A War for the Stars

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.0:

I have been on this planet for ten weeks now. All attempts to contact Imperial Fleet have failed. Until now, I had been waiting for the ion storms to cease, for communications to be restored, for the arrival of the task force that should be supporting our operations here. Now I must change my premises. I can no longer make plans for when they arrive, I must plan my actions if they arrive. And, what is more important, if they do not arrive. We are in the Unknown Regions here; there was only one known hyperspace route to this system and it seems to be closed. I do not know what event could have caused this, but it is likely to be the same event that is causing the massive storms.

I was sent to Virgillia V with a simple mission: expand the spaceyard and spaceport facilities here to allow an Imperial task force to operate in the region, conquering any independent races and adding them to the Empire. In time, Virgillia would become the capital of a new Imperial sector.

I am still operating under those orders; local shipbuilding technology is primitive, not much more than non-regenerating atomic engines and crude laser cannons. Using the designs I brought with me, we are upgrading local plants to an acceptable level, but it will be more than a year before we can turn out our first ion drives. The planet has a large, well-trained, contented workforce, but the local shipyard is too small. We need more resouces. We need orbital facilities. We need better tools. And we will have to provide them all ourselves.

And I will be in charge of it all. As pro tem military governor, I am the highest Imperial military and civilian authority in the region. Whatever the results here, I will have to answer for them. Failure will bring contempt, success might bring suspicion. I could easily be accused of overstepping my bounds. Having no one to report to could, in time, make me become a warlord.

And so this log. If I do become a warlord, I will do it with full knowledge of when, why and how it happened.

And I will erase this log the minute that task force appears on our scanners.

[ April 24, 2003, 16:40: Message edited by: Erax ]

[dogscoff]

I like this. Sounds like a bit of an anti-hero to me=-)

[sachmo]

Oooohh! Sound goooooood!

[Erax]

I am being praised by the SEIV writer who defines my standards for excellence. Feels good ! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. Here's the essential game info: I'm using Andres' Sci-Fi Crossover mod, playing as the Star Wars Empire with Imperial tech. Everyone else (the AI) gets standard SEIV tech. Conflict between different tech trees should be interesting (and I hope it helps Andres in some way, at least as a playtest report). Chapter two will be up later today (with more background info on Wiers).

[Raging Deadstar]

Ahhh great a star wars fiction. I only just bought attack of the clones book because i missed out on the film! This sounds like it will get interesting http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.1:

I made it our first priority to secure all insystem resources. Our future sector capital was chosen with care; Virgillia V boasts excellent conditions, but there are three partially and one fully colonizable planets as well. I have authorized construction of a series of insystem colony ships using native technology, which we have named the Nova class. Nova I will be ready early next tenth*, but she is already obsolete. By the time she launches we will have begun work on a second colonizer with improved atomic engines.

But there are other challenges. Power generation technology is still far behind Imperial standards. Our first shipboard atomic reactor prototype will be coming Online in five tenths and not a day sooner, unless we can get some additional workshops built at our colonies.

And it's not just the reactors. There are a hundred other things that need to be developed before we can begin to fulfill our orders to explore and expand. It's enough to make me forget how isolated we are out here, with no ships, no HoloNet, no travellers bringing news from home.

I suppose I should be glad.

* - 0.1 year.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.2:

Fate sometimes plays us strange cards. I was never meant to be fully in charge here. To the Imperial Fleet, I was always a necessity, someone whose job needed to be done before they could take off in their shiny ships to do the real work.

They call officers like me planet builders. But they have other names they use when we're not around. Dirtsiders. Rockhuggers. Dock jocks. They might promote me, but they would never let me work unsupervised.

But it happened. Yesterday we launched the Nova I, with 14 million colonists aboard her. They should reach Virgillia I within the tenth. She was the crudest, ugliest ship I ever launched.

When she took off, she was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen.

Nova I will do her job. In my heart, I know it.

But will I ?

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.3:

The colony on Virgillia I is well established. We will set up several industrial and tech facilities there to speed up our technological upgrade program. The planet has dense vegetable cover and we wil establish some organic farms there eventually, but these are not a priority right now.

Our reactor program has been put on hold. The population here is starting to lose its motivation. They are not restless yet, but my Intel officer tells me it is only a matter of time.

Imperial citizens need the Empire. They are used to seeing fleets, troops, Imperial pronouncements. Without these things they become disoriented. We can only give them the troops.

We will need recruitment stations, training camps, HQs, bases. We will need a year or more to build all this; we must devote every resource to this program, except for what is being spent on colonization. Shipbuilding will continue, but colonizing other planets will be useless if we cannot hold onto them.

[Atrocities]

Oh this is good. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif I love a good Star Wars story and this one is off to a great start. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Taz-in-Space]

Star Wars? I thought it was Lost in Space!
Oh Well, it's still a good story! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[sachmo]

Originally posted by Taz-in-Space:
Star Wars? I thought it was Lost in Space!
Oh Well, it's still a good story! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lost Star Wars in Space?

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.7:

Things have been too busy for me to write here lately. Nova II and III have been built and launched. We have a mining colony on Virgillia IV and a farming/mining colony on Virgillia II. Nova IV launches in a few days for Virgillia VI, the Last colonizable planet in this system under current technology; we must now set out for the nearest stars.

It will be years before we have our first native-built hyperdrive, but there may be a way around this. There are four stellar anomalies at the edges of the system; according to native scientists, these could be wormholes. If they are wormholes, and navigable, we might be able to colonize another system or two and perhaps re-establish communications with the Empire.

Wormholes are extremely rare in the known Galaxy and most of them occur deep in interstellar space. It is highly unlikely that this system should have not one, but four of them.

But the potential for gain is too great to be ignored. I have ordered a new class of ship built to explore these objects. The Seeker I will have a corvette-sized hull, four atomic engines and enough cryogenic cells to get her there and back.

On another note, the people seem to be happy again. Perhaps we can go back to reactor production.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.8:

I have decided to go ahead with our energy program; we need shipboard reactors in order to patrol this system effectively. Now that we have colonies on several planets, this has become a concern. I have also halted Seeker I's construction until we can fit her with a reactor.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2400.9:

Shipboard atomic reactors are now possible. As a side benefit, we can now freeze greater amounts of tibanna gas into cryogenic cells, all of which should greatly increase our ships' range. The Nova and Seeker designs have been upgraded to include reactors and the new generation cryogenic cells.

The Seeker class also sports seven Mk II laser cannons. There may or may not be spacefaring aliens in this region of the Galaxy, but if there are we cannot be defenceless.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.1:

Fate has been dealing its cards again. Seeker I was built and launched on schedule, and set out for the nearest of the four stellar anomalies placed around this system. It turned out to be a wormhole after all, a large, stable and apparently navigable wormhole. I was about to order Captain Veren to approach it when he asked permission to enter it.

What he found on the other side was incredible. He emerged into another star system, with one fully and four partially colonizable planets, and two other wormholes at its edges. The scientists here are still spinning theories to explain all this, but I must conclude that these wormholes - or hyperconduits, as some of the scientists are calling them - are artificial. And whoever made them may still be around.

All of this actually worked to my advantage. I gathered all top Imperial personnel - Army, Navy, ISB, civilian - and told them a scary story about a possible race of super-aliens with vastly superior technology. They all agreed that we should use every means possible to re-establish contact with the Empire to warn them of this, and that the most logical way to do it would be to use these hyperconduits to colonize as many systems as possible until we reach one that is in a known region of the Galaxy.

They agreed that every new system that we colonize should be subordinate to Virgillia. In effect, we are now a sector and I am its Moff.

With that question settled, I ordered the construction of five new colonizers meant for the new system, which we called Gesaril. The best way to be acknowledged as Moff is to act like one.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2401.2:

We've returned safely from the Gesaril system and are on our way to the next wormhole leading out from Virgillia. The ship and her crew are performing well. None of us had ever jumped into a completely unknown system before and now we are about to do it a second time.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.2:

I have decided to retain the title of Admiral while acting as sector Moff. This way it will be easier if - or rather when - I am called upon to explain my actions to my superiors.

Next: First contact.

[Erax]

Author's message: I have the next installment ready but I think I'll keep you in suspense until tomorrow. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.0:

We have established a farming colony on Virgillia VI and Seeker I will be ready next tenth. Everything else proceeds far too slowly.

Our training camps are a prime example. We will need to staff them with Imperial Army officers and instructors, of which we have only a handful here. By rights we should have a general in charge of our future system army forces, but the highest-ranked Army officer on planet is Colonel Sheer.

We will also need stormtrooper and starfighter forces, and with these we face a greater problem. Stormtroopers and starfighter pilots are raised and trained on secret, specialized worlds; the distribution of their units among Imperial Fleet and local governors is handled by their own branches.

We, on the other hand, will have to raise these forces from the local citizenry. And to do that it seems I will have to grant myself extraordinary powers.

I have to make plans. I have to find out which of my staff will support me in this.

[Taz-in-Space]

...Taz can wait; but remember: It's not nice to tease a<font color = red> TAZ</font>! <font color = black> </font> http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[ June 08, 2003, 03:19: Message edited by: Taz-in-Space ]

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2401.3:

We entered our second wormhole hoping to find another colonizable system. As soon as we were through, our scanner displays went wild. This system was inhabited ! We picked up signals from at least three planets and three ships. They saw us too; we were beamed by two of their ships, which changed course to intercept us. We relayed all of this to Sector Command and received orders to back out through the wormhole.

We're now on our way to Sector HQ on Virgillia V to resupply. Then we go on to another wormhole.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.3:

Transmissions from the alien race in the Galthus system have been decoded. They are a near-human, oxygen-breathing species native to that system. They call themselves the Andarr.*

Another alien species with interstellar capability was found in the Gesaril system. Nova V had just entered the system when their scanners picked up a large unknown ship, entering the system from one of the unexplored hyperconduits. Transmissions from that ship have also been decoded; it was a warship manned by the Yakrin*, another humanoid, oxygen-breathing species.

The Andarr and Yakrin are both unknown quantities. They are capable of interplanetary travel and the Yakrin ships can travel to other systems. The Andarr war fleet seems to consist of only two ships, both of them larger than our corvette-sized Seekers. The Yakrin vessel is roughly as large as the largest Andarr ship, and the size of their fleet is unknown. Technology is unknown for both races.

Given all this, the standard Imperial doctrine of intimidation and annexation becomes void. While we are a part of the Empire, circumstances prevent us from acting like the Empire. We must negotiate to gain time. To that end, I have sent both alien races a treaty proposal.

The game of Empire requires force. Lacking a strong position, we must play a game called Republic.

* - The Crossover mod contains B5, ST and SW races. I will retain the original names for some of them and change the names of the rest as necessary to fit them into the SW universe.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.4:

Both of our proposals have been rejected. The Andarr are distant, the Yakrin contemptuous. We have much to learn about diplomacy. The Yakrin war vessel retreated back through the hyperconduit to parts unknown. Nova V can now proceed to Gesaril II, where we have detected what may be deserted alien ruins. It is my hope that these ruins can give us some clue as to who built this net of hyperconduits between the stars.

On another note, our Army bases have been built, now we must train their staff. Meanwhile we are going back to engine research. Starfighters are the cheapest and fastest way to defend our new colonies, but first we need proper ion engines for them.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.6:

The Andarr have accepted our goods. We will send them another shipment.

We also have a new colonizer design, the Comet class. These ships use the new implosion drives and are almost twice as fast as the Nova class, but with a drastically shorter range. We will build a few to colonize neighboring systems - after we are done upgrading mining facilities on Virgillia V.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.7:

Our relations with the Andarr are definitely improving. We will send them another shipment of goods, this time with a trade treaty attached.

Nova VI has arrived on Gesaril V. We plan to build a starport/spaceyard/resupply complex there along with farms and research centers.

Nova VII is being refitted as a Comet-class colonizer. She will be renamed Comet I.

Captain Veren has discovered another colonizable system, which has been named Syned. Seeker I is proceeding to one of Syned's three other hyperconduits; we will soon find out what lies beyond our neighboring systems.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.8:

The Andarr have agreed to our Trade Alliance. This is good news indeed. We must set up a proper Diplomatic Corps, and I think I have the right man for the job.

Comet I is still being refitted. She should launch next tenth.*

* - I forgot to include a reactor in the new design and had to do another refit. Doh !

Next: Familiar faces.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2401.5:

There was another colonizable system behind the third wormhole, with one oxygen rock world, three rock worlds with various other atmospheres, and three airless rock moons. We called this system Berlin.

We've just emerged back into Virgillia and are now headed towards this system's Last unknown wormhole. Current supplies should allow us to go one system beyond that before returning to base.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.5:

Our factories will begin to deliver implosion drives next tenth. These drives consume a great deal of energy, but are very powerful. They might be useful on colonizing missions, which are one-way trips and therefore need fewer supplies.

We will recruit our first Army troops next tenth, but we wil need more time to train and equip them.

We have sent the Andarr some goods in order to achieve good will.

The colonists have landed on Gesaril II. We ordered them to explore the alien ruins as soon as possible; they found an abandoned, partially buried alien city. Further investigation revealed that this planet must have been a mining colony - some of the mining equipment was still operable, in fact. We will study this alien technology and use it to upgrade our own facilities. It is still unclear who built this colony on Gesaril, but I doubt it was the same race that built the hyperconduits.

Nova VI has been launched to colonize Gesaril V. That oxygen world will be the future system capital.

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2401.5 (addendum):

Yesterday I had a meeting with one Commodore Haase, supposedly in charge of radioactives refining on Virgillia V. It seems that in addition to his known duties he is responsible for ISB operations in the region. He was sent here with duties similar to mine; develop Imperial intel capacity in the region to support Fleet operations. Now that we have contact with potentially hostile aliens, he chose to reveal his ISB status to me in order to get permission to build Imperial intel centers in the system*.

We agreed to build them on Virgillia IV. Some of the mining facilities there will secretly become intel centers while we upgrade the rest to use the Gesaril technology. To an outsider, it will seem like they are all undergoing the same upgrades.

* - That's the official story, but you can guess what happened in-game.

[ April 27, 2003, 12:57: Message edited by: Erax ]

[dogscoff]

This is good stuff. I like the bite sized, easily-digested installments.

[sachmo]

Excellent story!

[Erax]

Thanks, guys. I can't tell you how much I appreciate knowing that someone is reading all this and enjoying it.

Stay tuned, there will be at least one more chapter today.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2401.9:

We've just arrived back at Syned, coming from the new system called Keedad. As soon as we left the wormhole on the trip out we started picking up comm signals. This system was even busier than Galthus, with five inhabited planets and at least four ships. And they were all talking to each other in several Languages, Basic among them, on the wavelengths the Empire uses for civilian communications. For a while we thought we were back on the Outer Rim.

Our arrival caused quite a stir. First they warned us that the whole system was private property, then they seemed to recognize us and all of a sudden became very polite. I had a very interesting talk with their flight control staff and then with their starport manager. The man looked like he was expecting a fleet of Star Destroyers to come out of the wormhole behind us.

He told me this system was settled by a Hutt trade caravan that got their jump codes mixed up and ended up out here. Knowing the Hutt, I'm pretty sure their 'trade goods' included slaves, guns and mercenaries, so they had no trouble making a home for themselves on one of the planets.

They invited us down to their capital, but I had no intention of letting them find out that we were all of the Imperial Navy in this sector. I told them we were on a scouting mission for the Empire and that proper communications would be established as soon as we relayed their position back to Fleet Command. All of it true enough and it allowed us to back out through the wormhole before their warships reached us.

Admiral Wiers wanted us to head back to Virgillia to resupply, but I convinced him to let us make one more trip out. By the time we get to the next wormhole, step through and then back, Syned I will be colonized by the new Comet ship and they can start building a resupply depot. The Seeker can get supplies faster by waiting for the depot to be finished than by flying to Virgillia and back. If the Hutt find out about my little deception and decide to attack, they'll have to come through this system anyway and it's better to face them here than at the sector capital.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

been following it myself. good story, bad main character. needs whack on head.

[Erax]

Yes, Pinky, I'm sure of that. Now be a good mouse and let me take over the Galaxy, will you ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

(I should have switched to the Brain avatar to say that. Lol !)

Do you mean 'bad' as in 'evil' ? I guess we'll find out when the shooting begins.

[ April 29, 2003, 01:34: Message edited by: Erax ]

[narf poit chez BOOM]

he's exibiting the traits of an evil warlord...desire for conquest, untrustworthyness and power base building.

[Erax]

Thanks for your input. It gave me some great ideas for future events and for 'background' type chapters.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.0:

Syned I has been colonized. Acting on a suggestion from Captain Veren, a resupply depot is being rush built to support Seeker I's operations away from Virgillia. Gesaril is sending us its first shipments of radioactives now that their spaceport structure is operational.

We now have an embryo Diplomatic Corps, headed by Line Captain Reima, my former intel officer. With our new ISB intel centers, the Line Captain and his staff were becoming as useful as a Bantha in a pod race. As Chief Ambassador, his first job will be to ensure all alien races remain friendly until we have reasonable defenses set up.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2402.1:

The Arkonne system is a big disappointment, nothing but asteroids around one dim star. We'll head back to Syned I, then set off for the Last unexplored wormhole out from Syned.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.2:

Chief Ambassador Reima has established regular communications with the Hutt. He has laid out a plan under which we will maintain good relations with our neighbors by offering them goods that are not essential to our defense program. The Hutt will receive one such shipment this tenth.

Comet II is on its way to Gesaril IX, a huge airless world where we hope to build a strong industrial base.

We will soon have our first ground troops. These will be security forces, fit only for police work and parades, but seeing the Imperial Army is enough to make most people feel safe and happy, which translates directly into more production for the Empire. Our plans call for one security battalion* on every Imperial colony in the sector; Colonel Sheer, now promoted to Brigadier General, will be in charge of these troops.

* - 1 Army battalion = 80 infantry troop units.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.3:

The Hutt accepted our goods. We offered them some more, attached to a Trade Alliance; Reima tells me their greed ensures they will accept.

Our first security forces are now active. Brigadier General Sheer has organized simultaneous parades on all Imperial worlds, and the crowds loved them. Productivity is at an all time high and still climbing.

The people don't know it, but almost all of the troops in those parades were carrying mock weapons. We can produce bLaster pistols in moderate quantities, but no bLaster rifles yet. While it would be a simple matter to divert one or two small workshops to small arms R&D, we cannot spare them. We need starfighters badly; we can build their hulls, but we still can't fit a decent ion engine into them. One alien invasion while we are still vulnerable and all could be lost.

Comet II has landed on Gesaril IX; the Comet ships were an excellent idea, they are expensive but they buy us even more precious time.

I must talk to the shipyard design staff. I hear they have some new faces.

Naval personnel on Virgillia have a bad case of planet fever. They want more warships, they want a berth on the Seeker, they want anything that can take them out among the stars. I may have to order another Seeker to accomodate them.

[Erax]

I think it's time for a map of my current situation :

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1051691505.jpg

This is the quadrant map as of 2402.3.

Virgillia: Imperial homeworld.
Gathus: Andarr homeworld.
Keedad: Hutt homeworld.
Gesaril: First Imperial colony system.
Syned: Second Imperial colony system.
Berlin: Uninhabited colonizable system.
Arkonne: Barren asteroid system.

[ April 30, 2003, 11:49: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Ruatha]

Nice story, will read it to the end.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.5:

The Hutt agreed to our trade alliance. Ambassador Reima also received a message from the Yakrin, proposing a trade treaty with us. According to him, this proposal does not make sense in light of our prior dealings with them; before this offer, they were arrogant and prone to making threats. There must be an important reason for this sudden improvement in our relations. I'll have the Diplomatic Corps look into it.

Seeker I entered Galvoni, another barren system with random asteroid clouds drifting around a stellar remnant. Captain Veren will cross the system and investigate the next system over. Comet III launched this tenth to colonize Berlin III.

Our security forces are doing wonders for planetary morale. Our investment in them was enormous but it is already paying off.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.6:

The Andarr cancelled their treaty with us. Ambassador Reima is at a loss to explain how this could have happened but his Corps is already busy trying to contain the situation. I had to warn him that we cannot afford incidents such as this.

Our colonists landed on Berlin III at about the same time that the Syned starports became operational. Our position improves steadily.

[Hunkpapa]

Great read, thank you for the entertainment.

"Evil will always win because Good is stupid."

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.7:

We finally have fighter-sized ion engines. This would allow us to produce our first starfighters this tenth, but I chose to delay production to include the latest model laser cannon in the designs.

We have begun building Seeker II. Like Seeker I, she will explore the systems around us, seeking out other starfaring civilizations.

Now that a spaceyard is under construction in Gesaril, we will need to relocate some of Virgillia V's population to that system before it can launch its own colony ships. We need some kind of population transport; I will instruct our spaceyard staff to draw up plans in case we need to build larger hulls.

Seeker I crossed another hyperconduit into the Nalros system and found it already inhabited. After decoding and translating incoming signals, we were able to contact this new race, called... humans. This is not the first time the Empire encounters an isolated human world or group of worlds, but to them we were quite a surprise. Captain Veren assured them that the Seeker was on a peaceful voyage of exploration and obtained passage through the system. We believe the next system over should connect to Berlin, where the ship will go to be resupplied.

Ambassador Reima has dispatched a diplomatic mission to this group of humans who call themselves the Interstellar Alliance. They seem friendly enough and are very curious about us; Reima must make sure that they do not learn too much.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.8:

Our sector forces will soon have a starfighter arm. Plans for the TIE Fighter A (T/ln A) are complete and they are already being produced.

Lacking proper Imperial TIE pilots, we had to recruit them from the local population. This has already been taken care of and right now we have a large contingent of trained pilots on every world.

Commodore Telar will be the overall commander of our starfighter forces. We will produce two wings of TIE/ln A's initially, one full wing of 72 craft to defend Virgillia and a reduced wing with 48 craft to defend Gesaril. These defense wings are meant to harass and delay invading fleets; extensive facilities are available to mass produce more fighters which will then deal with the enemy ships.

As a side effect of our engine research, we now have marginally cheaper implosion drives. The Comet design has already been updated to use them.

Starfighters will go a long way towards ensuring our safety, but we need bombers, then carriers. The road ahead is long indeed.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2402.9:

We can now build slightly larger Modified Corvettes. Our research teams are concentrating on more efficient cargo bays for the population transports.

Seeker I entered the Gandle Ott system, another uninhabited system with one fully and one partially colonizable planet. Captain Veren will head towards Berlin III to resupply.

Seeker II has been launched, under Captain Stran. I know many here do not agree with my choice, but I believe he will be a competent explorer once he enters the unknown beyond Arkonne.

Our relations with the Alliance improve daily; they have informed us that they are at war with the Yakrin. That explains much; the Yakrin must have offered us a treaty to keep us out of the conflict. That is what we will do, for now, but there are many here who insist we help our fellow humans right away. I will not risk my sector by rushing into an ill-considered war; I feel we have more to gain at the moment by expanding while our neighbors wear themselves down against each other. But if the time comes when we must choose a side, I hope it will be that of the Alliance.

[ May 01, 2003, 16:47: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Chief Ambassador Reima, Sector Diplomatic Corps
To: Admiral Wiers

Berlin III, 2403.0

Admiral,

We are making rapid progress in our dealings with our fellow humans in the Interstellar Alliance. We have offered them a trade treaty, as per your orders. I have every reason to believe that they will accept.

The Yakrin have learned of our dealings with their enemies and are understandably disturbed. We have done our best to reassure them but I am afraid that we cannot have the best of both worlds. The friendlier we become with the Alliance the more the Yakrin will dislike us.

Current information suggests that the Yakrin-Alliance war is a stalemate; neither power can defeat the other's armada. If that is the case, perhaps we can act as the external power that breaks the deadlock and wins the war. There is much to gain from such a situation.

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Chief Ambassador Reima, Sector Diplomatic Corps
To: Admiral Wiers

Berlin III, 2403.1

Admiral,

Everything is proceeding as we have foreseen. We established a trade agreement with the Alliance, only to have the Yakrin learn of it and demand that it be canceled. I await your decision in this matter but it is the advice of this Corps that you refuse their demands.

On another front, the Hutt are becoming restless. They must have realized by now that we lack the force to annex them and are reverting to their usual arrogant nature. We have sent them some goods to improve relations, but I must point out that the Hutt are not fools. They know we would be sending stormtroopers instead of goods, if we had them.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.2:

Seeker I has arrived at Berlin III, where the new starport has just become operational. They will pick up supplies and come to Virgillia, then head to Gesaril. Captain Veren and his crew have been away for almost two years; everyone here wants to meet them and hear about their exploits.

Syned I now boasts a spaceyard, but we must build other facilities there before they can start building ships.

Comet IV has been launched. She will stop at Berlin III for supplies, then head for Gandle Ott IV.

Acting on Ambassador Reima's suggestion, we refused to break our treaty with the Interstellar Alliance. Yakrin displeasure with this was evident; once the Alliance learned of the incident, they offered to broaden our treaty by including the exchange of scientific information as well as goods. We accepted eagerly; perhaps their scientists know who built the hyperconduit web. Our diplomats tell me that the Interstellar Alliance is a powerful ally. Together we may rule this sector.

Next: Myths and Legends.

[Raging Deadstar]

Very good, i'm really interested in this. Since i'm generous i decided to rate you 5 stars for your story telling technique http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.4:

Gandle Ott IV has been colonized. Beyond that system lies the Alliance. We will raise a TIE fighter wing in that system for local defence.

Captain Veren received a hero's welcome here on Virgillia V. We paraded him down our main skylanes and put interviews with him on all the newscasts. But our navy is small and there is much to do; the Captain and Seeker I are on their way again, headed towards Gesaril.

Our factories can now produce the new model cargo bays; our naval architects are putting together a design for a small population transport that will serve our needs until we can build larger ships.

We need better metallurgical techniques to strengthen our prototype bomber designs; this will also enable us to produce stormtrooper armor. Our development teams are already working on it.

The Hutt cancelled their treaty with us. Ambassador Reima believes it is just a ploy to get us to send them more goods. I believe we can safely ignore them for now. If they had the strength to invade us, they would already have done so.

[Erax]

Wow, now I have a rating ! Thanks, RD ! (I have 2 votes, so someone else decided to rate me too).

[Erax]

Transcript from a presentation by Dr. Buchler (Nalros University) to Imperial military and scientific personnel on Berlin III, SGY 2403.3:

Good evening. I would like to thank Chief Ambassador Reima for having invited me here. There is much that the Empire and the Alliance can learn from each other. We have only recently discovered space travel, while you have been travelling among the stars for thousands of years. We have lived in this part of the Galaxy for as far back as we can remember, while you are recent arrivals.

Imperial scientists tell us this region of space is unlike any other they have ever heard of. The planetary systems here are linked by a web of warp points, or as you call them, hyperconduits. Communication with the rest of the Galaxy is impossible. Your science cannot explain any of this as natural phenomena. It is understandable, therefore, that you should want to know what theories our scientists have concerning the warp points.

I'm afraid that the warp points cannot be explained by our physicists any more than they can be explained by yours. Our theories about them come from other sciences - history, archaeology and anthropology. The study of our myths - and those of the alien races we have met - provide some fascinating hints as to the nature of our star systems. This presentation is only a brief overview of the subject, but we hope to bring other Alliance scientists here to present you with all our findings. Much of what follows is tentative, but it is the best explanation that fits the evidence we have found among the stars.

We believe this part of the Galaxy was inhabited by an incredibly powerful alien race, which most of us call the Ancients. The warp points were only one of their achievements. They were so advanced that they could create and destroy planets, nebulae and even stars. They could open and close warp points as desired. They could live on any planet, or change the characteristics of a planet to better suit their needs.

They also enjoyed studying other intelligent races. They travelled the Galaxy - and perhaps to other galaxies as well - in search of intelligent species from which they would take samples. These beings would be placed on worlds engineered to be as similar as possible to their original homes and their development would be observed from space. It is possible that some of these races were eventually adopted by the Ancients as servants or pets.

Then, for some reason, they vanished. There are many different stories concerning this event. In some legends, war broke out with another incredibly advanced species; in others, it was a civil war among the Ancients themselves. Other stories say the Ancients simply left, leaving their servant races to fight over their systems.

We may never know the causes of this disappearance, but we know force was involved. All the myths we have studied tell of a great war, although the particulars of who did the fighting and why are always different. Our recent discovery of a 'bLasted' system - random clouds of asteroids drifting around the core of a destroyed star - supports the theory that this Great War actually happened and involved destruction on a scale inconceivable to us.

After the War, the myths converge again. The Ancients left or were destroyed, leaving the warp points behind. Their servants survived, but couldn't maintain what was left of the Ancient empire. They began to backslide to pre-starfaring technology. Two of those races fought a second war at this point. It wasn't as terrible as the Great War, but still involved widespread death and destruction. One race set up an energy field around this part of space - a barrier that may be failing, since it sometimes lets ships through - and tried to destroy all other intelligent species inside it so that they would be the only heirs to the knowledge of the Ancients. The other race tried to prevent this. Meanwhile, on their own planets, the non-starfaring species began to explore orbital space and found the spying devices left in orbit by the Ancients.

At this point, legend gives way to history. The Alliance interstellar program began when we discovered the satellite around our homeworld. we plucked it from orbit and studied it, gaining hints about propulsion and guidance systems, new materials, new manufacturing techniques and even new weapons. We know for a fact that the Yakrin have a very similar story, and that explains why their spaceships - unlike yours - have essentially the same engines and weapons as ours.

So what can we conclude about what is out there waiting for us ? The Ancients no longer exist, or if they do, are not likely to return. Their two servant races - the ones our legends call the Light and the Darkness - may still be out there, locked in their ancient struggle. There may be other races using technology similar to ours to explore the Universe beyond their warp points. There may be newcomers such as yourselves. The Universe is a vast adventure, waiting for our two people to live it, if we can learn to work together.

Thank you gentlemen, and good night.

[ May 04, 2003, 16:08: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.5:

Comet V has been launched towards Syned VI, a huge airlless ball of rock. Seeker II entered the Klozar system, another uninhabited system with a few partially colonizable planets. They picked up strange emissions from Klozar VII, an otherwise unremarkable world. Captain Stran will head for the nearest unexplored hyperconduit leading out from Klozar before returning to Syned.

We have designed the Fyrine class population transports to move people from the capital to the colonies. They were built on a modified corvette hull and have a cargo capacity of 300 kt.* The new model cargo bays were also used on another design, the Black Sword micro-carrier. These modified corvettes have two laser cannon and may carry up to twenty-six TIE fighters, organized into two oversize squadrons. Now that our relations with the Yakrin are in decline, we will need a proper war fleet and the Black Swords will form its backbone.

Commodore Telar is already organizing our sector's First Carrier Wing, to be raised on Gesaril. The spaceyard on Gesaril V will build two Fyrine transports, then two Black Swords. The Fyrines have no weapons, but we can use them as troop transports if necessary.

And now we must organize our sector's final combat arm: Stormtroopers.

* - Star Wars cargo bays are less efficient than their SEIV counterparts.

[ May 07, 2003, 00:43: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.6:

Captain Stran led Seeker II into a new system containing one fully colonizable planet, three partially colonizable planets and one rocky moon. We called this system Tachung.

The Interstellar Alliance proposed a treaty of mutual defence and protection. Under this treaty, each power agrees to send military aid to the other power if such aid is requested. This means that if we accept the Alliance can bring us into their war against the Yakrin at any time. If we refuse, on the other hand, we may ruin the good relations we have been trying to build with our fellow humans and it will not make the Yakrin hate us less. Tomorrow I will send our answer, accepting their proposal.

War draws closer with every passing day. We knew this was likely to happen and we are not unprepared, but I still feel we are being overtaken by external events faster than we can deal with them. Our strategy has been chosen, our tactics are sound, our sailors, soldiers and pilots are capable. That should be enough.

But the price to pay if it is not is terrible.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.7:

Syned IV has been colonized. Seeker I will begin to explore the hyperconduit web beyond Gesaril; Captain Veren has been ordered to exercise extreme caution, since the Yakrin home system lies somewhere in that direction.

Speaking of the Yakrin, they cancelled their trade treaty with us. Black Sword I was rushed into production on Gesaril V, Fyrine I having been launched earlier this tenth.

The Andarr have become quite friendly with us. It seems there is some sort of rivalry between them and the Hutt; we can have a treaty with one or the other but not both. Knowing the Hutt as we do, it is better to take our chances with the Andarr. Ambassador Reima has sent them a message suggesting we forget our previous disagreements and establish a new trade treaty.

Our Stormtrooper program has been launched; our first bLaster rifles and DurapLast armor suits will be coming off the production lines any day now. Some of the Army bases will be handed over to the new Stormtrooper combat arm so they can begin to train their first recruits. It will take some time and we won't see our first Stormtrooper units until next year, but they should be well worth the wait.

Brigadier General Sheer has petitioned me for the creation of an Army invasion force as a quick substitute for the yet-to-be-created Stormtroopers. Given the velocity with which we are being drawn into war, I believe I will authorize it.

[Raging Deadstar]

I like this story because it gives you ideas on how the empire expanded and grew to it's size and i like the idea of the tie fighters and storm troopers coming into the story! This is going to get interesting http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Hi everyone. I'd like to take a break from the story to show the system I'm using for Imperial ranks. My two main sources are the Star Wars Technical Commentaries (http://www.theforce.net/swtc/order.html) site and the Star Wars Miniatures Battles game. Comments are welcome (getting the ranks in here also makes it easier for me to reference them when writing).

Imperial Army Ranks

Unit - Commander rank - # SEIV inf units - # SEIV vehicle units
Sector Army - High General - (4 armies) - x
Army - General - (4 corps) - x
Corps - Lt. General - (4 battleGroups) - x
Battlegroup - Brigadier General - 1280 - 256
Regiment - Colonel - 320 - 64
Battalion - Major - 80 - 16
Company - Captain - 20 - 4
Platoon - Lieutenant - 5 - 1

2nd Lieutenant, Lt. Colonel, High Colonel and Major General are staff ranks.

Sizes for the upper echelons are not given because they usually contain units of differing types.

[Erax]

Now the stormtroopers:

Imperial Stormtrooper Ranks

Unit - Commander rank - # SEIV inf units - # SEIV vehicle units
Corps - General - 3840 - 768
Division - Brigadier - 960 - 192
Brigade - Lieutenant Brigadier - 240 - 48
Battalion - Commander - 60 - 12
Company - Captain - 20 - 4
Platoon - Lieutenant - 5 - 1

Ranks are equivalent to Army ranks for the same unit size (a Stormtrooper General, for example, is equivalent to an Army Lt. General).

Stormtroopers have no 'staff' ranks. Their organization above the Corps level is not well known.

I'll do the starfighter ranks tomorrow.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

so, is that slight hint of compassion there going to be developed?

[Erax]

It will have to be developed one way or the other when the war begins. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Erax]

And now the starfighter ranks.

Imperial Starfighter Force Ranks

Unit - Commander rank - # Craft - Army equivalent rank
Starfighter Force - Commodore - (4 Groups) - Brigadier-General
Group - Group Captain - (4 wings) - Colonel
Wing - Wing Commander - 72 - Lieutenant Colonel
Squadron - Squadron Leader - 12 - Major
Flight - Flight Lieutenant - 4 - Captain
Element* - Flying Officer - 2 - First Lieutenant
Single* - Pilot Officer - 1 - Second Lieutenant

* - The flight is the smallest official unit in the Imperial command structure. Elements and single craft may operate independently depending on their mission.

Starfighter organization is quite flexible. In practice, the upper echelons are organized according to the needs of the sector armed forces, which means they rarely have the theoretical sizes given here.

You may get the Navy Ranks directly from the SWTC site (in the story it will usually be obvious how many ships a naval officer commands). I won't post a list of ISB ranks unless I absolutely have to.

[Desdinova]

story! story! story! i want more STORY! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.8:

The Andarr were quite willing to re-establish their treaty with us. We must now watch the Hutt for signs of unrest.

Seeker I entered the Prazhi system; this is another system we can exploit, with one fully and six partially colonizable planets. Captain Veren will re-enter the Gesaril system and proceed towards the Last unexplored hyperconduit, which may lead to the Yakrin systems.

Fyrine I's trip to Virgillia V was interrupted and she was redirected to Gesaril IX, where the Army's First Planetary Assault Regiment will be built; they should be ready for action in three tenths. On Gesaril II, the first two squadrons of the First Carrier Starfighter Wing have been raised; these two TIE fighter squadrons will operate from Black Sword I.

A few more tenths and we will have a small but adequate invasion task group - one carrier, one transport and Seeker I. I hope the Yakrin come up with no surprises in the meantime.

[Desdinova]

thank you. i was starting to go thru withdrawal. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2403.9:

Everything proceeds according to plan. Black Sword I has been launched and is currently at Gesaril II, picking up the first and second squadrons of the First Carrier Wing. There was intense competition among our naval officers for her command; we chose Captain Suvent from the many candidates because of his past experience with starfighters. Black Sword I will serve as headquarters for the entire Carrier Wing; we expect her captain to coordinate well with his Wing Commander.

We have drawn up plans for our sector Stormtrooper forces, which will be headed by Brigadier Tefnar, formerly Major Tefnar of the Imperial Army. His loyalty and dedication to the Empire should be an example for our citizen Stormtroopers; he will have to train them long and hard if we hope to match the high standards of true Imperial Stormtroopers. Army installations on Gesaril IX have been turned over to the new combat arm and that planet is now our sector's first Stormtrooper training center. We will establish others as necessary.

Seeker II is heading back to Syned I for fuel and supplies, after having discovered another uninhabited system which we named HolLastin. It looks quite promising, with several large planets, one of them fully colonizable. We will build a few Nova-class colonizers here on Virgillia, to reach the systems we have discovered beyond Arkonne.

Commodore Haase is trying to infiltrate Yakrin society with several covert ops teams. They will be invaluable once we get them in place.

It is now four years since I arrived on Virgillia. Four years, and no contact at all with the Empire. I begin to wonder if any of us will ever see the rest of the Galaxy again.

[ May 12, 2003, 09:32: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

You're welcome. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif But I won't be writing quite as fast now. The game situation is becoming more complex and I have to make some story-related decisions which I have been putting off for some time.

[Raging Deadstar]

It's good, i can't wait until combat happens, i'm looking forward to the battles. I don't think the Hutts have a chance against imperial tie fighters! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

New avatar, more in keeping with this story. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.0:

We entered the wormhole at Gesaril two days ago, half expecting to meet a Yakrin fleet on the other side. Instead we found another barren system, with nothing but an asteroid belt around an unstable dim blue star. The astrographers back at Virgillia named this system Rela. We are currently holding station just outside the Gesaril wormhole.

Fleet Command tells us that Black Sword I is all loaded up and coming our way. Fyrine I is still taking on Army troopers at Gesaril IX. We'll get our next orders only when the Fyrine joins us, but I already know what they will be. We will form a task group and go looking for the Yakrin.

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Commodore Telar, Sector Starfighter Force
To: Admiral Wiers

Gesaril II, 2404.0

Admiral,

Black Sword I has launched on schedule, carrying two squadrons equipped with TIE/ln A starfighters. The next two squadrons of the First Carrier Wing will be ready before Black Sword II leaves her dock on Gesaril V.

Our defense wings on Gesaril and Virgillia are fully operational. The Syned and Gandle Ott defense wings are in the production schedule, but it will be many tenths before those starfighters are launched, particularly in Gandle Ott.

Admiral, I urge you to reconsider construction priorities for the new colonies. I understand that the sector needs more mineral miner facilities and research centers, but as the situation stands there is nothing to protect those very same facilities if the Hutt or the Yakrin become hostile. Please consider this issue carefully, it could be vital for all of our systems.

[Erax]

Time for an updated map :

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1052705427.jpg

This is the quadrant map as of 2404.0.

Virgillia: Imperial homeworld.
Gathus: Andarr homeworld.
Keedad: Hutt homeworld.
Gesaril: First Imperial colony system.
Syned: Second Imperial colony system.
Berlin: Third Imperial colony system.
Gandle Ott: Fourth Imperial colony system.
Prazhi: Uninhabited colonizable system.
Tachung: Uninhabited colonizable system.
Klozar: Uninhabited colonizable system.
HolLastin: Uninhabited colonizable system.
Arkonne: Barren asteroid system.
Rela: Barren asteroid system.
Galvoni: Barren 'bLasted' system.
Nalros: Interstellar Alliance colony system.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.1:

The First Planetary Assault Regiment is still being loaded aboard Fyrine I. Black Sword II has been launched and is on her way to Gesaril II; she will pick up the two TIE fighter squadrons that are waiting for her there, then meet Seeker I and Black Sword I in the Rela system. Nova VIII has been launched from Virgillia; she will travel to Syned I, refuel there, then she will cross the Arkonne system and colonize Klozar VII. That was the planet from which Captain Stran aboard Seeker II picked up some strange readings six tenths ago. Perhaps we can find more ruins there which will confirm what the Alliance has told us about the alien race they call the Ancients.

Acting on Commodore Telar's Advice, I have increased the priority for starfighter production in the Gandle Ott system. It is quite likely that the unexplored system beyond Rela, which we believe is occupied by the Yakrin, also connects to Gandle Ott.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.2:

The Yakrin chose to declare war on us. We made no overt moves against them and we have never entered their systems; but still they decided that our treaties with the Alliance were enough of a threat to them to justify this decision. Fortunately, we were prepared for this development.

Our contacts in the Alliance tell us that the Yakrin are a ruthless and bloodthirsty race that must be stopped at all costs. Some of this may be propaganda designed to bring us into the conflict sooner, but our plans are already drawn and cannot be altered now.

Our attempts to manufacture proton torpedoes have met with failure. We need to improve our fusion technology first; as usual, it will take time.

Our first Stormtrooper forces are being raised on Gesaril IX. We will build an oversized brigade, with five battalions, and distribute it between two Fyrine-class ships.

Seeker I and Black Sword I and II have been grouped into the First Invasion Fleet; the Seeker will act as flagship, with Captain Veren in charge of all operations. He will wait for Fyrine I, which has left Gesaril IX and is on her way to Rela. After the transport joins the Fleet they will cross the hyperconduit that leads to Yakrin space.

What happens after that will depend on what Captain Veren finds at the other end of that hyperconduit.

[Erax]

The next update will be in +/- 5 hours. Was too tired yesterday to move the game along so I could post the reports today.

[Erax]

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Chief Amassador Reima, Sector Diplomatic Corps
To: Admiral Wiers

Syned I, 2404.3

Admiral,

The Andarr have expressed a lack of interest in renewing their trade treaties with us. We arrived at this situation despite the best efforts of this Corps to maintain good relations with them. Acting on your orders, we had been sending them several shiploads of valuable goods every tenth, but our efforts were insufficient.

It is possible that some third party has been interfering in our relations with the Andarr, and perhaps with the Hutt as well. We will investigate this matter and present a full report in due course.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.3:

Fyrine I has joined the Fleet and we are now just outside the unexplored wormhole. Fleet Command informs us that Fyrine II has been launched and is currently on course for Gesaril IX, where she will pick up half of the First Stormtrooper Brigade. She will then attempt to join us beyond Rela.

The Seeker's crew is used to exploring unknown wormholes. In fact, we've probably been through more wormholes than all other existing Imperial ships combined, but this one here will be different.

Scanning the other end of the wormhole is impossible from this end. We could be arriving behind the backs of the Yakrin or into the jaws of their trap.

We have our orders. The Fleet will go in.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.4:

The Fleet has just emerged into a system called Aram on our star charts. Fortunately, there were no Yakrin defenses set up at this end of the wormhole. We have finished our scans of the system, which contains several planets around a twin star grouping. Two of the planets, Aram I and IV, are inhabited by the Yakrin. The volume of transmissions coming from Aram I, even at this range, suggest that this is their homeworld.

We have located seven Yakrin frigates in the system, each of them 50% larger than our Black Swords. There are defensive satellites in orbit around both inhabited worlds and outside one of the wormholes, which according to our charts leads to Gandle Ott. The Yakrin must have been expecting us to take the direct route. I can only imagine the look of surprise on their corpselike faces.

There is also an Alliance vessel in the system, a Cronus class light carrier. It is a huge vessel, four times as large as a Yakrin frigate. It is currently approaching several enemy ships, but we are too far away to assist.

We must use Yakrin surprise to our best advantage. While the Alliance carrier keeps them busy, we will strike Aram IV.

[Taz-in-Space]

...Ahhh, yes: "Cry 'HAVOC'; and let loose the dogs of war!" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Raging Deadstar]

Yes war! I prophosise that the empire will subjugate this galaxy. I mean lets face it, the empire should have crushed the rebels. I will deeply be shocked if the Hutts manage to cause trouble! But this is SEIV and anything can happen, all i can say is get researching larger hulls! I want to see Star Destroyers soon! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Erax]

Star Destroyers will take some doing, they require Imperial Ship Construction 13 (4 levels above an SEIV Baseship). They are HUGE.

Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate the shipyard design teams, hehe.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.5:

The size of the Alliance carriers was an unwelcome surprise; they are far ahead of us in ship construction technology. We must upgrade our shipyards to build larger hulls. I will make that our next priority.

Nova IV is on her way to the Klozar system. Seeker II will explore the remaining hyperconduits in the Arkonne system.

Fyrine III has been launched. She will transfer some colonists from Virgillia to Gesaril before taking the second half of the Stormtrooper Brigade aboard and heading for Aram.

Our ISB covert ops teams will attempt to sabotage one of the Yakrin frigates, but it will take time to get an operative aboard.

Our ships are still untested against the Yakrin. The next few tenths may be decisive.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.5:

We are just outside Aram IV, a few more days now and we will be ready to strike. The Alliance and Yakrin ships seem to have avoided each other. I can only attribute this to skillful maneuvers by the captain of the Alliance carrier.

Perhaps when this war is over we can meet up with the Alliance ships and visit one of those carriers, our technical people are curious to see what their fighter bays look like.

[ May 18, 2003, 14:41: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.6:

Our starhip designers have been working around the clock to make larger hulls a reality. Virgillia was meant to be a major Imperial shipyard and therefore we have a full set of standard Imperial starship plans on file, but there are thousands of technical issues which must be resolved before any one of those plans becomes an actual ship.

Our progress so far is small but significant; we can now build Lancer Frigate hulls. The original Lancer was designed as a purely anti-starfighter ship, but we need something more flexible. Our designers used the larger hull size to create the next step after the Black Sword, a carrier with two fighter bays and enough space for thirty-two TIE fighters. The new design has been called the Black Saber; the Gesaril V shipyard will begin work on one next tenth.

Comet VI has been launched. She will colonize Gesaril VIII, a planet with rich mineral resources.

Captain Veren is leading his fleet towards the Yakrin colony. Our plans will soon be put to the test.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.6:

We arrived at Aram IV a day too late. The Alliance carrier was here ahead of us and left nothing but a string of glowing craters where the Yakrin settlements used to be. Aram IV is now a dead planet.

Fleet Command has ordered us to remove all Yakrin defenses in the system. We dispatched two flights of TIE fighters to deal with the defense satellites at the Gandle Ott wormhole while the Fleet heads for Aram I. We lack the troops to invade the Yakrin homeworld, but we will attempt to eliminate their planetary defenses and then blockade them. There is also a lone Yakrin frigate between us and Aram I. We will attempt to intercept it.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.6 (later):

The Yakrin vessel turned out to be an unarmed satellite layer. They tried to evade, but our fighters were faster. Eight TIE fighters arrived at the enemy ship almost simultaneously and disabled some of its engines, but the Yakrin refused to surrender. They kept trying to escape until the ship was an unrecognizable hulk with two TIE squadrons flying around and firing at it. It was finally destroyed after the Seeker opened fire with her lasers. Not a glorious first battle, but at least a successful one.

Our fighters located the Yakrin satellites and destroyed them easily. It turns out that those satellites were armed with large anti-ship missiles and no anti-fighter weaponry. The fighters are now headed back towards the Fleet.

We will take up station outside Aram I to retrieve our fighters and allow Fyrine II to join us. Then we attack the enemy mainworld.

[ May 20, 2003, 20:18: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.6 (still later):

Aram IV is gone, destroyed by the stupidity of our allies. All those facilities, equipment and population which could be now at the service of the Empire no longer exist. All that we could have learned about the enemy, their tactics, their science, their history, all of that is gone. The Alliance struck out in blind anger and destroyed a planet that could have been captured and used to shorten the war and to benefit us both. And I fear they will not stop with Aram IV; they may try to depopulate the Yakrin homeworld. We must cordon off Aram I before the Alliance reaches it. We lack the troops to invade, but the Yakrin may choose to allow us to occupy their planet rather than let it be destroyed by the Alliance. They are aliens and their response is unpredictable, but I hope their leaders share my dislike for wasteful warfare.

Our scans indicate extensive industrialization on Aram I; if we can capture those facilities intact, we will become the prime interstellar power in this region.

It has been said that I am a builder, not a warrior. That may be true, but I intend to be the kind of builder that wins wars.

[ May 20, 2003, 20:15: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Raging Deadstar]

Interesting turn of events! I'm just downloading the sci-fi mod so i understand more about this. Sounds great though! Keep up the preassure and remember!

Don't be so proud of this technological terror you've created. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Erax]

Lord Vader, this battle station is now the ultimate power in the Universe. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

The crossover mod does have Force-related tech, but it isn't truly implemented yet. The Force will be a plot element in this story more than a game element.

My Version of the crossover mod has been tweaked, there are a few new troops and vessels and some important standard SE IV tech areas like Base Construction and Mines have been 'opened up' for research by the Empire.

[Erax]

Just a quick post to celebrate my new rank. Today's chapter may go up today, or not (it's getting kind of late).

[Erax]

One more post to get the new avatar image. It's definitely late now, I'll post the next chapter tomorrow.

[ May 22, 2003, 02:39: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.7:

Our colonists are setting up our first mining facilities on Gesaril VIII. Their shipments will be vital; we have been using up our mineral stores for some time now. At the current rate, we have enough for two more tenths. We must settle the Klozar and Prazhi systems soon, their resources are badly needed.

The Berlin shipyard has begun work on a Fyrine-class transport; after that project is complete they will build a series of Nova-class colonizers. Meanwhile, Fyrine III has taken sixty million Virgillians offworld; they will settle on Gesaril V for a short while before going on to other planets.

Our starfighter program has reached another milestone. We now have crude but functional proton torpedo launchers, which allows us to manufacture the new TIE Bomber A (T/bm A) design, a heavily armored, relatively slow anti-ship fighter sporting two laser cannons and two warhead launchers. Black Sword III was launched a few days ago; by the time she arrives on Gesaril II, we will have a squadron of regular TIE fighters and a flight of five TIE bombers ready to be taken aboard.

Now that we have proton warheads, our tech teams will attempt to improve our lasers and reactors.

The Hutt have become friendly again and have offered us a treaty. What are those devious space slugs planning ?

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.7:

Our fighters finished the trip back from the wormhole using every Last gram of their fuel. Wing Commander Grann and Captain Suvent know their craft specifications inside and out, the fighters we launched had exactly the supplies they needed to get to the wormhole, destroy the enemy satellites and get back to their carriers.

Another Alliance carrier has entered the system. Five Yakrin frigates and two Alliance ships are now facing each other on the opposite side of the system from us.

Fyrine II has just joined us, with a full load of Stormtroopers. We are ready to begin our assault on Aram I's defenses.

[ May 22, 2003, 17:37: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Raging Deadstar]

Excellent Additions! I'm so getting into this story, it's just great. I'm just waiting for a plot twist in when you become the Mega Evil Empire you do a plot twist in where a sith takes over the empire! it's a lame idea and i'm sure you have some great ideas coming up in the future, and i'm sure we're looking forward to reading them (Hey i'm not the only one who reads this http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

[ May 22, 2003, 18:43: Message edited by: Raging Deadstar ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.8:

The mineral shipments from Gesaril VIII have alleviated our supply situation somewhat, but other measures are necessary. Future colonizer production has been put on hold in the Gesaril and Berlin systems until we increase our metals production. Industrial development on Gandle Ott IV has been halted; we will raise ground forces on that planet this tenth and the next. We are still consuming more than we produce, but now our stores will Last until the Klozar production comes on-line.

Our plants can now manufacture an improved laser cannon design; we will outfit our fleet with them at the first opportunity. Our tech teams are now attempting to improve ship reactors.

Black Sword III has left Gesaril and is currently in the Rela system. Our atrategists are anxious to see how the new TIE bombers perform in combat, but by the time they join the fleet I believe matters will already have been decided in the Aram system. One way or the other.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.8:

The assault on Aram I's defense network was a complete success. Our long range scans had detected more than twenty defense satellites in orbit, but we didn't know if there were any ground-to-space defenses to back them up. Our carriers began releasing TIE fighters at long range while the Fleet approached slowly.

At this shorter range, we determined that the Yakrin mainworld had no ground-based wepons and that its defense satellites were the same model that our fighters had taken care of at the wormhole to Gandle Ott. After that, it was just a matter of releasing fighters outside missile range and letting them shoot the defenseless satellites.

We detected an enemy ship, another satellite layer, leaving the planet just before we arrived. After the region around Aram I was secured, we sent a flight of six TIE fighters after it. They caught and destroyed it just outside the Gandle Ott wormhole.

Aram I is now blockaded, nothing comes in or goes out. The Yakrin refuse to answer our signals, but this will soon change. Two Alliance carriers are coming this way, with five Yakrin frigates hot in pursuit. There is another Alliance vessel entering the system - a destroyer that is twice as large as one of our carriers. Now we'll see what the Yakrin prefer - to be invaded by us or bombarded by the Alliance.

[ May 26, 2003, 09:47: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[Taz-in-Space]

how do you like my new Grand Admiral Thrawn pic ?
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Glowing red eyes in a blue body - kind of like a possessed zombie http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

...in other words: Great!

[Andrés]

The good old Chiss grand admiral.

[Raging Deadstar]

I like these chapters, the empire grows stronger by the month! I just downloaded the sci-fi mod and i'm impressed, now i have a better idea on what you're doing, But this story is going superbly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

narf posting to say still reading, still like.
nothing else to say.

[Erax]

Seeker II, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9:

Our present location is Chorax, a barren system consisting of a few asteroid clouds drifting around the solid core remnant of an eons-old destroyed star. We are on a course back to Arkonne and then to the hyperconduit on the other side of that system. Sector astrographers hoped to find a connection to the Tachung system, but there is none.

The other Arkonne hyperconduit is more promising. If the system on the other side connects to HolLastin, we can take that route and resupply at Klozar.

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Dr. Lorn Joh, Sector Research Division
To: Admiral Wiers

Syned I, 2404.9

Admiral,

Nova VIII has finally landed on Klozar VII. Our research teams, which joined the colony ship's crew when they stopped here to resupply, were out of the craft before the engines had cooled. They soon located the source of Captain Stran's energy readings - a huge, long-abandoned fortress-like structure located on an otherwise unremarkable plain.

Their initial findings indicate that this was a ground-to-space defense installation of some kind, similar to our own anti-orbital ion cannons. But the grand prize was the main emplacement itself, a nearly intact ion beam weapon. We are still analyzing tha data being transmitted to us by the onsite research teams, but we have ascertained that while this weapon is similar to the Empire's ion cannons, it is much more efficient.

I need not tell you the implications of this. We may have in our hands the first artifact that confirms the existence of the Ancients - and if the Ancients did in fact exist, then their servant races may also be real.

[ May 28, 2003, 12:13: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[dogscoff]

Still loving this story=-)

Atrocities, I followed you to that other forum. What a great place! I've stopped into your thread to say "hi".

[Erax]

I'm not sure if I'll be posting anything from this story there - it's too specialized (blow-by-blow turn report style) to interest anyone but SEIV players. However, if you have any comments / criticisms, send them to me via PM, I'll see what I can do. Please be kind, like Atrocities' story this one is my first. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif And I must say it's great therapy, I think I even lost weight. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2404.9:

I have appointed a team of naval designers to review the findings of Dr Joh's scientists on Syned. They are to determine possible military applications for the planetary defense weapon discovered on Klozar VII; assuming, of course, that we are able to understand this alien technology and replicate it.

On another note, construction programs have been concluded on some planets, which leaves us with a small but positive metals balance this tenth.

Fyrine IV has been launched on Berlin III and is on her way to the capital to pick up colonists, which will be transferred to the Syned system. Comet VIII has been launched here at the capital; she will refuel at Berlin III and Gandle Ott IV before colonizing Aram IV, the former Yakrin world that the Alliance depopulated. It is a small but fully colonizable world with excellent mining potential, just what we need at the moment.

We must occupy the Aram system quickly, to deny the Alliance that direction for expansion; they are quite powerful already as it is.

Black Saber I has launched from Gesaril V and is currently at Gesaril II, from which sector starfighter operations are being directed. She will carry a full squadron of TIE fighters and seven TIE bombers, which make up the remainder of the bomber squadron that did not board Black Sword III. She will also carry a full wing of fighter pilots who will man the defense starfighter forces in the Aram system. TIE fighters can be manufactured on a captured planet's industrial facilities, but we will have to import the pilots until we have a sizable human population in the system.

Alliance carriers will reach Aram I in the next few hours. If all goes well, this could be the decisive battle of the war.

[Atrocities]

In case your interested I found a good site to post your story for other sci-fi fans to read and offer helpful critisims.

http://speculativevision.com/forum/Messages/29/31.html

I posted the Prelude to Once Upon The Stars and was surprised to get three very insightful and helpful responses. It hurts, but boy are they helpful. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Atrocities : Thanks, will investigate.

To all readers : Have a little patience, folks. A LOT of stuff happened on 2404.9, I'm still trying to sort it out chapter-wise.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9 (first part):

The Alliance carriers came straight for Aram I as our Fleet waited on the other side of the planet. The two massive craft slowed down and began to release one wave of fighters after another. The fighters approached the planet and our ships like a giant, angry cloud of death.

We had Fyrine I and II in position over the enemy starport and spaceyard facilities, ready to drop our troops. Our current simulations showed that the Yakrin ground forces were too well entrenched on their mainworld for our meager invasion forces to stand a chance against them, but Fleet Command believed there might be a chance that they would surrender to us if the alternative were to be bLasted into dust by the Alliance. As the Alliance fighters approached, this chance was rapidly fading. The Yakrin refused to answer our signals, they were about to die attempting to defend their world.

We could do nothing but watch as the fighters deployed around the planet and poured a relentless storm of depleted uranium shells on the population centers below. We saw them destroy mining facilities, industrial complexes, even farms. They would show no mercy, this would be Aram IV on a much larger scale. And we could do nothing. The Alliance stubbornly maintained comm silence, as did the Yakrin. Neither would so much as admit our presence in this battle.

We watched as one quarter of the planet was depopulated. Then one third, then half of the planet. Their main starport was vaporized right under Fyrine I's nose and still we could only watch and update our planetary assault scenario.

The computer finally gave us the green light after nearly two-thirds of the planet had become a lifeless, crater-ridden wasteland. Fyrine II dropped her landing craft over the heavily-defended spaceyard complex, then moved away as Fyrine I approached. Ground-to-space fire was intense, and a quarter of the landing craft never made it to the ground. Many of those that did land were destroyed on the ground, before they could disgorge their Stormtrooper squads. The troopers that did make it out of their craft were soon involved in intense firefights in and around the spaceyard.

They did secure enough of the landing fields to allow Fyrine I's shuttles to land safely. The Army troopers of the First Planetary Assault Regiment helped turn the tide of the battle for the spaceyard, but by then there were barely enough functional Stormtroopers to make up a company.

Still they refused to let the Army finish the battle, and kept taking the point against surviving Yakrin militia units until the Last Stormtrooper fell. Casualties among Army personnel were also heavy, but after the battle around the spaceyard, enemy resistance fell off rapidly. In a few days, Aram I was ours, at the cost of all our Stormtroopers and 20% of our Army personnel.

To their credit, the Alliance fighters ceased their bombardment as soon as our troops approached the planet. They have since gone back to their carriers, which are now responding to our comm signals. We captured the entire Alliance operation on holo and transmitted the images to Starfighter Command on Gesaril II for analysis.

Now we must pick up the pieces down on Aram I. We will be sharing it with the Yakrin who survived and more than a billion alien ghosts.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9 (second part):

While we were dealing with the Alliance incursion over Aram I, another battle was taking place in the system's outer reaches. The main Yakrin fleet, which had been following the Alliance carriers, made a twenty-five percent* turn to port and intercepted the TIE fighter group which had destroyed their satellite layer just outside Aram III, a barren methane-ammonia iceworld.

Our fighters had already expended too much of their fuel chasing and destroying the minelayer, so instead of engaging the enemy fleet Lieutenant Haad played an elaborate game of cat and mouse with the enemy, hiding behind the planet, darting in and out of range and firing the occasional pot-shot at their ships while dodging their bursts of depleted uranium shells.

We chose some of our best pilots for this mission and it paid off handsomely, two of the enemy frigates were all but disabled by well-placed shots to the bridge. This slowed down the enemy fleet considerably, allowing our fighters to break away and escape without a single casualty. They did, however, fire off a shot too many and now lack the fuel to make it all the way back to the Fleet on their own. We will have to send a carrier out to recover them, it would be a shame to lose them now after such an awe-inspiring display of skill.

We now have two intact Yakrin frigates closing in on Aram I and five frigates, two of which are crippled, drifting around Aram III. The Fleet is at full readiness, perhaps we can deal with all the Yakrin ships before this tenth is over.

* - The Imperial measurement system divides a circumference into 100 percentile points, so 25% = 90 degrees.

[Raging Deadstar]

Great, it's a shame the Alliance decided to annexe the planet almost. I'm suprised there was so much resistance to the storm troopers, but maybe they saw the star wars movie and saw how badly portrayed they were (lets face it, the only things less scary than a storm trooper are star trek red shirt ensigns and childrens tv programs)

So is this the yakrin conquered almost then? The empire will be most pleased http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[CNCRaymond]

I am enjoying this story a lot. Please keep it going.

[Erax]

I have plenty of material ready and my fingers are itching to write, BUT I'll be away for the weekend (big RPG con). I'll try to get an installment in today, but don't expect anything from Friday -> Sunday.

[Andrés]

Originally posted by Chief Engineer Erax:
I'm not sure if I'll be posting anything from this story there - it's too specialized (blow-by-blow turn report style) to interest anyone but SEIV players. However, if you have any comments / criticisms, send them to me via PM, I'll see what I can do. Please be kind, like Atrocities' story this one is my first. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif And I must say it's great therapy, I think I even lost weight. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not sure if that's the most apropiate place to post it.
And you should finish the story first and perhaps do some edition work to remove unimportant details.
But I think that a story like would be a great way to introduce other starwars/sci-fi fans to SE4 and promote the game.

[jimbob]

Bravo! Bravo!

This story is very like the memoirs of Churchill (Their Finest Hour, etc.) in it's diary like descriptions. A compelling story which I'm enjoying emmensly. I especially like the way you take simple occurances within the game play and expand upon it. Keep up the story writing, I'm cheering on your anti-hero and his fragment of the Empire.

Give it to the Hutts, but take it easy on any Jawa you might meet up with http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Erax]

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Commodore Telar, Sector Starfighter Force
To: Admiral Wiers

Gesaril II, 2404.9

Admiral,

We have analyzed the footage and shipscans transmitted to us by the Fleet and formed a reasonably clear picture of Alliance capabilities.

Their carriers are much larger than any of our current vessels, but rely solely on their fighter loads - the carriers themselves have no weapons. Each carrier has 16 launch bays distributed along its length; their bays launch fighters at half the rate of ours.

The remaining space is taken up by cargo bays, which are 50% more efficient than ours. Each carrier can therefore hold an estimated total of 128 Alcestis light fighters, the only model we saw them deploy at Aram I. In that engagement, one carrier released 80 fighters and the other 72; we believe this was their entire load at the time.

Their carriers can release 16 fighters at a time. We believe this is also the size of their squadrons - 16 fighters in 4 flights of 4 craft each. Each carrier is probably designed to carry a total of 8 squadrons, organized into 2 wings.

The technology employed aboard the Alliance carriers is on a par with ours, but when it comes to the fighters we are completely outclassed. The Alcestis light fighter is larger than a TIE bomber, but its speed is comparable to that of a TIE fighter. Its twin projectile cannon make it five times as deadly as our fighters, on an equivalent tonnage basis. Our lasers outrange their weapons, but that is a small advantage. At the moment, their space fleet is far superior to ours.

I recommend we raise TIE bomber defense squadrons along the border with the Alliance. In our simulations, the bombers fared better against the Alcestis than our fighters. This will strengthen our position in the short term, but we must develop anti-fighter ships and larger carriers if we want to match and counter Alliance capability. The gap is large and we must try to narrow it.

[Erax]

Hi all. I got back from the con, but still have a serious sleep debt to pay. I'll try to do a chapter later today.

[jimbob]

oooo. sounds like our fledgeling empire might be in for a rough ride!

[Erax]

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Commodore Haase, ISB
To: Admiral Wiers

"Long Live the Emperor"

Virgillia IV, 2404.9

Admiral,

With the capture of Aram I we have re-established contact with several undercover intelligence teams which had been installed on-planet before the war. Their reports provide us with a reasonably accurate portrait of Yakrin society and culture. This is a summary of our findings; a full composite report is being drawn up and will be sent later.

Yakrin society is organized into castes, with the priest, warrior and worker castes common to many other human and alien societies. Medical, technical and scientific personnel belong to a variety of sub-castes with status levels between that of the warrior and the worker castes.

Their society is governed by the priest caste, which has been following an agressive policy of expansion since the Yakrin developed interplanetary travel. They have grown steadily more xenophobic after contact with the Alliance and with us.

The warrior caste is loyal to the priests, who direct them by means of threats and promises regarding their afterlife. Yakrin ground troops therefore have unusually high morale. They rarely retreat and never surrender.

When we landed on Aram I, all surviving members of the priest and warrior castes banded together into militia units to resist our invasion. Once these planetary militia units were defeated, there was no resistance from the remaining castes.

Freed from their priests, the workers and professionals have cooperated fully with our troops, teaching them how to repair and operate existing facilities. Controlling Aram I should require no more than our usual complement of planetary security forces.

We have been warned by the Aram I Yakrin that their brothers and sisters will no longer consider them a part of the same species. According to their religion, those who have contact with humans become as impure as the humans themselves and will be treated as such. If any Yakrin frigates reach Aram I, it is quite likely that they will attempt to bombard their former homeworld. We strongly suggest that you guard each and every captured planet against attack from space.

[ June 03, 2003, 17:28: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[Raging Deadstar]

So how is the Galactic Empire going to treat these new additions? Will there be laws passed to give the aliens lesser rights and they be treated like lesser citizens like in the films? Or will you fashion the empire in your own way? Your character has choices that could bring him immense power!

*Sighs* I wish i had those lucrative choices, right now i'm wondering if i should drink my cup of tea http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

*cup of T? puts a golf ball on top of raging's T and T's off*

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9 (third part):

This is turning out to be a long, long tenth. Word came through yesterday from Fleet Command to intercept and destroy the oncoming Yakrin vessels before they reached our position. The Fleet left orbit almost immediately, leaving the Assault Regiment back on Aram I, where they and the natives have already begun to rebuild the planet's starport infrastructure.

A few hours later, we were within scanning distance of the two Yakrin frigates. Our carriers launched some fighters at long range, then approached in close formation with the Seeker while launching the rest of their fighters.

The enemy ships drifted apart as they came towards us; one of them had some engine damage and began to fall behind. Our leading fighters reached the lead ship and swarmed around it, trying to disable its engines. It was like Aram III all over again - the enemy weapons were mounted on turrets with low traverse speeds, which allowed our TIE fighters to avoid their fire. The leading enemy ship was disabled before the second one could fire on our fighters.

We approached its drifting hulk and destroyed it with the Seeker's lasers. Meanwhile, the fighters had already disabled the second frigate, which was destroyed by Black Sword I.

We recovered our fighters and went on to meet and recover Lieutenant Haad's flight, which was approaching us on their Last supplies. We now have our full complement of fighters and will head back to Aram I. So far, the Fleet hasn't lost a single unit in space combat.

I wonder how long this record will Last.

[ June 05, 2003, 01:46: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[Krsqk]

Okay, that's it. I'm downloading the Sci-Fi Crossover mod right now so I can have some clue as to what you're talking about. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Sure, that's why--it wouldn't be for me to play it myself. Noooo. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[edit]Wooooooooah. That's a lot of download. Maybe I meant to say I'l download it while I sleep. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif That looks like a two or three night project. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ June 05, 2003, 06:38: Message edited by: Krsqk ]

[Erax]

Andres has been doing a lot of work on the mod, so maybe the Version that's up for download is different from mine. And my Version has been tweaked (a few important 'standard' tech areas were made available, more troop types were created and fighter propulsion was redone).

You really only need the mod to see the tech trees so you'll know what research leads to what components. Everything runs on either standard SEIV tech or Star Wars tech straight from the movies. The exception is what I call 'pre-tech' - implosion drives and such - which you don't see in the movies but are logical steps in the technological evolution that leads to the tech seen in the original trilogy.

[Andrés]

You're also helping a lot Erax.
I'll try to upload something more up to date soon.

BTW it would be correct to tall turns "months" in the story, IIRC 1 starwars standard year is divided into 10 moths.

[Andrés]

Terran year based on Earth orbital period
12 months (30, 31 and 28 days each) = 365 days

SE4 Year based on "Malfador" orbital period?
10 months (30 days each) = 300 days

Starwars Standard year based on Coruscant orbital period
10 months (35 days each) + 3 festival weeks (5 days each) + 3 holidays = 368 days

[Erax]

OK, here goes my ad hoc explanation : All Imperial personnel in this story come from a part of the Galaxy in which months are called 'tenths' ! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

I wouldn't feel comfortable with a name change halfway through the story. And going back and editing every post to change "tenth" -> "month" is too much trouble.

If I ever collect this story into one single text, I'll do some editing and fix this.

[Erax]

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Brigadier Tefnar, Sector Stormtrooper Division
To: Admiral Wiers

Gesaril IX, 2404.9. All hail the Emperor.

Admiral,

We have just received the full ground combat reports from Aram I. Half of the First Stormtrooper Brigade - Fyrine II's full load - was lost in the battle for the planet, but that does not mean there were no survivors. Many of our troopers were wounded in action, but survived the battle and are now being cared for aboard their transport or on the planet itself. While most of them may never be fit for active duty again, they are other ways in which they may serve the Emire.

They are the survivors of the most important ground battle in this sector and our greatest victory to date. I suggest we bring these survivors to Gesaril IX and employ them as instructors for the next generation of Stormtroopers. Their fame should inspire our future soldiers to even higher standards of valor.

We took Aram I, but no one in the Stormtrooper Division - or the Sector - must ever forget its cost.

[Raging Deadstar]

Nice as always, but just ho well trained are your storm troopers? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif if they're anything like the real star wars then no wonder they sustained heavy losses http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif Good entry!

[sachmo]

Sometimes planets can be tough nuts to crack.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9 (fourth part):

The Fleet arrived back at Aram I without a scratch on our hulls. We had already seen enough action this tenth to satisfy any ordinary commander, but some of my officers are extraordinary. As soon as the fighters were back aboard from the Last battle, Captain Suvent and Wing Commander Grann came over to the Seeker to show me a plan of theirs.

Our carriers cannot equip more than a flight of fighters at a time for extended in-system missions. Since the remaining Yakrin ships were out of the Fleet's reach, we could send a few fighters out to harass them now or send the whole Fleet against them next tenth. Captain Suvent and Commander Grann came up with a third option.

They figured we could load our fighters and pilots on cargo shuttles and send them down to Aram I, where they would be fueled and equipped at a Yakrin atmospheric fighter base which we had captured almost intact. From this base, we could equip and launch enough TIE fighters to finish the job at Aram III.

It was a daring plan, but our recent victory had made me confident and I agreed to it. We notified Colonel Haakar down on Aram I, and his men began to work round the clock putting up makeshift support clamps for the fighters. In a few days, we had a major operational TIE base on our hands.

We launched three squadrons against the Yakrin fleet and kept the fourth one here as planetary defense. Lieutenant Haad and his flight had to stay behind with this defense squadron, a second extended mission would have been too hard on them.

Forty of our fighters, led by Commander Grann himself, are now approaching Aram III at full speed. They will be making contact with the enemy any minute now.

[Erax]

Taz : please edit reply # 84 in this thread to add the following text : {/font} (use > and < instead of the brackets).

Something in that reply is making all the text after it to become red in the printer-friendly Version.

[Andrés]

Clumsy inept poor-marksmen stormtroopers are just a myth.
These imperial elite soldiers are certainly one of the best trained, best equiped and deadliest infantry troopers in all movies.

[jimbob]

...says the guy with the Emperor Palpatine Avatar http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

i can't get his avatar. oh well.
with those vision-blocking helmets and that clumsy armor, it's a wonder they can hit anything at all.

[Erax]

If you re-read the invasion you'll see why their casualty rate was so high. Keep those comments coming, you're giving me some great ideas !

[Taz-in-Space]

Taz : please edit reply # 84 in this thread to add the following text : {/font} (use > and < instead of the brackets).

Something in that reply is making all the text after it to become red in the printer-friendly Version.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I is a BAD TAZ! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/blush.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

OK! I've editted the problem...Try it now.

[Andrés]

Hmm... the cyberwars site is down again, that's where my Emperor's avatar is hosted.

Sure they will, they count with several advantages over Fed Eed****s.

Aiming:
Stormtroopers are as good as Redshirts when they are not shooting at main characters and equally bad when they are.

Training:
Stormtroopers are dedicated, highly trained, professional, and fearless- unlike Federation soldiers who often react with shock and horror to the loss of a comrade, stormtroopers are trained not to react emotionally to the death of comrades during battle.

Weaponry:
Stormtrooper bLaster rifle seems to have a longer range then hand phasers.
Both can normally kill a human with a single shot. And both can vaporize the target in the highest power settings. But of course bLaster fire will cause a realistic vaporization with lots of collateral damage (not a good idea onboard a ship that may explode or building that may collapse) in the surrounding area and a thick cloud of smoke, instead of the "magical disappearance" caused by phasers.

Sensors & comm:
Stormtroopers have hands-free communications system integrated into the helmet, they can talk with each other and their commanders throw encrypted random rotating safe frequencies without being heard by nearby listeners.
They count with sophisticated sensors and internal helmet holoprojectors that provide them with night vision, tactical data, targeting aid, ect.

The helmet has also breathing filters that protect against harsh environment, chem and bio weapons, and in case of emergency the back plate contains 20 minutes worth of oxygen, what protects troopers from accidental exposures to the vacuum of space or other oxygen deprivation situations such as being trapped underwater.

Armor:
Provides full protection against sound weapons, electric discharges, slughtrowers and blades.
It may be penetrated by a direct high power bLaster hit, but it will reduce damage from the bolts absorbed significantly.

[Raging Deadstar]

Originally posted by Andres:
Clumsy inept poor-marksmen stormtroopers are just a myth.
These imperial elite soldiers are certainly one of the best trained, best equiped and deadliest infantry troopers in all movies.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hehe they beat redshirt ensigns anyday!

[Andrés]

Why hasn't my avatar change?
Edit. It changed now, don't know it had changed everywhere else bu not here.

[ June 09, 2003, 16:31: Message edited by: Andres ]

[Erax]

Taz : Problem fixed. Thanks !

[narf poit chez BOOM]

wasn't portrayed that well in the movies. i think we'll always remember 'clatter,clatter,clatter'.

[Andrés]

Maybe but in the movies they were shooting at main characters almost all the time.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9 (fifth part):

Wing Commander Grann and his squadron commanders kept their holotransmitters on during the entire engagement with the enemy fleet, so we could watch it unfold blow by blow.

The Yakrin ships were the same model we fought outside Aram I, with six engines and three large depleted uranium cannon, deadly against large ships but mostly ineffective against our fighters. We expected an easy victory.

But the enemy commander was no fool. He kept his ships close together, never allowing the damaged ones to fall behind. They unloaded massive combined barrages against our fighters, in the hope that a lucky shot might connect. Our pilots danced around and between their hulls, firing round after round of laser fire against the slow-moving opponents while avoiding their return fire.

One of the flights from Squadron Two repeated a maneuver once two often, allowing the enemy gunners to guess its next move. All four fighters flew straight into a hail of uranium pellets and were vaporized. The other flights took this as a warning and improved their defensive maneuvers from that point on.

The Yakrin held their massive-fire formation for some time, but eventually our fighters wore them down, one by one. They would disable a ship, then leave it to drift and move on to the next.

The enemy flagship was the Last one left in the fight. As our TIEs closed in around it, its gunners managed to hit a flight from Squadron Three. They should have destroyed the entire flight, but one pilot somehow passed through the enemy fire unharmed. The enemy kept on firing, but one ship couldn't hold up for long against all our fighters' combined fire. After it was destroyed, they turned back to the remaining hulks. As before, the Yakrin refused to surrender and their ships were destroyed.

Our victorious pilots are coming back to Aram I and should be here early next tenth. The Aram system can now be occupied by the Empire, but on Black Sword I and II there will be seven empty places at the mess tables.

Something tells me there may be many more before this war is over.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2404.9 (sixth part):

Now that the fighting is over in the system, the Fleet can step down from full readiness. Our fuel stores are minimal and it will be some time before the Aram spaceport is rebuilt to the point where we can be resupplied by them. Fleet Command has ordered us to use this time to refit the Seeker and carriers with the new laser cannon, which will give us a 25% power boost over the old model.

The Yakrin spaceyard workers have already started to remove our old guns. If there are no interruptions, the new ones will be installed at about the same time that the Fleet is refuelled.

Then it's on with the war.

[ June 10, 2003, 00:53: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.0:

Spontaneous celebration has broken out all over the Sector after news of our victories over the Yakrin were made public. Captain Veren was already popular as an explorer; as a war hero, he is fast becoming a mythical figure.

The other services are already complaining. General Sheer says our newscasts downplayed the Army's role in the invasion of Aram I. Brigadier Tefnar and Commodore Haase say the people should be praising the Emperor, not one of his officers.

Only Commodore Telar is satisfied; we released a few edited holos of TIE fighters destroying the enemy fleet off Aram III, which set off a flood of volunteers at every starfighter recruitment facility in the Sector. Now we must do the same for the Army and Stormtroopers, otherwise I will have to face another round of complaints.

The war may go on, but I feel we have already passed the point of decision; and that decision was in our favor. Soon we begin to reap the rewards.

(later):

There is much to attend to other than the Fleet. Our technicians have improved our tibanna gas storage technology - a necessary step towards improved reactors. We have been a step away from true ion drives for some time now; taking that Last step will be our next project. After that we must concentrate on anti-fighter weapons as a counter to the Alliance carriers.

We are maintaining our positive metals balance, but at the cost of a reduced shipbuilding program. We have not stopped building Novas here in the capital, but other spaceyards are idle to avoid an increased strain on our economy.

Black Saber I has left Gesaril II with a full load of fighters and is on her way to Aram I. Fyrine III unloaded the colonists on Gesaril V and is now headed towards Gesaril IX, to pick up a load of Stormtroopers.

The Hutt have broken their treaty once again. We could not trust them before, now we simply cannot understand them. I will instruct Ambassador Reima to ignore their offers from now on.

[Raging Deadstar]

Hehehe nice addition about the complaints, it's strange the little twists of real life you can add to the game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

It's strange how the hutt would keep breaking their treaties, unless you're not one of the most powerful races in the galaxy yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Well a bit of warfare should teach them respect http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

i was refering to there walking, not there shooting.
once again, impresive erax.

[Erax]

Thanks guys, stay tuned because there's more 'real life' chapters coming up, the ideas just popped into my head the other day, I don't know why or how but they did.

[Erax]

CODED TRANSMISSION
From: Dr. Lorn Joh, Sector Research Division
To: Admiral Wiers

Syned I, 2405.0

Admiral,

We now have a preliminary report on the artifact from Klozar VII. Our on-site research teams have determined that the weapon is no less than eight thousand years old, which means it is almost certainly the work of the Ancients or one of their servant races.

The weapon itself is an ion beam projector, similar to Imperial ion cannon but much more advanced; among other features, it induces subtle variations in the beam which can disrupt and burn out a ship's engines. Much of its operation is still a mystery to us. We tried to build a smaller replica of the weapon here on Syned, but there is some sort of scale factor involved - all of our smaller Versions lacked the engine-disruption effect. If there is no way around this constraint, it means we are limited to making exact copies of the weapon.

Your designers have determined that our Sector's current ship hulls are too small to carry a full-size Version of this 'engine killing' weapon, but it can be mounted on our ground-to-space emplacements without too much trouble. They will prepare a list of possible designs and send them to your weapons development people at the Capital.

We will continue our research here. A full report on this alien technology will be drawn up and sent to you in a tenth or two.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.0 (later):

Following our victories in Aram, I have approved Captain Veren's promotion to Line Captain. He will retain command of Seeker I in addition to commanding the Fleet. Wing Commander Grann has been promoted to Group Captain and will command the First Carrier Group, currently aboard Black Saber I and the three Black Sword carriers; he will choose his replacement from among his squadron leaders.

Official events celebrating our victories have been organized on all Imperial systems. As a part of the festivities, our sector has been officially named the Virgillia Sector, with the capital here at Virgillia Prime (formerly Virgillia V).

Officially with regards to ourselves, at any rate. A request for Sector status must ordinarily be submitted to Coruscant, where it is approved or denied. But we cannot wait for news from the Empire; we need to organize ourselves as a Sector now if we expect to survive, let alone rule all the systems inside the barrier.

I hope the Emperor finds our actions worthy. All we do here is in his name.

[CNCRaymond]

Erax this story is fantastic. I love reading it. God how I have longed for a good Star Wars story. I used to play Rebellion with PCP, and this story reminds me of those days. I always smoked his Rebellion and conqured the galaxy. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

Thanks for the praise, guys. It looks like I won't be able to get today's chapter in, but I'll try to make up for it with a double helping tomorrow (will be home for most of the day).

The best thing about these game-report stories is that not even I know exactly what's going to happen, so I can get involved in the story along with the readers !!

[Raging Deadstar]

Your Last two additions were perfect as always Erax. I've noticed that you seem not to rule with fear and oppression though, it adds an interesting twist to the story.

I just finished reading shadows of the empire again and i must say it's a good book, i've read most of the star wars novels now that i can find and i must say Shadows Of the Empire is definitely one of the best http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Erax]

I left my game notes at work today, so no update until tomorrow. I can't even advance the game without my notes. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

I guess I'll go bug Andres about the crossover mod. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.1:

Nova IX has reached Klozar VI, our future system capital. Our colonists have already begun work on the system's port and trade facilities; there are sizable metal stockpiles from the mines on Klozar VII waiting for ships to deliver them to our factories on Syned. Meanwhile, starport construction is eroding our dwindling metal stockpiles.

Nova X has been launched from Virgillia Prime. She will resupply in the Gandle Ott system, then proceed to Aram II, a radioactive-rich, partially colonizable world.

Sixty million colonists have boarded Fyrine IV. They will be taken to Berlin III, where they will be re-assigned to locally built colonizers.

Black Sword III has joined Line Captain Veren's Fleet. Like her sister ships, she will have her laser cannon upgraded to the new model while the other ships recover and refuel their fighters.

Commodore Haase has produced an intel report which points to a Yakrin presence in an unexplored system adjacent to Aram. I will order the Fleet to investigate the hyperconduit to that system as soon as their new lasers are installed.

[Raging Deadstar]

Another nice update, it seems that the Imperials are getting set to unleash the dogs of war and i look forward to it! I'm curious to know if the rebel alliance is in this game, but i half don't want you to answer so i get a suprise when first contact comes if they are http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[clark]

Well done!

I am putting another quarter in the jukebox, please, one more song!

[Erax]

Screenplay from a Stormtrooper recruiting vid, aired throughout the Virgillia Sector on SGY 2405.1:

External. Stormtrooper Recruiting Center. Day.

Two young men walk up the broad staircase and enter the building.

Interior. The Lobby. Day.

The Fleet Sergeant sits at a desk, in dress uniform. His chest is full of ribbons. His right arm is entirely missing; his tunic has been tailored without any sleeve at all.

First Young Man : Good morning. I want to join up.

Second Young Man : Me too.

Sergeant : For what ? Labor battalions ?

Second Young Man : Oh, no ! I'm going to be a Stormtrooper.

Sergeant, turning to the first young man : You ?

First Young Man : I'm interested in Research and Development, especially electronics. I understand the chances are pretty good.

Sergeant : They are if you can cut it, and not if you don't have what it takes. Look boys, have you any idea why they have me out here in front ?

First Young Man : Why ?

Sergeant : Because you can't all be Stormtroopers ! We don't need that many and most of the volunteers aren't Stormtrooper material anyhow. Got any idea what it takes to make a Stormtrooper ?

Second Young Man : No.

Sergeant : Most people think that all it takes is two hands and two feet and a stupid mind. Possibly that was all they required ten thousand years ago. But an Imperial Stormtrooper is a specialist so highly skilled that he would rate 'master' in any other trade. So they put me out here to discourage you boys. Look at me.

The Sergeant shoves his chair away from the desk. Both young men see that he has no legs.

Sergeant : Let's assume that you don't wind up digging tunnels on Virgillia IVB or playing human guinea pig for new diseases; suppose we do make a Stormtrooper out of you. Take a look at me - this is what you may buy... If you don't buy the whole farm. Which is more likely, because these days, there aren't many wounded. I'm the rare exception. I was lucky down on Aram I... though maybe you wouldn't call it luck. So why don't you boys go home, go find other ways to serve the Empire ? Stormtrooper service is rough and dangerous even in peacetime, which this isn't. It is not an adventure. Well ?

First Young Man : I'm here to join up.

The Second Young Man hesitates, looks down, then looks straight at the Sergeant with fiery determination in his eyes.

Second Young Man : Me too.

The scene freezes on a close-up of the Second Young Man. The Imperial symbol and the words "Stormtrooper Service : We Need the Very Best" come onscreeen. The Imperial March plays softly in the background.

Fade out.

Note : Today's post is a tribute to Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers". If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor : get off your computer and go buy the book right now, you won't regret it.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

a mouse walks in and says "i wanna be a rebel fighter!"

[dogscoff]

*dogscoff walks in and salutes: I wanna be a tree! Sir!

[Erax]

The Sergeant rolls his eyes. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif
"They send a worse bunch of recruits every year."

[Raging Deadstar]

*Raging Deadstar walks in*

I wanna be a Stormtrooper, Mam...ooops sorry SIR!
Or I want to be a sith!

*Pulls out a metre long bagguette and starts swishing it round making lightsabre noises before bopping the sergeant on the head, and promptly being escorted out, bagguette swinging and lightsabre noises continuing!*

Hehe, but anyway...

Nice idea Erax, very good concept for an update. Should have your people playing putty right into your hands. You know what they say about men with Automatic weapons, or in a star wars universe jawa with droids http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ June 20, 2003, 19:24: Message edited by: Senator Raging Deadstar ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.2:

Our first genuine Hoersch-Kessel ion drives rolled off the production lines today. They are cheaper and smaller than the previous atomic drives; in time, we will have Versions that are also more efficient. The Nova colonizer design has already been upgraded to include these new drives. Our research teams are now testing an anti-fighter laser prototype; after that their next priority will be to develop ray and particle shields. There are many who are optimistic with our recent victories over the Yakrin, but the way ahead is still long.

Seeker II entered a new system, which we named New Mantooine; it contains only a small and a tiny partially colonizable worlds, plus an airless moon. She will move through this system to HolLastin, then on to our colony on Klozar VI.

Our metal stockpiles continue to dwindle. I must find new ways to motivate the population of our mining colonies.

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2405.2:

Our carriers have recovered all of their TIE fighters. The rebuilt spaceport down on Aram I has fuelled the Fleet's reactors, and our new laser cannon have been tested. Colonel Haakar and his Assault Regiment are back aboard Fyrine I, minus a token force which will hold Aram I until the Army brings in a proper security battalion from one of the colonies.

Our orders are to leave orbit and make for one of the unexplored wormholes, from which an Alliance destroyer has just emerged. From this distance we can't be too sure, but it looks like it's heavily damaged. Whatever the Yakrin still have out there, it's certainly nasty, and we're headed straight into it.

Fyrine III is on her way to join us, with half a Stormtrooper Brigade aboard. She'll join the Fleet in the unexplored system, if the Fleet is still in one piece by then.

[ June 20, 2003, 21:01: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[Krsqk]

Nice update, as always. Keep up the good work! I'm into my first Sci-Fi Xover game, and I can appreciate the interesting contortions of the research path. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

after that their next priority will be to develop ray and particle shields<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I did not enjoy the shock of finding out those shields were not phased. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Raging Deadstar]

Yet another great update! The Empire grows strong i see! It seems the enemy are making a Last stand though. I love this, Great Work! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Andrés]

Just in case you haven't seen it, I just posted Last night a new verion of the now called "Star Wars Mod II".
It is very different from the old Version Erax is using for this story.

[Erax]

Yes, Andres is correct. I will play through the end of this story with the old Version, but I definitely recommend the newer Version.

Hey, I've been promoted ! Who thinks I should bug David for an Imperial-style rank plaque, now that I'm an officer ? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2405.3:

The Fleet has survived another space battle. We were expecting a surprise from the Yakrin, but we weren't prepared for what actually happened. I'll start from the beginning.

We reached the wormhole on schedule and watched the Alliance Kent-class destroyer limp out of the area. We tried to get them to tell us what had damaged them, but they wouldn't answer. Maybe their communications were impaired, although I doubt it. It didn't matter, because before we could organize the Fleet to enter the wormhole, it started flashing and an enemy ship came through ! It was a Yakrin frigate and it materialized right next to our Fyrines. Our formation was thrown into chaos as the Fyrines fled for safety, while the rest of the Fleet reversed course and tried to draw the enemy captain's attention. A flight of TIE bombers scrambled from Black Sword III streaked across our bow and fired a spread of proton torpedoes, which plowed straight into the frigate, ripping it apart and leaving a glowing ball of space dust. It was all over almost as suddenly as it had begun. We waited tensely for another ship to come through the hole but none did.

Watching the holos after the battle, we realized the enemy ship was already damaged before it engaged us. I think it had fought with the Alliance destroyer and was intent on not letting them get away. They must have been as surprised as we were when they ran straight into us.
It's a good thing they were damaged, too, otherwise they'd have caught and shot up our transports before being taken out by the torpedoes.

Which means we've just saved that Alliance ship. I'd like to get the name of that destroyer's captain, if it weren't for us he'd be an ion cloud now.

It took hours to get the Fleet straightened out again. To help matters along, we got Last-minute orders, Fyrine II was detached from the Fleet and sent back into the Aram system. No great loss since she was sailing empty, but it added to the general confusion. I had to make a few threats to get everyone into place, but now we're finally ready. It's time to enter another unknown wormhole. I've seen more of them than any other ship's captain in the Empire, but I don't think I'll ever get used to these jumps into the unknown. I can't get rid of the feeling that one day there might be a brick wall at the other end.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.3:

Nova XI has been launched from the capital. She will pass through Syned I and Klozar VI on her long journey to colonize Tachung IX, a tiny, fully colonizable world located far from its parent star.

Her sister Nova X landed on Aram IV, a mineral-rich world which must be developed as soon as possible. It will also host the main Imperial Army base in the territories beyond Gandle Ott; our colonists there are already raising a security battalion which will be transported to Aram I. Black Saber I has left its fighter craft on the Yakrin homeworld and is headed towards the new colony to pick up those troops.

I have ordered Fyrine II to double back towards Aram IV; if there are more Yakrin worlds to be captured beyond the unexplored hyperconduit, we will need additional security forces. Fyrine II will remain in orbit, ready for such an event.

The Fleet had to face a surprise attack by the Yakrin, but Captain Veren pulled through without a scratch, proving the worth of our TIE bombers in the process.

Everything is proceeding in a satisfactory manner. I hope the Yakrin have no more surprises for us.

[Raging Deadstar]

Yep, just as i expected another nice update

Always be prepared for suprises Erax. The AI for this game has shortened my life expectancy by 10 years and gave me a spasm in my arm that makes me hit end turn too early! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Raging Deadstar]

I meant Andre's Lescano's/Deathstalkers AI's in general. I'm playing a FQM deluxe game against the Y'Gathian Free States, Galactic Empire, Trade Federation, Dragon Untied Lairs and some others and they're giving me a good challenge. I tried getting the old sci-fi crossover mod to work but there was some errors i couldn't get round. And i'm downloading the fresh Star Wars Mod II now, so i'm looking forward to it!

[Erax]

The AI for this game has shortened my life expectancy by 10 years and gave me a spasm in my arm that makes me hit end turn too early! <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I assume it's the Crossover game you started because of this thread. I'm curious, what AI races are you up against ? Which ones are giving you trouble ?

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2405.3 (later):

The other side of the wormhole turned out to be clear. The new system, which showed up on our charts as Loovria, was crawling with the Yakrin. Our scanners picked up four colonies, with a starship in orbit around one of them. Loovria IV, a huge partially colonizable world, was close enough to our entry point to be within reach this tenth, so that's where the Fleet went.

The Yakrin defense satellites were the same missile-launcher model we'd seen before. A flight of bombers from Black Sword III took care of them and cleared the way for invasion. Fyrine I came in and dropped the Assault Regiment, which captured the planet with 4% casulaties - about two platoons' worth. This time we were lucky - the Yakrin were building and launching defense satellites right up to the moment we invaded, and we managed to capture three before they launched them. They're useless against fighters, but they might hold off a Yakrin warship.

We're now headed towards Loovria II, a large, resource-poor, partially colonizable planet. Meanwhile, the Yakrin worker-types back on Loovria IV are putting up a makeshift starport to initiate trade with the rest of the Sector. Our prospects look good.

[Erax]

There will be no updates until Monday. I have a Star Wars con this weekend. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

I'll post a picture when I get back.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

i'd say we where waiting with baited breath, but i've always wondered about that saying. like many old sayings, i suspect part of it is missing. 'happy as a clam' makes sense once you know the whole thing adds 'at high tide.'

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.4:

Raw materials are still scarce despite our best efforts. Shipments from the Klozar system have alleviated the situation somewhat, but at the moment our metal reserves are at 2% and decreasing. Nova production will be halted here in the capital and moved to Berlin III; we will gain some valuable time by launching our colony ships closer to the frontier.

Fyrine IV left 30 million colonists on Berlin III; most of them will be carried out to new worlds as the Novas are launched. Another 30 million colonists will be carried on to the Aram system, to occupy all available worlds before the Alliance can gain a foothold there.

Black Saber I took a security battalion aboard and some civilians, who will run the system government on Aram I. Meanwhile other security forces continue to be raised on Aram IV.

We now have a working shield projector prototype. It won't protect a ship from the weapons on a Yakrin frigate, but it is a good start. Now we must develop implosion reactors and anti-fighter weaponry; I feel we have already passed the turning point in the war against the Yakrin, but there may be - there almost certainly are - other hostile races in this sector.

[ July 04, 2003, 16:37: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2405.4:

Loovria II wasn't much of a challenge. The Yakrin missile satellites were destroyed at long range by a few proton torps, then Colonel Haakar's Regiment landed and captured the planet with barely more than 1% casualties. Then we were off to nearby Loovria I for a near-identical battle, except that this time the Yakrin had no satellites in orbit.

Both captured planets have populations of slightly under 65 million Yakrin. Loovria I is completely undeveloped, with huge mineral deposits but no industry or mining facilities, while Loovria II is some kind of research colony and has few resources.

The Yakrin ship we'd seen earlier is an unarmed colonizer which is well on its way to a wormhole. It's too far away to catch before it escapes, but we can chase it later. Right now we're making for Loovria VII, the jewel of the system. It's a huge, fully colonizable world with excellent metal and radioactive ore deposits, and Fleet Command wants it captured right away.

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2405.5:

Loovria VII turned out to be the Yakrin system capital, with a fully operational spaceyard and starport, and it was almost deserted. There were only a few aimless-looking workers milling around when Colonel Haakar's troops landed. The entire planet was captured without a single casualty.

It turns out that the Yakrin tried to abandon the planet before we arrived. They crammed over ninety percent of the population inside that colony ship and left the sick, the old and the unlucky behind. It's a good thing we arrived when we did, because in another tenth it would have been pure anarchy down there.

The Fleet is now going after the Yakrin refugee ship, which crossed the unexplored wormhole right after we captured Loovria VII. With so many people aboard, they'll have to land on a planet soon, and then we'll capture them all.

Note : two entries today to compensate for none yesterday. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ July 02, 2003, 22:40: Message edited by: Erax ]

[Raging Deadstar]

As usual very good writing. I'm guessing that capturing that colony ship will be priority, especially if you can transport the population to the newly captured planet. You can never have too many spaceyards! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[jimbob]

What's the good word, Erax?

[Erax]

I have to stop playing the Invulnerable Challenge so much. It's all Stone Mill's fault, I swear ! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Taz-in-Space]

Erax, Can you read Taz a SE4 story now?

...pretty please?... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[narf poit chez BOOM]

yeah! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story!

[jimbob]

ditto to what the mouse said.

[Erax]

Sorry folks. RL has been rather intense this week. The next entry won't get done before tomorrow night, I'll be away from a computer all day today and most of the day tomorrow.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.5:

The first metal shipments have begun to trickle in from the Aram system, at the same time that production of our defensive TIE squadrons is for the most part concluded. These two facts have contributed to ease the pressure upon our raw materials stockpiles; we are once again building Nova-class colonizers on Virgillia Prime and on Gesaril V. The Loovria system has good mining potential, especially on Loovria I; we will invest heavily there to avert this shortage that has been hanging over our heads for so long now.

Security forces for the Loovria system are being raised on Aram IV; Fyrine II is holding station above the planet to take them there when they are ready. Meanwhile, Black Saber I has joined Fyrine III above Aram I, after dropping off the security troops and the civilian population that will run the system government from the Yakrin homeworld.

On another note, an Alliance colony ship has entered the Aram system. I have no intention of sharing the spoils of this war with them, especially after we defeated the bulk of the Yakrin war fleet while they sat and watched. I will see to it that Nova XII launches ahead of schedule; she will colonize Aram VI, a former Yakrin colony which the Alliance destroyed a day before we could capture it. If we can claim Aram and Loovria for the Empire, the Alliance will be boxed into a corner, and they know it.

I believe we are seeing the beginnings of a colonization race with our allies; if so, I have no intention of losing.

[Narf'scompatshop]

YAAY! thank you. we got story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story! story!

[ July 26, 2003, 09:12: Message edited by: Narf'scompatshop ]

[Taz-in-Space]

Taz listens to Erax continue his story with fascination and wonder...

Speaking of wonder - Taz wonders when the next battle will take place? And with who?

Taz LOVES battles! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[The FryeR K]

Great Story, just finished reading it.
Cant wait to see what happens

[narf poit chez BOOM]

you sell computers?

can i have your job? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[The FryeR K]

Originally posted by narf poit chez BOOM:
you sell computers?

can i have your job? <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I don't sell computers, I repair and build them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif ...I sell paint at Sears http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif ... computers are a side job.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

oh well.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.6:

Our metal stockpiles are still on the rise, mostly due to incoming shipments from Loovria; it is a pity that we may have to share that system with the Alliance. Their Hephaestus-class colony ship sailed right through Aram and entered the former Yakrin colony system; it may soon land on an unclaimed world. We will have to wait and see what they do.

Fyrine II has left its orbit around Aram IV, with a reduced security regiment and a few million colonists aboard; I believe this will be enough to oversee the captured Yakrin worlds in Loovria.

Captain Veren's Fleet has arrived at the hyperconduit taken by the fleeing Yakrin colony ship. Soon we will capture them and put an end to the Yakrin threat. At the other end of our small Sector, Seeker II has arrived at our colony on Klozar VI and is currently waiting to be resupplied.

There are no great threats to us, for now. We must take this chance to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

and yaay! yet more story.

[The FryeR K]

so good need more plz http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Hunkpapa]

Please give us more.

[BadAxe]

narf, this is for you, as we all wait with 'bated breath.

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bai1.htm

Great story, Erax. Thanks.

[Erax]

Thanks for the praise guys. It took me some time to get up to speed again on the story game, but now I know where I'm going with it. When I get home later today I intend to advance it a few turns, then get one more entry done.

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.7:

Our research teams made several important breakthroughs this tenth. We can now mount anti-fighter lasers on our ships and shields on our fighters. We have a new model of shield for our ships which is twice as efficient as the first prototype, as well as improved Tibanna gas storage techniques. But the best news is that we may now fit our ships with high-pressure implosion reactors; these reactors use interstellar hydrogen as an auxiliary fuel source, greatly extending the range of a ship. Two of them would be enough to give any of our current ship designs near-unlimited range.

Research on anti-fighter lasers and ship-sized laser cannons will be a priority this tenth.

On another note, Nova XIII has launched from the Sector capital. She will pick up colonists on Gesaril V, then go on to colonize Prazhi V, a tiny fully colonizable world. Nova XIV launched a few days later from Berlin III. Her mission is to colonize Loovria V, a small partially colonizable world, before the Alliance has a chance to claim it.

Seeker II, now fully resupplied, entered a new system we called Nez Peron; Captain Stran reports four partially coloniable planets and one airless moon in this system. He will take Seeker II through the nearest unexplored hyperconduit, then head towards HolLastin (which should connect to the unexplored system) and back to Klozar.

We finally have all the metals we need, and more. We should soon be entering a period of rapid expansion; right now we are over-extended, with too few colonies spread out across too many systems. We must remedy this situation before we find ourselves in another war.

[Fyron]

Erax, would you like your story archived in the SE.net Fan Fiction Archives (http://www.spaceempires.net/home/modules.php?name=Content&pa=list_pages_categories&cid=2)?

[narf poit chez BOOM]

yes, baited breath always evoked weird images for me.

now, do you know where the term genius came from? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Raging Deadstar]

Great to hear the Empire is getting those metal stock piles filled up. Soon you'll be a fully pledged terror of the universe. Or you could play it differently. Either way i await your next installments http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Narf, i have a worrying feeling that it has something to do with genitals http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ August 07, 2003, 10:50: Message edited by: Raging Deadstar ]

[BadAxe]

narf, that is f&cking brilliant! I had no idea.

So when we say someone is a f&cking genius, we are being literal.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

ah...no.

[Fyron]

Erax, I found a program that converts text files to HTML in a snap. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif So, I can convert it all to HTML in mere seconds. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://www.cyber-matrix.com/txt2html.html

The only thing that will take some time is getting rid of all the "other" Posts. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Actually... what am I talking about? Just do "save as" with the printer friendly Version and it is already HTML! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

The only question is, how often do you want page breaks when I post it on SE.net? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ August 07, 2003, 20:56: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Erax]

Hi Fyron. Yes, I meant doing a 'save as', like you said. No conVersion required, but I'd still have to edit out the readers' comments.

Regarding page breaks, how about 10 Posts per page ? Sounds about right to me. No wait, here's another idea, introduce a page break every time you hit a 'next : Something' post, then make additional pages to balance out the rest. Should add a little bit of suspense to the story.

What about my 'comment' Posts - maps, ranks, etc. ? Do we leave that in the story sequence or create a separate page for them ? Hmm... a separate page sounds like a good idea, we could call it 'The War for the Stars Universe', then link to it in the story sequence at the points the map updates were inserted. My footnotes could also go here, as they would break up the flow of the story if left in the sequence.

Still interested ?

[Erax]

Hello Fyron. Yes, I would like that very much, but I don't have it in all-text format (you could say the forum is my writer's notebook). I could edit the printer-friendly Version of this thread to create an HTML Version, but that would take up the time I could be using to write.

[Fyron]

I was going to move them to the "footer" section, sort of like an Appendix.

I already have the text ready to go with all fluff removed, just need to add page breaks. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Ok, problem. The story is too long for posting in the Content module. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif So... should I just put as much as I can in "Part I", so new stuff can just be added to the end of "Part II"?

Update:
The story is uploaded. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Tell me what you think.
Part I (http://www.spaceempires.net/home/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=4)
Part II (http://www.spaceempires.net/home/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=5)

[ August 08, 2003, 08:17: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Erax]

Looks good. I'd change a few minor things :

- I'd add a link to part II at the end of part I (page 4).

- The footnotes on page 2, part I are sort of silly, you can cut them out if you want (not the others).

- The Last note in the Appendix (month/tenth) is also not necessary, I'd remove it.

- One of the Posts in part II has a note at the bottom (2404.5, I think) which should be removed, it bears no relation to the story itself.

And two questions : part II will have no 'pages', it'll just be one long sequence ? Also, why not '(c) the author, used with permission' ?

[Erax]

Seeker I, Captain's log, SGY 2405.8:

The Yakrin colony ship had a two-tenths lead on us when we crossed the unexplored wormhole after it. We expected to find a newly-built colony in that system, but instead we arrived on the edge of a huge gravitational field. It turns out that this new system, which our charts name as Antmuel, contained nothing but a black hole and two other wormholes. The enemy ship was nowhere to be seen.

Fleet Command wasn't too happy with the news, but there was nothing we could do, and in the end they ordered us back to Loovria. The Fleet will cross the Last unexplored wormhole out from that system to check if there are any other Yakrin colonies in the region.

As to what happened to the Yakrin ship, I can only speculate. Most likely they were swallowed up by the Antmuel black hole, but it's also possible they made it through one of the other wormholes before we arrived on the scene. Personally, I'd say we haven't seen the Last of them yet.

[Atrocities]

I really enjoy reading this thread. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Fyron]

- I'd add a link to part II at the end of part I (page 4).<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The link at the beginning isn't enough? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Will do.

- The footnotes on page 2, part I are sort of silly, you can cut them out if you want (not the others).<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ok.

- The Last note in the Appendix (month/tenth) is also not necessary, I'd remove it.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ok.

- One of the Posts in part II has a note at the bottom (2404.5, I think) which should be removed, it bears no relation to the story itself.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ok.

And two questions : part II will have no 'pages', it'll just be one long sequence ? <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Actually, I had not added page breaks because I was testing just how much text I could put in each section. And then I went to bed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Also, why not '(c) the author, used with permission' ?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I have not figured out where that text comes from. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Edit:
It is in the language files. I can make it say that in English, but not in the other Languages (as I do not know how to say that in them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif ).

[ August 08, 2003, 19:34: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[Fyron]

Update: With Matryx's help, the maximum length of the text field in the database is now 2^32 instead of 2^16. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif So, no more part II worries. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[BadAxe]

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary

Main Entry: ge·nius
Pronunciation: 'jEn-y&s, 'jE-nE-&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural ge·nius·es or ge·nii /-nE-"I/
Etymology: Latin, tutelary spirit, natural inclinations, from gignere to beget
Date: 1513

To beget, I know what that is!

[narf poit chez BOOM]

missed that.

*gives BadAxe a medal*

mouse wants story.

[ September 02, 2003, 05:44: Message edited by: narf poit chez BOOM ]

[Erax]

Admiral Wiers' private log, SGY 2405.8:

Our first dual laser cannon prototype was tested this tenth. It is not as efficient as the current single design, but outranges it significantly. Now we must improve our anti-fighter lasers and develop ion cannon and concussion missiles.

Nova XV launched from Gesaril V to colonize Gesaril VII, a tiny, mineral-rich world. Starport facilities on Loovria IV were dismantled, and all associated personnel were transferred to the larger facility we captured on Loovria VII. Our resource stockpiles continue to increase.

The Alliance colonizer landed on Loovria V before our own colonizer could get there; we must make plans for extended defenses in that system.

Now that the fighting against the Yakrin seems to be over, we must refit our aging designs. The Black Saber class was redesigned to carry the new ion drives, implosion reactors and lasers. Black Saber I, currently in orbit around Aram I, is already undergoing retrofit; the changes to her design are extensive, and will take two tenths to implement fully.

Our progress is still too slow; we must step up our colonization efforts. I will look into it next tenth.

[ October 07, 2003, 00:39: Message edited by: Erax ]

[narf poit chez BOOM]

story! yaay!

[The FryeR K]

Horray Its back http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Starhawk]

Hmmm....good story. Must get more.

[Taz-in-Space]

story! yaay!
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">No No Narf. Like this:
STORY! YAAY!

See? Must yell louder!!!

[narf poit chez BOOM]

no, no,
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1065764046.bmp
thanks.

[ October 10, 2003, 05:43: Message edited by: narf poit chez BOOM ]

[Jack Simth]

Originally posted by narf poit chez BOOM:
thanks.<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Not a problem.

[ October 10, 2003, 06:11: Message edited by: Jack Simth ]

[narf poit chez BOOM]

*pokes the thread*

more, please?

[Taz-in-Space]

Taz also want more story! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

[Erax]

I'll see what I can do. There's a lot going on right now but I can get some writing in if I set myself to it.

[Shrapnel]

I just finished reading your story. I really enjoyed it!!
Hope to see more in the near future!