SMAniaC MP: advice needed

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2241

Prokhor Zakharov had given up his usual blue and gray suit in favor of a more austere jumper. It was still tailored, but it seemed to fit the times. The Joint Command war room was a mass of holo images, military officers pacing around or deep in an interface with the Virtual World imagery, and conferences – live and ‘in the tank’, as virtual discussions were called.

“I don’t want to take much of your time, but I’d like an update,” Zakharov said to the officer in charge.

A young man nodded once. “We lost a cruiser to a Consciousness fusion foil, but its mate destroyed them. That was the last of the foils the Consciousness stole from us that we are aware of. Another cruiser in the theatre is currently attacking Delta Trench in preparation of a copter attack in the coming year. More cruisers will come on line to clean up the seas near our territory of Consciousness sea bases, per plan. There was one copter attack at New Azamas that destroyed a former, but that will likely be the last one before our copters come on line and remove the lot.”

He activated an interactive image to show the locations of the engagements. “We lost a damaged isle in the seas between us and the Hive. A Cyborg foil did the work and we have not been able to track it. If there are attacks in that area we have little air power to respond.”

“Build a copter at one of the bases in the Jungle. They seem to offer good flexibility even if their range is limited,” Zakharov replied. The officer tabbed it and shunted the instructions to Command.

“Our forces have also taken Node Runner on the Cyborg main landmass. Strategically this allowed us to procure Retroviral Engineering from the Cyborgs and base a copter for future work. The Admiral was not able to pull the probe team or land forces and ordered the isle away for reinforcements. A second isle is based at the new Gaian base and should be able to return to the front in the coming turn with two military units. Our best information indicates that there are no enemy land probes and only one land military unit that can try to recapture the base. If they hold out they will continue attacking bases to and including the Cyborg capital.”

Zakharov nodded grimly. Those bases were the core of the Cyborg holdings and including two bases that were working on Project and one completed Project – the Echelon Mirror. It would be a shame to destroy it, but if that was required then so be it.

“Our resonance cruiser eliminated a Cyborg isle carrying troops near Pi Squared. They have been tasked with providing artillery support if needed. Our rover artillery eliminated a Cyborg foil probe before taking Node Runner.”

Zakharov looked over the standing and was satisfied. “What forces will be have available for attacks in the coming year?”

“Three quasar copters, two resonance copters, three cruisers, two isles, and the land forces at Node Runner,” he replied.

That was formidable, but it was a pale imitation of the force that had been lost – the cream of the University military had gone down in the Cyborg surprise attack. In a way it was brilliant: an opportunistic attack that pulled a good number of their teeth, and preserved the Cult from certain destruction. The reality was that it awoke a rage that pulsed through the entire University, with the Consciousness at its vortex.

War was a dirty and nasty business, and this time the University was playing to win.

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2242

“Status?” Zakharov asked.

“The Cyborg chopper and defenders at Delta Trench have been eliminated. The base was secured, stripped, and sunk. Approximately 60,000 Cyborg citizens were killed. A Cult foil destroyed our cruiser near Pi Squared, and our chopper destroyed them in return. Five Cyborg military units near Node Runner were destroyed without loss, and the garrison there was upgraded. With some luck an isle will be able to deliver two espionage units, and we can continue capturing the Cyborg bases. Or we can capture and burn them down.” The admiral quickly got the details out of the way. It was unpleasant business.

“And what of the fungal bloom near New Azamas?”

“Partially controlled. We’ve killed one worm, damaged another with an old artillery unit, and three empath or resonance rovers are now in position to attack in the coming year. The only base that is threatened Tsiolovski Institute, and they have a trance and backup defender in case of emergency. Part of the worm advance is blocked by one of our worms. We may take losses, but none should be debilitating.”

“Very good. Keep the Council informed.”

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2243

“Report,” Zakharov said. The rest of the Council turned toward the Admiral, who had been appointed by the Joint Command as liaison to the Council.

“We have captured and destroyed Iota Point, and the cruiser is proceeding west. With the help of two copters it will be able to eliminate two more Cyborg sea bases in the coming year. I anticipate no real resistance.

“On the Cyborg mainland I am happy to report the capture of Pi Complex and the Echelon Mirror Complex. This was one of the early Projects, and it appears we will have no trouble holding the city. Each city now has two or more probe teams to defend, and they are formidable with their fusion reactors. We took no losses.

“A copter engaged forces at Alpha Basin, which was one of the first and largest Cyborg sea bases. The Cyborg foil based there destroyed one of our cruisers and it had to be eliminated. The copter is low on fuel but will be able to assist in the capture of the base in the coming year. One of the damaged isles will be able to assist unless they are destroyed by enemy action. We plan on sinking the base since we have no probe teams to defend and cannot let it fall into enemy hands.

“We located and engaged a Cyborg foil that destroyed the isle that was repairing between us and the Hive. The chopper made quick work of it and was able to return to base. I recommend that this chopper be based there as a quick response force.

“I am happy to report that all the mindworms infesting the area near Tsiolovski Institute have been destroyed and that the trance garrison there survived a mindworm attack. We took no losses, although some of the units were damaged.

“Our latest projection is that we will take at least Pi Squared and perhaps also the Cyborg capital Alpha Prime in the coming year. These plus the three sea bases we anticipate destroying will mean that the Cyborgs will be down to about a half dozen bases, and although they can still hurt us that they will not be a meaningful threat. The Joint Command recommends building more probe teams, getting them to the bases we intend to keep, and then work from the west to the east and eliminate or capture all Cyborg or Cult bases. This will prune the threat in a systematic manner.

“As a side note, as we destroy the bases we are crippling the industrial potential of the remaining bases. Apparently they draw support from other bases, and the smaller bases can’t support the additional units. Having their industry bogged down is to our advantage and, if we are able to strike quickly, we will be able to capture the bases before they can respond.

“I am now open to questions,” she said.

Zakharov had a broad smile on his face. “Excellent Admiral. Please convey my pleasure to the Joint Command and the valiant men and women of our armed forces. They are doing an outstanding job.” He gave her a short bow, which she acknowledged with a nod and then ended the link.

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2244

“We have captured and destroyed the three Cyborg sea bases Theta Barrier, Kappa Kelpfarms, and the large base Alpha Basin. Approximately 100,000 Cyborg citizens were killed during the fighting or the scuttling of the bases,” Admiral Conners said as she activated the schematics with live holo overlay. The images showed the two small sea bases being attacked by copters and then a cruiser swooping in, securing the base, and then rending its struts and sea supports. It took only minutes for the bases implode and sink into the fungus-strewn sea. Alpha Basin was a large base – one of the largest in the Consciousness – and the images showed a damaged that was station keeping remove the two defenders and quickly head south toward Pi Complex. An isle then flowed into and all through the base. Explosions racked the base, and pinkish tendrils of wormlets pulsed into the open as they enveloped the panicked citizens. After three hours the isle re-emerged – undamaged and much larger – as the last of the explosions ripped the southern half of the base apart and it settled into the sea. There were no humans left to attempt an escape.

Zakharov smiled grimly. “Very good, Admiral – just as you anticipated. And I understand there were advances on the Consciousness mainland.”

“Yes. Rovers and copters converged on Pi Square, eliminated military units that were either retreating to Cyborg bases or moving into position, and then took Pi Squared. The base is now defended by a fusion defender, a copter, and a probe team. It is highly unlikely that any Cyborg land assault can take the base from us. Next year we will be able to take their capital.” The image showed a choreographed sequence of artillery, rovers, and copters destroying supply crawlers, rovers, probe teams, military units near the Cyborg capital Alpha Prime, and then the defenders at Pi Square. Thin plumes of smoke rose into the air after the base was captured, but it was mostly intact.

“We do have an upcoming threat,” she continued as she changed the graphic to show the Cyborg sea base Epsilon Reef. “The combined fleet of Cyborg and Cult air force of choppers has converged on this base. Five copters are currently staging there, and as we discovered and are demonstrating to the Cyborgs that they are a considerable danger. As of right now we have only one asset – a new cruiser – that is in danger. However, I have directed further copters to stage near the area and then take them out in a coordinated assault. The timing of the assault depends on what the air force does. They have a limited range of 5 sectors and were damaged when moving from the eastern Cult sea bases. It is likely they will repair, but it is anyone’s guess. We will have at least two copters in range, and our extended range due to the fusion reactors will be useful to get at first strike. The Joint Command will keep you apprised.

“At this time there are seven remaining Consciousness bases. Three of these – Alpha Prime, Iota Station, and the sea base Beta Mudflats – are the current priority. If we take the two land bases then the vast majority of the Cyborg population base will be secured. The sea base will simply be eliminated. When the west is secured we will move south and take the last remaining Cult bases Invictus and a base they newly founded at the site of their old capital. With new probe support we should be able to hold the bases instead of burning them to the ground. Then the forces move west to mop up the last of the resistance. I anticipated the actions will take 10 years”

The Council members squirmed at that announcement. Ten years was a long time.

“Thank you for the update, Admiral. If you will excuse us the Council needs to discuss the continuing stresses of our population boom.”

[Hydro]

Alpha Prime, MY 2245

“Word of your atrocities against the Consciousness and the Cult of Planet will be known all over Chiron, Zakharov,” Aki Zeta Five said. Her voice was cold with barely controlled fury.

“You can’t prove anything, Aki Zeta. Nothing. The sunspots rendered all such electronic monitoring useless and severely corrupted. Everything could just as easily be ascribed to the fortunes of war, which you so blatantly initiated twice. Did your logic dictate that you had to support the venal and backward Cult by attacking us? Once might be an error, but two is a trend.

“Quiet, Aki Zeta? You should be. Your capital Alpha Prime is now in University control and has been renamed University Prime. All your bases have been renamed. And know this: you can win a battle but you will lose the war. You have six bases left, and soon that will be four. And then two. And then none. Your allies the Cult are next.

“Oh, and in case you get any grand ideas on your massive buildup of your combined copter fleet, we are ware of it and the two copters at Upsilon Depot and Lambda Farms and all other defenders have been destroyed. More copters are on the way. Imagine waves of copters, Aki Zeta – waves of them, and then think of how hour copters destroyed a fleet of University warships that had no designs on you or your holdings. You have initiated your own fate.”

The line abruptly went blank. Zakharov had misgivings, of course. The Cyborgs were as much his creation as any other, and it might even be his fault that they will end as they were fated to. Could he have reached out more? Offered more inducements?

No, not really. He’d offered technology and support and they’d consistently chosen the Cult.

Now, there were more pressing issues to consider.

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2246

“And the artifact gave us the key insights in Neural Grafting?” Zakharov asked.

“Yes. We’d been making some progress but we’d missed a key element – the still only generally understood resonance fields that propagate throughout Chiron’s ecology. This advance will allow us to enhance our military and civilian units, and also will allow us to build Bioenhancement Centers. Simply put, the biomechanics of neural grafting will be implemented at all units constructed at a base, which will improve their performance considerably.”

Zakharov’s eyes lit up. “Just what we need. And the cost?””

Amy shunted an analysis to him. “Prohibitive, but not out of the question. Fortunately Tsiolovski Institute is working on the Planetary Datalinks and is a few years away from completion. The Gattica Project – as it is known – will a third more.”

Zakharov waved his hand dismissively. “We’ll assign a few supply crawlers to it and that won’t be a problem. We also need to make sure the Planetary Datalinks doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

“Such as any other faction,” Amy said with a note of irony in her voice.

“Exactly,” he replied, missing the nuance entirely. “Assign a few bases to construct supply crawlers, or see if there are surplus crawlers. More territory is needed for population expansion. We’ll be in that situation at University Base, won’t we?”

“Yes. Currently we have 140,000 citizens at University Base and we could grow by a few more tens of thousands in the next few years. This is putting a severe strain on our infrastructure. Social stability is starting to break down.” Amy consulted a few charts, and then nodded to confirm her statement.

“Yes, yes. We can deal with that. What we need to do is keep growing and then get rid of the d*amend Anthropogenic Society. It gives us fits when fighting the Cult’s natives and rogue natives. When can we migrate?”

“Likely a few more years. Most bases have topped out, although with a few more hatcheries coming on line we may have a few more years of expansion. At some point there will be diminishing returns.”

Zak nodded. “There always are. Oh, Deirdre accepted the Cult base Beta Mudflats. She was quite happy to hear from me and is expanding nicely. She has a good number of sea probes, transports with probes in them, and a good number of foils. I wonder who she’s gunning for?”

“Simple exploration. Or maybe she’d gunning for the Hive,” Amy replied.

“Fah. The Hive would eat her for lunch. I hope she doesn’t provoke the Spartans. They have two foils lurking in our territory. If they decide to attack can we respond?”

“We have copters on all fronts along with upgraded defensive garrisons. The energy spoils from the Cyborgs has been put to good use. We’ll have to make ourselves an unpleasantly dangerous target.”

Zakhrov was grim. “That didn’t stop Aki Zeta. Speaking of such, did the attacks go as planned?”

“All known enemy copters have been destroyed, although a few are unaccounted for and more are being built. We can deal with those, however. As Winston Churchill said, it is now simply a matter of the application of overwhelming firepower.

“We also procured a copy of the Cyborg world maps,” Amy continued. “Apparently they traded maps with the Spartans, so we have maps of their territory and that of their ally the Hive. It is very interesting,” she said as she shunted over the images.

Zakharov cycled through them fairly quickly. “A broad and tight expansion for the Hive and a chaotic and far flung expansion for the Spartans. Big continents, too. That is a new volcano. Interesting – that must be what Yang was concerned about. Well, time to reply.”



*~*~*~*

Communiqué

To: Chairman Yang, Hive

Subject: Truce accepted

The University of Chiron accepts the truce between the University of Chiron and the Hive.

As to the volcano, we just noted it on our world map. Our understanding is that volcanoes can be completely natural or it is possible that they are a result of ecological pollution. The University currently has no ecological pollution, and any we had in the past has long since been ameliorated. Other factions have not been so fastidious. Pollution from the Hive could explain why the volcano is near your territory. But again, it could have a completely natural explanation. Regardless, it is an interesting feature and I hope it does not cause any ecological disruption.

The University has no objection to the Hive claiming the volcano for your territory. We will strongly object if colonization or your self-proclaimed territorial waters starts to infringe on territory already controlled by the University. To be perfectly clear, the Hive and University bases need to be 28 sectors apart – the range of missiles from both of our territories. Considering how concerned the Hive is with territorial integrity and our previous violent conflict this distance will help prevent additional misunderstandings. Moreover, we have had very bad conflicts with our neighbors the Cult and Consciousness so you can understand why close neighbors cause us grave concern. Chiron is a very big place Chairman and there is no reason to encroach on other’s territories and interests.

Our conflict with the Consciousness is extremely unfortunate. As you are well aware, Aki Zeta is one of my proudest creations – a prototype of cybernetic and algorithmic enhancement that was far ahead of her time. Unfortunately she has chosen to ally herself with the odious Cult of Planet, and together they have both declared unprovoked war on the University four times. A truce after the first declarations of war lasted merely a year with the Cult, and Aki Zeta broke her truce after the first war to assist the Cult. Therefore, they are not to be trusted, have caused the University considerable loss, and are prime examples of bad neighbors.

Any loss of life is regrettable since civilians do not make the decisions; they are caught in the middle. Most of the bases we capture will be gifted to the Gaians since Deirdre Skye has proved to be an enlightened steward that is friendly toward all of her neighbors. Hopefully this will ease any distress on the part of the Cyborg civilians.

But, to answer your question: the University will press its war until the Cult and Consciousness agree to surrender to the University of Chiron. With their history of egregious breaking of treaties that is the only solution we can now accept.

Regards,
Prokhor Zakharov

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2247



*~*~*~*~*

University of Chiron Communiqué

To: Chairman Yang, Hive

Upon checking the world map it appears the new volcano is quite near existing University bases. In fact, it seem to be within 14 sectors of territory that has been already colonized by our people. Therefore I am glad you are not going to press the issue. Perhaps you can understand that the University is as protective of its territory as is the Hive, and it is in neither of our interests to allow needless conflict. There is more than enough conflict on Chiron already, I’m sure you will agree. .

The University is going to respectfully decline giving you the Cultist communication frequency. Our policy is to isolate the Cult as much as possible due to their warlike nature and tendency to cause extreme trouble. At this time they are still a noticeable threat to the University and recently destroyed a sea former, attacked a cruiser, initiated multiple espionage attacks, and have sent a small wave of copters into University territory. Once they are no longer a threat we will be pleased to reconsider the option.

It appears you have been misinformed on the nature of the war between the Cyborgs and the University. Unfortunately may have died, but that is a sad byproduct of an attack on any fortified location. Indeed, in almost every case at least 20,000 people die during the attack and subsequent occupation, and this can increase markedly if the battle is pitched and multiple attacks are made. For instance, during the last year the University attacked the Cult city of Upsilon Depot, which was a staging ground for copter attacks on our forces. Our copter attack eliminated the last defender and the subsequent occupation resulted in the total destruction of the city. Larger cities also suffer, but are less likely to be totally destroyed. You will note that most of the bases that no longer exist were small bases, although the back-and-forth battles at the beginning of our offense were admittedly less effective and resulted in more damage and casualties.

To date Aki Zeta has refused to come to terms even though she only has three cities left. We will take one in the coming year, and the last two sea bases will fall when we are able to get forces in the theatre. We will also have to deal with the Cult bases, too, although that will be difficult since they are spread all over the seas.

It is my earnest hope that the Aki Zeta Five and Cha Dawn will see reason and allow us to end the war on terms the University can accept. Until that point we will be forced to press our war. To promote grater harmony and minimize the loss of life we will gift most of the bases to the Gaians, per our previous communication.

Sincerely,
Prokhor Zakharov

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2248

“We’ve taken Invictus from the Cult and Lambda Farms from the Cyborgs. We weren’t quite able to take Hermitage due to unexpected Cult units the chopper found on the way in and had to eliminate. Hermitage should fall in the coming year.”

Admiral Conrads paused. “There is a problem. Our choppers crews are all exhausted and almost all have significant damage. We either need reinforcements or a respite to repair. We lost a chopper when combat went badly, which was a calculated risk in its damaged condition. That will only get more pressing as we have to span longer distances to eliminate the Cult bases to the east.”

Zakharov nodded. “Use your discretion, Admiral. There are three new chopper crews on the way, but moving seven sectors per year is slow. I’d rather have a secure movement than a risky one. I do not want to jeopardize our gains in foolhardy moves. Now, what is this I hear of developments near University Port?”

The Admiral continued. “It seems the Gaians are raising land near their new base. If they raise terrain one more time it will completely seal off the sea lanes in that area, and University Port will be landlocked. For land-based units this isn’t a problem, but any sea units will be trapped. Currently we have two cruisers making their way to repair. I’d hate to lose them inadvertently.”

“Can you have them go to University Base?” he asked.

“Yes, but that doesn’t answer the issue of the blocked access. I recommend that they base at University Port to repair and then immediately move east. It is a calculated risk.”

“Very well. Thank you Admiral.” The admiral’s image winked out.

“Now, to the proposal: shall we call for planetary elections? With the Empath Guild and our recent population expansion we are assured of victory. Thoughts?” Zakharov asked.

“Not a good idea,” Immanuel said. “As soon as we have elections all factions will have the communication frequency of all the others. That would give isolated factions like the Hive the ability to contact the Cult and Believers, and who know what sort of issues that will initiate. At least we should wait until the Cyborgs are eliminated, which won’t take too long.”

Richard Korath interjected, “We need to consider the economic benefits. We will get more trade with the Gaians.”

Immanuel responded. “Trivial. If we had more trading partners that might make a difference, but not right now. Considering the attitudes of the Hive and Spartans and our vendetta with the rest an improvement in our diplomatic standing isn’t likely.”

Zakharov nodded. “Agreed. We’ll postpone for now. And what of our latest breakthrough in Probability Mechanics. I hear this will give us an armor factor 8, and an espionage project Hunter Seeker Algorithm. I have to say that I like the idea of being mostly immune from espionage attacks.”

Amy Constance said, “We have too many Projects and now enough military production, Prokhor. This is the same trap we fell into initially with our war on the Cult – we tried to do two things at once. It didn’t work. We need to keep at least two thirds of our primary bases producing military hardware if we are going to bring the conflict to a close. Remember that the Projects we can complete vary from 300 and 500 industrial units, which is significant. That is projection that isn’t being used for other purposes.”

She looked around and saw skeptical glances. “If we have to choose we should work on the Hunter Seeker Algorithm. That will speed up our advances, and give us some defense against the Hive and Spartans.”

“Very well,” Zakharov said grudgingly. “Unless there is dissent we will keep our focus on the war. And switching from a Planned economy to a Private/Protectionist?”

“It will take our breakthrough rate from eight to five years and our surplus from 30 to almost 150 megacredits a year. We can consider upping spending on science, which will improve our scientific output. The penalty will be reduced industrial production, which may not be a good idea for the time being.”

“Yes. There is that. Any other issues?” There was no response. “Good. Let’s get some dinner.”



*~*~*~*

University of Chiron Communiqué

To: Chairman Yang of the Hive

It appears we have a few issues to resolve. If the Human Hive colonizes the volcanic island that will place your forces within striking distance of bases and units on official and long-standing University territory. Likewise, your bases will be within striking distance of University missiles. We remember all too well the extreme measures that were taken by the Hive against University units that wandered into your self-proclaimed sphere of influence . Further, there will be additional University bases established within current University territory, and these bases will be relatively near the volcano. If we are not very careful there will be further hostilities if the Hive insists on colonizing this landmass and keeps it policy of blasting any unit that is within missile range. There are plenty of unoccupied lands and seas on Chiron, Chairman, and establishing bases that can strike University lands is a provocation. This would be a grave error since, as has been demonstrated against by our actions against the Cyborgs and Cult, the University is fully prepared to go to total war if sufficiently provoked.

If the Human Hive has data that implicates the University of any atrocity then please send it to all factions. The Cult and Cyborgs have, I am sure, sent whatever data they have to support their groundless accusations to all other factions, and to my knowledge the Gaians, Spartans, and even the Believers have found it to be unconvincing. Your data will be no better. I would caution you to be careful that your datalinks have not been corrupted by Cyborg algorithms. They are quite adept in such actions due to their very nature as cyborgs and affinity to data networks, and they are quite motivated to draw in others into a war they initiated and are losing badly.

Your position that the Cult and Cyborgs present 'no credible threat' to the University is perplexing since the Hive has the stated policy of destroying or at least bombing any foreign military unit that comes within 14 sectors of your ever-expanding territory. By your definition the University should have reduced all Cult, Cyborg, Gaian, and Believer cities to ash long ago. Indeed, I would venture to guess that you would take great umbrage with any foreign unit that attacks or destroys Hive property - as the Cult and Cyborgs have done regularly and without provocation to the University. Please clarify your positions since, at face value, it appears to be inherently contradictory.

Prokhor Zakharov

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2249

The Hive had called an election for Planetary Governor. Apparently they’d finally gotten the communication links for the Cult and Believers from the Spartans, or maybe the Cult gave the Believer’s communication frequency. Regardless, the result was the same: a resounding victory for the University of Chiron. When all the votes were tallied the University-Gaian alliance had twice the votes of the Hive-Spartans axis. The Believers, Cult, and Consciousness had abstained. Apparently they didn’t have any friends except for the Spartans.

The University was in the same boat with only the Gaians as allies. This irritated Zakharov, and then he had an idea.

*~*~*~*

“Sister Godwinson,” Zakharov said in a neutral voice.

“Wretched heathen. You have only caused us grief since we made first contact. But regardless of your foul deeds you will do penance by gifting us your technology Mechanical Probability. Consider it a small down payment to be right with God.”

Zak cocked his head slightly to one side. “Sister, you know I can’t do that. I’m calling to see if we can come to an agreement. The Gaians are pressing you…”

“Witches, all,” she interjected.

The Prokhor ignored the comment. “…and you only have two bases. Your allies the Cyborgs are almost destroyed, and you know the Cult is next. Other than declaring war on us you have done us no wrong. Consider your options.”

Miriam was silent for a moment. “A truce then. I will agree to a truce.”

Zakharov shook his head. “I’m afraid it has gone beyond that. I will make you a pledge, Sister. You can run your society in any way you wish with no interference from the University. I will arrange for you and the Gaians to be at peace, which will remove a severe threat against your people and your faith. In return you will join with the Gaians and University in our alliance. We will do what we can to protect you, provide gifts of technology, and even bases. We have done so frequently for the Gaians, which demonstrates that the University can live with differences and that we do what we can for our friends. What do you say?”

Her face seemed to twist between a sneer and despair. “We can discuss it. Just keep those witches away from us!”

Zakharov gave her a sympathetic smile. “Agreed. Within the hour you will have a peace treaty with the Gaians, and if it goes well a friendship treaty. The enemies of the University will be your enemies.”

“Yes,” she said and then terminated the holo link.

Amy Constance and the rest of the Council came into the room.

“Who would have believed it?” she said. “Now we can use the Gaian and Believer bases to finish off the last of the Cult’s far flung bases,” Richard Korath said.

“Trade from the Believers and from the Planetary Governorship has increased our research rate by 15 percent, Prokhor – much greater than we expected,” Amy Constance commented.

Zakharov nodded. Privately he was relieved. He had no wish to pulverize the Believers who, as he said, had done the University no harm. In fact, they were rather pathetic. It would take a long, long time to build them up. But in the end it would be worth it. If the Gaians for whatever reason didn’t want a Cult or Consciousness base now he could gift them to the Believers, who would be grateful.

Options. There were always options.

[Hydro]

University Base, MY 2250

The Planetary Council was assembled. Miriam Godwinson looked generally irritated, and Zakharov noticed that the Cult and Consciousness were glancing at him with undisguised loathing. What was amusing to him was that they were also glancing at teach other with hatred. If his contacts were correct the Cult and Consciousness were now at war and were tearing each other’s guts out. That was fine by him, but it was truly unfortunate that the Cult had to drag the Consciousness down with him. Although soon – within the year – he and Aki Zeta would have a long, long time to discuss her failings. All of her bases would be conquered by then. The choppers were repairing, so the long strikes against the Cult would come soon enough. His fate was sealed, too. And with that distraction gone there would be other matters to attend to.

Now, to the issue at hand: The Hive had called to have the restriction on atrocities repealed! Zakharov smiled to himself. After all the lecturing Yang had subjected the University to on the rights of man, humanitarian assistance in dire need, and general finger wagging that old opportunist wanted to do to everyone on Chiron what he was doing to his own people: brutalization and subjugation.

The vote came down quickly. One by one everyone voted NO, except for Yang. Then as Planetary Governor all eyes came to him.

“Chairman Yang, now we see you for what you truly are. The entirety of humanity on Chiron is against you, and I utterly reject your repeal of the Charter of Human Rights. I will happily veto the measure to ensure that it fails.”

Cha Dawn and the Consciousness were muttering to themselves. They had few friends and many enemies now. Few would listen to them.

There was a nod from Santiago, a curt glance from Miriam, a small wave and a smile from Deirdre and they all winked out. Cha Dawn and Aki Zeta left just as he’d finished speaking.

Zakharov glanced at Chairman Yang. “Nice try.” Then he severed his connection.

*~*~*~*

[Hydro]

Tsiolovski Institute, MY 2251

Zakharov was happy. Very happy. The Hunter Seeker Algorithm project was complete, and with its completion much of the paranoia he felt every day with the possibility of espionage was almost eliminated. Granted, the monitoring and encryption systems were not full proof, but with the levels of technology the other factions had it certainly was at this point. Now they University could expand far and wide and now have to worry nearly as much about infiltration, theft, or having units co-opted. Any enemy agents that tried such an act would die a horrible and well deserved death.

And then there was their new technology Centauri Meditation. By itself it was nothing more than one more link in their understanding of the strange Chiron ecology, but if they chose to invest they could gain access to the secrets of the Chirophany Dome – turning the fungus into true allies all over Chrion! Considering the trouble that fungus gave them this would be a true achievement, with advances in terraforming fungus and in native life cycles, too.

That was not at the top of his list, however. Their next project would be Gattica for free bioenhancement facilities at every University base! New Azamas was already working on it, and he knew he had to contain his enthusiasm. It was too easy to become lulled into ‘builder’ mode. Making shining cities was good, but it was useless if someone could then take them away from you. Investing just as much in defense was critical to keep what you had. The Cult and Cyborgs had taught him that the hard way. Overwhelming force was what would be required to keep their position on Chiron.

And speaking of force, the Cyborgs lost Epsilon Reef and the Cult lost Sanctuary Dome – both sea bases. Now the blitz would start, with copters and transports leap frogging each other to take one base after another. If there weren’t yet more setbacks the Cult would be rolled up into a ball very soon and there would be no more ‘incidents’ like the sea former they had destroyed in the last year.

And what to do with the bases? Half would be given to the Gaians and the other half would be given to the Believers. The University had 31 bases now, and that was far too many. It was much better to have a solid number of well developed bases then have a wide and thin expansion like the Hive. Yes, it had its uses and might suit the Hive very well, but not the University. Such an expansion was a liability. Plus, the trade gained from more bases by the Gaians and Believers was worth it all by itself, oh yes!



*~*~*~*
University Base, MY 2252

The last Cyborg city Lambda Lair was taken and Aki Zeta-5 was in custody and under armed guard. Under no circumstances was she allowed anywhere near an integrated node, nor any inter-operational electronic device. She was simply too good at infiltration to be trusted near any of the University’s datalinks. In the old days she would have been invited to join and add what she wanted. But now there was too much bad blood. She had been humiliated and her dreams shattered. Zakharov knew he didn’t need or really want to rub salt in that wound. It was enough that she wouldn’t trouble the University every again.

The next Cult base Arc of Edicts had fallen easily to the combined amphibious rover and copter assault. The copters were at the end of their fuel range so they could only attack once, but the coordination had been correct. There were no losses, or even any significant damage. The forces massed at Ark of Edicts was more than enough to take out the rest of the Cult. They simply needed time and spaces since the Cult bases were far apart. That might be a problem, but in short order all the main bases would be captured and the Cult of Planet would be a rump empire that was waiting to die.

Now that gave Zakharov no joy either. The Cult was a nuisance, but a dangerous nuisance. They’d landed a rover and destroyed a supply crawler, but had lost the rover and their isle in return – a very bad trade, and one they could ill afford. It was a great trade for the University, who hardly noticed the loss.

In the not too distant future the University would have to decide to focus on research and development. Admiral Conrads was fairly certain that the forces she had were sufficient to eliminate the Cult, so perhaps half of the University bases could be devoted to development. Another phase of growth would be useful, as would migrating to a Private/Protectionist economic system again.

No, that would wait for a little while longer.