ratings
	googlie	hydro	velociryx
creativity	8	8	6
originality	9	7	8
smac-ness	8	8	6
leaders representation	7	9	8
plot	10	9	6
subtotal	42	41	34
total	117

Academy Park : Temporary Headquarters of the University of Planet

The thunder crashed loudly and it echoed through the walls of the base. It seemed as though the atmosphere of electric tension within the base had spread to the outside, bringing the worst storm of the year. The rain pounded down on the base and the surrounding facilities and lightning streaked from cloud to cloud.

Many feared the plane would not be able to land, and they were uncertain what this would mean. Would the Believing army that perched menacingly on the hill reinitiate the assault. Or would the negotiations be put back until the weather cleared. Others even speculated of the delegation landing at Mir Lab, and proceeding the rest of the way by rover. But the announcement had assured that the delegation would arrive as scheduled at that the treaty would be ratified. They had also promised that the war with the Believers and their allies would have been decisively won within a year. That had not been the case.

When the inevitable occurred and the University of Planet finally clashed with the Lord's Believers, it was thought that the unbelievable advantage the University held in weapons technology would have guaranteed them victory. However, the Believers and there allies had proved too resourceful, stealing the technology they needed and mass producing armies to overpower the University forces. Now a third of the original University bases were in the hands of either the Data Angels, the Spartan Federation or the Lord's Believers.

reviews

googlie Good pace and action, though, in a conventional interpretation of smac. A good read.

hydro One of the best short stories.

velociryx Very original concept, telling most of the story from the *losing* side's perspective....

Morgan Industries, the University's only ally had escaped so far unscathed, but did not have a large enough standing army to provide real assistance. The UN had refused to intervene, claiming their war against the mythological aliens who had once inhabited this planet was more important. Nobody in the west believed these fabricated tales as nothing more than an excuse of Pravin Lal's to contribute resources. Unfortunately, Lal also served as the only way so far of communicating with the other factions leaders and so the University was left on it's own.

Finally the announcement was sounded that the Believing Air Transport had been spotted and was making it's approach to the Aerospace Complex. A recent addition to Academy Park, the Aerospace Complex was set apart from the main base and connected by a large corridor built on ground level. There were plans to further expand the base out towards the Complex, but for now it stood fairly independent, the structure closest to the perimeter defences.

People watched in suspense through every Northward facing window at the approaching plane as it made its way elegantly to the ground, landing so perfectly you would never have even known there was a storm if you couldn't see the lightning bolts with your own eyes. As the aircraft taxied towards the hangar airlock they realized that the time had come, and that their own future could hang in the very balance.

Academy Park Aerospace Complex

Provost Prokhor Zakharov waited patiently as the airlock went through its last cycle. He was aware how much was at stake here, and how important this treaty was to his faction's survival, and more importantly his own. Zakharov had no doubt that if Miriam wished to, she could have him thrown into a punishment sphere (Zakharov's own and much regretted design) for the rest of his life.

Morgan Reilly, CEO Morgan's trade minister and ambassador stood beside Zakharov, and he appeared equally as nervous. Just as Zakharov knew that the Believers were in a position to crush the University like a bug, Reilly knew that the University was the only thing in between the Believers and Morgan Industries. This treaty was important for both of them.

At last the door cycled open revealing the delegation. Sister Miriam stood centre flanked by Roze's primary aide, known only as Datajack Katt, and the Spartan Kel, one of Santiago's most trusted Junta generals. In a typical display of flash and strength, the three delegates were escorted by the Believing Honour Guard, in full battle gear. While obvious in its intention, the effect was nevertheless powerful.

'Greetings Sister Miriam,' Zakharov began the meeting, 'and welcome to Academy Park.' Sister Miriam held out her hand, and Zakharov almost hesitated. Nevertheless, and despite his disgust, he bent to kiss the religious leader
s hand, as was custom amongst factions where her religion prevailed. The University was not one of those factions, but Zakharov knew he would have to make concessions and this seemed minor. In did not help to see the smug expression on Spartan Kel's face when he returned to his feet.

'I thank you for having me Provost,' Miriam replied with a dignified smile. 'I must say that you and your people do design some rather elegant base facilities. Every University base I have encountered does hold a certain, attractiveness to its design.' Zakharov did not allow himself to react at the subtle barb. He knew full well that the other University bases she was referring to were the ones she had taken by force.

'I am glad you find their construct pleasing Sister. We have tried to create a place we can call home on this alien world. Perhaps one day I will receive the pleasure of visiting one of your hallowed Cathedrals''

'Perhaps Provost. Although, I do not know that I could condone a non-believer moving amongst my peoples. I'm sure you can understand my concern.'

'Of course,' Zakharov replied diplomatically. It was clear that Miriam was going to use her advantage in strength to bleed every last drop out of the University. Her superior attitude was a clear sign that she didn't feel she needed peace, and that any treaty would come as a high price to the University.

'Sister Miriam, I assume you of course no Trade Minister Reilly of Morgan Industries. He is here as CEO Morgan's representative.' Miriam bowed in acknowledgement, but did not speak to him. What ever animosity existed between the University and the Believers, did not exist between Morgan Industries and the Believers. In fact, Miriam seemed to not even care that the Morganites existed.


'Sister, I must say that we do look forward to the outcome of this meeting. Our people are very excited about the prospect of new markets and new merchandise once trade between our peoples is reinstated.' Reilly's enthusiasm seemed to bubble over and Zakharov wished that Morgan could have sent a more diplomatically savvy envoy. It was clear the Miriam was thinking much the same.

'This is Assistant Datajack Katt,' Miriam began her own introductions, ignoring Reilly's comments and very existence essentially, 'and this is General Kel of the Spartan Federation.' Both delegates nodded their head on introduction, but did not say a word. It was entirely clear who negotiations would focus on here.

'Shall we make our way to the negotiating table Sister''

'Lead the way Provost.' She offered her arm, and Zakharov entwined his with hers. It must have been an odd site, watching two such polar political opposites walk arm in arm in friendship, while a Believing army waited to crush the very base they walked in.

They walked through the long corridor, lined on either side by windows. Looking out, they could see the farming outposts that made up the surrounding terrain. In the distance, it was even possible to see the silhouette of distant Cosmogorad, way off towards the hill. The Believing army could fortunately not be seen, being on the other side of the base.

'I must say Provost, I am delighted that you have come to your senses.' Apparently Miriam was not willing to wait until they reached the table to start the negotiations. The other three delegates walked in silence behind, the Honour Guard following behind them.

'I only hope it is not to late for us to reach an agreement. I must say, I was surprised when you showed mercy to Colonel Santiago and Datajack Roze. When you had all but crushed their forces I had assumed you would have finished them off. But instead, you pacted with them and returned them to beyond their former glory, even returning their bases. A most noble gesture.'

'Both Colonel Santiago and Datajack Roze have both sworn an oath of fealty. By reinstating them and returning control of their factions to them, I put two more factions at my disposal, as opposed to my solitary one. Besides, their people were not ready to be ruled by me directly. This way they believe they have their freedom, and I control their power. Are you suggesting a similar arrangement.''

My people would not be likely to condone such an action Sister.' It seemed that Miriam was only interested in playing 'hard ball' as the old expression went. 'We are just peaceful researchers Sister, and my people are very eager to return to their research.'

'It is surprising how much time your people seem to devote to the study of science. The facilities at University Base are most impressive, I must say. I'm sure we will receive an excellent sum when we disassemble the Research Hospital there and sell the equipment. Perhaps you yourself would be interested in purchasing it''

There, the first card was out on the table. Sister Miriam was not planning on returning the University Capital, the one concession that Zakharov had hoped for. Still, it there was much to be discussed. Zakharov still had many wonders that Miriam hadn't gotten her hands on that he could use as bargaining chips.

'Perhaps, although I do hope that it won't come to that. That facility is the best on Planet, and it would be a shame to have it dismantled.'

'Of course, but you must understand. My people have little need for such a facility,' Miriam explained, 'and it would merely drain our energy stores in it's upkeep.'


'I certainly do understand,' Zakharov replied. 'But under University Control, University Base could be the site of so many more amazing discoveries that will benefit the lives of both our peoples.'

'But to return University Base after my troops, and my allies troops died to capture it' I would need something of value in return. Another base say.' Suddenly Zakharov could see what Miriam was getting at. She wanted Baikonour.

Even before the war began, Miriam had set her sights on Baikonour. It was on the coast of the Eastern Sea, an area where she had no ports. If she could control Baikonour it would give her access to the other continents and the other factions. And with the bases she had already captured, it was right along her new border. It was also one of the most heavily guarded University bases just for this very reason.

As they approached the gateway to the main base construction, Zakharov mused over the most appropriate course of action. Could he justify the loss of Baikonour for the return of his capital' Granted, in terms of facilities, University Base outshone Baikonour by far. But Baikonour was Zakharov's only connection to the UN and thus the other factions. Could he give that up and more importantly, unleash Miriam and her dogs upon them.

They passed through the gate and Zakharov realised he was running out of time where his silence would be considered anything but impolite. They entered the main walkway, where University guards flanked their passing and a crowd of citizens had gathered to watch. Some people cheered at the sight of the delegation and it distracted Zakharov and more importantly Miriam from the conversation. But there seemed to be one voice that stuck out, one that was out of the ordinary. One that was dangerous.

'Kill her! Shoot her! Down with the fundamentalist witch! We must dissent!' The voice screamed. Suddenly it registered that something was wrong, but nobody could tell where it was coming from. The University guards moved towards the crowd, looking for the source of that voice. Zakharov himself was ushered aside as Miriam's honour guard came up to do the same.

Then the shot wrung out. And Miriam fell.

Instantly, the Believing honour guard opened fire into the crowd. Reilly was struck by a stray bullet, and went down. As Zakharov was pulled away he caught his last glimpse of the chaos that insued. Datajack Katt and General Kel disappeared back down the corridor towards the Aerospace Complex. University guards opened fire on the Believing Honour guard, but their bullets were hampered by the Believing armour. The honour guard scooped up the body of Miriam, which had already been riddled with several more blasts of what appeared to be shredder rifle fire. He knew she was dead. And so was the University.

Sparta Command

Colonel Santiago's commlink beeped on the secure channel. She pushed the receive command, and the familiar image of Datajack Roze filled the screen.

'Greetings Datajack. How are things''

'Sister Miriam is dead.' The two woman stared at each other for a moment. A smile spread across both of their faces. 'Our mission was a complete success,' Roze added.

'What happened, exactly'' Santiago queried. She wanted to full details on how the self-righteous fanatic had finally met her maker.

'It all went exactly according to plan. The assassin has been captured and confessed he did it for the sake of the University and has a full blooded University citizen. General Kel ensured that his field emergency medical procedures were not enough to save the good Sister. And even as we speak, our operative has begun her 'We Must Dissent' campaign in New Jeruselum, pushing for the war to go on. It is only a matter of time before the select her as their new leader.'

'Your sure Sister Jessica can be trusted'' Santiago queried.

'Absolutely. She would not give up control of her own faction for anything. She is committed to this. She will also be very easy to take out if necessary.' Roze smiled, already thinking about the next phase of the plan where the Lord's Believers was dissolved and the bases divided between the Data Angels and the Spartan Federation.

'Excellent. Prepare your forces Datajack, and I shall do the same with mine. Tomorrow, we move against Academy Park and then onto Baikonour. Zakharov will be in a punishment sphere before years end. Santiago out.' Roze's image faded, and Santiago leaned back in her chair and smiled. It was good to be back on top.