He's grown a lot over the last few months as the two universes worked together.
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Last Resort, Part 2
Walter’s lab
Diana typed on her computer and downloaded a video.
“Hey, check this out,” she said, “This is footage of the epicenter in Aojing, Penglai taken with a cell phone camera. See her?”
She pointed to a woman standing on the shore of the harbor.
“She’s just standing there,” Angela said.
“While everybody else runs for cover,” Diana said.
“You think she caused this?” Anders said.
“Well, she’s standing at the epicenter,” Diana said, “Maybe whatever device we’re looking for, Jansen’s trigger, maybe it’s on her.”
“Is this the best angle that we have?” Angela said.
“Yeah, I’m afraid so,” Diana said.
“Could you send that to Leza to clear it up?” Angela said.
“Already on it,” Diana said.
Angela’s phone rang.
“Hansen,” she said.
“Hey,” Olga said, “I got a guy on this side who had a vision of standing in the middle of the earthquake in Constantinople. The way he described it, I think he saw the earthquake on your side in our Constantinople. Like he was remotely viewing it from this side. He said that in his vision there were no Twin Towers.”
“Do we know who he is?” Angela said.
“Nick Larsen,” Olga said.
“Nick?” Angela said.
“His counterpart,” Olga said.
“I’ll call you back,” she said, hanging up.
Diana pointed at a slightly better picture of the woman.
“Leza got back to me,” she said, “It’s not much better, but I’m going to run it through Facial Recognition and see if we get a hit.”
“That’s Sarah Wolff,” Angela said.
Anders looked at the picture. “Yep.”
Diana pulled up Sarah’s driver’s license. “You’re right. It’s her.”
“What’s she doing here?” Anna said. “I thought she died.”
“Apparently we thought the same of Nick, and Olga just said his counterpart walked in claiming to have visions of the earthquake on our side,” Angela said.
“And don’t forget we thought Jansen was dead,” Anders said, “Maybe Joachim’s also alive.”
“Okay, so Nick and Sarah are alive,” Anna said, “What are they doing here?”
“I don’t think Jansen is using amphilicite devices to trigger these events,” Angela said.
“I think Nick and Sarah are the devices,” Anders said, “He’s using Cortexiphan subjects, or their counterparts on the other side.”
They looked at Walter, who nodded.
“It's horrible and deranged, but you have to agree, it's really quite ingenious,” he said, “Jansen is using the Cortexiphan subjects' abilities to empathically link with their counterparts, and he gave the counterparts of the dead subjects on our side small doses of Cortexiphan. They don’t suffer side effects because their counterparts already received doses as well. They draw on their alternate's frequency and that of their own to change the frequency of the area they're standing in, effectively merging the two universes together.”
“Which is what's causing the earthquakes?” Diana said.
“And the eventual collapse of our world,” Walter said, “I'm afraid I underestimated him. Jansen must have a remarkable mind to have devised a plan like this. Even with the other side’s technology being thirty years ahead of ours, Jansen would’ve needed exceptional genius to come up with this.”
“Walter, could the connection between the universes be facilitating this link?” Anders said.
“I suppose,” Walter said.
“So what if we severed it?” Anders said.
“You're not suggesting…” Walter said.
“Yes, I am,” Anders said.
“Suggesting what?” Diana said.
"We close the bridge,” Anders said, “We turn off the machine. It cuts the link between our Cortexiphan subjects and their counterparts, dead or alive.”
“Walter, would that work?” Diana said.
“In theory, yes,” Walter said, “But if we were able to shut down the machine, we may not be able to start it back up. Our two sides would be separated again.”
“The bridge being opened is what's enabled the other universe to heal,” Angela said, "So what would happen if we closed it?”
“Most likely, the healing would stop,” Walter said, “Their world wouldn't get any worse, but it wouldn't get any better either. Then again, I’m told their universe has already healed to approximately 1977 levels. Perhaps what healing is still occurring may be self-sustaining. But still, there could be unforeseen consequences.”
He glanced at Anna.
“There's no other alternative, Walter,” Anders said.
“Well, that's easy for us to say, Anders,” Walter said.
“Well, there is one other option,” Angela said, “We find Jansen, and we stop the next attack.”
“But how?” Anna said.
“I think I have an idea,” Anders said.
July 23, 2011, 8:00 AM
A detail of Athanatoi escorting them, Angelalt, Annie, and Olga led the alternate Nick through the halls of IU Strasburg on their way to Walter’s lab. She noticed Nick staring at the buildings and watching the students mill around on the quad. His eyes were most focused, though, on the Roman flag fluttering in the light breeze.
“Crossing over takes some getting used to,” Annie said.
“You know, it was weird for me too, the first time,” Angelalt said.
They led Nick into Walter’s lab. After the introductions were finished, Walter directed Nick to sit in an operating chair while a cranial cap was placed on his head. Walter handed Angela a syringe of Cortexiphan and IV drip connected to a bag of more Cortexiphan.
“So how’ll this work?” Nick said.
“This will pinch just a little,” Angela said, injecting Nick and connecting the IV drip.
“Will any of this stuff hurt me?” Nick said.
“Shouldn’t,” Walter said, “In fact, it may not do anything at all. But if we're lucky, it may help Angie find the man we're after.”
“I knew the other Nick when we were kids,” Angela said, “We shared an emotional bond. And we’re hoping through you, we may be able to find him.”
“And this makes perfect sense to all of you,” Nick said.
“I find it's best if you just go with it,” Olga said.
“Think of it this way,” Anders said, “If it works out, you're the hero who saved two universes.”
“Not that you can go around bragging about it,” Diana said.
“Angela, can I talk with you?” Angelalt said.
Angela followed her counterpart to the back of the lab.
“Look, I appreciate what you guys have been doing to prevent closing the bridge, even if it's a long shot,” Angelalt said, "The truth is, I like coming over here. Especially after it rains. When my world started to break down, the conditions in the atmosphere changed. And the light doesn't reflect through moisture the way it used to. We haven't seen a rainbow in over twenty years.”
“Oh, I didn't know that,” Angela said.
“As our world started to repair itself, I began to imagine the people from my side would start to see them again,” Angelalt said, “You know, something so beautiful. So perfect. I still find myself looking up after it rains. The conditions are just about right for it now.”
“We're ready for you,” Diana said.
Angela sat in a chair next to Nick, and she helped Diana put electrodes on her head.
“You shouldn't have to do too much, Nick,” Anders said, “Angie will do most of the work.”
He, Diana, Annie, and Olga left the lab. Walter synchronized their brainwaves and pumped more Cortexiphan into Nick’s blood, Angela started seeing images.
"It's... it's hard to make out,” she said, “Everything is blurry. But... I see brick buildings. Strasburg architecture. It's older, like it's outside the city. Okay, he's... he's passing a train station. I think it said Bischheim.”
“He’s in Bischheim,” Diana said.
“Alright, let’s move!” Anders shouted.
They rushed to their cars, Diana and Olga getting on Diana’s motorcycle and Anders, Angelalt, Annie, and Anna getting in the Impala, Anders behind the wheel again, and drove off.
“He has a map,” Angela continued, “He's looking for something. I can make out people. Young, in their early twenties. IU Strasburg extension. He's on campus.”
8:15 AM
Diana and Olga arrived at the campus first. Diana tapped her earpiece.
“Where?” she said.
“I…on campus,” Angela said.
“We need more,” Olga said, “It's a big campus.”
The Impala pulled up behind them.
“What else do you see?” Anders said.
“More brick buildings,” Angela said, “Nothing specific.”
“Fan out,” Anders said, “Nonlethal force only.”
They split up and searched the campus, trying to find Nick.
“He's looking at his watch,” Angela said, “No, it's a, it’s a timer, and it's counting down. It's going to happen again. He's going to trigger another earthquake. He's in the Quad.”
Anders entered the quad and saw Nick standing in the middle.
“We got him,” he said, “Nick Larsen!”
Olga and Angelalt pointed their guns at him.
“Don’t move!” Diana shouted.
Nick held up his hands, while Annie and Anna restrained him and Diana took off the timer.
“We got him!” Anders said.
Walter’s lab
Walter’s computer beeped urgently.
“Oh, no,” he said, “We didn't stop anything. It's starting. There is seismic activity occurring in Celle, Hongzhou, Florence, Bogota…”
Unfortunately, everybody's individual contribution is minor at best. So the damage is still effectively the same.
The damage might not be so bad, so long as the foundations of the Hohenzollernverse stands it will remain, a haven for all, even for the folks in the Annionaverse.
I pity Angiealt's statement though, especially since we the readers know what will be the fate of the Terrans after Claudius dies, I was starting to like the counterparts, Even Walternate
I pity Angiealt's statement though, especially since we the readers know what will be the fate of the Terrans after Claudius dies, I was starting to like the counterparts, Even Walternate
Out of curiosity Zen, since you mentioned Rick Riordians being adapted with live actions TV shows with aging child actors, like Stranger Things, how would a Heroes of Olympus series work since I’m pretty it makes place over a few months, as supposed to the years the other Rick Riordian series takes place. Granted, I’m sure the main characters in HOO are mostly in their late teens, so the age difference between seasons might not be too noticeable.
Also, having seen some discussions on Alternate History.com about potential casts and directors for movie adaptations of different media, what child and teen actors would be good for a Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series? While we’re are at it, what directors would be good for that. I was thinking of the Russo brothers for a bit, but I’m not that they’d direct Rick Riordian adaptations, thoughts?
I couldn’t resist to quote Thor Ragnorak. A shame everything Thor did in that movie was all in vain in Avengers Infinity War.
Also, having seen some discussions on Alternate History.com about potential casts and directors for movie adaptations of different media, what child and teen actors would be good for a Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series? While we’re are at it, what directors would be good for that. I was thinking of the Russo brothers for a bit, but I’m not that they’d direct Rick Riordian adaptations, thoughts?
And now those foundations are gone, sorry.
I couldn’t resist to quote Thor Ragnorak. A shame everything Thor did in that movie was all in vain in Avengers Infinity War.
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It may be at least a year before I get there, but I haven't forgotten what will happen to the Annionaverse.The damage might not be so bad, so long as the foundations of the Hohenzollernverse stands it will remain, a haven for all, even for the folks in the Annionaverse.
I pity Angiealt's statement though, especially since we the readers know what will be the fate of the Terrans after Claudius dies, I was starting to like the counterparts, Even Walternate
I mean, most high school dramas have actors/actresses in their 20s instead of actual teenagers, so using the same cast, with extra makeup if needed, should work fine.Out of curiosity Zen, since you mentioned Rick Riordians being adapted with live actions TV shows with aging child actors, like Stranger Things, how would a Heroes of Olympus series work since I’m pretty it makes place over a few months, as supposed to the years the other Rick Riordian series takes place. Granted, I’m sure the main characters in HOO are mostly in their late teens, so the age difference between seasons might not be too noticeable.
Also, having seen some discussions on Alternate History.com about potential casts and directors for movie adaptations of different media, what child and teen actors would be good for a Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series? While we’re are at it, what directors would be good for that. I was thinking of the Russo brothers for a bit, but I’m not that they’d direct Rick Riordian adaptations, thoughts?
And now those foundations are gone, sorry.
I couldn’t resist to quote Thor Ragnorak. A shame everything Thor did in that movie was all in vain in Avengers Infinity War.
I think Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen (the co-creators and showrunners of Agents of SHIELD) would be the best directors for a Rick Riordan adaptation. They've demonstrated how well they can run a superhero show which subverts expectations and the usual tropes while delivering a top notch story with both character moments and plot developments on top of connecting it with a larger cinematic universe (in the first two seasons, since they've basically abandoned the tie-ins in Season 6 so far). Even the celebratory 100th episode in Season 5 was plot relevant despite being heavy on callbacks and references. It shouldn't be that much of a leap to a Greek mythology show. As for actors and actresses, I'm not familiar with that many child and teen actors these days, so I don't know.
Also, do we say it as Ragnarok or Ragnorak? Because I think the former was used in the official title but a lot of people seem to be using the latter.
Last Resort, Part 3
Strasburg field office - 9:00 AM
“On the news they're saying increased solar activity has caused fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field,” Erich said, “Though they're still baffled by so many quakes happening at exactly the same time. The same story is being told over there, with a terrorism angle added. How does David Jansen convince 27 Cortexiphan subjects to help him destroy the world?”
“I doubt they were convinced,” Anders said, “Nick Larsen seems to be in a trance.”
“He’s in a similar state as I was,” Olga said, “When I was brainwashed by the KGB and my programming was activated.”
“It stands to reason these Cortexiphan subjects, or their counterparts, were brainwashed into working for David Jansen,” Anders said.
“Also, the tech in Nick’s watch isn't from here, meaning our side,” Anna said, “So it's safe to assume Jansen is the one who gave it to him.”
“Perhaps we can trace the parts,” Erich said, "It's a long shot, but maybe something will lead us to Jansen.”
“Sure,” Anna said.
“So I'll ask what we're all thinking,” Erich said, “If this is indeed how Jansen intends to collapse our universes, how many more quakes will it take to make that happen?”
“Frankly, I'm surprised it hasn't already,” Walter said.
“Kurtz and I've been called to Berlin,” Erich said, “The Reichstag wants to discuss shutting off the machine. I've been inclined to argue we have better options, but suddenly I'm not so sure."
“Well, I should be the one to interrogate Nick Larsen,” Angela said, “Maybe I can get him to tell us where David Jansen is.”
“Agreed,” Erich said.
9:30 AM
Angela walked into the cell and sat in front of Nick.
“Hi, Nick,” she said, “It’s me, Angela. Do you remember me?”
“Angie,” Nick said, “Yeah, I do remember you.”
“What else do you remember?” Angela said. “We thought you were dead.”
“Not much,” Nick said, “It’s all in bits and pieces. I remember…Sarah shooting the fireball at the agents, then us falling into the water.”
“And then?” Angela said.
“I remember…being pulled out,” Nick said, “Me, Sarah, Joachim. I thought they were dead. They took me to a facility in Nicholasburg, a high containment facility. There was this man…who looked like Walter. But it wasn’t Walter. He tortured us, did things to our brains. Joachim couldn’t take the strain. I still remember his screams. I can’t remember…any details.”
“How did David Jansen find you?” Angela said.
“At one point, Walter came in with a woman, a general,” Nick said, “Russian name. She called Jansen and let his men past security. They took me somewhere…I don’t know where. Jansen healed me. Mostly. He controlled me, using some colors. Green, green, green, red. He had me wear the timer and go somewhere. And I couldn’t say no.”
“Can you tell me where he is?” Angela said.
“I’m sorry, Angie,” Nick said, “I don’t know where he is.”
Outside the room, Walter shook his head.
“Oh, no,” he said.
“What?” Erich said.
“I think I understand,” Walter said.
“I don't have any contact with the others,” Nick said, “We each only speak with Jansen.”
“Do you have any idea where we can find him or how we can stop his plan?” Angela said.
“Not really,” Nick said, “The only thing I know about this…it’s almost over. Jansen has planned one more offensive, and it will be done.”
“Nick, listen,” Angela said, “Jansen wants to destroy us both. We need to find him soon. Anything helps us.”
9:45 AM
In one of the labs, Anders and Olga hovered over Anna and Diana as they disassembled the timer and inspected its parts.
“Hmm,” Anna said.
“What?” Olga said.
“This resistor is labeled,” Anna said, “Might be the only piece of the watch not off-market.”
“You're thinking it could be traceable?” Anders said.
“It's a shot,” Anna said.
“By the way, what’s their take on it?” Diana said. “Closing the bridge.”
“They want to survive,” Anders said, “The recovery process will stop.”
“But it’s pretty much done at this point,” Olga said, “What can they do?”
“It's weird thinking of not seeing the other side again,” Anna said, "Knowing they're right there, so close. It's not the kind of thing you forget. If the bridge does have to be closed, at least everything goes back to the way it's supposed to be. At least, well, I’m staying here.”
The timer beeped.
“Did you do that?” Diana said.
“No, did you?” Anna said.
“No?” Diana said.
Anna turned over the timer. It was counting down again.
In the holding cell, Angela received a text from Anders.
“They're about to happen again,” Angela said, “The quakes. The timer started counting down. Nick, soon everything you know, and everyone you love will cease to exist. That includes Sarah. Right now, you're the only one who can stop that from happening."
“I’m sorry, Angie,” Nick said, “I don’t know. I really don’t.”
Angela got up. “It’s fine. You tried.”
She left the room and joined Walter and Erich outside.
“He doesn’t know anything,” Angela said.
“Walter believes he has a plan to survive when the universes collapse,” Erich said.
“He’s going to create a safe zone,” Walter said, “Like the bike shop in Westenfeld. The eye, the center of the hurricane. And I imagine he would need an incredibly powerful force field.”
“Wait a minute!” Nick said.
Angela walked back into the room.
“You got something?” Angela said.
“Jansen usually came to me,” Nick said, “He had me meet him in public places. Never the same place twice. Although... one time I did meet him at a warehouse. It was filled with equipment. Machines I didn't recognize. The place was reinforced, like it was built to withstand a hurricane.”
“Well, do you remember where it was?” Angela said.
“Yes,” Nick said, “I can take you back there. It’s in the area.”
Downtown Strasburg - 10:30 AM
In a heavy industrial zone, Nick led Angela, Anders, and a van full of agents to a warehouse.
“So what do you think, Nick?” Angela said.
“This is it,” Nick said, “I remember the frosted windows.”
“All teams move,” Erich said.
The teams stormed through the doors and into the warehouse. They heard a loud repetitive clang coming from somewhere further inside. Angela had the teams split up, searching the other hallways and rooms.
“You hear that?” Nick said.
“You think this is Jansen’s safe zone?” Angela said.
“Walter did say he'd need to generate a powerful force field,” Anders said.
“Team Bravo, East Wing is clear,” Angela’s radio crackled, “We've found nothing over here. Team Tango, clear. Team Delta, all clear as well.”
Angela and Anders reached the source of the clang. It was just a faulty air conditioner. They looked at Nick.
“There's nothing here,” Anders said.
“I don’t understand,” Nick said.
“This is just an air conditioning unit,” Angela said, “What happened to the equipment?”
“Something’s wrong,” Nick said, “He must’ve known we were coming. But how?”
Shots rang out. Angela and Anders raced into the hallway and saw all but two of the agents on Bravo and Tango teams shooting each other and then themselves. It was over in several seconds. The remaining two agents took off their helmets, revealing they were Rico and Linda Modell. They actually weren’t wearing helmets or any tactical gear. Instead, they had pieces of paper labeled “Athanatoi” taped to their shirts.
“Pusher,” Anders said, “You again.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t recognize you,” Rico said.
“Get down!” an agent shouted. “Hands up!”
Angela turned around and saw Delta Team charging down the hallway, their guns aimed at Rico and Linda. Rico and Linda simply pointed at the agents like they were aiming a gun.
“Bang,” Linda said.
The agents convulsed and collapsed, all of them dead in an instant as if shot multiple times.
“Come on, Nick,” Rico said, “We have a war to fight.”
“There is no war, Modell!” Anders said.
“Yes there is,” Rico said, “Nick, don’t you remember what Jansen taught us? This is the war we’ve been preparing for our entire lives. We’re protecting this world.”
“Creating earthquakes?” Angela said. “How is that protecting us?”
“Well, every war... has a cost,” Linda said, “Earthquakes are just collateral damage. And you've seen they're not that bad here. But the damage on the other side is far worse. It's almost over. We’re all gathered on this side for the final offensive, and then the other side will surrender. We will win.”
“Jansen has brainwashed you,” Anders said, “He’s lied to you. Everything he said. There's no war happening. Our two universes are allies now. Our world is helping to heal theirs. But Jansen wants to destroy us both. And he's using you to help him. You’re going to destroy your own universe just for his sake.”
“You’re wrong,” Rico said, “Jansen came to us first. He told us what we, what our counterparts, had become. We could push our will onto others. That is what Walter Humboldt and Wilhelm Tesla did to us. A couple years ago, Jansen found us. He said we could be like our counterparts, only better. We could make a difference, be more than we ever were. He knew the words. He said the truce was broken, the other side was going to war, that he needed warriors. He taught us how to control our powers so we could do whatever we wanted.”
“Then why are you fighting for our side?” Angela said. “You’re from over there.”
“They started the war,” Linda said, “We want to end it.”
“You’re brainwashed,” Anders realized, “Just like Nick and Sarah.”
“What he told you was a lie,” Angela said, “We've been over there, we've worked closely with the other side, and they are not our enemy.”
“There’s nothing you can do to convince us otherwise,” Rico said.
Angela and Anders drew their guns and stepped in front of Nick.
“And you’re not leaving here with Nick,” Anders said.
“Nick, don’t listen to them,” Linda said, “They want to stop the work. We can’t stop the work. We’re so close to victory, to our perfect world. If you stop now, you’ll never see Sarah again.”
“I don’t want to go back!” Nick said. “You can’t make me!”
“Actually, I can,” Rico said.
He took out a device and held it in front of Angela and Anders just as they reached for their guns. It flashed green, green, green, and red. Immediately, everybody fell into a trance. Angela saw Nick stepping forward. Then they disappeared.
“Anders!” Diana said, shaking Anders’ shoulders. “Snap out of it!”
Olga simply slapped Angela. She blinked and noticed Diana and Olga standing in front of them.
“How long were we out?” Angela said.
“About an hour,” Olga said.
It is actually Ragnarok, I found nothing that said it was spelled in the latter way you mentioned. Just thought I should let you know.
Also, I’ve found that Stellaris Teaser you placed in Dragoon’s Deus Ex Anniona, and I was wondering if you could include it in the table of contents. I would include a link to the original interlude, but unfortunately I’m typing this on mobile, so I’ll just quote it here and hope you include the link to the original post. It should on page #11 of Deus Ex Annonia through.
The Empire reigned supreme in the galaxy. The last of the Empire's enemies had been put in their place. The galaxy belonged to Terra and to Terrankind. The Annionas were the rulers of the whole galaxy.
As the years passed, the Terrans realized they missed the period of expansion. Yes, they were finally the rulers of the galaxy, but there was nobody left to exterminate, or conquer, or subjugate, or destroy. Nobody who could be a worthy opponent. And so they worked on consolidating the Empire. Great colony ships flew out from Terra, bringing the light of Terran civilization to savage worlds and to their even more savage inhabitants. Warships, no longer having anything to fight, were resigned to patrolling the Empire's borders, preparing for the next war or the inevitable savage uprising. Science ships observed stellar phenomena, advancing Terran knowledge substantially. One such science ship was observing a black hole in some godforsaken system in the middle of nowhere. For years, the ship surveyed this system, finding nothing special. And then, suddenly, something happened.
One day, a long time after the great war against the Tuxhans, the black hole's gravity well started to weaken; for some reason, it was losing mass. It started radiating large amounts of matter and energy from its event horizon. Its rim started to glow with all of the energy being released. After a week, there was a flash of light, blinding the crew of the science ship and overloading its systems. When the crew came around and fixed their systems, they found that the black hole was gone. In its place was a small spherical object with a transparent surface. Only what they saw through the surface wasn't the starscape on the other side of the sphere, but rather an entirely new starscape. Probes sent into the object determined that it was some kind of a portal, a wormhole, and on the other side was a universe not unlike theirs. Further attempts to study the stable wormhole were stopped by the realization that ships were coming through the wormhole, ships of an unknown design, manned by savages.
The imperial government on Terra reacted quickly and decisively, ordering a quarantine around the system and saying that it had been occupied by Tuxhan resistance fighters. Nobody but approved military vessels was to go near the wormhole for fear of xenos corruption. Contact with these savages would be on Terra's terms.
Then the savages had the nerve to corrupt several nearby planets, and the Annionas decided that they had to take action. The main battle fleets sailed out from the core systems for the first time in many years, purifying several of the savage colonies. But upon receiving some new information from one of his admirals, the Emperor ordered the purification to be halted. There had been an incident on a planet near the wormhole, and imperial shock troops had apprehended a small party of savages and their ship. The savages managed to escape back to the wormhole and return with a much larger warship, which was then unexpectedly easily destroyed by a nearby patrol ship. After another savage ship appeared, this one a stealth ship that almost made it to Terra itself (some of its crew did), the Emperor ordered that measures be taken to keep the savages on their side of the wormhole. Not only because they were savages, but also because they posed a threat to all of Terran civilization itself.
For the crew of that savage ship were human, Terrans before they had been enlightened by the Worm and the Messenger. Human...from a world where the Annionas never rose to power on old Earth. From a world where it was the Hohenzollerns who led a savage Earth into barbarism and decadence.
This affront to everything the Terrans stood for could not go unpunished.
There could be only one Empire.
---
Just a teaser for my megacampaign's Stellaris crossover. Hope it fits with what you planned for your epilogue.
As the years passed, the Terrans realized they missed the period of expansion. Yes, they were finally the rulers of the galaxy, but there was nobody left to exterminate, or conquer, or subjugate, or destroy. Nobody who could be a worthy opponent. And so they worked on consolidating the Empire. Great colony ships flew out from Terra, bringing the light of Terran civilization to savage worlds and to their even more savage inhabitants. Warships, no longer having anything to fight, were resigned to patrolling the Empire's borders, preparing for the next war or the inevitable savage uprising. Science ships observed stellar phenomena, advancing Terran knowledge substantially. One such science ship was observing a black hole in some godforsaken system in the middle of nowhere. For years, the ship surveyed this system, finding nothing special. And then, suddenly, something happened.
One day, a long time after the great war against the Tuxhans, the black hole's gravity well started to weaken; for some reason, it was losing mass. It started radiating large amounts of matter and energy from its event horizon. Its rim started to glow with all of the energy being released. After a week, there was a flash of light, blinding the crew of the science ship and overloading its systems. When the crew came around and fixed their systems, they found that the black hole was gone. In its place was a small spherical object with a transparent surface. Only what they saw through the surface wasn't the starscape on the other side of the sphere, but rather an entirely new starscape. Probes sent into the object determined that it was some kind of a portal, a wormhole, and on the other side was a universe not unlike theirs. Further attempts to study the stable wormhole were stopped by the realization that ships were coming through the wormhole, ships of an unknown design, manned by savages.
The imperial government on Terra reacted quickly and decisively, ordering a quarantine around the system and saying that it had been occupied by Tuxhan resistance fighters. Nobody but approved military vessels was to go near the wormhole for fear of xenos corruption. Contact with these savages would be on Terra's terms.
Then the savages had the nerve to corrupt several nearby planets, and the Annionas decided that they had to take action. The main battle fleets sailed out from the core systems for the first time in many years, purifying several of the savage colonies. But upon receiving some new information from one of his admirals, the Emperor ordered the purification to be halted. There had been an incident on a planet near the wormhole, and imperial shock troops had apprehended a small party of savages and their ship. The savages managed to escape back to the wormhole and return with a much larger warship, which was then unexpectedly easily destroyed by a nearby patrol ship. After another savage ship appeared, this one a stealth ship that almost made it to Terra itself (some of its crew did), the Emperor ordered that measures be taken to keep the savages on their side of the wormhole. Not only because they were savages, but also because they posed a threat to all of Terran civilization itself.
For the crew of that savage ship were human, Terrans before they had been enlightened by the Worm and the Messenger. Human...from a world where the Annionas never rose to power on old Earth. From a world where it was the Hohenzollerns who led a savage Earth into barbarism and decadence.
This affront to everything the Terrans stood for could not go unpunished.
There could be only one Empire.
---
Just a teaser for my megacampaign's Stellaris crossover. Hope it fits with what you planned for your epilogue.
You can also use this for the table of contents in your Stellaris segments too, just some suggestions.
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Knowing that Paradox announced yet another Stellaris DLC, this time on ancient alien relics, Zen is gonna have a field day once that dlc drops.
I doubt Jansen really is trying to destroy one universe and leaving another standing. Unless of course he's working against the Worm and decided to sacrifice the Annionaverse so they'll be stopped once the Hohenzollerns reach the stars, if so that is some 4D chess by Jansen!
I doubt Jansen really is trying to destroy one universe and leaving another standing. Unless of course he's working against the Worm and decided to sacrifice the Annionaverse so they'll be stopped once the Hohenzollerns reach the stars, if so that is some 4D chess by Jansen!
Honestly, I consider that semi-canon at best. Since I wrote it so long ago, and I still am no closer to the 2490s, I don't want to be railroaded into anything (even though I've already planned plenty of railroading for the sake of story) that might contradict future canon or be led down another path by the game.It is actually Ragnarok, I found nothing that said it was spelled in the latter way you mentioned. Just thought I should let you know.
Also, I’ve found that Stellaris Teaser you placed in Dragoon’s Deus Ex Anniona, and I was wondering if you could include it in the table of contents. I would include a link to the original interlude, but unfortunately I’m typing this on mobile, so I’ll just quote it here and hope you include the link to the original post. It should on page #11 of Deus Ex Annonia through.
You can also use this for the table of contents in your Stellaris segments too, just some suggestions.
One idea I came up with recently is having the universe-connecting wormhole connect into the black hole near Earth where the Annionas first encountered the Worm instead of one in the frontier, which obviously contradicts this.
Also, you should probably put that in spoilers in case people didn't read the other thread.
I'm definitely getting that DLC once it goes on sale. Depending on what DLCs come after, that might be the last one I buy, as my budget's pretty tight lately.Knowing that Paradox announced yet another Stellaris DLC, this time on ancient alien relics, Zen is gonna have a field day once that dlc drops.
I doubt Jansen really is trying to destroy one universe and leaving another standing. Unless of course he's working against the Worm and decided to sacrifice the Annionaverse so they'll be stopped once the Hohenzollerns reach the stars, if so that is some 4D chess by Jansen!
No, Jansen wants to destroy both universes and use the destruction to create a new universe where he can shape the laws of nature to his liking. He does not know about the Worm.
Man, they've got some funky powers. Finger guns working like actual guns is pretty crazy.
They don't really work like real guns. It's just that they can make others think there are actually real guns, and then their bodies inflict damage on themselves believing they were shot. The Annionaverse Modells are definitely deadlier than their Hohenzollernverse counterparts.
I see. So considering you've been planning the Stellaris segment since at least late 2016 and Stellaris has had several game changing updates since then, how have your plans for the Stellaris segment changed and are there ideas you've changed or scraped because of the game's changes?
While we are here, where did you get the idea to play out the time gap between HOI3 and Stellaris with New World Order? I'm curios since some commentators like @Brigadier44 have asked about your ideas for individual story threads.
The only major change is that I originally was going to use warp drive, but I've since changed to hyperdrive. Other than that, the overall arc is still very much the same. Details have been changed based on what mechanics and content was added since then.
I put this in my acknowledgements section. There was an AAR on Reddit a long time ago, where /u/Ludie_Engmann wrote an Australia HOI3 AAR. He then continued it into NWO for at least a few decades. That was what inspired me to do this, since most other megacampaigns had a time skip.
Last Resort, Part 4
Restoration/Unification Island Bridge - 7:00 PM
The two teams solemnly filed into the conference room and took their seats. Erich and Anne stood up and addressed the assembled agents.
“The Kaiser has made his decision,” Erich said, “He’ll support whatever we decide here.”
“The Emperor concurs,” Anne said.
“According to Nick’s watch, the next wave of earthquakes are due to begin in less than an hour,” Angela said.
“Okay,” Walternate said, “In that case... unless someone can think of an alternative, something we haven't considered yet..."
“No,” Walter said, “I'm afraid we have to close the bridge, as we’ve planned.”
7:15 PM
Anna put her arm into an interface connected to the machine.
“Ready?” she said.
“We are,” Walter said.
He typed on his computer, and the interface activated. The machine whirred and hummed.
“System overload initiated,” the intercom announced.
Anna took off the interface.
“So what now?” she said.
“We wait for the power to surge,” Walter said, “Then it will automatically shut down.”
“Overload at five percent,” the intercom said.
“How long do you think that will take?” Anna said.
“Not long,” Walter said.
“I’ll tell the others,” Anna said.
Anna walked over to Angela, Anders, Diana, and Olga, who stood on one side of the machine. Angelalt, Annie, and Agent Frank stood on the other.
“So, it won’t be long now,” Anna said.
Anders took a deep breath.
“Well, Annie,” he said, “It was nice meeting you…sis.”
“And it was nice seeing you again…brother,” Annie said, “Hope you find the other me.”
“I promise you, I will,” Anders said, “Hope you find the other me.”
“I’ll try,” Annie said.
“Well, Diana, it was nice knowing you,” Diana said.
“I concur, Diana,” Agent Frank said, “You were pleasant and nice.”
“I could say the same about you and Tobias,” Diana said.
“I would never say this to his face, but Alex?” Agent Frank said. “He is a brilliant young man. He will do great things. You raised him well.”
They hugged again. The door opened, and Anne walked over to them.
“Mom?” Diana said.
Anne joined the hug.
“It’s not everyday you get to hug your daughter twice at the same time,” she said.
Diana laughed. Agent Frank smiled.
“I’ll miss you, Mom,” Diana said, “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Anne said, “I always have.”
Behind Anne, the doors opened again, and Tatiana, Boris, and Irina walked out, Agent Kirova rolling behind them in a wheelchair.
“Well, look who decided to show up just now,” Olga said, hugging Agent Kirova, “When did you wake up?”
“Yesterday,” Agent Kirova said.
“Don’t forget, you still owe me two,” Olga said.
“Well, I’m here,” Agent Kirova said, “That’s one. And they’re here, so that’s two. I hope.”
“It’s all good,” Olga said, “You’re fine.”
She walked over and hugged Tatiana and Boris.
“I miss you both so much,” Olga said, crying into Tatiana’s shoulder, “Every single day.”
“It’s okay, sweetie,” Tatiana said, “We’ll always be in your hearts. And you in ours. Like we always do.”
Olga nodded. “I will.”
“But be your own person,” Tatiana said, “Your mother was a hero. Make her proud.”
Olga smiled at Tatiana. “Of course. Like I always do.”
Walter left the room and sat in the hallway. Walternate sat next to him.
“Overload at ten percent,” the intercom said.
“She’s really quite a remarkable girl, Anna,” Walternate said, “Woman, actually.”
“Yes, she is,” Walter said.
“Smart…” Walternate said. “Noble...kind…everything I would've wished for her. I’m certainly proud of who she is.”
Walter couldn’t respond.
“I know what you’re afraid of,” Walternate said, “That machine nearly killed Anna the first time she activated it. We don’t know what it will do when it overloads.”
“I believe the universe has a sense of karma,” Walter said, “I stole Anna from you. There’s no reason the machine can’t take her away from me.”
“In 1977, you couldn't have made this decision,” Walternate said, “You didn't. I've come to accept she's as much your daughter as she is mine. You raised her better than I could’ve done. ‘The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it’.”
“Marcus Aurelius,” Walter said.
“Philosopher king who survived a war, and spent the rest of his life working for the betterment of his people,” Walternate said, "Perhaps we will too.”
“We'll see,” Walter said.
“Overload at ninety percent,” the intercom said.
Erich and Kurtz shook hands with Anne and Tatiana.
“May the Colonel rest in peace,” Kurtz said, “Send my regards to his family.”
“Take care of X-Division,” Tatiana said.
“It was nice working with you,” Erich said, “I hope Irina gets better.”
“Do you have the data core?” Anne said.
“Yes,” Erich said, “I promise, we’ll keep it safe. Keep ours safe too.”
“It was an honor working with you, Director Hansen,” Anne said.
“It was an honor working with you again, Minister Frank,” Erich said.
“Overload at ninety-one percent,” the intercom said.
“Strange days, huh?” Annie said.
“Tell me about it,” Anders said.
“Say, why do you talk about Sentinel so much?” Annie said.
“It’s the greatest conspiracy of our time,” Anders said, “You should definitely see if it exists on your side. And if it does, kill it with fire.”
“Overload at ninety-two percent,” the intercom said, “Overload at ninety-three percent.”
Alexandra walked into the room and locked eyes with Angelalt and Angela. She rushed over and hugged Angela.
“What about me?” Angelalt said.
“Hey,” Angela said, “Looks like we’re all doing hugs now.”
“I just wanted to see you one more time,” Alexandra said.
Angela looked at Angelalt.
“I had Di give her clearance,” Angelalt said, “Doesn’t matter when we’re shutting down.”
“Listen,” Angela said, “I’m sorry for everything I did. But don’t let it hold you back. I let Demetrios’ death hold me back a little. There was a time after his death when I couldn’t bring myself to go to work. But I got over it. And I found meaning. Out of the little things. There will be challenges ahead. This is one of them. You’ll overcome them.”
Angelalt smiled back at her. “You know, there's a lot of things about you I wish I had. There's a lot of things about you that I admire.”
“Overload at ninety-four percent,” the intercom said.
“That's funny,” Angela said, “I was about to say the same thing about you.”
Angela took out one of her old Walkman tapes and handed it to Alexandra.
“Alex,” she said, “Take care of your mother. There’s some good music on here I bet she’ll love.”
“I will, Mom,” Alexandra said.
Angela gives Angelalt a tape and says goodbye to Alexandra
“Keep looking up,” Angela said, “After it rains. Keep looking up. Don’t lose hope.”
Angelalt smiled.
“Keep listening to that Walkman of yours…Angie,” Angelalt said.
“I will…Angie,” Angela said.
“Overload at ninety-five percent,” the intercom said, “Overload at ninety-six percent. Overload at ninety-seven percent. Overload at ninety-eight percent. Overload at ninety-nine percent. Overload at one-hundred percent. Overload. Overload.”
“It's time,” Walter said, “Farewell.”
The Anniona side of the room and its X-Division disappeared in a flash of light, replaced by the empty Hohenzollern side of the same room. Angela, Anders, and the rest of their team spent the next several seconds staring at the empty space in silence.
“I think I shall miss them,” Walter said, “More than I imagined.”
Oh Walter you have no idea on what is to come, and I imagine X Divisions descendants are going to be surprised once the Terrans are discovered.
There goes the Anniona crew and all the other cast. All that is left now is stopping Jansen once and for all.
There goes the Anniona crew and all the other cast. All that is left now is stopping Jansen once and for all.
Yeah, this farewell from the Annionaverse X-Division is very bitter sweet when you consider what happens to the Annionaverse in a few years. It’s actually quite tragic knowing what happens with the Annoinas descent into madness.
Oh well, here’s hoping to the Anniona X-Division surviving the Rapture. It would be really unfortunate and cruel if the Annionaverse characters in these story arc died to nuclear war after all they did here.
I've definitely got stuff planned for X-Division's descendants, starting with the next generation. I haven't forgotten about Alex and Alexandra.
This being Jansen, stopping him might not be as easy as it seems. You could just end up helping his plan succeed.
I still have something planned for the Annionaverse X-Division...Yeah, this farewell from the Annionaverse X-Division is very bitter sweet when you consider what happens to the Annionaverse in a few years. It’s actually quite tragic knowing what happens with the Annoinas descent into madness.
Oh well, here’s hoping to the Anniona X-Division surviving the Rapture. It would be really unfortunate and cruel if the Annionaverse characters in these story arc died to nuclear war after all they did here.
I also have an announcement to make. I hate to bring this news to you. Something serious is happening in my family. It just happened out of the blue a few days ago, and I'd rather not speak about it, because just thinking of it is enough to make me really stressed out. Because of this, I am considering taking a break from daily updates for the time being, once I finish posting this story arc's finale over the next few days. This doesn't mean I'm putting the AAR on hiatus, because I am still very committed to finishing it. I know a lot of other people in my position said the same thing only to do otherwise
Farewell, Annionaverse X-Division. You began as enemies and parted as allies. This was a nice goodbye to them, even if it's not the last we see of them.
As for your personal update, please by all means take your time. This is the fastest updating AAR I follow, some missed days is hardly something to apologize for.
As for your personal update, please by all means take your time. This is the fastest updating AAR I follow, some missed days is hardly something to apologize for.