair? A tragedy was the drenching of Sol III in the first place.

“Come, we have no time to waste, let us discuss your visit and conclude it as quickly as possible. Frictions in the frontier sector keep me busy.”

For once, and probably a rare event, the Greeb agreed with a Dar-Hesh. The governor and envoy grinned a broad smile to each other as they headed down the rug into the Embassy building.

“Delightful to be on the same side of a rock for once, Coordinator.”

They entered the water lock, Canley in her wetsuit awaiting the room to be flooded. A favour to the Greeb to ensure they feel at home. They seemed pleasantly surprised as they spoke to one another.

“Such a comfort. The water is a comfortable temperature as well.” Woolko noted. Biewit agreed.

“Quite nice, quite nice. A solid embassy. Do you think they have Tarcadal fauna in it?”

“I ordered it be done prior, the Coordinator would not want to offend us.” Woolko hummed and Canley faced the second door wordlessly. Darus give me strength.

After they had passed the water lock she began to speak to them as they gathered in a relaxing and dark area of the embassy. It was homely for the Greeb, and the lighting was calm and soothing as well. The rocks, it appeared, looked as if they were imported from Syndicate space.

“These rocks are very nice, where are they from?” Chessil asked. Matter-of-factly Canley replied “We had them purchased on the black market, to be honest. The criminality here is spiraling out of control at the moment, I won’t lie,” She had no reason to lie, anything that looked bad was great for her campaign. She would ride the gang wars on Heshsey into another term. It made her look good, as a strong opponent of crime and subversion, and the Greeb look bad. Look at what they gave us. It has to be better. We have to make it better, better than them.

“Unsurprising. I had read of heightened criminal intent within the Dar-Hesh. Have you also read the piece, Woolko?” Biewit Chessil bared his teeth, showing his enjoyment of the situation. Woolko gladly joined in any anti-Dar-Hesh talk he could, so he hopped onto the opportunity.

“I don’t have to read it to know it. This planet is a shining example of what would happen if we had not intervened. Rogue elements pillage your hyperlanes. Pirates kidnap Dar-Hesh and sell them to those who pay well, such as ourselves.”

It happened because you intervened, Canley screamed in her mind.

“You keep Dar-Hesh slaves?” Canley replied, offended and curious.

“Oh no, of course not. The thought alone, vile.” Woolko shook himself and sighed.

Their presence enraged her and she could see that their impact was oblivious to them. All the Dar-Hesh that perished…

“We have seen Greeb intervention in the Menjeti Empire. We have felt it as well. The Dar-Hesh thank you for the abolition of the Monarchy, but let me tell you and I will tell you many times: we owe you nothing.”

“Oh that is where you are wrong, Canley. You owe us everything.” Woolko spat back.

“All of this, you owe it to us. If it hadn’t been for the Syndicate, you would still be plowing a field or being plowed or whatever it is your pitiful race was doing.”

Right down to business, Canley was ready.

Woolko continued “We are here to ensure that you, Co-ord-i-nat-or Can-ley, are ready to take the right waves to the right shore. The Syndicate suffered too much and too many died fighting wars that your Emperor began. Your people have paid the price many-fold. We made sure of that. No more Greeb will die to Dar-Hesh guns.”

Canley shook her head and asked “Which waves would those be, Envoy Chessil? The same waves that broke upon our borders and destroyed our space stations?” Canley was agitated and rose from her seated position as quickly as she could. She was not used to being underwater, despite the preparation sessions.

“Which waves would those be, En-voy Chess-il?” She emphasized the words as he had, she tried to turn things around. She approached the Governor who did not flinch, the Envoy however backed away. A Greeb guard moved closer slightly, it’s eyes on the situation, but Chessil waved him back to stay.

“Would it be the waves of bodies that you tossed aside on Uggledasch? The mass graves of Slemmig? Would it be the endless, and countless millions of Dar-Hesh, that had perished fighting your people? Fighting for their freedom? Fighting to survive before they were hunted down!?”

“You fought us and we just wanted our peace! We were fine where we were! We did not ask for wars!” Woolko approached Canley as well, Canley continued.

“Struck down and slaughtered, or forced to work until they perished?!”

“Both have seen blood shed! Both sides have seen spaceships crash!”

“Ships that deserve to fall from the sky!”

Canley was loud and the translator squeaked slightly at times from both sides, as the frequency was very high.

Governor Riser continued to stare at Canley as she approached him closer and closer, soon up in the four-eyed and slimey, elongated face of the 66 year old Greeb.

“Or could it be, Governor, the waves upon waves that poured upon the shores of Sol III and drenched it. Killing billions of Dar-Hesh, and many other innocent species. Putting multitudes of ocean on a planet that had so much history. So much life. Had. Much of it gone for eternity. Are these the waves you speak of, Governor? Are these the waves that we should fear? Because we have feared them for long enough. We do not fear the waves. We will break them.” Canley’s face was right up to Woolko Riser’s and their eyes still met, barely moving as they stared each other down. Envoy Chessil already was by the door, half out towards the airlock, half peering into the cave they discussed as two Dar-Hesh guards aimed their guns at Woolko.

“Stand down.” Canley told the guards and Woolko’s teeth, until now omitted by his mouth, came to shine again.

“Foolish Coordinator. You will pay tribute for your insolence. Your people will pay, for you should have left us alone. You should have paid us many, many decades past. You will pay, and you will feel the wrath of the Syndicate.”

“We’ve felt it for long enough.” Canley replied and immediately Woolko snapped in front of Canley’s face, then pushing Canley away. She drifted backwards as Woolko shouted.

“You’ve felt it? You’ve felt it?! This goes further beyond anything you have seen, you foolish egg! You insolent fool! You naive tadpole! It is you that started these wars! Your people centuries ago agitated us, pushed us away from the path of peace. We did not want to be embroiled in wars, but you tried to take what was ours! We asked for peace! We begged for it! You tried to take our oceans, our waves, waves of power we forged! Born it with blood and tears! We took the stars fairly in the space race and you tried to take it from us. Our work! Our stars!”

The Envoy left the building already and the two guards stood at ease, staring at the situation unfolding, their trigger fingers ready.

“My kind fought against your invasion on Glisten. We remember. We remember the incursions even up to the Arija Patch. We did not forget.” Woolko finished, trying to calm himself, his four hands clenched tightly.

“Nor did we.” Canley countered. “Your genocide of our kind in Menjeti space. We lost millions of Dar-Hesh. Millions!”

“And you will lose millions more if you do not pay tribute!” Woolko shouted as the translation device squeaked again, sparks coming from his body and charging the water. Canley could feel it. She was literally out of her element here. If Woolko wanted he could kill her right now, the Greeb were capable of charging the waters around them to stun their enemies, or even kill them.

She tried to calm herself, fearing the worst, then realizing her position and the fallout it would have if he really were to kill her, or her guards to kill him. Another war? Not likely they would want it. They’d throw Woolko under the bus. She could feel he realized it too, but that was not certain. The Syndicate was stronger, much, much stronger than the Dar-Hesh and had been for centuries now. Despite this, she knew, the Dar-Hesh tried to repeatedly invade the Syndicate.

Woolko finally calmed himself and turned to the exit and without looking back he spoke. “Listen, Canley. It is over. Your people started the wars, we ended them. We ended all of them, for all time. Give in to the tribute demands or there will be many more dead.”

“There will be many more dead if we accept, as well.” Canley spoke through clenched teeth.

Woolko closed his eyes and he smiled “Yes, but how many more of yours, not ours. You have lost the wars, all wars. Your time is up, Dar-Hesh. Pray, sacrifice, or piss yourself, whatever you do to gain hope from your gods. Pray to us, for your gods have forsaken you.”

Woolko slithered out of the embassy and his single guard followed suit. Canley exited the embassy and as she stood outside the Embassy and pursued the shuttle took off with her eyes. She noticed that a small fleet of four corvettes escorted the shuttle out of Heshsey orbit. Canley gave a curt nod to the guards ordered a shuttle to take her to the former palace. “Have the embassy taken apart,” she spoke to her secretary.

The same day a demolition team swiftly descended upon the building, draining the water within and taking it apart from top to bottom. The embassy was dismantled and the border to the Syndicate was closed the same day.

 

[youstas]

As a graphs, charts and diagrams nerd I take my hat off to you, sir! Brilliant! Can't wait for next chapters.

 

[Cidonia]

StarCorp - Better, Together!​

“It is so great of you being able to come on such short notice, Poppeet.” Chief Extraterrestrial Officer Papaver of Poppy blared as he entered the house of Envoy Saanda Popp’et, almost stumbling over his various dainty and green appendages that propelled him forward, most unusual to a Greeb, but quite the norm for a Caloctora.

“It is nothing at all, Officer Papaver. As Envoy I need to always be readily available for any enquiry from StarCorp.” Popp’et gracefully noted, ignoring the bad pronounciation from Papaver. She managed to learn their language, but speaking it she best left it to the translator. Papaver however, cared little.

“Oh, thank you, I give many thanks. From our company, to you, many thanks. You see it is of utmost importance to the company, and it’s shareholders, that we maintain good relations! Very good, right?”

Popp’et nodded slowly, closing her eyes patiently to affirm understanding, waving her arms slightly to show agreement as well. “We are on the same page, Papaver.”

“Good, good! Then you surely understand that it is important to myself, and the company, that we keep the migration treaty intact. It upset Chief Executive Officer Rhizome of Silver, may we bring many profits-”

“May you bring many profits…” Popp’et echoed as Papaver continued.

“That the migration treaty was cancelled! Very upset! Many bad chemicals, bad, bad chemicals of unhappiness and upset!” Papaver was dramatic as always, flailing his arms about and putting on a show. The norm for StarCorp. Soon after Papaver arrived in the moist and moldy intermediate room for visits of Popp’et’s house, two secretaries of Papaver rushed in, a human and an Alvothari. They flanked Papaver and stood at the ready with folders and papers, mainly to look important as Popp’et knew.

“You’re late!” Papaver hissed at the two secretaries, turning to the human.

“You! Did you sacrifice the Menjeti for the purpose of this meeting, so that things go well?” Papaver turned to Popp’et “Naturally, it was a Menjeti, but if you wish we can sacrifice more than one for the good fortune of our talks and the future of our empires.”

Popp’et scratched her side and yawned “Papaver, I believe one Menjeti will suffice for this talk and the near future. Do tell, what is it you wish to relay to the Coordinator at this hour?” She was used to night time visits. Papaver made many excuses to come to the cooled and moist house of Popp’et’s, though like all of her species she was acclimated to the warm desert sun of Parvus that revolves around Mexus, their home planet, but she was chosen to be the Chief Extraterrestrial Officer due to her affinity and adoration of all things Greeb. This included their ocean planets, and their love of water.

“Of course, of course.” Papaver outstretched a leaf and the human employee handed over a folder. Papaver opened it gracefully and slowly and read from the top.

“Hi Saanda,” Very informal start. The CEO is trying to seem cool about the matter.

“How are you doing? I have heard of your recent visit to Bristo! We hope that your fellow Greeb are living a good life on Bristo. We are so glad to have Greeb in our company, you know?” He gets to the point quickly, Popp’et liked that.

“We would love to have more Greeb come join our company, you see! There just can’t be enough in the StarCorp family!” Ugh, family. She looked to the human, the bags under his eyes a clear sign of human fatigue. He would soon be sacrificed simply being overworked. The Alvothari already had the tips of his mouth-tentacles graying, a clear sign of sleep deprivation. It, too, would perish for StarCorp.

Papaver went on with some flamboyant talking and Popp’et zoned out before Papaver repeated what he had said.

“Poppeet! Should I repeat it again?”

“Y-yes, please Papaver.”

“Of course! We humbly, and kindly, and of course patiently, ask that the Syndicate rethink their policy of retracting the migration treaty between our two empires, so that we may flourish and grow together. Into the future!”

Popp’et sighed and nodded “Yes, Papaver, I will forward your request and see what can be done.”

Papaver gave a collective wave of limbs in excitement “Oh, so great! We thank you, and I thank you, on behalf of StarCorp!”

Papaver turned to the secretaries and hissed “Begone, now. Forward the minutes to our beloved CEO.”

The Alvothari bowed, and the human nodded, as they turned to leave the room. The door opened from the outside and the Alvothari rushed out, the human stumbled and fell unconscious, but was dragged out by the Alvothari.

Papaver waited until the main door was closed and continued. “By the gods, Poppeet. What are you doing to me? Can I have some water.”

“Naturally.” Popp’et looked to a door to her right and it opened slightly, letting in a lithoid slave that obediently brought a pitcher of water and some Menjeti Poppers.

“Poppers?” Popp’et offered some and leaned forward, popping a few into her mouth. Papaver declined.

“Though we sell this product as well, I am not quite hungry now. Another time!” Another time was never, Menjeti Poppers were made of Menjeti and Papaver was a herbivore, but she would still say she would try them one day. It was a polite dance between the two cultures. Respectful of one another, kind, but very different.

“There is another matter, Poppeet. It is about the Hytheans.” Papaver relaxed in the chair opposite of Popp’et, the table in between them made of fine imported Tarcadal Blackstone. Smooth, and elegant. It was chiseled on Mexus, but the company ensured Popp’et it was chiseled by Greeb employees exclusively. She would never touch anything a Menjeti touched. Let alone a Dar-Hesh.

“Ah yes, the Horde. You know what the Coordinator said about it?”

“I am aware. I apologize for the inconvenience, but like the treaty for you, my petiole are tied on this.” The Petiole are the arms of the Caloctora, for lack of a better word. His leaves rustled as he touched one of his roots into the water.

“Ah, this is good. Imported?”

“Of course,” Popp’et scoffed “I would not have anything but Farbuoy water touch my body and lips.”

“Of course!” Papaver waved a petiole around drolly. “We have a migration treaty with both Hythean parties, research agreements, commercial pacts. Especially the commercial pacts, you must understand, they are exorbitantly important for StarCorp’s revenue, and naturally, it’s growth.”

“Yes, we are aware. It comes at an otherwise very opportune time.” Popp’et considered sharing some details of Coordinator Baydweller’s plans for Menjus, which is within the Successor Khanate’s space. It was once the capital of the Menjeti. It would be a fantastic blow to all Menjeti everywhere to hold their planet. This would further show other Greeb that the ‘No Entanglements Watch’ was the right choice for the Syndicate’s future. On all accounts. It’s power ever prevalent.

“Would the Caloctora condone the Syndicate moving outwards near the Arija Patch?”

Papaver perked up “Ah? Lyctabon and Menjusana? The rumours are true?”

“It depends on the progress of the war, and the stance of StarCorp.”

“This depends on the war itself!” Papaver shivered his leaves with delight. “So many possibilities…”

“StarCorp would of course have first pick for setting up shop.”

Papaver shivered again “Oh, most delightful! The CEO would love to hear of this. Oh, the sacrifice was not in vain!”

Popp’et nodded “This is good. You will however forward our reservations of the war expanding, for appearances.”

“Appearances, yes, yes. Many pacifists within your oceans.”

“Always have been. We’ve fought too many wars. Our ancestors look up at us with dismay, surely.”

Papaver sunk his flower lower “Yes, they look up and frown sometimes. But we have come far, very far. Many marvels are around us. Far, we have come. You have seen our robots, yes?”

“Marvels of technology. Nothing for us, you understand.”

“Oh of course. We, however, see in the robots the future.”

“Are the rumours of the frontier true? Up in the star systems near the Bodranite Union?”

Papaver perked up “Ah? You have heard of more rebellious treason, yes?”

Popp’et affirmed “Oh yes. Peculiar situations. Odd reports.”

Papaver waved them off with a rustle “Worry not friend, they are just rumours and hearsay. The robots within StarCorp are reliable. Very reliable indeed!”

“You’ve seen what has been happening in the Alvothari systems. Absolute pandemonium apparently.”

Papaver rustled again and turned his flower toward a painting of Tarcadal II “We have had many refugees from the Alvothari. Many indeed. Their plight gives me great sadness. I do not think anything like this will happen with us. We treat our robots good, very good, yes.”

Popp’et gave a broad tooth-filled smile “Yes, yes you do Papaver. I have seen their quality. I have no doubt they would not be competent enough to stage an uprising.”

Papaver gave Popp’et a - she assumed - cold glance. She could not really sense the chemicals it gave away from it’s body, but Papaver was trained enough to give visual stimuli. “I hear your critique, Poppeet. Never you mind. They are quite sophisticated. Don’t trust the 1 star reviews.”

Popp’et laughed “Either way, we have been good allies a long time, I foresee it to remain this way. Whatever comes Papaver, be assured the Syndicate will treat those well who leave us be.”

Papaver gave a rustle of leaves and a nod. “Just so. The Alvothari intern is on his communicator again and whenever he is pacing back and forth, something is wrong.”

“Ah? Only an intern?” Popp’et was appalled at how StarCorp treated their employees of Caloctora heritage. The rest however, she cared little for. She pushed aside the question if humans taste good for another time.

“Yes, yes. He is good but scatter-brained. The human died en route to a hospital apparently. He always took my boring calls, you know, the day-to-day things.”

Popp’et nodded “This explains the exhaustion.”

Papaver nodded “Indeed. I will have to find a new one. Humans are so expensive, sadly. We are low on Menjeti, if you know what I mean.”

Popp’et gave a nod and laughed “Naturally, friend! I will see what I can do.”

Papaver rose from the chair and gave their customary flatter of leaves goodbye. Popp’et waved her hands in a similar notion. As they leave a Greeb servant approaches Popp’et.

“Envoy, we have prepared the sacrifice for you according to your customs.”

“Thank you Rocky. Say, do you know how humans taste?”

Rocky smiled “No, but my great-uncle told me he had some once! Back when they were more abundant.”

“They are expensive now I hear.” Popp’et lamented.

“Oh and one more thing your graciousness,” Popp’et waved an arm jokingly at Rocky “Oh you.” Smiling he continued, his hands respectfully downward. “You wanted to hear the newest on the Hythean war, yes? It appears that the Khanate is about to engage a single Horde galleon in the Aesir system.”

“One galleon?” Popp’et rose from her chair and headed to the flooding chamber with Rocky.

“Indeed, your graciousness. According to recent Caloctora reports, that you have to buy, the galleon “Crest of Waves” is bound towards the Khanate and they are bound to fight in the system of Aesir.

Popp’et laughed as the chamber filled “Delightful! It is always so entertaining to see the filth perish. Molluscoids. When will they learn?”

They both laughed as the chamber filled, preparing their entry to the embassy filled with Farbuoy water.

 

[Cidonia]

2248 - 06 (yyyy - mm)

Here I have taken note of the situation from 2248, from where the story aspect kicks off. Statistics prior to 2248, and after 2248, will be updated irregularly, to see how things progress. I hope to not forget the census in 2258, but as the Syndicate is very bureaucratic I foresee that things might get lost in the digital paperwork from time to time... These things happen!

• Terraforming of Slemmig, within the Schlemmer sector, has concluded and turned it into an ocean world.
  • Prikki Union and United Alvothari Systems engage in a migration treaty
  • Florp, in the Schlemmer sector, gains a Branch Office from StarCorp
  • Plessis IIIa is terraformed into an ocean world. It is finished faster than estimated, leaving the terraformers time to experiment with impressive results. The natural traits of the planet have made it asthetically pleasing, as well as utilitarian. In the end the governor of New Eddies weighs in that it could look less artificial, and increases the beauty of Plessis IIIa.
  • Favor gained by envoy Koral Kelpmonger with Glirr Entity, in 2449
  • From the 3rd Month of 2449, the senate is in session voting on the resolution “Cooperative Research Channels” proposed by Vrinn Interplanetary Accord, led by chancellor Vuld Vagas of the Vrinn species. The Vrinn Interplanetary Accord gained independence from Backatta Intersolar as a direct democracy they have maintained their independence as they are surrounded by the megacorporation. As of the initial preposition, it is advanced by 43034 to 11226. The Glirr (27k), Caloctora (22.4k) Prikki Union (4.7k) and Bodranite Union (.2k) abstain, whilst the Hythean Successor Khanate (5.3k) and Backatta Intersolar (5.8k) are against it.
    • For they are the Syndicate (18.7k) Mandasura Hive(8.2k), United Alvothari Systems (4.8k) Zelvan Alliance (4.2k), True Hythean Horde (2.9k), Vrinn Interplanetary Accord (2.4k), Dar-Hesh Assembly of Stars (1k) and Ikaanen Stellar Hegemony (.5k).
      • Next prepositions up for vote are
        • Minor Military Sanctions (by Prikki Union),
        • Reverence for Life (Caloctora StarCorp)
        • and declaring the Prikkiki-Ti a crisis (by the Syndicate)
• Woolko Riser gains “Iron Fist” in the Swell Sector, enhancing the slave output as this leader is infamous for their ruthless pursuit of efficiency, and get the most out of slaves. Considerably ironic, as the entire sector has no slaves to speak of save for a few household slaves.
• Nanite mineral probes researched (Spring, 2449)
• Sckree in the Oxbar sector colonized (size 9 ocean world)
• Galactic Council Election is in nearing in Autumn (September) of 2449
• Another favor from the Glirr via Kelpmonger (10.2449)
• Advanced Corvette Hulls (11.2449)
• Arc Emitters (02.2450)
• It began as a subtle shift in Twax’Ihdaran behaviour. Scattered reports of their ships, once rarely seen outside their own space, now being spotted in remote systems all across the galaxy. Highly advanced scouting vessels visiting ancient, ruined worlds, refusing all hails and fleeing when attacked. Their purpose and mission unknown… until now.
  • We now know that the Twax’Ihdar were preparing, recovering the databanks of survey beacons and automated scouting posts left behind when they retreated to their present borders. Gathering information for their return to the galactic stage.
• In Twax’Ihdar space, fleets are gathering, armies are being mustered and ancient factories roar to life. For the first time in an age, the Twax’Ihdar Arbitrators are looking outwards beyond their borders and towards the galaxy at large. As their decaying shipyards are repaired and refitted and the dormant systems of Titan foundries come online, the rest of the galaxy is left with only one question - who will this once-sleeping giant target first in their quest to reclaim age-old glory lost?
  • The Twax’Ihdar are an avian species of xenophiles, a now awakend Ascendancy of benevolent interventionists with revanchist fervor and ancient caches of technology.
  • 05.2450 - New Coordinator Elections have begun
    • (now mm.yyyy)
• Emperor P’Konori, age 147 year old male Twax’Ihdar who is from an elder race that used to rule over the galaxy to a degree. A fallen empire, fallen from grace. He has an eye for talent, a home in the sky, and a destroyer focus. 131 pops. Industrial, docile, conformists, natural physicists.
• There is another fallen empire, the Thamesian Shard, a stagnant ascendancy of militant isolationists. They are from the Thamesian species, an aquatic species from a planet known as “The Core” to them. They are a lethargic leadership, and an empire in decline of xenophobes. 127 pops. Arctic preference, ingenious, thrifty, quick learners, communal, conservationist.
• Market Analysis Algorithms in 07.2450
• 07.2450 Galactic Council chosen
  1. Glirr,
  2. Caloctora,
  3. Greeb
• Pebble Plwmp is elected new Coordinator of the Syndicate and has an agenda of public discourse. He is an expansionist and explorer. Age 56. A new scientist, Saanda ‘Konkarr, male age 34, is sent to research the anomaly on her behalf. Next elections slated for 2470.
• Truce with the Cosmic Entente ends. They close their borders to the Syndicate 10.2450. The Syndicate does the same.
• 06.2451 - Plasma Cannons researched
• Caloctora StarCorp has allowed the Hythean war to take place in it’s borders. The True Hythean Horde has access to StarCorp, purchased no doubt, and heads towards Hythean Succesor Khanate space.
  • The Crest of Waves, from the Khanate, 2567 strong, in the Aesir system, holds it’s ground in Aesir as the True Hythean Horde approaches with their own fleet, named the Crest of Waves as well. Due to their dialects however, it sounds differently, but the meaning is the same. Which adds further tragedy to the whole affair. The Khanate, a Megacorporation after Caloctora interference, has a mere 578 power fleet in Paraggir to face the Horde. Meanwhile the Horde has The Lake (4016), The Breach (8584). Thus, there is no doubt that while both of these entities bought their access to the Caloctora space, neither would profit as many would perish in the battles that would ensue.
• Ancient Rivals: the return of the Twax’Ihdar to the galactic scene has no gone unnoticed by the other Fallen Empires present in our galaxy. The Thamesian in particular appeared most agitated at the news. It seems that these two proud nations are ancient rivals, and though the reasons for their rivalry has long since faded into history, the sudden reawakening of the Twax’Ihdar Arbitrators has enflamed old animosities and triggered a counter-reaction. The Thamesian Restorers have roused themselves from their slumber to face their old rivals, with the whole galaxy as their battleground.
  • Immediately the federation fleet the Litea Naav is sent for upgrades to prepare for the epic war that is yet to come as well as upgrades to stations and defense platforms, immediately spending all alloys in the Syndicate. Panik?
• Biewit Chessil is pulled from representing the galactic community, and tasked with leading espionage operations in the Dar-Hesh space, for border security. They begin by trying to acquire another asset via their own asset, Pontenna Stutton, a disgruntled and feeling unappreciated scienst of the Dar-Hesh.
  • 22.04.2452 (dd.mm.yyyy) - The Cydran Index forms. It is a Rogue Defense System gone haywire in the Caloctora StarCorp. No doubt the fault of some cheap outsourcing. As a result, the determined exterminators are at war with StarCorp and therefore also, the federation, and with the Syndicate. The Caloctoran Machine Uprising has begun.
• Battleship Hulls are improved 05.2452

Galaxy-Wide Population Update June, 2452​

The last time I tracked the entire population it was prior to the 2nd machine uprising in the Caloctora space, something that will be addressed in story as well. The original data is actually from 2424. I am now in the year 2452 and the next summary in this fashion will summarize what happened meanwhile. Now I could make it in a tree-map form again, and I will, but it is better to compare it where you can see the growth or decline easier between the two. Perhaps it would be better to compare 2424 to 2452 to make it a nice round 30 years. But I won't.

Here is the population average % change by species type, in alphabetical order. The Arthropoids consist mainly of the Backatta in total numbers, but the largest growth comes from the Cilxtac, growing 380% but it is less impressive when you consider their total numbers growing a mere 24 from their previous 5.

Aquatic species consist mainly of the Greeb or Thamasian. Growth was good, but we as the Greeb still lag behind the leaps and bounds done by other species. I was not that focused on expansion, but rather optimization of what I already had. Terraforming projects sped up during the peaceful phases however.

The Avian increases are due to Ikaanan growth and the fallen Empire of the Twax'Lhdar awakening.

Fungoid growth is mostly due to Caphevad growth, but Menjeti growth is very impressive considering it is at 11% and increased from 352 to 391. Most of the Menjeti escaped as refugees during wars, but many still reside in Syndicate space. They were deemed "livestock" by the Syndicate after the last Menjeti were integrated and the remnants of the Empire falling apart due to unknown circumstances.

The total amount of Menjeti in the galaxy as of 2452 is 388 pops. Of those, 20.9% are enslaved in the Syndicate, 3.6% joined one of the two hive minds, and 75.5% escaped as refugees and flourished in other empires.​

Humanoid growth was constant, with biggest increases by the Zelvan. Despite Sol III being drenched, humans are still going strong!

Machine empires grew as a result of two machine uprisings. They each spawned large amounts of pops and just showed up, it is yet to be seen how they progress. The "Iribot Exterminators" will not be addressed in the story, for they are too far and the Syndicate doesn't know much about them, nor does it know a lot about the United Alvothari Systems. The "Cydran Index" only just started their uprising, and they are purging pops like mad on the planets they spawned on in Caloctora space. As a result, these numbers will shift a lot in the next few decades.

Mammalian growth was mainly by the Tarassian in Backatta Intersolar space. A high % increase, but not in terms of raw numbers. Not even above 30 pops.

Molluscoid were mainly the Meta-Hythean increasing after the fall of the Khan and establishing their expanded realm. They were no longer inhibited by their borders as raiders, but once they had expanded and collapsed, could proliferate.

Necroids fared the worst over the past decades, naturally. I bombed their planets, I drenched Sol III, I ensured that many Dar-Hesh would perish for their repeated wars against me in the past. As a result, Dar-Hesh population decreased by 3%. It sounds like a lot, but it was only from 222 to 215. They managed to recover much of what they had lost, but if I had tracked it in higher intervals, the war against them from 2430 to 2440 would have reduced their numbers in the double digits.

Plantoid numbers are inflated, due to Vivisandia's 344%+ increase from a mere 9 to 40. Reptilian increases are mostly due to the horny Prikki... And robotic decreases due to uprisings.

Box chart of the Galaxy Populations

Number totals by species. Aquatics rule the galaxy number wise, but the plantoids and lithoids are not far behind. Worry as you may about the Prikki, rest assured they are far from the Syndicate.​

 

[Cidonia]

Ffistrell Chessil - Science Log of the SS Mineral

Star Date 2448.09.11 - Year of The Amarillion

We had finished our survey of the system Vollonis when high command issued a new order to head towards the Galpan system. All the forms had been properly filed by our Chief Bureaucracy Officer Fiswel. We could also not deny the order based on the triplicate filing of the urgency, as well as the Science Directorate Issuance Order 34b that had an extension two decades ago on Section 5b regarding high command priorities in the case of anomalies. The anomaly itself had been known to the Syndicate for quite some time, especially myself and our science team. Yet, higher order to examine the situation had not arrived and as such we carried out our orders to survey systems just outside and within Backatta Intersolar.

The victory in the war led to a rush for science teams to get as much information about the Backatta as possible before all borders would be closed and teams would be dispatched. The Backatta seem similar to ourselves, the Greeb, in the sense that they too are able to wander the seas.

Unfortunately for them, and this is a personal comment and is to be omitted from official journal star date 2448, they have the inferior desire to also wander on land. They are not as accustomed to the seas and watery depths as we are. It is a shame.

Continuing with my log, it is also a shame we cannot investigate Vollonis and the Crystal space station and spaceships that wander around the pulsar star that is Vollonis. It had not been colonized by the Backatta however. Their reasons remain obscured to us. The Backatta assure us they are the remnants of a civilization that had once controlled the galaxy, and they were only on their way to reclaim their position in it. I remain skeptical of their claims. We need evidence to back these claims up! Not random superstitions.

Our estimated arrival time in the Galpan system, currently owned by the Hythean Successor Khanate, is in 922 days. More or less the 9th day of the 12th month of the 2450th year of star date calculation, or the 2nd year of the Amarillion. We will be heading through Mandasura Hive, Glirr Entity, and Caloctora StarCorp space once we are out of Backatta space. We don’t expect any issues in the hive mind systems, but it hadn’t been too long ago when a tourist ship vanished in Mandasura space. Without proof nothing could be done of course, but this only heightened our fear of the foreign.

We are in contact with the another science ship, the SS Clear Waters, under the command of 2nd Science Officer Pebble Plwmp, who are headed to another anomaly within our space. We are eager to meet again in a bar in a station somewhere near Rockhall.

I hadn’t been in New Eddies sector for quite some time.



—

Star Date 2449.03.19 - Year of the Omissant

Backatta Intersolar is the first empire I entered, as the system of Vollonis was not currently in Intersolar space. They are ruthless capitalistic megacorporation, run mainly by the Backatta species. A corporate death cult revolves around the upper echolons of the corporation, but is also prevalent on lower levels. They are the leaders of the Cosmic Entente and one of the founding members.

Their rivals are the Mandasura Hive as well as the Prikkiki-Ti and they have been in many wars, pushing and pulling the borders in either direction.

Despite their xenophobia and militancy, they have commercial pacts with StarCorp and the Successor Khanate, as well as a migration treaty with the Caloctora.

They had once been a proud race alongside the Twax’Ihdaran and the Thamesian. They had fallen much harder than the other two fallen empires, having been reduced to a sole planet and detached from much of their technology and former glory. A piece of that has been restored, with the re-establishment of their Ecumenopolis and homeworld, Backatta. It is a planet completely encased in an urban-industrial sprawling network of tunnels, roads, highways, buildings and streets. It is there in one of the many skyscrapers where their CEO Igvi-Riem rules the corporation and ensures that profits flow, be they fueled by blood or fusion. Their corporate embassies are strewn throughout the galaxy. Their navy is in disarray and corruption plagues many of their planets. The Vrinn Interplanetary Accord managed to successfully lead a rebellion within Backatta space and are a cut off from the rest of the galaxy, dependent entirely on Intersolar back-channels to get the resources they need to stay relevant.

Their chancellor, Vuld Vagas, has often and successfully conducted terrorist attacks within Backatta space, and as such remains a thorn in their side. For the Syndicate they were never a problem. The species itself diverged slightly on different planets, but remain more or less the same arthropoids across the galaxy.

The intelligence reports on Backatta Intersolar are sparse, and communication is infrequent. Currently relations are icy, but considered neutral, worsened only by the recent war between the two federations that had only recently finished.

Passing through the Rothyr system we encountered the debris and ruin of a space station in the orbit of Rothyr III, a gas giant with three moons. We were unable to gain approvals to study the habitat beyond what we could see. Backatta sources told me it was once a habitat for research and was already looted many times over in the past centuries, leaving nothing but the metallic husk. As we left we could see salvage drones scuttle out of the hidden folds as no doubt some scrap collectors were making some extra money.

Talemes Mar was home to a starhold orbiting a beautiful pulsar star. We again noticed wreck and debris as we entered and left the system, especially lots of fragments of something we could not discern it’s original shape. It was only large sheets of metals, glass, and allows floating around space in a delicate dance with Talemar Mar I and the star. Above the planet simply named “Ruinous Core” which is orbited by a moon named “Lost Encampment” we saw traces of what could have been civilization many eons ago, as well as a former habitat orbiting the planet. Even as we observed it, we saw some debris enter the atmosphere of these beautifully desolate tomb worlds. This must have been the origins of the Backatta many eons ago, yet they have not reclaimed it to restore it to it’s former glory. Surely their judgement must be clouded by their ever fervent desire to increase profits.

Their primary focus is no doubt their homeworld Backatta, a huge planet-spanning city with everything that anyone could ever desire. We sadly lack sufficient intel on the Backatta, even their anatomy is still a mystery to us, for even in the wars that they helped instigate they have barely fought, not even entering Syndicate space but merely shouting from the cheap senate seats of our alleged atrocities. I find solace in the fact that their war-mongering faced push back by none other than the Prikki. I regret to say it, but their existence does have some benefit.

We left the Rossorim Depths nebula and headed out to Gribbon, then Golovia, and Pincoya and Emasdouhi. These systems were filled with mining stations, and it was clear to see how the Mandasura and Backatta fought for these mineral rich systems in the past. I have no doubt it will come to conflicts again in the near future. We are about to prepare to enter Mandasura Hive. I will have to head to the bridge.

 

[Cidonia]

Pebble's Perusals - Mecura

Pebble opened her eyes and groaned. Another long night at the Crusty Clam where she had spent the remainder of her earnings from the Shimmering Shore, a casino in Mecura station. One of many within the starhold, asides various brothels, and drug dens. All entirely legal of course, with a few sponsored by StarCorp. The only corporation allowed to interact in Syndicate space, something that makes them a lot of credits.

She sighed as she lifted herself lazily in her cabin. It had been yet another dry spell of assignments. No commands had come in lately, except to sit tight. The days of exploring Backatta and Dar-Hesh space were over soon and they had already discovered all they could within those spaces before the truce would run out and they’d be forced back to Syndicate space.

Her ship however had already fallen back to Mecura many months before the truce end and were stowed away for potential future research. The paperwork would take months, perhaps even years, to be filed and approved correctly to make sure that she could carry on other duties.

But she was used to it. What good would it be to be bored? To waste your time away doing nothing? She slithered over to her work station and reclined herself, preparing herself mentally for her daily report. Might as well get it over with.

“Pebble’s here! Just doing my report duty as a scientist aboard the SS Clear Waters, one of the last few science ships in Syndicate space. You see, and the Syndicate doesn’t like me saying this, but once you’ve discovered Syndicate space, you’ve discovered the galaxy. Actually, the Syndicate would like me for saying this.

“Currently, we are in Mecura and we are very, very excited to be able to head all the way to the tippity top of the galaxy, and thus the tip top of the Syndicate, to Uchbiea. Uchbiea was one of the last systems the Syndicate managed to envelope into it’s warm, embracing, four-armed grasp. A long time the upper parts of the galaxy remained unsurveyed and thus, without any merit or value. Not even worth speaking of. However, the gears of the irenic bureaucracy turns slowly. Very, very slowly. It took me ten years to even get my paperwork through to become a scientist aboard a spaceship. Let alone getting my grants, or anything done. My great-great-grandmother enrolled me in university the day I was born. I got in 3 years after my graduation!

“Mecura, an adorable system just outside of former the border zones of the Khanate and Starcorp, is one of the shittiest stations I have ever been to. The place is a collection of narcissistic, egoistic, and pompous assholes. It’s full of Greeb, too! Hah! No, but really, with it’s endless shipyards and fleet academy, you have every aspiring Gorlof Reefrocker wannabe from Schmeg to Rockhall.

“Every time I tried to find a mating partner, there were many, many reasons why I did not want my eggs to get anywhere near him. Not even within the same station. Definitely not the same star system. Too many chances of seeing them again.

“So I put my egg-laying partner search on hold and focused on the one thing that gave me strength in hard times. The power to realize that there must be something above me, higher than me, that gives me all this strength but it’s true value I had yet to discover. There was only one way I could get closer to such an entity.”

She paused for effect.

“Gambling.

“I loved the machines they had in Mecura station! Pearl Plucker, Whitereef Six, or one of my favourite, Shiny Wheel. I made so many credits on Shiny Wheel, I do not even remember! That’s how good it was.

“It was especially busy now, with all the war ships upgrading to the newest technology. The business was booming! Every time you saw a battleship getting a new weapon system, you heard their engineers talking about the new version. Our science is unrivaled in the entire Galaxy!”

She looked around her cabin for a moment and checked the star date. They had already set out as ordered. Good, she could still rely on her crew, at least.

“So there were always a few chumps I managed to rip off in between, so I could fund my soul-seeking journey into the cosmos. I was rudely given the opportunity to take part in the voyage towards Uchbiea and find out what is going on off of a collection of asteroids in the asteroid belt of Uchbiea system. Allegedly some rookies from Broadwick decided to head up and investigate without Syndicate approval, but luckily for them they found something so it was swept under the table. They had found a tree floating in space. A tree is like seaweed, but on land. Perhaps more like some coral, but they grow much faster. For their form is hardened by it’s layers, as it grows it puts on more layers, protecting itself. It is quite clever design by nature. Naturally, it was very odd that they would report a tree in space. In an asteroid belt.

“High Command sent me out right away, and I gave the order. Then we went to celebrate! I can feel my thoughts trying to escape my skull. It is unnerving. We celebrated this new assignment thoroughly however, and now I must gather myself to embark on a new journey! But first, I will break my fasting. Send my regards to the Coordinator.”

She rose from the workstation recliner as the report prepare itself to be sent, and slithered out of her cabin. As she slithered down towards the command center a few curt nods and waves were shared as she met scientists, engineers, and crew. She recognized all of them from seeing them, their paths would often intersect here. En route she noticed the face of an engineer she hadn’t seen before. Their greeting was curter than the others.

Further down toward the Command Center and just in front of the main door she notices her Chief Engineer.

“Angrove! You’re up early.” She smiled and Angrove released his hands from each other and opened his arms for an embrace.

“It was very, very fun, Pebble’s! I just wanted to thank you again.” They embraced their arms. They released their arms again, and curled themselves slightly as they lingered in the corridor, so as not to disturb others wishing to swim by.

“So, are you excited?” Angrove asked, anxiously.

“What for?” Pebble’s was confused, they best had just ended. Now she would have to go back to work. The eight month hiatus was so good and relaxing, and very fun. Now she had to go back to work.

“Tarcadal! We’re passing by and I was thinking of heading down with a shuttle as we pass, pick up some things, then head out.”

“We won’t use a shuttle for a shopping trip to Tarcadal, Angrove.” Pebble’s frowned.

“I just want to visit my sister quickly, Pebble’s. Cmon.”

“You have three hundred sisters, Angrove.”

“Two-hundred and eighty-four. No, she is my favourite one! Come on, Pebble’s I beg of you.”

“Leave me be, I need to check the course.” Pebble’s tried to swim past but Angrove blocked her.

“Then just onto the Galactic Market Station. I need to drop something off.”

“I will think about it, Angrove. We have enough time to think about it, trust you me.”

“Thanks Pebble’s. Thank you so much.”

Angrove swam away and before he left held onto one of her arms, thanking her again as they made eye contact.

She swam into the center as the doors swooshed open. The various command recliners were spread out around the main command hub in the middle of the room. There were three levels of work stations with seven work stations on each level. Her mobile recliner swam towards her and she entered it gingerly as it swam into the center of the room. The display in front of her showed her all the latest data, communication, and their route.

At the center she waved everyone away who wanted to report anything and simply stared at the ship’s outside camera views as it ventured outward Mecura system.

“I thank.” She replied as a service crew member put her breakfast before her, he swam away quickly, a smaller than average Greeb he was destined for the service role. The breakfast was Menjeti Bits with Farbuoy Wine. For dessert there were Ti-Zru sticks. Highly forbidden, as the Ti-Zru weren’t officially to be livestock, but highly sought after for it’s healing properties. The wine container was fancy and most definitely a genuine Farbuoy wine. She gave a broad smile as her pointy teeth shone through, taking one of the Menjeti bits into her hands and taking a nice bite out of one. ‘This hangover will be gone in no time’ she thought and enjoyed the view of Mecura station slowly disappearing behind them as the ship headed for Dianthe.

 

[Cidonia]

Star Date 2449.08.07

“Commander Chessil, reporting in.”

He coughs and clears his throat as he lays upright with his torso in his chair, facing toward his computer. His tail is rigid, as his dorsal fin waves nervously. Luckily, it cannot be perceived in his log that also is recording his face.

“Excuse me. We are now finally entering Hive space, home to the Mandasura - sorry, Mandasuran - Hive Mind. It is a peculiar hive mind, not displaying behavioural patterns of the other hive mind.” Ffistrell looks to the side and quints, trying to remember. His mouth closed and lips perked.

His top fin vibrated slightly and he managed to recall. “The Glirr, the Glirr Entity in the lower right sector of space, as per map projection by Baywick and Boarder, dated 2253. It is very much a hive mind, rest assured. But as they are plantoids their communication is very much enhanced by the environments they live in. How they achieved interstellar travel with this physiology I can only assume is due to their unified hive nature. The drones work in complete unison and understanding, one would think.”

“One moment.” He cleared his throat. An odd scratching in the back of his throat. Must have been those Menjeti Bits he was chewing on earlier.

“Apologies. Note to self, computer.”

“Receiving.”

“Computer, note to self to erase this from the log later on.”

“Noted.” The voice chimed in a, for the Greeb, soothing voice.

Ffistrell nodded and continued “However, in my travels I have encountered some drones that definitely stray from the cave, if I may use a colloquialism from my planet. I am sure this same thing has been said many times on many planets. I had been at the ambassador’s residence on Mandasura Prime, home to the hive mind, and I had encountered meandering drones. Drones that simply wandered the streets, seemingly looking for work. I was assured that by my colleague from the Hive that was escorting me he said that the drone was surely just looking for something to do and would be doing it quickly.”

Ffistrell frowned “However, I did encounter stray elements on outer worlds as we passed through their space, it was mostly prevalent on their homeworld. I assume it was due to the over population of the planet, and they were yet to be transferred to other worlds. As much was also assured by my escort. I would not see their homeworld ever again, nor do I aspire to. But who knows.”

Ffistrell stared off into the distance and recalled the time he shook off his escort on Mandasura Prime and had ventured into an alleyway adjacent to the embassy. He had slithered through the paths and realized only after the fact that he would stick out like a crooked tooth. He was on a planet full of Mandasurans, a hive mind! He caught a glimpse of a few ragged Mandasuran’s who ignored him, and so he continued down the road. Their six-wheeled vehicles flew down the roads, or above the roads as they flew with exorbitant speed, without hesitation.

He had seen a Mandasuran get hit by a vehicle as it was not paying attention and it was immediately put down, taken apart, and the pieces whisked away. It shocked Ffistrell. One of their own had no significance. A dead worker near a road? A minor inconvenience. Nothing to worry about. No one even reacted, why would they? They were part of the hive mind.

“Our voyage through Mandasuran space is thankfully only through Adumir. The fact that they held us up at the border for so long was simply to antagonize us for whatever reason. Next week we venture into Yamek’s Singularity, Backatta space and home to one of the many L-Gates. We should be able to enter Entity space of the Glirr a little bit easier. They are more… efficient.”

Ffistrell looked into the camera again “I trust the Glirr species more than the Mandasuran. Their decentralized hive mind makes me wary, they cannot be trust, as a whole. One of them? Perhaps. Their unison hive mind however, scares me. It is truly a terrifying thought that such species are so close to us, and could threaten to engulf us in their…”

He looked to his left, searching for the right word. He remembered this recording could be intercepted, and misinterpreted. He trailed off and finished the recording.

“Commander Chessil, signing off.” He shut down the recording and squeezed his bottom two hands together nervously, relaxing his tail.

‘Ah, I hate these recording,’ he spoke to himself in his mind. He brushed down his coat and made sure his insignia were visible and clean. They were. Two cleaner fish came out of his wardrobe and nibbled here and there at his body, they knew the routine just as well as he did. He outstretched his arms and waited, meditating on the situation ahead. Entity space would be fine to transverse. There were rumours of a robot uprising in StarCorp space. He would not want to be caught in the middle of it.

The fish departed, he was already quite clean. Nodding he moved towards the door and it opened impatiently, sucking him towards the corridor slightly as the waters in his cabin surged and mixed with that of the corridor. He slithered toward the command center and felt grateful to be part of the Syndicate. Part of something bigger than himself, but still free to his own thoughts.

Or was he? He pondered the thought as he slithered toward the command center, being saluted and greeted cordially.

 

[Cidonia]

Stardate 2449.10.22

We have entered the L-Gate to Terminal Egress. It is a marvel of technology, this L-Gate. Truly a spectacular achievement. The view towards Larkins’ Singularity was astonishing as we dove our ship headfirst into the depths that is the L-Gate. The forces I felt were extraordinary and our readings on all accounts were absolutely… normal.

That what I felt was euphoria, internalized so much, I had, this day. It was something that I was so eager to see I could feel how it had an impact on me. The ship changed position in galaxy through this gate as if it were no issue at all. We were astonished and marveled at this reality that was at our grasp.

I was only in Maaz once, but was not able to take the L-Gate at the time, for the borders were closed and Glirr Entity holds Terminal Egress. So ever since I had seen it, lurking silently in the depths of Maaz, I figured I must take one, some day.

The Glirr we did not see in person on this voyage as we entered Terminal Egress on our way the Pathabaan Vortex to get to our destination. Their approach was cordial and business-like in the way they spoke to us. They were clear and strict on their orders to inspect the cargo via a scan. We allowed it and they did not speak for another few minutes. Then they gave us the OK and we ventured through it to StarCorp space.

I had been through the areas near the L-Gate on my first trip through Maaz and inspected some Glirr Entity space before the borders closed. I think it was in my first two years as captain. The Glirr were a very unified in their way of thinking. Unlike the Mandasura, where each mind seems to think a little and helping more toward a hive mind of many hives. The Glirr were all part of one hive and one mind. Entirely unison in thought and behaviour. If you spoke to one, you spoke to Glirr. They all answered as if he were the one you were speaking to all along. He would remember you, too.

At one point I had been introduced to a Glirr science team and we all introduced ourselves, and one of them replied for all of them by saying “I am Glirr.” It was novel and definitely very fascinating, for while they all were Glirr, their individual lithoid entities that were the science team were quite unique. They were of different size, but barely. They each had distinctive features to the planets they were from, but it did not matter to them. Their blemishes, as so far as one could call them that, were different as well. Before me, at that time, stood four science lithoids of Glirr, one seemed very dry and yellow in hue. The other two were dark brown and had moss on it’s tops, which were slowly drying out due to the desert planet being what it was on Attru’ Korr. The last one was entirely black but a shimmering and shiny black. Later on they would go to explain to me that their phsyiology helped them in the way they conducted some of their experiments, and thus it was good for Glirr to be prepared for everything. These beings in front of us, they were all Glirr and it was all of them. They were like large cells in a body endlessly vast and ever-growing.

These cells before us, they were like the cells in my body that would fight a disease. Or the blood cells in my body that would transfer the oxygen into my body at an unheard of speed and in vast quantities. Ever dying and being reborn by my inner mechanisms. But before me stood a cell, a living and presumably somehow breathing being of rock and stone that could transcend space to act as one being. As one body. I could understand at that point how this could be a mystical aspect of the galaxy. How do the Glirr work? What is it that enables them to engage in communication across the galaxy? I have the theory with Lieutenant Briller that the being is indeed many hives, and many minds, but like the psionics that some species have, perhaps they are able to think as one across time and space, but with a delay? Perhaps there were specialized Glirr that functioned as beacons?

There was an endless realm of possibilities, but research was put on hold after the borders closed. Relations were cordial but ever now and then some teeth chattering would occur to ensure that the militarists were appeased, or the Glirr would misinterpet something said in the senate. The smallest things could trigger a short breakdown of communications.

Secondly, while I admire our bureaucracy, it does tend to get in the way at times. We had multiple requests filed at overlapping times to ensure that we could get into a window of approvals for re-engaging with Glirr to study them. Yet every time we got close the communications would break down and instead of putting on hold what had been decided, the decision has to be renewed. From step one every time. With over forty approvals to get it is not a light task, I can assure you. Naturally, like any sensible Greeb, we had our top coordination specialists on the case, but they aren’t pearl-tellers. They can’t see into the future. As such, as an honorable member of the Greeb Syndicate and one of it’s most respected Captain’s, I do hope that we can begin our cooperation with the Glirr again.

The entrance into StarCorp space was fine and we are planning to take two day stint at Ocheron station before we continue. Some officers were requesting a week, but we have to keep our timeline. I cannot have further delays in reaching this anomaly. Commander Chessil, logging out.

 

[Cidonia]

The screen lit up and in one corner you see a screen within it appear, a porthole if you will, with the latest information on the stocks, bonds, and or funds around the galaxy. A small ad appears for the ‘Premium Galactic Market Station Access’ offered by StarCorp and subsidiaries. You have to click twice to remove it, as it asks if you are sure you do not want to become a premium member. You press no, and it finally disappears.

You notice that the stocks for various industrial and war companies within StarCorp have noticably risen in price. You open another porthole to check out the latest news. An attractive, for Greeb, presenter is speaking but the audio is not activated, yet the text underneath the speaker alludes to some kind of “Alleged Uprising” in StarCorp space.

You turn your focus to the newscast and turn on the sound.

“Reports indicate that there have been failures of communication channels to multiple StarCorp planets. Including the entire Rovannic system. We will now be showing footage filmed earlier today on Bristo.”

The screen switches to a shaky view of a city road on a temperate planet. Rumbling can be heard as the camera pans around to ground vehicles crashing and panicked shrieking coming from the residents, Caloctorans, Greeb, Menjeti, Alvothari, and Prikki swerving in between the mess of them running from something in the distance. They swerve past the cars but the camera stays fixated on what they are running from, with commentary being translated underneath. The subtitles reading ‘Woah! Woah’ and many ‘By the gods!’. In the distance metal clanking can be heard. The road is full of land vehicles that crashed into one another, with wounded people making up the stragglers of those running away from the distant metal clanking.

One can see buildings lining the street on either side, as the lights to indicate traffic blink crazily. Further down the street a building collapse upon another as dust begins to fill the street from afar, a robot can be seen running towards the camera as it cuts to black, it’s lanky legs an amalgam of parts from land vehicles, you assume. The frame showing the robot is then a permanent part of the screen as it zooms out and shows the presenter again.

“Explosions have now been reported on the Vebrium and Lora habitats and evacuations are underway. We are now tuning in live to the Senate announcement from StarCorp on the issue.”

A camera focuses on a plantoid in a fancy robe with it’s branches and petals flowing about as what it is saying is translated simultaneously. “The situation within StarCorp is under control! Please, do not worry. This will have no impact on operations at all, and things will proceed as normal. We thank the galactic community for their concern in these trying times…”

You tune out to notice on another part of your screen that chats are popping up. Your favourites pop-up upon all the others.

“Did you see? I panicked, I am offloading!!”

“Btg [Translator’s note: By the gods] did u c that???☠☠☠ Sell man! SELL!!!!!!”

Other messages are bolded, highlighted, many fish emojis infect the various chats as you scroll through the highlights on the media tickers. Your view darts back to the stock charts in the bottom left. They are now sinking, all of them. The numbers are going down. A warning sign pops-up indicating “Technical difficulties”. You begin to worry and prepare to sell your StarCorp assets. You should’ve listened to your friend in the navy. Invest in the Syndicate he said. It’s just a scam, you said. Oh you fool. You fool!

​

 

[Macavity116]

You tune out to notice on another part of your screen that chats are popping up. Your favourites pop-up upon all the others.

“Did you see? I panicked, I am offloading!!”

“Btg [Translator’s note: By the gods] did u c that???☠☠☠ Sell man! SELL!!!!!!”

Other messages are bolded, highlighted, many fish emojis infect the various chats as you scroll through the highlights on the media tickers. Your view darts back to the stock charts in the bottom left. They are now sinking, all of them. The numbers are going down. A warning sign pops-up indicating “Technical difficulties”. You begin to worry and prepare to sell your StarCorp assets. You should’ve listened to your friend in the navy. Invest in the Syndicate he said. It’s just a scam, you said. Oh you fool. You fool!

The escalation to this point was highly entertaining, and I just have to read this section over and over again. Very well done.

 

[Cidonia]

“OK gentlegreeb, thank you for your time today. I look forward to hearing more.” Fiz Baydweller, High Analyst and #1 Coordinator in the Syndicate closed his eyes and closed his hands, indicating the end of the meeting before them. The four other Greeb in the room did the sames and slowly slithered out of the room. Suspended in water in the meeting cave entered a sly Greeb by the name of Kirill Kelpmonger, definitely related to Koral Kelpmonger, one of the top envoys in the Syndicate currently on assignment in the Glirr Entity.

“Come in,” Fiz started to complain “is something I would say if you had asked to enter, Kelpmonger. Wait until the others are out, if you may.”

A bodyguard near Fiz gave a look to another guard and Fiz waved them away “It’s alright. He, and only he, is the one who can do this. Look at you Kirill, you’ve grown so much.”

Kirill gave a fake smile and nodded, his upper arms clutching one another as a sign of respect, the lower arms holding onto a data deck, no doubt containing crucial information.

“Your insults are just as rare as your compliment Fiz, I am honoured. Yes, I have been eating well. My family has acquired another Menjeti farm in Swell and things are looking good.”

“Too good. You’re bursting out of your vest.” Fiz chuckled to himself. The bodyguards were of stern and focused determination, engineered that way no doubt. They were the few Greeb he felt he could trust. The cave lights shifted colour to be more appeasing to Fiz, he grew up the blue corals off the Bay of Whols, it made him calmer and infinitely more tolerable towards Kirill. The Kelpmongers were a rich family in the Syndicate, with their grubby arms on multiple planets. The fact that they slithered their way into high ranking positions within the Syndicate was inevitable. Not that the Baydwellers weren’t well represented either, but these kind of rivalries formed over centuries naturally. Before, it was competition between caves and corals, and now they hide in the nooks and crannies of the galaxy. Fiz had no doubt that the rivalries would carry on across multiple galaxies, if this were ever to be a reality.

“I am glad.” Fiz relaxed his fins and floated upon himself, resting calmly on his tail and partially on the table in front of them. Finest Tarcadal slabs, smoother and strong, but delicate in appearance. Simply flawless, as all things Greeb.

Kirill sat himself at a corner of the roundish table and put the data deck on the table. The holoport on top of it shone slightly in anticipation, surely.

“Listen, things are going crazy. You won’t believe what a cousin of mine fished out.”

“The SIS cousin?” Fiz replied, his head leaning on the clenched hands of his upper arms.

“Yes, that one.” He pressed a button on the data deck and licked his lips and smiled. “You will like this.”

The image was that of a station within a star system. A large space station, citadel class no doubt, with many defense platforms and a heightened structure. It was imposing, and looked similarly to those of the Ikaanen, a bird species in the lower sectors of the Galaxy. Yet this one seemed much bigger than any the Ikaanen fielded. It had intricate designs in the upper section and extensions on multiple levels, indicating large shipyards buried within.

“Have you ever seen anything like this?” Kirill asked excitedly, he seemed to lick his lips often, a nervous tick perhaps.

Fiz nodded “Ikaanen type. This one is big. Should we be worried about the Stellar Hegemony?”

Kirill waved his arms in a dismissive fashion “By the gods, no, no. Not at all. They are a pitiful stain on the galaxy that will hopefully be eradicated by the Prikki.”

Fiz’s look became stern with Kirill “You don’t mean to tell me you are pro-Prikki?”

Kirill laughed it off and waved an arm “Oh, you know what I mean! I am pro-Prikki if they’re killing non-Greeb.”

Fiz nodded “The station.” He pointed with a finger to the deck and Kirill jerked upward and nodded. “Of course! Yes, so my cousin in the Syndicate Intelligence Services got this deck to me. It took quite some work he said but he always says that. He ended up being able to get this to me in a simple handshake! Anyway, it matters not how, but what it contains.”

“It would have reached me anyway, Kirill. You’re aware I am the High Analyst?” Fiz stared at Kirill and Kirill shrugged “I just thought…”

“You could swim alongside me and eat my meals, yeah?”

“Yeah…” he drooped slightly and sank in the water.

“You’re right. I like to keep you close Kirill. We shall feast together sometime soon.” Fiz smiled and waited to see if Kirill would take the bait. It would always help to have someone within the Kelpmonger family to get into from.

Kirill lit up and straightened up again “I would like that High Analyst!” Baited.

“Go on.” Fiz waved a hand and Kirill nodded.

“Right, you see these small stars upon the backdrop of our galaxy? Now those are not stars in the background.”

Kirill zoomed on a group of lights that looked like stars at first, oddly bunched up and tightly packed. It turned out to be spaceships. Corvette-sized ships, and many.

“When did the Stellar Hegemony get so strong?” Fiz asked and leaned forward, studying the screen in front of him.

Kirill shook his head “No, you won’t believe this. Well, we didn’t at first either. Do you recall the Twax’Ihdar?”

“The Fallen Empire? The elders of old? Oh, yes, there are many stories about them. We know barely anything about them. They keep to themselves and they let us look, and speak to us, but they say little. Didn’t they kidnap a science team a few decades ago?”

“All hearsay and rumours. They only defend themselves if attacked and save for a few pirates, no one dares. They are so technologically advanced it would be suicide.”

“Ah there was that one pirate that went-”

“Folorn?”

“Yes, Folorn! Remember him?” Fiz laughed.

“Oh yes, he had it broadcast at the time! Not many saw it, but it was sure crazy. I am surprised you saw it!”

Fiz nodded “Oh yes, we had it passed around on our data decks at the time. It was a laugh worth, that’s all. A giggle maybe, but when we were younger we really enjoyed that.”

Kirill stared off and smiled “Funny how that happens. Anyway, the Twax have ‘awoken’ as the intelligence Greeb call it.”

“Awoken?” Fiz widened his eyes.

Kirill nodded “Yes, they’re awake.”

Fiz laughed “OK, and what else? What are they up to?”

Kirill nodded and swiped a hand. It went to another picture. This was a planet of greenish-blue hue in the centre focus, with many transport ships coming from it’s atmosphere, heading outwards from the planet. In the background the star around which it revolves is slightly visible, a number in the top right indicates the date and place the picture was taken.

“Are these the Stellar Hegemony?” Fiz wondered, he was unsure now. Was Kirill playing some mind game?

“No, worse yet. The Thamesian Restorers.”

“Who?” Fiz genuinely had no idea and felt a bit abashed he did not.

Kirill seemed to perceive this somehow, and calmed Fiz “Worry not! I did not know about them prior to receiving these pictures! You would not believe it, they are also an aquatic species like us!”

Fiz clapped his four hands together “That’s wonderful!”

“And they hate us!” Kirill laughed.

Fiz laughed as well “As we do them! But how nice to have another aquatic species within the galaxy.”

“Oh yes! It’s great! However, they are gearing up for war it seems. They, too, asides these many, many transport ships full of their gene-modified soldiers, they have hundreds, thousands of ships churning out of their shipyards and going into their space. Most of the ships, according to reports, are heading towards Twax space. It seems that there was a rivalry between the two Empires that began long, long ago and is ongoing.”

“Have you heard any specifics?” Fiz asked.

Kirill leaned back slightly and crossed his arms. “Yes, there are a few rumours. Nothing is certain to be sure. But there are a few. The first one I heard from the driver on my way over here from my residence. Many, many eons ago the Thamesian’s declared war on the Twax’Ihdar first, and kidnapped many millions of them and enslaving them. The Twax’Ihdar swore revenge and wars came and went.

“There is another story that the Twax’Ihdar had helped a rival of the Thamesians and this created a blood feud that could never be undone, according to Thamesian society.

“I prefer, however, the story of the young Twax’Ihdar bride, abandoned after giving birth to - Thamesian-Twax’Ihdar… Twaxesian? Tham’Ihdar? - children. They were forced to be given away and the husband of the bride vowed revenge upon the family of the bride. Things escalated higher and higher until the two rivals became rivals not out of reasons of diplomacy on a galactic scale, but love. Simply by love.”

“You think they are capable of love?” Fiz asked, skeptical.

“I think all beings in the galaxy are capable of love, Analyst. Yet, how this love is shown, is different for all. But it has one thing in common: it’s good.”

“Good?” Fiz laughed “There is no good or bad. These are things we attribute to subjective perceptions of our own! What is good for a Greeb is bad for a Caloctoran!”

“Exactly.” Kirill nodded “But if you call it love, it is good…”

There was a slight pause as they pondered it. Kirill continued “Regardless, the build-up is of an incredible proportion. We fear there might be a war in due time.”

Fiz stared at Kirill “A… war? These two? It would… it would be huge.”

“Galactic.”

There was a pause.

They both laughed. “That was horrible!” Fiz laughed, Kirill agreed “Oh, I had to. Anyway, we’re fucked though. For real.”

Fiz nodded and smiled “Yeah… yeah…”