Space Empires Volume 1: Space Empire

[Sabin]

The sub-chapter is finished, and thus I release Chapter two. By the way, Taz-in-Space, the sub-chapter is about the ships, as promised.

SPACE EMPIRES
VOLUME I:
Space Empire


Chapter II: Intelligence, where art thou?
Stardate: 2414.03

It was a very good time to be the human race, for their relations with what appeared to be the greatest power in the known galaxy, Starfleet Command, formed a partnership with the growing terran race. Upon such occuring on stardate 2414.03, human knowledge about the local galaxy expanded greatly: Instead of being aware of merely 7 systems and their contents, that number grew to over 50 systems, some teeming with new life forms, ones the humans wished to meet.

However, there were many problems: The Space Empire wished to bide it's time, until it's ships can hold up to the rugged galaxy outside of their domain, which they discovered was quite weak when compared to the power of the other empires. The other empires had many ships, enough so that by using 10 or so of such, they would have crushed the small army of ships the Space Empire had: 7, not including the vessels that formed the "museum fleet" a group of aged ships now obsolete, placed into storage.(Which only increased the entire number of ships by 2.)

This was a major problem, so the Space Empire hid within it's 7 systems, unmoving, and it's technology expanding. However, this was not to be the same: More aliens appeared, entering the systems the Space Empire held control over. More specifically, the Fludic Imperium, a race of aliens that had the appearance of slavering, killing monsters. However, the peace was still maintained, for the two races quickly formed a trade alliance during 2405.6. During 2405.7, they changed the make-up of the agreement to one that included provisions about research. It seemed that the Space Empire was at peace.

Unfortunately, the Space Empire lost the Enterprise (B), when they tried to remove an infestation of Borg from a system not in their territory. It failed, being destroyed by the planet's missile emplacements. Wait, the Enterprise (B)? We have skipped a small portion of the history about the Klingon Fiasco. During the years of peace, Klingon transports entered the Space Empire's systems, much like the other races, and contact was established. Early in the relationship, they quickly became allies, to the point of a trade & research alliance. Starfleet Command, however, objected, and told the weaker Space Empire to go to war with the Klingons. The people of Earth bent their collective knees to the command, and work began on constructing a new ship, the Enterprise (B). The Enterprise (B) was far more advanced then the aging Saber MK.II, featuring updated weapons, armor, sensor arrays, and so on. Raynor, the captain of the original Enterprise (A), declined the offer to become the new ship's captain. A different captain was found, Mary Lambeas. The female captain of the ship began the journey to Itamish and Chin'Toka upon the ship's completion.

The ship, while much faster then older Space Empire vessels, was too slow. It couldn't reach the systems in time to help, and were sent away by the Starfleet Command forces. The ship returned to the Sol system, and then was sent to Vega to assault Vega III, since the Borg occupied that planet, and to help the Space Empire to place a foothold outside of it's systems. The Enterprise did away with the single fighter and a transport ship, before making it's assault upon the planet itself. It was destroyed upon coming into range of the planet's missile platforms, which within 60 seconds, tore the ship apart so badly, that it was destroyed instantly.

Thus, the Space Empire decided to isolate itself some more. During that period incidents of sabotage began to occur, enough so make the Space Empire respond, by attempting to establish counter-intelligence agencies. What caused the response? It was that when the Space Empire's ships began to get conflicting orders and in some cases, ships having bombs set off aboard them, that the Space Empire began to prepare to establish an agency...but they accelerated the schedule, when Terra Nova III, the planet that was to be the center for such developments, was sabotaged. More specifically, the sabotage caused 50 million deaths, the entirety of the planet's population. The Space Empire now acted quickly, shipping 2 megatons of humans to the planet immediatly, and changing the construction que, to one soley for the purpose of creating intelligence centers. The sabotage that caused the deaths was determined to be a tectonic-altering bomb.

Soon, an agency called Section 31 was established, and the sabotage was put to a halt. The perpatrators of thee sabotage was none other then the Borg. How was the sabotage stopped? Section 31 employed ruthless tactics to remove the Borg agents, quickly killing all those that worked with the Borg willingly, and removing officials from power when they were forced to assist the Borg. Thus, the Space Empire's efforts bore fruit, though not without loss, ranging from the Enterprise (B) to the Terra Nova III incident, but they gained power in the area of intelligence and tested an upgraded starship, seeing what they were capable of.





Sub-Chapter II: The ships employed by the Space Empire (1st generation.)


The ships of the Star Empire have a history, one of various successes and failiures, which has been true up to the modern day. What were the first starships employed, though? Looking back, the first starship ever constructed and launched was the original Colonizer MK.I-R, which is a vessel designed to colonize planets made up of rocky substances. This ship quickly became a staple, used to colonize 7 systems-completely, no other major races to contend with, which was deemed to be an accomplishment in itself. However, more importantly, was that this ship had two other varients which finished the great task of colonization, the Colonizer MK.I-G(Gas) and the Colonizer MK.I-I(Ice).

However, this ship has fallen into complete disuse, since the Space Empire has stopped all expansion for many years. It has been many years since a ship of the Colonizer legacy has been seen...however, there are now two projects taking place: the first is to create three colonizers to add to the "Museum Fleet" a collection of obsolete starships used to show the old designs of years past. The second project is to make updated Versions of these vessels, when expansion becomes possible for the Star Empire.

There is another series of starships, but this set is still in existence, with at least the original Saber MK.I in existence. The Saber MK.I was developed to counter the threat of a Borg invansion. The design was approved and constructed just in time, it seemed, when a heavily armed Borg vessel appeared in the Alpha Centauri system. The Enterprise (A), the first Saber MK.I, attacked the Borg vessel, and won. However, the Enterprise was heavily damaged, with 3 of it's decks almost entirely destroyed, ranging from weapons to the engines. However, it managed to limp to Alpha Centauri II, and the Saber MK.I series was now in heavy production, so that the 7 systems that the Space Empire had control over would be protected by at least 1 ship per system. 7 ships total, not including the final colonization ships and the Automated Transport MK.I.

The Sabers were later proven to be an outdated design when the other major race's designs were scanned, showing that they had far better parts then what the Saber MK.I's had available. Thus, the Saber MK.II was created. This ship was far better, and quickly replaced the Saber MK.I's, besides the Enterprise (A) which was placed into the "Museum Fleet". The other Saber MK.I's were scapped shortly after. The Saber MK.II proved sufficient for destroying enemie vessals, but was proven to be in sufficient for attacking enemie planets individually, as proven by the Enterprise (B) which foolishly attacked a planet by itself, and was destroyed by a single volley of missile fire.

During the same period, the Automated Transport MK.I was conceived. This vessel was designed to transport the people of Earth for redistrubution so that the Earth's population is reduced and that the other planets are stocked with extra labor. It succeeded at this goal for most of it's service, and was later replaced by the Automated Transport MK.II, which featured an upgraded warp-core, impulse engines, and cargo bays of better design. This increased the amount of people that can be ferried by a great amount.

Now, a new design of ship meant to be primarily of an exploration ship was designed. It currently has no name, besides the code-name, Pegasus. The prototype Pegasus featured additional weapons, shields, a new sort of scanning array, and so on. It also had a prototype weapon, the Quantum Torpedo III, which had some serious flaws, due to that a better sort of torpedo was available for use. Current military reports say that they will correct this deficiency in future Versions.

The prototype pegasus was launched, and to test it's combat abilities, it eventually attacked a borg planet. It destroyed a colony ship, but it was attacked by dozens of fighters. It managed to keep out of range at first, but then it's commander got over confident. The fighters got in range, and the first sweep tore the defenses of the hapless pegasus into shards, and the rest of the damage removed the engines, scanners, and so forth. The pegasus couldn't escape, and was destroyed by the second charge.

Now, a second pegasus was created, but unlike the Last one, this one is dedicated to exploration. However, none of the lessons learned were applied it seemed, for the torpedos were not changed, and the ship eventually got into a second fight, by it's own will.

It attacked a planet in a system far away from the Sol system, more then 8 systems away, with no friendly forces nearby, uncharted by the Space Empire or it's allies. The planet's name was Maxia III.(And it's moon, Maxia A). Stationed about the planet were 9 Borg vessels, all for colonizing planets or transporting labor. These were destroyed by the Pegasus(It has been named that, now.) and the 5 fighters guarding the planets.

The attacked succeeded. After three months, Maxia III and Maxia A fell to the Pegasus. This attack being successful, it was decided that the Pegasus was to be replaced by a new Version better suited for these tasks, and the attack shown that the Space Empire can hold it's own against it's enemies.
(This occured during 2424.6 through 2424.8)

[ February 21, 2004, 05:50: Message edited by: Sabin ]

[Atrocities]

Very nice second addition. I really have nothing other than positive feed back for your work. Sorry man.

[Cipher7071]

Okay, I'll try if you're ready for it.

I have no issues with the organization of the story. It goes from A to B to C in straightforward manner. In terms of some constructive criticism on style (which I think is what you're asking for), it reads a bit choppy sometimes, even in places where the grammar is technically correct. A good rule of thumb is that when you're not sure whether you need a comma, leave it out. There are also some run-on sentences, and these should be split.

I hope this is what you're asking for, and that it helps.

[Sabin]

This is exactly what I am looking for. However, I may have difficulty implementing the feedback due to incompetence. Expect better results after three or so more chapters.

Also, I am going to begin work on the third chapter soon, and it's respective sub-chapter. Does anyone want anything in particular?

[ February 21, 2004, 20:45: Message edited by: Sabin ]

[Sabin]

I have finished the third chapter, but I am not sure what to write about for the sub-chapter. Does anyone have an particular topic to be covered?

[Cipher7071]

Keep at it Sabin. The more you write, the better you get at it. I often find it helps me if I put something away for a day or so, then look at it again. Rewrites are just another fact of life.

[Sabin]

I have decided to exclude the sub-chapters, due to a lack of ideas. However, in this post, I have placed Chapter III, so please enjoy. Also, does anyone have any insights about what the Space Empire has been doing wrong thus far, combat-wise?

SPACE EMPIRES VOLUME I: Space Empire

Chapter III: The Pegasus Question
Stardate: 2414.03

Planet Earth, Sol System, 2414.03.(The Grand Master bedroom of the Space Palace.)

The isolation of the Space Empire irked it's leader, Grand Master Sabin, and the people he ruled over, at least that is what he believed. During his reign as the Grand Master, he tried to live up to the former Grand Master's ambitions: To improve society, and to reach the stars. He, in the year of 2400.00 did just that, and now has managed to do more for his people then what has been done in the Last 4 centurys...at least, that is how the history book by an on-line author has been saying, which has been more or less accurate. However, Sabin felt that the amount of expansion that has taken place would have been emulated by any other empire, and the other empires that have been met thus far were proof of that. He knew, that more expansion was important, but he questioned how to go about it, and what it may cost the Space Empire. Indeed, there was the possibilty that by attempting to do so will destroy the Space Empire. Then again, the Space Empire can't wait, since it is already falling behind, if it already didn't.

Sabin paced about the room, and then halted. He began to toy with the idea he just thought of. He began pacing again, moving about in a continous circle, and the idea's roots took hold of the fertile soil of the Grand Master's mind. He quickly accepted the decision, and summoned forth the council, and put before them the idea. It was quickly accepted, and all of the council members had something to gain from such a project. Sabin allocated the personnel and resources required for this particular task, and returned to the Space Palace's Grand Master bedroom. He went to his desk, and turned on the monitor of his personal computer, and accessed the electronic diary he kept. He began typing. "Today, I have had a marvelous idea, which would expand the knowledge of the Space Empire greatly, and show us many things that even Starfleet Command doesn't know about..."

Electronic History book, titled SPACE EMPIRE VOLUME I: Space Empire, Chapter III: The Pegasus Question

In the year 2414.03, a project was taken up by the Space Empire. It had some new ideas, more specifically, it was the idea of designing a new starship, one meant for exploration. This ship was meant to travel among the stars and explore the unknown half of the galaxy...the North-East section. This ship had a different size compared to the Saber series, the size of which was only 200kt. This ship, on the other hand, was 400kt, which doubled the amount of room available for parts. This vessal also featured shields, an invention that couldn't be used on small vessels like the Saber series, due to the size of them. These shields are capable of preventing damage to a starship, more specifcally, damage caused by weapons. This was a good trait for an exploration ship, due to what may be met on a long journey. The final addition was the Quantum Torpedo III, a weapon that was very different from phasers, the default weapons that Sabers were armed with, since the assaults made with a torpedo did not deteriorate over time, a radical difference.

The prototype was eventually created. It was sent on it's maiden voyage, and at one point, it was felt that testing such a vehicle at combat would be a good idea. The ship engaged a Borg planet, and was destroyed by the small fighters that protected the planet. Despite the combat failiure of the vessel, it was decided to create a second, unmodified vessel. It was sent on it's exploration mission and successfully traveled 9 systems away. Near the end of that trip, it met two races, the Romulans and the Orian Syndicate. Non-Agression treaties were formed with both races. During this time, the vessal attacked a planet that housed 9 Borg vessels, unarmed ones. It successfully destroyed all of the vessels, and the five fighters guarding the area. Maxia A was razed, and Maxia III quickly met the same fate. The ship was recalled, so that it may be replaced by a varient more dedicated to exploration, which also featured a different torpedo, the Trilithium-Cobalt Torpedo III, which did similar damage with a side effect of doing quadruple damage to shields, which would make it far more valuable as a secondary weapon. This varient was called the Pegasus-E, due to the ship it was supposed to replace, the Pegasus.

During the return to Sol some events occured. The Orian Syndicate extended a treaty of trade alliance, which has been accepted by the Space Empire, and then was escalated into one that had to do with exchanges of research matierial. Starfleet Command also made another request for help against the Klingons. The Space Empire sent a single Saber MK.II to the Bajor system, which was to be this time an individual unit that would fight primarily the Klingons. The ship was granted a new title, the Chozo. An trade alliance was formed with the Romulans, else, they threatened, they would burn the Space Empire's worlds. The Space Empire took the meaning of it as a joke of sorts, and accepted, laughing all the way to bank, their coffers being filled with a new source of financial support. The project to add the Colonizatation MK.I series was completed, and they promptly entered the museum fleet.

The Pegasus-E attacked a Borg vessel that entered the Sol System and destroyed it while taking little damage. It was reported that the new torpedo in use did away with the shields in almost a single blow, which were rated at 450. It was decided that this torpedo is to become a standard on larger vessels, due to it's usefulness in combat. The Chozo was destroyed by a large group of Klingon ships, and could not resist any attacks that the enemy made at blank range. It was discussed that the Chozo may have been able to defeat a single Klingon vessel, but the point was moot. However, it has been considered that it may have been time to update the Saber series into it's third incarnation. Research about it was taking place, when it was discovered that the Saber series may have finally met their end: Their overall cost was not worth the amount of armor & weapons they could carry.

However, there is hope for this series: Some needed research is coming to a head, and may give this ancient series one Last revival, by improving the amount of ground these ships could cover, and possibly how many supplies they can carry. Also, it was found that if they were in range of a planet equipped with a command center, their combat performance increases by 30% in their attacks and defensive manuevers. It is argued, though, that an new series would gain a far better advantage then the aging Saber series.

Meanwhile, the Pegasus (A), has yet to return to Space Empire territory, for the crew thought they could explore on the way to the Sol System. Now, the trip has been delayed greatly, and it is currently expected that the varient of the Pegasus may have to be remade, due to new technological developments. On 2426.0, it has been decided the Pegasus-E shall be placed on it's maiden voyage, despite the fact that the original has yet to come back. It is to travel to Bajor and return to Sol afterwards.

An offer was made by the Fluidic Imperium for a military alliance, but it was turned down by the Space Empire. The Pegasus-E was destroyed, which has now prompted that a new varient is to be made, due to the fact that new warp technology is available. What destroyed the Pegasus-E is an Klingon vessel, due to it's powerful weapons, and that the Pegasus-E got too close for it's own good, it seemed. The Space Empire decided to change how it conducts battle. However, the Pegasus (A) got destroyed on it's journey home, unlike the way it was shown in motion pictures, where a ship goes down bravely: Hardly without a fight. The Space Empire felt embarressed, it seemed they were completely incompetent in the arena of space, thus concludes chapter three, where the Space Empire is humiliated on a regular basis, though it learned a little more about what goes into designing a starship, and the tactics involved...but would the Space Empire apply them? Or would it continue to flounder like a fish on the deck of a starship?

[ February 22, 2004, 22:34: Message edited by: Sabin ]