Title Page
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Intro Page
Hello everybody! My name is Nax24, I've been playing Paradox games on and off for over a decade now at this point. I've always wanted to do a Stellaris AAR, but I didnt want to just pick a single nation, start playing it, and then write about what happens in that nation. I feel like that narrows the point of view a bit, and if you have a game with ten or more unique civilizations, that kind of kills a lot of story-telling potential. As such, I am going to try to do something different. Instead of having the POV of this AAR be one polity, I am going to try and write multiple short chapters/stories based in each of the polities I have in my game at different points during my game. The game will serve as an inspiration for these stories, and as events happen in the galaxy, I may be inclined to write about it from a myriad of perspectives.
As such, I have created a galaxy with eleven civilizations, all custom-made by me and locked forcefully into this game, meaning they all will appear within this setting. What nation who's perspective I will be writing from though will depend on you, the reader. That's right, this is going to be a mildly interactive AAR (Qorten gave me permission, do not worry). The next post following this will be a sort of short summary of each of the polities that exist in this galaxy, and I want you, the reader, to pick which polity you want to hear a story from first. I will then write a story of some length about that polity, and once it is completed I will ask you, the reader, to choose again. Now, there are some things to keep in mind:
1. If an event happens in my game that I just NEED to tell a story for, I will ignore doing the poll and just write about it
2. The story could either be a one-shot post or could be tens of posts, so please be understanding if your favorite civ only gets one post while another gets ten, some of these civs I feel will be easier to write stories in than others
3. This format also allows me to take breaks and come back to writing whenever I feel like it. Writing an AAR like this means I can take breaks and come back when I am feeling up to writing, which makes it easier on my schedule that way.
Oh I am also using mods, they are as followed:
1. UI Overhaul Dynamic
2. Immersive Beautiful Stellaris
3. Planetary Diversity (and all submods for it)
4. Gigastructural Engineering
5. Extra Ship Components NEXT
6. Ethics and Civics Classic
7. Plentiful Traditions 3.x
8. Government Variety Pack
9. Universal Resource Patch
10. Guilli's Planet Modifiers and Features
11. Basic Ordinary Origins
12. Cybrxkhan's Assortment of Namelists for Stellaris
13. All the patches required to get these damn things working together
Anyway, I welcome you aboard. Enjoy your stay, and lets write!
As such, I have created a galaxy with eleven civilizations, all custom-made by me and locked forcefully into this game, meaning they all will appear within this setting. What nation who's perspective I will be writing from though will depend on you, the reader. That's right, this is going to be a mildly interactive AAR (Qorten gave me permission, do not worry). The next post following this will be a sort of short summary of each of the polities that exist in this galaxy, and I want you, the reader, to pick which polity you want to hear a story from first. I will then write a story of some length about that polity, and once it is completed I will ask you, the reader, to choose again. Now, there are some things to keep in mind:
1. If an event happens in my game that I just NEED to tell a story for, I will ignore doing the poll and just write about it
2. The story could either be a one-shot post or could be tens of posts, so please be understanding if your favorite civ only gets one post while another gets ten, some of these civs I feel will be easier to write stories in than others
3. This format also allows me to take breaks and come back to writing whenever I feel like it. Writing an AAR like this means I can take breaks and come back when I am feeling up to writing, which makes it easier on my schedule that way.
Oh I am also using mods, they are as followed:
1. UI Overhaul Dynamic
2. Immersive Beautiful Stellaris
3. Planetary Diversity (and all submods for it)
4. Gigastructural Engineering
5. Extra Ship Components NEXT
6. Ethics and Civics Classic
7. Plentiful Traditions 3.x
8. Government Variety Pack
9. Universal Resource Patch
10. Guilli's Planet Modifiers and Features
11. Basic Ordinary Origins
12. Cybrxkhan's Assortment of Namelists for Stellaris
13. All the patches required to get these damn things working together
Anyway, I welcome you aboard. Enjoy your stay, and lets write!
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The Polities
The idealists thinking the future would lead to humanity uniting together in unity and cooperation were wrong. As the climate worsened across the globe in the 21st century, and the people of Earth reeled in the face of crisis, the democracies of the world buckled. Wars soon broke out over resources, and soon the world was on the brink of complete collapse. Yet, in the shadows, a new ideology was growing. Eco-fascism’s popularity skyrocketed in the face of the climate catastrophe and the complete lack of action by the democratic states that be. Appealing to the desire to solve the climate crisis using authoritarian means, to bypass the stupidity of the democratic systems which brought down change, “Collective Parties” soon formed across the planet with the goal of using strong leadership to save humanity. One by one the democracies of the world fell to eco-fascism, with the new governments dealing with what they considered the greatest crisis to Earth, over-population. Soon, the crisis passed, and humanity recovered. The Collective Parties turned into a Collective Committee, and they united the planet under their banner of ensuring the survival of Earth’s ecosystem, and the survival of humanity by looking to the stars and conquering anyone who would stand in the way of humanity’s greatness. Humanity stared into the abyss, and the Collective will ensure that it is filled with the blood of their enemies.
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Not all humans agreed with the Collective’s fascist tendencies. While the desire to save Earth was shared among many of all ideologies, many humans refused to accept living under a fascist dictatorship. As such, many revolted at the prospect, and were brutally put down by the government, another tick in their overpopulation solutions. Eventually, a group of settlers decided to leave Earth. In 2180, a colonial ship departed for deep space to be far away from the grasp of fascist warlords. They landed on the planet of Calagash, a prairie world with rich soil and plenty of land. The humans of Calagash, understanding of the need to protect the environment of their new home, decided to adopt policies to grow with the planet instead of molding and exploiting it. Eventually, Calagash became a rustic society, full of farmers and small rural communities. Their united Republic became as simple, with a small government that managed the various rural communities while promoting self sufficiency. While Earth may have fallen to dictators, Calagash would become the last bastion of human liberty and freedom, all while maintaining a simple society free from the clutches of industrialization.
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The Heleionites were once one of the most powerful Empires in the galaxy. Having controlled large swathes of space, the Heleionites prided themselves on being a beacon of liberty, equality, and fraternity in a chaotic universe. Bonthorallala was a massive commercial hub and population center for the galaxy. Yet, time was a cruel mistress, and over the centuries, the Heleionites’ Free Empire grew hedonistic. Shouldn’t the races of the galaxy be thankful for the Heleionites preservation of liberty and equality? Why should they be hailed as “equal” to the great liberators of the galaxy, a beacon of progress and societal improvement? Thus this logic caused the Heleionites to spiral into hedonism and cruelty. Their demands for their subjects to be thankful for their freedoms and protection led to rampant xenophobia, an authoritarian grip, slavery markets, and the looting of settlements as “payment for allowing to live in such a free society”. Soon, this hypocrisy reached a climax with powerful families starting civil wars for control of the Empire, and the revolt of various peoples in the galaxy against the Heleionites. The Empire collapsed, and was reduced to nothing but a relic of its former power.
Yet, the Heleionites did not die. They simply went dormant, and now they are awoken, ready to liberate a galaxy that has failed to appreciate what the Heleionites offered. Long live the Free Empire, and destruction to those who failed to appreciate what that freedom meant!
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The people of Inque, the Crimlarian, are used to harsh environments and harsh rulers. As a colonial possession of the Heleionite Empire, they were subject to the same discrimination as everyone else. Yet, even with the oppression of the Heleionites, the Crimlarian were able to hold fast and make a living for themselves. Many Crimlarian made their way in the world as merchants and other men of commerce making and selling things to the Heleionites. Some even managed to secure property in the process, though they were outclassed by Heleionite lords. When the Heleionite Empire started faltering, the oppression got worse. The Crimlarian were on the brink of revolt. When word reached them of other revolts in the Empire, the Crimlarian jumped at the opportunity. One man, Kiras Sheothri, an officer in the Heleionites Auxiliary Corp, would be the most successful in his revolt. Soon, other rebels turned to him, and with his military cunning, he would lead the Crimlarian to victory. With Inque free, the Crimlarians soon began the process of establishing a state. They decided the best approach to ease the transition and to upset the least amount of fighters was to establish a symbiotic government, combining the traditions of the Imperial government of the Heleionites with democratic institutions that prevented such a hedonistic and corrupt authority, and would give true power to the people of Inque. With that, the Crimlarian overwhelmingly picked Kiras Sheothri as their first King, and his dynasty would see the Inque go to the stars.
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The Saudade are ancient. Some say they predate the Heleionites by centuries. Some even say they were reported as far past as some of the Precursor civilizations. Yet one thing remains clear, the Saudade were not ones to partake in the great galactic game. Ruled by the mysterious Solar Kings, an embodiment of their star and almost a divine presence, the Saudade live with the belief that the stars themselves have blessed their rule, and that all other polities will one day see their magnificence. Eventually, with the dawn of space travel, the Saudade were able to ascend to the stars, and fulfill their destiny to unite all under the blinding glory that is their civilization. The Solar Kings shall be rulers of multiple stars!
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Just because you are generous to your people doesnt mean you are to those not of your own. No race is a better example of this than the Radianer. The Radianer won the lottery where to evolve on, with Nishushu being a prime ocean planet. Warm and bountiful waters, no natural enemies, and the room to grow, the Radianer soon let their lot go directly to their head. While their Coalition Government, a Democratic state aimed to ensure the well-being of the Radianer, is by many accounts a very social government, the Radianer themselves are not fond of non-Radianers. In fact, their pompous attitude, coming from the fact that they had it so well (it must be because of their superiority right?) oftens leads them to disdain xenos. They also have a pompous attitude even towards each other, which reports indicating that the average Radianer conversation ends up with at least one heated comment thrown in egotistical rage. Indeed, for a people that had been given a winning lottery ticket, they refuse to let anyone else bask in their wealth.
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“Knowledge is for All to Obtain, and All to Enjoy”. That is the motto of the Educational Consensus of Popa Kapo. Pronda as a planet is unnatural in its make-up. The planet as a whole contains numerous bioluminescent plants, with records indicating that the planet itself faintly glows in space. To the Lonoid people, the nature of their homeworld only asked more questions. Thus, the intelligent Lonoid grew to develop a scholarly nature, and eventually were united in their quest for knowledge under one banner. The Lonoid dedicate their lives to the pursuit of science, that universal knowledge is something that all should seek, obtain, and share. This was only exemplified by the discovery of massive technological caches across Pronda. This only drove the quest for knowledge, and the Lonoid soon found themselves exploring the stars for more info. Their society is one that is bent around the procurement and exchange of information and science. A Lonoid would be happy to teach anyone about the wonders of the universe, and all are welcome to study on Pronda to further their minds.
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To say the Shobdamese people have had it rough over the years is an understatement. Thousands of years ago, the Shobdamese were evicted from their home planet and brought to this galaxy by a precursor. Over the next milenia, the Shobdamese worked as slaves for various empires on the hot and sandy planet of Amhleshshi. Whenever a new power took over the planet, the status of the Shobdamese people never changed. Even when the “Free Empire” of the Heleionites came and took the planet, they kept the Shobdamese as slaves, toiling away on the dunes. However, that was until a man named “Qazak” came into the picture. No knows anything about Qazak, only that he was a slave miner with a vision and cunning to organize a revolt. Knowing that the Heleionites were on the ropes, Qazak organized other slaves, and when the time came, they revolted. For the first time in their history, the Shobdamese rose up against their oppressors and took the planet for themselves. Yet, Qazak did not want power. In fact, after the “Great Revolution'' ended, he disappeared. Though he is honored as the “Great Revolutionary”, no one knows what happened to him. The society left after the overthrow of the Heleionites soon organized itself under one principal, no one would ever have power over a Shobdamese person, not a boss, emperor, president, whatever. This anarchist society would work off the principles of cooperation and communal assistance, helping the people grow and survive as a newly independent state. This world without bosses would now be the bastion for the Shobdamese people as they march out into the stars.
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War is a racket. That is the belief of the denizens of the Zaaco salt fields, the Wusthean. These thrifty merchants have always been traders, using their salt fields as currency for the various Empires that have come through the sector. Yet, there was also one thing that the Wusthean realized, these Empires were fighting each other constantly. As such, the Wusthean decided to turn to a more lucrative form of business, arms dealing. The Wusthean Compact is one of the largest arms suppliers in the sector. Not a single war, revolt, or coup has occurred without one side utilizing Wusthean guns and armaments in this galaxy. Flushed with cash, the Wusthean now look beyond their little corner of the galaxy to expand their business. For the natural state of two species is war, and the Wusthean stand to profit from this stance.
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The Gotspeiferian people always were an industrial society. Their home world, Ningalasum, being covered in mainly mud fields, was not really suited for growing much food, but it did contain many natural resources that could be turned into industrial goods. As such, industrialization went faster on Ningalasum compared to other societies. A unique Steampunk-esq society emerged as a result, combining the primitive technology with the rapidly advancing society. These industrial societies and merchants also came together under the banner of a Trade League, uniting the planet in commerce and industry. The goal of the League is to simply make money with their goods and expand their commerce to the far reaches of the Galaxy.
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Xurk’in, the “Galaxy’s Casino”. For centuries, Xurk’in was just a distant trading post on the fringes of the Heleionite Empire, a perfect location for illegal trade and activity. When the Heleionites fell, Xurk’in became a criminal bastion, a true Libertalia, for the criminals and gamblers of the galaxy. Yet, while many saw a lawless bastion of scum and villainy, some saw opportunity. Enter the Tikanids. The Tikanids set up residence on Xurk’in after a disaster rendered their homeworld uninhabitable. From there, members of their species soon developed a great idea: instead of making money using the illicit connections Xurk’in offered, they would instead make money by offering themselves up as protectors of such illicit dealings, trade, and businesses. As such, a new Syndicate was formed, a Syndicate that provided protection (sometimes by force) to the criminal enterprises of the Galaxy. Any criminal or mobster or Godfather with Tikanid guards or ships guarding their stuff was seen as powerful, and the Tikanids grew wealthy off the back of this. Soon, the Tikanan Syndicate became one of the most powerful gangs of enforces and espionage in the galaxy for the criminal underworld.
First Poll
Yes, the restricted POV that comes with focusing on the player nation does make it hard to keep tabs on other stories playing out across the Galaxy. In my few years of being on the forums, I don't remember seeing any other Stellaris AARs attempting your particular solution, so this could be a very unique AAR. Best of luck to you!
Book I Title Page
Book I: Prologue
Book I, Prologue: Injustice
The morning rays reflected off the snow, turning it into a sea of shimmering powder, and showering the roofs and roads with its brightness. As dawn broke over the peaceful town, its residents slowly began to stir. Another cold day. Shops slowly began to open up. Deliveries began to arrive, as the hustle and bustle of morning activity echoed across the small town, the cold frost biting at their coats. To any other person in this galaxy, the cold could be all that would occupy their minds. But to the Crimlarians of Inque, this was just another morning on their planet.
A young Crimlarian makes his way through the crowd at a brisk pace. His jacket, barely having time to be buttoned, flutters in the wind. Dodging, weaving, ducking under all the morning commuters and their cargo. Side-stepping carts and hovercraft as they slowly make their way down the main road or as they unload their goods at stores and markets. Eventually, the young boy makes his way through a group of stalls selling morning produce. “Don’t break your neck Ki” shouted a boy from one of the markets. The racing Crimlarian stopped and backed up to the stall. “I don’t want to clean up your blood this early in the morning.”
Ki tossed the other boy a coin, “Maybe some food will slow me down Mirak.”
Mirak slides the coin through his hands, and passes Ki a piece of steaming bread. “Fresh from the oven, just the way you like it.” Ki grabs the bread and begins eating it. “My old man sure knows how to please. Where the hell are you going anyway, I usually don’t see you sliding around like that this early in the day.”
“Get this,” said Ki, leaning on the counter. “We discovered a great spot to see the morska migration.”
“Morska? Damn Ki you really can be a nerd sometimes.” chuckled Mirak.
“How can you not be excited? There are going to be like, a billion of them!” said Ki. “Anyway, I need to get going or else I will miss it!” he said, devouring the last of his breakfast. “See you later Mirak”
“Tell Nalas I said hi.” smirked Mirak. Ki rolled his eyes and continued running off. Mirak continued arranging the stall for the morning business.
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Morska, giant gray lumbering beasts on four legs, with spikes on their hide, and great skeleton domes on their heads. Though docile and known for their plant-based diets, they are a sight to behold, and often migrate to areas of plentiful food in great heards. The Crimlarian often have to put up postings and barriers to direct the herds away from population centers and roads, but sometimes a poor sap can be stuck behind one for hours as they cross.
To Nalas though, they were a fascinating wonder of Inque, and very rarely has she gotten the chance to see them in person. From her hilltop perch, she could see a great plain full of the lumbering beasts, trudging through the snow, kicking up vast pumes of snow behind them. She read about this event in books but this was the first time seeing it in person. A panting sound soon came up from behind her. “You are late, you know that Ki?” she scolded.
“Give me a break Nalas, it's morning on a day we don’t have school, and you drag me out at the crack of dawn to see these things.” Ki said, sitting down on the laid out blanket.
“Last I recalled you were just as excited as I was to see these things.” remarked Nalas.
“Last I recalled you hyped them up so bad it was hard not to get excited.” jabbed back Ki. The two laughed at this as the roars of the Morska echoed across the morning snow.
“They sure are incredible though.” said Nalas. “No matter what we do, or what we build, we cannot stop them from going to where they need to go.”
“They are determined for sure.” said Ki in response. The two young Crimlarian sat and watched the Morska as they moved in one great pack across the snowy plain. “Hey Nalas… I wanted to ask you something…” said Ki, in a rather faint voice. “Would you-”
Just then, a low hum echoed over the scenery. It caught both the Crimlarian off guard. It grew louder and louder. Just as it reached its peak, a space-ship zoomed overhead, over the herd which was now in a panic frenzy at the sudden appearance of the flying metal object. The spaceship zoomed past the hill, brushing up snow in Ki and Nalas’s faces. After the shock of what happened wore off, Nalas spoke up. “That ship was heading for town…”
At this comment, the two bolted off back towards town.
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Jarlas watched as the ships descended on the market, their landing engines blowing down stalls and chasing away both customer and seller. Eventually, a nice open space surrounded by broken wood and cloth opened up, and the ship descended. Its engine turned off, and the exit ramp lowered. Jarlas, clutching his cane, hobbled up on his good leg, his bad leg aching as he stood. Exiting the craft, a group of people with green rippled skin emerged, brandishing weapons and armor.
Jarlas knew who they were; Imperial soldiers, Heleionites. At their front was a man wearing the clothes of an Imperial officer, holding a tablet in his hand. The crowd of Crimlarians grew as the man disembarked, scanning the crowd of who he saw as alien subjects to his masters. He bellowed out after a few seconds of surveying the scene. “His Imperial Majesty, upon accessing the situation regarding the false pretender claiming His Majesty’s rightful throne, has deemed it necessary to call for a general levee of all people who enjoy the freedoms and liberty offered by His Majesty’s Imperial standard.”
Murmurs arose from the crowd as he made this statement. Jarlas clutched his leg, aching from the pain of a grenade’s shrapnel piercing it decades ago, the result of the last levee of subjects the Empire did. The Heleionite officer raised his tablet, “In my hands is a list of Crimlarian citizens of Inque who are to come with me to receive training and be deployed in the name of freedom and His Majesty. All those who reject the defense of His Majesty will be rejecting liberty and equality, embracing authoritarianism and persecution.”
“Hypocritical bastards” mumbled a man next to Jarlas.
“We will be visiting all those who have the honor of defending Inque from the threat of tyranny. Please, continue as you would.” said the Heleionite officer, as more soldiers emerged from the ship. Most were Heleionite, but some were subject conscripts, the poor souls who got a visit from the draft-man on their planets no doubt.
Jarlas turned away and hobbled back home, clutching his cane. When he arrived, his medicine shop was still closed, for he had not started morning preparations to open his doors yet. After he entered, he sat down at the front desk, sighing at the thought of the poor people who would be subject to this new draft, and knowing that resistance would end up with a bullet in his good leg. Just then, the door opened, and Jarlas stood up to see the sight of Ki walking in.
“Sir, I saw the ship fly by, what’s happening?” asked Ki.
“A visit from our dear protectors, that is all.” said Jarlas in a solemn tone. “Do not worry about it, they won’t be bothering us. Get the store ready.” At this, Ki nodded and began setting up for today’s business. How long has it been since Ki came to him? Ten years? Fifteen? Jarlas remembers the day the small child came to him, an orphan of a family that no one remembered, to be raised and cared for by him. Ki proved to be bright and energetic though, a great help to his aging self. Soon, Jarlas grew to care for the boy.
As his thoughts drifted off, the front door slammed open. “Afraid we don’t open for another few-” Jarlas stopped mid-sentence to see the Heleionite officer with two soldiers walk into his store.
“Jarlas Sheothri…” the officer began to speak, “Rejoice! For you have been selected for the great honor of defending the freedom of your people from tyranny!”
Jarlas stood up stunned at this comment. “That tablet must be wrong. I did my duty, and paid my fair share in blood.” he said, tapping his bad leg with his cane. “Now stop interrupting me, I have work to do.” As Jarlas began to hobble off, one of the soldier's body-blocked him from leaving the room.
“I am afraid, Mr. Sheothri, that my records are indeed correct and have been thoroughly vetted. Your name is on this list.” said the officer in a much sterner tone.
“I will say this again. I… was… already… drafted… once!” shouted Jarlas. “I served years ago, and as you can see I am incapable of fighting even if my name is on that list, which if it is, I want you to vet the guys doing the vetting.”
“You reject the call to defend freedom?” asked the officer.
“I already answered the call to defend whatever you think this life is once, long before you even got to officer school, son.” said Jarlas. The two men glared at each other in a silent and tense moment.
“Hey sir, we got a shipment of jutaka herbs, do you want me to set them in the mixing ro-” Ki stopped his sentence seeing the officer and Jarlas stare each other down.
“A son?” asked the officer.
“A ward. This is Kiras, my ward and assistant.” said Jarlas.
The officer looked at Kiras, and then at his men. He then nodded, and after looking through his tablet, smiled. “Apologies Mr. Sheothri, it does seem that you are not fit for duty. But sadly, someone from this house-hold must serve the defense of freedom, and if it can’t be you…” The officer snapped his fingers, and one of the soldiers walked over to Kiras, slapped the box out of his hand, and grabbed him by the shirt.
“What is this! That boy is too young to serve and he is under my protection!” screamed Jarlas. “Unhand him this instance, he cannot be conscripted according to the law!”
“The price of freedom requires that some laws be overlooked in times of crisis” said the officer, a smirk in his eyes.
“You rat bastards!” shouted Jarlas, as he raised his cane. At this, a blow smacked him right in the chest, and he flew back into his front counter, as a soldier pointed his gun right at Jarlas.
“What’s happening… sir… sir? SIR!?!” shouted a panicking Kiras, as he was dragged out of the house. Jarlas could only watch as the pain in his chest grew, and a tear rolled down his cheek.
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“Shit-heads conscripted Ki!” shouted an exhausted Mirak to the group of other kids. “I saw them drag him to the square!”
Nalas had difficulty processing what Mirak was saying. One of the other boys spoke up, “Isn’t he too young?”
“You think those ripply-skinned bastards care about the law when it comes to US?” said Mirak. “If we hurry we can catch him and get him out of here!” The kids nodded, stood up, and began running off. “Nalas!” shouted Mirak back, as Nalas struggled to comprehend the situation.
“They can’t do this… he could die out there…” she whispered to herself, as she stood up and ran with the boys.
Dodging and weaving through an angry crowd, the kids arrived at the market. Jeers echoed across the square.
“They are just kids!”
“You can’t take them!”
“They could die!”
Shouts and curses rose over the square where a group of soldiers had corralled their draftees. Nalas saw Kiras first, sitting and shaking in fear surrounded by other Crimlarian young adults. She couldn’t believe her friend was sitting there, one of her first friends in fact!
“Stand back!” shouted one of the Heleionite soldiers. Soon the conscripts were beginning to be loaded up onto the ship.
“Someone stop them!” shouted a voice. “They can’t do this!” shouted another.
Soon, one Crimlarian, shouting about her son, tried to rush forward. A soldier stopped her, as the mother tried to claw her way past the soldier. “Stand back!” he shouted. The mother soon turned her energy into grabbing the soldier's gun, which sent off panic among the soldiers. The soldier threw the mother off.
The gunshot came quickly, and the mother soon fell and laid on the snow. It slowly began to turn red around her silhouette. One of the boys on the ship started screaming about his mother, before being rifle-butted and dragged onto the ship. Panic erupted in the crowd as Crimlarians began to run for their lives. Mirak grabbed Nalas shouting “We gotta get out of here!”
Nalas could only watch while running away as the ramp of the ship closed, and the engines began to roar to life.
The Morska Migration was nice world building.
Do they draft by lottery? I completely agree about the hypocrisy. That seems like it's asking for a revolt and/or a new government being elected (depending on how democratic they actually are).
Do they draft by lottery? I completely agree about the hypocrisy. That seems like it's asking for a revolt and/or a new government being elected (depending on how democratic they actually are).
You got me with that story! The Empire is surely a fan of Orwell's 1984, forcefully conscripting children to die for liberty and shooting any who disagrees in the name of democracy.
I feel really bad for both Ki, sent to die for some fat king, and Nalas, who'll be forced to wonder what horrors her friend goes through...
I feel really bad for both Ki, sent to die for some fat king, and Nalas, who'll be forced to wonder what horrors her friend goes through...
Book I: Chapter I
Book I, Chapter I: Opening Salvos
The snowstorm was picking up bit by bit. The Crimlarian man shuffled through the abandoned street, only the light of the street-lamps guiding the way, and even they bowed to the whims of the snow storm. The man hurried along, until he saw the glow of the tavern. He knocked on the door loud enough to be heard even with the wind howling around him. A slit in the door opened up, with two eyes peering out. A nod, the slit closed, and the door opened. The man hurried inside to a quiet tavern. It was closed for “maintenance”, and inside, a group of about five Crimlarians were seated at one of the tables, the only one without chairs on top, conversation in full swing.
“I’m telling you, they got Drakus and his boys in the middle of shipping makeshift fertilizer bombs! Heard they hanged him and left his body to rot in the shipyard so that every shipper knows the penalty of illegal arms shipping.” said one of the Crimlarians.
“I heard they carted him off to be tortured. Think he would squeal if put in that spot?” asked another, a woman.
“It doesn't matter. Drakus’s group was just that, a single group. I heard that an entire village on the outskirts of Carabol chucked a Heleionite tax-collector out a window! Think about it, an entire bloody village ready to take up arms!” said another.
“I also heard that villages that do those kinds of things get met with a brigade of Heleionite soldiers and cops occupying their town under martial law. Not really good for resistance when the enforcers are breathing down your neck every day.” said a third.
“Look, we just need to organize everyone to get ready for a fight. I have a feeling it’s gonna come sooner rather than later, and I don’t want some spontaneous event to catch us off guard.” said a fourth.
“I don’t think we will be waiting that long.” said the Crimlarian who just entered. He pulled over a seat to sit. “Inque got itself a new Governor, if my sources are to be trusted.”
“A new Governor?” asked the second Crimlarian.
“The Empire is at its wits end. Reports say that they are getting hit with rebellions and agitation across its colonial expanse. People sick of the wars, the levees, the taxes, and the general disregard of the Heleionites. Word is that they are trying their damndest to cover up a slave revolt on one of their slave mine worlds.” he replied.
“Any idea who the new Governor could be?” asked the fourth Crimlarian.
“A military vet, and a ruthless one. Guy crushed a pretender revolt on Ipska and brought the pretender’s head back in a box for the Emperor, along with reports of thousands of his supporters dead and dumped into space around the planet.” the fifth Crimlarian replied.
“So they got a hard-ass to maintain order? That’s going to go well with the people.” said the first Crimlarian, laying back in his chair.
“Say what you will, but at this rate, a lot of Crimlarians are going to get strung up before we do anything-”
Just then, the door to the tavern bursted open, and four Heleionite soldiers walked into the tavern. The tavern-keeper looked over to the men, and hushed the other four conspirators. “Evening gentlemen. About to close for the night so I can’t get you any food, but I can get you a quick drink if you have the credits.”
One of the soldiers walked over to the bar, eyeing the gathered crowd. “I heard Inque has amazing tylaty snow-bombs. One for me and one for the lads, why don’t you?” The tavern-keeper nodded and began making the drinks. “Heard reports around the area that these taverns are becoming hot-beds of authoritarian demagogues and ungrateful rabble-rousers.” he continued.
“That so?” asked the tavern-keeper, not looking up.
“Yea, it’s a shame. You people don't know how good you have it.” said the soldier. “We give you technology, wealth, stability, and some of you turn around and chuck bombs at us!” laughing afterwards. “No wonder the Empire doesn’t consider you equals, you take all you can get and chuck out the rest.”
“Yet you wonder why they chuck bombs at you.” said one of the tavern guests.
One of the soldiers snapped forward. “Excuse me furball?” he said, getting in the guest’s face. “Care to repeat that?”
“I said, it would do you good to potentially understand why some of my people are angry.” said the guest.
“Aren’t you cheeky?” he said, putting the butt of his rifle on the table so it stood up straight. “Remember who keeps you safe, and remember who enforces order around these parts.”
“Private, that’s enough!” said the soldier at the bar. The private picked up his rifle and walked over to his superior. The tavern-keeper passed a drink over to the soldier. “We also received reports that some reputable establishments have turned themselves into dens of rebellion and chaos.”
“That so?” asked the tavern-keeper.
“Indeed it is.” replied the soldier. “We have reports that one such fine establishment… is this one right here.” he said, taking a long swig of his drink.
The tavern-keeper busted out laughing. “Sir, you would be hard-pressed to find anything of that sort in this tavern. Why would someone like me hurt my business and reputation by helping such people?”
“Then perhaps you won’t mind us peeking around your storage room…” said the soldier, handing a paper over to the tavern-keeper. He read it slowly. It was a search-warrant. The soldier nodded, and his three compatriors walked over to a side room door. The tavern guests all watched with anticipation, trying to hide the sweat slowly forming on their brows. The soldier kicked in the door to find…
“...nothing in here!” said one of the soldiers after surveying the entire room. It was just food, drinks, and containers. Nothing more and nothing less.
“Don’t be so sure…” said the lead soldier. He kneeled down on the floor, and began tapping. The taps were loud, until one tap made a hollow ringing noise. “Jack-pot…” he whispered, as he took his rifle and slammed it down on the floor, caving away the wooden door. He opened up a flashlight, and shone it around in the darkness. There were guns, lots of guns. Make-shift bombs, pamphlets, and all sorts of aggitation tools, all hidden within this secret shed.
“Well well well, what do we have here? Smuggling is a grave offense here in the Empire, especially illicit arms smuggling like this. You also are aware of the current emergency laws enacted on the pla-” The soldier could barely finish before a laser-shot echoed through the room. He looked down agasp as a small hole appeared in his chest, and looked up to see one of the tavern-guests holding a laser pistol pointed directly at him. He then collapsed on the floor.
The other soldiers, shaking the shock off, grabbed their guns, but they were too slow. An orchestra of shots rang out as the other tavern guests opened fire on the soldiers, killing the remaining three. When the dust settled, the tavern-keeper took a long swig of one of the drinks, and spoke up. “We need to move, now!”
As they grabbed the last box of gear and loaded it onto the truck, the tavern-keeper closed up the shop and locked it. “I got a friend in Yutsa who can help, we need to move though if we want to see the morning.” He started up the hover-truck, and it roared off from the back.
Yet, they were too late. As they got onto the main road, bright search-lights emulated from the road, and from behind them. “Get out with your hands up or die where you sit!” blared a horn. The five Crimlarians in the truck sat patiently for a second. They all knew what needed to be done.
“I said get out or die!” shouted the soldier, as the squad of men trained their guns on the truck and began moving forward. As they got close though, a crackling sound came from the back. Then, the truck exploded in a loud bang, sending the squad soldiers flying back. Windows around the road shattered as alarms began ringing. The soldiers picked themselves up, and looked on at the burning wreckage of the truck.
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This wasn’t General Optor Tervas’s first pacification mission. As he sat on the ship, he looked over the reports that came in from Inque. Agitation and resistance had grown ten-fold among the Crimlarians over the past fifteen years. Now there were reports of Crimlarians smuggling guns in and blowing themselves up if caught. He looked at the report of a make-shift truck bomb exploding killing the agitators and their gear to avoid confiscation by local authorities. This was the case throughout the Empire, the subjects of the Heleionites that weren’t Heleionites were agitating now that the Empire was going through bouts of conflict and internal strife. The Imperial Family was too busy squabbling with itself to render any meaningful change or strategy to deal with the crisis. Tervas feared that without a strong hand, the Empire would collapse.
The ship jolted, and its engines turned off. Unhooking himself from his seatbelt, Tervas stood up and stretched. He walked over to the exit ramp as it began to lower. A bolt of cold air slammed into his body, shivering him to the core. He heard that Inque was a cold planet, but he never knew how cold it could get. He heard the tales about how not one square foot of Inque is not hit by snow, and now he believed them. Could be worse though, could be Ipska, that jungle hell-hole.
As he walked off the ship, a cadre of soldiers greeted him with salutes. Walking past them, Tervas was soon met with another Heleionite administrator. “Welcome Lord Tervas, allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your reassignment.”
“This is just another aspect of my duties, let’s make that clear right now, secretary.” said Tervas, walking past the secretary. “Give me a sitrep on the situation here, how bad it is, and don’t mince words.”
“Well my Lord, it appears that the Crimlarians are growing more agitated by the day. We recently have apprehended five-hundred suspects on accounts of agitation and rebellious behavior in the past week.” said the secretary.
“We conscript their men, quarter our enforcers with their women, and demand everything from them, no shit they hate us.” replied Tervas.
“My Lord, I wish to object to such ob-”
“Then tell me, what observations would be appropriate?” interrupted Tervas. “That this Empire thinks this planet is just another planet to extract bodies from?”
“Well, it’s not as simple as you may make it se-”
“It is as simple as I may make it seem. This Empire is failing to live up to its ideals.” said Tervas.
“That is slanderous talk regarding His Majesty’s do-”
“His Majesty should be thankful I delivered the head of the last guy out of five who tried to claim his throne, I think saying this kind of thing on my part would be allowed.” said Tervas. He stopped walking. “If we are to make sure Inque doesn’t break out into rebellion like other planets in the Empire, we need to repair the relationship the Empire has with the natives of this planet while also reminding them that blowing up fucking trucks in the streets is not tolerated. A carrot and a stick…”
“What do you suggest, my Lord?” asked the secretary.
Tervas continued walking, “First, we will separate the soldiers from the civilian population. It is clear that they can’t be trusted to handle this delicately. We should also look to bolster non-Heleionite enforcers on this planet, hopefully that will ease tensions on this planet. Keep the enforcers as hands-off as possible, only deploy them if someone tries to set off a bomb or smuggle weapons. Ensure maximum punishment for those caught doing that. I am sure that will be a good first step.”
Tervas walked over to the hover-craft that planned to carry him to the Governor’s residence. “If this Empire is to survive, we should strive to be true to the words we keep jabbing into our subjects rather than just use them to abuse those same people. So far, the only time this has happened has been on the battlefield, and trust me, I would know.” The hover-craft closed its doors, and began speeding off, leaving the secretary in a blinding snow blow-back.
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As he rushed forward with his squad, a shell exploded in front of him, sending him back. When he came to, he saw a Heleionite soldier, one not wearing friendly symbols, standing over him with a rifle. Before he could shoot, a laser blast burned a hole in his head. A Heleionite soldier, one with friendly symbols, ran forward, and grabbed the Crimlarian. He stood up, and continued to rush forward blindly into combat, gun ready to shoot. But soon the orders soon blurred.
“Captain…”
He kept rushing forward.
“Captain…”
He kept seeing his comrades press on, Crimlarian and not.
“Captain Kiras!”
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Kiras awoke with a sudden jolt. He felt a bit sweaty. He looked around and saw the stewardess, looking over at him with a tray of beverages. “Sorry to disturb you Captain, but we have exited hyperspace above Inque, we will be approaching re-entry in a few minutes."
“Yea, sorry about that, a bad dream I supposed…” replied Kiras, as he strapped the safety belt on. How long has it been since he last saw his homeworld? Ten years? He was older now. He had scars from combat. He had traveled the galaxy fighting. He became an officer himself. But the snow covered plains of his home still echoed in his dreams. Did his friends and family think he was still alive?
As the ship approached the atmosphere, it began to jolt. They were re-entering. He grasped the handles next to him, looking around to see the other passengers. Some were Crimlarians like him, returning from duty. Others were Heleionites, tourists or bureaucrats in the colonial government. Either way, they all had the same destination in mind. Soon, the shaking stopped, and Kiras looked out the window to see his snow-covered home. “I’m home…” he muttered to himself.
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It looks like there will be a lot of revolts. There is certainly a lot of unrest.
I liked the part where the soldier reminds them "what the Romans have done for them", so to speak.
I liked the part where the soldier reminds them "what the Romans have done for them", so to speak.
Book I: Chapter II
Book I, Chapter II: Homecoming
Kildary, one of the largest cities in Inque. To the Crimlarians, it is one of their most populous residential areas, full of residential areas, industry, and commerce. It is one of the few places on the planet that have a star-port, allowing for species off the planet to come and go. It is a major cultural center on the planet, and where poor and rich Crimlarians live. It is a metropolitan center, and a hub for transportation across the country.
To the Heleionites, it is a major administrative hub. Though the main administrative area is in another city, Jisata, where the Governor’s residence and the main offices of the colonial administrators of the Empire are located. Kildary is where trade between the wider Empire and the Crimlarians takes place, a major source of taxes and tariffs, a major source of recruits for auxiliary units, and a place where troops can be deployed rapidly in the event of unrest or an invasion on another part of the planet.
To Kiras, it was just where his ship dropped him off. This wasn’t his first time in Kildary. He was taken here back when he got conscripted. It was a major staging ground for deployments off Inque to conflict zones across the Empire. From here, he was shipped off to very basic training. Now, ten years later, here he was again. As he made his way through the city, and through the large crowds, sack over his shoulder, he kept looking at the various street signs. Vehicles moved past him, some blaring their horns. Taxis picked up and deposited people on the side-walk.
Yet this was nothing compared to the enforcer present. It is said that for every Taxi in Kildary, there are two enforcer cars, and for every ten people, an enforcer, and Kiras believed it. As he walked down the street, he saw a small squad of enforcers outside what looked to be a convenience shop. The car sirens were lightening up the block, as five Crimlarians were kneeled outside in cuffs. The enforcers were busy scouring the store, with one leaving it with a bag of rifles. Kiras kept walking, making sure never to make eye-contact with the enforcers.
Eventually, he came across a small loading warehouse in the city. Two Crimlarians were busy loading it up with goods. “Excuse me.” Kiras spoke to the men.
The two truckers looked up from their packing. “What do you want? We are busy.”
“I was told that you guys are heading out to Hodantas.” replied Kiras. A local at the docks told him of one of the few ways to get to remote destinations, catch a truck-ship that passes by. “There is a village that is a bit off the road but in the same general direction.” Kiras continued, pulling out a very torn and dirty map of the area.
“Woh woh woh pal.” said one of the truckers. “Not sure if you aren’t familiar but we aren’t a taxi service.”
“From what I understand this place doesn’t get any major public traffic from any of the cities, just the occasional truck delivering goods to it, and frankly I can’t be asked to look for and patiently wait for the next trucker going there for a lift, so I’m going for the next best thing.” said Kiras. He laid out a small cluster of credits. “Perhaps this will convince you to help?”
“Look pal, you need to understand-” the man was interrupted by Kiras placing another cluster of credits on the table. “Where did you say you needed to be dropped off?” Kiras pulled out the map and placed his finger on a village just between the two cities, off the beaten path. “Shit you really are remote. Best I can do is drop you off within a few hours walking from there.”
“I’ll take it.” said Kiras, rolling up his map. He walked over to the truck, and hopped inside. One of the truckers started up the truck, and then they were off. Kiras watched the city blaze by, and eventually, they got on one of the highways out of the city. Kildary grew fainter and fainter, before eventually fading out to the street lamps, headlights, and stars in the sky.
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“ORDER, ORDER” shouted the President of the Assembly. In a meeting hall somewhere in Hakara, a medium-size city near Jisata, a group of Crimlarians were debating. Fiery speeches were given, counter-arguments and arguments raged back and forth, foul words and words of support were thrown out. It was a heated environment, one that could only be found in a group of people who had been oppressed and looking for a way out. The big topic on the table though garnered more than the usual spree of harsh words and rhetoric, that topic being…
“Independence will doom us to be another failed society amongst the stars!” shouted a man at his chair. “While not one of us seated here will argue that the tyranny of the Heleionite Empire has been a terrible strain, one I must add is only getting worse in lieu of the wars and civil strife across it grow, it is of my belief that the Heleionite’s protection garners us security and stability from a hostile galaxy!”
“So we are to negotiate with our oppressors? Talk them out of cracking the skulls of our people whenever they look at an enforcer the wrong way?” shouted another assemblyman.
“The new Governor I have heard is willing to hear us out. Have you not seen the news regarding the easing up of law enforcement and military personnel within our cities? Have you not heard a pledge to make the enforcers more heterogeneous in its make-up to avoid species conflict?” shouted the speaker back.
“Of course, the problem is that we aren’t getting our heads smashed in by non-Heleionites! Brilliant!” joked a third assemblyman, as a group of others joined in laughter. “I say bring in whatever terrors the galaxy has to offer, for they are nothing compared to the terrors we face on a regular basis!”
The room continued on and on discussing the pros and cons of an independent Inque. To Liron Hopoi though, it was just nonsensical babbling. He had been at this assembly on what to do regarding the status of Inque in the Empire for weeks now, having been chosen by a group of his peers to represent them here. Yet, he already had his own opinions on the matter, and no amount of fancy political speech was going to change his mind. As he sat near the back, watching the politicians and village elders continue on about independence and co-dependency or whatever, a hand tapped his shoulder. “Sir… we have a situation…” said the voice in a whisper directly in his ear. Liron sighed, stood up, and excused himself from the room.
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“What?!?” Liron asked harshly to the three men standing in a side room. “He was an important runner and you are telling me that he got himself shot in a duel with the enforcers?” The three men just stared silently at the floor, with nothing to say. “Are you three just going to stand around in a fucking daze or are you going to start offering ideas as to how this happened?” he continued.
“Well he was known to be a fan of the ladies, maybe they snuck an informant in to get a confession?”
Liron sighed. “Okay fine that is a decent enough idea. Fuck me this bad…” he put his hands on his head and paced a bit. “What about his last shipment, the militia in Zandagor needs that ammo.”
“The shipment got out long before he was nabbed,” said one of the men.
“Okay… okay some good news at least. But if we are going to run this operation I need to make sure that our men don’t get themselves cornered like animals because some turn-coat offered to satisfy their lust.” said Liron, slumping into his chair. “Anything else?”
“No sir, that’s about it-”
“Alright then get out and keep fighting the good fight. Remember we are at war with those assholes, regardless of whatever those political people say in that meeting room.” Liron said, pointing his finger at each of them. “Got it?”
“Yes sir!” all three responded, before walking out.
Liron sighed before taking out a flask and taking a little swig. Liron had already made up his mind that independence was the best way forward for his people, it's just he didn’t have time to sit around listening to speeches or arguments. So he decided to agitate for freedom the direct way. Liron was the head of multiple resistance cells that have begun to sprung up across Inque in response to Helleionite tyranny, Crimlarians wanting to strike back against their oppressors. To Liron, these people were the best bet Inque had at freedom, and he needed to make sure that when the time was right, they’d have an entire army.
“Sounded like a fun conversation.” said a voice from outside the room. Liron looked up to see a slender Crimlarian woman standing at the door in business garb. “Wish I was a part of it.”
“Selvatas…” Her name came off Liron’s lips in a mocking manner. “You really do have an ear for danger don’t you? Here I was beginning to appreciate you in that outfit, the nicest one you have worn in ages.”
“Always a flirt aren’t you?” said Selvatas walking over and taking a seat. Liron passed the flask over to her and she began to drink. “You know you being here is just as surprising as I am.”
“What and miss out on those old men talking about how the Heleionites are gonna just casually let us be better off in their Empire. If I wanted a naive outlook, I’d ask a child what they’d thought.” replied Liron.
“Don’t be so cold, most of those old men benefit in some way from being subjects, whether it's good trade deals or at least some protection of their estates. Can’t say I blame them.” responded Selvatas.
“Selvatas, ever since we started working together you should know that I don’t give two shits if some rich Crimlarian cries over having to sell 2 acres of his 400 acre farm”
“And that is the reason why funds seem to never come in from those rich Crimlarians” said Selvatas. She passed over a document folder to Liron.
Liron opened it up with a curious expression. His eyes widened as he kept reading it. “How the hell did you-”
“Confidential informant, that sort of thing.” Selvatas said with a smug grin.
“Selvatas, this document contains a list of the Gektando’s agents and informants on this planet, the bloody secret police’s entire information network on Inque! You realize that whoever leaked you this info is dead ten rotations to the next cycle already right, and that they probably have been on your trail since you locked eyes with this person, right?” asked a concerned Liron.
“How about you don’t worry about me, and focus on using this information to the best of your ability. Who knows, maybe you can even get the girl who got your gun runner.” said Selvatas. “Have a little trust in your information network, why don’t you?”
“You do realize that with this information, I am going to act?” said a stunned Liron.
“You do realize that with this information, I expect you to?” said Selvatas. She stood up, and waltzed out the door. “Give them hell for me, Liron.”
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“So that uniform, you are an auxiliary trooper aren’t you?” asked the trucker as the truck moved through the night. Slivers of the dawn rose up to greet his front view mirror.
Kiras stirred. He had just woken up from slumber, though a rocky one at best. “What?” he asked groggily.
“I asked if you were in the auxiliary corp? That special group of non-Heleionite soldiers I hear the Empire presses all its subjects into.” repeated the trucker.
Kiras chuckled. “Yea, I was. A captain actually.”
“An officer? Shit, didn’t even know that you could become an officer in that corp if your skin wasn’t green.” said the trucker.
“It is possible but it is uncommon, yes.” said Kiras.
“How long did you serve?” asked the trucker.
“Ten years I’d say?” answered Kiras.
“Shit, you must have fought on Ipska. Heard that the world was a jungle nightmare.” the trucker said, stunned.
“That was one place, yes. I was actually a part of the assault on Donmere Hill. Saw a lot of Crimlarians pressing forward, and a fair amount of good people died.” Kiras responded, solemnly, remembering the dream he had when he arrived on Inque.
“Why did you join?” asked the trucker.
“What makes you assume I had a choice?” said Kiras.
“Fuck… you were conscripted for that? Who am I kidding, that’s the only way anyone on this snowball ends up in an Imperial war. It was probably terrible I’d imagine.” said the trucker. “Say, that village you want me to get you close to, is that-”
“Where I grew up? Yes. Haven’t been home ever since. Lot of people probably think I’m dead.” interrupted Kiras.
“No kidding, I heard rumors that the auxiliary troops are mostly cannon fodder out there.” said the trucker.
“You would be correct in that assumption…” said Kiras, with a bit of sadness in his voice.
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Kiras hopped out the back of the truck. The trucker yelled at him, “This is about as close as I can get. Based on your map you are about a two hour walk from where you need to be. Think you’ll be alright?”
Kiras grabbed his ruck-sack from the truck. “Yea, it might have been ten years but I know this place like the back of my hand. Should not be difficult.”
“Well, good luck to ya then.” said the trucker. He closed the door, and sped off. Kiras swung his bag over his shoulder and turned to the woods. He began walking towards it, to home.
The people of Inque seem very divided over whether or not independence is a good idea. Have they always been under Heleionite rule? As long as they had space travel?
I'm just gonna chalk it up to "Assume they have been subjects for a substantial period of time"
The prodigal solider returns, just in time for an uprising. An uprising that would doubtless benefit from a leader with plenty of military experience who knows the strengths and weaknesses of the Heleionite military. I can see a lot of people trying to talk to Kiras, checking his views and seeing if he is reliable, in many senses of the word.
Conversely we see the problem with Governor Tervas' plan, it's a good few years (at least) too late and while he talks of carrot and stick all he appears to be offering is a slightly blunter stick and still no actual carrot.
Conversely we see the problem with Governor Tervas' plan, it's a good few years (at least) too late and while he talks of carrot and stick all he appears to be offering is a slightly blunter stick and still no actual carrot.
Book I: Chapter III
Book I, Chapter III: Reunion
Governor Tervas stewed over the reports at his desk. Recent meetings of some “Assembly of Concerned Crimlarians” that were taking place in Hakara talking about things of a rebellious nature. Tervas’s advisors had suggested just sending in the troops and arresting everyone who attended this Assembly but Tervas declined. Not only because he felt disturbing such an event would only prove their anger true, but because the reports also indicated a fair number of Crimlarians, while upset with the status quo, were not radical enough to want full scale independence. After all, taking hostile action against the Assembly would just radicalize the people further. If he could end this situation diplomatically, it would spare the Empire from fighting a full scale rebellion, and allow it to focus on more pressing military matters, like that small slave uprising on Amhleshshi or another pretender crisis brewing on the outskirts of the Empire.
Regardless though, Tervas would keep his men on alert in the event the Crimlarians got any bright ideas about rebelling. Just then there was a knock at the door, and Tervas’s secretary poked his head in. “My Lord, your 14:30 is here”.
The Governor nodded, and the door opened to the sound of chittering on the floor. A rather sizable spider-like creature dressed in somewhat formal clothes walked into the room. “Governor Tervas!” it said. “It is an honor to meet one of the heroes at Ipska! I heard you used our product to great use there.”
“Commissioner Xeluch.” replied Tervas, who stood and walked over to the being. “Please, take a seat, I have much to discuss.”
The two sat down and a secretary brought over drinks for the two. “So tell me,” began Xeluch. “Normally Governors of the Empire don’t call us out personally for meetings like this, most of our business is done with direct Imperial authorities and the Imperial military. As you know, the Compact is very particular about following this procedure.”
Procedure. That word always felt hollow coming from a Wusthean. Their Compact was always out to make money regardless, breaking procedure was a worthwhile business strategy if it made them rich. “Well, as you know, I am in charge of the people of Inque, ensuring their loyalty to the Empire, and ensuring the planet’s peace and stability. Tell me something Commissioner, what do you think would be a great threat to that stability?”
“Governor Tervas I understand that Inque is an at-risk zone for conflict, and I was briefed by my superiors who got their information from yours about the volatility of the situation. Rest assured the Compact will continue its shipments to the Empire to help bolster its projection onto-”
“It’s not your sales to the Empire that I called you in for this meeting today Commissioner…” said Tervas, throwing down a vanilla folder.
Xeluch picked it up and began fidgeting through it. His chittering grew more and more restless as he read. “T-t-this is proprietary Compact information Governor, I do not know how you got but-”
“But it shows a history of transactions between Compact sellers and unknown entities on this planet. Perhaps the cache of Compact firearms that we have been finding in volatile areas of the planet would be more convincing? I can show you directly but you would have to mind the soldiers that died fighting the people who bought them.” said Tervas staunchly. He took a long swig from his drink. “Commissioner, I do not share this information with you lightly, but understand that I am not blind to the transactions your Compact has been making with rebellious forces on Inque, and you will not be able to hide it otherwise.”
“You are throwing hefty accusations around the Governor, I can report to the Compact about all of this and we will see if our deals survive.” said a quiet and aggressive commissioner.
“From what I understand there was an understanding that the Compact would not sell to internal hostile factions, that the only sales the Compact would make in Heleionite space were to be to official Heleionite businesses. If you do break off the contracts as a result of me sharing this information with you with the Empire, it will be tantamount to an acceptance of guilt and the Empire will act accordingly.” said Tervas.
“Is this a threat from the Empire?” asked Xeluch.
“No, it’s a threat from me. If I continue to find shipments from your company here on my planet killing my soldiers, I will convince the Empire to do more than just re-negotiate our contracts.” said Tervas.
“You know we can’t keep track of all our shipments, Governor.” said a more nervous Xeluch.
“Then you better start fucking trying.” said the Governor. “Do we have an understanding?”
Xeluch, completely stunned, stood up and brushed off his jacket. “I… will see what I can do…” he said. “I will be taking my leave now.” he said, as he turned and walked away.
Xeluch passed the secretary who walked in afterwards. “My Lord, are you sure this is the right call?”
“The Compact is one of the biggest arms dealers in the galaxy, if I can close that line of weapons proliferation to the rebels here, then we can at least outgun them if the worst case scenario comes. If they find a major source of weapons is gone, maybe they will reconsider their stance.”
“My Lord, with all due respect, is this worth jeopardizing the contracts the Empire has with the Compact, or risking war with them?” asked the Secretary.
Tervas looked out the window over the city. “We are in a crisis, anything should be allowed…”
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Jarlas Sheothri was getting too old for this business. He struggled with the box as he entered the room, and slowly walked over to the counter. He put it down with a heavy grunt. Sunlight was just entering the front room of his medicine shop, soon it would be time to once again open the shop. He slowly began arranging the bottles on the cabinets and shelves. This new shipment was needed, for he was running out of fever medication. As he slowly put the bottles on the shelves, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his leg. He dropped a glass bottle as a result and it fell, crashing into the ground. He grunted, and sat down on a chair near the front. His leg just needed a rest, nothing more.
As Jarlas was resting his leg, he heard the door open. “We don’t open for another hour, come back later” he said, not looking up. He heard foot-steps towards the front, and something got set on a table. Jarlas was frustrated, his leg was still hurting. He stood up, “Hey! I said we are closed! Come bac-”
He saw the patron, bent down over the broken bottle, grinding some of the powder between his fingers. “Kitora powder. You mix this with water and it is used to help bring down fevers. Prominent antibiotic on Inque. Also useful for migraines and general head-aches.”
Jarlas grabbed his cane and hobbled over. “That… is correct… but I’m not hiring if you are saying this to get a job.”
The patron stood up and looked Jarlas in the eyes. “Appreciate you not giving up my spot after all these years… old man…”
“Old man?” said Jarlas. He laughed a bit. “No one has called me that in years. The last person who did-”
“Was Kiras, wasn’t it?” asked the patron.
Jarlas was stunned. “How could you possibly know that? I have never seen you around and I know everyone in this town.”
“He got conscripted, didn't he? You tried to stop the Heleionites from taking him away and got a boot to the chest instead.” said the patron.
Jarlas was still stunned. “Impossible… no one would be able to remember that, besides me and-”
At this the patron winked. Jarlas couldn’t bring himself to speak. His cane dropped to the floor with a sudden thud. “It can’t be…”
Kiras smiled. “I’m home, old man.”
Jarlas walked forward, he felt a tear going down his eyes. He rushed forward and embraced his young pupil, as light sobs echoed throughout the store.
-------------------------------------------
“We thought you were killed.” said Jarlas, as he set the drink in front of Kiras. “After a few years of no reports, we figured you were either dead or too injured to come home.” Jarlas sat down in front of Kiras. “But look at you, you managed to get out, and are a captain too!” Jarlas tapped his bad leg. “You made it out in better shape than I did at least.”
“I don’t blame you for thinking I was gone. I honestly am amazed you remembered me after all this time. Figured you’d get another helper or something.” said Kiras.
Jarlas laughed at this. “My boy, I didn't have the heart to replace you after what happened. It felt cruel to just shrug off them taking you away after you have lived here for so long that it didn’t feel right to just put up a help-wanted sign. So I kept chugging forward alone.” Jarlas took a big swig of his drink. “I suppose the extra work was a self-inflicted punishment on me for letting you get taken away without putting up a great fight.”
“And get shot? What good would that do everyone in this town?” said Kiras.
“It at least would have shown the town that there are some things worth dying over,” said Jarlas. “You only experienced the harsh realities of our situation ten years ago. I’ve been living with them for much longer than you’d been alive.” he said, once again rubbing his leg. “Frankly, I might die before seeing anything change.”
“Your nihilism is showing again, old man.” said Kiras.
“That it is,” replied Jarlas. “I hope to be proven wrong one day though. I just don’t see us getting the resolve to fight such a powerful organization, no matter how weak it is compared to the past as a united species.”
“I heard that there is a big meeting happening in Hakara where people are talking about this kind of thing,” said Kiras. “Heard about it while walking through town.”
“I’m not gonna hold my breath over some rich merchants debating over whether opposing tyranny is worth hurting their bottom line over.” said Jarlas. He stood up. “To get off this subject I am sure I am not the only one who will be thrilled beyond belief that you are here and alive. Make sure your friends know you are here too.”
“Are they still around?” asked Kiras. “I’d figured they were off doing other things and whatnot.”
“Well, partially right. Mirak has upgraded to a proud merchant that transports goods across the planet. He made his father’s savvy seem like obliviousness, outpacing him in profit margins and revenue.” said Jarlas.
“That is something that does not surprise me. He was the only one to manage to sell something for three times the amount and make it look like the customer won out in the end.” said Kiras.
“Nuravar has taken up capacity as mayor of this town. I am sure you remember him romping around with you? Small-time local politician I suppose. You should stop by and say hi, I guarantee he will have some big feast for your return!” said Jarlas.
“I am not one for big parties-”
“Nonsense, you are alive, that is something that the whole damn town will want to celebrate,” said Jarlas. He stood up, and began walking over to the counter.
“What about Nalas?” stuttered out Kiras.
“You mean the good Doctor?” replied Jarlas.
“Doctor?” asked a stunned Kiras.
“Oh yes. You know that she was into that biology stuff. She went and got certified to practice medicine. Has been working with me to keep the town healthy. Last I checked though she was off providing aid to another village, and I am not sure when she will be back.” said Jarlas. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason…” said Kiras. “I’m sure I’ll run into her at some point.” he rubbed the back of his head.
He then felt a broom get shoved into his chest. “As for now though, I am reinstating you as my helper.” Jarlas chuckled seeing Kiras’s shock. “You really think I’m gonna just let you crash here and not put you back to work? You must have forgotten so much since you left.”
“Fine…” smiled Kiras, as he proceeded to sweep up the broken bottle on the floor.
-------------------------------------------
“Hey come on, you guys are already four hours late! What gives!?!” shouted Mirak in the dockyard as the container ship finally docked. The cargo bay opened up and a dozen Gotspeiferian traders rushed out and began unloading the large containers. The tiny things were very quick to begin finalizing contracts and apologizing for their tardiness. One of them walked over to Mirak and began bowing profusely.
“I am terribly sorry for the delay Mr. Iosp! Customs held us up for much longer than expected and the tariffs were much harsher than the League anticipated!”
“Look, I understand trading here is getting harder every day with all these wars going on, but I hope you aren’t going to use the tariffs to try and raise the selling price we signed a contract for.” said Mirak.
“And hurt our credibility? No no no Mr. Iosp! Even if we do not make a tidy profit, we are true to our word and to our customers. There will be no hassling over the contract. All we ask is that you continue utilizing the League for your shipping concerns!” said the Gotspeiferian merchant.
“An honest merchant? See this is why we like trading with you little things, you guys actually know how to instill loyalty to your brand. That alone makes you miles better than every Heleionite merchant I had to deal with.” said Mirak. He grabbed the receipt and signed it, before handing it back to the Gotspeiferian. He snapped his fingers and a large forklift lifted a large container of fertilizer onto the truck. “With the tariffs, we aren’t getting much in terms of growing supplies during the growing season. I’d figure I could sell fertilizer at a markup and make a bigger profit.” said Mirak.
“A shrewd merchant I see.” said the Gotspeiferian, before bowing and going back to his duties. Mirak sighed, and walked over to the drivers regarding the shipping plan.
“Look at you abusing a potential crisis for more money,” said a familiar voice. Mirak turned around. “In some sectors of the galaxy they call that extortion,” said Liron.
“Well when the government decides to start handing this shit out for free to Crimlarians let me know,” said Mirak. “What can I do today for you Assemblyman?”
“Don’t start with that shit. You know I hate being there.” said Liron, waving a hand.
Mirak chuckled a bit. “I can tell you something, at least being free of the Empire will make the tariffs go away and not cost me a pretty penny whenever someone tries to sell something on this damn planet.”
Liron chuckled in return. “Now, regarding your last shipment, I think I owe you something.” Liron threw Mirak a bag of credits. “A tip for your trouble.”
“If I was in a worse mood, I’d demand double for almost getting one of my drivers killed!” said Mirak. “You know how hard it is to hide grenades in bread containers?”
“But they got through in one piece didn’t they?” said Liron. “I got what I wanted, you got paid, everyone is happy!”
“Just put it to good use and keep my name as far away from the damage as possible,” said Mirak. Just as he said this, his caller began to ring in his pocket. “One second. Hello?” he said to the caller.
“Yea… yea… uh huh… WHAT!?!?!” shouted Mirak in a stunned gaze. “Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure? You aren’t just messing with me? He’s having a what? Okay… okay… yea I’ll be there… if you are lying to me, I’ll rip your throat out.” Mirak hung up and turned over to Liron. “Sorry but I have to head back to my hometown.” He looked over to the truckers. “You boys are handling this without me, don’t screw this up!”
“Someone sounds excited, good news?” asked Liron.
“You know that best friend I told you about when I was a kid?” asked Mirak.
“I remember you saying he died in a war.” replied Liron.
“Turns out he didn't…”
What a touching reunion...
The rebels have already reached out to foreign governments? Isn't this a little soon?
How organized is the rebellion, anyway?
The rebels have already reached out to foreign governments? Isn't this a little soon?
How organized is the rebellion, anyway?
There was a hell of a lot going on in that one. Governor Tervas still has the feel of a man doing the right sort of things just far too late. As has been said, if the Rebels are advanced enough to be making arms deals with other governments then only massive concessions from the Empire have a chance of stopping things without violence.
Reminder that those were corporations. I imagine having enough money gets you far with them and obtaining their goods.
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