The Tandish Assembly

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter One - The Tandish Assembly

Tandi Evolution​

In the mists of time the Tandy had started out as a non-intelligence Hive race. But over time certain individuals developed their own intelligence free from the Hive. Soon the individual thinkers became the movers and shakers of the Hive. From that point on the Tandy civilizations grew as the 'Thinkers' took over the upper levels of the society. They set its goals, decided on all projects and major decisions. It was only a matter of time before the Hive, as a whole, developed individuals with a sense of 'self' whill still being part of the overall Hive 'central mind'.

The Tandy (or Tandi if you used the plural form) were a weak arthropoid race with a short lifespan. But they were industrious and were communal. They were use to working long hours and close proximity of others. They also developed a belief that resources must be conserved and recycled. This would channel a lot of their actions and policies.

Prosperous Unification​

In the eons since the first Tandy communities took shape in the dense jungles of Nest their civilizations spread and prospered.

As they progressed through the technological ages, there were many religions among their people that contended witrh each other for followers. Gradually, sometimes peacefully and sometimes less so, the true faith found its way to all corners of their world.

And in the end the faithful were united under a single universal church. And forming a Theocratic Oligarchy.

Of course, this came about because of they had become Spiritualists. They saw the universe as a dream they all had to share.

Which also meant they also embraced the unfamiliar. They were, in other words, Xenophiles.

Which also meant they had become Egalitarian. Embracing equality between its members. Even those who were poor thinkers.

They had a tradition of using the diplomatic corps to settle most issues between parties and, therefore, the planetary government encouraged rhetoric and debate.

They had also unlocked catalytic processing with allowed them to use organic materals in the construction of spacebound structures. Such as space stations and space craft.

Now, after the discovery of the hyperlane network, the finest minds of the Tandish Assembly have finished develpment of the first hyper drives. The stars themselves are finally within the Tandi grasp!

Their homeplanet, a tropical world named Nest, was in the system named Daystar. Funny enough they had two stars which were named Daystar A and Daystar B. Their first space station, with the shipyard, was in orbit around Daystar A.

This is their story.

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OOC Stuff :

Greetings folks! Welcome to my first Stellaris AAR. Why bugs? As a kid I was into social insects and even had a ant farm.

Also ants are interesting as the nests DO have 'smart' ants who take the initiative. They are the first try to move a rock or move a colony to a new nest. They recruit others and soon the ball is rolling.

It kind of happens with humans too. As new ideas and information is created by inventors or scientists the public will copy and adopt such new ideas.

So I will try to role play as best I can. No max/min stuff. If we die out we die out. And we get a short AAR.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Two - Major Decisions

The First Thinker of the Tandish Assembly was in its private meditation chamber. It was sitting on a small chair designed for the Tandy body. From a human point of view it would looked more like a footstool who mated with a cup. The First Thinker's legs and arms were folded close to the body as it listened to the sounds of a jungle that was being played over the hidden speakers.

The atmosphere within the chamber was warm and humid. What many of its race would think of as a perfect balance. Between the soundscape and the warm moisture the First Thinker found itself in a calm, relaxed, state.

Sebakhir had been, before being picked by the Council of Thinkers, just another Government Official. But Sebakhir had been lucky to have made the right choices during its early career. And was known for being very principled. At the age of 34 planetary cycles, of course, it was a little on the old side.

Like many who worked within the planetary government Sebakhir was a Spiritualist. Few passed the government interviewers without some belief in the Dream that was the universe. A Dream that gave birth to the Tandy and taught them how to live, think, love, and die as civilized creatures.

Sebakhir shifted a tad on the chair. The thought that the government would soon, maybe, be a interplanetary government, did cause ripples in its calm. It tried to clear its mind and focus on the sounds and warmth of the chamber. Trying to become one with the Nest, and the Dream, and its inner Peace.

Then there was a sudden soft beeping. The alarm. The meeting with the three Leaders who worked with the First Thinker and would help shape the Assembly was about to start.

It let off a clicking as it unfolded its limbs and moved towards the exit of the meditation chamber. It would have preferred to stay a little longer but it had a duty to the Nest and to the Tandy race.

It moved through its private chambers. The home of the First Thinker was designed to let in as much light as possible while, at the same time, still giving the owner some privcy.

The windows, the artwork, the machinery. All had a function and, yet, was also designed to look natural. Patterns within patterns. It looked almost grown.

Even the tele-room, into which the First Thinker entered, looked somewhat natural and even asymmetrical.

But within its walls, within the floor, were powerful pieces of equipment designed to allow the First Thinker access to the vast network of the planet's communication centers.

As the machinery warmed up the First Thinker settled itself into another chair and tried to project a calm appearance.

As the holograms of the others slowly were formed before the First Thinker it gave off a click of greetings.

Before it were the three Leaders. In some way they were co-rulers and in some ways they were aides.

The Scientist Darmug was the Head of Thinking. Known for its knowledge of propuision it was likely the reason that faster-than-light travel was now possible. Funny enough it had started out life as a farmer. But some spark within it had pushed it to become a scientist.

Maybe because it wanted to go out and find the new and the unfamiliar. A Xenophile to the core. Funny enough it was one of the few in the government who was NOT a Spiritualist.

Then there was Official Ghuumi who was the Minister of Talking. It was known for being a reformer. It had also started out as a farmer. Maybe working in the fields had made it wish for change?

It was also a Spiritualist. But seemed to look forward to creating relations with 'offworlders'. And it was also the Governor of Nest. After all the First Thinker had to focus on the big picture.

Then there was the Minister of Peace. Commander Mannobak who was a Spiritualist and was now in charge of the tiny Suthnar's Armada. Which it wanted to make bigger.

Its previous job had been Chief Security Officer and it was known as a butcher. Though why it was known by that term had been locked away in its files. Even First Thinker, who could access the information, felt it was better for his peace of mind not to know.

The meeting started with the First Thinker making decisions on which direction research would go in. It was finally decided that three branches of technology would be followed.

Global energy management, biodiversity studies, and geothermal fracking.

It was also noticed that the Construction Ship was being idle. And Karba's Landing needed a new Mining Base. So the ship's crew was ordered to make one in the planet's orbit.

It was also agreed that the ISS Kodram the Suave, the Science Ship, would be sent to survey Toiubos. It was one of the nearest systems that the scientists belived showed signs that it had planets that could be colonized. And Darmug would be the captain. It was thrilled to be the first to explore a new solar system.

But there was some debate about the next decision. The Commander wanted more Corvettes. While the Scientist wanted another Science Ship. The Minister of Talking backed the Scientist. Likely due to its own interest in what was out there.

So the Shipyard was told to make another Science ship.

The meeting had come to an end. The First Thinker clicked a farewell and the images flickered out.

It stood up and pondered if this meeting was the first of many productive meetings? Or would future meetings be filled with agruments and chaos?

It shook itself, as if trying to shake off any negative feelings, and went to the dining area to have something to eat.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Three - The System Daystar

The Daystar was, in fact, a binary star system. Daystar A was a Class A Star. Also known as a Dwarf Star. They have a fast spin and put out a lot of infrared radiation. It was larger then Daystar B.

The Daystar A Station was in orbit around Daystar A. Along with Suthnar's Armada.

The Daystar B was a Class F Star and had a Mining Station in orbit. Also know as a Yellow-White Dwarf. They are known for having larger habitable zones when compared to some stars but also short lifespans. And more intense light.

In the Habitable Zone of the binary stars was the Nest. The Home of the Tandy. Which somewhat benefitted from the extra light and heat. After all, it was a tropical planet.

And also the Empire's Capital. A tropical world full of wonderful jungles, waterfalls, and great beauty. But also wastelands, factories, and mines.

Yet there was no crime, plenty of housing and amenities. There were still jobs that needed workers and, in fact, there was negative unemployment.

Sadly there were no other planets available insystem to colonize. There were planets full of resources and energy in the form of one molten world, one toxic world, two gas worlds, three barren worlds, and many moons. Mining stations and Research stations did their best to collect resources, enegry, and knowledge.

But now with the hyperlanes the Empire would soon have everything they could ever need.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Four - First Contact

The ISS Kodram the Suave came out of the hyperlane and slipped back into normal space. The bridge crew stared at the screens as sensors started to soak up the information from the Toiubos system.

Darmug was also on the bridge. It shook, just a tad, from excitement. How could it not? The Head of Thinking was living its dreams. It was in a alien solar system. The reddish star on the hologramic map in the center of the bridge could not be ingored.

The warm lights and moist air of the bridge did nothing to trick Darmug into thinking it was still back on Nest. There was no way to stay totally calm with such a image before it. A different star kind of suggested one was no longer at home.

As the information poured into the ship's computers the crew was able to start building up a picture of what was before them.

Data started to appear next to the star and the planets. Darmug stepped closer to the flickering map as more and more information was added to it and the details increased.

The system had a Class M star. In other words a Red Dwarf. Which was orbited by seven worlds. One of which, if the sensors could be believed, had a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere. And there were signs of life.

Darmug tried to keep calm and pondered how important the third semi-cycle of the planetary cycle 2200 would become. That date would go down in history as when the Tandy became a interplanetary species.

Before Damug could order the crew to set course for the first planet to be scanned, to start the survey, there was a beeping from the communcation station. Somebody, or something, was hailing them.

Darmug, and much of the crew, almost froze in shock. There was nothing in the alien system to suggest an advanced civilization. No artificial structures, no power grids, and no pollution. At least none that had been detected as of yet.

Darmug answered the hailing and was presented with the first intelligence alien it had ever seen. Or, to be honest, the first alien it had ever seen.

The creature was a member of the Avallonian Remant. And the message was less of a greeting as much of a warning. It claimed to belong to a civilization that had been around for eons and told the Tandy to stay out of their region of space.

Darmug tried to reply in a friendly manner. But it was a tad upset to realize that First Contact was with a grumpy old race who wanted the Tandy to stay off their flower beds.

As the alien ended its transmission Darmug ordered the crew to start the official survey of the system. The order no longer felt historcial in nature. It now felt more like a afterthought. The words the Head of Thinking had used would be overshadowed by what had just happened.

While the crew set the ship on a course that would allow it to visit all the worlds that needed exploring Darmug went to its cabin to assemble a data packet that needed to be sent back home. It was no longer filled with joy. It was somewhat disappointed to be honest.

Maybe the universe wasn't going to as wonderful a place as it had thought?

Not all details of the First Contact was released to the public. Just that an older civilization had gotten in touch with the survey team and seemed to be peaceful.

Nothing about them being grumpy old isolarionists was even hinted at in any of the news releases. So the end result was a public excited and happy about the First Contact.

Of course, the First Thinker ordered the deep space sensors to work with the survey team's sensors to pinpoint the origin of the transmission.

The sensors seemed to suggest the Avallonian Remnent may be advanced but only had a few systems under their control. If the data was correct. Sadly, they seemed to be close neighbors.

The First Thinker would have to be careful. And maybe a SLOW build up of warships was NOT out of the question. But it also knew that exploring, growing, and advancing their own technology was also just as important.

They needed to keep a balance. And not alarm the populace.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Five - Science!

Around the same time the public was debating about the aliens - what were they like, how did they live, did they have a sense of humor - the second Science Ship the ISS Linntyl the Sharp was completed and ready for its first mission.

Like the Kodram in the Toiubos system it was a II-Koth Class. And like the other Science Ship it was about to be sent out to explore the Dream that was the universe.

Its Captain was selected from the pool of available scientists. Falatir was 38, known as a egalitarian and a roamer. The idea of exploring the universe was its dream since it had been young student.

When the media asked how Falatir felt about being assigned to the new Science Ship it said, "The dream of the scientist is to benefit society."

Finally its dream came true as it was ordered to the Dongar system.

On the way there it renewed its knowledge on planetary science and made sure all the systems were checked and double checked.

ISS Linntyl the Sharp kept in touch with both Nest and the ISS Kodram The Suave. Now that it was known that there were aliens out there it was felt that no ship or outpost should be out of contact with each other for very long.

The only news from the home system of any import was the fact that the ISS Rukimar The Renowned, the Comstruction Ship, had competed the Mining Station in orbit around Karba's Landing.

And the news from Darmug was his surveying had barely started. The Toiubos system was pretty crowded and Falatir would likely finish surveying the Dongar system first even though they had started later.

The journey didn't take that long before they finally slipped back into normal space.

As the sensors started to build up a map of the system Falatir couldn't help but glance at the communication center. But there was no alarm.

The hologramic map at the center of the bridge showed a very small system. Even as the crew calculated a course the computers were projecting data on the map.

The star was a Class G star. A Yellow Dwarf. Around it were only three planets. Not really promising to be honest.

But Falatir became interested in the last planet they would be scanning. The data flickering around its image was drawing it in.

Dongar III had a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere and there were signs of water. It was likely a ocean world.

Falatir was quick to sit down at one of the science stations to put together a data packet for the First Thinker. While there had been no alien contact there was another planet that might be a future colony for the Empire. The first settlement outside of Daystar?

If the survey team was fast enough they could likely suggest a starbase be built in the system. Once there was a base a colony ship could soon follow.

Maybe they would call the new settlement after Falatir?

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Six - Second Contact

Back at Daystar A Station they had started construction on a new Construction Ship.

It was felt as more and more space was explored, they would need a fleet of construction ships to build mining stations and space stations and so forth.

Of course at this point the public wanted more information about the Avallonian Remnant. What did they believe in? What was their art like? Could they see the color red?

The problem was that the government had no answers for them. The aliens refused to open their borders to the Tandish Assembly.

Then Falatir reported a finding at Dongar I. Seems the ship's scanners had detected a material that had a strange composition. It might be interesting to gather samples in the future.

No doubt the Science Ships would find many interesting irregularities in the future.

After a few semi-cycles into the new planetary cycle the survey of Dongar had been completed.

It was ordered that the newest Construction Ship, the ISS Ruthjara The Icon, set couse to Dongar and build a Space Station.

Falatir, and the ISS Linntyl The Sharp, was ordered to the new system the government had named Dothon. To carry out another survey.

Then there was a meeting of the Council of the Hive Thinkers. The grestest of them all getting together over cocktails and platters of food as they debated where society should go next.

After hours of debate, food fights, and somebody dancing on a table drunk and FULLY clothed, it was decided that the government should focus on using planets more efficently. After all, they would be running into many types and being flexible and adapting to them would be best.

It took awhile but soon the Space Station in Dongar had been finally finished.

The Manager of the NEW Station was very pleased. The Construction Ship had just beamed a farewell message after unoloading the last of the supplies and spare equipment. Now it was setting course to start building a mining station in obrit around Dongar I and then another mining station around the star itself.

The Manager, and its staff, had spent weeks in hyperspace and even more time on the Construction Ship as the station was slowly being put together. They had used that time wisely. Learning the ins and outs of life in space. Studying, drilling, reading.

Now they could truly test out their knowledge from within the fully operational station as they had been trained too. Keeping life support working, scanning the system for the unknown, and preparing to help future travellers, traders, and those colonists who planned to come to the ocean planet. At least they assumed there would be colonists.

The buzz of the staff as they worked in the Command Center was almost peaceful when mixed with the hum of life support and the soft beeping of the equipment

The Manager leaned back in its Command Chair. It was looking forward to the Colony Ship being sent. If they made a colony insystem there would be fresh produce instead of space food for the staff of Dongar's Space Station.

The Manager was in fact daydreaming about REAL food when the communcation station let off an alarm. They were being hailed. Everyone in the Center stared at it, then at the Manager, then at the com station again.

When the Manager finally answered the hail there wasn't a Tandy at the other end of the exchange. It was an alien. A totally different alien than those of the Avallonian Remnant.

The Uv-Xantt Forerunners seemed friendly enough. But also they did seem surprised that the Tandy had reached so far into space. It must of been the activation of the station that had drawn them to make contact.

The public back at Nest, once they learned about the second alien civilization, were just as happy and excited as they had been over the report of the first alien civilization.

The sensors from Nest and the Science Ships showed the Forerunners were in the other direction. They were ALSO close neighbors.

The First Thinker had a mixed reaction to hearing about the Second Contact. On one claw they seemed friendly. On the other claw the universe was proving more crowded than anybody had forseen.

Maybe more warships WERE needed?

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Seven - The Cult Of Ancient Aliens & the Youth

The park was as close to a wild jungle as the ground keepers could get it. It was just one of a dozen such parks in the capital. All cities had them. The Tandi Assembly liked to keep the cities green. Like most of their planet.

To be honest to call the capital a city wasn't really proper. Most 'cities' spread themselves out over the surface. There were few tall buildings or large underground structures. And even the buildings looked more like natural hills as they were covered in organic solar panels and water collectors.

This meant that the First Thinker could enjoy its walk amoung the pathways of the park and not even see one building in the distance.

The only object to hint of civilization was the poles that made up the sonic fence. It kept the carnivorous plants from getting onto the pathways and eating the visitors.

The First Thinker was visiting the park because sometimes a meditation chamber just wasn't enough. You needed to get out of one's residence and enjoy the great outdoor. Or at least the nearest park.

Sebakhir was somewhat upset by some of the changes that was happening to its people after the First and Second Contact.

A small part of the populace, almost microscopic size of the people to be honest, had started acting strangely. They believed that having made contact with the older alien races there was no need to have scientists or research or even space travel. Surely the aliens could tell us all we needed to know?

Parts of the populace were acting like there was no need to even THINK or DREAM anymore. Some of them were even wearing CLOTHING like they had seen in the images of the aliens. They had become a Cult. Something not seen for thousands of years.

Other parts of the populace had found themselves with increased anxiety attacks. Where did aliens fit in the Dream? The Dream was the universe, the Dream was the giver of all, the Dream was the gift of life. Where did the Tandi fit in with the rest of the aliens? If we were all equal before the Dream why were the other aliens so much more advanced? Had we failed the dream?

Some of the young ones were so concerned about this fear that there were reports of many young adults transforming from their male or female gender into a neutral gender before their time. Some not even mating before the change hit them.

The First Thinker felt sorry for them. It remembered when it was a male and the wonderful, if short time, it had bonded. What a couple Sebahir and Darnke had been.

It stopped for a few seconds to ponder the last time it had sent Darnke a fruit basket. And it pondered how its offspring were doing. When it got back home it would have to spend some time in the tele-room getting in touch with them.

It glanced up at the two suns and enjoyed the moist breeze coming out of the thick jungle. The clicks of the flying frugivores with their tiny helium filled bodies, warning hoots of the giant arboreal beatles as they swung through the trees with their long legs, and the sounds of the branches moving under the weight of glider spiders was a delightful background mixture of noise which added to the warmth of the suns.

It took comfort in the fact that it believed in the Tandish Assembly and in the Dream. And the Assembly would make it. They would survive if they were worthy. And if they were not worthy...well...they would do their best to die as they had lived. With mercy and love and honor.

Yes, it would make sure to call its loved ones when it returned from its walk. It would bring it joy and comfort. Sometimes you had to make time for yourself.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Eight - More Discoveries And A Colony Ship

At this point in time the First Thinker had ordered a Illajon-Class Colony Ship to be placed next on the queue of ships to be built in the Shipyard of Daystar A Station. As the first ever spaceship of its kind it was unknown how long it would take to put together.

Also recruitment of the coloniests was something to be taken very seriously. Taking families would likely create a more stable colony than bringing hundreds of single individuals. Not only would the colony need engineers, doctors, and teachers. But being that the target planet was a ocean planet there would also be a need for marine scientists.

Then there was news from Falatir and the ISS Linntyl. They had detected the remains of a ciivilization on Dothon I. They had dated the artifacts they had found at around 12 MILLION years old. The computers, with some guess work from the scientists, had been able to translate from the runes on the artifacts. The aliens had called themselves the "Vultaum Star Assembly" and had been worm-like annelids. Worms, in other words, who had been two to three meters in length. The scientists suggested the aliens talked to each other with vibrations.

This news seemed to shock the public. Had there been aliens flying about in space while the Tandi were nothing but still non-thinking animals? Had the aliens noticed the Tandi Or simply ignored the Tandi? Their planet had been so close. And what had happened to them?

The debate among the media raged on for weeks after the news had been released to the public. Had the aliens visted Nest? Had they ignored the Tandi? Studied the Tandi? Changed them in some way?

There was good news. Or mixed news. Based on your point of view. The Uv-Xantt announced that they were opening their borders to the Tandish Assembly.

This seemed to please the public. They talked about trade and tourism and profit and cultural exchanges.

But many in the government were not too sure this was a GOOD thing. Would the Uv-Xantt send in spies? What kind of germs did they carry? Would they flood the economy with cheap goods and destroy local businesses?

While this was happening the Council of Hive Thinkers decided that the next step in society's development should be to understand the consequences of the population's actions within the ecology.

The First Thinker's own Council had also made a decision. They would push the Agenda of Infinite Opportinmities. In other words, the govenment would promote and celebrate every technololigical step the Tandi made up the great ladder of science and discovery.

Soon the Construction Ship, the ISS Ruthjara The Icon, had finished building the Mining Station in orbit around Dongar I. It went on to build one next to Dongar. In other words the star.

About five semi-cycles of a planetary cycle later things were starting to calm down. Then the Head Of Thinking, whose ship the Kodram was still surveying the Toiubos system, stated that the sensors had found something on one of the moons around Toiubos V. They reported that there were Rare Crystals on the moon.

While the crystals could be used in advanced electronics or even just be used as adornment the Assembly did not have the advanced equipment needed to extract the crystals. Yet.

Darmug suggested a Starbase be built as soon as possible to claim the system. Once the survey was over, of course.

As the ISS Ruthjara The Icon had finished putting together the Mining Station in orbit around Dongar it was ordered to Toiubos right away to make a Starbase.

A few semi-cycles later the Shipyard of Daystar A Station finished the first colony ship. Named the ISS Jimmab The Powerful. The First Thinker decided to order the Shipyard to make another Colony Ship. Toiubos had a planet that was just waiting for settlers. All that was needed was for the Starbase to be made.

The first colony ship was ordered to head to Dongar III and colonize it. Many a bonded couple, some with small offspring, said their last goodbyes to friends and family as they were shuttled to the ISS Jimmab with their few belongings they were allowed to take with them.

Many were already missing their past life while looking forward to their future life.

With the new age opening up with the promise of Tandi spreading out into the galaxy the Council of Hive Thinkers announced that Appropriation was now a policy. In other words where there was land to worked and shaped and lived on is where settlers would be sent. In simple language workers would be relocated as needed.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Nine - More Decisions

The First Thinker, Sebakhir, was once again in its private meditation chamber. They sat on its chair, trying to take in the peaceful atmosphere. Its warmth, its jungle sounds, its natural feel.

It was trying to calm down and prepare for another major meeting between it and the other Thinkers. Its aides, its partners in the Dream of the Tandish Assembly.

It seemed forever and yet it seemed like no time had passed at all when there was the soft beeping. The meeting was about to start.

It unfolded its limbs and exited the meditation chamber. As it moved through its private chambers it glanced at some new images sent to it from family. Many of its offspring had sent images of their own offspring. It clicked in sadness. Tandi lived fast and died early.

It was already a grandparent yet, when compared to the lifespans of many creastures of its own planet, it would die soon. It would likely spend very little time with the grandchildren.

The tele-room was already warmed up and ready to be switched on. As it took its chair the holograms started to appear before it.
It clicked a greeting to the three Leaders.

The Minister of Talking, Ghuumi, Governor of the Nest. It lived and worked in the capital city and its image was sharp and crisp.

The Minister of Peace, Commander Mannobak, was broadcasting from the warships that orbited Daystar A. Its image was also solid looking.

Their holograms seemed normal enough. It was almost as if they were there.

The Scientist Darmug, the Head of Thinking, on the other claw didn't look too good. Or, at least, Its hologram was having trouble.

The reason for this was somewhat simple. The Kodram The Suave had finished surveying the Toiubos system and moved onto a nearby system called Zarim. Nearby being a relative term.

Zarim had a G Class star and lots of planets and asteroids. Some of the asteroids were made up of ice. Though there were no planets that could be colonized. At the moment. So, on one claw, no room to grow.

On the other claw that meant a LOT of resources. Lots of work for the miners and the geologists.

The problem was that the distance, plus the time difference, space dust, and power requirements were causing the sub-space network that the tele-room, and all forms of communcation systems depended on, some problems.

Darmug's image rippled and froze. And its audio was just as bad. Still, the meeting had to be.

It was time to review the status of the Empire and make some decisions. And face-to-face was the best way to make such decisions.

First it was pointed out that the Linntyl and Falatir had almost finished surveying Dothon. Which had no habitable planet but, like Zarim, a lot of resources.

It was also noticed that while Karba's Landing had a Mining Station its moons had no Mining Stations.

So it was decided to use the two Construction Ships in the system to make sure both moons were being mined. The Rukimar was sent to Ultrsak's Point while Donog was sent to Odranka's Holding.

The Daystar A Station was already working on the second Colony Ship and recruitment was in full swing. The Minister of Peace clicked in protest. They would surely need more warships soon it pointed out.

While everybody agreed, in theory, it was decided that warships would have to wait til they had more powerful weapons and equipment available for the hulls.

The ISS Ruthjara The Icon was already in the system of Toiubos to build a Starbase. Which would than allow the Assembly to colonize the system. Which was why the second Colony Ship was being put together.

They DID decide on the next Agenda. Which was to help Society Evolve. That they needed to encourage new ideas and theories to help improve themselves. New ways of doing things had to be debated and embraced.

Then they debated the aliens. Where they were a little worried. Even the Uv-Xantt Forerunners, who seemed somewhat friendly, were not really as friendly as they seemed.

They refused to trade with the Assembly. Even in pure information. It was upsetting and made the Minister of Peace's demands for more warships harder to deflect.

The public, and many of the media outlets, were demanding more news about the aliens. They wanted to know about what the aliens ate, what the aliens thought, they wanted samples of alien music, they wanted to understand the alien's sense of humor, and many younger Tandy wanted cultural exchanges. They wanted to visit alien schools, museums, and planets.

And in return many wanted to have the aliens come to visit the Nest. The Cults were REALLY demanding to give the aliens access to the Nest. After all, had not the Forerunners opened their border? Why not open our own? Surely that would only be fair?

The First Thinker asked the Minister of Talking to try to deal with the press. To try its best to tell the truth without telling too many facts. Because, to be honest, there were not a lot of facts to tell.

Then the meeting came to an end and after the First Thinker said its farewell the images started to flicker out. It unfolded its limbs and left the tele-room once the holograms faded away completely.

It would have to talk to some technicians about boosting the sub-space communcation network's power somehow. As the Empire grew they would need a better network. Data packets were all nice and good but sometimes you needed to talk face-to-face.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Ten - The First Colony

Falatir, and the ISS Linntyl The Sharp, had finally finished the survey of the Dothon system.

It was looking forward to a new assignment. It didn't have to wait long. The next system it was going to be asked to explore was Ulm. All that was known about it, at least the only thing for sure that long range sensors would detect, was that it had a Class M star.

Falatir ordered the crew to set course for the new system. It was almost twitching with joy mixed with excitement as the ship moved towards the entry point for the hyperlane.

With the coming of the new planetary cycle the Ultrak's Point Research Station had been finished.

This meant that ISS Rukimer The Renowed, the Construction Ship, was now idle and available.

It was sent to Dothon. Though resources to build a Starbase was not available yet it was decided the crew and ship should be in position when the material and energy was available.

And a few days later the greatest news since contact with aliens flooded the media and information networks. The First Tandy Colony had been planted on an alien planet.

Well, not planted. More like...floated? The Colony Ship had splashdowned onto the ocean of Dongar Prime. Which was the name the colonists had voted on to replace the old one. Dongar III had seemed so boring.

The ship's crew had picked the landing region so as to be next to a large archigelago. The settlers were already setting up tents and prefeb buildings on the many islands. The engineers were also in the process of removing the ship's reactor. The Colony Ship would never move again but would now house the administrative center of the colony.

It would take some time to become a fully independent settlement. Most estimates suggested it would take a couple of planetary cycles. Until it was completed Ghuumi would act as the Sector Governor and oversee its development.

And there were dangers. While some of the land was useable there were dangerous animals, dense jungles, impassable mountains, and cetain kelp beds in the water that had to be avoided due to being toxic.

But many within the populace could not wait to relocate to the new colony. Danger or no danger. Many would be shipped there to join the first settlers once the colony was ready. If they had skills needed and passed all the psychological testing, of course.

 

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Chapter Eleven - Homeworld Improvement

The First Thinker's attention turned away from the new colony to Nest. While the people celebrated the idea of spreading out into space, settling new worlds and exploring the universe, there was still the homeworld to think about.

It and Ghuumi met face to face in Sebakhir's residence. They were less likely to be interrupted by the media. There was a certain code of conduct, even for the news-predators, and visiting somebody's home was a big no-no.

After Sebakhir greeted the Minister of Talking and they both enjoyed a cup of warm caffeined drink they were soon down to business. What to do to help improve the Nest?

It was decided they needed to clear out some areas. First, was to pull down the old buildings in the slums. Ghuumi agreed that they were a eye sore and nobody even lived there anymore. The land could be turned into proper housing for the populace and maybe help bring about some growth.

Then there was the industrial wasteland. If they cleared those areas they could use the reclaimed land for farming and animal husbandry. Nothing like roasted roots with your grilled steak straight from the agricultural co-ops.

Once that was decided on there were more options to talk about. There WERE some decisions they could take. But they both agreed the ideas cost too much in resources to carry out right now. And to be honest none of the decisions were attractive at the moment.

They also discussed new government funded buildings they could construct. Their homeworld already had two temples, a research lab, and planetary administration complex. Once again their wasn't enough resources to build another facility.

On other hand they were leaning towards the first new building, once they had the resources, being a momument to those who had gone into the deep dark before the hyperdrive had been invented. Those pioneers, those first space travellers, should be respected. They had expanded the Assembly's knowledge of both science and the Dream.

They had ridden pillars of flame into the sky. They had walked in space and had sent back photos of the Nest like never seen before.

There would be some critics. They would complain about the waste of work and funding. But sometimes you had to remind people of the dangers of the Frontier. Be the Frontier the icy darkness of space, or the unknown lands on the far side of the hill, or even new fields of amazing science.

But in reminding them of the dangers they would also be reminded of those great people, those pioneers, those giants of history who refused to let fear keep them back and they had marched into the flames of progress. Not knowing what would happen. And sometimes KNOWING there was a chance of never returning.

But they had done it anyway.

As the meeting ended, and the First Thinker escorted Ghuumi to the entry after giving it a parting gift of fruit, it thought about how wonderful it would be to see the Nest covered in green and totally clear of all polluants.

Then there was good news. The Starbase in the system of Toiubos had been finished. Once the second Colony Ship was finished it could be sent to that system to start another colony!

Even as the Starbase came online the ISS Ruthjara The Icon was moving to Toiubos Ia, a moon, to build a Mining Station.

Now the Empire numbered three systems. How quickly it was growing. Could the people adjust to such changes or would they suffer from things moving too fast?

 

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Chapter Twelve - More Science!

Soon the ISS Donog The Apogee announced it had finished building the Research Station in orbit around the moon called Odranka's Holding. Its crew was told to rest for a few days as the First Thinker decided where to send it next.

The Head of Thinking, Darmug, was also told by the Scientists on the homeworld that much of the Research Projects were still...well, researching. Geothermal Fracking was the nearest to being completed and that was still almost a planetary cycle away from finishing.

And the second Colony Ship was still being worked on.

But then Darmug, and the ISS Kodram, discovered something in the System of Zarim. A pattern of interference. It asked for permission to investigate and First Thinker agreed that it would be a good idea to figure how what the source of the interference was before the Science Ship continued its survey.

By now ISS Rukimar had finally arrived in the Dothon system where it was about to start constructing a Starbase. This would open the region to mining and researching.

As this was happening the ISS Linntyl was exploring Ulm and the ISS Kodram had yet to start its survey as it was still trying to understand the interference in Zarim.

Back on Nest the Council of Hive Thinkers have been debating how to help improve their civilization and came upon an idea.

They felt the best thing to do was to encourage Political Thought. In other words the populace would be ENCOURAGED to discuss political matters. Freedom, in other words, of political expression.

On Nest there was also a demand for more information on the aliens from a public who was becoming a tad restless with the, almost, total lack of data about the alien cultures.

So it was decided to hand over SOME data to the media. For example, the Uv-Xantt Forerunners were a Avian race who lived on a Ocean planet and had an Emperor named Meli Zu. And they were friendly enough to open their borders.

And the Avallonian Remnant were a Aquatic race who lived on a Continental planet and had a Empress named Ffistrell Morricum. And they were...shy.

The government held back the fact that the Remnant was militaristic and somewhat unwelcome. And that both alien civilizations looked at the Tandish Assembly as, well, barely worthy of even talking to. Both anicent alien societies refused to even trade ANYTHING with the Tandi.

The crumbs that were handed over to the media and news agencies barely seemed to please the public. They wanted more and the government had nothing to give them. What data they had left out was...well, depressing and would likely alarm the people.

For example there were hints that the Remnant may have powerful land forces. In other words they were good at invading planets. Which seemed weird for a Aquatic race.

Soon the ISS Ruthjara reported that it had finished building the station at Toiubos Ia and it was ordered to build one around the sun.

From Zarim came a report that Darmug and the crew of the ISS Kodram had compiled. Turns out they had found a song. Well, not just a song. Within it was a mathemnatical equation, which was not surprising as math and music were similar in some ways, that Darmug could not get out of their head. Like a ear worm caused by a song you just could not stop singing. But in this case a mind worm caused by math.

Sadly the singal seemed to come from a origin outside the galaxy. Which made hunting it down a issue that future generations would have to deal with.

At the same time the Starbase in Dothon had been finished. The ISS Rukimar than started builing a Research Station around Dothon itself.

This meant all the maps of the Empire had to be remade.

And so the people rejoiced as a new system became part of the Tandish Assembly. Also students groaned as they now had to learn even more stuff in their science and history classes.

 

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Chapter Thirteen - Concerning Space Ships

The First Thinker was NOT looking forward to its face to face meeting with the Minister of Peace. Monnobak just seemed to ooze energy. Like it was on the verge of running around and clicking in anger.

Of course, many Ministers and Heads were selected to fit their position. Monnobak had been selected for its enegry and it's military background.

Still, Sebakhir, even as it waited for Monnobak's ground vechile to arrive it pondered if maybe the Council of Thinkers picking a calmer Minister of Peace would not have been better?

When the Minister of Peace arrived at the First Thinker's residence they engaged the traditional greeting and took some time to enjoy a cup of caffeined drink. It didn't seem to help.

Sebakhir still felt nervous and Monnobak looked determined.

The meeting went the way it thought it would go. The Minister Peace wanted at least TWO more Corvettes. While the two alien civilizations they had encounted seemed peaceful enough there was no telling how future contacts would go.

Also as the Empire grew there was more border to protect. The Minister of Peace wanted to expand the military now and not wait for new weapons or new equipment.

Even the First Thinker felt this sounded reasonable and agreed to add two warships to the Shipyard Queue.

The Minister of Peace seemed satisfied with the result of the meeting as it left with its fruit.

Sebakhir wasn't too sure that it liked the result.

A few days later the ISS Tessma The Monstrous, the second Colony Ship ever built, finally left drydock. Or was it called a spaceyard? The crew and colonists, who had already been picked, were shuttled to the ship after saying their goodbyes to friends, family, and old coworkers.

Soon the ISS Terrma was given the go ahead to set a course to travel to Toiubos II. The media made sure to take a lot of images as the ship's engines came to life and started off towards the hyperlane that went to the Toiubos system.

In system was the ISS Ruthjara The Icon that had been idle after finishing the station in orbit around the sun. As the Rare Crystals in the Toiubos system could not be mined yet it was decided to send the Construction Ship to Dothon system to help develop that region of the Empire.

It was also noticed that ISS Donog The Apogee was idle in Daystar. So it was sent to the Ulm system. Once there it was likely start building a Starbase. If there was resources enough to do so.

This was starting to bother the First Thinker. Were they growing faster than they collect the resources needed to grow?

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Fourteen - More Terrifying News

Darmug, the Head of Thinking, sent a data packet from the Zarim system. Seems a moon around Zarim I was showing signs of activity of an ancient precursor civilization.

As the moon was totally inhospitable and, as it had been pointed out, all clues pointed to the civilzation being ancient, the idea that some of their technology had survived to the present era was something terrifying.

Darmug was told to research the whatever it was. Though there was every suggestion Darmug would likely fail. After all they didn't even know which ancient civilization the technology belonged to!

Around the same time, in the Toiubos system, the ISS Ruthjara had completed the Mining Station around the system's star. Now it had been ordered to go to the Dothon system and to wait for orders there.

It was also noticed, but not revealed to the public, that the Avallonian Remnant's border had either expanded or the Science Ships and Starbases had just NOW detected the edge of their Empire. Maybe the Science Ships should explore in the othe direction? Being that the Remnant's were not willing to open their borders. And had already threatened that any ships that wandered into their territory would, well, disappear.

The ISS Linntyl had finally finished the survey of the Ulm system and was ordered to move onto the next system. Falatir was looking forward to exploring the Syrma system as the long range sensors had detected a world that MAY be a habitable one.

In the Dothon system the ISS Rukimar had just finished building a Research Station around the star. And now was also waiting for new orders.

After a short wait its crew was told to make a Mining Station in orbit around Dothon II. More resources was needed to help the Empire develop, grow, and defend itself.

Also the First Thinker was started to think growth was important to the survival of the Tandi. And maybe expanding towards the edge of the galaxy and away from the aliens' borders would be best.

But the Construction Ships were having issues as they were being forced to go idle and wait for the resources to continue to build the starbases and stations. And that didn't even take into account the Empire's need to expand its military. Four warships, in the end, would likely not be enough to defend the borders.

Who knew what else they might find in the icy darkness of deep space?

 

[Eurasia]

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Chapter Fifteen - Tropical Worlds

The announcement that the ISS Tessma The Monstrous, the newest Colony Ship, had entered the Toiubos system was all over the media.

Everybody was in their tele-room watching the media personalities as they all waited for the report that a second colony had been formed.

Sadly for the colonist their moment of fame was taken by the scientists as they suddenly reported to the government, and the people, they had finished working on Geothermal Fracking. In other words a new way to reach previsously unattainable pockets of resources deep under planet's crust. So the media started debating the good and bad of such technology.

They decided to next add Afterburners to their research projects. So the military and space fans were very happy.

Then the Council announced they were adopting another tradition. Enhanced Recycling! Everything would be recycled. Old plastics, metals, food, everything! So the media debated that.

Then there was news from the rest of the Empire. The ISS Rukimar had finished another station in Dothon and was ordered to build a station in orbit of Dothon IIIa.

And the ISS Ruthjara had just arrived at the same system and was told to head over to the Starbase to wait for future orders. It was the lack of resources again.

So by the time the media returned to Touibos it was too late. The ship had landed on Touibos Prime - which was what they had renamed the planet. The landing site had been a large river delta and the ship had been turned into the headquarters for the colony. The reactor had been removed and shelters were put up. The second Colony of the empire was planted.

Sadly the planet wasn't as impressive as the settlers would have wished. This tropical world didn't seem to have a lot of land to work with. It would take some time to clear and claim more land to allow the colony to grow.

Ghummi, as the Sector Governor, was in charge of the newest colony until it could stand on its own many legs.

And so the maps had to be remade as there was now a second colony.

At this point it was decided that the ISS Donog that was idle was sent to the Ulm system. But once it got there it had to wait for more resources. This was becoming a REAL problem.

And it turned out the ISS Ruthjara, who was idle, was sent to Zarim. On the hopes that, by the time it reached there, it would be able to make a Starbase. Of course the survey was still going on so it might end up waiting around for some time.

The ISS Linntyl reported some interesting news from their survey in the Syrma system. First, the star was a G Class one. Another Yellow Dwarf in other words. Also that habitable planet detected by long range sensors? It turned out to be a tropical world. Another future colony!

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Sixteen - Moving Ships Around

In the third semi-planetary cycle of the planetary cycle 2204 the ISS Rukimar had started a Mining Station in Dothon while the ISS Ruthjara had been ordered to the Zarim System.

Still, there were the problems with the lack of resources. Which was why the ISS Donog was just idle in the Ulm system. Just sitting in orbit.

As that was happening the ISS Kodram, with Darmug, was still working on scanning the Zarim system and Falatir, with the ISS Linntyl, were working on mapping out the Syrma system.

By the time the ISS Ruthjara made it to Zarim it was told to just orbit the local sun till needed. In other words wait till the Empire had the resources to make a Starbase.

Even the Suthnar's Aramada was just sitting idle in Daystar. The First Thinker wanted to move it to Zarim but was fearful the Avallonian Remnant might react badly to that. But the very fact that they were militant isolationists was the reason the First Thinker wanted the warships there in the first place. To be honest it didn't trust them.

Still, the stations did have some resources. After a few semi-planetary cycles the Starbase in Dongar was ordered to upgrade to a Starport.

And the Toiubos Station was told to build a Defense Platform. Well, as soon as they had the material. The Colonies needed to be protected after all. Who knew what dangers were out there. The media was full of the dangers of the other alien races, evil space pirates, and wild ideas such as giant planet eating goats.

Soon the ISS Rukimar, in Dothon, finished the Mining Station around Dothon IIIa and was ordered to Asteroid 9192-44-D1. Where it had to wait.

On the other claw the new colonly ship was being worked on. Soon there would be a third colony in the Assembly.

Which meant the current maps would soon be outdated. Again.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Seventeen - March Of Progress

It was soon announced that Nest was perfect. The slums had been removed the enviroment had been cleaned.

This pleased many of the public. And many within the government were also pleased as this meant the populace and the industry could grow.

It was also decided to start working on the Autochthon Monument. Which, while using up resources would also produce jobs. And once finished would likely be one of the greatest momuments in the history of the planet.

Then the scientists announced that studying the different forms of life on the planet has helped them greatly in understanding themselves and life in general.

They then decided to start working on Planetary Unification. Because improving on Society was always a good thing. A good thing.

ISS Linntyl was now idle as it, and its crew, had finished the survey of the Syrma system. So the ISS Rukimar was sent from Dothon to construct a Starbase in Syrma.

But the Science Ship would not be idle for long. Falatir and ISS Linntyl were ordered to go to the system of Ovastivum. But the course they would take would allow them to go through three other systems. They would not have time to give the other systems a full scanning but they could collect some info as they passed through.

To be honest Falatir was looking forward to it. Which was one of the reasons it had been selected to be a Captain of a Science Ship to start off with.

Then the Starbase in Dongar was upgraded. Its crew could now start working on a proper shipyard. Soon it might be adding to the number of space ships of the growing Empire.

Sadly this meant that Toiubos Station would have to wait before it could get upgraded. Once again due to a lack, or shortage, of sources.

On the other hand there was enough to add another Science Ship to the queue at Daystar A Station.

There was a debate about upgrading the ships but it was decided to let them be. For now.

Then the ISS Linntyl reported that they had entered the first system on their way to Ovastivum.

They gave it the name Sol and did point out that Sol III might be a spot for a future colony. Maybe a fourth Colony Ship should be nade and sent there? Though it was a Continental World. It would need to be scanned first, or course. And a Starbase built in the system.

Either way science and knowledge was growing by leaps and bounds. Too bad the resources were not keeping up.

 

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Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Eighteen - The First Planetary Governor

Soon it was announced that Dongar Prime was a fully functioning colony. The Reassembled Ship Shelter was up and could produce a certain amount of food, minerals, and even partly defend itself.

Now it was time for the Sector Governor to pick a Colony, or Planetary, Governor.

The one seclected was named Campramar. A Scientist who was a expert in the field of Biology. And known as a Egalitarian. The perfect pick for a Governor of a Ocean World.

When asked about its new assignment it said, "The dream of the scientist is to benefit society." The media were not happy with this statement as it was just a repeat of what all scientists always said.

Campramar decided the first two projects were to build a Agriculture District and Generator District. Food and power seemed to be the most important goals at the moment.

Then ISS Porsam The Shadow, the next Colony Ship, was finished. The crew and settlers were selected, the equipment loaded into the ship's holds, and it was decided to send it to the system of Syrma.

It was hoped that the ISS Rukimar would finish the Starbase before the colonists arrived. Otherwise it would be awward.

Out on the edge of the Empire Falatir, and the ISS Linntyl, was about to head onto the next system. Even though they would be passing through the systems too fast to do a proper survey Falatir was still having the time of its life.

The First Thinker, Sebakhur, was starting to wonder if they should stop growing outwards and start building upwards? In other words, instead adding colonies, maybe they should work on improving the planets they already had?

 

[Eurasia]

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Chapter Nineteen - Alien Data

It was decided by the Council of Hive Thinkers, against the wishes of the First Thinker, that there was to be a major change in one of the Tandish Assembly's Policies.

The government would be given the power to ...ahem...help people decide on where they wanted to live. In other words resettlement, also known by the media as forceful relocation to the colonies, was now allowed.

The First Thinkers wasn't happy about this. Mostly because it felt it was a attack on individual rights.

Around the same time the ISS Linntyl the Sharp had entered the Tenecca System. At least that was the name given to the system they were going to pass through.

A few things they noticed in this fly by. Falatir reported that the system had two suns. A orange dwarf and a yellow-white dwarf.

Also, around Tenncca IV, a barren world, was a moon. A arcitic world. While frigid it did show seasonal variations and vegetation on the equator.

Many believed it COULD be colonized and then terraformed.

The idea behind terraforming a planet was to change to fit YOUR needs. Some of the populace found this idea somewhat blasphemous. Surely the Dream had MADE that moon for a reason. For us to change it....

Many believed the best idea was to change the Tandi to fit the planet. Some called it Bioforming. This was thought to be less damaging as it would allow the planet's native life to continue to live. And those who were changed to fit the alien planet would, at least, be making their own decisions and not forcing change on others.

Unless they were 'resettled' against their will.

Then the third Science Ship was finished. The ISS Yilmassa The Reformer. But there was a problem. The government had to pick a Leader, a Captain for the ship, but they were running low on resources. In this case, the funds needed to support more Leaders. In other words the government would have to go into debt to pay the paychecks of more Leaders. Hey, people needed to pay the rent, send their offspring to the center of cultural imprinting, and put food in the feeding bowls.

But a Captain was picked anyway. Kashnak was a Scientist who, when asked by the media how it felt about its new job, said, "Science is the mirror of the divine."

The media loved this quote.

The new Science Ship was ordered to survey the system of Sol. There was, after all, a planet that seemed habitable. And lots of other worlds that could be mined or researched.

The ISS Kodram reported from Zarim that they found something on Zarim Ia. A ancient Vultaum observatory was found. As this region of space is NOT where the Vultaum originated in it was thought that this facility was used to observe their OWN stars. Sadly the data still in their equipment didn't explain WHY they were studying their own stars.

Was their home sun acting up?

As you can guess Darmug was in its version of paradise. Sadly, it was ordered to get on with it and finish the system survey. From the point of view of the government back at home it seemed to be taking forever.

Darmug was not happy with that and sent a request to the First Thinker to override that order. It wanted to stay and study the alien observatory.

 

[Eurasia]

Stellaris Play & Learn
Chapter Twenty - The Fittest?

It was reported that the Syrma system now had a Starbase, a outpost, that the ISS Rukimar had finished.

With the system now part of the Empire the Construction Ship was ordered to Syrma to build a Mining Station.

With the coming of the new planetary cycle 2006 it was announced that the Dongar Station had finally finished adding a Shipyard. With its new Shipyard it was ordered to start making a Colony Ship.

There was some debate about this. Many foresaw some problems. For example, once finished, would not the colonists needed to fill it have to be shipped to the Dongar system from Nest? Also, wasn't Dongar farther away from the future colony sites than the home system?

A little later the ISS Linntyl entered the Fevallion System. Once again it wasn't going to survey the system. It was just passing through.

But it was still able to report the star was Class M Red Giant. With a few planets and a lot of asteroids. The Mining Companies back on the home world were likely shaking in excitement at the news of such unclaimed wealth.

After a semi-planetary cycle the ISS Kodram, and Darmug, was told they could cencel the system survey and return to the Observatory to study it. Of course the Head of Thinking was overjoyed.

Around the same time the ISS Rukimar finished the Mining Station in orbit around Syrma I. It was now ordered to the star to construct a Mining Station.

The Colony Ship, the ISS Porsam the Shadow, was on its way to the Syram system. Now, with resources available, it was given orders to colonize Syrma III on arrival. Soon it would be landing on the palnet and making it part of the Empire.

Back on the home world the government decided that the idea of Survival of the Fittest was important to adopt. The Empire, and its people, must overcome its own weaknesses. So it could overcome the dangers that they would face in the galaxy.

The First Thinker found itself REALLY worried about that new tradtion. Not that Sebakhir would ever go against a decision of the Council of First Thinkers.

But that idea, the Surivial of the Fittest, didn't seem to fit within the framework of the Dream. At least not the Dream it believed in.