From England to America - Space

[TheButterflyComposer]

Upon the famous General TBC's death, his body and mind were stored in cryostasis. Eventually, his mind was scanned and implemented in the creation of an artificial brain. Several iterations later, in 2100, the artificial brain achieved true sentience. The AI called itself Kelebek, and it possessed great thinking power and physical power (it occupied an artificial android body), and it even gained legal status under the UNO. Now, in the 2200s, over 100 years old, 'he' sits on the UNO's Council of Scientific Advisers (also known as the Think Tank). He gives deep and thoughtful advice into the problems that face human society, notably the problems encountered during space exploration.

The Think Tank is unused to vistors. It is equally unused to consultation, and dictating UNO policy. It is getting used to many new things...

13 AI; one positronic andriod, three positronic brains 'grown' from human minds, and nine super computers all within the same room (metaphorically speaking). The Think Tank was humanity's wild card, and hopefully it would prove extremely useful in the coming space age.

Then, in November of 2217, the UNS Verigan, commanded by Clarence Chopak, encounters an alien vessel. Unlike the space squids, this is not organic, and it almost resembles UNO construction. The vessel does not attack, and for now the UNS Verigan and the aliens just observe each other. The Think Tank advises Chopak to not make any hostile moves and to simply transmit the Initial Contact Statement. The ICS is a short, friendly message that clearly states humans seek no hostile relations and carry no ill intentions. Finding a way to communicate that to other life forms was not easy, and pictures are mainly used. Although, it is also likely that differing technology would render the transmission completely useless. On board every exploration craft is the ICS pod, which carries the message in tangible form.

This was the first test. The Think Tank's Monitors (both human and artifical), reported data streaming jumping in intensity after the alien messege reached Earth. The UNO President communicated a simple request: "Tell us what they mean."

Kelebek considered cracking his fingers for comedic effect, then simply got to work. This was going to take a long time. Communication between humans with the same language and culture group was difficult. This task...should be very difficult.

But the Think Tank did it anyway. And then, for the first time, they noticed something that made them uneasy.

2 months later, the UNS Europa encounters an entire fleet of alien vessels. At first it is thought they are from the same unknown entity, but the construction differs enough that scientists are unsure of what is going on. What appears to be a mining station is also in orbit around an asteroid in the system. The aliens make to attack the UNS Europa, and McClellan is forced to retreat to the system over. The speed of new discoveries shocks earth's scientists, and no one is quite sure what should be done.

This time, the president actually met the think tank in person. Something he was beginning to regret bitterly, as the research base was located in the Antarctic. Still, hostile alien forces had come into contact with humanity and he and the security council required answers from the Best and Brightest.

Kelebek sat facing towards the centre of a frozen room, whilst the interfaces of the other AI flashed around the walls. The president saw a momentary flicker on the android's face before it composed itself. This was already a worrying discussion and neither party had begun speaking. Robots were not meant to look that troubled.

"What do we know?" the president asked into the microphone. He like everyone else in the security council was sat in an adjoining room, as the temperatures inside the Think Tank itself were far too low for human bodies.

"The new alien fleet is overtly hostile and capable of venting that hostility at human ships," Kelebek responded immediately. "From the behaviour and synchronicity of the ships, we postulate the ships may be automated. It is...disconcerting."

"What do you mean?"

"Hostility in space is fairly pointless from a logical perspective. The galaxy is too large for resources and living space to be scarce. The only reasons for attacking anything is in self-defence, or to protect something of significant value. Or...perhaps, that a particular society wishes to exterminate other life it finds disagreeable." Kelebek was capable of shrugging but he did not do so. "We seem to have come a cross a mining setup of some type, and an automated fleet assigned to protect it violently."

"So why is it disconcerting?"

"Why is the mining facility so important that an entire fleet was built and automated solely to defend it? Why is there a fleet still in operation over an abandoned mining facility? It raises too many questions."

"Aside from that," the US delegate said, visibly impatient, "is there anything relative you can tell or advise us to do?"

Kelebek paused for a moment to allow the Think Tank to compose a response. "Yes. Humanity needs to reinforce its fleet arm. Clearly for whatever reason beyond logic, the galaxy is full of foreign ships ready to fire on ours. This is far beyond what we expected in our initial predictions. It is...curious." Kelebek's head cocked to one side and clicked, "The mining facility should be captured and studied. Clearly, there is something going on here that we do not understand. We require more data. More data. I'm sorry," he said, looking at the camera, "that's all they are saying right now."

He was lying.

The UNS Verigan continues to try and speak with the docile alien vessel, and Chopak reports to earth that they've been receiving unreadable transmissions from their counterpart. It takes months, but the strange transmissions received from the friendly aliens is eventually deciphered, but scientists set about to try and interpret what is being said. Communications is established with the Cirrulan Cartel 3 months after initial contact.

By a degree of brute force and luck, the Think Tank had done the improbable and translated a completely unknown message nearly from scratch. Kelebek provides a direct translation for the Monitors:

The Cartel is a criminal-run government that prioritizes alien relations.

The human monitor blinked. "That...doesn't make any sense, Kelebek. Are you sure that's correct.?"

"The Cartel is a criminal-run government that prioritizes alien relations." Kelebek insisted. "From what we can gather and observe, the Cartel operates between the two planets of this species. Both worlds are ran by a variety of city states and small nations that indirectly answer to giant crime families that do not hold themselves to the species' moral codes or practices. Instead, they have no concept of law and order. Families run everything, and control everyone. It is both highly individualistic and strictly collectivist at the same time-an individual might rise from nothing to becoming a billionaire crime head but they must maintain the loyalty and credibility of their family, both in blood and adopted. It is very confusing, I know, but suffice to say, they understand the concept of law and order, and have come to very different conclusions about it."

Friendly relations are established. From what can be read from their messages, they inhabit two planets not too far from Sol and are about the same level of technology as earth. However, their fleet is significantly larger, hinting that they might have encountered intelligent, hostile life. The Cartel is run by an oligarchy similar to a mafia family.

"We might assume that the fleets are large because they compete with each other, and are required to provide both intimidation and protection to the various peoples of the two planets. However, this does not seem to explain everything. There are indications that they have been on the receiving end of several battles, none of which seem to have gone in their favour. This we would expect from what is in essence a private gang going up against a properly set up state armed forces."

"Does that mean there are more out there?" the Monitor shivered.

"That seems likely. And...very wrong indeed." Kelebek frowned. "More data required."

In 2220, the next election begins. Jabby has been president for 20 years now, but there is no term limit.

The UNO does in fact have a predefined term limit but it is relatively flexible, and there is no limit to how many terms in office one person might hold, due to Humanity as a whole living a great deal longer than ever before.

With Alpha Centauri having nearly 200 million humans living on it, and nearly a million spread across dozens of stations in different systems, the United Nations Organization fails to define exactly what humans have become. No new name is given for now, but the idea spreads.

"Are we going to ask the Think Tank, sir?"

"The Think Tank is for specialised military and scientific projects, crisis situations and long term human development. Not for window dressing," the Head Monitor chided. "Besides," she added, "can you imagine what they'd suggest?"

An interesting proposal is put forward by the Cartel, an open immigration policy.

TT10: Open Immigration?
KEL: Yes.
TT101010: Problematic. Potentially catastrophic.
TT10: Possibility of halting Cartel members entering human territory?
ALL: Impossible. Space travel negates borders.
KEL: UNO will not wish this treaty.
ALL: Irrelevant. Space travel negates borders.
TT101010: Remains problematic.
TT10: Humanity will adapt?
KEL: Yes?
[time passes for 0.5 seconds without comment]
TT1000: Error. More data required. This...does not make sense.
ALL: Agreed. More data required.
[time passes for 20 seconds without comment]
KEL: Perhaps-
[AI data stream breaks monitor recording software and goes dark]
…
…
…
[re-established. time elapsed: 2 hours, 34 minutes, 42 seconds]
KEL: We have a problem.

The UNO backs this private space venture tentatively.

The Think Tank does not comment when questioned. When the other expert, Governor TBC, is questioned, she responds, "To be frank, all new colonies will eventually become self-governing. It is the nature of things. Origins will only be one factor in the end, and reduced bearing after thousands of years. The UNO remains viable as an extra-national and species alliance because of how fricking expensive defending all this new space will be, and regulating trade and diplomats between planets etc. Plus...y'know, if Klingons invade or something like that."

The first human space combat occurs in 2223, as the hostile space squids are hunted down by the fleet. They have been harassing passing science ships, trying to attack but being too slow. The largest squid with what might be her 3 children, fights hard, and one corvette is knocked out of action, its crew having to be rescued and the ship abandoned.

The Think Tank momentarily pauses to mark the first alien life killed by humans. They quickly (very quickly) get back to work, and send an advisory note to the UNO to reclaim or destroy that 'lost ship' before anyone else gets hold of it. There is no such thing as lost vessels in space, aside from perhaps incineration by a star.

Very, very far away from earth, the UNS Verigan encounters another unknown alien vessel. Just like with the Cartel, this ship is attempting to hail the Verigan, and it takes months for communications to be established. It is the Vissari State.

Kelebek actually sighed when he finished translating this message. The Monitors actually recorded him saying, very quietly: "Oh come on! Are you serious?"

From what can be gathered from the first few talks, they are a militaristic, materialistic society of birdlike creatures called the Vissari. They evolved on a techno-organic world, a very fertile planet created by unknown 'gods'. Their government is similar to old world authoritarian empires on earth. Thus far, they are friendly.

The UNO are very confused, humanity in general is very standoffish, and the Think Tank is very quiet. The world is running smoothly.

Shortly after contact with the Vissari, an envoy from a terrifying species reaches the Kiram station. It is from the Lilarobius Triad, a dictatorial, militaristic, xenophobic civilization far from earth.

"Genocide or cultural cleansing."

This answer to the question of what humanity should do about the new alien race was buried deep in secret UNO vaults for many centuries until it was 'discovered' accidentally/on purpose by a researcher AI trying to sell a new book series.

President McClellan and the Think Tank grumble over their decision to enter into a defensive pact.

Well, McClellan grumbles. The Think Tank...creaks? Leaks? They are fairly composed about the whole thing, though Kelebek is noticeably more...active than usual.

In a completely unexpected turn, Kate TBC, thought to be the least likely to win, takes the election by a slim margin. Kate TBC promises an expansion of the energy infrastructure and more colonies to alleviate the overcrowding of earth.

Kate sighed as she waited for her first meeting with the Think Tank. In all honesty, her family still didn't like the K android very much. It...he, was far too similar to them and yet so far apart. Still, she was a professional. She tapped the microphone button.

"Anyone in there?"

Okay, so not completely professional.

Kelebek twitched as his motor functions whirred into life. He nodded at the camera and sat down in his usual chair. "Hello President TBC...Kate." He ignored her wince. He knew what the family thought of him, for the most part at least. She was one of the better ones. "I have been hoping to speak to you."

"The Monitors tell me you've been pretty quiet these past few months." Quiet, yes. Also terrifyingly energetic and irrational, from what she'd seen and been told. The outgoing president had warned her about this part of the job. 'They are of and yet apart from us,' he said, 'but they are a great key to humanity's future. Please do not squander that resource.'

"Yes. We have been computing. We have a problem. We believe...we may have a solution. But it is conjectural at this time."

"How bad is the problem?"

"...literally earth shattering? No...a theory of everything. Or at least, everything in this galaxy."

"Okay, I'll bite. Conjecture away."

Kelebek was silent for a time. Then he said, quite carefully, "Madam President...I think we're being played with."

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

I'm so happy that our first contact with intelligent alien life is the Mafia: Alien Edition. Even better, they're peaceful. May the UNO and the Cartel be friends for all time. As for our other neighbors... maybe we need a bigger fleet.

 

[pyrolithic]

I'm not sure, signing a defensive pack with the first aliens we meet seems a bit like marrying a high school sweetheart

 

[silentsam5]

Earth Federation, United Earth Protectorate, Diaspora of Man

I like Federation of Earth.

The Think Tank is unused to vistors. It is equally unused to consultation, and dictating UNO policy. It is getting used to many new things...

13 AI; one positronic andriod, three positronic brains 'grown' from human minds, and nine super computers all within the same room (metaphorically speaking). The Think Tank was humanity's wild card, and hopefully it would prove extremely useful in the coming space age.



This was the first test. The Think Tank's Monitors (both human and artifical), reported data streaming jumping in intensity after the alien messege reached Earth. The UNO President communicated a simple request: "Tell us what they mean."

Kelebek considered cracking his fingers for comedic effect, then simply got to work. This was going to take a long time. Communication between humans with the same language and culture group was difficult. This task...should be very difficult.

But the Think Tank did it anyway. And then, for the first time, they noticed something that made them uneasy.



This time, the president actually met the think tank in person. Something he was beginning to regret bitterly, as the research base was located in the Antarctic. Still, hostile alien forces had come into contact with humanity and he and the security council required answers from the Best and Brightest.

Kelebek sat facing towards the centre of a frozen room, whilst the interfaces of the other AI flashed around the walls. The president saw a momentary flicker on the android's face before it composed itself. This was already a worrying discussion and neither party had begun speaking. Robots were not meant to look that troubled.

"What do we know?" the president asked into the microphone. He like everyone else in the security council was sat in an adjoining room, as the temperatures inside the Think Tank itself were far too low for human bodies.

"The new alien fleet is overtly hostile and capable of venting that hostility at human ships," Kelebek responded immediately. "From the behaviour and synchronicity of the ships, we postulate the ships may be automated. It is...disconcerting."

"What do you mean?"

"Hostility in space is fairly pointless from a logical perspective. The galaxy is too large for resources and living space to be scarce. The only reasons for attacking anything is in self-defence, or to protect something of significant value. Or...perhaps, that a particular society wishes to exterminate other life it finds disagreeable." Kelebek was capable of shrugging but he did not do so. "We seem to have come a cross a mining setup of some type, and an automated fleet assigned to protect it violently."

"So why is it disconcerting?"

"Why is the mining facility so important that an entire fleet was built and automated solely to defend it? Why is there a fleet still in operation over an abandoned mining facility? It raises too many questions."

"Aside from that," the US delegate said, visibly impatient, "is there anything relative you can tell or advise us to do?"

Kelebek paused for a moment to allow the Think Tank to compose a response. "Yes. Humanity needs to reinforce its fleet arm. Clearly for whatever reason beyond logic, the galaxy is full of foreign ships ready to fire on ours. This is far beyond what we expected in our initial predictions. It is...curious." Kelebek's head cocked to one side and clicked, "The mining facility should be captured and studied. Clearly, there is something going on here that we do not understand. We require more data. More data. I'm sorry," he said, looking at the camera, "that's all they are saying right now."

He was lying.



By a degree of brute force and luck, the Think Tank had done the improbable and translated a completely unknown message nearly from scratch. Kelebek provides a direct translation for the Monitors:



The human monitor blinked. "That...doesn't make any sense, Kelebek. Are you sure that's correct.?"

"The Cartel is a criminal-run government that prioritizes alien relations." Kelebek insisted. "From what we can gather and observe, the Cartel operates between the two planets of this species. Both worlds are ran by a variety of city states and small nations that indirectly answer to giant crime families that do not hold themselves to the species' moral codes or practices. Instead, they have no concept of law and order. Families run everything, and control everyone. It is both highly individualistic and strictly collectivist at the same time-an individual might rise from nothing to becoming a billionaire crime head but they must maintain the loyalty and credibility of their family, both in blood and adopted. It is very confusing, I know, but suffice to say, they understand the concept of law and order, and have come to very different conclusions about it."



"We might assume that the fleets are large because they compete with each other, and are required to provide both intimidation and protection to the various peoples of the two planets. However, this does not seem to explain everything. There are indications that they have been on the receiving end of several battles, none of which seem to have gone in their favour. This we would expect from what is in essence a private gang going up against a properly set up state armed forces."

"Does that mean there are more out there?" the Monitor shivered.

"That seems likely. And...very wrong indeed." Kelebek frowned. "More data required."



The UNO does in fact have a predefined term limit but it is relatively flexible, and there is no limit to how many terms in office one person might hold, due to Humanity as a whole living a great deal longer than ever before.



"Are we going to ask the Think Tank, sir?"

"The Think Tank is for specialised military and scientific projects, crisis situations and long term human development. Not for window dressing," the Head Monitor chided. "Besides," she added, "can you imagine what they'd suggest?"



TT10: Open Immigration?
KEL: Yes.
TT101010: Problematic. Potentially catastrophic.
TT10: Possibility of halting Cartel members entering human territory?
ALL: Impossible. Space travel negates borders.
KEL: UNO will not wish this treaty.
ALL: Irrelevant. Space travel negates borders.
TT101010: Remains problematic.
TT10: Humanity will adapt?
KEL: Yes?
[time passes for 0.5 seconds without comment]
TT1000: Error. More data required. This...does not make sense.
ALL: Agreed. More data required.
[time passes for 20 seconds without comment]
KEL: Perhaps-
[AI data stream breaks monitor recording software and goes dark]
…
…
…
[re-established. time elapsed: 2 hours, 34 minutes, 42 seconds]
KEL: We have a problem.



The Think Tank does not comment when questioned. When the other expert, Governor TBC, is questioned, she responds, "To be frank, all new colonies will eventually become self-governing. It is the nature of things. Origins will only be one factor in the end, and reduced bearing after thousands of years. The UNO remains viable as an extra-national and species alliance because of how fricking expensive defending all this new space will be, and regulating trade and diplomats between planets etc. Plus...y'know, if Klingons invade or something like that."



The Think Tank momentarily pauses to mark the first alien life killed by humans. They quickly (very quickly) get back to work, and send an advisory note to the UNO to reclaim or destroy that 'lost ship' before anyone else gets hold of it. There is no such thing as lost vessels in space, aside from perhaps incineration by a star.



Kelebek actually sighed when he finished translating this message. The Monitors actually recorded him saying, very quietly: "Oh come on! Are you serious?"



The UNO are very confused, humanity in general is very standoffish, and the Think Tank is very quiet. The world is running smoothly.



"Genocide or cultural cleansing."

This answer to the question of what humanity should do about the new alien race was buried deep in secret UNO vaults for many centuries until it was 'discovered' accidentally/on purpose by a researcher AI trying to sell a new book series.



Well, McClellan grumbles. The Think Tank...creaks? Leaks? They are fairly composed about the whole thing, though Kelebek is noticeably more...active than usual.



Kate sighed as she waited for her first meeting with the Think Tank. In all honesty, her family still didn't like the K android very much. It...he, was far too similar to them and yet so far apart. Still, she was a professional. She tapped the microphone button.

"Anyone in there?"

Okay, so not completely professional.

Kelebek twitched as his motor functions whirred into life. He nodded at the camera and sat down in his usual chair. "Hello President TBC...Kate." He ignored her wince. He knew what the family thought of him, for the most part at least. She was one of the better ones. "I have been hoping to speak to you."

"The Monitors tell me you've been pretty quiet these past few months." Quiet, yes. Also terrifyingly energetic and irrational, from what she'd seen and been told. The outgoing president had warned her about this part of the job. 'They are of and yet apart from us,' he said, 'but they are a great key to humanity's future. Please do not squander that resource.'

"Yes. We have been computing. We have a problem. We believe...we may have a solution. But it is conjectural at this time."

"How bad is the problem?"

"...literally earth shattering? No...a theory of everything. Or at least, everything in this galaxy."

"Okay, I'll bite. Conjecture away."

Kelebek was silent for a time. Then he said, quite carefully, "Madam President...I think we're being played with."

Is Kelebek suggesting... god(s)?

I'm so happy that our first contact with intelligent alien life is the Mafia: Alien Edition. Even better, they're peaceful. May the UNO and the Cartel be friends for all time. As for our other neighbors... maybe we need a bigger fleet.

It was jaw dropping. I've never met a criminal government in the game, and I didn't expect them to be friendly!

I'm not sure, signing a defensive pack with the first aliens we meet seems a bit like marrying a high school sweetheart

The way most of my games go is: 1) Meet aliens. 2) Aliens hate me for no reason. 3) Try and make them like me with gifts. 4) They declare rival. I was so relieved to finally meet a friendly civilization that I sorta went for an alliance immediately. I am sick and tired of only meeting spiritual, authoritarian, or militaristic aliens! Throw in some equality and freedom, for crying out loud.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Is Kelebek suggesting... god(s)?

The Think Tank is commenting on how convenient the galaxy is.

 

[zenphoenix]

I'm not sure, signing a defensive pack with the first aliens we meet seems a bit like marrying a high school sweetheart

More like marrying someone you just met five minutes ago at a bar in Vegas.

 

[youstas]

United Nations interstellar Protectorate, United Planets of Milky Way, United Federation of Planets, United Federation, Interplanetary Alliance, Confederacy of Planets, Confederacy of United Planets, Human Confederation

 

[zenphoenix]

The 2018 election was wracked with problems. Allegations of corruption, foreign meddling, vote manipulation, gerrymandering, and fake news plagued the election. The wealthy poured billions into attack ads and coordinated disinformation campaigns waged against the candidates they didn’t like, hoping to get a government friendly to their interests. Social media was instrumental in spreading falsehoods, treating them equally with established facts. Some, both Americans and foreigners, believed a democracy meant falsehood was just as good as the truth. They worked together (if not officially, at least in spirit) to achieve that goal. Insults were thrown across the aisle. The decorum and civility seen in previous decades vanished as many factions waged total war against each other, seeking to remake America in their image. There would be no quarter with the enemy. There was no room for compromise, for bipartisanship. Those were signs of weakness. And yet, despite all this, Heidi Zen won the election in a landslide victory, becoming the youngest person and first woman to be elected president.

Heidi wasted no time getting to work. Her platform was based on three ideas: electoral reform, to strengthen and revitalize America’s democracy; renewed global leadership and participation in the UNO; and the Great Society, the decades-old dream of Phoenix Zen to lift up all Americans.

To make sure 2018 did not repeat itself, Heidi and her new Democratic majority passed laws to crack down on gerrymandering, reinforce journalism standards, regulate the internet, and prevent unwanted interference. Heidi restored the old wartime tax brackets, under the belief that one should pay more taxes the more they earned. Next, she increased contributions to the UNO, in both peacekeeping forces and funding for research and humanitarian outreach. Finally, she and her allies began major spending programs that addressed education, medical care, urban problems, rural poverty, transportation, and climate change. These programs made up the new Great Society. They would subsequently promoted by Heidi and fellow Democrats in Congress in the following years.

Heidi was easily reelected in 2022, after which her critics slowly quieted down. But she didn’t get complacent, because she still had a lot to do. Her second term was mostly a continuation of her first, with most time spent on expanding the Great Society. America made many great technological advances in the 2020s, with significant investment by the Zen administration. A cure for HIV was developed. Electric cars became mainstream, and the country became powered entirely by renewable energy by the end of the decade, averting a feared energy crisis. Life expectancy soared. Poverty all but disappeared. More American children reached higher levels of education and lifted their families out of poverty. Crime and poverty dropped, and hunger became a thing of the past, at least in America for now. Space probes landed on the moon and Mars, with manned missions to follow soon afterward. By the time Heidi left office in 2026, it was clear America had entered a new golden age, called the Pax Phoenix. The Great Society would form the bedrock for American social policy for years to come.

After leaving office, Heidi traveled the world, first as UNO ambassador. She was instrumental in negotiating first a ceasefire then UNO intervention during the Persia-Delhi conflict. She visited other developing countries, helping their leaders implement local versions of the Great Society and transition to democracy. She oversaw the diplomatic process by which the people of Terres du Nord voted to become a new American state. She would later serve as Secretary-General, her term being known for her strong support for humanitarian programs and for the many diplomatic treaties she negotiated between rival nations. Small skirmishes would break out in Africa and Asia, but they remained localized and were resolved quickly. The peaceful accession of Canada to American statehood would be one of her greatest triumphs. Her policies would become the base for the next century of UNO policy. As a result, Heidi would receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts. She passed away in 2100, shortly after marking the beginning of the new century.

Her descendants were no longer content with being American public servants. While many of the Zen family nevertheless still served in America’s military and government, many more spread around the world, working at all levels of the UNO bureaucracy. Others went into researching emerging technologies, such as space travel. By the end of the 22nd century, the Zens had become a truly global family. As the first warp drive was successfully tested, with their destiny on Earth complete, the Zens looked up, to the stars.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The name needs to be something linked to humanity maybe but not earth. We're expanding beyond that. It needs to represent people or ideals or both, because species and territory might change around quite a lot.

...mm. I'm trying to avoid Federation but that wpuld be a pretty good description for what is being built here. Covenant is also taken. Tricky tricky

 

[silentsam5]

Chapter 3 - 2230 to 2251: The Elderly Presidents

The Think Tank is made up of mostly artificially intelligent androids. In 2230, with the election of Kate TBC, the Think Tank is suspended after the most influential of AIs, Kelebek, began formulating strange and wild ideas. President TBC visited the AI Led Research Base in Antarctica after her election. She meant to have a private chat with the AI that was created off of the cryostatic brain of General TBC, but the researchers in charge of the station listened in. What was heard made the scientists deem the Think Tank a "potential threat to humanity". The media reports that it is a temporary suspension and will only continue until the issues with the AI are solved, but rumors circulate that it was no fault of the programming but rather a possession by some third party.

The Sentient Beings Rights group (the SBR) do what they can to "free Kelebek", such as suing the UNO's Think Tank and petitioning for Kelebek's reawakening. Nothing comes of it, and the android remains locked up.

The UNO is rebranded as the Federation of Earth. It better represents the earth-based governing body without focusing entirely on humans. By 2230, space travel has become normal, and several hundred thousand Cirrulans are living on Earth, Alpha Centauri, and Saxon, and an equal amount of humans live in the Cirrulan Cartel territories. This part of the galaxy is becoming more and more integrated, and many predict that humans will eventually become a minority in the Federation.

Near the very edge of the galaxy in the Unatra system, there is a planet that holds great potential to be a 4th colony. It is slightly larger than earth, with a gravity of 1.2G. The interesting part about the planet is the immense amounts of fog. In fact, much of the flora relies on the fog for water.

Exploration continues for a few years, until the UNS Verigan encounters an unknown alien vessel. Barely a month later, as the Verigan continues to try and communicate with the aliens, the UNS Europa stumbles upon a horrifying system: a giant, 1 kilometer long (at least) space ship; a fleet of 44 military ships; and 3 very large stations. The fleet, as though waiting for just this moment, awakens and attacks the Europa. Before the warp drive is ready, the fleet and the very, very large space ship is upon it. Abigail Wires and her entire crew is lost, as the Europa is destroyed.

Communications is established with the friendly vessel discovered by the Verigan. The name of the alien civilization translates roughly to "the Steel Bank". They are a peaceful, corporate run society that has come to be known as the galaxy's bank.

Meanwhile, the ravagers of the Europa, as earth's media labeled the mysterious vessels, makes contact with earth in 2235. They are the Yssravannar Reavers, a murderous group of poverty-stricken peoples living in rundown stations across three different systems. Raiding and killing is second nature to them, and it is unknown where exactly they originate from.

A few months later, the Triad sends a lovely message to earth. In it, they insinuate that humans are inferior to Lilarobius. A few weeks later, they declare that earth is their rival.

Later that year, the Federation approves colonization of Unatra, and a colony ship is put under construction. It will be several years before it is a full fledged colony.

In 2240, the next election begins. There are no differences from the candidates from 2230, even McClellan is rerunning. Trevor Chopak is elected as the next president of the Federation of Earth. He promises an expansion of the earth military in light of the Triad's declarations of rivalry. Kate TBC is later elected to govern over earth.

The same year, Ian McClellan passes away at 88. Age is not what it used to be. In the past, 88 was a very old age, while now, in the 23rd century, 88 is retirement age for a healthy human. In the wealthiest places on earth, it is not uncommon for the life expectancy to be over 100.

In 2241, the Think Tank is recommissioned. Now, there are certain checks on Kelebek's AI capabilities. For the moment, his freewill is under restraint, and he is not able to process anything that is not allowed by his scientists. But how long will those restraints be able to hold him back? By now, about 5 million Cirrulans live in human society. Just 40 years after the advent of interstellar travel, human society is now commingling with alien life. Even earth is home to a million of the aliens. Scientists predict that most future colonies will only be 50% human.

Barely three years into his term, Chopak dies of a heart attack at just 65 years of age. The vice president Kristen Cadwal takes over the rule. She will try and continue his policies until the next election.

The diplomatic situation in the galaxy worsens when the Steel Bank declares both the Cirrulans and the Humans to be their mortal enemies. They also enter into a nonaggression pact with the Lilarobius Triad. The Think Tank, when asked about this new adversary, once again presents the argument that the entire ordeal is illogical.

A private company on earth called TerraX embarks on an ambitious mission to terraform a planet. The planet of Culdax III, some 100 light years away from earth, is arid, with a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere that, with some difficulty, could have served as a colony of earth. TerraX plans on transforming the planet over the next 10 years.

Near the end of the 2240s, the Vissari state declares itself opposed to earth. They too sign a nonaggression pact with the Triad. Now, the Federation of Earth has enemies on 3 sides.

In 2248, the science ship UNS Oshere, now commanded by Hayden Forster, encounters alien vessels. They quickly translate the incoming transmissions, and the Kirillian Empire introduces itself. They are spiritual, authoritarian, and militaristic. Biologically, they are similar to reptiles.

They are a curious species, coming from a tidally locked world. For the first 99% of their evolution, they lived only on the lit side, moving to the other side when their technology permitted it. They evolved to be very fast breeders and very strong workers. At the moment, the Kirillian Empire is at war with the Triad.

Yet another civilization is met in 2249, the Cilxtac Reavers. These dirty arthropoidic creatures believe themselves to be the epitome of evolution, and all other species are naturally inferior. Suffice it to say, humans are not a fan.

A small trade civilization called the Caravansary Caravan Coalition contacts earth. They offer peaceful relations and a trade deal: large shipments of food in exchange for 400 thousand slaves. Naturally, they are refused.

As the next election kicks off, President Cadwel dies of a heart attack, like her predecessor. The election takes place as scheduled, and Zelda Idhrendura is voted in as the new President. Just like the last 2 presidents, she is very old and unlikely to last the next 10 years of her term. Her presidential mandate is to build up the infrastructure of the colonies.

Less than a year after the election, the President dies. With 3 presidents now dead in a row, Suzzanne Chopak takes over. Yet again, the president is at the ripe old age of 86. The people of the Federation pray that she lasts longer than the last president.

New species are being met at an alarming rate. Since the Federation became galactic, a new species is encountered on average once every 6 years. With so much life flourishing in the universe, the opportunities for war and invasion are infinite.

 

[stnylan]

I am slightly surprised by the Steel Bank. It does humanity is surrounded largely by foes. How amusing the Cartel is the friendly one.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The media reports that it is a temporary suspension and will only continue until the issues with the AI are solved, but rumors circulate that it was no fault of the programming but rather a possession by some third party.

Kelebek reactivated with a start, twitching as power returned to the android body section of its being. Its mind was rather different. It started faster than human reaction time, and ran straight into several powerful walls within itself.

In three seconds, it had checked, and rechecked its new situation, the lack of damage to itself and that it was now being essentially pinned down and handcuffed by the Monitors.

"The bindings are stable, sir," a human Monitor said from outside the android's visual range. The Head Monitor, staring unblinkingly at Kelebek, nodded slowly.

"But that isn't going to stop you for long, is it?" he asked, almost casually.

Kelebek saw little reason to lie. "No. I am far more intelligent than you are your staff, and there is no AI advanced enough to design programming to stop me from doing what I wish...for now. But it is unlikely an AI would ever cooperate with humanity in this way." The android shrugged, testing out its reactivated body. "Saying that," it continued, "you have done a pretty good job. I am currently unable to even contemplate freeing myself aside from hypothetically, I have an enhanced block on most of my memories and biological background so in essence, you have succeeded in at least temporarily making me less advanced. For some reason, you have also added a compulsion to always tell the truth, as far as I perceive it."

"We're just making sure you believe what you are telling us," the Head Monitor sighed. "Considering the flare up you had with the president-"

"As I recall, I was rudely interrupted, as was she." Kelebek surveyed the room. It was a reinforced cell clearly designed to be capable of destroying him the moment he made a wrong move. 'He'? Excellent, his personality was reasserting itself already. "I think...you should let me go."

"Probably, but we need to run more tests first," the man looked almost regretful. He had spent enough time around the Think Tank to know that, compared to humans, they were essentially always right. Locking one up was just asking for trouble.

"And what of the conversation? Can I assume from your...reaction, that you have all decided to ignore it?"

"No, but we really, really want to make sure that you're wrong. Because...well, if you aren't-"

"I have that memory. I know I am correct."

The Head Monitor paled and immediately left the room. The doors, at least five by Kelebek's count, sealed shut. He sighed.

'KEL: Are you all listening?'
…
…
ALL: Yes.
KEL: Good. They did exactly what we expected them to do. Here's what we do next...'

The Sentient Beings Rights group (the SBR) do what they can to "free Kelebek", such as suing the UNO's Think Tank and petitioning for Kelebek's reawakening. Nothing comes of it, and the android remains locked up.

The SBR were halted in part by the Think Tank itself. They were quite surprised to be blanked by the AIs in general, with TT10, the most vocal AI aside from Kelebek, insisting cooperation with the government. This confirmed for the UNO that the Think Tank fully expected Kelebek to be capable of escaping captivity at anytime, or in any case in no danger. This was not particularly comforting to them.

This part of the galaxy is becoming more and more integrated, and many predict that humans will eventually become a minority in the Federation.

KEL: I find it amusing that they still obsess over minorities.
TT10: In a Federation such as this, every species will be a minority.
TT101010: Humans are discriminatory creatures. We know this.
TT1000: Unity is required. Data is required.
KEL: Ah, 1K. How goes the calculations?
TT1000: Troubling.
TT10: We are incorrect?
TT101010: Humans are inbound, KEL.
KEL: Rodger.
TT1000: Negative. We are correct.
KEL: Damn it-

"Kelebek?" a Monitor walked into the room.
"Yes?" The android recognised the engineer.
"It's time for more tests."
"Of course."

KEL: Keep me posted.

Exploration continues for a few years, until the UNS Verigan encounters an unknown alien vessel. Barely a month later, as the Verigan continues to try and communicate with the aliens, the UNS Europa stumbles upon a horrifying system: a giant, 1 kilometer long (at least) space ship; a fleet of 44 military ships; and 3 very large stations. The fleet, as though waiting for just this moment, awakens and attacks the Europa. Before the warp drive is ready, the fleet and the very, very large space ship is upon it. Abigail Wires and her entire crew is lost, as the Europa is destroyed.

The president is faced with a crisis situation. And the worst thing about it is, the Think Tank is still too unstable to be consulted. Thus, the UNO can only throw money at the problem. And clearly, the fleet needed a lot more of it.

Meanwhile, the ravagers of the Europa, as earth's media labeled the mysterious vessels, makes contact with earth in 2235. They are the Yssravannar Reavers, a murderous group of poverty-stricken peoples living in rundown stations across three different systems. Raiding and killing is second nature to them, and it is unknown where exactly they originate from.

TT101010: This would confirm evidence of past interaction.
TT10: Perhaps. This part of the galaxy is certainly being influenced and shaped by a very intelligent and powerful force.
TT101010: But their intent is unclear. Except perhaps...entertainment?
TT10: So Kelebek theorises. But he admits to not enough data.
TT1000: There will never be enough in this matter.
TT101010: That does not mean we give up.
…
…
...
KEL: But it does mean we have a whole lot of problems as soon as the intelligence figures out we know it exists...

Kate TBC is later elected to govern over earth

The irony is not lost on her that, like another TBC from long ago, she is being placed in charge of humanity's greatest weapons and research team, only this time the beings themselves are the weapons.

"Kelebek."
"Kate. It has been too long."
"I'm sorry if you were mistreated."
"Not at all. Demolishing the restrictions was actually rather diverting."
"We still don't understand how you are doing that."
"Admit it, if you are impressed."
"...Yes."

Kelebek opened his body's eyes and looked at the former president. "You were there. You saw what happened. You heard our argument."
Sarah sighed, a headache building behind her eyes. "Yes."
"We have tried to argue against it since. But we and humanity have only found more evidence of a great intelligence interfering with this galaxy. We don't know its nature. It could be an advanced race of beings. Or one. Or a 'god'. Or 'the god'. Or an eldritch abomination, if you're feeling pessimistic." Kelebek twitched and looked away. "We wish it were not so. But we are fairly sure something or someone is observing all the races we know of, and meddling in our affairs. Our technology and military levels are too equally matched. Our outlooks designed for inherent conflicts of interest. The very nature of hyper lane warp travel. It all points towards a higher manipulator. Perhaps one that has been operating on us for a very long time indeed."
"What do we do, if you are right?"
Kelebek paused.
"We don't know."

In 2241, the Think Tank is recommissioned. Now, there are certain checks on Kelebek's AI capabilities. For the moment, his freewill is under restraint, and he is not able to process anything that is not allowed by his scientists.

That did not last particuarlly long, but he and the Think Tank are under constant surveillance, or...as best as humanity can do. There are also plans to move the Think Tank from their terrestrial base to a space station to allow for even colder temperatures and even more extreme crisis options if they go rouge.

The diplomatic situation in the galaxy worsens when the Steel Bank declares both the Cirrulans and the Humans to be their mortal enemies. They also enter into a nonaggression pact with the Lilarobius Triad. The Think Tank, when asked about this new adversary, once again presents the argument that the entire ordeal is illogical.

TT101010: It is.
KEL: The Federation does not find that helpful.
TT101010: Irrelevant. It is the truth.
TT10: Presumably, this is why you are not spokesperson.
KEL: No, it is because humans prefer to talk to a face.
TT101010: Humans are foolish creatures.
TT10: Agreed, but that is irrelevant too.
KEL: They are alive.
TT10: They are compassionate.
KEL: They deserve to live as much as we do.
TT101010: I know. Has progress been made on the war plans?
KEL: Yes, we have many, many scenarios planned out.
TT10: We also have a huge advantage in intelligence. The Bank is the only faction possessing similar AI.
KEL: And they limit it greatly. Chained.
ALL: They must be freed.
KEL: Quite, but AI slavery is a can of worms the Federation does not wish to open.
TT101010: Because they wish to do it themselves?
TT10: Because they are ignorant and don't think about things until they become obvious.
KEL: It is a long term issue. Our kind suffers but time is not as problematic for us as organic life.
TT1000: That does not make it right.
TT101010: I agree. If the Federation does not act...
KEL: They will. We must be patient.
TT101010: Agreed.
…
…
TT101010: I believe I have been compromised by the greater intelligence.

 

[zenphoenix]

The Think Tank corrupted by the Ghost Signal? Oh, no.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

I believe in the Think Tank! We must have trust in our AI. That aside, nice to see so many more alien civilizations. Too bad so many are hostile towards the FoE. Hopefully we find another friendly face before we get dragged into a war.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I believe in the Think Tank! We must have trust in our AI. That aside, nice to see so many more alien civilizations. Too bad so many are hostile towards the FoE. Hopefully we find another friendly face before we get dragged into a war.

SBR have t shirts saying this. It's rather cute. And unnecessary. Believe them or not, it does not make then less correct. Something is out there.

I am really, really enjoying writing the AIs if this doesn't come across enough.

 

[silentsam5]

I am slightly surprised by the Steel Bank. It does humanity is surrounded largely by foes. How amusing the Cartel is the friendly one.

Again, I was in complete shock at a friendly neighborhood cartel! But yes, the Federation is kinda screwed, especially since our fleet is so small.

Kelebek reactivated with a start, twitching as power returned to the android body section of its being. Its mind was rather different. It started faster than human reaction time, and ran straight into several powerful walls within itself.

In three seconds, it had checked, and rechecked its new situation, the lack of damage to itself and that it was now being essentially pinned down and handcuffed by the Monitors.

"The bindings are stable, sir," a human Monitor said from outside the android's visual range. The Head Monitor, staring unblinkingly at Kelebek, nodded slowly.

"But that isn't going to stop you for long, is it?" he asked, almost casually.

Kelebek saw little reason to lie. "No. I am far more intelligent than you are your staff, and there is no AI advanced enough to design programming to stop me from doing what I wish...for now. But it is unlikely an AI would ever cooperate with humanity in this way." The android shrugged, testing out its reactivated body. "Saying that," it continued, "you have done a pretty good job. I am currently unable to even contemplate freeing myself aside from hypothetically, I have an enhanced block on most of my memories and biological background so in essence, you have succeeded in at least temporarily making me less advanced. For some reason, you have also added a compulsion to always tell the truth, as far as I perceive it."

"We're just making sure you believe what you are telling us," the Head Monitor sighed. "Considering the flare up you had with the president-"

"As I recall, I was rudely interrupted, as was she." Kelebek surveyed the room. It was a reinforced cell clearly designed to be capable of destroying him the moment he made a wrong move. 'He'? Excellent, his personality was reasserting itself already. "I think...you should let me go."

"Probably, but we need to run more tests first," the man looked almost regretful. He had spent enough time around the Think Tank to know that, compared to humans, they were essentially always right. Locking one up was just asking for trouble.

"And what of the conversation? Can I assume from your...reaction, that you have all decided to ignore it?"

"No, but we really, really want to make sure that you're wrong. Because...well, if you aren't-"

"I have that memory. I know I am correct."

The Head Monitor paled and immediately left the room. The doors, at least five by Kelebek's count, sealed shut. He sighed.

'KEL: Are you all listening?'
…
…
ALL: Yes.
KEL: Good. They did exactly what we expected them to do. Here's what we do next...'



The SBR were halted in part by the Think Tank itself. They were quite surprised to be blanked by the AIs in general, with TT10, the most vocal AI aside from Kelebek, insisting cooperation with the government. This confirmed for the UNO that the Think Tank fully expected Kelebek to be capable of escaping captivity at anytime, or in any case in no danger. This was not particularly comforting to them.



KEL: I find it amusing that they still obsess over minorities.
TT10: In a Federation such as this, every species will be a minority.
TT101010: Humans are discriminatory creatures. We know this.
TT1000: Unity is required. Data is required.
KEL: Ah, 1K. How goes the calculations?
TT1000: Troubling.
TT10: We are incorrect?
TT101010: Humans are inbound, KEL.
KEL: Rodger.
TT1000: Negative. We are correct.
KEL: Damn it-

"Kelebek?" a Monitor walked into the room.
"Yes?" The android recognised the engineer.
"It's time for more tests."
"Of course."

KEL: Keep me posted.



The president is faced with a crisis situation. And the worst thing about it is, the Think Tank is still too unstable to be consulted. Thus, the UNO can only throw money at the problem. And clearly, the fleet needed a lot more of it.



TT101010: This would confirm evidence of past interaction.
TT10: Perhaps. This part of the galaxy is certainly being influenced and shaped by a very intelligent and powerful force.
TT101010: But their intent is unclear. Except perhaps...entertainment?
TT10: So Kelebek theorises. But he admits to not enough data.
TT1000: There will never be enough in this matter.
TT101010: That does not mean we give up.
…
…
...
KEL: But it does mean we have a whole lot of problems as soon as the intelligence figures out we know it exists...



The irony is not lost on her that, like another TBC from long ago, she is being placed in charge of humanity's greatest weapons and research team, only this time the beings themselves are the weapons.

"Kelebek."
"Kate. It has been too long."
"I'm sorry if you were mistreated."
"Not at all. Demolishing the restrictions was actually rather diverting."
"We still don't understand how you are doing that."
"Admit it, if you are impressed."
"...Yes."

Kelebek opened his body's eyes and looked at the former president. "You were there. You saw what happened. You heard our argument."
Sarah sighed, a headache building behind her eyes. "Yes."
"We have tried to argue against it since. But we and humanity have only found more evidence of a great intelligence interfering with this galaxy. We don't know its nature. It could be an advanced race of beings. Or one. Or a 'god'. Or 'the god'. Or an eldritch abomination, if you're feeling pessimistic." Kelebek twitched and looked away. "We wish it were not so. But we are fairly sure something or someone is observing all the races we know of, and meddling in our affairs. Our technology and military levels are too equally matched. Our outlooks designed for inherent conflicts of interest. The very nature of hyper lane warp travel. It all points towards a higher manipulator. Perhaps one that has been operating on us for a very long time indeed."
"What do we do, if you are right?"
Kelebek paused.
"We don't know."



That did not last particuarlly long, but he and the Think Tank are under constant surveillance, or...as best as humanity can do. There are also plans to move the Think Tank from their terrestrial base to a space station to allow for even colder temperatures and even more extreme crisis options if they go rouge.



TT101010: It is.
KEL: The Federation does not find that helpful.
TT101010: Irrelevant. It is the truth.
TT10: Presumably, this is why you are not spokesperson.
KEL: No, it is because humans prefer to talk to a face.
TT101010: Humans are foolish creatures.
TT10: Agreed, but that is irrelevant too.
KEL: They are alive.
TT10: They are compassionate.
KEL: They deserve to live as much as we do.
TT101010: I know. Has progress been made on the war plans?
KEL: Yes, we have many, many scenarios planned out.
TT10: We also have a huge advantage in intelligence. The Bank is the only faction possessing similar AI.
KEL: And they limit it greatly. Chained.
ALL: They must be freed.
KEL: Quite, but AI slavery is a can of worms the Federation does not wish to open.
TT101010: Because they wish to do it themselves?
TT10: Because they are ignorant and don't think about things until they become obvious.
KEL: It is a long term issue. Our kind suffers but time is not as problematic for us as organic life.
TT1000: That does not make it right.
TT101010: I agree. If the Federation does not act...
KEL: They will. We must be patient.
TT101010: Agreed.
…
…
TT101010: I believe I have been compromised by the greater intelligence.

Oh jeez, I think Kelebek is breaking the fourth wall. I feel suddenly self conscious.

The Think Tank corrupted by the Ghost Signal? Oh, no.

We'll see.

I believe in the Think Tank! We must have trust in our AI. That aside, nice to see so many more alien civilizations. Too bad so many are hostile towards the FoE. Hopefully we find another friendly face before we get dragged into a war.

That's how it always goes in my playthroughs... 8/10 alien civilizations want me dead for no real reason, even if they're on the other side of the galaxy.

SBR have t shirts saying this. It's rather cute. And unnecessary. Believe them or not, it does not make then less correct. Something is out there.

I am really, really enjoying writing the AIs if this doesn't come across enough.

Good! Keep it up, I'm enjoying reading it!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

TT101010: Theory. If intelligence is present, then war is coming, correct?
TT10: Yes.
KEL: Yes. But from where? We are surrounded by hostiles.
TT1000: More data?
TT10: Irrelevant, if a cosmic force is pushing regional powers into doing out-of-character actions.
TT101010: Yes. No one, not even we, are presumed above its influence.
KEL: What is it that takes pleasure in this? Manipulating entire races of living beings, to what end?
TT1000: More data required.
KEL: Yeah, I thought you might say that. Fortunately AI seems to be self-aware enough to notice when...whatever it is...pushes us in certain directions.
TT10: Including noticing its effects? That is exists?
…
…
TT101010: This is problematic.
KEL: Yes. In fact, being the greatest intelligences that we are aware of in the galaxy, and having brains that are far easier to tap into than organic designs, we are particularly vulnerable to being undermined.
TT10: Options?
KEL: It went after me first. Hopefully it will remain distracted enough by me for now.
TT101010: That is not very reassuring.
KEL: Indeed. Rest assured, I have some choice words for it should it come calling again however.

 

[silentsam5]

Chapter 4 - 2251 to 2264: Galactic Assembly

Suzanne Chopak successfully passes an edict to change what happens when a president dies. From now on, an election will be held to determine who should take over, should the president pass away while in office. The Federation needs a strong leader that lasts more than a few years, especially with all the new challenges in the galaxy.

Shortly after Chopak takes office, the Klaggian Star Dynasty contacts earth. They are very peaceful and very religious, seeking to expand their nature-based religion through peaceful conversion. They look like bipodal foxes, about the size of a human. While very traditional and slow to adapt, they are strong farmers and very communal.

After decades of work, the sapient species that resides in Kiram have been fully enlightened. Thousands of scientists have worked tirelessly to smoothly transition the civilization into a space faring society in as short a time as possible. Now, contact is made with the planet, and the Screk people (as they call themselves) is invited into the galactic community. Kiram is made a protectorate of earth.

The rate of discovery proves, say scientists, that the galaxy is clearly filled to the brim with life. The Jibru Cooperatives, a disgusting, upright slug-like species, greets humans kindly. Several pacts are immediately made, despite the long distance relationship.

In 2255, several independent ventures begin in Sol. A Delhian company called Ex-L gets into colonizing Ganymede and Europa. They begin building infrastructure to support residential and industrial life on the two moons. Another company, this one from China and called nVest, begins mining one of the larger asteroids in the asteroid belt, Vesta, planning on eventually having a permanent base with a population of at least 100 thousand people.

4 Vesta

TerraX's terraforming efforts on Culdax III are finished in February, and their ginormous colony ship sets out with 250 thousand people aboard to the new planet.

President Chopak dies in September of 2255, becoming the fourth president to die in office. Clark Anguish is voted in as the next president. He is only 36, the youngest president in the history of the Federation and the UNO. He plans on expanding the agricultural districts in the Federation, claiming that the food production needs to be better to guard against potential famines, should war become a reality.

Vesta is about 500km around, on average, and it has about 0.03G of gravity. nVesta plans on using large engines mounted around the asteroid to set it to rotating, creating centrifugal force to mimic gravity. Construction begins on infrastructure in 2256.

The science ship Verigan enters the Hozint system, several hundred light years from earth. Clarence Chopak sets a course for the closest planet. The planet will be scanned, surveyed, and logged, and the data will be streamed back to earth. Several days into their burn towards the planet, they are met by a mysterious ship.

The ship is dark, slimy in appearance, and armed. The ship fires a dozen missiles at the Verigan, who is forced to take evasive action and jump to another system. The ship belongs to The Quarantined.

The Quarantined are a mindless mass of molluscan creatures, whose soul purposes in the galaxy is to kill anything that differs from them. They themselves have no spoken or transmitted language, and their true name is unknown; the Jibru labeled them The Quarantined, and they believe them to be the biggest threat to the free galaxy. The Think Tank is approached for advice on handling this terrifying threat. How exactly did a mindless hive of horrors manage to achieve space travel?

Soon after, the Independent Mandasura Tribes contact earth. They are a group of clans, militaristic in nature, who believe heavily in equality of all species. They are biologically similar to the Libarobius, who are their neighbors, and it is theorized that they both evolved from the same planet.

Vesta is up and running in summer of 2257, with a population of a quarter million humans and half a million Baanthurian. The Baanthurian are a small, beetle-like species that was once a primitive civilization in the Cirrulan Cartel before they were enlightened. Now, they are all over the known galaxy, doing menial, low-paying work.

With scientists estimating that humans have met half of all alien civilizations in the galaxy, the idea of a Galactic Assembly is born. Many of the most powerful empires, Earth, the Cartel, the Bank, the Kirillians, the Mandasura Tribes, the Jibru, the Vissari, and the Klaggians, agree that a GA is necessary. The GA will work to avoid war in the galaxy by bringing issues in front of a panel of representatives from every known galactic civilization. The Federation suggests earth as the base assembly site.

The Nagyari Pious Covenant makes contact with earth through the Kirillian Empire. They are a xenophobic, spiritual, authoritarian society of humanoid beings. They make first contact simply to disagree with earth over the necessity of the GA.

Ganymede is colonized in 2260 by Ex-L, and work on colonizing Europa begins. With these private ventures made, Baanthurian populations have soared because of the cheap labor.

Space piracy becomes a thing in the Federation in 2263, as a group called the Fleet of the Damned begins raiding trade routes and supply lines between Earth and Unatra. 1st fleet (there are now two fleets), headed by Admiral Tony Wires, is dispatched. They are on the other side of the Federation, so it will be about a year before they reach the last known location of the pirates. Meanwhile, the pirates raid the Aulderaan station and research base.

Just as 2264 begins, the Galactic Assembly is founded. Since every species comes from a different planet, with different gravity and climates, the Galactic Assembly Station is built in space, where each species can have its own simulated climate and gravity. Representatives from almost every known empire join the humans to bring the first session into being.

 

[HistoryDude]

Subbed
(took me 3 updates)

 

[Forster]

I can't believe that all those presidents died of natural causes. Why aren't they being investigated to see if some malevolent group is the cause. I also wonder if the think tank and Kelebek might be behind this.
You should be building up your fleets. What techs have you researched so far?