For our own

[crisrko]

"The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity."
― Leo Tolstoy
​

Naturally inquisitive, quick to learn, confrontational. Mankind and it’s 6000 years old civilization can only be described as such. From the discovery of the wheel and fire, to the invention of mathematics. From the early space age, to the failure of the Ulysses Initiative, humanity has persevered in its bid to attain FTL travel, to explore space. Masters of their own future, humans have collectively abandoned the notion of a higher power during the 21st century, instead favoring rationality and science.


At the end of the 21st century, the UN sanctioned the Ulysses Initiative, an attempt at bending space and time using wormhole travel drives. Six massive Ark ships, each fitting one such drive and 250.000 colonists were to be sent to six different stars, meaning to begin the colonisation of space. It was not to be however, the arks seemingly disintegrating as the drives fired. No connection could be established to any of the six arks, and as such, the UN declared the initiative a failure, having dyed their hands with the blood of over a million people.


With the UN facing heavy scrutiny, a century of peace was close to coming undone. War was luckily avoided, the two belligerents reconciling and signing a declaration of friendship. The scientific institutions began looking into an alternative, global superpowers heavily contributing to their funding in a bid to raise their own standing. Wormhole research funding had been cut entirely and the idea scrapped. Warp travel was a potential solution, but the energy requirements and the necessity of a negative-density material transformed it into a distant dream.


For the first time in thousand of years, humanity had seemed to reach the end of technological improvement. FTL travel is impossible, had become the collective opinion. As such, focus was shifted inwards. Earth began to change rapidly as industrialization and urbanization took first priority. Towering cities, buildings reaching the sky, concrete as far as the eye could see. Earth had become a ghost of the past as mankind simply seeped all the available resources within the planet. The atmosphere itself began to crumble and was sustained artificially. Borders stripped, a collective government was formed, with representatives from all previous superpowers, alongside one elected individual from each supercontinent, irrespective of his nationality. Earth had been turned into an Ecumenopolis World.


In 2188, space probes discovered the existence of a corridor between the Barnard’s Star system and Sol. Scientists heavily theorized that these corridors were hyperlanes, a sort of artificial highway between two systems. The centralized government of Earth pooled all available resources into the development of a hyper drive, allowing them to traverse this connection between systems. It was humanity's last chance of reaching the stars. By 2199, the first hyperdrive outfitted ship was sent to Barnard’s Star. It was a success.


Author's note:

Hey. This is going to be my first Stellaris AAR. I can't claim I have a definite style, I'm a newbie when it comes to this, so it may vary through-out the story. It will be closely following the evolution of Terra and mankind as a whole. I will be using several mods to improve the experience, such as NSC, Planet Diversity, Culture Overhaul, Gigastructural engineering and so on. I hope it'll be an enjoyable experience for all of you and me as well!

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Citizen's League of Terra
1.1 - Introduction
1.2 - An old enemy
1.3 - The hunt
1.4 - Ancients
1.5 - Bird people and Penitents
1.6 - Penitent no more
1.7 - 2230CE
1.8 - Trouble's brewing
1.9 - Battle for Sirius I
1.10 - Battle for Sirius II
1.11 - Battle for Sirius III
1.12 - Battle for Sirius IV

Chapter 2: The path to Greatness
2.1 - ARES
2.2 - Urba-Ta-Nack
2.3 - Consequences I
2.4 - Consequences II
2.5 - Biv
2.6 - Consequences III​

 

[stnylan]

AARs can be great vehicles to experiment with style.

 

[crisrko]

To form a new government requires infinite care and unbounded attention; for if the foundation is badly laid, the superstructure must be bad.

George Washington, letter to John Augustine Washington, May 31, 1776​

With the development of FTL Drives, mankind has now been reborn. What was once a fleeting dream was now a reality. Earth was no longer a planet, but the capital planet of what is to become a galactic state. The centralized government on Earth had to adapt as such. Building on humanity’s materialistic and militaristic views, it was decided that the now “Citizen League of Terra” was to be represented by an Archon, elected by the board to serve for the entire duration of his live.


Kevin Newman, born in what was once Canada, is a scientist with military background. A pioneer in the development of the hyperdrives and previously a UN Peacekeeping operative for five years in the southern African regions. Newman is a champion of the people and a firm supporter of the industrialist faction of the government. He is well connected and the heir of one of the largest corporations on Earth, but he is also capable of leading and inspiring.


Under Newman, the government had been heavily restructured, with a visible military influence. Alongside the government stands the Board of Scientists, a board comprised of the brightest minds mankind has to offer. Leading figures in physics, engineering and biology, and head researchers for their respective departments. Ning Deng, Ananya Nayak and Marie Deveraux. Out of these three, Ning Deng was perhaps the brightest, and the most unorthodox. He has garnered the reputation of a maniac, often theorizing insane, dangerous applications of physics.


In this large, cold universe, humanity was alone. If they were to thrive, Newman decreed that all shall need to serve. Full citizenship has been reserved for only those that serve in the army or in public functions. For the first time since the dawn of civilization, Terra had a unified constitution, and a common goal. Making the stars their own.

 

[stnylan]

Citizen Service always reminds me of Starship Troopers.

 

[crisrko]

“ALARM. ALARM. FACILITY UNDER ATTACK.”

The defence systems on Sol Station sprung into action, the kinetic and laser weapons firing into the void above Terra.

“Prepare to launch the corvettes. We are under fire from three unidentified ships.” Admiral Xavier Lockhart’s hoarse voice rang through the station’s intercom.

“Unidentified ships? In the Sol system?”

“I don't know. Come on, we need to hurry.”

Sub-lieutenants Xavier Weiss and Marlon Gray, assigned to ISS Horatious, Firebrand Class Corvette. These two young individuals enlisted into the League’s Navy have recently graduated the 8th Space Marine Academy on Terra at the top of their class. As a result of their outstanding results during training, they have been given the opportunity to serve under the Admiral himself.


The station shook violently as the shields mitigated the kinetic damaged fired by the hostile ships. Within the next few minutes, all five Corvettes docked in the Sol Station took off to engage the terrorists in combat.

“About time you two showed up. First day on my ship and you’re already late?” Lockhart roared at the two rookies.

“Apologies sir. It won’t happen again.” Weiss was quick to respond while Gray remained silent, staring forward.

Lockhart shook his head in disappointment at the duo and faced towards the control bridge.

“All ships, engage. Do not let them jump away.”



The Penitent Ones, a radical priest group founded during the 21st century as a result of the majority of the state governments adopting state atheism. As religions slowly lost their influence and standing, radical priests began to sabotage state operations by encouraging dissent and generating unrest among the less developed populace.

Within the last two decades, the organization kept a low profile, avoiding direct confrontations with authorities and resorting to the odd act of sabotage. Recently however, the Intelligence Department discovered that the organization had infiltrated the military, and, by extension, the government. Resources were diverted to a construction site in the middle of the Pacific, where a small fleet of starships was built. As a joint-taskforce between the Intelligence Department and the Navy moved in on the site, the ships blasted into orbit.



“Cease fire, cease fire.”

“All ships appear to be disabled sir. The radar indicates that all but one ship has been destroyed. It appears to be disabled. Shields and engines are down but I am still picking several vitals.” One of the engineers transmitted to Admiral Lockhart.

“Acknowledged. All ships, approach the disabled ship, Lockhart out.” With a waft of a hand, the hologram projection was dispersed. Admiral Lockhart turned towards Sub-Lieutenants Xavier Weiss and Marlon Gray.

“It’s your turn. Take a detachment with you, eight men, two transport ships and board the ship. Take prisoners if you can. I want to know what they've been doing until now.”

“Yes, sir.” The two saluted and made their way to the armory.


The Space Marines of today are nothing like the soldiers of the old. Equipped with the finest armor and weapons, a significant investment was made by the Military Complex in the development of lightweight armor and shields. Nicknamed “Skeleton Suits”, the armor is made of advanced ceramics and is outfitted with a small shield generator that covers the entire body of the one who wears it. The shield can recharge and block kinetic force of a certain level, but a close range shot will more often than not pierce through.

The weapons themselves are similar to the firearms of old. Technological advancement allows the weapons to fire with a much higher kinetic force, but, like their precursors, are hampered by the need of live ammunition. Experiments are being conducted on laser weapons but overheating and focusing the shot are still an issue.


“ETA 5 minutes.”

The two transports were slowly making their way to the Penitent Corvette. Sub Lieutenants Weiss and Gray were conducting final checks of their firearms as they approached battle. Morale within the transports was high, as the Navy had no losses in the engagement.

“You okay, Gray?” “I’m nervous. It’s our first mission.” “This is what we've trained for. We'll be fine, don't worry.” “I hope.”

Back on ISS Horatious, Admiral Lockhart was on a call with Archon Kevin Newman.

“How did this happen, Admiral?”

“We’re unsure, sir. The Intelligence Department stated that they were on the run, we did not believe they would engage the station itself. Their fleet wouldn’t have taken it down even without our intervention, but they could’ve done dama—”

“Let me remind you that were are under heavy scrutiny by media and citizens alike. The changes to citizenship and the emphasis on the military put the spotlight on you. You cannot fail.”

“Yes, sir. I have sent a team to board the derelict, we hope to take prisoners for interrogation and obtain their plans.”

“Good. Keep me updated, Admiral.”

The transmission was cut and Lockhart took a breath of relief.



“Prepare to board. We’ve arrived at the ship. Squad one, you will be taking the emergency exit, while Squad two will be entering through the cargo hall. Sweep through the ship and meet up at the Captain’s Deck. Lethal force is authorized, but prioritize prisoners.”

The team immediately stormed the Penitent Corvette. While the remaining crew offered resistance, the party led by SLTs Weiss and Gray managed to secure several prisoners and obtain datapads containing information on Penitent Operations.

As a result of the operation, mass arrests were made on Terra, and all cult assets were seized. However, several of the starships built in secret remain unaccounted for and certain leadership figures vanished without a trace. Luckily, faint ion trails leading to surrounding systems were picked up. The hunt for the remnants of the Penitent Ones begins with the promotion of SLTs Weiss and Gray to Lieutenant for their achievement during the boarding mission.

 

[crisrko]

Citizen Service always reminds me of Starship Troopers.

It certainly does.

 

[stnylan]

And that is what they do to pirates around there.

 

[crisrko]

“A job well done Admiral. As a result of the boarding, we’ve seized all Penitent assets on Terra, including weaponry and credits. Your fleet will receive an additional two Firebrand-Class Corvettes as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Archon.”

The Archon’s Office was within the Sol Station itself. Towering above Terra and in orbit to the Sun, this was the pinnacle of human engineering. A structure with artificial gravity, housing a Shipyard and several thousand men, workers and politicians alike.

The office itself was facing towards Terra. The walls were covered with military decorations, while the wall behind the seat of the Archon was decorated with two of the Citizen League of Terra’s flags. On the desk, holographic communication devices and datapads.

Newman was reclined in his seat, facing towards the window, with his back turned to the Admiral. He was concerned by the latest developments and was perplexed how the Penitents managed to infiltrate the government he himself picked.

“Admiral, I want you too coordinate with the Scientific Department and follow the residue left by the remaining terrorist ships. Take the fleet with you and destroy all remaining pockets of resistance. With the latest Remnant discoveries, we can’t afford to lose too much time and resources on this hunt.”

“Yes, sir. The fleet will depart shortly towards Sirius System.”


The Remnants, or more specifically, the Vultaum. During the survey of the Rippigur System, Human science ships picked up traces of structures on the surface of Rippigaur Va. Apparently, 12 million years ago, the planet was populated by 3-4 meters long worm like annelids that communicated through vibrations.

Intelligent alien life was now a reality. The news caused unrest among the Terran population, while the Scientific Directorate was elated. Further inspection of the Rippigaur System pointed to a splinter colony on Rippigaur III. The colony itself appears to be much younger than the traces discovered on Rippigaur Va, indicating that it was settled by a splinter group of the Vultaum society.

Within Alpha Centauri, a small Vultaum satellite was discovered in the orbit of Alpha Centauri V. According to the Directorate, it was set to continuously repeat a message until it ran out of power millions of years ago. After salvaging the transmitter, the scientists managed to recover a part of the message. It was apparently a propaganda machine, preaching Vultaum philosophy to neighboring civilizations.


Meanwhile in a lounge on the Sol Station, Lieutenants Weiss and Gray were celebrating their promotions to Lieutenant as a result of the boarding that occurred a few days ago. With their promotion, their assignment to Admiral Lockhart had become permanent, being effectively stationed on the ISS Horatious until any further notice. Their swift promotion hasn’t gone unnoticed either, several figures within the fleet expressing disbelief in regards to the young duo’s ability, while others acknowledging their potential.

Their celebrations were short lived however, as they were quickly recalled to the ship in order to prepare for departure. Upon reaching the deck, they were briefed of the hunt for the remaining Penitents through the Sirius, Ispyria and Fihir.

Admiral Lockhart started the hologram device on the ship deck and faced towards the projector.

“Archon Newman has tasked Task Force Minotaur with the destruction of the remaining Penitent terrorists. As you’ve been briefed, we have tracked several ships within Sirius and Fihir, and what appears to be a void station in Ispyria. We’re setting off immediately.”

In the back, Gray leaned in towards Weiss: “Never a dull moment.” “Looks like it.” “I’m hungry. You think we’ve time to go down to the canteen?” “Give it a rest already, you’ve spent my entire salary on the Station.”

Gray smirked and regained his stance.


Weeks later, the fleet made short work of the remaining terrorists. After the battle in Ispyria, Minotaur discovered the existence of a Penitent automated shipyard outside Human space, in the Shiigur Nebula, over a dozen systems away. The shipyard used to be an abandoned alien shipyard, but it is unclear how they procured the resources required to fix it without being detected by human customs.

 

[stnylan]

Time to cleanse the galaxy of these heretics.

 

[crisrko]

First contact. What we had long suspected, has been confirmed. We are not alone in the galaxy.


ISS Newton was surveying one of the star clusters connected to the Cleneagawa System, more precisely it was in orbit above the molten world of Barbagon II.

“Captain, we’re picking up a strange signal. We’re not sure what to make of it.”

The ship then shook violently, its thrusters turned off. Emergency lights lit up, but the controls were no longer working. ISS Newton was locked within an electromagnetic pulse.

“What’s going on?” the Captain shouted.

As such, the communications hologram lit up in the middle of ISS Newton, its footage redirected to all screens on ISS Newton. A three meters tall bipedal alien. It was a scene out of a horror movie. Chitinous shell, four claws attached to his mandibula. Long, slender arms with three fingers on each hand.

“This is—” the breathless Captain whispered.

“Know that we are the Xanyr Guardians, the chosen of this galaxy. You are infringing upon our holy ground, human ants. We have taken control of your ship, and we will be escorting you to the Xormaton hyperlane. Do not attempt to break through, or we will open fire upon your vessel.”

ISS Newton shook once again. Above them, a several hundred meters long ship made its appearance. An exotic design, it appeared to be a Xanyr Escort. Outfitted with several exotic kinetic and laser-based weapons, the crew on Newton attempted a scan of the ship, but they were unsuccessful. Their scanners could not detect the ship.



Everything changes now.

Terra was abuzz with the news of the discovery. The populace had mixed feeling, while the government was discussing the next step.

The next day, Archon Kevin Newman addressed the people of Terra. In a powerful speech, Newman asked that humanity bands together and works towards the betterment of mankind. The Xanyr were a thousand years old civilization, no longer interested in the struggles of the lesser of the Galaxy. During a discussion between the Archon and representatives of the Xanyr Ascendancy, an agreement was made that the Citizen League of Terra avoids any holy systems and does not infringe on their borders. In exchange, the Xanyr will guarantee to not target any human ships so long as they are left alone.


As time progressed, so did the influence of Terra. A colony was built on Centauri IV, now known as Arcadia. A continental world projected to be capable of housing billions of individuals. Xenobiology was progressing alongside the colony, as scientists discovered how to rid of the Toxic Kelps surrounding certain regions. The wildlife was dangerous, and there were several active volcanoes, but ultimately the viability of the planet was great. As technology progresses, the volcanoes will no longer be an issue, and the wildlife will be tamed.


With heavy investment from the aristocratic party and the industrialist union, Terra was able to expand into two dozen surrounding systems. Mineral production was outstanding, and with the development of autonomous robots, mines would no longer be dependent on human manpower. Fringe systems were entirely operated by robot workers and patrolled by the Citizen’s Navy, an extension of the League’s Navy tasked with the daily patrol of the borders.


With Taskforce Minotaur occupied with the hunt of the Penitent, the military power was spread thin. During the survey of an adjacent system, ISS Diligent discovered an old autonomous shipyard containing three R44-Class Raiders. Upon inspection, the weapons and hyperdrive were more complex than their human counter parts. UV Laser and Coilgun research were boosted by several years.


Aboard ISS Horatious.

Admiral Lockhart alongside Lieutenants Weiss and Gray were preparing the next course of action as the fleet approached the Shiigur Nebula.

“As such, the Intelligence Department estimates about four-six corvettes to be guarding the facility, Admiral.” Weiss spoke bluntly.

“I see. Do we know what sort of technology the corvettes are outfitted with?”

“We believe the hull and defensive systems are similar to that of the Firebrand-Class’s, but from what we’ve seen, all weapons are energy based. This should give us a heavy advantage.” Gray responded quickly.

“We’ve been hunting these terrorists for centuries, and now we’re that close to ending it. With the news of first contact, we need to wrap this up quickly and return to Terran space.” Lockhart sighed as he sat down in his chair.

 

[stnylan]

It can be a double-edged sword being relatively close to a FE. On the one hand a secure flank. On the other - a FE

 

[crisrko]

It can be a double-edged sword being relatively close to a FE. On the one hand a secure flank. On the other - a FE

Fanatic Spiritualists tend to be pretty tame compared to their Xenophobic counterparts

 

[crisrko]

“We’re entering the Shiigur Nebula now, Admiral.” the engineer spoke through the intercoms.

“Acknowledged. All fleets, ready your weapons, we’ll be approaching the Penitent base soon”.

Moments later, the hyperdrive was no longer engaged. Taskforce Minotaur had reached the destination, but the events unfolding before them were unprecedented. What they expected to be a System guarded by Penitent vessels was an active battleground. Lasers and void missiles were flying from side to side. A force several Corvettes strong, unknown, was bearing down onto the terrorist citadel.

Lieutenant Weiss spoke out to the Admiral.

“This is first contact, Admiral. They appear to be engaging the Penitents, do we assist or do we standby?”

“Hold fire for now. We can’t afford to spark an incident, our numbers seem even, but we do not know their ship designs. It’d be a bloodbath.” The Admiral responded solemnly. “Engineer, attempt to contact the fleet’s main vessel.”

”Immediately.”

​

Moments later a channel of communication was opened. A sky blue avian appeared before the people in the control room. Tall and slender, the avian was wearing what appeared to be an orange colored battle armor. Similar to humans, it had two arms and two legs, and its face was similar to that of a human owl.

“This is Overseer Laketral. Before you is the armada of the Juvan Alignment, state your name and purpose.”

“This is Admiral Lockhart of the Citizen League of Terra. We’ve been hunting the terrorists you have engaged earlier. We do not intend to cause any incident.”

“I understand, however, as per Juvan protocol, I am required to demand that you depart our space immediately.” The Overseer’s response seemed determined.

“Overseer, we require the information contained on that citadel. May I propose we send a two man delegation to the site?”

The Overseer paused for a moment. “Your intentions seem noble. I agree to these terms so long as you accept we send a military escort alongside your delegation and that you station at the edge of the system.”

“We agree to these terms. I will be sending the delegation shortly.”

As Admiral Lockhart waved his hand, the hologram disappeared into thin air. He turned around to face the Lieutenants. Gray quickly muttered under his breath: “This can’t be happening.”

“I want you two on the ground. Take combat armor but do not take any firearms with you, we can’t afford to start a battle here, the Archon would have our heads on a pike.”

“How are we to proceed incase a firefight ensues between any remaining Penitent and the bird people?” Weiss tensed up as he questioned the Admiral.

“You follow their instructions. We want the information, and potentially to make arrests, but I’m not going to push for any more than their databanks.”

“We’ll gear up and depart as soon as possible, sir.”

With a salute, Lieutenants Weiss and Gray departed. They were once again in the thick of the action.

“This is insane, Weiss. We’re supposed to get down there without any sort of weapons? To bird-people that have weapons?”

“I don’t like it any more than you do but there is no alternative. We were sent to obtain the information, and if the Admiral gets shit from the Archon, we’ll get put in the armory. Pull it together, they don’t want an incident any more than we do.”

“Bah, what the hell.”


Fifteen minutes later, the duo arrived at the Penitent space station aboard a space shuttle. Upon disembarking, a team of armed Juvan appeared before them. Armed with what seemed to be Assault Rifles, they did not display any killing intent. Tension was in the air, as Gray was prepared to assume a combat stance.

“At ease.” A voice rang out from behind the avian group. What seems to be the team leader is a green owl, slightly taller than our two lieutenants. “Technology is a wonder. Are the translators working for you.?”

Weiss took a step forward towards him. “It does, Lieutenant Xavier Weiss. This is Lieutenant Marlon Gray.” “General Kataag.” Weiss reached in to offer him a handshake. Immediately, the Juvan squad took aim, the lasers visible on Weiss’s torso and forehead. Weiss immediately froze, cold sweat running down his forehead. Gray himself was baffled, unsure what to do.

“Stand down already.”

Our two lieutenants breathed a sigh of relief. This was dangerously close.

“We have taken control of the facility. Whatever remained of them put up a fight, we had no choice but to take them out. Those that were captured ingested something and died moments later.”

“Sounds like a cyanide pill to me.” Gray was quick to respond.

“Cyanide?” “Poison.”

Kataag shook his head lightly before continuing on. “We’ve taken control of several Corvettes. We had reports of an illegal shipyard operating within our space. They shot down an investigations unit as soon as it got close.”

“We apologize. They’re a terrorist group from our planet. We’ve been hunting them for centuries. They resurfaced lately, and we’ve chased them down from a dozen systems away.” Weiss offered the General his apologies.

After walking for several minutes through the station, the damage from the battle was visible. Several humans were laying dead on the ground. Traces of energy grenades and debris were everywhere. The terrorists put up a real fight, but they had no chance in the face of overwhelming numbers.

“We’ve arrived. We believe this is where their databank is held, but we can’t seem to access it. We do not have any access codes.”

“But we do. We’ve obtained them during a raid in Ispyria.”

Weiss tapped the code in and quickly unlocked the door. A large server room opened up before them. It seems this was indeed the base of operations. After a while, the data was downloaded to Terran servers. Admiral Lockhart opened communications to confirm the delivery and thank General Kataag for his cooperation.


After returning to ISS Horatious.

“Congratulations on a job well done, you two. I’ve reported our discovery back to Terra and the Archon is already forwarding diplomatic agreements with the Alignment. On the other hand however, it seems our job is still not done.”

“Come on Admiral. We just swept a Penitent base, unarmed, with a host of armed owl people.” Gray spoke out unhappily.

“Get over it, Lieutenant. A Marine’s duty never ends. The data you two collected reports of a flagship in the Strom system, not far away from Alpha Centauri. That’s where we’re headed next.”

The two Lieutenants grit their teeth as they could only salute.

 

[stnylan]

The reward for a job well done is ... another job

(quote from the works of Lois McMaster Bujold)

 

[crisrko]

“We’re approaching the Strom System. We should be entering it within the next few twenty minutes.”

The intercom notified the crew of ISS Horatious of the end of the hunt. For the past few years, Taskforce Minotaur have been hunting the remaining Penitent terrorists through-out the north-eastern quarter of the Milky Way.

Apart of this crew, youngsters Xavier Weiss and Marlon Gray have clawed their way through the ranks. As a result of the operation within Juvan space, Xavier Weiss has been promoted to Commander, and Marlon Gray to Lieutenant-Commander. Now a Senior Officer, CMDR Weiss was pending reassignment to his own ship, apart of Admiral Lockhart’s fleet. This assignment however remains on hold until Taskforce Minotaur returns to the Rantor shipyards, the new Terran leading facility.

Even before entering the Strom System, Terran sensors already picked up signals from the Cultist Flagship. A communication channel was opened between the two fleets.

It was evident that the Cultists would rather die than surrender, and Admiral Lockhart obliged. After a lengthy battle, the terrorist flagship had been disabled, and space shuttles containing dozens of Marines, led by CMDR. Weiss and LCMDR. Gray boarded the derelict.

Deck by deck, the fight was arduous and bloody. Prisoners were scarce, as the zealous cultists preferred to throw their lives away in suicide attacks. Upon reaching the vessel’s bridge, the marines found the cultist leader laying in a pool of her own blood. She chose to shoot herself rather than be arrested. In all honesty, should’ve she been captured, the Intelligence Department would make her disappear the moment she set foot on Terra.

The Penitent Ones had met their end, the Archon’s rule solidified. Perhaps, as a final gesture of spite, the Archon ordered that the cultist flagship is retrofitted and integrated in Taskforce Minotaur and named “the Dawn of Creation.”

The world however did not stay still during our heroes quest.

​

Technology advanced rapidly, and the industrial might of the League skyrocketed with its colonial expansion. Several more planets were settled within Alpha Centauri, Sirius and Procyon. A research agreement was also struck with the Juvan Alignment. Even more, during the investigation of the Holjam system, the researchers came across a vault, a tomb for hopeful immortals. Huge blocks of neural images were found in the databanks. At the suggestion of the Directorate, the Archon authorized their upload to several specially designed Droids. They call themselves the Awoken, and have been integrated on the planet Keos, within Alpha Centauri.

During the search for the Vultaaum home-system, the League made contact with several more space faring civilizations.

Spoiler

And then, the Khemplar Marauders.

 

[stnylan]

Galaxy starting to fill out.

 

[crisrko]

Created a table of contents and threadmarks for easy linking. A new update will be out today or tomorrow!

 

[Lautipus]

I have bumped into you when I was checking the newest post of the Inkwell, and started reading. I never played this game nor watched any videos, but your story telling is very good and it kept me going, to see what will happen, from the Cultist attack and all the way up to their defeat on their flagship and not to mention the encounters with 2 alien species, the first one was quite horrifying. Keep up the good work mate, looking forward to see more!

 

[crisrko]

2230 CE.

The Citizen League of Terra has further expanded its borders into the far eastern sector of the galaxy, setting outposts into the Syrma system on the border of the Hazra Neutron Star System, inhabited by the Sutherian Hierarchy. To the south, human expansion has reached the very borders of the Juvan core worlds, all around the Shiigur Nebulae. To the north, the agreement with the Xanyr Guardians has allowed the humans to inhabit several worlds within the Swur cluster.

With the observation of Void Clouds and at the behest of the Military Industrial complex, human Scientists developed a military application named “Cloud Lightning”. This top of the line technology has been outfitted on all Excellence Class Cruisers. In spite of its humongous energy requirement, the new Cold Fusion generators seem to be able to output enough to operate all ship systems.

Recent hostilities between the League and the Sutherian Hierarchy forced Archon Newman into ordering the fortification of the Syrma System. Over the span of several years, the Outpost had been turned into a Bastion, outfitted with top of the line Hyperlane Inhibitors and Disruption Field Generators. Even more, two Diligence-Class defensive platforms have been attached to the Bastion itself, for additional firepower.

Military hasn’t been the only focus however. Biologists have developed the technology to not only alter the bodies, but also the minds of humans. This unprecedented development allows Scientists to deliver genetic resequencing that alters glandular secretion and accommodate volunteers to any sort of environment, ranging from glacial to desert as if millions of years of evolution no longer mattered.

In the far western quarter of the galaxy tension has been brewing for a long time now. The Elves Imperium, following the annexation of the Fareen worlds had enslaved the entire population, be it working men, females, young, old and sickly. Today, around a quarter of a million Fareen refugees from the Imperium had docked on Euterpe. The ships battered, the refugees ragged and horrified. It was evident that they had made it this far through the mercy and good will of traders, for between Procyon and their worlds are hundreds of Star Systems. Clearly, an enormous journey.

With the on-going war between the Norrilga Annihilators and the Hjannarthi Imperium, the strife has expanded to the neighboring Imperial Akkano Colonies. While a neutral side, the Akkano have several trade deals with the Hjannarthi and thus the people are divided. Some are pleading to the Emperor to assist the Hjannarthi against the Blood Court while others preach isolationism. Fighting has broken out on the planet of Old Alvania, with the opposing ideologies clashing violently. Many have been displaced by this conflict, including leaders of the pacifist party. Like the Fareen, they seek asylum in Terran space, and have been docked on Saon.

These developments once again cement the League’s dominant position in the Eastern Quarter of the galaxy, and bolster Archon Newman’s reputation among the population of Terra ahead of the 2240 re-elections. With his re-election in 2220, the Military-Industrial faction solidified its position as the largest political faction. Thanks to their agreement with the Committee of Higher Learning, they have the majority in the government. Archon Newman’s position was absolute.

Commander Xavier Weiss and Lieutenant-Commander Marlon Gray have also finalized their transfer to the Excellence-Class Cruiser, ISS Seraphim. Admiral Lockhart is rapidly approaching retirement due to his age, and deliberations have begun in regards to the new Admiral of Strike Force Minotaur. Archon Newman and the Admiral himself have both recommended CMDR Weiss, but the opposing government factions have their own political proposals.

 

[crisrko]

Galaxy starting to fill out.

It certainly is.

I have bumped into you when I was checking the newest post of the Inkwell, and started reading. I never played this game nor watched any videos, but your story telling is very good and it kept me going, to see what will happen, from the Cultist attack and all the way up to their defeat on their flagship and not to mention the encounters with 2 alien species, the first one was quite horrifying. Keep up the good work mate, looking forward to see more!

Thank you for the kind words, it's certainly been a ride so far.

This will be a small update to bring everything up to speed. The next update will be kicking things off.