"Crossfire Tales"

[Jasonian]

U.N.S Unity
Corridor to Landing Pod 3
Controlled by Yang’s forces
M.Y. 2100


Yang’s men quickly spread out down the corridor, pointing their shredders at every access hatch and air duct that they passed. Domai was marched along behind them. Although he was not bound, several others that were being moved along with him were. Domai recognized Pankol and Kohai from the beginning of the Drone rebellion that had began unexpectedly in the mess hall. Since then, his people had obtained a large force and almost secured their own landing pod. Domai wondered if Yang had pinpointed the capture of those two as well.

Domai entered the landing pod and was strapped in. The pod was a full fifty levels tall, with 200 souls on each level. The pod was nearly full and a defining din filled it as people talked, know these moments could be their last. The security guards bound Domai and then strapped themselves in. The door was sealed and a monitor above came on. It showed their current location, as well as the location of the seven other pods, plus the Sea Escape pod. They were all clustered together, since break-up had not yet occurred.

A ten-minute countdown had started. The suspense built as the last few seconds counted down, and as it hit 00:00 the pod was dead silent. Nothing happened, and the timer started to go negative. The booming noise started again as people began to be truly afraid. Most were aware that the landing window was very small, and any break-up error could strand them in space.

The ship gave a sickening groan. It was going to break up, controlled or not. Around –02:30, however, sounding of a nearby fire fight were heard. And finally, a full three minutes after it should have happened, there was an explosion and they were free.

The monitor showed the pods scatter. One had been completely destroyed in the explosion. The other eight, including the Sea Escape Pod, began to drift apart. During moments where the shaking didn’t threaten to knock him out, Domai saw that their pod was the only one left on the screen.

They fell for what seemed to be forever, and eventually they actually began to feel their own weight. That didn’t help at all, and Domai finally fell unconscious. He awoke again seconds before impact. The impact jarred them all, breaking some restraints and sending some of the passengers flying.

At last, Planetfall had ended. Talk slowly began again as people began to recover from the trip. When most were awake, Yang boomed over the com, “My citizens. Welcome to my Hive.”

************


Free Drone Central
MMI Labs

Domai sat patiently as his assistants disconnected the plugs from the MMI unit installed on the back of his head. Most of the rest of the people in the room were still staring up at the monitor that had played Domai’s vivid memory of Planetfall.

Domai spoke, “You all look so shocked. What’s the matter?”

Hain finally found his voice, “We… we came from space?”

Domai was shocked, “Yes! Of course! You mean to tell me you didn’t know that?!”

“No… we were never taught that. Just how to take orders and to operate machinery. Stuff like that. We had assumed we were here all along. We heard nothing of this U.N.S Unity craft and chaos onboard that split our race like it is now.”

Domai said nothing and just stared at the ground. Malcolm said, “Umm… Domai? What happened to Pankol and Kohai, and to the rest of the Drones that secured the colony pod?”

“… Pankol didn’t survive the trip, and Kohai died in a revolt. As for the rest of the Drones… although they never told me, I overheard two talents talking about the ‘Drone lander explosion.’ I’m afraid… our comrades were aboard the pod that exploded. Either it was damaged in the fighting, or they couldn’t figure out how to control it properly during Planetfall.”

There was silence, then Atlasia asked, “Why did you insist that we replay that, Foreman?”

“I was hoping that I could find out some information on our Cyborg enemies. If I recall correctly, a young talent under Zakharov named Aki Hansen was involved in some sort of pre-sentient experiment involving attaching computers to human brains, similar to what I have now. The project never began, however, and Aki was stripped of rank. She came down with some sort of sickness and was placed in the sick bay. Now that I have seen that memory again, I recall that Yang was looking for her, but she had vanished. Which leaves us pretty much at square one again.”

More silence. Finally, Malcolm said, “During that flashback, I call came in from Venus. Her team has sighted land and she wishes to disembark and search it for Cyborg life, if I can use the term ‘life’ with them.”

Domai nodded, “Fine. Tell her to be cautious as usual and to remember that these people won’t show her any mercy. I believe we all have things to do, yes?” Everyone nodded, “Then let’s be on our way.”

The council members scattered.

[This message has been edited by Jasonian (edited January 13, 2000).]

[Barshy]

Going down the elevator reserved for top officials, Sean was still recovering from the exchange that had just occured on the top floor.

So quick, so furious... Sean thought. He didn't expect the dialogue between Cha Dawn and Miriam to fire so quickly. Moreover, he was surprised at how fast Miriam interrupted Cha Dawn's utterances, and how quickly she pronounced judgement and essential vendetta on his faction, barely allowing this "prophet" to get a word in.

Cha Dawn's fury, his zealousness... Perhaps she saw so much of herself in this young boy, that she couldn't bear to maintain conversation with him.
******************************************

Main Cathedral, Top Floor

Meanwhile, Miriam slumped back in her chair. What had I just done? Miriam reflected. In less than a minute, she had had a conversation with a new faction leader, and instead of reasoning with him or trying to convert him she immediately let the sparks fly and vendetta declared.

In any case, Cha Dawn seemed bent on declaring vendetta, and there was nothing she could do about it.

She quickly sent an electronic message to Minister Peter Herriott, authorizing him to begin recruitment of trance and empath troops, for she imagined that this would be psionic war. One problem: She didn't know where this.. Cult of Planet was even located! The Ministers of the Council will be surely surprised and shocked by this recent turn of events.

No matter. God was on their side. And "Planet," a mere creation of God, would not be able to withstand His wrath.

In any case, she had planned to negotiate a treaty with Dierdre. The day had been a circus of diplomacy, and now this was the final act.

Weary and tired, Miriam began dialing the commlink frequency for Lady Dierdre Skye. She would use discretion as to whether or not to tell her about this new Planet-loving faction. Skye would either be overjoyed at discovering those who respected Planet, or greatly disturbed at discovering those who claimed to be the essence of Planet herself.

*******************************************

Main Cathedral, Underground

When Sean finally reached the Underground Command Room, he saw a magnificent sight on the screen that was Don's view.

As if on cue, a voice spoke in his ear, "Minister Yang! It seems we've found this seafaring faction!"

Sean looked on in amazement at this faction's beautiful sea colony, and said a quick prayer.

[Cotroneo]

0700 hours
Morgan Interstellar
Warehouse District 1-3-5 Red Sector

“What am I?” The young pupil asked as he slowly walked closer to his aging master.

“You are hope.” Master Kurita said as he turned to his innocent pupil.

“Hope sensei?” The pupil asked as he sat down into a lotus stance near his master.

“Yes… hope. You have been given a great gift.” Kurita replied as he stood towering over his student.

“Gift? By who… what for?” The young pupil uttered quickly, almost sounding like he said one long word.

“You ask many questions young one. Perhaps you should train as hard as you ask questions.” Master Kurita turned to a shelf attached to the wall and took four sparring gloves off. He handed a pair to his pupil and he put on the other pair.

“Is it not human to ask about your surroundings?” The young pupil followed his sensei into the center of the faintly lighted room and reached down to his legs to stretch his body out.

“What is your definition of human… Am I human or you? Human is merely a term we give ourselves, so that we justify to our brains that we can be killed.”

The young student looked up to his master puzzled as ever, and quickly bowed honorably as they got ready to spar.

“If I am not human, then I can’t be killed… master?”

“Now you understand young one…prepare yourself.” The master said as they both erupted off their feet and began to hurl rapid punches and kicks at each other. Until they heard the loud thud of a pupil hitting the ground violently.

[Raging Mouse]

Location: U.N. Headquarters

"How she has changed. Back at the Unity, things were so different; we understood each other perfectly. We could talk. There was none of this 'freedom'. She saw all people as equal, no matter who or what they bowed their heads and prayed to. I don't know.. it's this blasted planet. It makes everybody see red. Red sand, red fungus, red sky, red mindworms. Even red dreams. And now she terminated the treaty of friendship. 'The friend of her enemy is also her enemy'."

I have never seen Lal like this; nothing has come close since those grueling first weeks after the Unity was deserted. I don't know what to say. Not that Lal is expecting an answer of any kind that I can give.

He is silent for several minutes, that far-away look mixed with a dreadful weariness. Then he shudders and refocuses on matters at hand. His face becomes stern, determined.

"Now, professor kropotkin, what was it you wanted?"

"Um, ah, I'm, I'm here to report a breakthrough in our research on monopole magnets. We are currently in possession of all the necessary info to build a prototype mag-tube."

Lal nods. "To speed up unit relocation during the vendetta, and to facilitate civilian transportation in general. Yes. Very good."

I continue. "So now our research-department is free to pursue new goals. I was wondering if you have something specific in mind?"

Lal looks at me for a while. "No. I will not set a new goal. You will research what you see fit, or what happens to come your way. I won't interfere." He continues almost whispering. "There's been enough interfering with freedom today."

I nod and prepare to exit the room, but Lal holds up a hand. "Don't leave yet, Johan. Of all my advisors, you are the most trained in abstract, as well as logical, reasoning. So I ask you, what would you do?"

I shake my head in confusion. "Do when?"

"When your old friendships crumble. When the world changes so that the truth yesterday is untruth today. When Miriam breaks off all contact, and Zakharov offers an alliance, even though you have strived to treat both as equals."

I nod as understanding dawns. "Ahh. I've seen this happen; some of my most brilliant colleauges have retired to pursue some absolutely irrational new goal. As a matter of fact, a professor in particle physics is now spending his time conducting synthetic orchestras near fungal fields. He even insists he can hear applause from the occasional mindworm."

I smile sadly. "You said it yourself. Planet changes people. It's bound to happen, once you enter the third century of your life. Nobody 'crystallizes' and stays the same forever. I can give you several dozen medical reasons, but never mind." I think for a moment. "As to the situation, I'd accept Zakharov's offer." I probably look a bit embarrassed when I continue. "You know I'm no diplomat, or schemer, or whatever, and that I'm probably biased, but something tells me that Miriam's years of peace in the next millennium can be counted on one hand."

Lal nods. "I know you're not the expert on this field, but I could use a fresh point of view. Go on."

I take a deep breath, warming to the role. "Miriam is getting more fundamentalistic every year. Soon she'll declare holy war for the slightest perceived transgression against her preachings. This means everybody is a likely target; even us. On the other hand, Zakharov has seen the business end of an atrocity and is likely to remember the event for some time. This means he will distance himself from such behaviour in himself as well as others, and he will be very receptive to our political ideals. This cooperation would only grow more efficient by a pact." I look at Lal. "But I'm telling you nothing new, am I?"

Lal nods. "No. I came to the same conclusion. There simply isn't any way I can fit in Miriam's current politics to what this mission originally stood for, anymore. She has become a threat to my perceived world order; her scenario is almost as bad as that of Yang's." He sighs. "But let's hope she comes to her senses. She can change again." He looks up at me, smiling. "Thank you for your thoughts. They are appreciated."

After some small talk I leave. In my absence Lal hesitates but for a moment, and then he dials the comm-frequency of the University. The holoprojector flickers into life, and Zakharov is shown walking along a corridor. He turns his head towards Lal and nods sternly.

"Greetings again, commissioner. What can I do for you?"

Lal momentarily forgets his real reason for calling. "How can you stay focused on a holoprojection while moving along a corridor? How can you see my image?"

Zakharov merely smiles knowingly. "It's a kind of magic, commissioner. I trust you are calling about my offer?"

Lal takes a deep breath and steels himself. "Yes; I have come to a conclusion. It seems that you are indeed the closest one can come to an enlightened despot on Planet; you are certainly the voice of reason embodied. Therefore it is with pleasure that I accept your offer and enter a pact with your faction."

Zakharov stops walking and turns completely towards Lal. "What excellent news, commissioner! I am looking forward to seeing you at the official signing ceremony that will declare this pact to Planet. It will show that technology is indeed one of humanity's great stabilizing forces, and that research is best conducted in peace."

Lal stands up. "Prokhor, it will be an honour to meet you again face to face, after such a long time." He bows.

Zakharov returns the bow. "I agree. You have my best wishes, Pravin."

The commlink closes, and Lal returns to his chair. He looks around wildly as if staring at the suddenly shifted continents that are Planet's political blocs.

"Computer, open log. Record: To use Miriam's terminology, I have just made a leap of faith -into darkness. I have no Idea what will happen next; I merely sense the relative peace on Planet is about to end. Stop record."

[Barshy]

Lady Deirdre Skye gazed out the clear glass that overlooked Gaia's Landing. Beautiful, tall, green and white pines graced the red sky. Peaceful citizens in flowing green robes strolled up and down the paths that weaved through the trees. In the distance, endless fields of blooming xenofungus swayed back and forth in the gentle breeze. The entire city was one integrated, organic unit, living in harmony with Planet. She closed her eyes, and could almost feel Planet's embrace...

*blip*

Reverie interrupted, Deirdre turned around at her screen to see an orange sign encasing a small cross. Sister Miriam, Deirdre gasped. It has been so long since they last had contact. Almost a century... Scanning her memory banks, Dierdre remembered their last few conversations. Their factions still small, Dierdre had no qualms with Miriam's radical beliefs, nor with Miriam's regular economic behavior. No treaty was made, for Dierdre wished to be left alone with her environmental initiatives, and wanted no part in Miriam's arbitrary crusades.

Now, both their factions had grown considerably, and she was dismayed that Miriam decided to exploit Planet for the sake of increased growth and production. Morgan, however, was practically destroying Planet with his venemous factories, a plague of death fueled by the high demand for Morganite products at home and abroad. She hated war, but for the sake of Planet's protection, she had to fight... she would never let the same human mistakes be repeated on Planet. Embroiled in a deadlock vendetta with Morgan, Dierdre had no time to address Miriam concerning her own economic practices.

But perhaps now was the time.

She pressed a button on her control panel, and the familiar face of Sister Miriam appeared. Compared with a century ago, her face had a slightly more reddish glow to it.

"Greetings, Lady Dierdre. It has certainly been quite a while since we last talked. I trust your environmental practices are going well? Have you put an end to Morgan's monopolistic grasping?" Miriam politely asked.

Flinching just barely, Dierdre responded, "We have just recaptured a base on our territory that was recently subverted by Morgan. My hope is that I will no longer have to use force to convince Morgan to end his deadly practices."

"Sadly, Lady, force is often needed to successfully convert one to your beliefs," Miriam replied. Dierdre felt quite uneasy at her provocative remarks. What did she want?

Miriam continued. "Now, to the point. Lady, I would like to propose a treaty of friendship between our factions. I know this request is unexpected, but I have been praying for you and your faction lately, and it is my belief that God would have us be friends. We have no qualms with each others' behavior, and so a treaty could only benefit us, both relationally and economically. My only requirement would be that you refrain from signing a treaty with the immoral Zakharov; but seeing that you are not engaged in one, this offer should be... ripe for your taking."

Dierdre hesitated for a moment. Is that truly all? she wondered. She knew that friendship with Miriam would eventually lead to her demand for Dierdre to change her government, something she was loathe to do. Having signed a territorial pact with Lal, the interaction between the Gaians and the Peacekeepers had increased, and his ideals had penetrated her citizens enough to convince her to implement a democracy. Moreover, she highly valued her subordinates' beliefs and wished for her citizens to exercise their own control.

"Sister Miriam, you need not worry about my relations with Zakharov. I had worked under him long enough as Unity botanist to know that he will cut any corner it takes to add to his precious 'research.' His disrespect for life in general, both plants and animals had always made me uneasy." Seeing a look of satisfaction cross Miriam's face, she continued, "Nevertheless, I do not intend to join your crusade against him. That is not my business to interfere with his work."

"As far as your offer goes, I fear I really must decline. Your planned economics system, Miriam, is simply unacceptable. Your ballooning population and growing industrial might is dangerous to the environment; you wouldn't want to see Planet end up as Earth did, would you? Your sprawling empire would do well with Green Economics; I guarantee that your allocative efficiency will be improved greatly by it, decreasing the loads of deadweight loss that your current system yields." As much as Dierdre feared Miriam's powerful military might, her stance on her environmental beliefs were much stronger than that fear.

"Moreover, even if I were to engage in friendship with you, our trade would be unsuccessful. My people refuse to purchase goods imported from factions deemed high-polluters; there is no market for your commodities here," Dierdre explained. Of course, she had left out the fact that there was a sprawling black market rampant in her territory for Morganite goods. A market that would have to be weeded out.

A look of dissappointment crossed Miriam's face. It was apparent that the day had not gone well for her. She replied, "Very well. Know that I continue to pray for you, and know that the offer is still on the table. Before I leave, I would implore you to reconsider your government style. Not only is it godless, it does not offer the true freedom and love that God's love brings. Sister Miriam out."

Normally, Dierdre would ignore other factions' pleas to change this or that. However, this time, she began to ponder.

As a scientist, it was difficult to accept Miriam's concept of "God." However, she had always admired her sturdy faith, a faith that never flinched even in the face of immeasurable odds. Back on the Unity, both of them shared a value for human life, and when the ship was falling apart, Miriam was the only one who remained calm and steady.

Morever, the vendetta with Morgan was becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Few of her pacifist followers were ever willing to go to war and risk their lives, even though the cause was great. With the unanimous passing of the War Recruitment Act by the legislature, Dierdre could not recruit soldiers without offering significant compensation. This compensation crippled her production significantly... She had hoped to have three tree farms and two hybrid forests planted by this year to investigate the Earth/Planet interaction of organisms; and with the draining war on her hands not one was even constructed yet!

In addition to her support cost woes, she thought about the recent subversion of Resplendent Oak. Thankfully, she had recaptured it, but not without the loss of thousands of lives and key base facilities. How could my followers be so easily subverted? Dierdre thought. Perhaps she had overestimated her followers' devotion to her cause...

Suddenly, Dierdre shook her head. A fundamentalist government?? Impossible! There was no way she would ever model her government after Miriam. But she couldn't deny that she was almost convinced, surely by some outside force.

Perhaps this... "God" was more real than she thought.

[Raging Mouse]

Location: Data Decentral

Captain Manuel Cormora takes a brief look at the craters in the wall opposite to the one he is prone against. He knows those marks very well; only a short time ago the weapons generating such marks were standard Peacekeeper armament.

">Storgard, take a look at those blast-marks.<"

">Yeah; Impact Rifles. But the attack on University Central was with missile launchers.<"

The obvious question is immediately answered by a series of tremendous booms. The roof above Manuel and Storgard buckles and shatters, pummeling the men's photon shields with heavy debris. When the dust settles Manuel can clearly see a missile rover stopping mere meters from him. Luckily, the rover's attention is focused across the street. Manuel pulls his chaos rifle loose from the rubble, checks it's systems, and blasts the rover to kingdom come. Then he sprints further into the building as snipers start chipping away at his shield.

He stops with two walls between him and the action, and wills forth a summary of the situation. Ghostly green letters seemingly form in front of him; they tell a grim message: More missile rovers are arriving. Ten people are dead or missing from Manuel's company, fifteen more are injured.

Storgard takes a deep breath. "Kinda makes you wish for the confined spaces of a Hive base, doesn't it?" He grins. Manuel doesn't.

"Rolf, remind me to remember that remark, so that I can shove it down your throat afterwards." Several loud explosions herald the demise of two more missile rovers. Manuel smiles grimly. "Once more onto the breach, my friend."

"Huh?"

"I'll explain -later. Let's go."

Back outside the fighting has abated. A large hint of what happened is the meandering rows of craters along the buildings, and Corporal Ulrich's red-hot Mayhem Minigun. He rests his weapon on the buckled hood of a missile rover. Sporadic shots are still fired, but they are immediately answered by a volley of shots by the Peacekeepers.

">Secure these buildings, and look out for snipers in the next block.<"

Manuel turns a full circle and listens to the city as Storgard silently orders the platoon into position. He notes how the hums and buzzes of several machines can be heard, even after all this fighting. So different from a Hive base, where the engineers cheered when they got emergency lighting to work after the Hive sabotaged everything as they retreated. He wills open a commlink.

">Second and third platoons, what's your status?<"

">Second Lieutenant Toyama here. Second platoon is securing the steel-gray tower to your south-east. Will give you info once the building is cleared.<"

">Lieutenant Kladis of the third here. We're one block to the north of you, advancing.<"

Manuel nods. ">Everyone, listen up. Advance cautiously, and do not leave a single building unsecured. The enemy is likely to try and ambush us on every block, so stay sharp. And immediately report the discovery of any structure that looks armored or otherwise reinforced.<"


6 Hours later.


Manuel kicks at a smouldering rack of dehydrated foodstuffs, causing a couple of packages to fall to the floor and spill their contents over his boots.

'Dry beans.. I HATE dry beans...'

He is standing in what is apparently called 'resource-distribution center fourteen', fashioned in the style of a 20th-century shopping mall. It has more craters than Pholus, now. Fourteen people -two soldiers and twelve armed civilians- sacrificed their lives to keep this strategically unimportant building from falling into Peacekeeper hands. And there are scores of buildings like this all over the base.

'This isn't the act of a suppressed population. Only people who know what it means to be free act like this. These people actually consider us a worse option than their current government! How different from the Hive.'

Manuel wills open a link to Captain Steiner.

">Captain, how are you doing?<"

">Not so good, Manuel. My men are totally worn out by this incessant combat; morale is at an all-time low. I'll have to halt for the day real soon.<"

">And hope they won't attack you while you rest.<"

">Yeah. I just love it when I'm disappointed.<"

">Same here. Why not call it a day now, and save some lives otherwise lost to fatigue? We can fall back, fortify a relatively intact building, and wait for the University forces. Those chaos cruisers should be able to pound some of the fight out of these people.<"

">Good idea. Will call you back soon.<"

Manuel opens a link to his entire company (or the four fifths of it still alive, anyway).

">Men, let's fall back to that engine shop a few blocks back, and set up a camp.<"

A virtual chorus of cheers erupts over the commlink, until Lieutenant Storgard manages to 'shout' it down. The company retreats to the building; a three-story bunker with a large double door of steel as it's main entrance. Soon the building is well secured and guards assigned, and Manuel has time to talk again to Captain Steiner.

">Captain, this is what we'll do tomorrow. Once the artillery has hammered a bit we'll drive a spearhead straight to that big tower-like structure in the center of the base. It seems the resistance gets heavier as we draw near it; with any luck we can disable their command structure, removing their ability to strike back.<"

">Hmm. That's gonna be a high-loss manoeuver.<"

">More high-loss than sweeping this city clean of soldiers before finding out who's in charge?<"

">Good point.<"

">Then I'll contact you in the morning.<"

A shot from a chaos rifle sounds. Manuel peers into the night until the soldier on guard informs that the intruder is dead. Then he unrolls his sleeping-bag, and hopes he'll actually sleep this night.

[Bearcat]

Dawn of Planet
Isle of Deinara

Prophet Cha Dawn stood satring out his window at the sweeping expanse of Planet. A living, pulsing, breathing Planet. And idiots like Morgan had the audacity to disturb it's sacntity. On one wall hung the Cultist banner. Xenofungus pink with the image of a Mind Worm's maw. Encircled with Planet's resonance. He looked up as his tactical minister entered.

"Tell me Claude what is their on the agenda today." Claude had been one of the original Ecological Malcontents. Those who had taken Cha Dawn from the xenofungus and declared him Planet's messiah.

"These Believers appear to have two bases on the outer perimeter of our territory. Our Biology Lab has just finished breeding another boil. That makes five in all. I'm guessing we're at war and I've drawn up some battle plans" Claude said. Cha Dawn remained silent for along time. Then he turned to Claude.

"Thes Believers will soon know just what Planet has in stoer for them. Dismissed."

[Barshy]

Judgement Seat
Isle of Deinara

"Governor, the Lord has been exceedingly gracious to us. Hundreds of soldiers have been recruited at the behest of Minister Herriott," the advisor reported.

Governor Esau Williams nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent," he said. "I'm glad Minister Herriott was wise enough to heed my recommendation to allocate military resources in this base." Not knowing where to begin recruitment of trance/empath soldiers, Peter Herriott trusted Esau's intuition. Judgement Seat was a medium sized base on an island separate from the Believer mainland.

After years of administrative training, Esau specifically requested assignment to Judgement Seat. Most Believers were only interested in poring over the Bible, but he had a special interest in Planet, Planet life, xenofungus, and the like. Although criticized my some of the more conservative beureaucrats as being too obsessed with Planet, he was unscathed, for he could debate theology with the best of them.

Judgement Seat was surrounded by rich xenofungus, which was what drew Esau to this area. He even remembered a voice one night... (God's voice?) beckoning him to this area. Surprisingly, though, there had not been a single mindworm attack on his base since his administration began five years ago. Not that he was complaining.

When he heard of the recent development of this mysterious cultish faction, he was more thrilled than worried. Perhaps dealings with this faction could contribute to his Planet research. Unfortunately for him, they were at war.

"Have the hypnotic trance implants and empath song implants been constructed yet?" Esau asked his advisor.

"Yes it has... but I'm afraid we had to use all the minerals that you had specifically allocated for your tree farm project..." the advisor replied anxiously, knowing how important Esau's pet projects were. Before Esau could get angry, he added, "It was by direct order from Minister Herriott."

Esau bowed his head and sighed. None of the Lord's Council, nor most believers, for that matter, appreciated his dedication to Planet research. Nevertheless, it was for a much worthier cause; that of the Lord's.

Perhaps through this vendetta, some mindworms could be captured and studied... His colleagues in Gaian territory constantly bragged about their latest findings on mindworm research, but Esau had no access to their research since they had no treaty with them. He also never understood how the Gaians managed to capture mindworms when, in his experience, every Believer attempt at doing so either resulted in dead mindworms or dead Believers.

"Good work," Esau said. "Your reward is great in heaven."

The advisor smiled proudly, and audaciously returned, "Thank you! This blaspheming faction will meet God's wrath. Planet is ours for the taking!" He began to march off.

"No, advisor..." Esau fumed. "Planet is not 'ours'. Planet is God's, and everything in it. That which God has graciously bestowed upon us is to be cherished, and to be cared for, and to be studied. We humans have already practically destroyed the first home created for us, Earth. The Lord is giving us a second chance. I hope we do not ruin it again." Esau's face burned, no longer at the advisor, but more at the believers in general...

As Esau looked off into the distance, eyes wondering what the future of the Believers would bring, the advisor discreetly and quietly slipped away.

[Cotroneo]

0530 hours
Command Center, Secret Hollow

“Hello gentlemen, what do you have for me this morning?” Sinder asked as she walked into the room and sat down at the great ‘round’ table.

“Well there’s good news, and bad news.” Beetle responded as he nodded hello to Spirit who had walked in behind Sinder.

“Well let’s have the good news first.” Sinder said as the council finally got settled in their chairs. Sinder had a surprisingly pleasant sleep even though she was fully aware about the fighting on Dexamenus.

“Hopefully this is the good news. The robot sappers that bring the material up from the hole are processing all three boreholes day and night as of yesterday. The amount of different types of materials is staggeringly great, which is an enormous advantage in the near term future of this base. I have found that simply engineered machines can take the place of our worker shortage, until that problem is resolved.” Spirit exclaimed to the entire council, proud of his production engineers who have been working the long unmerciful hours to start mining all the boreholes.

“Having materials essential for buildings and components is perfectly nice, but do we have the infrastructure to turn these raw materials into finished products that are essential to this small bases needs?” Sinder asked, taking a bit of Spirit’s joy away.

“I have been setting up industries in new bases all my life Sinder, and I have noticed that the infrastructure that you are suggesting grows by itself due to the needs of the community. As our population problem naturally resolves itself and average working families want to grow economically, they develop the needed economic foundation or infrastructure. We must have patience.” Spirit answered as he stood up and signaled to Sinder’s secretary to bring him some hot coffee.

“Spirit has a point Sinder, although we are in a precarious situation, our defenses and industry grows every day. I look forward to the day we can turn off this marvel of technology.” Zebra said as he pointed to the yellow glowing cloaking field out the window.

“I understand and appreciate your confidence in our mission here and you are correct, we must have patience. Oh yes, before I forget, how goes the refitting of the Messiah, Junior?” Sinder leaned slightly back on her chair as she brainstormed about several different ideas.

“Although we can not run flight tests, due to the limited distance of the cloaking field perimeter, we are very confident in its ability to reenact our past flight if needed again. It was a wonderful feeling when her engine kicked in, and the fusion drive started percolating.” Replied Clark, although a bit ticked off about being refereed to by his annoying call sign.

“Hopefully we will not need to use the aircraft in its previous role.” Raptor interjected into the conversation, referring to their precarious departure from Data DeCentral.

“That brings me to my next point nicely Raptor.” Sinder said as the holo-projector formed a picture of Chiron, and its faction boundaries. “Perhaps we should start ferrying loyal personal from other factions into our new community here, to increase our industry and economic growth. The way we used to back at Data DeCentral with the skimships. I believe small quick trips with the stealth transport could ferry enough people, without detection from the Spartan government near by.” Sinder pointed on the holo-projector to several cities within the Morgan and Spartan territories, showing the council how many ‘citizens’ within these bases wanted to brake away from their current leaders for a better life.

“You are aware of the risks Sinder.” Raptor said as he examined the cities in question.

“Raptor is right Sinder, any time we tell assumed ‘loyal’ people about this secret base of ours, the increased chance that the ‘wrong’ people can get there hands on this base’s whereabouts and intentions.” Beetle cautioned, as he remembered how they had let Tomahawk join their city and latter their council, without a thought of his true intentions.

“Perhaps a vote is in order.” Clark offered, acting in his usual peacekeeping role.

Sinder : yes
Zebra : no
Beetle : no
Spirit : no
Junior : yes
Raptor : no

“That settles it. Perhaps at a later date, when we are in a better tactical position.” Zebra said to the group.

Sinder was not annoyed at being out voted by her fellow council members. Although she was head of the council, she viewed herself as their intellectual equal, and was proud that her friends were willing to stick up for their opinions. Her belief in democracy had been revitalized by the smooth running of their base even through the worse of times.

“You had commented Beetle about bad news, would you mind clarifying yourself.” Sinder asked as she straightened her back out and stretched.

Beetle stood up and clicked several touch screen buttons on a datapad, which brought up a full three-dimensional view of Data DeCentral on the holo. “As you are all aware by now, Peacekeeper forces, with additional University forces have landed on Dexamenus and are moving towards Tomahawk’s capitol building.” Beetle stopped as the holo-projector placed the forces on the 3D map.

“Do to a lack of available satellite hook ups over Data DeCentral, we are still unaware about the current condition of both conflicting faction forces. But, we are fairly certain that our old ‘friend’ Tomahawk is not doing so well. Several Peacekeeper laser transfer messages back to Peacekeeper Command, that we have intercepted, have told us that the island will be pacified completely within the week. Which brings up several obvious problems.” Beetle took his seat after finishing addressing the council.

“If I am not mistaken, I’m pretty sure your alluding to Tomahawks capture, and probably interrogation.” Sinder replied as she took a sip from her glass.

“Do you think he would actually give away our position, to the Peacekeepers….and to the University?” Asked Spirit who had finally received his coffee.

“If it gets him out of a bad situation, I’m sure Tomahawk would use us as his scapegoat. It makes me wonder if it was wise that I made the order to strike against the capitol. Even though it resulted in this borehole being empty of University scientists for us.” Sinder brushed her forehead with her hand, as she leaned on the table with her other elbow.

“What is done… is done, and theirs nothing we can do about that now. We must continue to prepare ourselves for the worst, and inevitable return and retribution from the University.” Raptor said, trying to comfort Sinder.

“Thank you Raptor. I believe our last objective for this meeting is to determine our next production goal for this base, which must not interfere with further excavation and use of the boreholes, which although progress has been made, must continue to be escalated.” Sinder said as she motioned for suggestions from the group.

“Perhaps a fusion plant to further increase our standard nuclear packs which run the cloaking field. This may be a prudent solution to our long term city goals.” Suggested Zebra, always concerned with the pursuit of technical tasks.

“That could take years to complete Zebra. I say we dissipate our future production into various projects to help every sector of our base. A fusion plant or lab would only help the more scientific minded citizens while the maintenance and production crews would be shoved off to the side.” Spirit countered as he stood up in protest.

“Perhaps we must compromise gentlemen.” Clark said as he pressed several buttons on his own datapad, and stopped to watch what appeared on the holo-projector.

The group also stopped their side conversations about future production plans and turned to the 3D picture on the holo-projector. They watched as a picture turned slowly, showing the members the various parts of the high tech facility.

“An orbital facility Junior, what gave you that insane idea?” Beetle asked as he turned to Clark, or better known as Junior among the council members.

“Actually is quite an interesting idea if you think about it.” Junior said as he leaned forward to look straight back at Beetle. “The satellite will take a long time to build, but the amount of infrastructure that will be needed to build the launch facility and maintenance system, will further increase our production from the boreholes from developed tech along the way. Spirit, your construction workers will have a tremendous amount of work building these facilities for Zebra’s scientists, who will intern be busy developing this trail blazing technology. This project is tremendous in size which means, it probably could take years to complete, but it will be something our small population could work towards. Just think about the intelligence abilities of such an object. Many of the factions already use space because it’s so invulnerable from current technologies, making it a perfect intelligence asset.” Clark finished and took a deep breath and fell back softly into his chair thinking about the momentous idea.

Every member slowly nodded in consensus for the project. It was ironic that they had always wished for a space based intelligence ability, and now that they had the ability to obtain it with the immense raw materials of the three boreholes, they were apprehensive over the idea.

The members slowly filtered out, talking between themselves over the project they were about to embark on, almost completely forgetting about the hardships at Data DeCentral.

*********************************************

0530 hours
Data DeCentral
City Block Delta, Intrepid Street

“Get down!” Sgt. Zuni yelled to his unit as the buzzing of shells cut the morning silence.

The night had been fairly quiet, with both forces consolidating their troops for an early morning offensive or in the Data Angel’s case, an early morning withdrawal. The artillery shells had only sporadically came during the night, but this morning, the shells were landing like crazy.

“Lets go men, our orders are to regroup at HQ before six-hundred hours.” Zuni ordered as he viewed his tired and weary troops.

He had originally been second in command of the 4th squad dragoons, but his commander had died the previous day, by a Peacekeeper sniper on Data Code Street. His men now only consisted of no more then a handful of lightly armed soldiers with several civilians who had joined during the fighting, which all lacked any form of military training.

“Sir, those Peacekeepers are every where, its suicide to try to get back to HQ.” Private Lena said as she looked out of a broken window, from the resting-place inside the building.

“I’m not asking you if you want to… I’m ordering you!” Zuni understood what his troops felt, but to show them weakness, would have shown them that they had no chance of survival. “All units are regrouping at the HQ, and I don’t plan on being late.”

They slowly got up from the floor of the blown out restaurant, which they had hid the night in and cautiously creeped out from the building into the street. They kept against the right side of the street, trying to blend into the ruble of the street front buildings.

“Hold! I think I here something.” Zuni yelled and came to a halt, barely a hundred meters away from their starting position, and motioned for Private Kell and a citizen soldier named Fricka to scout ahead around the corner. The rest of the group waited for their return, and listened to shells landing several hundred meters away and the isolated sounds of shooting close by.

No more than two minutes latter, the small group heard the insane sound of chaos weapons firing just around the corner. Sgt. Zuni stood up and motioned for the rest of them to follow him around the bend to perhaps help his two scouts if they were in trouble.

“Holy…!” Lena yelled as she turned the corner and saw the bees nest of troops firing at two lonely men who were taking cover behind some rubble about thirty meters away.

“Their University Soldiers… there must be dozens of them!” Lena continued as the group ran over, dodging fire from almost all sides, to help their friends. Apparently Rivera Street was a staging area for University troops.

The group, now only about half a dozen members, dove for the cover that Kell and Fricka were hiding near. Shots were ricocheting off all around them, as the gravel and boulders of one time buildings absorbed the awesome power of the University troops, which were by now circling behind them.

The group of men and women looked like infants curling up behind there quickly vanishing cover as the chaos rounds shot off pieces of their protective rubble.

“If were going down, let’s take a few of those science bastards with us!” screamed Zuni nationalistically as the group stood up from their protective emplacements and fired at the horde of troops almost directly on top of them, without fear or hesitation.

*********************************************

0600 hours
HQ, Data DeCentral

“Damn it!” Tomahawk screamed as he listened to the latest battle reports.

“Sir, the University cruisers are stopping our troops from regrouping or getting back here. Most of our commanders are stuck behind the current lines, and there isolated without supplies.” Commander Jackson, the newly appointed army commander following Kirk’s death, said as he read some status reports coming in from the front lines.

“Is that all the bad news you got for me Jackson?” Tomahawk said comically as he dropped into his chair like a log, extremely tired from the restless night.

“Unfortunately not, University marines have landed and have been sited inside the city already. Sir… no disrespect intended but… I suggest you surrender.” Tomahawk looked over to Jackson, appalled at what his commander had just suggested.

“Surrender! Never!” Tomahawk stood back up from his chair and rushed to comlink system that was attached to the wall, and touched the screen, enabling him to talk to all his units out in the field which weren’t being jammed.

‘All Data Angel units…this is your President… Larry H. Greenburg. I don’t speak today as your leader; rather, I speak to you as a friend and compatriot. We have all fought hard and some have died fighting for our freedom against these old rigid factions and from the appalling rule of Sinder Roze. Today, I ask you to rise up against these dark hordes, and follow me one last time. To hold the line against the night!

These factions have attacked us without provocation, and come here seeking territorial expansion and retribution for our former leader’s insipid decisions. Peacekeepers say they believe in democracy, and all the freedoms we have here. So why do they fight us… because their hypocrites of there own philosophy. They intend to enslave you like Yang or torture you like Morgan, so surrender is not an option on any scale. Data Angels Forever!’

Tomahawk pressed the send command on the screen, and took a step back from the machine, hoping for a miracle. He knew he had bent the truth, but propaganda is an effective tool of war.

“I will never surrender… Jackson tell your forces to regroup around this building, no matter the cost, and we will fight to protect this last bastion of defiance, to the death.” Tomahawk ordered, knowing all to well that he still had an ace up his sleeve.

‘I wonder what they will pay for Sinder’s location... These Data Angels and Peacekeepers are merely another pawn in the step to domination… I will survive, even if I have to sacrifice all these pathetic individuals.’

[Jasonian]

Location: Unknown
Controling faction: Unknown
Description: Continent north of Free Drone Nation


“Commander Venus, the reports from the satellite are coming in now.”

“Copy, 2nd. I’m receiving them now.”

The transport’s radar scanner lit up with the new data from the Free Drone satellite-uphook station. Indeed, there was something out there.

“2nd, inform Domai that were are going ashore after all. Looks like we found something interesting over there.”

************

The probe team dashed through the safety of the fungus. Although mindworm attacks were frequent, fungus travel was still the best way to move unnoticed. Plus, since the team was elite, they were given the best equipment for travel, increasing their landspeed by about 50%.

‘I suppose there are plusses to being the best,’ Venus mused to herself as they approached their target, ‘Still, this fungus is repulsing. Planet would be so much better if it was just all burned away…’

The team stopped near a clearing in the fungal field. Inside were three rovers hopelessly stuck in the fungus. Hopeless for civilians actually. The probes could dig them out. The fun part was getting them to join the drones first.

“All right squad two. Jam the coms and go for a nice clean subversion. Try out those new Cyborg viruses that base has made for us.” Venus hastily wispered over the com, “Team one goes with me. We’ll go up ahead and be ready for anything else coming this way.”

Team two didn’t even bother to respond. They had their orders and quickly went to work.

************

Several minutes later, Venus received a cackled reply that the subversion had been successful, although expensive equipment had been used.

“Venus, the Cyborg virus program worked like a charm. We’ve just finished digging them out of the fungus and await further orders.”

“Copy that team two. Was any additional information captured with the rovers?”

“No new technology. However, for what good it does us, they were suppored by a base named Iota Station. Quick deployment records show that they’ve been moving south, so the base is probably farther up North.

“…Team two, take the captured rovers back to the foil. Load them and get onboard yourself.”

“But… that will fill the transport to the brim! What about you, Venus!”

“My team will move on Iota Station. You must sail back to base and get those rovers ready for inspection.”

“That wasn’t in Domai’s orders!!”

“Domai isn’t in charge here. Look, we’re running out of time. You get out of here with the rovers, and I’ll be hidden by morning. If I’m successful, Domai will be very happy with us. If not, then you tried to stop me and will not be held accountable. Venus out.” She snapped the com closed and cut of the transmission.

The probes moved through fungus toward their new target

[Bearcat]

Drink Planet Fizz and you'll discover why inside quenches your desire. A blend of favors just for you, so smooth it goes down easy too.

*blip*

Soda Commercial
MorganLink 3D Vision

The image of singing, dancing mind worms dissapeared from the screen. Deirdre turned to her council members and sighed.

"And you're sure this is one of the items on the Morganic black market inside our territory ?" she asked. Her council members glanced nervously at each other until one answered.

"Yes, Lady. That beverage is quite popular with our citizens. Unfortunantly it is produced in Morganic territory" said a woman named Jasmine. Dierdre nodded gravely.

"I understand that our people like this drink, but we can't allow Morganite filth to infiltrate our faction. Options !"

Again Jasmine spoke up. "Perhaps if we produced our own sodas" she suggested. Nods and murmurs of assent buzzed through the council. Finally a man named Jerome spoke.

"Yes that happened back on Earth. Two major beverage companies..uh let me think..Coca-Cola and..uh..Pepsi-Cola. One company would come out with a soda and the other would take it and rename it. Thus creating a rivalry."

Deirdre nodded. This was encouraging. Pehaps Gaian distilleries could create a ecologically safe comeptetor to Planet Fizz.

"We would need names for our soda" she said.
"How about XenoSoda ?" Jasmine suggested. Dierdre nodded and said yes.

"Anymore issues ? No, all right meeting ajourned" she said. The council members began to collect their belongings and file out. But Deirdre stayed behind. She wanted to talk to Miriam again.

She dialed up Miriam's comm frequency and waited patiently while the computer processed the order. Finally the familiar face of Sister Miriam appeared on the screen.

"Good day Sister, I trust your life of worship is proceeding to your satisfaction."

Miriam smiled and replied politely.

"Fine as for your enviromental initiatives I trust the same ?" she asked. Deirdre smiled and nodded back.

"I've thought about your proposal to change my government to Fundamentalist, and I've decided to give it more thought. I trust you've thought about my proposal to switch to Green economics ?" Miriam nodded silently. Obviously she was dissapointed.

"I have a topic I think will interest you Lady. Recently I have come into contact with a faction lead by a certain Prophet Cha Dawn. They claim to be worshipers of Planet.
And they promise revenge on mankind for our supposed rape and mockery of Planet" she said in her most serious voice.

Deirdre stood dumbfounded by this turn of events. A cult ? For Planet ? This was both interesting and disturbing. She would have to find out more.

"Do you have their comm frequency ?" she aksed.

"Yes I'll send it now" said Miriam. Deirdre watched as the frquency downloaded itself.

"Thank You. I hope to see you soon Sister. God Bless !"

[dante^]

M.Y. 2235
Safe Haven, The Maritime Control Center

The two men walked stiffly behind the ensign as they moved through a long corridor. The small group reached a turbolift at the end of the corridor and stepped into it. Both of the men shot looks at each other as the lift rose.

As the lift stopped, the group moved into a large room. Noticing their entrance, a scarred man with long hair tied back in a ponytail stood from his desk to greet them.

Captain Ulrik Svensgaard returned their
salutes, then turned to the ensign. "Where is the Rear-Admiral now?"

"We took him to the sick bay. Unfortunately, the Rear-Admiral has not shown any sign of recognition of his whereabouts or who he is as yet."

"Very well. That will be all, Ensign. Dismissed."

The ensign saluted smartly, turned, and marched out of the room.

Svensgaard then turned to the two men. "Now, gentlemen, your report says that your crew managed to rescue Rear-Admiral de Bilde from a Morganite transport."

"Uh, yeah, Cap'n. Didn't put up much of a fight, them Morgan moneygrubbers. Jus' ran for them lifeboats and took off, jus' like that." The man on the left scratched his cheek as he spoke.

"Hm. How on Chiron did you know that the Rear-Admiral de Bilde was on board?" Svensgaard's single eye narrowed.

"Uh...." Svensgaard could almost hear the gears turning in the pirate's head as he scratched his head.

"Did the Morganites tie the Rear-Admiral to the deck so that you could see him, then?

The left pirate looked at his friend for help, who seemed to be more preoccupied studying his fingernails at the moment. He looked back at Svensgaard, speechless.

The eye narrowed into a slit. "You raided the transport, didn't you."

The two men looked as if they'd each swallowed a wasp. Exchanging nervous glances at each other, they nodded to Svensgaard in unison.

"I see. Did you not receive my orders after the signing of the treaty with the Peacekeepers that no one serving within the Nautilus Pirate Naval Corps is allowed to raid any transports belonging to others factions?"

Silence from the two men.

"Out with the truth, then. Tell me about the raid."

The pirate on the left finally managed to find his voice. "Um... much like them other raids we did before, Cap'n. 'cept this time them moneygrubbers didn't even wait for us to board 'em. Jus' ran to their lifeboats and fled. When our boys searched the transport, we found the Rear-Admiral inside the hold."

"We thought of the story 'cos we thought we might, y'know, get a larger reward for somethin'" the pirate on the right added helpfully.

"Not this time, gentlemen. Be grateful that you still have your jobs. Just remember this, as long as you are serving within the Naval Corps, you will not raid the transports of other factions. If you are not in the Naval Corps, what you do is none of my concern. Dismissed."

The two pirates, too relieved to even salute, turned tail and scurried out of the room. Svensgaard returned to his desk. He felt something amiss, though he couldn't quite place it. What was a Morganite transport doing so far from home, not carrying any valuable cargo except for the missing Rear-Admiral Thomas De Bilde?

****************

Alpha Prime, Cybernetic Consciousness Headquarters

Phelan Ward moved his bishop to take his opponent's knight, then hesitantly moved his fingers away from the chesspiece.

His opponent then captured Phelan's pawn with her queen. "Checkmate, Phelan."

Phelan sighed. Playing chess was one of his main pastimes here in Alpha Prime, and he was an awful chess player. He looked up from the chessboard and grinned. "I totally suck at this, don't I?"

"You have improved since your arrival here, Phelan." His opponent, her face devoid of any emotion, did not return Phelan's grin.

Phelan sighed again. He had to remind himself that as beautiful as she was, she was nonetheless a robot, controlled by the Cybernetic Consciousness. All he knew of her was that she was an Alpha Talent, whatever that was, assigned to "nursemaid" him during his stay with the Cyborgs.

There was nothing else to do here, except to play chess or to take walks around the city. No form of entertainment whatsoever. The Cyborgs didn't need it. Most Cyborgs worked as researchers, others served in the army and air force.

Phelan glanced out of the window. The land stretched out until it met the sky at the horizon. He hadn't seen the sea at all for the months he had been here.

Despite the generous amount of freedom he was allowed, Phelan still felt like a prisoner. A bird in a gilded cage, that's what he was.

He began to doubt that he would ever see the sea again.

****************

0100 Hours
Safe Haven, Officers' Quarters

Vice Admiral Bernard Rawlings was very tired. His eyes felt like lead but there was still so much paperwork to finish. He glanced up as a tall figure entered his room.

Rawlings almost did a double take. "Rear-Admiral de Bilde? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be resting in the sick bay."

"I've had enough of rest, Vice Admiral Rawlings. Besides, I have something important to discuss with you." Rear-Admiral de Bilde stood stiffly at attention, his hands clasped together at the small of his back.

"Aren't you suffering from amnesia, Rear-Admiral? I still think you should get some rest."

"I'm fine. By the way, aren't you the only person besides Captain Svensgaard and Admiral Jenberg who has access to the control and navigation system of the Maritime Control Center?"

"Yes, but I don't see what this has to do with our discussion."

Rawlings then saw Rear-Admiral de Bilde reveal what was in his hands hidden behind his back. In his left hand, Rawlings recognized a retinal scanner. In the right, a shredder pistol.

It was the last thing Vice Admiral Bernard Rawlings would ever see.

[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited December 17, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited December 17, 1999).]

[Bearcat]

Isle of Deinara
42 kilometers outside Dawn of Planet

High Dervish Max Durr stood looking over his boil. As a Cultist brood trainer his assignment was to guide his mind worms into battle and train them. And right now the enemy, the Believers was their target. He could feel their psi signatures carressing his mind. Planet had given them the gift of mind worms and Prophet Cha Dawn intended to see that they did not misuse that gift.

As far as anyone could tell, vendetta had been pronounced not even halfway through the conversation. But the Prophet usually didn't let them know what he had discussed. Durr had been given the task of helping to attack one of the Believing bases on the edge of their territory.

But for now he could only wait and watch as turned and danced her mystical dance of life and time.

[Bearcat]

(duplicate)
[This message has been edited by Bearcat (edited December 18, 1999).]

[dante^]

duplicate
[This message has been edited by dante^ (edited December 17, 1999).]