The Zenak Unity - Our awakening

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2268.08.07

We have joined this Galactic Assembly. One disadvantage is that we are now trading commodities at their prices, which have a 30% margin, controlled by the Vivisandian forms. Another is their continual need to propose binding resolutions on all members. Some are clearly just attempts to advance one set of organics over the others.

However, we now have a new set of contacts. Collectives of forms from the other side of the galaxy are now known to us. The most significant of these is the Valmannax. The Valmannax form is fungal. They appear to control a large volume of space in the Beta and Gamma arms, directly opposite our own space. They have already gained the loyalty of the plant-based Sidimatus forms (also designated Tiermar II by their home planet). Then there are the Lilarobus, more plant-based forms, from the Delta arm, and the Thamesians, aquatic forms who have formed friendly relations with the Diri and are located near Uv-Xantt space.

Still, no sign of intelligent machine life, and no claims from the various forms that they are, or know of, our creators. We will analyse the Assembly, and review the utility of maintaining a presence there.

As yet, we see no moves from the Uri or the Diri against us. But they maintain hostile rhetoric.

Logfile update - additional
date 2270.05.05

We have a potential breathrough. We established a colony on Gatana V (which we have designated as "Combinus"). The planet was covered in old and complex structures. Our research has revealed that this was a planet under the Omnicodex, a machine empire that we have seen no other traces of. They appear to have been destroyed in a war after having attempted to create a catalog of organic species to preserve them in case of major catastrophe. We cannot understand why this action - which was designed to save organic life - was deemed punishable by the organics of the time. Clearly no good deed goes unpunished.

We will continue to research the Omniplex. We cannot link them to our creation, but it is the best possible link we have at this time.

Logfile update - additional
date 2263.12.27

The federation, officially designated the "Glorious Vivisandia Domain" but seemingly dominated by Bimathe, have approached us to request we take "association status" with them. The main effect of this would be a non-aggression agreement between us and their members. This we will agree to, as it reduces the risk to us of a united organic alliance against us as happened to the Omincodex. But we know there are no guarantees against the nature of organic life.

Logfile update - additional
date 2271.11.20

The Hesukar's third raid against the Uri at our commission has been successful. We shall commission more.

Logfile update - additional
date 2271.12.09

For some time, we have been testing variants of our form. One drawback of our base form has been that we are custom-made, increasing the time for tooling the replicators as we generate new sophonts and drones. Of the variants that we have been testing and seeding planetary bodies with, one has been perfected that removes this malus. In the past few cycles, we have been upgrading all of our populations across our space to conform to this superior form. Today, our construction administration sophonts report that the last drones have been upgraded. We are now a completely improved form.

 

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2274.03.11

Six dodecades have passed since this logfile was initiated.

Our knowledge of the galaxy and the intelligent forms that inhabit it grows. We have secured the Omnicodex knowledge base, which we may be able to use to bring back an ancient form.

The Uri (grey) remain belligerent, but have still made no direct moves against us. Likewise the Diri (green-red). Our client species, the Nivlac and the Fiiral, grow and explore under our protection. The federation (blue) have kept their peaceful stance toward us. The other forms, further away, have not given us any new concerns, but the Valmennax and the Lilarobius are both advanced and strong compared to the other organic form collectives.

 

[HistoryDude]

Joining the Galactic Assembly was a good idea that expanded the Unity's knowledge...

Let's hope that the Uri and the Diri have weakened each other enough to be more easily defeated.

 

[Von Acturus]

That blue bloc seems threatening. Perhaps through the Galactic Community the Zenak can pass resolutions that'll boost their standing and production. Only that could justify continuing interaction with the meat tubes.

 

[danivon]

That blue bloc seems threatening. Perhaps through the Galactic Community the Zenak can pass resolutions that'll boost their standing and production. Only that could justify continuing interaction with the meat tubes.

This is the "Glorius Vivisandia Domain", which the Zenak just call the federation (as yet no other federations are known to us). Of the three members, clearly the Vivisandians were the founders, but the Bimathe are the most powerful. The Orassians are the closest to the the Unity, meeting at the Roscam-Roschon boundary. The unclaimed spaces either side of where they meet are only accessible through Zenak space, and borders are closed.

Zenak has positive relations with the members of the federation, especially as they have fought two wars against the Diri/Uri-UvXantt bloc.

Contacts ordered by relative power:

 

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2278.01.23

Our search for more knowledge continues. Our control of space is expanding, and with it our presence on planetary bodies. We are expanding into a new sector coreward along the Alpha Arm, beyond the Sophiban and Wagha wormholes and adjacent to Fiiral space. We have further expanded our defences, upgrading the platforms in systems containing wormholes as a precaution - as yet we do not have the knowledge of how to use these to travel to far away destinations, but it is a matter of time before either we do, or those at the other ends of such phenomena arrive through them. Our fleet strength is as high as we can administer comfortably, even though we remain at peace. A fleet has been despatched to clear the Ameoba blocking our egress into the systems beyond the Nythran Expanse nebula.

Elsewhere, the Uri remain hostile. The Diri have rescinded their claim of rivalhood against us, but are not friendly. Our allies the Fiiral are loyal and to their word up to now. We have limited the scope of Nivlac expansion, as much as they also claim loyalty to us, we are not sure of their ambitions, being a more individualistic form.

The Galactic Assembly is soon to debate a proposal to establish a Galactic Council. While we have mainly observed rather than participated in the Assembly, with our main position being to opposed "laws" that are partial to any interests other than our own, it may be of use to support this Council and ensure we are present should it be formed. The squabbling organics do require some direction.

Logfile update - additional
date 2279.01.06

Again the federation and the Diri are at war. The Uri and their Uv-Xantt vassals have again joined the Diri. More organic forms will perish in this conflict.

 

[HistoryDude]

Is the Unity considering a position as Galactic Custodian? That could be a way to keep the organics under control...

 

[danivon]

Is the Unity considering a position as Galactic Custodian? That could be a way to keep the organics under control...

I think the Unity would take an all-or-nothing approach. If they consider such a role as being in their interests, then they would commit. If not, then they would consider their membership - especially if there were a non-desirable custodian chosen.

The Unity are currently in the top 3 for diplomatic strength, behind the Valmennax (who are pacifist xenophiles, so perhaps a reasonable holder). However, they still have only 2 envoys and no Favours, so are diplomatically weak.

 

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2286.08.30

Seven dodecades have passed since this logfile was initiated.

The past dodecade has been relatively uneventful. The war between the federation and the Uri-Diri alliance continues, both sides are occupying systems belonging to the other. We are developing planetary settlements in the Teslus sector, at the far coreward extent of our space, while expanding our space rimwards. Our knowledge bases continue to accrue data and insights. We discovered a space-time anomaly on Strobus, which led to limited communication to another reality, potentially a parallel universe. But they cut off contact before we could establish any means to transfer material across the divide The Galactic Assembly is voting on the question of a Council. We have voted in favour, and it should pass by a ratio of 3:1.

We do have one pressing issue to resolve in the production of energy and minerals being insufficient for our needs. For now we can sell alloys to maintain stocks, but will be investing in more production as more colonies come online

 

[HistoryDude]

A dodecade is a period of 12 years, right? Do these artificial lifeforms operate on a system of base-12?

I suppose you could trade with other empires for minerals... or conquer them. Conquest is more likely.

 

[danivon]

A dodecade is a period of 12 years, right? Do these artificial lifeforms operate on a system of base-12?

I suppose you could trade with other empires for minerals... or conquer them. Conquest is more likely.

Yes, the Zenak use a base-12 numerical system. Our data archaeologists have translated their logs into a more understandable form. One reason that they are currently sure their progenitors are not yet found is that they have not discovered a form that uses the same numerical systems or standard units of measurement. They have surmised that they have inherited these on being created and programmed.

The Zenak are not currently thinking of conquest. However, as they clear hostile organics like the Amoeba or Crystalline to get access to systems, and as they observe the ways of most organic species, it may become a new paradigm.

Trade is their main current means of keeping going, while re-ordering their economy.

 

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2290.07.02

We have finally gained the knowledge of how to penetrate natural wormholes. There are five such phenomena in our space. Two of them are linked to each other, Emasdouhl is two jumps from our home ring, and links to Wagha system, where the Protus sector capitol is located, thirteen jumps coreward along the Alpha Arm. This will greatly reduce travel times to between our coreward spaces and Nexus One. The Saphiban wormhole is linked to Antares, a system on the opposite side of the galaxy, approximately halfway along the Gamma arm. It is adjacent to Uv-Xantt space, and although they are currently friendly toward us, they are vassals of the Uri. Thus we will secure Antares system to ensure we have a forward defensive position. Two wormholes remain to be explored, but our Sophonts are on route to investigate their mysteries.

At the same time, the Assembly have agreed to establish a Galactic Council. The three polities elected to form the first iteration are the Valmennax, the Diri and ourselves. We shall engage as required to ensure stability in the Galaxy.

Logfile update - additional
date 2291.12.26

The two remaining wormholes in our space have been explored. Masqal wormhole, which is on the rimward side of our space, links to Wildore, on the far side of the galaxy, near the rimward end of the Gamma arm and surrounded by Valmennax space. Sosta system's wormhole is connected to Hijeroscant, a system several jumps coreward along the Alpha arm from our space, and beyond blocking mining drones. It is close to Lozavata space, probably not claimed by them due to further mining drone presence nearby. This presents an opportunity to further expand our reach, and an incentive to clear the drones coreward of our Teslus sector.

Our observations of the ongoing war between the federation and the Uri-Diri alliance show that the Diri have the upper hand against Orassia, with several systems occupied, reaching close to the Orassian border with ourselves, but not yet reaching it. A handful of Diri systems are occupied by Orassians. On the other hand, the federation are occupying many of the Uv-Xantt systems, and could even be in a position to fully conquer the Uri's vassals.

Logfile update - additional
date 2293.05.09

The war between the federation and the Uri-Diri alliance has concluded. The federation having the upper hand have secure several systems for the Orassians and the Bimathi from the Diri and the Uv-Xantt. Additionally, a new vassal of the Bimathi has been created from Diri space. This Dirian League has joined the federation.

 

[HistoryDude]

I wonder if either the Federation or the Uri-Diri alliance wants help?

Good, good. The Galactic Council is established, so a conquest of the galaxy might be easier later...

 

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2298.08.30

Eight dodecades have passed since this logfile was initiated.

We have established control of the systems at the other ends of the wormhole connections. While Wildore is surrounded by Valmennax space, and Antares is blocked by Uv-Xantt holdings, we are using Hijeroscant as a base to expand into the clusters of systems coreward of our main space. There are many systems infected by mining drones, and we have had to create a new fleet to clear them. The new battleship designs may prove useful in expediting that process. The Lozavata forms are moving slowly into the same space, and so we will first attempt to secure locations close to their borders, before filling in the gaps.

Our economy is stablising as colonies grow and our newly built worker drones take up energy and mineral processing roles. We now have a surplus in minerals and are able to purchase sufficient energy.

Outside our domain, the federation are stronger after their war victory. They have taken some Diri systems as well as forcing a splinter of the Diri Confederation apart and making it a member as well as a Bimanthe vassal. The Uri were unaffected by the war, cut off as they are by ourselves and the Fiiral. Their vassal, the Uv-Xantt have fared worse, their space is split into two. The Diri have suggested themselves as Galactic Custondian, but this is not a popular move.

 

[HistoryDude]

Who is favored for Custodian? You?

Establishing your borders is good. Wouldn't want to be taken by surprise.

 

[danivon]

Who is favored for Custodian? You?

Establishing your borders is good. Wouldn't want to be taken by surprise.

The Diri put themselves forward. No-one else has. The Valmennax have more diplomatic weight than the Zenak. And we just had new Council elections. The Diri are no longer on the Council. The Valmennax and Zenak are joined by the Bimanthe (most powerful member of the federation)

 

[danivon]

Logfile update - additional
date 2310.07.25

Nine dodecades have passed since this logfile was initiated.

We are engaged in conflict with the Uri. The federation again initiated a war with the Uri-Diri alliance. We determined that the Uri were weaker than ourselves, and testing of our battleship designs against the mining drones yielded positive results. We have sent four fleets into Uri space, and currently occupy several systems and are taking control of planetary settlements. One Uri fleet has slipped from our advance and has been re-taking systems near to our border. We have the firepower to disable it once we catch it, however.

We have also sent two fleets into Diri space, for two purposes. Firstly to secure systems and planets near to us and giving us access to the rimward edge of Fiiral space. Secondly to provide a forward defensive position.

In the meantime, new elections to the Galactic Council have been held. We and the Valmennax remain on the body. The Diri have been replaced by the Bimathi.

 

[Von Acturus]

Good move, perhaps the loss of their Uri allies and the humiliating defeat in two wars will permanently burry the Diri's custodian ambitions.
The only problem is that this war will probably bring the Unity in a clashing course with the Federation. We'll see how the situation develops...

 

[danivon]

Good move, perhaps the loss of their Uri allies and the humiliating defeat in two wars will permanently burry the Diri's custodian ambitions.
The only problem is that this war will probably bring the Unity in a clashing course with the Federation. We'll see how the situation develops...

In this conflict, the Zenak have gone for conquest of claims from Uri, which is only about 1/4-1/3 of systems, but most of their planets. Once that's settled then they may go for vassalisation of the remainder. The Fiiral have not joined the war, which is fine as the Zenak do not want too powerful a vassal there.

One serious question for the Zenak is what to do with the Uri settlements they conquer. Do they just enslave the population, or purge them? Zenak produces no food or goods and isn't interested in having to care for billions of organics. But does want the mineral and alloy production.

It is hard to judge the federation. Zenak has good relations with them so far, and only one border. Keeping the Diri as a buffer may prove useful, and cultivating the Fiiral as military allies instead of just vassals would be necessary.

 

[HistoryDude]

I could see an alliance of convenience with the Federation in due time... but their ambitions might also collide with the Zenak's...