Unlike Minds

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2170

Chairman,

With regard to Miriam, you don’t know the half of it. She has stopped producing colony pods and infrastructure. Guess what she is producing? The answer is weaponry, and on a scale that staggers the imagination. She has 10 impact infantry and 4 impact rovers in production. And she still has 8 colony pods out there, ready to set new bases! I can understand why Santiago is distracted. And how many offensive units does Santiago have? Exactly two. I called Santiago up immediately. I gifted her High Energy Chemistry. Do you know of any other technologies she would find useful that she doesn’t have? I’m more than willing to gift them to her, considering her situation.

Congratulations in setting up your two newest bases! You were distracted far too long, and I am sure that expanding your reach and the resources they will bring will be most welcome. One bit of information you might be interested in. If you give your garrisons the non-lethal ability, or police ability, then they will be able to control more of your citizens. I was advised of this when your bases went from size two to three and a recreation commons was not done yet. This saves time, since the base does not go into riot, and allows you to pursue other interests. Also, it is very economical. On a 1-1-1 scout it is free! In many areas it is better than trance ability.

I wish you well in your trials with Pravin. In a way it is complement that he tests you this way, since he thinks you have something he wants! He has a number of military units in production now, and I fear he is in the same boat as Santiago, Zak and Morgan in that they aren’t expanding enough. Time will tell.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2170

Governor Skye,

I had warned you of how unstable Pravin Lal has become but you would not listen to me but now you will. The man launched a despicable and cowardly series of sneak attacks on my Thought Guard impact rovers stationed on my side of the border along with several other crossings by his troops into my territory. Suffice it to say I can not let this incident go unpunished. Even if I had wanted to, that idiot Pravin Lal, sent out video feed of his troops attacking my elite Thought Guards and I was contacted almost immediately by Corazon, Zakharov and Nwabudike all informing me that they had declared vendetta against Pravin for his actions and that any support I needed would be at my request. This untimely event has once again worked into the master plan of Sister Miriam and her obvious goal of world domination. I will have to respond to this action. I have the full force of all of the Alliance of Independence members on my side to end this joke once and for all. I do not see how you can sit by now and continue to support Pravin Lal while your other pact-mate, Nwabudike Morgan, has declared vendetta against Pravin. You are the Governor and I expect, no I demand that you support punitive measures to be taken against Pravin and his United Nations Peacekeepers. This insult can not go un-noticed now surely even you can see that I am boxed into a position that demands that I respond
with the full force of my nation. You have protected him long enough and that protection and your aid lulled him to believing he can take any action he saw fit and damn the consequences. I can not allow a rogue, no, a rabid dog to harass my borders and continue to sap needed resources that I need to prepare for the ultimate challenge ahead.

At first I almost suspected that this was all part of your master plan to defeat me, to see me in chains. You cleverly negotiate a peace treaty that gives Pravin Lal the time and energy he needs to re-build his forces and then strike at me while I am busy building needed infra-structure and expanding. Then I took time to re-think the situation and now I see that I was not the one "duped" but it was you. Pravin Lal took advantage of you and you played into his hands. I am sure, secretly, that he is still very angry about not becoming Governor of this planet and sees you as the responsible party. So by making you his pact-mate he has skillfully played you for the fool that you are and gained all the time, technology and material he needed to strike at me and thus weaken you.

Deirdre I demand you take action on this issue and now! I am willing to "limit" my reprisals to the two cities closest to my border. In particular, the UN base that Pravin built in the pass between the two mountain ranges, it is too important a strategic prize to be left in his hands. What good does it do me to build a network of mountain fortress if Miriam captures that city and then with the use of the river and resources can shuttle vast number of troops into my flanks without ever crossing the mountains! If you agree to allow me to take these two cities I will stay my hand and not strike at Pravin any further and I will also try to ask my Alliance members to end their vendettas against Pravin. I warn you that you have little options in this matter. If you do not act, then soon, I am sure, Nwabudike will contact you demanding you end you pact with Pravin or end up being labeled a sympathizer for Pravin. I in turn will also revoke my treaty with you and reduce our status to one of just a truce. Gaian trade will grind to a halt. I will then also call for elections for a new planetary governor one that is willing to support the "peaceful" members of this planet and build a lasting peace even if it means that blood has to be shed. I have the support of Zakharov, Corazon and Nwabudike on this matter as well. So you have to act and I hope you take the course of action that in the end will bring a more lasting peace than you have tried to build so far. Be the Governor this planet needs or support one who can make the tough choices needed to build a lasting peace!

I await your answer...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2171

Chairman,

I cannot support you or Pravin in your war, and I find it disheartening that Pravin attacked you again. Pravin has backed himself in a corner and I am not answerable for him. I thought that Pravin, the main supporter of the Charter, would be able to find some other way of solving the problem you two have, but apparently he has a limited mindset and only sees you expanding and growing and his own society as stagnant. I cannot ‘authorize’ your takeover of his bases, but I cannot stop it either. He has made permanent enemies of Zak, Morgan, and Santiago, and now they will never be at peace with him. Regardless of how this conflict ends he will have lost his position as a man of peace, and he will be isolated and alone. Isn’t that ironic? Considering his actions, it is fitting in a sad way.

Miriam now has 15 impact infantry completed, and is building 11 more. She has or is building a half dozen rovers. I find that ominous, to say the least. At least Santiago had the foresight to complete the Citizen’s Defense Network, and that will provide her people some defense. Still, I cannot see how she will be able to withstand an onslaught, if it comes to that. Her productive base is too small, and her cities are too far apart to be mutually supporting. If you have any ideas on how I can help bolster her defenses please let me know.

I summarily vetoed the proposal to lift the UN Charter and allow the unfettered use of atrocities. It took me all of one second to make this decision, and I am extremely disappointed that you voted for it, Chairman. Although I could have voted against and the proposal would have failed, I thought this would be a clarion clear message. We must leave the horrors of Earth behind us, even if we seem to fall into the same patterns.

The last message I have for you is this: beware what you wish for, you might get it. Would you care to see the Believer juggernaught equipped with nerve gas, and fanatically Believers behind those guns? Somehow I don’t think so.

Dee

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2172

Governor Skye,

I was stunned after reading your last communication. If I understand your position correctly that even though Pravin betrayed the treaty you helped to broker, lied to you, launched a despicable sneak attack against me and as a result earned the contempt of almost ever faction leader on this planet, all you have to say is that you are neutral party and will not take sides! What does Pravin Lal have to do in order for you Gaians to become un-neutral in this affair, rape a tree!? You are the damn Governor of this planet yet you treat the incidents and problems that are erupting as if it were a minor annoyance, a hiccup! Here is a simple question that I hope that even you can answer, are you still pact-mates with Pravin Lal? If you are still pact-mates then you ARE HELPING HIM! For example, I assume that he is benefiting from the mutual trade agreement you have with me, is he not? If you wish to remain "truly" neutral then I demand you transfer a like amount of energy into my account each turn! You could also end your pact and establish equal relations with Pravin as you have with me. I warn you that as time turns Nwabudike will demand that you terminate your relationship with Pravin or he will cancel the pact with you! I still see no reason to annihilate Pravin but I cannot allow continued attacks on my territory, troops and civilians. I plan only to expand the war to castrate his ability to make war. He may keep one or two cities but they will be closely watched and a military force will be kept in constant readiness.

As to you question of any suggestions to help Santiago, well, just don't help her like you helped me with Pravin. I suggest you transfer when you are able to any extra energy you can afford and any advanced military technology you might have. A side from that there is little you can do. I could have sent military units to her aid but I cannot do that now since I am forced to deal with Pravin. So unless you are willing to get off your fence post and transfer energy to me so I can rapidly build a stronger military to quickly end this situation, no there is nothing much you can do to help Santiago short of you attacking Miriam yourself and making yourself her target and not Santiago. However, I seriously doubt that the Gaian council will approve of such an action since it might interfere with your wine parties in your gardens!

Lastly, I wonder when you will face the reality of this situation on this planet. THIS IS EARTH! It is not the planet that caused the nightmare of holocausts that plagued earth but us HUMANS! Do you honestly expect that as time goes on we will suddenly "change" and we all just "get along". This could happen if you Gaians, along with everyone else, would submit and join my master plan to remake a new humanity and new man. But alas, I doubt once again this will happen. There will be fighting as long as one people seek to impose their views, their government, their values, their religion, their monetary system, and their culture on one another. If you think the thought of Miriam's religious fanatics armed with nerve gas scares me you are very incorrect. In fact, I welcome it, because my troops will be armed the same and should a planetary war break out then only through the force of arms, the threat of mutual annihilation will peace be forged. The current situation that I am in is a classic example of the problem. Pravin attacked me out of fear and desperation he knew that he had lost the race before it had even begun, what else did he have to loose by attacking me, nothing. So he did so and now he will pay. But look at us, our "relationship", was forged by mutual respect and an equality of strength, nothing more. Balance of terror, that is what a "true peace" is built on.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2172

Chairman,

Your vision of the future is my vision of hell on earth. Or, would that be hell on Planet? Unending war? Nerve gas decimating populations? Societies that see no option but force of arms to settle their differences? If you are right then we will destroy this planet, too, and ourselves with it. The problem, my dear Chairman, is that as our ability to wage war on each other grows, we also wage war on the environment we live in. If you are right then we will rape the land we live in, despoil and ruin it as we strive to supremacy against each other, and then we will finally burn it and ourselves in a nuclear pyre - a fitting end to a sad and dysfunctional race that was called Humans.

Like I said: hell on earth. I hope you are wrong, and I will not participate in that part of your grand vision.

Your points about my relationship with Pravin are completely wrong, as usual. It would serve no purpose to break my relationship with him. He already has most of Planet aligned against him due to his foolish actions, and I am the last friendly voice he might have, save Miriam, and I doubt he has much in common with her. With you alone as an enemy his is out manned, but against the forces of the The Human Hive, the Morganites, Zak and Spartans he has no hope at all. It is best, when you back a frightened animal into a corner, to allow it a way out. I will be that way out, Chairman. Maybe one day Pravin will see the error of his ways, but that remains to be seen. In the meantime will leave that door open.

Your argument about Pravin profiting from our relationship is true - he gains exactly 6 energy per year from our trade. I will transfer the amount of energy he receives from our trade to you so you have no cause to whine about fairness. But then, didn’t you tell me once that the world isn’t fair? It is a good thing that we Gaians believe in fairness, don’t you think?

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2172

Governor Skye,

I find your words disingenuous and hollow. You speak of fairness, that I "whine" about being treaty "fairly" by you. Are you not the Governor of this planet? Is it not your responsibility to maintain "peace" and now that your failed attempts at brokering peace have failed that the Hive has to pay the price, the toll, in energy credits, minerals and blood! How fair is that! It is one thing to speak of fairness when you have no enemies of that are bombarding your cities and forcing the civilians to take shelter every day from possible attacks, how fair is that! Your version of fairness is the result of your pod landing on an isolated piece of land, nothing more. If you had Corazon had switched landing sites I wonder how you would be looking at the world today.

I am sure your "freaks" have told you I have all but stopped building any infra-structure improvements and I have been forced to accept aid in the form of a loan from the University to re-gear up my war production effort since I was "lulled" into a peace by you. Now I have to pay the price for your version of "fairness" again.

Deirdre Skye, you know nothing of fairness...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2173

Chairman,

The failure of peace is not for want of trying on my part. I could hardly have done more since I greased the wheels, so to speak, by offering you generous compensation for what was stolen, but not what was lost. For, while Pravin stole technology from you, you did not ‘lose’ it. In fact, you gained three technologies you would not have otherwise had, and a fair amount of energy as a kicker. That is likely cold compensation for the attacks themselves, but it is something to think about. All I can do is suggest and, in the best of circumstances, mediate. I cannot force anyone to do anything, since being Planetary Governor is a title with some nice abilities, but little power.

My ‘freak’s, as you call them, have some information for you. Pravin’s army is larger than yours. I was a little surprised by this, but perhaps I shouldn’t be since Pravin has been on a war footing for a while. The Hive, by comparison, was willing to live with Pravin’s provocations and devote themselves to infrastructure and expansion. It may be that Pravin’s greatest crime is forcing you to squander your resources, as he has squandered his. With that in mind the Council has approved a 100 energy gift for your people. Although it wasn’t our fault that you and Pravin are diametrically opposed and are in conflict, we can help rectify the situation.

In other news, Miriam now has 25 impact infantry, and half as many again building. She has half a dozen impact rovers, most of them with armor. Her scientists just discovered High Energy Chemistry, so her units will be well armored, and she will have nerve gas warfare if she is so foolish as to attempt such an atrocity. Another interesting note is that she, Santiago, Zak, and Morgan are all using free market economics. That is Planet unfriendly, to say the least, but I’m sure they’ve deluded themselves into thinking it is justified.

Dee

[Hydro]

The Hive, MY 2173

Governor Skye,

I appreciate the gesture of goodwill and support at this time. Our production schedules are tight but we hope to complete the last of our garrison and anti-espionage teams, then our bases will be secure. As quickly as we can we will then out build Pravin Lal with a horde of armored impact rovers that will end his threat to not only me but to the security of us all.

I am intrigued by your statements concerning Pravin Lal's military strength. Do you mean to tell me that he currently outnumbers me in both quality and quantity of troops? I should not be too amazed since Pravin seems to be building "stock" military frames and is then "adding" on and improving them. Would it violate your "ethics" to provide exact information as the strength levels of his army? With this information I can better plan production schedules and logistics.

We have two more colony pods enroute to the mountain range to my east and I hope that they will find a safe haven upon arrival. When these two pods are set-up we will be able to colonize that range more effectively than ever before. It will most likely be the last major expansion for the Hive until we get "resolution" to this conflict with Pravin.

Lastly, I am forced to ask you if you have found the means to increase energy production on this planet? The Hive's ability to produce energy in any appreciable amounts has always thwarted our ability to expand and fund our scientific experiments. I have pondered this request with much thought and I would be willing to negotiate with you on any issue or technology if we could work out an exchange of information on this point. Please advise me if you would consider this.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2174

Chairman,

My ethics in giving you general information is sound, I assure you, since I gave Pravin the same general information I gave you. And, while this information might seem useful, it was specifically devoid of specifics, which you just asked about. The type and disposition of troops I cannot comment on, I'm afraid, since that would violate my trust with Pravin. You wouldn't want me to give me specifics on your disposition of forces to Pravin, would you? No, I think not. Being Governor, as I said, I can only suggest and nudge, since there is no real power. General information is what I put in the 'nudge' category.

Your other question about energy is an insightful one since I have been quizzing my advisors about it, too. It seems that we do not understand some very basic things in our economy and that limits our energy production in a given area. In the meantime I think that the only ways to increase energy production are by improvements, like forests and solar panels and rivers. Of course, recycling tanks are a terrific investment since they pay for themselves in less than 14 years, and likely less for you - I'd imagine for your people it would be nearer to 12 years due to productiveness. These effects can be multiplied by base improvements like network nodes for research, and energy banks for cash. All of these improvements are expensive, and we have built some at our more developed core bases. However, I have been advised that we may be near a breakthrough, and one area my scientific cadre has suggested we may advance in is Environmental Economics. Once we discover this I will forward it to you immediately, although I can't guarantee when that will be.

Lastly, it is not a horde of Pravin's military that is a worry, but Miriam. She has switched back to infrastructure, which I actually find more disturbing since, with it, she will be able to grow. Eventually her military will be obsolete, and that is a bigger comfort than a well-developed economy and infrastructure that will allow her to build more advanced units.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2174


Governor Skye,

I doubt that Sister Miriam will continue with her plan of base improvements since her forces have just struck at Corazon's base, Ironholm. Lead elements seem to be arriving at the base's outer territorial perimeter and are building for an attack. Corazon has asked for my aid, in whatever form possible and I have agreed. So both the Spartans and Hive are at war with the Believers. The University is still "organizing" a response but I doubt they will send direct military support anyway since they really lack the means to conduct a war. With the changing situation Nwabudike has contacted me and we have coordinated our battle plans against the Believers and Peacekeepers. The Morganites plan on attacking as soon as possible Pravin Lal's bases so that I can free up units to help Corazon. I am going to try and build some terra-formers as quickly as possible in order to build a road to Corazon's nearest base. This should aid the rapid deployment of troops. In all, your worst dreams have come true, Deirdre Skye, the entire planet is at war except for you, how long do you think you can avoid the conflict?

Pravin was dealt another terrible blow this turn. He attacked one of my scout impact rovers and was destroyed in the process. My rover will fall back to the strange monolith and the unique energies it radiates will allow the rapid rebuilding of the damaged rovers in the unit. Pravin has yet to make a major advance into my territory but I will soon have the troops ready to do the same to him.

Time is reaching a point Deirdre where you will be forced to make a decision as to whom you will support, which side will you take. I don't think you can sit this one out, do you? The Spartans will not hold out for a long time, I think, as long as Corazon gets funding to help prop up her war effort. I am asking you to stop transferring the energy credits to me and send them to the Spartans. Corazon needs them more than I do and we need to buy as much time as possible. With that time I can end the conflict with Pravin and re-organize my defenses and hold the line in the east. You will have to begin building military units in order to protect the west. Perhaps when she is faced with multiple enemies on all sides she will be forced into reason, but I doubt it, but it might by us more time. Time is now our greatest weapon and threat. The Spartans will "eat-up" her resources, time, production capacity and attention. Millions of Spartans will die in the process so that we will check any further advances by Miriam. The question is now before you, what will you do?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2175

Chairman,

I have contacted Santiago and gave her 2/3 of our treasury, 75 energy. She was, shall we say, less than grateful and I noticed she had a flush treasury anyway. Her forces at Ironholm are now just an artillery rover, which will not hold out long. Seeing that I contacted Miriam. She was decidedly neutral toward me, and demanded technology, which I refused. I asked that she call off her vendetta against Santiago and she did as a personal favor. This will give Santiago some time to rebuild but, as we both have noticed, it will be hard for her to keep up with Miriam. One good thing is that Miriam is building mostly infrastructure and very little military material. Of course, with 25 impact infantry she by far has the largest military on Planet.

I have taken your advice and will be shifting resources toward command centers and military units. Both of us are very far away from Miriam and Santiago, and even if I were to get there I could hardly stay in Santiago’s territory without inviting her wrath. In short, there is little either of us can do to help her but try to get Miriam to see reason, if that is possible.

So, I have bolstered Santiago and convinced Miriam to stop her war, for now - to me that seems to be the role of a Planetary Governor. The unknown is how these patches will last, as with you and Pravin. I will do what I can to promote peace, since in my mind that is always the preferable option.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2175

Governor Skye,

I will have to make this message brief since I am moving my command center, temporarily, to a more "secure" position. Within the next 2 to 3 turns the Hive intends to launch an offensive against the Peacekeeper base, UN Enforcement Agency. By the time the first wave begins to hammer away at the base we will have established a production "conduit" system that will shuttle a constant flow of military equipment to the front. This marks the beginning of the end for Pravin. Since you have acknowledged my offer for trading technology to me for sparing Pravin and his people total defeat, I will honor that agreement. I will leave Pravin his UNHQ and the other coastal city but the three interior bases will fall under my jurisdiction. As a suggestion, perhaps you could, establish a base for Pravin and his people on the large northern continent, the one with the large mountain, and then transfer it to his control. Pravin and his people after becoming "readjusted" to their new surroundings could then expand to the east of that mountain, under your guidance. This way Pravin would be under your "wing of protection" and could no longer cause mischief. Please consider this offer, but, do not make it prior to my capturing the bases I have mentioned. I would not want Pravin using the added energy to bolster his defense. Then when Pravin and his people transfer command to that new base I would, occupy, his last remaining bases and continue my plans to fortify the eastern mountain ranges. Please consider this plan, carefully. I think this plan would give you a "solid" supporter that you could rely upon to hold your northern defenses and in time he could re-join the family of nations. It also serves the "greater" goal in preparing for the ultimate challenge ahead.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2176

Chairman,

I cannot condone your war against Pravin, but I will do little to stop it unless it gets ‘out of hand’, and I’ve already described what that means to the Council. Your idea of the Gaians gifting bases to Pravin is a good one. We are establishing new bases on the large block of land east of or northern holdings, and I would have no problem transferring these bases to Pravin once they have a minimum infrastructure built. I will have our northern bases switch to colony pod production as soon as it makes sense, and allocate more formers to build roads into this area. This way if Pravin is a pain in the posterior it will be my problem, and not only yours.

We Gaia’s are entering new territory as of next year. We have switched our economic model to Planned, which I don’t particularly like. Green gave us so many benefits, including increasing our mindworm allies by a factor of 10 and allowing the capture of over a half dozen isles of the deep. This will be the first casualty of this switch – a lowered empathy with Planet. But, it will allow us to ‘population boom’, as my economic advisors call it. This is the unrestricted growth that will take all of our core cities to size 7 in a few years, which is an incredible thought considering how long it takes to naturally grow this large. Another penalty is that our science rate is decreased by a third since we can no longer allocate 80% of our energy without crippling inefficiency. Our smaller bases also are already suffering from rioting due to the inefficiency after the switch to Planned, which my ministers have taken the proper measures to control it. I hope we will not have to stay in this condition very long, and this only reinforced my view that we should give our far-flung bases to Pravin as soon as possible.

Lastly, I have to admit I have been holding something back from you. I was so disturbed, and the Council in such a state of infighting, that we could not come to even the simplest agreement. We linked a network node and it revealed how to create Synthetic Fossil Fuel. This immediately unlocked a key to a weapons technology that one of our minor researchers had been working on, Missile Technology. The Council was horrified that this technology get out into the world since everyone but the Gaians seems to be at each other’s throats, and this can only get worse if this type of technology proliferates. After endless debate this is what the Council has decided: we will give this technology to Santiago, if she will have it. There is no real reason to give it to Zakharov or Morgan since they are not threatened by anyone and are happily developing on their own, regardless of their ‘war’ with Pravin. You have Pravin well in hand, and the world is aligned against him. So, we will give this technology to neither you nor Pravin. My only hope is that Miriam, who still has the second highest research rate on Planet, does not develop Planetary Networks, since if she does it will likely be stolen and used against Santiago. If 25 impact infantry are bad, than 25 missile infantry are worse. Right now Santiago stands little chance, and if she has to fight fanatical missile technology she has no chance at all.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2176

Governor Skye,

I am glad that you have agreed to accept the transfer of Pravin and his people to your part of the world. Once they have established themselves then it will only be a small matter of transferring to my control the remaining Peacekeeper bases near the Hive.

I am glad that you have saw fit to transfer the advanced military technology to Corazon. I expect she will need it soon. In time I think you will see the need to transfer it to me if I do not already posses it by then.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2177

Chairman,

Santiago sure is a puzzle. First she demands the technology Superconductor from us, which I gave her. Then I offer her a free technology as a gift, and one of the technologies she wants isn’t even Synthetic Fossil Fuels! Not even her alternate technology! So, I couldn’t give her the technology even if I wanted to. She now has a gatling laser, which is better than impact, but not so much. If that makes her happy, so be it.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2177

Governor Skye,

I moved two units into position to begin the attack on Pravin's UN Enforcement Base but he "thought" he could surprise me by attacking first, fool. My units wiped out the two sorties from his base and only suffered minor damage to one unit. We anticipate capturing the base next turn since it has no defenders left. I have sent in the Thought Guard commander of the assault brigade and had him inform the city administrator that they should be prepared for the coming assault. He promptly wet himself. Many of the non-combatants had already left the city but a few are remaining behind, hoping beyond hope it seems for a rescue but none will come. Once we have UN Enforcement Base we will move east to capture the crucial mountain pass base. I am giving you these detailed plans not out of some act of stupidity but out of concern for your own troops. I was about to bombard the smaller coastal base, a means to distract Pravin and turn his eyes away from the blow that will fall but it turns out your troops are STILL there! I request that you inform me as to the disposition of all your troops based in Peacekeeper territory so that I can avoid an incident.

Pravin's fall could come faster than even I anticipated since my factories seem to be building arms even faster than I had hoped. I suggest you begin making a new base for Pravin to call home, soon.

Lastly, I will be returning to the HIVE capital next turn since the possible threat has been, liquidated, shall we say.


Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2178

Chairman,

As promised, I am transmitting to you a technology to increase you trade income and energy output: Environmental Economics. I will offer this technology to the other faction leaders next year.

Our mindworm has been at Pravin’s seacoast base for 20 years or so, and I did inform you of its presence. I would urge you not to bombard these bases since, if I understood you correctly, you are not planning on taking these two bases from Pravin. Plus, the Council would be most annoyed if you were to harm our mindworm who has loyally kept position in Pravin’s second largest base.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2178

Governor Skye,

I thank you for your gift of technology. It has already had an incredible impact upon our society and energy production is up substantially.

I have decided to hold off for one more turn to capture UN Enforcement Base. The city administrator pleaded with me over a comm-link that they still had children they were evacuating so, in light of your generous gift, I to felt generous and stayed my hand. My military production coordinator informs me will have over 5 armored impact rovers companies and several infantry companies ready in less than four turns. That should be more than enough to complete the job.

I do hope that the isle is the only unit at Pravin's base. I don't mean to actually take these cities but from obvious military tactics the bombardments due un-nerve Pravin and perhaps will siphon away needed military units that could be used against me.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2179

Chairman,

The unit is Pravin’s base is a mindworm, not an isle. While we have captured a large number of mindworms the number of isles is limited and it is unlikely that it would remain in the base since there is so much ocean to explore.

We have switched back to a Green economy, and our society is now experiencing steady instead of rampant growth. That is a good thing since the bases that could take the social strain have grown as much as they are going to, and our smaller bases are playing catch up.

I hope your war with Pravin ends soon. I contacted the other faction leaders except Pravin and offered them a technology gift. The Council authorized all the requests except those of Santiago. Since you are Pacted with Morgan and Zak you can ask some discrete questions and find out exactly what they received. I offered Pravin a gift, and he chose Industrial Automation, which I had no problem giving to him since I’ve already given it to you. In fact, I ‘owe’ Pravin another gift technology since I also gave you Environmental Economics. As I mentioned, I will give neither of you military technology so that the level of violence does not continue to escalate, and to reduce the chance of proliferation.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2179

Governor Skye,

I am informing you that we have captured UN Enforcement Base. The base fell in the early part of this turn and our troops took possession of it by mid-turn. My field commander was allowed the honor of renaming the city, Workers Paradise. Hive administrators quickly assumed control of the base and instituted standard Hive social codes and practices. All of the children were collected and removed to other Hive bases for education to become proper Hive citizens. This created a few small incidents but the
administrators quickly handled the situation and those biological parents still protesting were immediately sent to re-education camps. Hive Thought Guards effectively reorganized the population according to work capabilities and the citizens were placed into their respective work cells. Once again this caused some disruption, since many of the married citizens were separated from each other and re-allocated into their work units but all citizens of the Hive work towards the great experiment, children are my tools, people are my instruments to achieve the great transformation of man into a the collective, a single human organism. These former Peacekeepers will take time to integrate them into the new order but they will live and die now knowing that they are doing so for a far greater purpose, what more could anyone want.

I have issued orders to the Thought Guard commander in charge of this invasion to draw up plans to attack the UN bases to the east and west simultaneously. Preparations will be complete in three turns and then the assault troops will move out. I hope to complete this advance and conquest within ten turns. Intelligence reports Pravin has spent much of his force trying to stop the advance so far so resistance should be minimal at best. With this in mind I have issued new orders for my base advisors to begin switching some production back to infra-structure. We will also be establishing three new bases soon and I think it might be time to have a few sea bases as well. I also plan on focusing additional resources to our labs.

I have a few points I wish to bring up for your review. It does not matter to me if you transfer one or more technologies to Pravin or not. What good does it do him? He lacks the infra-structure to support any further advancements. I will honor our agreement not to forcible take his two coastal cities but after I am done advancing and building up this area I have taken it might be time to think of the long term situation here and what it will look like. I would suggest if you really wish to help Pravin Lal and his Peacekeepers that you should build those new colonies for them quickly. Once complete Pravin can transfer his command across the ocean and then I can occupy those remaining coastal cities. I doubt Pravin will ever forgive me for what I have done to him and if even he has one base on my side of the ocean he will waste time and energy building military or espionage units to attack me in a futile gesture. Let us be honest with each other on this issue. I will not take the cities by force as I promised. However, I will build and expand in this area until Pravin has only a few sectors of land to call his own between the two cities. Wouldn't it just be easier for them to move now rather than linger on in an area that can no longer sustain them. Pravin could still keep his lone outpost base next to the large crater if he wishes but I doubt it will be his for long. Corazon has contacted me and has told me she will soon send forces to take it. So all Pravin will have is two cities on a tiny strip of land. However, if Pravin moves into an area now that can support further expansion and can also serve to help protect your northern approaches then this certainly must be a much better option, don't you agree. I could also work with the Alliance of Independence to halt the vendettas they have sworn against Pravin, to end the fighting. I can not afford to NOT control the great mountain range in its entirety, its strategic value is immeasurable. With that I will control 1/2 of any invasion approach to the Hive. Once I build up a strong naval presences to the south that will protect another 1/4. And of course there is no reason to look to the west since we have such strong treaties to prevent any possible conflicts. The question before you now is this would you rather have a castrated Pravin Lal who controls two cities and is nothing more than a vassal state to me, or, do you wish to have a supportive ally? With much economic and military assistance you could build up Pravin Lal and he and his people could become valuable allies again rather than a millstone around your necks! Please take some time to think this over and consult with Pravin. I am sure, in time you will both see it my way.

Lastly, I am intrigued by this technology on industrial automation. My scientists inform me that this could be a great boon to our people. What would you be willing to trade for this technology? I am once again open to suggestions.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2180

Chairman,

I can assure you that by the time we are done that Pravin will be stronger than he is now. The Council has authorized over 10 bases for Pravin, but unfortunately this will take time to complete, place, and build appropriate infrastructure. This will make Pravin a ‘player’, even if you have stripped him of most of his possessions near you. The minimum each base will have is a decent set of terraforming, and I’d like to have each base we give him have a recycling tank and recreation commons. Where he goes from there is his business. I will continue to support his control of Pravin’s two primary coastal bases, and would strongly urge you to keep your agreement to not attack these two possessions. The Council and I would view this as ‘extreme’ punishment for his indiscretions, and that would seriously degrade our relationship.

Your plans to expand into the continents to the east and west are, I think, a fine idea. I support these efforts fully. Ending your war with Pravin will also help since you will be able to devote more resources to infrastructure. In that way we Gaians have been fortunate since these early developments have paid off significantly.

I am open to suggestions of what you might be willing to trade for Industrial Automation. This is a valuable technology since it allows a new social engineering Wealth, which may not be to your liking since it degrades your morale. The side benefit is more energy at your bases, which you may need, and a production boost. I will warn you that Santiago and Zak will not take kindly to this selection, though. Another benefit is the supply crawler, which can boost production at a base significantly. Lastly there is the Planetary Transit System, which would be a boon to anyone with many small bases or who has plans for building small bases, since they instantly grow to size 3.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2180

Governor Skye,

I am insulted that you should even think I would break an agreement I have made. As I stated earlier my concern is this. If Pravin is allowed to even keep one city that allows him to launch attacks against me he will do so! Wouldn't it be better for all concerned if there were no more Peacekeeper cities that had access to Hive territory. Once Pravin is transplanted and can then only concentrate on building up his society. But so long as he has a base that can be used to launch attacks he will take those resources generated by those bases on your continent and use them to build weapons of war to attack me. I am sure that you can see this plain truth! I am not asking for the bases to be turned over right now, because, I doubt he will ever do so, I will have to take them by force, but not until we have reached an agreement.

I currently have no technology that I can trade for industrial automation so you will have to suggest what terms you would find acceptable for this trade.

It seems that Pravin's ex-Peacekeepers are still unhappy about their new lot in life. Several of them have risen up and have caused some minor incidents. My Thought Guards are quickly putting an end to it but I feel that I must take measures to insure that this will not happen again.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2181

Chairman,

First you say I have insulted you when I object to ‘relocating’ Pravin from his two coastal bases, saying that you would never break an agreement. Then you go on to suggest why this is a good idea. I don’t quite understand your logic, so I can only assume I am not being clear. The Council does not mean to insult you by voicing our opposition to ‘relocating’ Pravin from these two bases. All we are saying is that this is unacceptable to us. It is hard enough that you have decided to take all of his bases but these two, and that you have geared you society for this. These are Pravin’s main and largest bases, and without them is completely crippled, not that is isn’t hobbled by having most of his bases removed from his control.

I have no sympathy for you in your concerns on keeping the obviously unhappy Peacekeeper citizens under your control. They are going from a society that values freedom of thought in a somewhat chaotic bureaucracy to a police state and ‘Thought Guards’. I can’t imagine anything more diametrically opposed.

The Council approved giving Supercomputer to Pravin since you obviously got it from Santiago. I don’t blame you for this, but as Pactmate to Pravin I am bound to keep an even playing field, especially given that Pravin has almost the entire planet arrayed against him.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2181

Governor Skye,

Let me be frank with you Deirdre. Through some chance of luck you landed in an area that left you isolated except for me your friendly neighbor. You have yet to face the horrors of war and the demands and sacrifices I have had to make due to this conflict with Lal. I wonder how advanced you would be if you would have been forced to build the military equipment that I have had to. So I will not make the mistake I made the last time and allow my enemy to heal his wounds and build up his resources again! I will not
attack Pravin's coastal bases, I will honor my agreement but I will make sure that each base will never be able to launch an attack again. If I have to I will place a military garrison on each sector of land so that no food reaches his base, or minerals or energy, his people will starve! You seem to forget I was the injured party here! I have never been the aggressor in this conflict! The only time I ever took offensive action, except for now, is when I caught a Peacekeeper colony pod on my side of the border and destroyed it. Now we can all be reasonable about this situation. I made it clear that from the start that my goal in this campaign was to capture the three inland bases and establish a perimeter around Pravin so that I can concentrate on building up my infra-structure and defenses, nothing more. But let us be clear on this issue I doubt Pravin Lal and Chairman Yang will
ever be able to make peace. Even if I wanted to I doubt that you will ever get Pravin to do so now. So with his future new bases Pravin will be able to build up a new infra-structure in an area that I can not effect and with those new resources he could build up troops and ferry across equipment to constantly harass me. That I can not allow!!! However, if Pravin has no base adjacent to my territory he can not have a jump off point to stage attacks. I am left with few options here. I can keep my economy on a constant war footing or end the threat for now and give me the time to build up my cities. If you have any way to end Pravin's dreams of conquest then please do so, or, if you can broker another cease fire then do so, if you could find some means of compensation for me that will allow me to maintain a strong military presence, without weakening my economy, just outside of the territorial boundaries of the coastal bases so that he can no longer make cross border strikes at me then do so! Otherwise, I will strangle Pravin's two coastal cities into submission so that that there will be no need to conquer them. I am sure starving citizens make poor soldiers.

Remember our true enemy is still growing and Miriam is the equal to you in almost every aspect. Should she wipe out Corazon then we both know that the University or the Morganites will have little luck in stopping her. For better or for worse we are joined in this endeavor the survival of the Gaian people is at stake here. If you continue to support Pravin at the expense of Hive then you have made your choice already and your people might pay the price for that decision! I will insure that the Hive will not fall, the Hive will be on the winning side, we will survive and prevail, the question has always been which side will we be on in the end.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2182

Chairman,

We seem to be arguing in circles about Pravin. My point is that if you are able to push him back to his two coastal bases he will no longer be an effective threat to you since you will have several multiples of his productive ability. Your are currently technological equals, and that will only widen in your favor as you expand and he does not. I cannot ensure Pravin’s behavior, but I can give you some advice on border garrisons. Only a few will be needed, especially if they are of good morale and stationed in forest with sensor support. They need to be stacked in sets of two to avoid Pravins sneaks getting to them. And there need not be many if you properly employ zone of control. Also, if you are in Pravin’s territory all that will do is provoke him, so the garrisons could be stationed along your mutual border, whatever that is. You could do this with as little as three well-situated garrisons, I think. So, you will not be on a permanent war footing, just a tense border. If Pravin does something stupid again you will be well prepared.

In other news, Miriam now has Missile technology. All she needs now is Planetary Networks, which will allow her to make sneaks, and she will be well situated to do what she pleases. I can intercede to nip any conflict with Santiago in the bud, but only as long as we have a neutral to friendly relationship. I will do this. Miriam’s growth has leveled off since Santiago has her boxed in, but she has almost a dozen colony pods ready to go if territory opens up.

Dee

*~*~*~*~

The Hive, MY 2182

Governor Skye,

I will be brief since I have some other problems I must address. You make it all sound so simple, place a few troops here, build this, etc.. etc... What I don't here is " Chairman Yang, since you are being so reasonable about this allow me to transfer some energy credits or here is the technology on supply crawlers that will increase your energy and construction material". No, I do not here you telling me that, do I. The question is do I leave the thorn in my hand or do I pull it out or do I get medicine to make it feel better but leave the thorn in. You have medical training, what do you suggest?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2183

Chairman,

Here is the medicine you asked for – Industrial Automation. I hope it makes you feel better.

In other news, we completed the Maritime Control Center this last year. This should significantly speed our exploration of the seas with our isles and foils. Most of the artifacts we’ve gotten have been acquired from the sea, and the isles are prefect for picking these up when they are located.

Dee

[Hydro]

The Hive, MY 2183

Governor Skye,

I accept the compensation package you have forwarded and it will be sufficient, for now. I still have grave concerns about Pravin keeping those bases so close to me. I worry that he will take the time and resources you will be giving him to build more weapons to use against me. I also suspect that deep down you wish to keep Pravin around as your "trump" card should problems arise that you need his people to absorb the shock of some future conflict. I have several other motives behind your moves but I assure you I don't or can not believe you are doing this out of some generous act of kindness. I will uncover your reasons Deirdre and when I do I hope they do not involve me!

I now have five armored rovers within 4 sectors of the base just south of his UNHQ. I expect to overwhelm the defenders in a few turns. The mountain pass base will come under fire within a turn. Once I consolidate my new found holdings I will stop as promised and build a series of interlocking defensive installations that should "hold" back any further incursions. I suggest to you that you might to encourage Pravin to build some sea bases.

Lastly, I was contacted by Corazon concerning Miriam. She claims she is in a state of vendetta again with Miriam and has asked for my support against them. Since I am still working on Pravin I can not help her in her campaign yet. In fact, I was very truthful with her and informed her it would be at least 20 turns before I would mount any offensive operations again since I have spent so much of my time and resources on ending this conflict with Pravin I needed to look to building up my own bases first. She was not pleased with this answer. I suggest that you try once again to find a way to bring another "truce" to these parties as quickly as possible. Miriam refuses to talk with me at all since I support Corazon so it is up to you.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2184

Chairman,

Miriam must be serious this time since she refuses to talk to me, too. I had my empaths do a little snooping, and it seems Santiago has put a dent in Miriam’s forces. Five impact infantry have been destroyed. My guess is that they did not hold up well against plasma armor behind a perimeter defense, especially with Santiago’s excellent morale. Unfortunately, Miriam has 14 more and 10 impact/plasma infantry, and 6 armored rovers. She also has more weaponry in production than Santiago has weaponry in all of her holdings.

I am glad you are no longer proposing a ‘final solution’ to your quarrel with Pravin. We are not yet ready to give the bases to Pravin since that would limit our placement of future bases, and the Council has decided that four is a good start. The land there is fairly rich, and it just got bigger due to an accident with a mindworm exploring a pod – it connected a forested island to the main continent. This should give Pravin plenty of room.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2184

Governor Skye,

Miriam grows bolder each day, does she not! She now seeks the leadership of this planet. It is clear now why you are trying to protect Pravin Lal so much. Even with the large number of votes you have should Pravin fall your margin of votes grows very slim indeed. Should Miriam every try to put together a coalition to support her without Pravin's votes you could be removed very easily, interesting. I knew you Gaians were more ruthless than you seemed even with all your peace and understanding you preach at your hearts center you are not much more different than Chairman Yang. Nwaduike felt obliged this time to support you even though you are still supporting Pravin but next time his vote might not fall in your hat Deirdre. The Alliance of Independence will abstain from voting for any other planetary governor for now.

I am sure your "freaks" are informing you as you read this letter that Pravin's last two inland cities are about to fall. I have a well supported force of troops and equipment ready to begin the assaults next turn. I do not suspect that either city will last long. Perhaps if Pravin had been able to build perimeter defenses it might have helped but not for long. It should not take long for my troops to establish order and then begin working on reorganizing the population into more productive units of labor.

I suspect that soon Miriam will let the hammer fall on Corazon I only hope that in the meantime we can prepare for the coming storm.

I do hope that you don't mind my attack foil tagging along with your ocean worm. I like to keep track of things and the particular worm interests me but I can not tell you why, curious...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2185

Chairman,

I don’t think you need to worry about Pravin falling. Regardless of what you do to him he will always have a home with the Gaians. Even with all the foolish things he has done his heart is in the right place, and we share a similar empathy with our fellow man. With his support I don’t see any problem in maintaining my status as Planetary Governor.

Did you know that Pravin is assaulting Santiago? He has an impact infantry there right now, and while it won’t win it is likely to weaken the base. Maybe Santiago is thinking that it was foolish to declare war against Pravin since she now has two enemies to deal with.

You are free to tag along with our foils and isles, if you can keep up. If you release an isle from a pod we may be able to help you out before it sinks you.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2185

Governor Skye,

This has been a most rewarding year in all for the Hive. We have completed our pacification process of the two remaining inland Peacekeeper bases. Once again my Hive administrators and Thought Guards quickly re-organized the population in accordance with Hive structure. We are encountering the same resistance as before but it seems re-education camps are doing wonders to acclimate the population to the Hive way of thinking. I have ordered the Thought Guard commander to establish a solid perimeter around Pravin's territory so that no further cross border attempts will be made. I will build as quickly as possible advanced sensors and bunkers so that my troops will have adequate protection and surveillance equipment. Shortly after I captured the mountain base Pravin contacted me wishing to discuss a "blood truce". Once again he had to have some sort of compensation in order to maintain the fiction that all of these tragic losses have been due to his master plan. I transmitted the advanced economics data on industrial operations so that should help him with rebuilding his ravaged economy. I gave it to him knowing that I, in turn, would be compensated by you for my most generous act. At this point barring any major set-back I will not seek any further harm on Pravin or his people. I am well suited now to establish a secure border and with that I see no reason to seek to prolong the suffering of his people. With this in mind I would also like to have the advanced military systems files you have that you have withheld since the onset of this war. I can begin proto-typing new weapons and begin upgrading my current military force in preparation of the conflict to come. Of course, I am sure we have much "negotiating" to do on this subject but I am sure you see the need to help your ally in arms.

I was asked by Nwabudike to support your global trade pact initiative though I myself don't see the need. I hope that you can see that I can be a very reasonable man, a man willing to work towards the unification of this planet.

Lastly, I do mean to expand a "little" further along the northern section of mountain range and along the coast to the west. This will, of course, shrink the territory that Pravin currently claims but only by a small portion. I will try to keep such expansion to a minimum so as to not worry Pravin. Military necessity requires that this be done so that my bases are more closely linked to each other. You have my promise not to take any large chunks of Pravin's territory, what more could anyone on this planet ask for....

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2186

Chairman,

I’m glad your conflict with Pravin is at an end, and I think that with a minimum of preparation on your part you can make it clear to Pravin that re-initiating further conflict would not be in his interest. Also, thank you for your support on the Global Trade Pact. I think that trade will bind us all together since it will show that we can each benefit from a mutually beneficial relationship.

You may want to check in on Santiago. The Believers are advancing on at least once city, although it is interesting when I was snooping in Miriam’s cities that she has some damaged units. This means that Santiago has suffered some losses. Moreover, Santiago’s nearest base to Miriam is poorly defended. I wonder what she is thinking – that artillery will stop Miriam’s advance? I don’t think so.

Dee

*~*

The Hive, MY 2186

Governor Skye,

I noticed in your last transmission that you made no mention of any technology transfers. Is the Gaian council still debating if they wish the aid of the Hive? I could dispatch at least 6 armored attack rovers to assist Corazon in her struggle with Miriam. They would take at least 10 turns to arrive but once there they could be used to bolster the defenses of the Spartans and participate in some counter-offensive operations. I am sure Corazon could hold out for that length of time and it might be even quicker than 10 turns since I now control the mountain pass and the river that reaches all the way to Spartan territory. Time is now of the essence and I doubt I will have the opportunity to upgrade them once they are en route to Sparta command. So if you would like to transfer missile technology now before they leave so I can build a proto-type then that would be beneficial to us all, would it not?

It seems that from my intelligence units that Pravin is having some difficulty with his people at UNHQ?! I gather they are not pleased with the results of the campaign Pravin embarked upon and many seem even more enraged about not being able to contact their relatives at the former UN bases. I do sympathize with their distress but the populations now support my grand design with all their hearts and they have left behind the primitive bonds of family that held them in the past. I do hope Pravin can convince his people that they are in a far better place than they were before.

I have also noticed that you seem to be making improvements along the neutral zone area we had established. I do not begrudge you some improvements but the mine you established was placed far into the zone. I had thought we had agreed to limited infrastructure improvements in this area, correct? I would hate to have to turn my attention at such a critical phase in the balance of power on this planet. Suffice it to say that as long as you do not build any further improvements in that area, aside from forests I will excuse the trespass you have made into this area and the breach to our treaty.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2187

Chairman,

You will note that I am forwarding to you the files for Synthetic Fossil Fuel, which will allow you to make missile launchers. I have called on Santiago and, as before, offered her a gift. I was not authorized by the Council to give her first choice, but she gladly accepted Synthetic Fossil Fuels as a consolation prize. Maybe that was her tactic all along, although it was my intent to make sure she and Miriam have equal technology.

It was my understanding that there were to be limited military units in the neutral zone, and that improvements such as roads are prohibited. The terraforming you see consists of forests, sensors, and a mine with a road that leads nowhere. It is my intent to send supply crawlers to harvest a few of these sectors, such as the mine and possibly one of the nutrient sectors. My garrison will remain where it is, which is two sectors south of our southern base. We have a second armored defensive rover that is busy trying to stir up worms by plowing into fungus, but to no effect, unfortunately. It is staying on the Gaian side of the neutral zone, however.

I noticed that Zak made an important breakthrough – Pre Sentient Algorithms. I tried to entice him to trade technologies for it, but he simply laughed at me. Oh well, I had to try. I would have given him much, since we Gaians have about 10 more technologies than he does. Let him keep his secrets. Although our scientists aren’t pre-disposed toward Discovery, we will get there eventually.

The Council is heartened by your base expansion and infrastructure improvements, Chairman. Your war with Pravin was unfortunate, and it probably set you back 15 years. However, you did take three of his bases as compensation, and they are fairly large bases, too. In my mind this more than makes up for Pravin’s errors of judgment.

I tried to call on Miriam but I was informed by one of her acolytes that she had politely declined to talk with me. Well, at least she is polite, which is more than what she has been toward Santiago. Miriam has two plasma garrisons near Santiago’s large western base, but no attack units. That is strange. What is she doing with her 25+ offensive military force, anyway? It makes me wonder. She has two transports, and that brings up disturbing implications. She established a base on a little island, so she may be expanding overseas now that she is boxed in by Santiago. Or, maybe, she is looking for a few bases to take overseas? That thought chilled the Council, and we will begin upgrading our coastal cities immediately.

Dee
*~*~

The Hive, MY 2187

Governor Skye,

I am informing you that my impact foil was attacked and destroyed by a Believer foil just to the north of the large island in the Northern Sea. Miriam seems to have a very "functional" navy it seems and dispatched my foil with little effort. I hope to spring a similar surprise on her when my impact rovers reach Corazon's territory and begin smashing her infantry units to dust. By using the river as a means of transport we will have 6 rovers, in place, stationed just outside of Corazon' territory within three turns. We will hold for one turn to concentrate the rovers as they arrive at the assembly point, I hope to take this time to "upgrade" the armor of my lead units to plasma and if possible upgrade them with missile turrets. Since Corazon's base at Ironholm seems to be bearing the brunt of Miriam's attention that is where we will go first. The river will aid us again in getting their swiftly. I tried to bring up some issues concerning joint operations and I wanted to forward the communication frequency for my assault Thought Guard commander but the strain that Miriam is putting on Corazon made her very "touchy". It seems Pravin is still trying to plant his flag on Spartan territory which has only incensed Corazon even more. This brings up another subject.

I tried to persuade the Alliance of Independence to end their vendetta against Pravin but to no avail. I can understand Corazon's position on the affair but what troubles me is the position that Nwabudike and Zakharov have taken. It turns out that each one of them has received "large" amounts of energy credits in exchange for attacking Pravin. I am informing you of this since this is just as much a surprise to me as it is to you! Your genetic freaks I am sure keep you up to date on my economic status and I am sure that you will realize that I lack the energy credits to persuade anyone to attack anyone. So it seems clear that "other forces are at play", Miriam! I suspect that at some time when she had a truce going with all three of them large amounts of credits changed hands in hopes of distracting the Alliance from focusing on her. I don't know what troubles me more knowing that all this time the Alliance has been her secret tool of destruction or not seeing the signs sooner, fool that I am! What complicates matters is that all three of the other Alliance members now want me to end my blood truce and join them in attacking Pravin, ending his existence on this planet. In fact, they were very instant on my joining them as quickly as possible and should I not join them in denouncing him, then I could face the consequences! The very same alliance that I helped to forge now seeks to destroy ME! The very idea that Chairman Yang should be threatened in such a way made my blood boil for some time. However, I have thought about the situation and I am working on a several plans. But what is clear is that Miriam is quickly becoming a force that could upset the balance of power on this planet with tragic results. What I expect, or should I say hope, is that when my reinforcements arrive and begin attacking Miriam then the Spartans will see how valuable Chairman Yang is and in turn decide that the Hive is more important than some contract they made with Miriam.

So I am asking you for your support. I need energy credits to complete the upgrading of my rovers as quickly as possible before they make the final trip and enter Spartan territory. I have 6 rovers and 1/2 of them need plasma armor and the rest need a full upgrade from impact weapons to missile turrets. In exchange for this I am willing to modify the treaty we have concerning the neutral zone and allow you further expansion into this area, including the building of the bases on the south side of the land bridge, but not to exceed three bases. The original border will still stand as we laid it out many turns ago. I hope you realize how truly momentous this is, that essentially, I am willing to trade my security for energy credits that will be used to defend Spartan land. However, one must look at the whole picture at times.

Your council has much to discuss and decide. I realize you are now working to build up your own defenses but to put it plainly your energy credits will have a much greater impact against Miriam than some stationary coastal troops. I am sure once you recall many of your isle' worms to guard your coasts your defenses will be all but impregnable. The time to act is now Deirdre the question is can you..

Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2188

Chairman,

Miriam isn’t the cause for the permanent vendetta by Morgan, Zak and Santiago against Pravin, you are. When you went to war with Pravin they honored their Pact followed you, and in doing so ‘received payment’. I know this because I tried to contact all three and got the same response just after your war with Pravin started. That is why I was so sad that Pravin had destroyed his position on Planet, and destroyed it permanently. One other part of that bitter harvest is that you are now at odds with your Pactmates, and they will likely not take kindly to your not fulfilling your obligations of your pact in trying to destroy Pravin. Maybe you were right about complicated Pacts. I’m sure Pravin thinks so.

I have included 100 energy this year, which is all I can spare. Our self-generated incomes are similar, in fact yours is higher than mine, since most of our economy is devoted to research. That may change one day, but for now it seems prudent to reach a few technological milestones to ensure our safety and to be able, when needed, to give technologies to defending parties to even up the odds. I have done this with you, and with Santiago. In fact, the Council has been generous with technological gifts for the last 30 years. We will continue to gift technology to ensure no one is disadvantaged.

Dee

[Hydro]

The Hive, MY 2188

Governor Skye,

A state of war is now in effect again between the Peacekeepers and Hive. Pravin attacked me again and launched several sneak attacks at my forces. I was also contacted by the Alliance members telling me if I did not resume my war with Pravin that the Alliance would fall apart and the members would withdraw. I could not let that happen.

I do not intend to capture either of Pravin's coastal cities but I need to make sure he does not attempt to launch attacks against me until I have my border protected. This has also caused me to reduce the number of rovers I can send to assist Corazon. She is not pleased with the situation but understands and any help at this point is better than none.

I regret taking these actions but I had little choice. The larger picture dictated that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. This is one of the core beliefs of the Hive, I hope you understand why we did what we had to do.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2189

Chairman,

Your situation is most regrettable, and I find it ironic that the person who was lecturing me about how Pacts were sure to drag the participants into situations beyond their control is now being dictated to by their pactmates. I will hold no harm to my or Pravin’s interests if your situation is static, however.

You may have noticed that Sunspots have disrupted communications, and my scientists predict this will last for up to 20 years. This is a long time, and it will be difficult to conduct business with the other faction leaders. I hope nothing serious will be necessary.

Dee

*!*!*!*

The Hive, MY 2189
Governor Skye,

It is fortunate that after the last sunspot activity we established a land based cable connection between our two nations so that we would not be plagued future events. In keeping with the spirit of cooperation I have withdrawn my attack rovers from Peacekeeper territory but they are stationed just on the border to prevent any future transgressions. I was forced to destroy four saboteur units that were either crossing or about to cross. In the future these espionage units should not be such a problem since we have complete many anti-espionage units to protect our bases. We will also begin building sensor arrays and other improvements to better patrol the border.

Right before the sunspot activity began I was contacted by Nwabudike Morgan. He informed me that he was withdrawing from the Alliance of Independence due to the fact that the Hive pursues a more orderly economic model than his. I tried for some time to talk with him but it was to no avail. He showed me graph after graph trying to prove that his "free market" system was being hurt due to the restrictions we place on our economy. He issued one last ultimatum for us to change and I refused. He then formerly withdrew from the Alliance but did promise to stay on friendly terms with the Alliance.

Lastly, I find your comments concerning pacts and the problems they have caused insulting! It was the Gaians that created the first pacts and in doing so forced the other nations in turn to respond. If you had not instituted such an arrangement I doubt that the other leaders would have been so quick to create their own. For many decades I refused to participate in order to prevent the very events that are occurring but to no avail. I can only hope that my pact will help sustain Corazon long enough for us to continue our preparations for war against Miriam.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2190

Chairman,

I was wondering when Morgan would decide when your interests and his wouldn’t align since I was expecting that same call myself. We have been on a Green economy for a good while, and that I know is offensive to Morgan. I expect that your economy is Planned, and that must make his blood boil more than Green.

I suspect that as long as you do not adopt a Wealth or Knowledge emphasis to your society that Corazon will be happy with you. Wealth, specifically, is what she finds offensive and, while its benefits are significant, they are in direct conflict with her ideals. Power will earn you major brownie points, I expect, although it would go a long way toward crippling your efficient industry.

Corazon is still hanging on, and now has elite infantry to defend her bases. Miriam’s attacks so far have been rather inept, so maybe that will outweigh her numeric superiority. Only time will tell.

Dee

*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2190

Governor Skye,

I am sure your genetic freaks have already alerted you but in case they might have missed it Corazon has lost a base to the believers! I did get a brief message from Corazon informing me of the disaster and asking for immediate aid. I informed her that military units were in route to her but nothing could be done for the base. Would is so alarming is the relative ease by which they captured the base. Corazon was not in a very happy mood to say the least but it did wake her up to some alarming realities such as her poor production planning.

I have to be brief since I was just alerted to another espionage attempt by Pravin and the border commander of the Thought Guards requests to confirm with me. In time I hope that Pravin will release his delusion grasp of some possible victory over the Hive and except his new lot in life and that of his nation. I am also working on another phase of expansion that requires my guidance.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2191

Chairman,

My empaths have more grave news. Miriam has developed Doctrine: Air Power, and she is already starting her first prototype. The sunspot activity that is afflicting us will make Gaian technical intervention impossible since we recently discovered Doctrine: Air Power, too. For good or for ill the Council decided not to add fuel to the fire by giving this technology to any party on Planet, and that it should be given to help even the score in case one side developed it first. This global balancing act has not fallen to dust. The only thing I can hope is that the sunspot activity lifts before Miriam gets too much of an airforce on line. To be truthful I am more worried about her infantry and rovers that are likely on their way toward Santiago. She has done a good job keeping her larger bases, although her recent loss is problematic.

Dee

*~*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2192

Chairman,

My empaths tell me that Miriam has moved her prototype of her missile needlejet to another base, and it is now 12 turns from completion. That means you do not need to worry too much about her needles taking out your rovers just yet. Her forces are pressing Bunker 118 the most, but Santiago seems to be holding out well since the only Believer units nearby are heavily damaged. Miriam still does not have Planetary Networks, so she has no probe ability. I fear for Santiago when she gets it, which may be soon since he has a formidable research rate. She is building missile marines, a few rovers, and a surprising number of mindworms! Moreover, her bases are starting to have support problems, not that it is a consolation to Santiago, who faces all of her forces.

As to your society’s instability, I don’t have any advice for you but to realize that people are surprisingly resilient under adversity, and many yearn for personal freedom. I would expect that those people in the former Peacekeeper bases are particularly prone to this desire. You should know that Zak, Morgan, and I all have a Democratic form of government, and that our peoples are flourishing under this form of government. I know you disagree, but it is clear that many political and social choices can achieve the same goal.

We have changed our economy from a Green to Planned base since we are ready for another growth spurt, and we should have sufficient infrastructure to support this move. We have also established another base, and have another that will eventually be a Peacekeeper base on the way. A few more bases are planned.

Good luck in your endeavors, Chairman.

Dee

[Hydro]

The Hive, MY2192

Governor Skye,

You claims of having an "enlightened society" due to your strong democracy is an illusion. People do not know what they want or need they are like a marbles in bag, banging into each other in a random manner. I bring order, I bring direction, I bring purpose, I bring forth the new man! In time the ex-Peacekeepers will integrate very nicely into the greater Hive. Already they have begun to forget the old bonds of freedom that enslaved them to a life with no purpose. They now rejoice in their new roles in life, their new purpose. In time my vision will inspire you all to join in my great experiment and leave the old trapping of your lives behind you as you take up the burden of my hopes, my dreams, my vision.

My vanguard Thought Guards have entered Sparta and will move to Ironholm. I believe that by fortifying this base we can draw units away for Coarsen's headquarters and thus give her more time to build up her forces. I also wish to make sure that the river valley is patrolled so that no Believer force crosses the fords and splits Sparta in two.

Next turn we will begin phase one of building border defense position along the Peacekeeper border. Two terraformers will begin building a sensor array, then a forest followed by a bunker and then move onto the next sector. This should provide more than adequate protection for my troops and seal the border.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2193

Chairman,

The Believers are pressing Bunker 118 and Sparta Command, so I am glad you are advancing to those areas. In particular, Bunker 118 is particularly exposed. When the sunspots are over I’ll have to give Santiago some energy and technology to aid her efforts against Miriam.

We will be completing the Hunter Seeker Algorythem next year. I would encourage you to complete the Planetary Transit System, since that would jump-start the size of your smaller bases. Morgan has a good start on this project, so completing it before him might be a problem.

We will have to agree to disagree on the direction of our societies. Time will tell which is stronger.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2193

Governor Skye,

Hive scientists have unlocked the secrets of air-power as well. I have issued orders to build four aero-space complexes to support at least 12 squadrons of missiles needle-jets. With the industrial efficiency of the Hive this goal should be quickly completed and then our skies will also be protected. As quickly as possible we will transfer aircraft technology to Sparta along with aircraft to aid her cause against Miriam. I also wish to inform you that our vanguard units will cross the great river in the flood plain next turn. The situation is becoming much to serious based upon the information you have provided for us to send our army to Ironholm when the heart of Sparta might fall. If Miriam is able to focus her military might on Sparta Command and capture the technology and equipment they have the Sparta nation will surely fail. Academician Zakharov has also transferred to my command an infantry unit to help support our operations in Sparta. I was able to briefly talk with the Zakharov and he agreed that with the Believers so close now it was in his interest to do all that he can to support this effort to shore up Sparta.

This also brings up another issue: Pravin. A Thought Guard plasma rover was attacked along the Peacekeeper border. The rover company was able to withstand the attack and in turn destroyed the Peacekeepers. Currently I have six rover companies stationed on the border with a seventh in route, a plasma missile rover, to provide command and control for that area. If I did not have to station so many troops along the border I could use them to support Corazon. What I now fear is that in keeping my treaty with you I damn all of Sparta to Believer occupation! At what point will you realize that the two Peacekeeper coastal bases are not worth the entire planet!
Transfer a base to Pravin as soon as the solar storms subside and allow me to acquire these bases so that I can shift resources to the true threat! It might be already too late for this but only time will tell. Consider this if Sparta falls could it have been saved if I had sent one, two, three or four more rovers to bolster their defenses and give Corazon the time to mount a counter-attack.

Lastly, I accept from your statements in your last transmission that the Gaian government has not been involved in these subversive activities.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2194

Chairman,

The Gaian mindworm and now our prototype missile needlejet will remain at Pravin’s two coastal bases and it would be most unfortunate if they should come to harm. I will compensate you for your losses due to Pravin’s attacks, but keep in mind that he is in a corner and has no other choice but to defend himself since he has almost all of Planet aligned against him. Moreover, you are now an order of magnitude stronger than him in productive power, and now exceed his ability in technology. I can appreciate your position, and to some degree I am in the same position by trying to walk the middle. I will be personally concerned if Pravin’s two coastal bases were to come to harm, and the Council would have to reconsider our relationship if such an event were to occur.

To support your efforts against Miriam I have had my snoops get detailed information on Miriam’s forces:

Mindworms - 1 active, 2 in production
Empath missile plasma infantry – 4 active, 10 in production
Impact synthmetal infantry – 5 active, 0 in production, 6 lost
Impact synthmetal rovers – 5 active, 0 in production, 3 lost
Missile synthmetal rovers – 2 active, 8 in production
Impact plasma infantry – 25 active, 0 in production or lost
Missile needlejet – 1 prototype in production
Plasma defenders – 55 active, several in production
Sea transports – 2 active
Missile foils – 0 active and several lost

The forces arrayed against Corazon are formidable and it will be difficult to hold even with your significant help. It is unfortunate that sunspots are preventing contact with Corazon or I could gift her energy or possibly technology. For instance, we recently discovered the secrets of silksteel, and this would be of great interest to Santiago, I would guess. Likewise I could gift you energy or technology to help your efforts. I would send military aid but Santiago has consistently refused my offer to Pact, so I could not send any forces without violating our friendship treaty. If needed we could consider independent action, but we are a long way away and do not have the ‘legs’ to do so yet.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2194

Governor Skye,

Corazon was able to make a brief transmission reporting her situation. It is grim to say the least. Corazon and her General Staff still contend there is no need for Sparta Command to halt production on their project in favor of building defense troops. I informed her that my relief column just crossed the river and will arrive at her western base next turn and it will still take another 7 turns to make it to Sparta Command. Seven turns is optimistic since they are likely to encounter or intercept supporting Believer forces and then are forced into an attack before reaching the base which could be very likely. I am almost hesitant in sending my army to Sparta Command since my military advisors believe it to be a lost cause and our forces should reinforce the western bases to hold of the next blow. At the very least I can transfer additional forces down river quickly in support of these bases rather than making the additional journey to Sparta Command. Why Corazon failed to build and adequate transportation network is beyond my grasp. My Thought Guard field commander suggests that they should press on to Sparta Command with the very intention of intercepting Believer forces which might draw off forces from Sparta. I might agree if the vanguard units were more heavily armored and had missiles, but they do not. The Thought Guard army is highly trained but should Miriam's elite Knight Templers strike my impact/synth rovers with missiles in armored plasma rovers the battle will be over before it started. Corazon has only herself to blame for this situation, her blind belief in Spartan military prowess lead her to make very poor economic and manufacturing choices.

My Thought Guard commander in charge of the Peacekeeper border reported a large number of University espionage teams crossing the border into Peacekeeper territory. I suspect that Pravin is about to learn the hard way how it feels when things are stolen from him. I doubt his bases are protected since he has continued to throw wave after wave of saboteurs at me all the while neglecting his own base. I warn you about this because Academician Zakahrov might try to capture the bases since I doubt the citizens are none to happy as it is. You might wish to remove your forces before such an event could occur. A word of warning: I will not stop Academician Zakahrov's saboteurs since I have a similar relationship with him as you do to Pravin. I do hope that you will consider this warning, if it is not to late already.

I have completed the first step of three phases to "fill in" the spaces between the Hive and our newly acquired bases. I colony pod just set-up a new base along the coast line and I also intend to build a mountain base in the northern mountain range and also another base on the northern shores of the small lake in our territory. I have yet to decide if more are needed but these new bases should "lock in" these areas for us.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2195

Chairman,

Santiago’s position is perilous, but she has held out longer than I thought she would. She has destroyed a number of Miriam’s military, but they were unfortunately obsolete units. And Miriam has many more. It is too bad that Santiago neglected her roads and infrastructure, but you may note that she has plenty of roads that Miriam is using to advance into Santiago’s territory. It is ironic in that the famous roads of Rome were used by the Barbarians to swiftly dismember that ancient empire, and now that may happen to Santiago. Moreover, one has to wonder if Santiago had designs on Miriam’s territory, and that her desire for conquest has badly backfired. If the sunspots lift I may be able to arrange for a truce, but that will only stave off the inevitable. But, maybe with some technology and energy she may be able to turn the tables. My Gaian scientists advise me that we may rediscover how to use and apply Fusion in our society, and that would be a great boost to Santiago, if she can hold out. A gift of silksteel would be useful, too, if Santiago sees it as useful – she has not desired useful technology in the past even when freely offered. If I give Silksteel to you, would you offer it to Santiago? If she has fewer choices she may more readily take what is freely given.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2195

Governor Skye,

I have good news to report. The commander in charge of the Thought Guard vanguard learned from the Major in charge of the Spartan base that there is indeed a very serviceable road leading to Sparta Command. It seems this is information they did not want to "broadcast" to the world, operational security. So the advance elements should arrive at Sparta Command next turn. My commander confirmed with Santiago via the cable connection they have between bases, similar to our line, and they have mapped out a plan that I have approved to support. My lead forces will arrive at Sparta Command next turn and set up supporting positions along side Spartans. When our impact plasma rovers arrive they will move on to help support Bunker 118. It is crucial now that Sparta Command be protected even if it means loosing the forward base, Bunker 118. I have also confirmed with Corazon that once the solar activity is ended we will transmit any and all technology we have available to her. It seems that the Spartans have all but abandoned any form or pursuit of advancing technology due to the pressure Miriam is placing on them. At the base my commander toured they had a large laboratory space but it was empty and staffed by an elderly scientist who was "tinkering" with air craft designs. When my commander told the man that the Hive and many others already had this technology the scientist almost died on the spot, a life's work wasted.

I have even better news, it seems that Academician Zakharov has transferred a working fighter jet to our control! We will refuel it and re-arm it in the hopes of flying the craft to Spartan territory in support of our troops. That might put a little fear in the heart of those Knight Templers as a needle jet, that they thought the enemy did not control, is suddenly upon them. I was unable to get the details as to what configuration the jet is but even a reconnaissance craft would be of great use.

I hope that the University espionage units did not "harm" your soldiers in any way. I did have to destroy another Peacekeeper espionage unit as it crossed the border. We have completed our first sensor array and it start relaying telemetry to our bases.

Lastly, I think you should consider any transfers of advanced military or other technology to the Spartans. Should Sister Miriam order all of her elite Knight Templers to storm Sparta and capture her technology then you will have only helped Miriam. At this point my suggestion to you is to transfer only energy to help her build more troops that she already has sound blueprints to build. Sparta lacks the mineral base to support a large scale upgrade to her forces so any technology "gift" would most likely lay idle.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY2196

Chairman,

I have grave news on two fronts. First, Santiago is now facing a swarm of Believers at Bunker 118, and I don’t see how she can hold out. Her position at Sparta Command is weak, too, but under less pressure. Second, Miriam has discovered Planetary Networks. This means she will be able to use probes, which I can imagine she will be very good at. This increases the peril of giving Santiago technology since it is likely to be stolen, and then used against her.

I noticed that Santiago is completing her prototype missile needlejet, which I hope she will put to good use. Miriam’s prototype is still three years away, but once it is done I predict there will be swarms of them.

We completed the Planetary Transit System this last year, and its effect on our distant bases has been significant. Normally I wouldn’t have cared for this Project, but it will make helping Pravin expand all the easier since he will be getting a number of size 3 bases.

Vexing all of these issues are the sunspots. I can’t give technology or energy to Santiago even if I wanted to, and I can’t contact Pravin to give him these surplus bases. I can’t even contact Miriam to call off her dogs against Santiago.

Dee

*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2196

Governor Skye,

Based upon your last communication I ordered the commander of the vanguard Thought Guards to reinforce Bunker 118 and Sparta Command. The commander dispatched two of the rover companies to Bunker 118 and one company to Sparta Command. The rearguard plasma rover companies will split up and reinforce one base each. Behind the protective walls of each base our forces should be able to hold of all attackers for some time. I have ordered the newly acquired needle jet to depart next turn for Sparta territory and reinforce our army there with the main purpose of providing aerial reconnaissance and strafe and destroy any espionage units. I suspect that for now unless Miriam does something more ambitious Sparta should be able to hold up under any attack and should Miriam divert her forces to find another hole to exploit then we can use that opening to attack.

I was able to contact Academician Zakhrov again he has transferred yet another military unit to my command. He is extremely worried about Miriam it seems but does not wish to take to the field against her, for obvious reasons. His plan is to shuttle troops and material to me and "re-commission" them under Hive control for use in the war effort. He is a cowardly man and has little stomach for battle so this works out to his advantage and should things turn against us he can always claim neutrality.

Once again my border troops were attacked by Lal along with yet another raid of saboteurs. The espionage units did not reach the base due to my border guards and will be dealt with next turn. However, once again I am reminded that I am forced into supporting large numbers of troops along a border that should be neutralized. I understand our agreement but at the very least you could provide me with intelligence as to what units he is building so that I can anticipate his next attack. The sooner you can build new accommodations for Pravin Lal and his people the better.

The Hive grows and expands...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2197

Chairman,

I wish you luck in assisting Santiago, and I hope that Miriam’s deployment of probe teams will not cause too much trouble. I have visions of her subverting an entire city, or causing the perimeter defenses of a strategic city to come crashing down. That would surely sink Santiago’s chances to defeat Miriam’s attacks.

Pravin is throwing his forces at you piecemeal, so you have little to worry about. Did you know you have destroyed 35 of his probe teams? Imagine what Pravin could have done if he had devoted those resources to expansion and infrastructure. It boggles the mind.

Our society is expanding, or more accurately booming. I don’t know how long we can stand the disruption it causes, but I can’t imagine our public will put up with the chaos much longer. We will go back onto a green economy, and once again devote our resources to expansion. I also hope that the sunspots will end since it is high time we did our part in helping Santiago against Miriam.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2197

Governor Skye,

I can convey the amount of anger and frustration Corazon vented upon my Thought Guard commander about not being the nation to complete the planetary transit system. My commander informed me that if she could she might have declared war on you! My commander also informs me that the siege has begun at both Spartan bases. Miriam is throwing more and more troops into the conflict to storm the bases. Our fighter jet is in route to Sparta and our plasma rovers should also arrive next turn at Sparta Command and if possible Bunker 118. I have done all that I can to support Corazon. Fully 1/2 of my mobile military might is deployed in Spartan territory which has created a tremendous strain on my Hive bases. I think I will request from Corazon to
transfer support of these units to the bases they are at. This will free up valuable resources at home to build more troops to aid her.

Once again Lal has attacked. Will the man ever give ups his deluded dreams of conquest. I am almost ready to starve his bases into submission by denying his people access to the fields. But of course this would not find your approval, would it. I have been informed that more probe teams, as academician Zakhrov calls them are in route to Peacekeeper bases. I suspect that he might try to "subvert" a base or two. I warn you now in case you loose your troops.

The Hive grows...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2198

Chairman,

Why would Santiago be mad at me for building the Planetary Transit System? She should be mad at Morgan for building Planetary Datalinks out from under her. I could see how that would be useful to any faction, although I advised the Council it would be all but useless for us.

I noticed that Miriam’s forces are swarming now, and I wish you well. Impact rovers may have a tough go against plasma armor, but in the open your rovers should do well. Santiago is all but spent as far as offensive firepower goes, so I hope she holds out.

I would hope that Zak wouldn’t be so silly as to subvert our troops. I’m sure the Council will be vexed with him if he did. He may be after technology, by the way, since nothing warms his heart more than some detailed schematics.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2198

Governor Skye,

From the reports I am getting from my field commander at Sparta the fighting is becoming fierce. We lost an entire company of synth-rovers at Bunker 118 under the last assault. However, the attacks on Sparta command resulted in no loss of territory to the Believers. I was contacted again by Academician Zakhrov and he transferred two more fighter craft to my command. We will refuel these craft and then order them out to support our forces in the field. I doubt any of the troops attacking Sparta have anti-aircraft capability and this might turn the tide and buy Corazon and us more time.

My concern now is one of resources. It is quickly becoming clear that the burden of supporting the additional forces the University has gifted along with our own is beginning to take its toll on some of our bases. Some have all of their mineral production tied up in support leaving none for projects and infrastructure. I would like to request that the Spartans support more of our troops but I doubt they could manage that without paralyzing their economy as well. The Hive was built under my grand design to support large numbers of troops but even the Hive has limits.

We continue to expand and have colonized more land in the northern sections and will establish more outposts in the mountains soon and to the south.

The Hive grows...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2199

Chairman,

I think I have the answer to your support problems. Our scientists just discovered the secrets of Bioengineering, which will allow the use of clean reactors on your mobile units. This ability is expensive, however, in both production or upgrade costs. When the sunspots end I’ll see if the Council will release this technology to you.

We will start prototyping our newest military unit, the chaos fusion needlejet. These secrets, and a number of others, were revealed in the last few years as our technology rate increased and we linked a few artifacts with newly built network nodes. I know the Council will be reluctant to release the secrets of fusion power, since it would be truly horrible if Miriam got her hands on it. Superstring Theory, on the other hand, would allow a 33% increase in firepower. I imaging Santiago would find Photon/Wave Mechanics useful, too, since it allows photon wall armor with a defense factor of 5. I hope the sunspots end soon.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2199

Governor Skye,

The military pressure being brought to bear by Sister Miriam on Bunker 118 is incredible. Our last synth-rover company was destroyed in defending the base but was successful in destroying two units before failing. I ordered my force commander at Sparta Command to concentrate all of his remaining forces at Sparta and hold until relieved. What compounds this catastrophe is the failure by my base administrator at Yang Mines to redistribute the mineral resources to support the additional forces. Two fighter craft crashed upon leaving the base due to the fact that they had been given sub-standard fuel. The man is now re-learning certain basic concepts at a re-education camp. I hope Academician Zakhrov does not become too dismayed at the way the Hive managed his gifts and will cause him not to offer future support.

I have many other things I could discuss but I have only one thing on my mind, Lal. Once again he attacks my troops and destroys a rover company on the border! I can NOT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE!!! The minute you are able to re-establish communications with him and transfer a base do so. I intend to capture both of his bases and place them under Hive control the minute this is done. If you forces decide to remain then so be it. Should you decide to take this as an act of war and attack me, so be it! You do so at the risk of destroying your one ally against Miriam. What I find the most irritating is the fact that you failed to notify me that the man was building rovers! I thought we had an understanding on this issue! The balance of power on this planet is at stake and I am forced to keep half of my elite troops on the border to halt Lal's mindless attacks. I am formally informing you that once you make the transfer of bases my troops will attack both of Lal's cities and bring them into the Hive. Then I will be able to move the bulk of my troops to support Santiago. I will no longer allow my "pact-mate" to suffer so that your "pact-mate" can prosper and weaken me. This will end NOW!

I understand that your council will call for debates and argue the point to they are blue in the face but I deal in the now, the reality of power and the situation demands action. Only out of my respect for you do I stay my hand until your troops can move Lal from his base to his new quarters.

I am almost sorry this had to come to this point but I see no other recourse that can preserve my pact-mate.

I will begin attacking Lal's second coastal base in three turns. Please recall all troops before then. I will hold off my final assault until you transfer Lal.

The Hive must live....

Chairman Yang
HIVE



*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2200

Chairman,

Miriam’s hordes have finally overwhelmed the defenses of Bunker 118, and the base will doubtless fall next year. To be honest it held out longer than I thought it might, but that is of no solace to Santiago. I also noticed you have pulled back to Sparta Command to ensure it does not fall, which is wise since you can conserve your forces. Your three rovers should do well, but you might want to consider upgrading them from impact to missile. Unfortunately you have armor on them, which will make that very expensive. I noticed that Santiago is taking the leftover materials from her failed project to make missile speeders – another excellent choice since they will make mincemeat of Miriam. Unfortunately Miriam has almost 20 missile military units in production, so there will be lots of targets.

The Council has come to an interim conclusion, and that is that Miriam has overstepped her bounds. When the sunspots are over I will call on Miriam, and is she fails to accept my call or decides not to accept my suggestion of truce I will issue her an ultimatum. Her aggressive actions are clearly not justified. I know you have been telling me that for a long time, but now we have the industrial and technical ability to do something about it. The sad problem is that Miriam is a long way away, and long-range military operations are difficult. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.

I do have a proposal for you. I will have our cities create clean chaos rovers, and gift them to you. This way you can support Santiago on the ground. If you are interested let me know and we can work out the details, including how to get them to you.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2200

Governor Skye,

I appreciate your offer of military assistance but I can not promise you that I would immediately transfer any units to Corazon. Currently, I am under constant barrage from Lal and his forces along the coast. I have already lost one impact rover company and several others are now under artillery barrage from his second city. My border forces are getting worn down to the constant "snipping" he is attempting. If I turn to give Corazon all of my support Lal will take the opportunity to launch an attack to cripple my infrastructure and re-capture cities that I liberated from the yoke of his oppression. If I halt all current and future support of Corazon to deal with Lal then in the long run I doom myself. However "cloudy" the situation is the artillery unit Lal has stationed at his second base must be neutralized. I can not have him pounding away at my forces while he builds up a small but deadly task force. I will launch a strike mission in 3 turns against his second base along the coast to destroy the artillery unit. I warn you up front so that you can "pull back" any forces you might have garrisoned there to either his main headquarters or off shore. Three turns then I strike...

I can confirm the loss of Bunker 118 to the Believers. The video feed was terrible according to my Thought Guard commander. Believer Knight Templers stormed the walls and then began to crucify all the Spartans they could round up including the wounded. Luckily many of the garrison quickly began to kill each other rather than fall into the cruel hands of the inquisition. It seems that Miriam was none to pleased to find my elite Thought Guards there and ordered all survivors burnt at the stake for acts of heresy! The women is mad and only military might will stop here.

The time is quickly approaching that I will have to make a choice. Do I attack the smaller coastal city and deprive Pravin of the resources so I can transfer military units or do I allow Corazon to fall. I find the situation becoming more intolerable each day since in essence I have agreed to allow Corazon to fall so that your ally will not! I will stay my hand from taking Pravin's UNHQ at all costs so that when this damn communication black-out lifts you can transfer him to safer ground but I am informing you now that I can not promise that I will not take his second coastal city anymore. I do not see this as breaking my word since I will not take his headquarters but circumstance dictate that I bend them till they almost break.

The Hive lives and grows...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2201

Chairman,

I know Pravin is annoying you, and that you have to keep up your guard, but I would disagree that he is any serious threat. All he can do is throw his couple of units at you piecemeal. The reason I am telling you this is that the Council has determined that you have had your ‘pound of flesh’ in taking 3 of Pravin’s bases, and that it is unacceptable if you were to attack and take either of his coastal bases. The Gaians units will remain, and will defend themselves if attacked. I know this what Pravin is doing to you is causing you to save face, so I will offer you 200 energy to help make up for the losses you have suffered. In return you will agree not to attack his two bases. Is that acceptable?

Dee

The Hive, MY 2201

Governor Skye,

I have given your last transmission much thought and consideration and it seems the Hive has been "boxed" into an impossible situation due to your lack of vision. I am an astute military historian along with my many other talents and irregardless of my opinions of you and Lal the Hive can not wage a war on three fronts with any hope of victory. I can not make peace with Pravin Lal and I can not allow Sparta to fall, at least with not putting up a good fight to preserve her so I am forced to fight on two fronts. I intend next turn to transfer two more military units to the Spartan front from the Peacekeeper border and consolidate my border forces into one sector. I also intend to send our needle jet to the Spartan front next turn as well. I plan on converting 4 bases into war production in the next couple of turns then three more at a later date. Every turn that I can hold the Believers on the eastern shores of the great river valley and keep them away from the Hive the better for us all. Reports from my field commander indicate that Miriam is re-organizing her forces at Bunker 118 to make the final assault on Sparta herself. I have informed my commander more aid is coming but he is not to surrender under any circumstance what so ever, fight to the death.

I close this transmission with this thought. It seems clear that Sparta will fall sometime within the next 20 turns. Already forces are moving against Corazon's outposts and frontier bases. Sparta is a crushed society with little hope of rebuilding itself from the blows the Believers have hit them with. Miriam will move on myself and the University next. Since the good Academician will not field a force himself against the Believers I have every reason to believe that he is playing the waiting game with hopes of landing on the winning side, whomever that may be. Should any Believer forces move south I am sure the University would change sides as quickly as possible. Morgan is isolated for now and faces no real threat. Lal is a joke, a threat to no one except my infra-structure and stability. The question now before me is you. Your previous statements indicate you want to wade into the fray but I have yet to see any manifestation of it. I do not see why you could not load up a sizable force on your isles' of the deep and land them on Believer soil and begin to break through to Sparta from the east. I can only assume that you also are playing the waiting game and using this time to make yourself strong and allow us to burn out our factories and mines and people on the early and middle game with the hope of taking the end game. I see your continued support of keeping Pravin Lal's cities in tact and on this side of the sea as a means to distract me and play into your end game strategy by using them as "jump off" points to attack me. It is what I would do. Should you begin to transfer bases to Pravin he will only use the extra resources to attack me so at some point I will attack his coastal cities and capture them to end the threat to the Hive. This might incur your wrath and you might declare war on the Hive but it is better for me to pick the time and place of the battle than you. War on my terms irregardless of the how many fronts I am fighting on is better than a war on your terms if it has to come to that. Remove Pravin to your soil and allow me to get on with saving this planet from the Believer fanatics.

The Hive is all...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2202

Chairman,

We have suffered a catastrophe. The Prometheus Virus has struck at our core bases, wiping out over 30 population in a single year. To put that in perspective, that is more population that all of either Santiago, Morgan, Lal, or Zak have. The repercussions are still rocking the Council, and we have decided to initiate a population boom again to replace what was lost. All this for want of a research hospital! I thought our infrastructure was good, but apparently it isn’t good enough.

Your tortured logic escapes me on Pravin since he is nothing more than a distraction to you. He is not inhibiting your ability to do what you want, less a few military units stationed strategically on his border, and the fact that he annoys you every now and then by attacking you. When the sunspots are over the Council has agreed to give him all the bases on the island continent north of you. That does not mean that the Council will sanction your aggression against Pravin. In fact, our military units will remain where they are. If you require bluntness here it is: if you attack our units you will be at war with the Gaians. So, you have a choice. You can attack someone who is not a threat to you, and make a serious enemy, or you can accept generous gifts I have convinced the Council to give you in compensation with your troubles with Pravin (as we have done in the past) and aid you in your efforts against Santiago.

Another item you should consider, Chairman, when you blithely suggest war with us. Gaian technology is increasing geometrically, and our best military units have three times the largest attack factor you or any other faction on Planet can muster. Our bases are at least twice as productive as most other bases on Planet, and our energy production is much higher too. We have not ramped up our war machine in any serious way, but that can change in a single year. You would be surprised how fast bases that produce 25 minerals per turn can turn out chaos fusion rovers, infantry, and needlejets.

You are a wise man, and these are simply more variables you should put in your mental deliberations.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2202

Governor Skye,

It is unfortunate that the virus took so many Gaians at this time. You can have all the mineral production you can want but without people to use the equipment and defend your nation it is all for nothing, is it not. As I stated earlier I am no fool and I will not fight a war on three fronts if I have options. I will not take advantage of your current weakened condition to press further demands upon you. I do want to make one thing clear and that Pravin is hardly a minor problem. His artillery pounds away at my bunkers and his probe teams sortie to wreak havoc on my peace loving citizens and his soldiers attack my infra-structure and equipment. If I did the same to you I would suspect you would hardly call it minor. Let us not forget that it was Pravin that caused the misery and suffering his people are enduring not me! The citizens I liberated from his yoke of chaos and misery are finding life as Hive citizens rewarding now that they have a clear understanding of their role. No longer will they be tormented by the demands of making choices they are unfit and untrained to make, I make them for them now and they are much happier for it.

Lal has launched yet another wave of probe attacks, artillery barrages and he attacked my terraformers. The crews of the terraformers were able to defend themselves and repulsed the attack but at a high cost. My Thought Guards will have to destroy yet another team of saboteurs that have crossed the border as well. My point in my earlier message was very clear. Once you begin transferring bases to Lal he will have access to bases that he can use to finance his attacks on me. Currently his means to pursue an expanded campaign are limited. But should he attain several if not four to five bases then he could fund more determined attacks on me without my ability to strike back. If Pravin does use the extra income to attack me I will have no OPTIONS left but to attack the source of that irritation. If this does trigger a war with you, well, so be it. Once again war on my terms at the time I choose is better then one thrust upon me. I can not believe you are so gullible to believe that Lal would not use such resources to do just as I have stated. And as I have stated I would rather the Hive die a quick death rather than suffer from many tiny cuts. However, I doubt it would become so since I would insure that this would never happen. There are allies that the Hive can use if pushed into a corner.

Miriam is now using probe teams and native mind worms to assault Corazon's northern bases. Neither of them are prepared for psionic combat and should fall quickly to her assaults. Our good friend the academician continues to supply me with troops for the war effort in Sparta. I intend to shift these new troops to the border with Lal so that I can free up more rover companies that can make their way to Sparta quickly. I think you can now see how strategically important the control over the mountain pass was and the river system there in.

The Hive is our mother

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2203

Chairman,

I’ve made the decision of the Council clear, and how you respond is your business. I can no more stop you from doing what you will than I can stop Pravin from doing what he thinks he needs to do to defend himself. The offer I’ve made is a generous one, and you should consider it.

It looks like the full brunt of Miriam’s forces is now being arrayed against Santiago. Unfortunately the northern base you mention contains the project Citizen’s Defense Force, so if it falls then Santiago is doubly threatened. You may be right about Santiago. I have a proposal for you – I could set up a colony for her on a remote base to ensure she is not eliminated before help arrives. Sadly, I don’t even think an attack on Miriam’s home territory would distract her much, so this might be a last ditch option. If the Citizen’s Defense Force falls to Miriam I fear that she may not last even the 20 years you projected.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2203

Governor Skye,

In case your empathic freaks might have failed to inform you it seems that Pravin Lal has dispatched several troops to the great river valley to attack Corazon! The man is mad!! Beyond reason and yet you still wish to support him. Is there any benefit beyond his support for you in the council that he imparts to this new world, no. I will accept your offer for compensation for now since you and your council seemed determined to maintain this mad man in power at all costs irregardless of the destruction and instability he creates.

I am ordering more troops to the border with Corazon and we have completed our first needle jet that we will deploy to Sparta as well. It seems the virus that attacked your people created a great deal of chaos and we have not received any up to date intelligence from you concerning the military capabilities of the Believers or disposition of their forces. My field commander has asked if they have started to field any aircraft yet and what is the composition of their forces. Also, if it would not be morally repugnant I would also like information on what Lal is building so that I can stage the appropriate forces on the border. If I knew he was about to complete a probe team then I would redeploy my rovers accordingly. Just this last turn a probe team got with a few sectors of an interior base before it was destroyed.

Our forces at Sparta Command have seen little of the enemy yet. We now believe that Miriam has ordered her Knight Templers to seize the Citizens Defense Force project. With this in mind I intend to order all aircraft we have to Ironholm to help fend of the probe attacks and other assaults. I also fear that that Miriam will also push against south again to cut of my river route of support. The situation is grave indeed. However, I do not think it would a futile gesture on your part my dear Governor if you did lend troops to the battle. I state again if you could land 5 to 6 rovers or even better yet some native mind worms that could cut supply lines and block reinforcements it would be of great assistance. If you feel that your Gaian soldier lack fighting skills then please issue orders for an isle to land at a Hive port and I will issue orders for troops to embark and be transported to the far shores to take up the battle. If we can hit Miriam from both the east and west and put her forces into a pincer formation then we could buy significant time for Corazon. If anything your forces could capture one of her coastal bases and use that as a staging area. My military assistants inform me Miriam is very unpredictable in her approach to military strategy and such a move might "unhinge" her enough to cause her to completely redirect her forces. Please consider these options.

The Hive is one

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2204

Chairman,

Here is the breakdown of Miriam’s forces: # existing/# building/# lost
 Empath missile infantry – 11/7/1
 Impact infantry – 3/0/8
 Impact rover 3/0/5
 Missile speeder 7/4/2
 Impact speeder 16/0/8
 Missile needlejet 2/1/0
 Trained missile speeder 8/9/0
 Plasma garrison 56/1/3
There are some other units, but these are the core of Miriam’s military

As to Pravin, you can solve this problem yourself if you infiltrate his datalinks with a probe action. Considering what he has done to you it is only fair if you return the favor so you can know exactly what he is up to.

Our cities are still recovering from the virus disaster, but we will be converting production to military units as soon as other facilities in the queue are complete. We will then build a transport with escorts and take the war to Miriam’s eastern coast if she refuses to see reason. Will that satisfy you?

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2204

Governor Skye,

I am relieved that you have agreed to allow me to penetrate Pravin's security network and infiltrate his computer systems. The data we are gathering will allow my Thought Guard commanders to better anticipate his next move. We did initiate an action this turn and have full access to their network and communication systems. I had almost thought you had lost all sense of reason in not allowing us ANY actions against Pravin. I think in the future my Mind Sentinels can cause some difficulties for Pravin that might cause him to look elsewhere for trouble....

I will be brief since I have much to do and little time it seems. The demands and details that this war is putting on my time makes it hard to balance my efforts towards our true goal, the new humanity. For the past decade or so I have been instructing my scientists to work harder and more effectively and the rewards are beginning to show. Our research rate is almost equal to the University and it is only getting more effective.

The war is getting more heated each turn. I had ordered our 1st squadron needle jets to advance to Iron Holm but while in route they flew over a mass of colony pods, Believer pods, crossing the great river. The squadron commander attacked one set of pods and relayed the coordinates back to the Spartan air commander who ordered a sortie of their own air squadron to dispatch the remaining pods. Miriam is relentless in her expansion and if she does not overrun the Spartan bases she will simply lay them under siege by surrounding them with Believer bases. I have issued more orders to build more air craft since they will be of the best use in supporting the Spartan troops. I have more plasma rovers moving down the river system to Sparta which will go to Iron Holm to support the efforts there.

Lastly, I understand your society has taken a tremendous blow but you must demand that it make sacrifices! We need for you to send troops to the opposite shore, near Believer territory. If we can split the Believer offensive thrusts into two wings we can then handle them and defeat them. If we do not then Spartan will fall sooner than we had expected and feared. The communication black out might last for some time more and until you can assist in other non-lethal methods we need Gaian force NOW! If you wait much longer you might not as well try at all. If the Hive can build both weapons and infra-structure then surely the Gaians can do the same...

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2205

Chairman,

A couple more bits of intelligence on Miriam’s forces:

Mindworms – 2/1/1
Probes – 2/1/3

Of these I fear the probes the most. He can do a lot of damage with these, including extracting information from Santiago’s datalinks.

At you advice we will be starting a military buildup, which will focus primarily on a few transports with defenders and amphibious rovers and defenders. Normally I’d worry about Miriam’s probe teams, but I have been advised that the Hunter Seeker Algorithm can deal with anything Miriam might have to offer by way of sneaky tricks. Most of our bases are finishing or will finish soon major building efforts or a Project, but when those are finished I will have order that Command Centers be built to offset the normally poor morale of our soldiers, and that we finish prototyping the latest armor and weapons. Our amphibious force will form near Gaia’s Landing and head west. I don’t have a good idea how long it will take to put this force together, but as you have surmised our military to this point has been rather limited compared to our potential.

I looked into Sparta Command and noticed that Miriam is taking good advantage of the terrain to get her troops into position so they can attack. Frankly I wouldn’t have expected that of her. It is too bad that she built those bunkers that Miriam is not using, and that she built roads of the rocky areas next to Sparta Command. Still, the situation there looks defendable with the addition of your forces. The northern base is more problematic. It may hold, but it can’t hold forever.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2205

Governor Skye,

I am pleased by your "awakening" for the need to field a military force in this so crucial of wars. My Thought Guard commander reports more assaults by Believer forces on Sparta Command but none by Miriam's elite Knight Templers. I know suspect, as does my commander and the Spartans, that Miriam has redirected them against Iron Holm in hopes of taking the perimeter defense secrets there. Both Corazon and I have briefly discussed the need for more air support to halt the Believer advance. So far our limited aircraft are taking a terrible toll on her forces and seem to be stopping them short of their goal. Within the next three turns 2 more plasma rover companies and another air wing will arrive at Spartan bases. My commander is amazed at the "zeal" at which the Spartans are building aircraft and other items while essentially under a state of siege. One question has arisen and that is has Miriam proclaimed a holy war against us and has this call insulated her forces against sabotage or mind control? Do you have access to that information. Corazon has suspected that this is the case and believes building anti-espionage teams are a waste of time.

I have ordered more bases to gear up to military production and I expect within the next ten turns to field an equal if not superior force of soldiers to aid Corazon. Also, the University has transferred another large amount of soldiers and aircraft under our control. Once again this is most appreciated by us but the strain of support is terrible. I have issued orders to try and spread out the support costs but it will take time to do
so.

I am beginning to believe that short of a major military defeat that between the Hive, Sparta and the University we MIGHT be able to save Sparta and drive the Believers back. This is my hope it is a distant hope, but it is hope. I have begun to use some of the video footage of this war and my crucial role in it to help inform my Hive children. It is amazing the effects it has on them and the outpouring of support and homage they have
for me. Truly, I have become their father, their mother, their all. The Hive is moving closer and closer each day to the wondrous goal, my dream, our vision for humanity.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2206

Chairman,

I can tell you that Miriam converted (if you’ll forgive the use of the world) to fundamentalism a while ago. Her cities each support 4 units for free, and that can only mean she has opted to harness her society’s fanaticism in her pursuit of conquest.

We have a number of isle of the deep, some of which have Unity Rovers and mindworms on them for exploring unoccupied continents nearby. Some of these are being converted into chaos fusion clean amphibious forces, and should be ready to act as a distraction soon. Note that I will not attack Miriam without warning, even after what she has done to Santiago. The Council agrees with me that we will wait until the Sunspots are over, then if she refuses my request for a truce with Santiago or refuses to speak with me we may be forced to take harsh measures. I can no more allow Santiago to be eradicated than I could Pravin.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2206

Governor Skye,

I am not in a very pleasant mood these days since the anticipated "breakthrough" my scientists were heralding was a minor technology that many of the rest of your already had achieved. I have ordered the lead scientist on the project to attend a re-education center with the hope that he will not make the same mistake twice. I doubt he will.

My field commander at Sparta Command informs me that his Thought Guards have been in combat almost non-stop and both of the Plasma rover companies are badly damaged. It is his hope that next turn they can make a quick sortie to the alien monolith and repair the damage and return to the base. Our synth-company rover will be upgraded next turn to a plasma rover company with the assistance of the Spartan engineers. I do have grave news to report in that our air craft squadron at Iron Holm suffered too many mechanical breakdowns due to the lack of parts and had to be disbanded. It seems not all Hive components are compatible with University technology and as such make it difficult for parts to integrate as replacements. However, our own Hive Sky Guards are about to land next turn at the nearest Spartan base and there should be no problem with parts.

I have also been informed our first "sea colony" pod is about to be built and I have not decided as to where I should establish it. One thought has been to anchor it neat the bay just south of Sparta Command and use that as an air base. The advantage of this would be that Believer ground forces would have little chance in capturing the plans or bases since they would be at sea.

I am leaving now to see the completion of our first habitation dome. I have been somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of building these domes since they will create a larger population. Larger populations do make it harder to "guide" the citizens in their daily affairs but my advisors are prepared to institute measures to insure no problems occur.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2207

Chairman,

I see the difficulties you are having at Sparta Command. There are veritable swarms of Believers descending on it, and both Santiago and your forces seemed almost exhausted. Can you hold?

With that in mind, here is the latest intelligence on Miriam:
 Empath missile plasma infantry – 14/10/1
 Impact synthmetal infantry – 3/0/8
 Impact synthmetal rover 3/0/5
 Missile synthmetal speeder 4/4/5
 Impact plasma infantry 13/0/11
 Missile rover 14/9/0
 Mindworm 3/1/1
 Probe 3/1/3

Our cities have almost recovered from the Prometheus Virus, which is good since our production has gone up significantly. Almost all of our core bases are now constructing military structures, prototyping military units, and pulling together a fighting force. Gaia’s Landing is starting a clean photon wall transport. It looks our first strike force will be ready in about four years, and it will consist of a fully loaded transport with at least one screening escort. Half of the units will be amphibious, and the rest will be primarily photon garrison units. There will be a good mix of rovers and infantry so that we can use combined arms to out best advantage. Our attack factor will be about 16 to Miriam’s defense of 3, so I don’t anticipate much of a problem with her coastal bases.

Help is on the way, Chairman. All you and Santiago need to do is hold on for a while longer.

Dee


The Hive, MY 2207

Governor Skye,

Your military intelligence was most useful indeed. My field commander reports the loss of one of plasma rovers at Sparta Command. He ordered the rover company to the monolith and they made repairs but were immediately attacked by Believer forces. They destroyed one infantry company and almost destroyed a rover company before they were overwhelmed. However, we were able to make the missile/armor upgrade for our synth-rover company and that should make Miriam think twice. Corazon is putting all of her resources into building up forces at her northern bases leaving the defense of Sparta Command to our forces. We should have more plasma rovers and aircraft arriving soon to help in the defense but if Miriam decides to push an all out effort against us and commit her elite knight templers to the battle then it would be too close to call. I have been thinking that I should expand beyond the great mountain range along the river valley to provide a secure corridor for my troops but these bases would be very exposed to attack with little chance of rapid reinforcements. Perhaps when I complete some more upgrades at Commune of Unity which can then provide a secure anchor for the forward bases then I might reconsider this option.

Since Lal seems to want to continue this war and inflict damage upon my cities and infra-structure I have decided that forced reparations are in order and have ordered my mind sentinels to "relieve" Lal of some of his excess energy credits to compensate me. Since this does nothing to harm his cities, directly, I do not see where you could find any fault in my actions. So far we have liberated over 130 energy credits from Lal and I intend to take more. It is my hope as well that by depleting his energy reserves he MIGHT want to focus on building up his infrastructure and more terraformers rather than weapons of war.

Academician Zakharov continues to support our war effort by supplying more ground forces for our use. So far we have taken control of over 6 infantry companies and several air craft. I have decided to use the ground forces in support functions at our bases for now thus freeing up my production to build more advanced military equipment that can be sent to the front.

I have much to do this turn with little time to do it. The university has just shipped the latest longevity treatments and I will be forced this turn to take the treatment. So I am completing as much as possible before I go into the tank.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2108

Chairman,

Not much to report this year. Our military buildup continues with completion of command centers and bioenhancement centers, and as those are completed our military forces.

This year we should complete the Projects Neural Amplifier and Longevity Vaccine. Last year we completed the Supercollider at Gaia’s Landing. With these Projects complete we can move on to military the military buildup.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2108

Governor Skye,

I am pleased to hear that you are making the required improvements to your infrastructure to support a military campaign. Our economy has been on a war footing for quite some time. If there is any advice your Gaian planners might need about labor management and allocation of resources to produce maximum military output please consult with my production coordinators.

We now have reports of Knight Templers joining the battle against Sparta and they have been spotted in the north. Corazon is getting pressed even harder in the north with the arrival of these elite forces and has all but given up the defense of Sparta Command to my field commander. Our replacement forces should arrive next turn at the nearest Spartan base and with air cover on hand should be able to make a uneventful trip to Sparta Command. I had "toyed" with the idea of supporting the northern bases but it is all to critical at this point to make sure Sparta Command is safe and free from assault. Perhaps when my replacement troops arrive I will order my commander to demolish some of the roads and infrastructure north of Sparta Command to deny the benefit of them to Miriam and her forces.

Our mind sentinels liberated another 40+ energy credits from Lal which should compensate us for the destruction of our sensor array near the border by his artillery. He tried another sortie against our border base but our elite mind sentinels were able to halt the attack and eliminate the saboteurs. If he does continue to persist in these mindless attacks further I might order my mind sentinels to disrupt his production facilities by inciting riots and rebellion. This would in effect halt his attacks on me and focus his attention more on the domestic front....

I had an idea of sorts since we still have no "clear" idea as to when the sunspot activity will end you could assist the Hive in other areas. Along the coastline I have several bases that could benefit greatly from offshore kelp farms, mineral production platforms and tidal energy collectors. If you could send even two sea formers to assist in this process it would allow me to focus even more production on military equipment. Please consider
this request.

My regional coordinator of the great mountain range has reported that improvements and expansion are ahead of schedule and that this area will be very productive soon. It should provide a very effective means to halt Miriam's expansion should Sparta fall. I have been reconsidering the idea of the river valley bases but with a twist. I could build them and make small improvements and then transfer them to Corazon. These "rear" bases would be closer to my sphere of protection and allow Corazon to build new equipment and train fresh troops without fear of attack!

Chairman Yang

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2209

Chairman,

It turns out we will have a super sea former finishing up its duties soon, and we will send it down to create some improvements. Kindly let the crews what improvements are needed, and where, and I am sure they’d be happy to comply. Routing those requests through me would likely be the easiest approach.

Our transport at Gaia’s Landing is almost half full already, but we need a few more assault units and a screening escort or two. Our current economic focus is on Wealth, which along with our natural disinclination toward military matters makes our unassisted morale fairly poor. Therefore, the morale enhancing facilities are critical for air, land, and sea units. Our efforts will be delayed only as long as it will take to get these facilities up and running, which will only be a few more years. Here is an outline of our strike force, and I invite your suggestions on how to improve it:

Pickets (1 or 2): 8(or 6)-5-4*2 (clean, deep radar) [foils rather than cruisers due to cost]
Transport: 0-5-6*2 (clean, deep radar)
* Infantry (2): 8-5-1*2 (amphib, clean)
* Garrison (1): 1-5-1*2 (ECM, clean)
* Assault rover (3): 8-1-2*2 (amphib, clean)
* Defense rovers (2): 1-5-2*2 (ECM, clean)

There are no artillery units since the pickets will serve that purpose, and no probes (which otherwise would be critical) since the HSA will protect us from any unfortunate probe activities Miriam might think up. All of these units will have average to above average morale. It will likely take about 5 years to construct the pickets since our only base with sea access on the western coast is Gaia’s Landing. One or the bases on the southern sea might be able to assist, but they are currently constructing sea colony pods and were well into construction when our change in strategy was formulated.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2209

Governor Skye,

Direct your sea-former to the Hive base, Great Collective. There is a large offshore mineral deposit that could be developed along with a kelp farm. After completing that they can move down the coast to Great Collective and continue their work there.

During this turn my field commander at Sparta Command reports destroying four enemy units, two infantry units ( one of them being an elite Knight Templer company) and two rover companies. However, these defeats have only seemed to spur Miriam on more and focused her efforts now at Sparta Command. My commander reports that he should be able to hold out provided that Miriam does not order an all out assault on the base.

We destroyed another Peacekeeper unit that tried to cross the border again. I have all but decided that Pravin Lal is completely mad and has lost touch with reality. I have closed down the section of social mathematicians that I had studying Pravin Lal since only by going mad themselves could they possible provide any insight to his mind. Perhaps, that could be an interesting experiment indeed. Could I create the conditions in a laboratory in which I would cause someone to go insane and then study the effects and possibly build some models based on those actions to predict future behavior. Of course I would need hundreds if not thousands of test subjects but of course all that live in the Hive serve the Hive in any way I choose.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2210

Chairman,

Our military force continues to grow, and we are on schedule to have the core elements of our reaction force in place in approximately five years. Moreover, an ad-hoc force of rovers and mindworms is almost in place to press Miriam along her western coast if need arises. This force includes a clean amphibious rover, a garrison rover, and two mindworms, which should be enough to take and hold a single base, if that need comes to pass.

I have to say I’m impressed with your and Santiago’s defense of her cities. A few turns ago it looked like she would overwhelm both Sparta Command and her northern city, but now Miriam’s troops like they have been pushed back. Moreover, Santiago’s forces have grown significantly, and now outnumber Miriam’s. Your efforts have doubtlessly turned the tide, since it gave Santiago some room to build before being overrun. I would certainly hope that Santiago views you as her partner, and if she ever becomes overconfident to the point of terminating your alliance she will soon regret it. The sacrifices the Hive has endured on her behalf (even if it is in your best interests to check Miriam) reflect well on your leadership.

It turns out that Miriam and Santiago are both running a police state, which generates extra support at the cost of inefficiency. I would guess you are well familiar with a police state since it is your preferred mode of government, even if it is antithetical to the Gaian belief system. This, and not fundamentalism, has given Miriam (and Santiago) the ability to field so many military units without severely damaging her productive ability.

One last note: Miriam has a few missile needlejets near the front now, so don’t leave any lightly armored rovers out in the open since they will be vulnerable to attack. I didn’t notice any interceptors in the area, but I will give you ample warning if I note any have been constructed or sent to the front since they will easily take down your bombers.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2210


Governor Skye,

I took your last transmission as both a great compliment to me as well as an insult. My military genius is well known and even Corazon has learned a thing or two about military strategy and planning. Even though it now looks like we might even win the battle against the Believers the question remains will we win the war? Santiago has been able to build military equipment and train soldiers very quickly but at the cost of her future. Without massive amounts of military, technological and military assistance Sparta will never be nothing more than a punching bag for Miriam. Miriam will continue to crowd her out and eventually strike absorbing the Spartan cities into her arms. I have decided to reject the idea of building bases along the river valley since I do not wish to build cities for Sparta that the Believers will eventually capture. What I do plan on doing is this. There seems to be small continent to the west of the Hive. What I plan on doing is building a transport and one colony pod and land it and establish a base with minor improvements. Then I will turn it over to Corazon. This new base would provide a facility far from the fighting at which Corazon could expand in peace.

Our plasma rovers have destroyed more Believer missile rovers. It seems Miriam believes that faith alone will protect her troops rather than plasma armor. All the better for us and our rover gunners. Even with equal firepower Miriam's equipment will not last long as long as they choose not to armor them.

Lal made another series of probe attacks which all failed. I have decided that I have had enough of Lal and plan on ordering my mind sentinels to make any future production of these units impossible.

Lastly, the insult. I take great offense that you "characterize" my form of enlightened government as a "police state". The Hive is a new phenomenon that has never been seen before. All Hive citizens are working to the greater dream of a world without strife, without envy, passion or hatred. This is my goal, my dream. Of course, some of my citizens at first fail to grasp the work, the dream and that is why we have built re-education camps. Sometime, several hundred years from now everyone on this planet will enjoy the peace and prosperity the Hive brings.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2211

Chairman,

We’ll have to agree to disagree on your social model. To me your arguments seem like semantics, and to you there is a significant difference that sets apart your society from others.

You will notice that we have established a sea base in the small sea between us. I took care to ensure this in no way ‘stole’ territory from your established bases, and there are at least 1 sector of space between the area of control of these bases that is unclaimed. In the next few years a string of these bases will be established, although none of the others will be anywhere near this close to your territory. Each base will have two or three sectors between them, and these bases will be primarily ‘energy’ bases (since mineral production is so poor). More sea bases will be established off our western coast after our troop buildup is complete.

The super sea former will be off Great Clustering next year and will start laying a kelp bed on the mineral square you mentioned. Then, unless you object, it will put in a tidal harness. Each terrain improvement will take about three years, and when a sector is complete the former will move south. Sectors without fungus will be worked first since kelp has a tendency to grow into and displace fungus, given time.

Ironholm is being pressed severely again, I see. Perhaps I spoke too soon. Miriam has also displayed two needlejets, which are no doubt severely limiting Santiago’s ability to move between her bases, allowing them to be mutually reinforcing. Santiago’s troops have withstood assaults in the past, and I hope she does now. Her primary hope is that Miriam will attack Ironholm and the smaller base to the north, dividing her fire and limiting follow up.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2211

Governor Skye,

On the surface it does look bleak but once again many of the Believer troops are not of the best quality and have no armor. However, with that being said my field commander has consulted with Corazon and the relief forces destined for Sparta command will now try to force an opening to Iron Holm. Our fighter craft will provide air cover or close ground support if needed. Should they be attacked while in route they would at least draw off forces from Iron Holm.

I would have preferred more advanced warning other that a de-facto annunciation that the base had been established and that's that. I am not pleased with this at all. It leaves only a small corridor by which my ships can exit bases from my area unwatched and makes a prefect area by which an enemy can "bottle up" my forces. I realize that you Gaians sometimes fail to see the military implications of your actions and how they might effect other factions so I will keep this in mind. However, any further sea bases that might infringe on my territory please consult me so that the possibility of an a accident does not occur.

Please direct your sea former to build a mining platform over the sea mineral deposit, not a tidal harness. All other sea improvements can be kelp farms and tidal energy collectors.

Lastly, I would suggest that your forces depart as soon as possible. I understand your desire to build a "complete" force but would it not be better to land a strike force and then follow-up with your expeditionary forces? Please consider this carefully since while you wait you only allow Miriam to entrench herself more. Also, when you do expect to land your strike force or expeditionary force please let me know so that we can coordinate a dual strike so that it will cause maximum confusion to her.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2212

Chairman,

Sunspot activity is over and normal communications can be resumed. The first thing I tried to do was call on Miriam, but she ‘politely’ declined to accept my call. I find that very sad, since she also rejected my call before the sunspot activity started almost 15 years ago. So, diplomacy has failed. That means that we will attack next year and will take one of her bases, if we have any luck. If not we will harass and damage some of her forces. Keep in mind that if we do take Hand of God that this base will become a lightning rod for Miriam’s forces, which is what I suspect you are looking for. We have the resources to rush build and refit units, but even then it may be difficult to maintain this base under a forceful assault. With that in mind I ordered our armored rover upgraded to photon steel, so it has a defense factor of 10 (maybe more if a rover attacks since it has ECM ability).

I also called up Santiago, and she wasn’t at all happy to hear from me, and less happy when I rejected her request for a substantial loan. She was much happier when I gave her 175 energy, which doubled her energy reserve. I offered her a technology, and told her she couldn’t have her first choice, but she was pleased with her second choice: Pre Sentient Algorithms.

You will also note that I attacked 200 energy to this letter in payment for your troubles with Pravin, as I promised.

Did you notice Lal has a new neighbor? Miriam. She has established a base to the far west, and it looks like she intends to colonize all of Planet, even if she is having trouble subduing Santiago. You may have a new neighbor soon, too – none that will make Pravin look as inconsequential as he is. I suspect that Miriam would prove to be an unpleasant neighbor, at best.

Our additional sea bases will be nowhere near you. They will trend in a line that heads due north, and we established our second sea base (Deirdre’s Fishery) this last year. The bases will not be in your way, and, as I said, I have not encroached on your sea territory. Our former will be done with the kelp farm in 2 years, and will start on the mining platform next, as you requested. After that they have standing orders to create kelp and solar harnesses south along your coast.

Dee

*~!*~*~*

The Hive, 2212

Governor Skye,

It is good the sun spot activity has subsided and communications have been restored. It was a very eventful year once again and some very important events took place.

When the communications where restored I had long discussions with both Colonel Santiago and Academician Zakharov. We exchanged a great deal of information which I think will do much to improve our alliance. Since Corazon is offended at the idea of "gifts" I purchased technology from her at very high costs. I used the energy credits you imparted to me for this exchange. Corazon appreciated this mutual exchange and it allowed her save "face", so to speak. I think that is why you Gaians have such difficulty
dealing with her with all of you "complex" economic and societal models. Wealth and knowledge all seem to pose a fundamental threat to her society.

The war also seems to be going better than expected. During this turn our forces destroyed a Believer base and several other ground forces. The destruction of the base that was established along the great river was quickly destroyed by an plasma impact rover company but shortly after the base fell the rover company was attacked by a relief unit sent to support the base and was destroyed. The base was poorly staffed and was quickly overrun and as expected the believers fought to the very end and all the soldiers and citizens were killed. Even the children fought like demons so it was a very difficult battle however my Hive Thought Guards are conditioned to ignore such things and fight on to accomplish the mission. Shortly after the conflict I was contact by Miriam and the conversation was long and loud. She ranted for what seemed like hours about my godlessness and I reminded her that their is no god, only me. This seemed to annoy her
even more and the conversation continued to degrade from there. In the end I now believe that due to the enormous numbers of soldiers my troops have killed and her refusal to accept the premise that I am becoming a new god to my people, that my society, my world is becoming a new heaven for all the children of this planet that there will be no peace between us, ever. Truly it is sad that her people will have to be forced to join in my grand experiment.

I wish to explore the subject of technology with you. It seems that your scientists have been very busy since you have been able to live in relative peace for some time. Since the Hive has born the brunt of supporting the Spartans in their defense against the Believers I contend that form of compensation is in order. I will leave it up to you to put together what you feel would be appropriate compensation for the hundreds of Hive soldiers that have died to hold back the fanatical Believers. I trust you will be fair and generous.

Lastly, Lal. Now that the sunspot activity has ended what are your plans and how quickly do you plan on transferring him and his people to their new bases? As I stated before I am opposed to the idea of allowing him to use resources that can by harvested without retribution and use them against me. If you do not allow me to liberate the two coastal cities then I will be forced to use my own espionage teams to infiltrate his cities and cause maximum disruption that will for all intents and purposes cause his cities to stop operating. So I ask you now to decide and let me know what your plans are.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2213

Chairman,

This has been an interesting year. Your little chat with Miriam must have rattled her because she called me up and was seething. The first words out of her mouth, after ‘politely’ declining to talk to me for 20 years, were to demand that I declare war on you and Santiago and an explicit demand of for technology. When I refused she muttered something about being Godless and declared vendetta. So, now she has the entire world arrayed against her. Very well. If she wants war, and all of her actions to date say she has, she will get one.

We attacked and captured Hand of God, destroying two plasma garrisons. When we took the city there was a missile infantry unit adjacent to it so a mindworm literally ‘sucked its brains out’. Seeing a mindworm attack is not a pretty thing, but then being blown apart by a fusion chaos rover can’t be much fun either. That city is now is held by a damaged rover and mindworm, a photon rover, and a mindworm. We rush build a trained scout, which will be upgraded next year to the best possible armored garrison. I have told my command in the field to expect the Believers to literally come out of the woodwork. Miriam’s territory is heavily forested, which may make defense a little more difficult since it give attackers room to hide. It also make the base fairly productive so, given a few years, it will be almost impossible for her to dig us out.

I noticed you acquired Fusion technology from Zak. With that you have double the firepower as Miriam, so your military machine is well provisioned. I gave Fusion power to Santiago, and I think that will go a long way toward helping turn the tide against the Believers. I intend to give this technology to all the friendly factions on Planet, including Pravin (although I will hold off a few years to ensure you have time to upgrade your defenses).

Now, to Pravin. I will be giving him one base a year for the foreseeable future. When I am done he will have a population base of about 18 on my continent, plus about 14 on yours. Only a few of the bases will have decent facilities, since they have been busy forming colony pods instead of infrastructure, and some of the bases are very new. These bases will be well away from you, and he will have more room to expand, if he sees fit. Pravin’s existing coastal bases will continue to be guaranteed by the Council. I dislike your theft of his energy reserves, but I can overlook that since you are at war. I will not take the destruction of his infrastructure lightly, however. If you do so I will withhold any and all future gifts of energy, technology, or information that will otherwise be forthcoming. I don’t think I can be clearer.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2113

Governor Skye,

I was very pleased by your capture of the Believer City. How do the citizens enjoy your enlightened administration?

It is very possible that your forces will face just the nightmare you anticipate, however, it is a nightmare that we have been dealing with for some time and should you lose the base, well, Miriam's forces are still very far away are they not? Of course, you will also have your new northern protector, Pravin Lal to hold your northern approaches secure, correct?

As to Pravin, I will not destroy any infrastructure or capture the bases.
However, I will send wave after wave of espionage teams into his bases sapping his energy reserves, assassinating his scientists, using mind control techniques to capture his troops and equipment and inciting riots. These will not damage any farm, solar collector or mine in any part of his territory but they will weaken his ability to build weapons of war to attack me. I am doing this because it is far less expensive for me to stage these attacks than it is to garrison more and more troops on his border! I no longer take your threats of energy credit sanctions seriously since my Hive is now generating more and more energy each day. As for technology, well, our engineers and scientists are now making breakthroughs every nine years so I will create my own technology and share it with my allies. Your last transmission failed to include any transfers of technology so I can only assume that you are already withholding these from me so how can I miss something I do not have in the first place. Let me blunt, I will not allow the two coastal Peacekeeper bases to become staging areas for attacks that sap time, troops and energy from my real goals. I will honor my commitments but no agreement was made by me to handcuff my attempts to protect the Hive by "other methods". This conflict was not of my making but I will make sure I will win it, one way or another. The solution is simple, allow me to liberate the bases and remove the thorn so I both Pravin and myself can get down to the real business at hand rather than playing these games.

As for the Spartan front. I hope that your attacks have not come to late. Miriam made more attacks on Sparta command and destroyed one of my plasma-missile rover companies. I have issued orders to dispatch more troops and reinforcements as quickly as possible but it will be a close race. I do believe that the northern bases are more secure now and should be able to resist further attacks.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2214

Chairman,

The Believers are pouring out of the woodwork. At this moment there are at least three military units approaching our small holdfast, and the first trial will likely be against a trained missile speeder. Luckily our defender is a photon rover with ECM, which as a defense factor of 15 before base and sensor bonuses. The Believer has an attack factor of 9 so we should survive, but not very many. I have ordered the new base commander to build speeders from now on, and these will be upgraded to attack configuration. In the meantime I hope that our armored defenders can hold.

Sparta Command is in a grave situation, and I fear it may finally fall. It has, however, held out far longer than I thought possible, mainly through your help. The only small good point is that Santiago hasn’t lost Ironholm, which has the Citizen’s Defense Network. Now that we have stoppered the bottle, so to speak, this should lessen the long-term threat to Santiago. She does have to deal with the short-term threat, which is considerable.

Our transport will leave next year, and another is building. I have no ETA for this second transport, but it will be at least 5 years. Some of our bases will be going back onto a development strategy, as I notice yours have done, but a few will be devoted to building the best military units energy can buy.

We established another sea colony last year. You may notice a pattern now, my good Chairman, and this pattern will be repeated along our western coast - these bases’ only purpose is as an early warning system. Eventually they may generate some energy, but in the meantime they will serve as sentries against all comers. The conflict rampant across Planet has convinced me that good intentions are not enough, and that to ensure one’s survival one has to have a strong presence. In fact, I believe you have been trying to tell me this in your own obscure way for the last 100 years. Although war is antithetical to our way of thinking and way of life we must prepare for it whether we like it or not. The examples are manifest: your ongoing fight with Pravin, and his mindless attacks on you; Miriam’s war of aggression, and your alliance’s lock step fight against her. The patterns of Earth repeat themselves, much to my dismay.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2214

Governor Skye,

Sparta Command has fallen. It became clear that the strategic situation no longer would allow us to save the city. I had lengthy discussions with Corazon, who has now transferred her command to Iron Holm, and we both agreed that the tactical and strategic chances of keeping Sparta Command, in tact, at the risk of losing all the other Spartan bases. I ordered my field commander to leave the base just before capture and use the repair capabilities of the monolith to put the remaining rover company back into fighting shape. I am still deciding if it would be possible to sortie back into the city and try to capture it back and then turn it over to Corazon or perhaps keep it under my control and rebuild it with my reserves and then turn it over. We shall see. I have ordered three more missile/plasma rovers to move at all possible speed to Hero's Waypoint to help support that base. I now believe that this base is crucial to our own strategic security since it to provides early warning detection of advancing troops and it also guards the access to the river system that leads to our lands. I have issued orders that this base will not fall and have re-directed resources and expansion efforts to support the Spartan city. Time will tell if this can be done. I intend to now colonize beyond the great rocky mountain range and establish a forward post with interconnecting support systems to help support the Spartans.

Lastly, I wish to bring up an issue of great importance. My defense of the Spartans could be enhanced if I had access to more advanced armor capabilities. I understand your reluctance to pass on weapon systems but I am sure you could see your way clear to advance us information on defensive technologies. I will make this promise not to transfer this information to Sparta since both Corazon and I agree that her network is all but open to infiltration and no data is safe from the Believers. Please advise me if you wish to proceed with this exchange.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’a Landing, MY 2215

Chairman,

All I can do is grieve for Santiago right now, but please tell her that help is on the way. Our transport left Gaia’s Landing last year and will take a small base Miriam has placed on a tiny island east of the Continent in two years. This will serve as a jump off point for aircraft. More troops are building. At Hand of God we have destroyed an artillery unit, and preemptively destroyed a missile rover. If Miriam doesn’t attack in force soon she will not get the chance and we will start taking her bases, although that is a few years away.

In my last transmission you will note I included the specification for silksteel armor. The Council has authorized me to give this to any faction that wishes this defensive technology, except those with whom we are engaged in unfortunate hostilities.

You can’t imagine how sad I am Chairman. I never imagined life on Planet would turn out this way, but what makes me truly sorrowful is that I have come to accept it, after a fashion.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2215

Governor Skye,

I will be brief. I have just been told our scientists and engineers made a breakthrough in space technology. It has opened up vast new areas of exploration and offensive and defensive systems. The one particular "defensive weapon" planet buster missile I plan on personally taking control of the development project to insure rapid production. These fusion armed missiles will be able to wipe out vast areas of land and in effect crate a
vast crater miles deep. I intend to build large numbers of these weapons to insure the survival of the Hive against any possible treachery that might be in the planning stages. Once we have completed building 10 to 12 missiles our security will be complete.

We have established this turn our first sea bases. They have been placed in strategic locations in order to monitor the sea lane approaches to the Hive. This should give us ample warning of any attack.

Miriam and her forces continue to press Santiago and her people and I am beginning to think that perhaps we have reached the limit of our support to keep the Spartan nation in tact. My best field commander died this turn trying to retake Sparta Command. His remaining rover company was able to wipe out the Believer defenders holding the ex-Spartan city but could not press the attack home. In turn they were counter-attacked and were defeated. I have appointed his lieutenant as my new field commander and he has set up a base of operations at Iron Holm.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2216

Chairman,

We have taken Terrible Swift Sword from Miriam. The battle was not difficult, and the base was secured with minimal losses on either side. A trained scout garrison was rush built, and will be upgraded next year to the best armor, while the loaded transport continues on its way. The closer bases are on Miriam’s southeastern coast seem to be a likely target, but it strikes me that these are not critical to choking off Miriam’s military machine. Still, any base denied her is less production she will have at her disposal. Another advantage is that after these closer bases are secured I can give them to Santiago so she can start rebuilding her society.

Gaia’s scientists discovered orbital Spaceflight 20 years ago, and although sky hydroponics labs would be useful I was horrified when the blueprints of the Planetbuster were presented to me. I do not understand why you would want to build such a weapon. Militarily you are second only to Miriam, and your offensive weaponry gives you the ability to defend your society against all possible antagonists. Moreover, the harm this weapon would do to the ecology of this planet when deployed is incalculable, and that if nothing else steels my complete opposition to any power that builds this weapon. Using this weapon would also be the utmost crime against humanity. War is bad enough, but vaporizing hundreds of thousands of innocent citizens is indefensible. If you build this weapon we will be in opposition, Chairman. I can understand much, and can learn to accept our differences, but the deployment of a Planetbuster would signal an evil intent against the Planet we live on and our fellow humans.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2216

Governor Skye,

I thought little could "amaze" me anymore yet your last transmission did so. Do you honestly expect me to believe that you have not built a stockpile of planet busters in the twenty years you have had this technology. I will not walk away from the most powerful defensive weapon know to mankind, in fact, I intend to build a massive arsenal of these weapons. These missiles will be my shield against all who will come against the Hive. If one Hive city would ever fall to invaders then that faction will pay for it's crime a hundred, no, a million fold. If on the other hand you have not built these wonderful weapons then you do so at your own peril. Soon all of the other factions will have this technology and I intend to have the edge.

I see that your land program for Pravin is proceeding as you had planned. I hope that in time he will be a useful ally for you.

Hive expansion continues and we are spreading faster and faster each year. I have colony pods in construction and more are in the works. Several more pods have just been completed and are preparing to leave if they have not already done so. I have thought long and hard and I think it is now vital that I build a bridge of support bases to Hero's Waypoint along the Hive River. This will also prevent expansion by the University northward and Peacekeepers southward. In all a very masterful plan.

Lastly, I have become concerned about Nwabudike Morgan. I have tried to reach him several times with no result. Ever since he left our alliance my relationship with him as been almost non-existent. Perhaps you could give us some "insight" to what he is planning, military strategy and production, troop status... It would be most helpful to have this information since it might aid us in convincing Nwabudike to resume discussions again.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2117

Chairman,

I called on Nwabudike and he explained that although the trade he enjoyed as a result with his alliance with you was lucrative that in the end your economic policies were repugnant to him. Basically, your economic vision runs counter to everything Morgan holds to be true and right. He wasn’t too happy about my Green economics either, but he said he could live with that especially when I greased his palm with technology, after which he became downright effusive on the future of our alliance. I have to say he has given me no reason to have any doubts about his outlook on Planet.

The Gaians have not built nor will we ever build a Planetbuster. It wasn’t even considered. Beyond the horrors it would cause to Planet and to fellow humans they are frightfully expensive, and all our aims can be easily achieved through standard means. That means military firepower, as much as I hate to admit it.

Now that we are embroiled in war with Miriam we intend to pursue it until Miriam sees the error of her ways and makes peace with the other factions on Planet. She has done Santiago a great wrong and I will press her until she admits this fact. When this war is completed the issues of reparations can be joined, and Santiago will be the principle aggrieved party.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2217

Governor Skye,

I am pleased to hear of your commitment and desire to bring justice to bear on the Believers. As for reparations I will leave that to you to somehow extract the pound of flesh from Sister Miriam. I doubt you will ever be able to do so but your goal has merit.

As for the planet busters, let us say, as you say, agree to disagree, upon this subject. The missiles are expensive but when you consider, for example, that by launching just three missiles and targeting them at your central cities, well, you would be left with only a few fringe cities, easy pickings for any invader. The key point to having planet busters is having lots of them. This way you can strike at your enemies and hold of the other factions out of fear of massive retaliation. The perfect defensive weapon.

Our new commander at Iron Holm reports destroying more Believer forces. Also, our relief column will soon be arriving at Hero's Waypoint and this should do wonders for the defense of that city. Lastly, several probe teams were destroyed trying to penetrate our network, Pravin Lal. Is there no way you can talk to the man and convince him to give up on his petty dreams...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2218

Chairman,

We have taken Hallowed Ground from Miriam. Actually it was the secondary target, but Miriam through luck or foresight had the one sector of sea in front of The Voice of God interdicted with her air force. Our transport is on its way back to see if this sector will be undefended next year, and if so we will take the city. If we are lucky we will catch a good portion of Miriam’s air force on the ground.

As I’ve said before, I can no more force Pravin to do anything than I can tell you to do something. All I can try is persuasion, and I think you can personally verify that many of my suggestions are dismissed out of hand or are deemed inappropriate.

We have switched our society’s from Wealth to Knowledge. I received a case study that our scientific advancement would be improved by 20%, whereas before it would there was no discernable improvement between Wealth and Knowledge. There will be a higher cost of construction, but the decision was made that scientific advancement is more important than mineral cost. After all, we have fairly ample (although never ‘enough’) energy reserves from production and trade.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2218

Governor Skye,

I have to be brief due to my many demands. First, I believe the joint attacks we have made have finally brought the Believer menace to a halt. My field commander reports no additional Believer forces have been spotted by any of our troops or Spartan. In fact, it is our forces that have gone on the offensive and have destroyed several Believer infantry companies and support units near Spartan territory. I now suspect that Miriam has pulled her elite forces, the knight templers, back to deal with you. Once Hive reinforcements arrive at Hero's Waypoint I have consulted with Corazon and we will conduct a massive attack, air and land, on Sparta Command and re-take the base. Then after re-grouping we will move on to Bunker 118. I think the Spartans have weathered the storm with the aid of us all and on behalf of the Alliance of Independence I have been authorized to offer our appreciation for your efforts.

We will begin building our first Planet buster very soon. I am coordinating with several of my city administrators to select the proper site for building the first of many missiles. I think I will need to build the proper proto-typing labs first then I will begin construction at several of my bases. This project is consuming a vast amount of my time but it is well worth it.

The Hive has established our first base beyond the great mountain range. This will give us the proper forward support access we need to help support Sparta and if need by forward surveillance on this area, in case of an invasion.

Lastly, the Hive has entered space. This last turn we launched our first series of orbital space platforms to establish a space hydroponics lab. Along with the boost in agricultural production it will also give us the first complete look at the planet and give us up to date information on what the other leaders are doing. We have plans to build several platforms up to as many as five for now.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2119

Chairman,

Congratulations on your achievements in space. The worldwide map will be useful for you, even if we Gaia’s have already surveyed almost all of Planet. I expect the boon in food will help your populous grow, although the effect is likely to be muted where it is needed most since an Aerospace facility is needed to get the full effect. The Council debated investing is hydroponic satellites but decided against it due to the advanced state of our survey, and since most all of our bases have more than enough food for their adequate growth.

You were entirely correct about Miriam pulling out the stops to take back her base. There were no less than four attacks, plus three artillery attacks, in this last year. Two of our units were destroyed. Last year a field commander got ambitious and attacked a small Believer base. In the process the base was destroyed, and she was left exposed to counterattack. The chaos rover perished. A probe team was also destroyed when it was returning from an assignment.

I have good news for you. Two more Believer bases were captured: Voice of God and House of Martyrs. A needlejet and plasma defender were destroyed in the assault on Voice of God. After the base was taken we found out that there were two missile infantry immediately adjacent to the base – they did not evidently quite make it back to the base in time to participate in the defense. After we took the base another chaos rover destroyed them. We had a probe team with us, and we ‘convinced’ the good citizens at House of Martyrs to join us, for nominal ‘consideration’ (100 energy). That was a bargain, and it avoided considerable loss of life in the small base. A considerable amount of our treasury has been spent on upgrading and rush buying, so I hope Santiago appreciates our efforts.

Your thoughts about having broken the Believer’s resistance may have been premature. There are infantry and mindworms advancing on your position. You and Santiago have the numbers now, and the pressure is not nearly as significant no. However, don’t make the same mistake my overzealous field commander made and overextend yourself. There are still significant Believer forces out there, and almost all of Miriam’s bases are devoted to military material. One of the other advantages of a two other Gaian fronts is that the support for the units produced at bases we have taken will reduce the ability of remaining bases to be productive – which is a good thing.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2219

Gaian Council and Governor Skye,

I have instructions from our most magnificent leader Chairman Yang to inform you that he will be indisposed to talk with you this turn. He is receiving the latest longevity treatment from Professor Zakharov and he is taking the treatment at our new space platform complex. The University scientists informed us that by taking the treatment in space it will double if not triple the effectiveness. The most glorious Chairman Yang will return next turn at a date of his determination.

I have been directed to inform you that the Hive has achieved a breakthrough and have discovered fusion weapons. We will obsolete our older military vehicles as quickly as possible and begin an upgrade program.

Our relief forces are due to arrive at Hero's Waypoint next turn and I assure you Governor Skye any Believer forces will be dealt with quickly. Your Gaian troops lack the discipline and training our troops do so it is understandable that you will loose men and equipment. Also, without the vast military superiority of Chairman Yang's training your commanders will make obvious mistakes, perhaps when our most beloved Chairman returns you can consult with him for guidance.

First Advisor of the First Circle of Leadership,

Thomas 123110-456-1212

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2220

Chairman,

I hope your longevity treatments have gone well, and have caused you a minimal of discomfort. Zak’s facilities are very good, but the Gaia’s tanks have perfected some of the more subtle aspects of longevity treatment that have increased both the effectiveness and comfort of the procedure. If you ever deem Zak’s technicians to be below standard you are invited to use our facilities.

I have some intelligence on Miriam. We have done significant damage to her military. Here is a rundown (active/building/destroyed):

6-3-1 infantry 9/3/19
4-2-1 infantry 2/0/9
4-2-2 rover 2/0/6
6-2-2 rover 4/3/8
4-3-1 infantry 4/0/20
6-1-2 rover 11/3/18
6e-1-2 rover 3/2/0
mindworm 6/8/
probe 0/1/9
missile needlejet 0/1/4
6-1-1 artillery 10/0/11
garrisons – over 50 remaining

Last year and this year our forces destroyed 12 of Miriam’s military units, so her grasp is apparently fleeting due to an edge in technology and production. I was surprised when my generals informed me that, due to our massive military buildup and Miriam’s decline, that we are the likely the largest military power on Planet. Then I reflected that you had advised that military prowess is necessary for survival, if for nothing else but deterrent. Maybe we are learning something from each other after all.

Back at home most of our cities are switching back to civilian projects, such as hybrid forests and advanced research facilities. A few cities will maintain the formation of military forces, in particular an air force.

I bumped into Zak this last year. A fusion impact foil pulled up beside a transport and demanded that I declare war on Pravin. Did you know he is not at war with Miriam? All the units he has transferred to you were apparently to fight Lal! Poor Lal. Little did he know what he was doing when he declared war on you, precipitating a chain reaction in your alliance and permanent vendetta from Santiago, Zak and Morgan. It is sad that a nominal man of peace was brought down by such an impetuous action.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2220

Governor Skye,

We will be prototyping our new fusion cannons soon and I doubt even Miriam's knight templers will be able to withstand the might of these weapons. I suspect once we can field several of these weapons on either a air craft frame or attack rover the battle will be all but done. I have rewarded the team of engineers who discovered the fusion canons with a grand prize, the privilege to build an even more powerful weapon. They were pleased with my generosity.

Next turn our advance colony pod will establish a base at the mouth of the southern end of the great river. I intend to make this base as secure and as powerful as possible. It will be the lighting rod of any advance upon the Hive from the east so it must withstand attack.

In your last transmission you seemed amazed the University was not at war with the Believers. I had thought I had made this clear in the past. The University can ill afford a direct confrontation with the Believers and so the Alliance has shielded them from any direct involvement. The troops and technology the they provide more than compensate us for their lack of direct military support.

Lastly, I wish to thank you for your offer, but I decline. It is impossible for me to ever leave the Hive since treachery is every where and I can ill afford for the Hive to be leaderless. I am not insinuating that you would harm me but your Gaian security forces are not as well schooled in the arts of espionage as mine and your people might miss something that could end my life.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2221

Chairman,

Gaians are not security minded, as you have pointed out, but our technology allows eternal vigilance. The Hunter Seeker Algorithm makes us all but impervious to all forms of human security lapses. Still, if you ever change your mind the offer is open. Gaian’s biological technology has always been better than Zaks, although he had the edge in applied human physiology for many years.

Our forces have taken Blessed Savior from Miriam. It was interesting to examine the nearby bases, some of which now have a serious minerals deficit that is causing them to
‘unbuild’ the project they are working on. Even with Miriam’s support bonus it seems she is having trouble keeping her men and supplies flowing. Not that I mind, of course. There is also a rather large force of four missile rovers advancing on one of the small bases we took a few years ago. There is currently only one defender, although another is building. A new rover is being built, and we will complete it with ECM ability. The base may fall, but my commanders have assured me that they will take more Believers with them then they take out.

Lastly, you should know that we destroyed six Believer units this last year. Some were destroyed trying to take the former Believer base in the core of Miriam’s territory. It seems she has a problem attacking mindworms that are able to take advantage of the neural amplifier. I have changed the order so that the infantry at the base will be the designated defender so the mindworms can be available as backup attackers, if needbe.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2221

Governor Skye,

On behalf of the alliance I am informing you that the University has sent a massive wave of espionage teams into the coastal cities controlled by the Peacekeepers. I would suggest you remove your forces, in case, the good Academician tries to subvert these bases into his sphere of influence. Since I know of no agreement the binds the University from taking these bases you might wish to re-think your position. Of course, any attack upon an alliance member would be taken as an act of war against us all.

We have established our frontier base along the mouth of the great river. It should serve us well in protecting our frontier and serve as a forward supply depot to aid the Spartans.

Our military forces are operating very effectively in Spartan territory and are inflicting great losses on the Believers. I expect that Miriam will soon be faced with the reality that her God and her troops were not enough to overwhelm the free peoples of this planet. Surely this is bitter wine for her to drink. I am glad that she does not yet posses space technology since I am sure once she does she would use planet busters without fail.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2222

Chairman,

We’ve destroyed another 7 Believer units, and captured 5 at the city Word of God. It took more ‘consideration’ to convince the city to join us, but in the end it was worth it since there was no bloodshed. The 5 plasma defenders at Word of God were very useful since we scrapped two, which allowed us to rush-build a recreation commons to ensure stability. In the meantime we upgraded one of the plasma garrisons to have police ability.

Miriam split up her rover force and is attacking both of our southern-most Believer cities. This is a critical mistake since both of these cities have defenders with ECM ability. I’m sure that what her commanders saw was our single probability/ecm/clean defender and a scout rover, so they thought their two missile rovers would be enough. This is a big mistake, since the single probability infantry (even though damaged last year from an impact infantry attack) can take these two rovers and likely survive. ‘Likely’ isn’t good enough, so I authorized 110 energy to upgrade the rover to 1-6-2*2/ecm/clean. Now this base is bulletproof, even if it doesn’t have any effective firepower.

I noticed the troops at Ironholm are taking a beating. Is the battle hot and heavy there, or are Believer artillery pounding you? Unarmored units, such as probes and aircraft, are quite vulnerable to artillery.

Did you know it is almost more productive for us to plant fungus than to use standard terraforming improvements? Each fungus square produces 3-1-1 (food-minerals-energy). This is a terrific benefit for newly established or captured bases since they are immediately productive, assuming there is fungus nearby. As such I have ordered our former crews to stop the removal of the last patches of fungus that remain in our home territory.

The Council has once again forced me to authorize a Planned economy. This will allow us to population boom almost all of our bases to size 16, which is a long-term benefit. I decided not to veto this measure since I received assurances we would return to Green as soon as possible, although the Council members were somewhat vague as to when this would occur. Next year we will be switching to Wealth again to reduce construction costs. In a few years all of our core bases will have hybrid forests, and then they will pick up the last lower priority base improvements. Hybrid forests are ‘big ticket’ items, so a switch to planned/wealth will help our long and short-term development, so I can see the value in Planned even if I don’t like it.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2222

Governor Skye,

Please inform your advisors that though the troops at Iron Holm are battered, the base will hold. Soon my more advanced military equipment will be complete and once it has been delivered into my troops hands Miriam's antiquated missile weapons will seem like pop guns. During this last turn I had been thinking about some of your latest transmissions and I must ask the following question. When do you plan, if it all, to cease your attacks upon Believer bases? Also, should Corazon and myself, once my advanced units arrive, begin to push the Believers back will you try to stop us? I ask these questions now since for myself I would rather that religion in any form be wiped from the face of planet but I realize your respect for other cultures might have an issue with my ideals. Please advise...

Also, it seems my scientists will soon make another breakthrough in space technology. The focus I have directed my engineers on will unlock further secrets into space flight.

I am intrigued by your councils constant "switching" of economic policies. Do you have such poor planning that you feel you need to constantly tinker with your industry. I should send you some of my Hive social/economic engineers and help educate your advisors on the proper way to "coax" production from people and the land.

Lastly, you did not mention anything about my warning about the espionage teams. I assure you that the University is very keen on turning those Peacekeeper cities inside out and breaking them to their will. Pravin's own headquarters has suffered from famine for nearly a decade now with thousands of people dieing from starvation. I ask you again, when will you allow me to liberate these two cities and provide food, shelter and a purpose for these people.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2223

Chairman,

I plan on pressing Miriam until she admits her mistakes and agrees to rejoin our community on our terms. To this point I am skeptical this will happen since every conversation I have with her, which only occur when I have shocked her with the capture of yet another base, has been unpleasant, with her calling me a heathen and an unbeliever. Well, that is true, but her tone was highly offensive. At the very least we Gaians will take her capital New Jerusalem – maybe that will help her see reason. In the meantime I fully support your combined defense of Santiago’s remaining possessions, and pushing into Miriam’s territory near Santiago’s bases. If you would like I can get you a rundown of what forces are where, but they change so fast and Miriam still has a formidable army (in terms of numbers, at least). Superior technology, when used in reasonable numbers, is an incredible advantage, as I think you will soon learn when your advanced technology gets to the Spartan front.

Gaian economic and social theory is that there is no one ‘right’ answer, and that circumstances dictate how to formulate policy. Just as the seasons of the year signal growth and expansion, or quiescence, so does our dictates. For instance, when we have the proper infrastructure we will ‘population boom’, but only if this will allow some or all of our bases periods of significant growth. Our base administrators also finish as many facilities as possible since Planned/Wealth gives us an opportunity to build very quickly while our population is in the throws of expansion. We go to a more quiescent strategy, centered on Green economics, when our society is exhausted by their efforts and need time to consolidate and grow from within. We also switch to Knowledge to maximize our research, and allocate 70% to 80% of our energy reserves to scientific advancement. This produces no significant base growth, but an amazing ‘internal’ growth of intellectual property. In our last period of quiescence, for instance, our scientific advance rate was 1 per 4 years, and even now in growth mode it is 1 per 6 years. When we return to quiescence our research rate will be much, much higher since almost all our basic infrastructure (up to hybrid forests, but not fusion labs) will be complete. This flexibility is an advantage, and you might consider implementing it.

I noticed Pravin’s famine, and have sent a super sea former to build kelp farms to ensure his people do not starve. I am not too worried about Zak’s probe teams, and he cannot subvert UN Headquarters, although he could start some mischief. If it gets too bad and he commits an atrocity, like a genetic attack, he will be answerable to me. Fortunately, Zak has never been very good with probe teams, so he is more likely to attempt sabotage or the theft of energy credits, assuming Pravin doesn’t have defensive probes. I hope he doesn’t go too far or I will be forced to place defensive probes in his cities. This will doubtlessly annoy you, but I will only do this if the espionage gets out of hand. I have a list of Pravin’s improvements and I hope they don’t suffer an unfortunate accident.

Good luck on your research, Chairman. You have expanded and developed your society well, and are serving your people in an extraordinary manner. Most of your efforts seem to be focused on development, and that can only benefit everyone.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2223

Governor Skye,

We have begun our conquest of Believer bases by wiping out the garrison units of the base just north of Hero's Waypoint. I fully expect to be able to capture this base next turn and then transfer it in a few turns to Corazon, once a few improvements have been made. If Corazon get develop more anti-espionage teams I might transfer to her my technical blueprints on chaos weapons since I fully expect a breakthrough next turn that will make fusion weapons look like pop guns.

Your method of "start/stop" growth seems far to chaotic to be effective but I will leave that for another days discussion. The Hive does not believe in any of those "advanced" economic or society models such as wealth or power or knowledge. They are a distraction to the pure goal of the creation of a new man. Such archaic modes of thinking are what has trapped man for centuries in the mode of thinking we have become accustomed to. My genetic breeding program and labor management organization is far more effective than any primitive focus on money or power. In time you and everyone else on this planet will see the true beauty of the Hive and all will welcome my all knowing embrace.

As for Miriam I would suggest the following. That we push her back to her "original" territory in the north and then we establish several bases that would "shield" Corazon from further attacks. Once the Spartans are back on their feet again we can then transfer the shield bases back to Corazon for management. This arrangement should restore the natural order of things in this area.

As for Pravin the situation is similar to one that I saw as a child back on earth. An older brother tried to "stick up" for his younger brother and protected him for years. One the younger brother began to grow older he tried to accomplish things he was not ready for and failed. The older brother tried to help again but soon found his younger brother resentful of the constant "mothering" he received and soon left the house. Perhaps you should let Pravin stand on his own feet and fight his own battles now rather than fighting for him. It might awaken his sense of duty to his people and make him end this war.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2224

Chairman,

I looks like Miriam isn’t cooperating with your plans since Miriam has a new plasma defender in the base you are attacking. Moreover, she has established a new base to the far west where I seem to recall you destroyed one in the not too distant past. But, there is good news. Miriam’s forces have decreased by 19 units since my last transmission, so her power is in absolute decline. In this last year we have taken The Holy Fire, and destroyed 6 military units. I hope she sees the light, if you will forgive the use of the term, soon.

Pravin is under my protection. To continue your analogy, the younger brother has proven himself to be irresponsible, and has a habit of picking fights with very dangerous people. In his early youth he simply got beat up, but now he is liable to be killed. An older brother, who loves his sibling regardless of his faults, cannot in good conscience allow him to continue without some supervision. I have no illusions of what would happen if I would turn him loose, as you want. Either he would pick a fight with you, or you would arrange one, resulting in you capturing both his coastal bases.

Also, I noticed that almost all of the base improvements at UN Social Council have been destroyed, and that several are missing from UN Headquarters. If any more disappear then I will place two or three defensive probes in these two bases.

Our economic and social model is working well. Our populations are booming, and our productive potential increases with it. As you said, time will tell, but I think a dynamic society may have an edge even if it is disconcerting and unsettling.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2224

Governor Skye,

There is no need to worry about the Believer base on the western side of the great river, I have destroyed it. Also, when my forces attack the base just north of Hero's Waypoint it also was destroyed in the assault. The video feed and reports I received were incredible. I do not know if your troops have encountered the same level of fanatical resistance as we have but it was on a level that even I was unprepared to believe. My field commander reports Believer mothers killing their own children rather than joining the Hive. Believer soldiers fled their positions and moved back through their base killing their own civilians and then set demolition charges to destroy their own base. In order to protect my troops I ordered that no risks were to be taken when dealing with these zealots so instead of less passive means to force the people out I ordered that each commander warn the people or face their doom. Those that made the choice to stay soon found their dwellings pulverized by my missile rovers. It is regrettable that so many people had to die but that is the choice they made, not me. During the initial attacks I too was contacted by Miriam demanding that I surrender technical plans on space flight in exchange for at truce, I declined. Then after she failed in that weak attempt at a bluff she then offers a "blood truce" again but with no strings attached. After the massacre of the first base I was almost tempted but the women has no honor and I doubt she could have been trusted to keep any promise. I feel that we have moved into the last stages of this war with Miriam. Soon my Hive Thought Guards will begin rolling back her bases and turning them over to Corazon. I predict that within 25 turns Miriam will be pushed back to her original area in the heavily forested area to the north. This should be easy to accomplish.

Honor brings up another subject. Your last transmission made reference to damaged infrastructure and that measures would be taken if further damage took place. First, per our agreement I have never destroyed any farm, sensor array, mine or forest that belonged to the Peacekeepers. I have also never actively sent my mind sentinels to sabotage any city improvement such as a hospital or command center. I have liberated energy credits, infiltrated his data networks and have used my advanced psychological knowledge to subvert his people to riot. For over ten turns I kept his headquarters in a state of constant riot and I am sure that his own people destroyed some of those improvements in their anger, I don't not see this as my responsibility. I see this distinction as a fine one but a clear one. If you wish to negotiate a new deal that would in some way compensate me for not sending additional teams into incite riots I am always open to your fair and generous offers. If you wish to place your own protectors to safeguard Pravin, rather than negotiate a deal with me, please do so. I suggest you place a large number of them since what few teams I have sent, my good friend Academician Zakhrov sends waves upon waves that you would have to fend off. Just as a note of warning, even if you to come to terms with me, you will have to make a similar deal with the University since I can not speak for them.

Lastly, I wish you well on your attempts in reforming or should I say, switching paths, in your economy. I am intrigued by your technology on hybrid forests but I doubt I have any technology you would find useful to trade for it since I have no non-military technology that you do not already have.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2225

Chairman,

Your statement that you are keeping Lal’s bases in revolt answers my question, since base improvements are sometimes destroyed during riots. I don’t know if this was your intent, but it has certainly stymied Lal’s ability to do anything, and it has led to rampant starvation in both his coastal bases. His bases on the mainland are growing nicely, but they don’t make up for the devastation caused by endless riots and population crashes.

Another Gaian transport loaded with troops is progressing to Miriam’s northern coast and will take several of her northern bases in the next three or so years. We have already cut off Miriam’s ability to support her religious empire since we hold the choke points. With your relentless pressure on her western front, and Gaian pressure at her center, Miriam is certainly doomed. It is likely that her center will not hold for 25 turns – likely it will be much less. I predict that Gaians will be entering New Jerusalem within 10 years, and possibly less.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2225

Governor Skye,

I have grave news to inform you of. My advisors informed me that just hours ago Morganite needle jets attacked and destroyed a sea former operating at our sea base to the southeast of the Hive. The surprise attack has created a state of vendetta which has been taken up by the other Alliance of Independence members, Sparta and the University. I was unable to contact Nwabudike to demand an explanation into his actions. So I am now faced with this grim reality that to my north I have Pravin Lal who is attacking me, Chairman Morgan to my south and Sister Miriam to the east. I am now forced by circumstances to make some decisions.

First, I demand that you state for the record your position on these events and what actions, as Planetary Governor, you will take. Second, since you have an alliance with both Morgan and Lal the circumstantial evidence indicates a more "in-depth" meaning to these attacks and your possible involvement with them. Third, military doctrine demands that I eliminate at least one potential "threat" to the Hive immediately. Since I can not take actions against Pravin and I can not reach Miriam then the last choice is Morgan. I intend to build an invasion force as quickly as possible and force Morgan into submission. It seems he has made some advances into state of the art weapons so it is fortunate that my fusion guns will give me the edge. I almost regret that I have to take these actions but Morgan and the wealth that he commands is a serious threat to the Hive a threat that I can not tolerate.

It seems that my farsightedness was correct and that the Hive is surrounded by enemies. With this in mind I doubt I will write any further "in depth" communications since you most likely are sharing this with my enemies. You support the nations that only seek to destroy me and end my grand experiment. It is unfortunate this has to come to pass since I was almost hoping that with Miriams downfall some state of peace could prevail on this planet. I now see this will never be the case. I intend to keep pushing my campaign against the Believers except that no new forces will be allocated to this front.

Morgan has begun a fight he can not win.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2226

Chairman,

You have the ability to enrage even the most placid of people, like Pravin and Morgan. It does not help that your society’s government and economic model are antithetical to Pravin (police state) and Morgan (planned) so, to some extent, your choices have placed you in your position. Your bellicose nature does not help either, I’m afraid. Your alliance has now created another outcast in Morgan and, like Pravin, I doubt he fully anticipated the repercussions of his actions.

Your questions are valid, so I will answer them. My position is that Morgan’s actions are unacceptable regardless of their motivations. So, I will call on Morgan and ask for a truce. If he accepts then I will transfer to you the cost of the fungicidal fusion sea former, with a bonus that will compensate you for the loss in productivity and to allow you to partially rush build a replacement. If he refuses then you will have to settle it yourselves and you can take your pound of flesh. Morgan to this date has not been aggressive, nor has he declared war on everyone near him, like Miriam has. In sort, he is not incorrigible and a threat to Planet. In fact, his ability to project his power is starkly limited, even if his technology is significant. He differs from Miriam in this way. Moreover, his ability to harras you is even more limited since he has to cross a sea to do so, so his attacks are likely to be against civilian units like sea formers. A simple solution is to escort these formers with an AAA foil. But since this costs energy I am willing to pay for two AAA foils (with limited weaponry) to defend any foils you might have. In a stroke Morgan’s harassment will be nullified, and I seriously doubt he will attack anything that has any significant defensive ability.

As to my involvement there is none. Keep in mind that Morgan was Pacted with you at one point, and that his relationship with you has been deteriorating for a very long time. I would suspect that your vaunted Thought Guards would confirm this. The sad fact is that, except for the Spartans and the Gaians, your nearest neighbors are long term foes of yours. Although conflict wasn’t inevitable it was likely due to the government and values of your society.

In better news, we have taken Godwinson’s Hope by sea assault. Two interior bases will likely fall next year, and this was almost guaranteed since our probes disabled both city’s perimeter defenses and our chaos rovers and mindworms are parked immediately adjacent to their cities – a siege if you will. There is very little in the way of offensive weaponry that Miriam has left now since most was expended in those first four furious years of counterattack. We may not even take any losses. After these cities are secured we will advance on New Jerusalem. Through all of this I am open to a truce, or even more from Miriam, but she will have none of it. All I get from her is demands, and chilling fanatical rhetoric. I hate to press her this way, but it seems to be the only way – drive her back until she is no longer a real threat, like you have done with Pravin.

So, to my eyes you are really threatened by no one. Pravin is hollow, especially after so many years of unrest incited at your hands. Morgan can only harass you, and your can easily defend yourself against any deprecations, and I am willing to fund these upgrades in your defenses. Miriam threatens Santiago, not you. Your expansion has not been threatened since you subdued Pravin, and your settlements have at least doubled, if not tripled. And you have a powerful friend in the Gaians who will ensure that your true interests, and goals, are not threatened in a serious way.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2226

Governor Skye,

I found your last transmission disappointing. I am not sure as to what if any actions you plan to make. You mention a compensation package, yet, none is transmitted. You claim that both Lal and Morgan or now "real" threat you both of them have created distractions and blockages that have allowed you to gain the "upper hand" so to speak. Now I am forced to switch a vast amount of resources away from expansion at a time when I need to strengthen my cities and improve my defenses.

I was contacted again by Miriam pleading now for me to reach an "agreement" so that we can forge a blood truce. I consulted with both Corazon and Zakharov and both agreed that she should pay to the utmost degree for her actions. There can be no peace with the Believers.

I fail to see why my economic and social organizational patterns should cause anyone to attack me. Perhaps since you allow an open and free society I should launch a planet buster at you, is this not allowed under your administration of the planet. So far it seems to be the case... I intend to inflict upon the Morganites the same level of pain and despair that I have brought down upon the Peacekeepers and then and only then will they know, that it is I, Chairman Yang of the Hive that encompasses their doom.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2227

Chairman,

You have evidently ‘pushed Morgan’s button’. He will have nothing to do with a truce, and he said something about having accepted payment for your destruction. I have no idea what that means, and it is clear that none of the other factions on Planet are involved since he is in vendetta with you, Pravin, Zak, Santiago, and has a truce with Miriam. Simply put, he has no friends but the Gaians, and he was none to pleased to see me, let me tell you.

So, I have a proposal for you. If you leave Morgan alone I will compensate you for your trouble, and for the defenses you will likely need against his opportunistic predations. For instance, a fusion fungicidal sea former costs 32 minerals. Assuming you rush build the last half this costs 16 minerals and 32 energy, or 48 energy. I will pay you this, and a bonus of 52 for lost terraforming time. Moreover, I will pay you 200 so you can build some silksteel AAA foils to guard your waters, and your formers. In effect, Morgan’s one attack will net you 300 energy. In return you will agree to not attack him, even though you do have some cause.

In other news, last year we completed the Pholus Mutagen. We also captured Revelation base and From on High from the Believers. I was wrong in my prediction of no losses, though. Two mindworms inexplicably failed in their attacks. The clean chaos rovers made up for this deficiency, although I was forced to authorize calling up the reserves. Next year our armored rovers and chaos rovers will be in position, and the following year New Jerusalem will fall. Poor Miriam. She is not only taking on the entire planet, but also forces who have technology that is so far ahead of hers that she has no hope. Each time we take a base from her I half expect a contrite call, but all I get is abuse that I am an unbeliever. After taking New Jerusalem I am thinking about offering her a truce. Before I do I would like your opinion on the matter since we are in this together. I would rather not eliminate Miriam, no matter how unpleasant she has been for the last 50 years.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2227

Governor Skye,

My sea base was attacked again and another sea former was destroyed. I am still perplexed as to what your plans are. You outline all of these compensation packages yet nothing is ever transferred to me. I can only assume that these are ploys to bait me into a false sense of security. I now make the following modification to your compensation package. Include with the transfer your agricultural specifications on hybrid forests and I
will agree, in principal, to your plan. I have many bases now in the mountain areas to my east and without this technology growth will be very difficult. I have fighter craft heading to the sea base now and they will provide air cover for the base and eliminate all Morgan planes that enter in the future. If the compensation package is not transmitted next turn then the issue is closed and I will proceed as I see fit to defend the Hive against the Morgan aggressors.

As expected we made the breakthrough into advanced space flight which will allow us to build orbital refineries in space that will provide us with near unlimited resources and increase the number of troops we can support by a factor of two. I plan on making sure this project has my utmost priority and I have ordered that it be completed in 10 turns. Also, my engineers were able to develop plans for orbital energy stations that will boost energy production a hundred fold. lastly, another team made a breakthrough into a new form of high energy plasma called plasma shards. This new weapon will make all other forms of weaponry on this planet look like pop guns. This breakthrough has catapulted the Hive into the premier power on this planet.

Last turn our forces captured the Believer base that is atop of the plateau that is called by many as the "plateau of the Gods" At one time this area must have been an archeologists dream but now it is a nightmare. Sister Miriam ordered her followers to destroy all the relics they could find and obliterate the glyphs they found. We might have been able to find the equivalent of a "Rosetta stone" but I am sure it has been destroyed long ago, if it existed at all. Miriam is advancing on the base but my forces should be more than able to defend it.

Our rate of technological breakthroughs has decreased to only eight years per expected interval. This has been achieved by constant and steady improvements in our labs and the allocation of engineers at each city. My population control administrator and labor allocations specialist have done an excellent job in creating a plan of steady growth but at the same time maximizing our scientific output.

Lastly, I have eliminated the last vestiges of "self" in the Hive this last turn. All individuals have been given bar code tattoos with corresponding numbers that provide all of the information about that biological production unit ( individual ). There was some resistance by even some of my first circle advisors but they were sent off to re-education camps and I have every hope they will return as well adjusted bio-prod units. There was also much more resistance at the new Believer base but my Thought Guards were able to deal with citizens very quickly. All of the children were taken away and sent into my Hive children crèche’s for education and all of the remaining citizens were tattooed and for their own protection sent into bio-prod re-education camps under restraint. Of course, I as the visionary will keep my name as an inspiration to the my bio-prods (people). With this last step completed I have ever confidence that within the next century I will achieve the first true human, the new homo-superior.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2228

Chairman,

I believe we have a deal. I have included in this message a transfer of 300 energy, and the specification for Planetary Economics. In return you agree to not attack Morgan, even if he is acting irrationally, and that you will use the energy as you see fit, presumably to bolster your coastal defenses.

Congratulations on completing Advanced Space Flight! You have been the pioneer in space, and one day the Gaians may follow your example in reaching for the stars. In the meantime we are distracted by the events here on Planet. I can see that the Living Refinery project would be of great advantage to you and I wish you all good speed in completing this program. When you are done I would be interested in trading technology for Advanced Space Flight, if we haven’t discovered it in the meantime. Our technological paths are following our society’s inclinations, and it is natural that they might diverge. It is possible we may have a technology you would be interested in.

Our forces now surround New Jerusalem, including 4 chaos rovers and three probability defenders, with three chaos rovers and chaos infantry in reserve. Since Miriam currently has three plasma defenders and no attack units in New Jerusalem I see no reason why her capital won’t fall next turn. We also accidentally destroyed a small size 2 colony in the isthmus between Miriam’s home territory and Santiago. An inquiry is being held and the officer in charge will have to answer for her actions.

I see you have renamed Miriam’s base ‘Chairman Yang’. That is a little like Morgan, isn’t it? He names all his bases after himself, which I initially though was funny until I realized it was a window into his mind, and motivations. Are you following in his footsteps?

Lastly, I didn’t get a response on my interest in offering Miriam a truce after we take New Jerusalem. Doing so would leave Miriam with a weak rump state, but would not resolve the vendetta she has against everyone on Planet. I have little inclination in eradicating her, although you have expressed an interest in doing so. I do not find her society offensive, just strange – indeed, it is no stranger than your society where everyone (including you?) is stamped and coded as communal property. I have to tell you that I find this idea alien, and frankly repulsive. But I long ago decided to live and let live as long as basic human rights are maintained, and a hope of inter-faction harmony can be maintained. A diverse humanity has a greater chance of surviving, just like a diverse ecosystem will thrive better since it will weather unexpected changes better. If that means I have to try to understand human bar coding and forced religious indoctrination then so be it!

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2228

Governor Skye,

One could almost characterize my feelings as "glad" that we have been able to come to some agreement about the Morganites. I am still able it seems to work with some leaders on this planet unlike the good Academician Zakharov. It seems that when he found out that I had completed my latest phase of my grand plan for humanity that he and his council of professors were appalled at the steps I have taken and as a result have voted to leave my alliance. It is truly sad to see that with all the knowledge the University has harvested that they can be so backward.

I have to bring up again a subject of some concern, Pravin Lal. The additional resource his new bases have provided are allowing him to build more and more probe teams and weapons of war. I might have to take action to "weed" out some of this forces to bring him back under control. These attacks would only be aimed at military targets, such as troops and military vehicles. My only other solution is to launch another series of probe attacks to incite riots in both of his cities which would result in even more deaths, deaths of civilians.

I have to ask when if ever do you plan on turning over some of the bases you have captured to Colonel Santiago. My capture of the plateau base has served as a lighting rod it seems for a large number of Miriam's remaining forces. However, they are being quickly dispatched and dealt with.

I am growing more worried at the lack of vision many of the leaders of this planet demonstrate. The Hive it seems is now being surrounded by enemies or possible enemies at every turn. I will be honest I no longer trust even you Deirdre. There have been rumors of experiments that you are conducting that seem very ridicules on the surface but deep down pose a serious threat. One rumor has it that you are trying in someway to control their very forces of nature on this planet and that once under your control will use those forces to inflict a series of droughts, earthquakes and other natural disasters in order to weaken other factions.

In reality I do not worry too much about any direct attack from you since you of all people would realize that should an attack come I would launch a major missile strike of planet busters and end your civilization. The other factions leaders might fail to understand my total commitment to preserving the Hive over all other matters, you should try and talk with them and explain these issues.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2229

Chairman,

We’ve taken New Jerusalem in the north and Throne of God to the far south. The perimeter defense at New Jerusalem gave us some trouble, but not much. We have plenty of reserves, and I allocated those to advance on the next bases to the west. Gaians forces should be able to take at least a base a year until Miriam runs out of bases, which will be pretty soon. After we took her capital I expected a nice call, and maybe some reconciliation. But, no – that was not to be. I received the same old diatribe. So, it looks like my idea of a truce is out and we’ll have to fight to the bitter end.

It is too bad Zak left your alliance, which is now an alliance of two – you and Santiago. She has no where to go, and I’m sure that motivates her to keep her forces with her since Miriam could still do her harm, although that is now much harder to do. I plan on gifting any original Spartan base back to Santiago, plus all of the small bases to the far south. This should be compensation for her troubles.

Our research is harnessing the forces of Planet, but not in the say you state. We have honed our empathy with Planet and will continue to do so. In addition we are actively researching Planet’s secrets, and have learned much. For instance, we can now build Locusts of Chiron, although we haven’t yet. Gaian researchers have also had a series of breakthroughs that allow us to harvest 3 foot, one mineral, and one energy from each fungus square, which almost renders terraforming useless. All new bases, and particularly sea bases, are placed near large fungal beds for this purpose. But there is no way to harness Planet to inflict environmental catastrophe, at least that I know of.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2229

Governor Skye,

I will be honest with you and state for the record that I do not altogether believe your statements concerning your research on the planet. With that being said I plan on sending a team of my own planet engineers to you so that your scientists can explain in detail as to nature of your work. Once they report back to me then and only then will I be satisfied.

Morgan attacked again and destroyed the last sea former I had operating at that base. However, I now have my own aircraft arriving at the base and all future sea formers should be well protected.

With the increasing attacks upon Hive property and citizens I have decided that the war with Miriam is over. Santiago can now deal with Miriam very easily and with the addition of those Believer bases you plan on "gifting" to the Spartans they should no longer have any problems with them. My main concern is establishing a more "secure" perimeter for my Hive and establish a fast reaction force that can deal with either Pravin, Lal or Zakharov. Since the University has ended the pact they had with us they are no longer sending massive waves of espionage teams across the border to harass Pravin Lal. I can only take this to me that they might have been able to come to terms and force an alliance. All Hive bases are protected by at least two garrison units and one anti-espionage team but I now see the need to have an reaction force that incorporates aircraft and fast attack rovers. With the completion of the living refinery project in ten turns the extra forces needed for this reaction team should be easy to build and support.

Lastly, you did mention an exchange of information if I am correct. I am willing to offer you my technical blueprints on fusion weapons in exchange for, well, I would like to see first what you would be willing to offer first. Please include your list of technical plans that you are willing to exchange.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2230

Chairman,

I’m glad you see the value in trading technology. There are several you may be interested in: Doctrine: Initiative, Centauri Meditation, and Advanced Ecological Engineering. Doctrine: Initiative would give you the ability to construct cruisers, and explore the seas of Planet faster and more efficiently. Centauri Meditation sounds innocuous, merely pure research on the planet we live on, but it has allowed some of our citizens to become Empaths, which are a real benefit to our society. Moreover, it increases energy production in fungus and will allow you to build Isles of the Deep, if you so choose. Advanced Ecological Engineering allows your formers to double their terraforming rate, and you can likely see how this would benefit your people. Any of these technologies are valuable, and I’d be willing to trade you any one of them for the specifications of Organic Superlubricant.

We captured another Believer base this last year, and the Council has decided to press this unfortunate war until Miriam makes some gesture that she wants to rejoin the world community. This base held the Merchant Exchanged, and I’d forgotten that Miriam completed this Project so long ago. I hope that it will be useful one day, but now it is in a backwater. At this point the military action is consuming almost no Gaian resources, and all of the former Believer bases are switching to civilian construction. We will start transferring the southern bases to Santiago one per year, and will maintain a Gaian held base screen between her and Miriam until Santiago has a chance to establish herself. We will leave a garrison there, and she can accept it if she decides to. I have informed our generals and field commanders to continue the cautious advance on Santiago’s continent so that we can liberate her bases for her.

You may have noticed that we recently finished the Cyborg Factory. This will go a long way toward increasing the typically poor morale of Gaian soldiers. The Council and I initially were very skeptical about using mechanical bio-augmentation on this scale, but numerous field tests proved that the individual could maintain their own identity in all cases but extreme modification, which the Council has outlawed.

I wish you well in your efforts to defend yourself. Considering your very significant power, and the weakness of those immediately surrounding you, I think you may be overreacting, but I cannot fault your for wanting to ensure the safety of your society and ideals. Your researchers are welcome to examine the technologies we have unlocked about Planet. Although I am not authorized to share these with you, they include Centauri Genetics

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2230

Governor Skye,

I have included with my transmission both my current map files and the technical blueprints for fusion weapons. In exchange transmit your files on the cruiser hulls and naval bases. My own scientists plan on making the breakthrough on "super" terra formers in several turns.

I have to be brief since I am planning to leave soon aboard my personal orbiter to supervise the construction of the living refinery. The small continent to our east is still undeveloped and I wish to discuss the apportionment of this territory. You currently have a line of sea bases running along an east/west line. We could "extend" this line even further east and establish this as the boundary line. I plan on building a sea base in a few turns just south of the sea base you have next to the continent. I would agree to not build any base further north of this line. Please discuss if this would be agreeable to you or not.

My own air craft destroyed the "pesky" Morgan air craft that has caused so much trouble at my southern sea base. I now have other craft patrolling the sea lanes between our two nations to prevent any possible incursions.

You did not acknowledge my request for my team of planet engineers to travel to your territory to talk with your scientists about your work with the planet. I consider this request of utmost importance!

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2231

Chairman,

I have attached the specifications for Doctrine: Initiative, and I hope it will be of use to you.

For the territory apportionment, are you referring to the sea base Falling Water? I have no problem whatsoever with the placement of Hive bases south of the east-west line formed by these bases. I didn’t intend for this to be a territorial line, but it is as good a line of demarcation as any. Note that I reserve the right to have Gaia sea units explore the seas, excepting sea base exclusion territory of your or any other faction.

Your scientists are free to visit Gaian territory any time they wish. They will find that we have an open society and we will share what we have, with some notable exceptions, of course. Did you have any specific type of visit in mind? Or a timeframe?

I also have news that should be good, I think. Miriam has surrendered to me. She finally must have had an epiphany and realized than further conflict would do her no good. I insisted that she declare a truce with Santiago, and she agreed. She flatly refused to declare a truce with you, however – you sure have a way with people. This leaves the subject of reparations wide open since Miriam still holds Spartan bases. Although awkward, it is fixable. I have already started turning over former Believer bases to Santiago, and will continue to do so. However, I will make sure they have a recycling tank and recreation commons or more before the are given to Santiago to ensure they are minimally productive. I’ll also gift her a super former, and have one of my own to improve the territory. If you have any ideas on how to strengthen Santiago I am open to suggestions.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2231

Governor Skye,

I have dispatched my team of planet engineers and their "escorts" and they should arrive via a merchant vessel next turn. Please indicate which base they should land at and I will relay those directions to them. I look forward to hearing what they say about your projects.

I am relieved that Miriam came to her senses at last. Do you plan on returning any of her bases to her? It will take her a long time to restore these bases to their former productive capability and I would rather she spend her time doing that than building more weapons of war. I suspect the reason why Miriam will not end her dispute with me is the fact that I will not end it with her. I do not intend to relinquish the plateau bases and in fact I intend to colonize an additional base on the plateau. It affords me an extremely important forward observation post and their are other less military reasons I do not wish to give it up. I do intend to launch an attack very soon against the former Spartan bases: Bunker 118 and Sparta Command. Once these are returned to Sparta the bases will "link" the new cities your are gifting to Sparta with her old bases. Once Corazon has rebuilt her territory she will be a very able ally for the Hive.

I initiated a vote for electing a new Planetary Governor. I doubted that I would have enough votes to un-seat you but my true purpose was to see which leaders were supporting you. I was surprised to see that Miriam actually voted for you rather than abstaining, interesting.... I suspected that Morgan would vote for you and of course your pet lap dog Lal would support you as well. What surprised me was that my old friend Zakharov voted for me rather than you, interesting....

Lastly, I am pleased that we reached a tentative agreement about the new lands to our west. I think that in time this are could be very prosperous for us both...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2232

Chairman,

I’m glad you have clarified your intent toward Miriam. Your previous statement sounded like you were divorcing yourself from the conflict and that Santiago was now able to stand on her own. If you intend to take the former Spartan bases and gift them to Miriam then I feel less inclined to give all of Miriam’s former southern bases to Santiago. The Council’s intent is to help Santiago become at least as expansive as she was before the war, and if you gift those bases and I gift her Miriam’s bases then she will double in size. My other concern is to ensure Miriam is not completely trivialized. So, while I will gift a few of the mainland bases to Miriam I fully realize that she has as aggressive streak. With that in mind I think it is appropriate to build some bases on the small islands north of the mainland and give these to her. I will still gift at least two of the southern bases to Santiago since that will make a contiguous stretch of territory that can be easily defended, and expanded.

The Planetary Governor vote came down pretty much as might be expected. Morgan, Miriam, and Lal voted for me, and Zak and Santiago voted for you. This was not a surprise since Lal and Morgan are pactmates, even if our relationship is rather rocky at times. Zak seemingly still has some tie to you, but you may want to consider a Knowledge orientation to keep him happy (of course, this will annoy Santiago, but you can’t have everything). The vote was rather lopsided after I threw in my tally.

We switched to a Green economy. Fusion labs have now been built in all our primary bases, and many of our outlying bases. Almost all the infrastructure is in place now that biology labs have been built, too. Along with this change is a change in investment orientation. Fully 90% of our economy is now devoted to research, and even I was surprised when my science advisors told me what this was doing to the laboratory productivity. They explained that all the nodes, research hospitals, and fusion labs were underutilized and once they were fully funded they were able to acquire the staff they needed. I am told we should expect advances every two years.

Good luck in your expansion, Chairman.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2232

Gaian Council and Governor Skye,

On behalf of our most beloved Chairman Yang I have been instructed to give you a brief update. His most glorious self, Chairman Yang, is in orbit currently working on the last of the modifications of the living refinery project. He plans to remain in space until it is complete. We have a secure laser communication system to the refinery but it is only active several times a day.

Our forces captured Bunker 118 with only very minimal resistance and we immediately turned it over to Colonel Santiago. Her forces took possession of the base and quickly reestablished Spartan control. Our forces will continue to move forward to assist in the liberation of Sparta Command and other Spartan territory taken by the Believers. We have also been asked by Colonel Santiago to assist her in a small operation west of Iron Holm, our forces are only acting in a support role. The Spartan administrators also have started to build colony pods for the first time in a long time which is a good sign that they are back on their feet.

His most wondrous self Chairman Yang has ordered that his planet engineers need to return this turn and report back immediately to him. Transport has been arranged to meet them at a base of your choosing.

11230-1ZR0-22313341
First Advisor of the First Circle

All praise and glory to our most magnificent Chairman Yang

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2233

Chairman,

I gave Santiago Hallowed Ground this last year, and she was most appreciative. This was one of the first bases we captured from the Believers so it had decent infrastructure. While Santiago was in a good mood I asked her if she would declare a truce with the Peacekeepers and University, and she accepted. In fact, she went a step further and signed a treaty of friendship with both. However, she flatly refused to declare a truce with Morgan, citing that she had been paid to ensure his destruction, whatever that means.

Good luck in your space flight. We recently put up our first satellite, and it is now transmitting the fruits of the hydrolab to all our bases, although those with aerospace facilities are able to take better advantage of this.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2233

Governor Skye and the Gaian Council,

I have relayed your last communication to our most noble and honorable Chairman Yang and he was most pleased. However, it seems that a message was transmitted by the Spartans to us that was very "unclear" something about a vendetta. We are not sure as to whom this vendetta is aimed against at this time. I have been instructed by our most beloved and cherished Chairman Yang to inquire if you have any information on the Spartan initiative. Since the capture of our new plateau base all of our military field commanders in that area operate out of that base, primarily for security reasons.

I am please to report that we have completed the city/base modifications at Worker's Paradise and it now in all forms resembles a proper Hive city. It is just another glorious achievement for our most admired leader, Chairman Yang.

I have relayed the information the planet engineers have returned with to his most serene and loving Chairman Yang and he wishes for me to communicate to you his concern over the direction of your research. He, the most caring and loving Chairman Yang, does not believe you would do anything to harm the planet and thus use your vast knowledge of the planet as a weapon but you could literally raise an entire army of native life forms that could be very destructive indeed.

11230-1ZR0-22313341
First Advisor of the First Circle

All praise and glory to our most magnificent Chairman Yang

[Hydro]

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2234

Chairman,

I inquired but was unable to ascertain who Santiago might have a new vendetta with, if anyone. I know it is not with the Gaians, and that she maintains her vendetta against Morgan. Maybe she let you know she has called off her vendetta with Zak and Lal? One possibility is that hostilities have been re-initiated with Miriam, although I can’t confirm this at this date. Is she at vendetta with you? I surely hope not!

Gaian research will now allow us to construct mindworms, isles of the deep, and locusts of Chiron, which are all the primary vectors of Planet’s most advanced life forms. The Hive can construct mindworms, and you have had that ability for quite a while. To date we have not constructed any of these vectors since we have not had the motivation to do so. Moreover, our recent war with Miriam showed that conventional forces are much more effective against a faction that is technologically inferior. You may recall that we lost 2 mindworms in an attack on a Believer base, but that these same mindworms were very effective defenders. However, we have dozens of captured mindworms and isles, and most of these are spread over Planet since they are wonderful for exploration and investigation of Unity pods, the few that remain, anyway.

I congratulate you on your example city of Worker’ Paradise. We are just finishing up our building program so we don’t really have an example city – there is always one more building to construct or unit to build. I expect that we will have such a city in 5 or 10 years, but until that point we will be behind The Hive in this achievement.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2234

Governor Skye and Gaian Council,

Our most cherished and beloved Chairman Yang is still unavailable due to a bio-prod. issue that seems to be plaguing the completion of the living refinery. However, the most knowledgeable and astute Chairman Yang has solved this issue and will be returning in a 3 turns.

I have been instructed to inform you that hostilities have broken out again between the Believers and Sparta. Colonel Santiago has confirmed this. Hive Thought Guards led by General 13139-AWTZ-324993312 have all but taken the old Sparta Command and we should be able to turn this over next turn as well.

It seems that our engineers did not make the expected breakthrough that we had anticipated, but something even better, which is very fortunate for them since our most loved and respected Chairman Yang does not accept failure lightly, nor should he. The technology of monopole magnets has been unlocked and our terra forming crews will begin laying the "mag tubes" next turn. In essence transport between bases will be instantaneous for all intents and purposes. The most wise and all knowing Chairman Yang has ordered that all bases begin construction of these tubes immediately.

Lastly, I have been instructed to inform you that large numbers of evil and dishonorable Peacekeeper saboteurs are using your transportation network to launch attacks against our nation through the DMZ area. Steps are being taken punish these teams and to send them back. His most generous and giving Chairman Yang has asked that you intercede and try to halt any further use of YOUR infrastructure as a tool to inflict pain and misery upon
the Hive.

11230-1ZR0-22313341
First Advisor of the First Circle

All praise and glory to our most magnificent Chairman Yang

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2235

Chairman,

Santiago was apparently rather full of herself. I called on Miriam, and she said that Santiago had declared vendetta, so apparently past wrongs are rearing their ugly heads again. I asked very politely that she call off her vendetta, and I mentioned the bases that I had given her and that you were likely to give her in the future. I also mentioned that the Gaians had expended considerable resources on her behalf that saved her from being overwhelmed, and will now allow her to build her society again. She agreed, and I later heard that she and Miriam had signed a treaty of friendship. It is small victories like this, Chairman, that give me faith in the future – reconciliation, and peace, in spite of long and sordid past. Moreover this is a very good thing since the bases I gifted to Santiago do not have defenders yet and Miriam could have simply walked in to take them. Peace will give her time to consolidate her new holdings.

Our scientists recently made a breakthrough in Monopole Magnets, too, and it was immediately apparent that these mag tubes would be extremely useful in shuttling resources among our land bases. I’m sure the same thought occurred to you.

Pravin does have a number of probe teams active and there are currently 3 in Gaian territory, two of which have now passed the isthmus and are headed your way. Unfortunately I can’t think of anything to do that would stop his transit. On item that might help you get advance notice is to build a sensor net in the DMZ. Forests would also slow their approach significantly. Or you could use terrain to funnel them to a choke point where you could deal with them. All I can do is give you advance warning when they leave Gaian territory, and I will do this if you would like.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2235

Governor Skye and Gaian Council,

His most esteemed and knowledgeable Chairman Yang sends you greetings and wishes you to inform you of the following:

First: We have made peace with the Believers. Our forces re-captured Sparta Command and returned the home base of Sparta to its rightful owner. Shortly there after Sister Miriam contacted the Hive and wished to make peace. We contacted our the most wise and considerate Chairman Yang and he directed us to make peace and in fact wanted us to forge a pact with Sister Miriam but that level of agreement could not be reached.

Second: It seems that you have begun a project, the cloning vats. Our most trusting and thoughtful Chairman Yang has ordered us to inform you that this project is not acceptable to us. The far-seeing Chairman Yang sees this project as a direct threat to the security of the Hive since it will allow you to build an inexhaustible army. Our only recourse if you choose to do so would be to build large numbers of planet busters, large numbers. Do not underestimate the industrial might of the Hive. We could defend ourselves for a long time and build up a large number of planet busters that could easily wipe out your entire civilization. The most fair and accommodating Chairman Yang offers the following treaty. You would cease building the cloning vats in exchange for us not building more than 5 planet busters (five being the number that would only serve as a "defensive deterrent, not as an offensive weapon system". Please consider this carefully.

Third, Peacekeeper forces have continued their tactics of harassment and espionage and keeping with the tenor that Pravin Lal has set we will begin to respond in kind. First, his lone base on the far side of the northern rocky mountains is forfeit and will be taken by Hive Thought Guards. Second, we will continue to siphon energy and incite riots to "stall" Pravin's war machine of death. These are only defensive actions.

Fourth, our most cherished and beloved leader, Chairman Yang announced the completion of the living refinery project well ahead of schedule. He plans on returning in two turns. Any responses to the above statements can be held of his return.

11230-1ZR0-22313341
First Advisor of the First Circle

All praise and glory to our most magnificent Chairman Yang

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2236
Chairman,

You really must have shocked Miriam to persuade her to agree to a truce. I strong armed her as much as I could and she flatly refused even though she technically surrendered to us. The Council was pleasantly surprised, and maybe there is hope for some sort of peace on Santiago’s portion of the continent.

Now, to planetbusters. The Council has stated quite clearly that building planetbusters by any faction runs counter to everything we Gaians believe in. You have nothing to fear from us. We have never done anything to thwart your expansion beyond our prickly negotiations of the DMZ almost a hundred years ago, which you insisted on and we agreed to. If you complete a planetbuster we will terminate our treaty with you and The Hive will be put on notice. In essence, we will be in a state a cold war since having friendly relations with a faction is impossible if their actions are antithetical to our core beliefs. What the Council proposes is this: we will cease building the Cloning Vats and The Hive will not build any planetbusters. Moreover, the Gaians will agree to transfer to The Hive certain critical technologies of the Hive’s choosing. My science advisor has advised me that there are one to two dozen advances you might be interested in.

I’m sorry that you are taking such harsh actions against Pravin. Your actions against him have been severe, and he has provoked you for almost 75 years. It is clear you cannot live peaceably together and I regret that mightily.

Congratulations on completing the Living Refinery. I’m sure it will be of great use to the people of the Hive.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2236

Governor Skye,

I am actually glad to be back on planet! Space has so much to offer us and I could almost see us leaving this world again, in case the mistakes of the past are revisited upon us again. I suppose that is why I am so interested in continuing the Hive's domination of outer space, I see it as our key to power and if need be, survival. Above all things, my vision, my guidance must continue, it, the Hive, Chairman Yang, must survive.

I was not please at the manner in which one of my subordinates communicated with you last turn. I have had that bio-prod recycled. I hope that he did not "injure" our relationship and you might take some pleasure in the way he completed his last mission for the Hive. However, what he did say in his own blunt way was correct. I am pleased that you have truly come to realize the value of the Hive, as a friend. As to the list of technologies you are willing to offer. The Hive engineers are a very capable lot and it has been their hard work and my supreme guidance that has brought the Hive to this stage. With that being said I would be interested in looking at a list of technologies you would be willing to share in exchange for the Hive not pursuing a rapid production schedule of planet busters. There are some of your technologies that I do find abhorrent, such as, your genetic plans to create empaths and thinkers or even worse. The true expansion of humanity lies not in the single human but in the creation of new humanity by creating a new social order. Human beings want to be lead, guided, directed and to be made part of a greater whole. My new humanity, my new man, gives them this and more while I, Chairman Yang, lead them into the new world.

I have the most terrible news to relate, in case your genetic freaks failed once again to inform you, it seems the University beat me to my prize and used espionage teams to take over that lone Peacekeeper base. I am sure Pravin is gnawing on his carpets and chewing on his maps over this little catastrophe. What a terrible thing.... I might ask my good friend Zakhrov if he would not trade the base to me in exchange for some advanced military technology, I almost bet he would do this for me.

I have ordered more anti-espionage teams to be built since Miriam seems to want to push the Hive as much as Pravin does. However, her probe teams will be no match for Hive mind sentinels.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’a Landing, MY 2237

Chairman,

Even my empaths can’t be everywhere, and they did overlook Pravin’s loss. But, no sooner had I gotten your note than I got a panicked call from Pravin, who demanded that I declare war on Zak for his offensives. I told him no, and he became visibly angry. Then he asked for a ‘contribution’, which I gave him. He was mollified at that and left, but I could tell he was still irritated. It is somewhat galling that the Council and I have gone to so much trouble to help Pravin, and even built him a large number of bases in what could have been Gaian territory, and he still comes to me. It seems the trouble he stirred up will still haunt him.

Another item you should know about, Chairman, is that the Mag Tube system that is rapidly being built is having an unforeseen result: Pravin’s probes are streaking toward your territory almost instantaneously. Now, before you get angry I have some good news. There is a feral mindworm directly in the way of Pravin’s probes as the head toward your territory, and they are heading straight into its clutches. I know you have never been a fan of native life but surely you see the irony in this: as long as Pravin sends his probes the mindworm will stay there and ‘welcome’ them into its hungry clutches. Normally I would have more empathy, since those probe teams are humans, but they intend you harm. They don’t deserve such a fate, but being a probe team member is a hard way to make a living.

Now, to technologies – this is where we play ‘let’s make a deal’. We currently have number of technologies you don’t have, and the Council has authorized me to offer a negotiable number of the following technologies to you in return for your promise not to build planetbusters:

Nanometallurgy (E8)
Unified Field Theory (C7)
Probability Mechanics (B7)
Photon Wave Mechanics (C6)
Centauri Meditation (E5)
Neural Grafting (C4)
Bio-Engineering (B5)
Advanced Ecological Engineering (B7)
Centauri Psi (E8)
Homo Superior (E8)
Centauri Genetics (E7)
Retroviral Engineering (C6)

We are keeping a few technologies off the table, but these are technologies we only recently discovered and we don’t fully understand yet, or what their implications might be. As you can see, all of these technologies have some significant advantages, although almost all are centered around building and defense since you already have a significant offensive capability. For instance, Advanced Ecological Engineering will allow you to build super formers, which I believe you didn’t get in your last breakthrough. Bio-Engineering will allow you to create clean units that require no support. Probability Mechanics will allow you to have a defense factor of 6, which is 50% better than silksteel armor. Neural Grafting allows units to have two abilities. So, Chairman, make me an offer. The Council has authorized me to be reasonably generous.

I do have some distressing news, although it might not break your heart. We had an energy reserve crisis and we lost 1300 energy in one fell event. It was akin to an old Earth stock market crash and we are still recovering. This amount had been bankrolled over a period of time, and it was not being replenished since so much of our economy was being used for research. As a result more of our economy has been diverted to replenish our reserves.

Lastly, we are finishing the Universal Translator. This is a ‘mystery project’, and it probably mystifies you as to why we’d spend the enormous amount resources required to build it. Frankly, the mystery itself is the reason, and we hope it will reveal some of the mysteries of Planet when the project is fully activated. I will keep you apprized of the results.

Dee