Announcement

**Hydro** · February 10, 2002, 23:55

The Hive, MY 2208

Lady Skye,

As agreed you will find the security files you requested attached to this transmission. Since you were a minor functionary on Zakharov's staff we did not have any chance to interact so in time you will learn that irregardless of what you might think of my methods or grand experiment for humanity I always honor my agreements to the letter. So if you still must "encrypt" your files so be it but it is not necessary since I have transmitted mine with no such protection. I wish that I had gotten to know you during the trip to this planet I think you would have been an interesting case. I do have your psyche files still and I have reviewed them extensively and have had a team of psychologists run case studies on you and it has resulted in some interesting findings.

I do expect that if you would uncover more information about the fungus growth that you will pass it on. My small team of terra-forming scientists advise that we can simply burn the growths and replant the land with hybrids. I expect that they might be missing something but scientists always need extensive direction and focus to make sure they do not wander of the task at hand. Free form scientific discovery has no place in our new order. Every major scientific advance has come about because scientists were tasked with a goal and were kept on track by a superior mind that made sure the bigger picture was always guided the research. I am intrigued that your scientists are almost ready to make another breakthrough themselves without the strict supervision that I place on mine, or do you?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2109

Chairman,

I have attached my files on terraforming, and you will no doubt find them useful. Our terraformers have been at work for four or five years now, and they have already built roads and several forests. This land seems unnaturally fertile, almost as if it were made for us, and I find that very strange. So far we haven’t seen too much of the xenofungus I mentioned, and there is only so much that can be ascertained from a single, although extensive, patch. Our scouts are seeking more as we speak.

We opened our first Unity pod this last year and found a rover. We were quite happy, as you might guess, since it will allow us to explore our surroundings very quickly. In not too long our population will double, and we will be able to expand our holdings from our two tenuous colonies. I hope that the rest of the land is as fruitful as what we inhabit.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2110

Lady Skye,

I have some information that might be critically important to you and your colonists. I am going to give you the details with the expectation that should you come across some data crystals from the Unity computer or other useful information that you will pass it along to me. One of our scout patrols came across a very damaged UNITY pod to the southwest of our HIVE base. The patrol team approached the pod and activated the pod to open it up. What erupted from the pod was not a scout rover or energy cells or mineral packs but some alien life form that had burrowed into the pod and was living in it. The "worms" or "serpents" that were withering around inside the pod seemed to move en-mass and began to attack the scout patrol. The attack was a mental/psi assault that caused several of the men to collapse in terror. The remaining scout patrol had been prepared enough for the attack it seems and was able to use grenades and penetrate rifles to tear up the mass and destroy it. The battle only lasted a few minutes but I have "questioned" the team very rigorously and I believe the facts of the encounter are correct. The scout team seems to have emerged from the encounter even more ready and battle trained than before. One of the interesting things they did bring back was that after killing the worm or serpent mass in the remains they found small round "balls" that emit high levels of energy that we put to use in completing our third colony pod. I have ordered that should any other team encounter the worm/serpent mass that they should try and take a few "live" samples back for study or face the consequences of failure of not doing so. It does seem from the remains that the team did bring back that the worms/serpents digest organic and non-organic substances and the richer the source the better. The pod had been full of nutrient packs and hybrid seed boxes. I have uploaded some of the spectrum analysis we had done on the remains of the worms along with an abbreviated text from the scout probe detailing the encounter. The data or resources stored in those pods are far too valuable to not open them but let this information guide you in opening anymore pods. We can not ascertain yet where the worms/serpents came from or where they live since this was our first encounter but based upon the reports from the fungus fields they are very similar in form and substance. I have ordered that all terraformers that we will build be equipped with the ability to raze these fungus fields since while they exist nothing else will flourish on that land.

I do expect that you will benefit from this information and I expect that I will in turn benefit from your "generosity" as well. I feel that now my decision to grant you the security data was a wise decision on my part once again it demonstrates my ability to into the future and analyze all possible risks. I am sure that the security data will aid you in some part should these worm/serpent masses attack your frail colonies.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2111

Chairman,

Your report on the mobile native life forms is a real eye opener, and I thank you for getting this information to us in such a timely fashion. Let me offer my condolences for your people’s loss. They died defending your colonies, as was their duty, but in doing so they have helped us understand our environment better. While we have seen much of the xenofungus and numerous life forms living in it we have seen no indication that there were mobile colonies that you describe. Moreover, most of the life forms have been fairly quiescent and retiring, not nearly as overtly hostile as the creatures you describe. I will be interested to study them, although at a safe distance. I have to say that removing the xenofungus may be an overreaction. While I can’t blame you, remember that on Earth the first instinct was to destroy what we don’t understand. In this fashion vast tracts of ecologically rich tropical forests were removed, only to discover after technology advance that these same forests would have yielded boons such as pharmaceuticals or innovated products. I urge you to give it a little time. If the fungus proves to be as dangerous as it seems to be then I will agree with you, but for now I think a bit more study is in order. If we discover anything of interest I will contact you at once.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2111

Lady Skye,

I do not agree with your assessment of the native plant/animal life. The serpents are a threat to us so we must destroy them and if the fungus fields are linked to the serpents then it must be destroyed as well. I do not have the time or resources to focus more studies on them since we have much more important things to work on. Several of our scout teams opened more UNITY pods this turn and the contents were most useful. One of the pods contained vast amounts of nutrient packs that greatly enhanced the soil productivity of that sector. The other pod had the communication frequency for my old friend Corazon Santiago. We uploaded the frequency into our communications network and we were able to make contact with Colonel Corazon Santiago, as she calls herself now. It seems that Corazon thought she was the only surviving pod to make it to the planet and so adopted a "survivalist" attitude and operational state and now calls her colony the Spartans. I made a few more inquires about how she has organized her colonists and it seems that they operate on a military structure with an emphasis on strength, skill and fighting capability. We talked for some time and during the discussion we agreed to exchange some data. It seems the good Colonel was able to salvage from her pod the technical prints for laser weapons. I informed her of the serpent worms and she asked for the security files in exchange for the laser rifle specs, I agreed. So we will soon begin construction of laser rifles in order to better defend our growing colony. I did mention to Santiago that I was in contact with other UNITY survivors but she did not seem at all interested in wanting to contact you, curious. Perhaps later she will send some of her highly trained and heavily armed soldiers to pay you a courtesy call. We were able to agree to come to terms on a pact of friendship that recognizes each of our rights to exist as independent entities and not to interfere in the other colonists business. I think this is a good start for us to build a long lasting partnership. I understand the simple yet effective society she is trying to build and as long she does not interfere in the important work we are doing here I think we can build a strong friendship. Perhaps you and your advisors should contemplate the benefits of becoming closer friends with the Hive. I have uploaded your colonies location to a data file so that I can transmit it to Corazon on our next communication. I am sure she will find it very interesting indeed, perhaps I can come up with some trade for this data such as the blue prints for building speeders? Would you trade information such as map and communication frequencies for technology?

Well, I must be attend to more issues in creating our new world here.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2112

Chairman,

I also have some important news to report to you. It seems that now I have proof that the native life forms you mentioned are not all hostile. The Unity rover we discovered was exploring some fungus near our location and, upon trying to enter the fungus, felt the strange mental prickling similar to what your scouts reported. They radioed back to base, and we advised them to attack since you had warned us of the hostility of these life forms. As the team advanced the prickling became something else, and instead of moving to attack the colonial creature became ‘attached’ to one of the rover team members. There were no additional hostile moves, and one of the ‘sensitives’ on the team was able to help the creature communicate with us. In effect, she became the creature’s intermediary, or handler. For us this is simply amazing, since it means that these creatures are intelligent and can communicate, even if they are sometimes hostile. My scientists are baffled as to why some are hostile and some are willing to talk, but the point is this: we have now discovered proof that there is other intelligent life in the universe. We are no longer alone. Of course no one could have ever predicted that the life form we would meet would be a colonial creature of quasi-sentient worms! I can’t wait to investigate this further, and I will keep you informed on any progress we have. This creature promises to help us understand the ecosystems of Planet, and travel through them at a rate we could only dream of, and meet more of these life forms. You were very generous to share your experiences, and we will respond in kind.

I am glad that Santiago survived, since diversity is the key to humanity’s survival. I wish her, and your people, good luck in surviving the rigors of Chiron. I am also intrigued with the technology she traded with you. Our scientist recently made a breakthrough in Biogenetics, and I am willing to trade you either Social Psych or Biogenetics for Santiago’s files. I would also be willing to trade my current world map for Santiago’s communication link, if you are interested. Let me know what your preferences are.

You need to know that your report of the mindworms, as they are called here, has touched the Gaian Council. This advance notice, which came at great cost to you and your people, has helped us understand some of the perils we face here on Chiron. It also helped us be better prepared when we did finally meet this denizen of Chiron, and this understanding allowed us to be more open to what these mindworms might be. It may have even played a part in helping us to befriend this life form. We see this as a gesture of goodwill, and are willing to respond accordingly. Therefore, we are willing to enter into a treaty of friendship with you, if you are interested. Consider this the first step toward greater understanding, so that perhaps together we can build a world better than the one we left behind.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2112

Lady Skye,

I find it very interesting that some of your people have made a psychic connection with these mind worms. I have re-read some old studies done on earth about psychic bonding between dolphins, apes and dogs with men but your "breakthrough" is far greater then anything achieved by those scientists. Based on the hard data I have I do not believe that this psychic bonding is nothing greater than was attempted in the earth laboratories though. These mind worms are still simple organism when compared to humans and lack our metal capabilities and our reasoning capacity; they are animals. However, I can see where they would make fine soldiers on this planet, which is something Corazon and I discussed in some detail.

I am going to accept your offer of friendship and as another token of my friendship uplink to you my current map files, minus the information on the Spartans. So far by my records I have given you a vast amount of data and I in turn have nothing to show. So what I offer is this. I will transmit to you Corazon 's communication frequency in exchange for both your files on social psych and biogenetics. I think this is only fair since it was my warning that allowed you to be prepared for the attack by the "mind worms" in the first place. I also think that the communication frequency is important by itself to be used as coin for this exchange. I am working very closely with Corazon right now in completing a deal so that she will exchange her technology on synthmetal in exchange for some of my technology. She is a very difficult person to negotiate with since all she truly understands is military applications and it is difficult for her to understand the advantages to our two nations in trading this data. What seems to be holding up our talks is her wish that we form some sort of "pact" that will cement our two nations together. It would be similar to those multi-national agreements that existed during the early days of the United Nations. I have some misgivings at this time about building such a relationship. I understand the advantages to us working together but I do not like alliances that would bind me. So I am afraid unless I get the two technologies you have I really don't think that adding a third person to our negotiations would be profitable to me. I am not sure if you understand this or not and frankly it doesn't concern me if you do or don't but I will not let you upset the work I have done so far with the Spartans. So the only way I can see that I could let you have the comm. frequency is if you were to give me the two technologies you have. As to the laser rifles specs I don't see that either one of the technologies you have equal the value of laser rifles. Also, since you do seem to be in "harmony" now with the planet and can control its primitive life forms what need do you have for the laser rifles. The Spartans and I on the other hand do need the added firepower.

Please consider my offer carefully and know that this is the last time I will make this offer again under terms that are extremely beneficial to you.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2113

Chairman,

Very well. If the files don’t concern you, and if you aren’t interested, then I won’t transmit them. After all, these files relate to social stability and infrastructure, and it seems that is not a priority in your society - to each his own. As you mention, the military applications of the mindworms is evident, even if I don’t like to contemplate using the creature in such a way. If you change you mind and decide that the files on Biogenetics and Social Psych are of interest then I am willing to trade on a quid quo pro basis, as we did before.

As to you other offer, that is fair. I have transmitted my world map and have persuaded the Council that a Friendship Treaty is of use to both of us. While it is obvious we have our difference, we do have a common ground in that we want to survive in a sometimes-hostile Planet. Some degree of cooperation will benefit us both.

I would have to respectfully disagree on your analysis of the mindworms, though. They communicate clear concepts, and display a degree of forethought and planning that were never evident in apes or dolphins. I think there is no other conclusion that they are a form of sentience, even if they are quite different than you and me. Except that we have one of these mindworms as a friend I would have never believed that any degree of communication was possible between species that have so little in common. But, even with these differences there appears to be a similarity that sentience give each of us – the ability to learn and to understand. If mindworms and humans can come to an understanding I find it hard to believe that humans can’t come to understand each other.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2213

Deirdre Skye,

Even with our newfound treaty relations between our two colonies has not evolved much. Until you and your council become more flexible in their stance on the exchange of technology I see little for us to talk about at this time. My chats with Corazon bear much more fruit than ours and her psyche is much more regimented than yours. I think time will improve our relationship but for now I must protect my vision at all costs. I do not value recreation halls as much as a highly trained laser rifle company and to equate as the two technologies as equals is ridiculous. Some technology bears a higher price and has a greater impact on this new world than others. You might want to think who started us on this path of trading since I would have given you the security files for nothing if you had been threatened but your insistence on "trading" has boxed you into a dilemma indeed. So we will see in time which strategy will prevail with the other faction leaders, assuming you can talk to them since you currently only have my communication frequency.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2114

Chairman,

You are correct; we have chosen our own paths. You seem not to value what we have to offer, and although I don’t understand I can respect that. Our scientists will make another breakthrough soon, and I may tell you want advances we have achieved. If you don’t see that a certain equality in trading, and sharing, our resources is needed then the Council believes we probably don’t have much to say to each other. In spite of what the Council perceives as your intransigence I insisted that a minimum level of communication be maintained. Consider it a personal gesture of understanding.

Deirdre

**Hydro** · February 10, 2002, 23:56

The Hive, MY 2114

Deirdre Skye,

I agree that communication must be maintained between our two governments. Since we have landed I have suggested any number of agreements by which we could exchange data and you have refused them all. The only manner in which you will accept the exchange of technical files is a one to one exchange. You have offered no other suggestions by which we could exchange data other than one to one. I think this sums up the problem we face. I evaluate each technology and determine if it has more worth or value when compared to another while you view them all equally. I think this is the issue we must come to terms with if we can at all. I think there will be times in the future that we can see "eye to eye" and that some technology you might have has equal value to some data that I have. At those times we can then broker a deal and exchange information. You also believe that non-technical information such as communication frequencies or maps or energy credits do not or can not have the same value as some technical information. In this we are also different since information can be as valuable as any technology that you might have. In time in think we can work these issues out. I for one just have to look at the relationship that is growing between the Spartans and myself as an example as to how two different nations can build towards a common goal. In time when you have made contact with the other leaders I think you will learn to see things differently.

Lastly, I did want to warn you about a serious problem one of our scout teams encountered. Upon opening a UNITY pod the pods power core overloaded and melted down through the crust of the planet. It happened to hit a very fragile area of the tectonic plates and caused a major earthquake along with a shift in the local areas topography. You should try to advise your scout teams to be very cautious when opening them. I had the scout team leaders put through some very rigorous re-training because of this incident I think that if there is a next time they might want to consider looking for other employment.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2115

Chairman Yang,

I agree that in time we will come to understand each other, although I must admit that at the moment your philosophy seems rather opaque and, based on your comments, you hold the same view of our beliefs.

Thank you for the warning on the Unity pods. We have only opened a few, and then only with great care. It turns out our mindworm can do this will little harm to himself, and he is working in concert with our Unity rover to investigate a few pods. Still, we are leaving them until they are thoroughly studied, and most will only be opened when we have a colony near them.

I wish you good luck, Chairman,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2115

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I see from your last communication that you could not devise any alternative trading options that is unfortunate. I was telling Director Morgan on our last communication how inflexible you have become. I am not sure if you remember or met Nwabudlike Morgan during the trip on the Unity but he is very fascinating fellow indeed. I find his perspective towards the world very refreshing and pragmatic. I hardly agree with his approach to governing his new colony, one based upon a corporate structure but I am sure it has its advantages. His "mercantilist" approach does little to advance the human cause but his people do seem happy with the luxuries they are creating. So far we have made some very profitable exchanges that have benefited both of our societies. We both see eye to eye that not all technology has equal value that each technological advancement has some intrinsic value. So far it seems each of the surviving colonists are building a very unique social structure to advance their "factions". I have ordered several research teams to investigate some mathematical probabilities of success based on each model so far, I am sure the answers will be very interesting.

We have completed our third colony pod this year and hope to establish a new base in three turns or so. The land as you can see from the map files is very rich so we need little to no enhancements to provide us with ample nutrients, energy or minerals. I will make the offer once again, as a sign of how hard I am trying to work with you "Gaians" if you would accept to trade bioethics and you social recreation files for the communication frequencies for both Corazon and Nwabudlike. I doubt you will but perhaps in time you will change your mind. From the exchanges I have made so far I doubt I really need the technology you posses but it could come in useful later on.

Chairman Yang,

HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2116

Chairman,

You know my terms, and if you chose not to accept them that is fine. As you say, you may one day discover that you need these technologies, but by then our scientists are likely to have made the advances of the technologies you now hold. Our scientists are very good, although not as good as Zakharov, if he survived. Your scientists are likely hampered by your rigid society, and I image that the time required for an advance is rather large. This will likely be less of a factor with time as your cities grow, but in the meantime it is likely to be difficult. In that respect it is lucky that you met us, and that we saw fit to trade for Centauri Ecology, and that you met Santiago and Morgan, since they may be inclined to trade. Your efforts at attempting a relationship with us is well received by me, although your offers are rather one sided. If you wish to trade equitably then you know what our terms are.

Deirdre

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2116

Deirdre Skye,

I have ordered the completion of our fourth colony pod and it should be making its way for placement in two to three turns. This brings up an issue I would like to discuss with you. Our scouts are working northward and based upon the topography and distance they should be encountering your scouts our outer territory markers. Once we have a good read for the "lay of the land" we should try to establish a border that we can both live with. Even though we have a treaty I don't think we should risk an incident that might spark a conflict. I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. With this in mind I have uploaded our most recent map files so that we can compare and begin to discuss these issues.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2117

Chairman,

I agree to exchange maps. It is insightful on your part to have the forethought to establish rough territorial boundaries, since this will decrease the chance of misunderstanding. I can tell you that it is not entirely clear if our landmasses are connected, but we will soon find out. The Council and I appreciate your gesture, and only wish we would have thought of it.

Deirdre

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2117

Deirdre Skye,

I thank you for your generous comments about my foresight. We still do not have a complete picture of the topography between our two nations but I would like to purpose the following. By what we have been able to scout already the southern tip of your land mass seems to end in a small isthmus that connects our two continents. I suggest that neither of us build any colony base within three sectors of that isthmus. All of the land south will fall under my control while all the land north is under your control. This six sector area of land can be neutral territory and I further suggest that we both construct sensor arrays bordering the neutral zone so that we can monitor the area without putting armed troops there. I realize that it will still be some time before we face this issue in earnest but by building this agreement now we can avoid conflict later.

I wish to broach the subject once more concerning a technology trade. It seems that my scientists are within several turns of completing a technology that you already have, biogenetics. Since you already have completed this technology what I suggest is this. Transmit the files to me so that my scientists can add your research to ours so that they can make the next step in this field. My scientists tell me with the research you could provide us we can then make a breakthrough to the next level, the secrets of the human mind. What I purpose is this; once we complete the breakthrough into the second field we would transmit those files to you. You help me and I will then help you. What is most intriguing about this possible new technology is that we will be able to shield our troops from the mind attacks of those worms. This will in turn provide better protection for this planet and our colonies. Time is short so on your next transmission you will have to include those files or we will loose the window of opportunity. You might not agree with my vision for humanity but I have not given you any reason to think I am untrustworthy. So consider this a test for us both. Should you fail to transmit the data then all I can see is that we have a long bleak road ahead of us. My intelligence reports indicate that you have not made this breakthrough yet but if you have then we could then build to the next level, optical computers. So I await your response.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2118

Dear Chairman,

I agree to your territorial suggestion, with two caveats. First, I would like to build a base that is on my ‘side’ of the continent that will allow access to both bodies of water – a mutual port, if you will. We don’t currently have the ability to construct sea-going vessels, but I can’t imagine it won’t be possible in the future as we rediscover these basic technologies and learn to structure our societies accordingly. My second point is more of an observation than a suggestion. Dividing the land as you suggest give you far more land than we Gaians, and would put the boarder much closer to my territory than yours. This will not be a problem if the continents we are exploring are as big as they may be, but if mine is smaller than I request that a certain portion of this isthmus area be ceded to us so that we can establish an equitable number of bases each. We both understand that each base, and the people in those bases, is the basis for the accumulation of resources and it would be unfortunate to have a completely binding agreement before the lay of the land is fully known. These two concerns are only important if our two landmasses are connected, of course. I doubt that either of us will get the fully understand how continuous our lands are, and it will be even longer before our expansion would potentially come into conflict. But, in the interests of harmony I can see the merit in your suggestion and, again, appreciate your forethought, including the neutral zone and the sensor array construction. The Council agrees with me that these territorial agreements are what might be called confidence-building measures and fully supports them.

I’m glad you finally recognize the value of Gaian research, especially since you seemed so dismissive in your previous messages. The results of our laboratories output may be different, and are devoted toward varying goals, but this diversity is in itself a strength. The Hive and Gaian factions can contribute to a whole that is stronger than its parts, and that puts our research on an equal footing since none of us may quite understand where this research may lead, or what the eventual benefits might be.

That said, I’m not sure I completely understand your proposal. If I understand, I will transmit our two technologies Social Psych and Biogenetics, which may then be used as a basis for a breakthrough by Hive scientist. The results of this research will then be transmitted back to us. The primary bit of confusion is what makes you think that your scientists will unlock the Secrets of the Human Brain? It is my understanding that your society, and that your scientists, are focused on the practical pursuits of Building and Military understanding. Our scientists are focused on Exploring our environment. That is the diversity I was speaking of, and each focus is to be valued. However, unlocking the Secrets of the Human Brain will require a focus are almost exclusively involving Exploring and Discovering our world, which your scientists seem ill disposed to do. By comparison, our scientists are very well positioned to do this. So, even if the Council approves on giving you these technologies it seems unlikely that you will unlock the secrets you suggest, even though this is a valuable goal. The other issue is that we would be giving The Hive all of our research to date, and that you would not give your existing research return. Then, you propose to give us back what we would acquire long before you anyway? I’m not sure I understand how this is mutually beneficial since you would acquire four technologies (assuming you unlocked the Secrets) and we would acquire two (again, assuming the Secrets are unlocked). Now, normally I wouldn’t be averse to doing this except you have withheld your advances, and those you apparently traded to Santiago, and you have withheld the communication frequencies to Morgan and Santiago. I can understand why you might want to do this; what I don’t understand is why we Gaians must turn over our advances as a leap of faith when your Hive has shown little of than same faith toward us, and has denigrated our efforts to date (although you latest request is hopeful).

Please help me understand, Chairman Yang. I would like our societies to come to a better understanding but I think some of your technology proposal requires some additional thought. I suggest that we trade technology, as I have suggested, and that way we can both advance in harmony. What is holding this up is perception that the proposal is apparent one-sided, in which The Hive holds the upper hand in both technology and other information, and that requires we Gaian to trust when only the first steps have been formed as a foundation for this leap of faith.

This continuing dialog is very helpful, and I think your proposals have merit. I think they can be refined to foster the mutual understanding that we both desire, which will lead in time to a greater level of trust that will benefit both our societies.

Take care,
Deirdre Skye

*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2118

Deirdre Skye,

Alas, the window has passed and we have made the expected breakthrough that has duplicated your earlier research. As you indicated earlier the direction and subjects I order my scientists to concentrate on are areas that I am sure you Gaian scientists do not have that much expertise on. Perhaps in the future we can come work out a similar exchange where we can exchange data with the promise of developing something greater for both of us. For example, Corazon has transmitted her files on synthetic metals that have added needed information for our high-energy plasma projects. In turn, I intend to transmit any breakthrough to Corazon as repayment - a very simple arrangement. I understand it does not have the "immediate" effect you are demanding but this type of arrangement can be done between people who trust and respect each other, note that I did not include friendship in that equation.

I do have important news to report. I have been in contact with Pravin Lal, our expedition leader. It seems he and his group are prospering but have only recently have been in contact with Director Morgan. Pravin's group is very limited currently but I expect in time he will try and impose some sort of "planetary rule" over us. I have made sure that Pravin understands that I intend to remain separate yet equal to any planetary system he sets up.

I accept your stipulations and as we discover more of the terrain I think we can "iron out" any issues that we might have. I do think that you might be underestimating the size of the continent you are in possession of. I believe that based upon very crude radar imaging that the land to your north is very large to say the least. The only stipulation I have is that if there is a small or medium isthmus of land that connects our two land masses before any colony is started we agree to the location before you begin construction. What I fear would be is that your site for a colony would demand that I put one near to you so that we would also have equal access to the oceans unless we agree to some "compensation" from you to us so that we do not come to some disagreement over the issue.

Lastly, I once again broach the subject of a trade. I currently have communication frequencies for Pravin Lal, Director Morgan and Colonel Santiago what do you suggest would be a fair trade for all three frequencies? I leave it your hands to make a generous yet fair offer that we can both accept. I myself paid over 50 energy credits to Director Morgan to obtain Pravin Lal's communication frequency. You might think that I was robbed but I was able to broker several deals that allowed me to pick-up 4 new technologies and I only had to trade two first level technologies. I think I made out very well in the bargain, as did Nwabudlike. The only drawback to all of these negotiations is the other leaders constant demands and requests to form "pacts" to better protect each other. I for one wish not part of any pact right now that would distract me from my greater work.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2119

Chairman,

I have to confess that I still don’t understand why you object to a quid-pro-quo trading system. If you had agreed I could have easily convinced the Council to trade you all of our technologies quite a while ago, and I am sure that the other faction leaders typically wish to trade on a similar basis.

I am glad that Pravin survived Unity, and it doesn’t surprise me that he seems to object to your society, which in some ways in antithetical to what the UN stood for. You are likely right that he is likely to try to impose his will on the rest of us, but the likelihood of that is likely to be directly proportionally to his ability to enforce his will. He was always very skilled at diplomacy, and he may take advantage of that as his primary tool.

As to the isthmus, we will likely be able to explore the territory before we have to worry about colonization of the territory in question. At the moment there are many other areas that are much more inviting.

The communication frequency channels have served you well, and I congratulate you on keeping the conversations civil with your former subordinate Santiago, a stowaway Morgan, and our former medical chief. I would be willing to trade you a volume of energy for one or more of the communication frequencies. In particular, it seems that Morgan is well connected and disposed to trade. The objective of these meeting will be to replicate what you have done. In fact, if these communications and technology trades are as successful as yours I have a kicker: I’ll give you Biogenetics as a thank you. This should compensate you for the cost of the channel you paid to Morgan, allay fears in the Council, and act as the goodwill gesture you seem to crave.

Take care,
Deirdre

**Hydro** · February 18, 2002, 22:38

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2120

Deirdre Skye,

I have attached to this transmission the latest map files and the communication frequency for Pravin Lal. I am offering this communication frequency to you as a gift, as a token of my good will. I am currently working with Corazon and Nwabudike on several more key negotiations and at this time I feel it more "prudent" to withhold those frequencies for no more than a few turns. If your gift of technology arrives, all the better for the both of us since it will foster more respect and trust than we have now. I am sure you and Pravin will have much to talk about and since I do not wish to be the cause of any mistrust or apprehension. I wish to tell you that I have found my talks with Pravin to be most illuminating. My psychological teams have been working up models on him for some time and I think Pravin is taking the failure of what he considers this mission badly. My analysis indicates that he might become unstable if he does not find some way to anchor himself to the reality of the new situation here. Perhaps your influence will provide a stable influence.

I find it curious that you seem repelled by the grand mission I have undertaken here at what I feel is a major sacrifice for myself. I doubt that you or any Gaian have the ability to grasp the true vision I have seen for my people and the destiny I am to fulfill here. But be that as it may I expect that you will learn to live with it, as you will learn to live with the other leaders social experiments. I doubt the Gaians will have much in common with the Spartans or Morganites at first but let us hope that you do learn to live with them than against them. I understand Nwabudike and Corazon since we operate on a level that you cannot hope to attain or most likely wish not to, which, is your decision. I do recommend that you "temper" your words when you communicate with Corazon since if you had sent her the communication you sent me last turn I assure you Spartan legionnaires would be marching towards your bases. I understand that you and the Gaian council have not had the ability to communicate with the other leaders so I offer you some advice. Stick to the practical and leave your social commentaries about their societies at home or risk a conflict you do not wish to have unless the Gaians are ready to go to war to uphold their vision over all others?

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2120

Chairman,

Your gift is a generous one, but I think you may have made an error. The data packet I received for inspection was the communication link to Morgan, not Pravin. You may want to review the package. I can assure you that the gift will be used in the spirit that it was given, and we will not forget.

Deirdre

*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2120

Deirdre Skye,

It seems that a communication officer I have on my staff made a grave mistake in sending you the Morgan frequency and is now paying for his mistake, a mistake I think he will never be able to make again. If you do have the Morgan frequency there is little I can do now but as I had promised I am sending you Pravin's communication frequency as well. I am curious and I do hope that you will answer truthfully did the last communication have any other "messages" in it? I have also uploaded in my most recent map file the location of one of Pravins two bases. Pravin and I are still discussing where a similar neutral zone can be set-up so that we don't trigger a border war by accident. I do grow tired of Pravin's constant attempts to tempt me into a pact to restore the United Nations authority on this planet. Why should I support in any way a power structure that only serves to stifle the wondrous task I have here to do for my people.

I have completed my business with Corazon and now have the technical blueprints to build speeders. With our new laser cannons and synth-metal armor we are building rovers that will be ready to handle any "problems" that might occur in our territory. I will transmit Corazon's communication frequency next turn as another gift. I have long discussions with Corazon and she is eager to trade map files with you for some reason. I have resisted her offers out of respect for you since I am sure you want to start off on the right foot with her by agreeing to her request. I still have not received this promised "technology" you mentioned a turn ago in your last transmission. Has your council over-ruled your decision to send it to me or have your reconsidered your offer. I know posses a vast amount of technologies that you might be interested in trading depending upon what you have to offer. Once again I ask you to make an "inspired" suggestion on how we might broker a deal.

We are about to set-up our fourth colony and I feel that it might be time to begin the implementation of the first step toward building my new world. It is important that all of my citizens feel protected and cared for so I have prepared plans for a security force structure that will insure that all Hive citizens are coordinated in their efforts and are supervised in all aspects of their lives. This will begin the process of stripping away the " me " and building the " we " psychology that will allow me to forge a new human spirit. I hope that someday you will come to learn the spirit of the collective that I am building here, I would enjoy that very much indeed.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2121

Chairman,

Do not be too hard on your communication officer. No damage was done, and out of respect for you I did not access the communication frequency with Morgan. You were clear that the gift was Pravin’s communication frequency and I honored that.

You should know that I did contact Pravin, and he was ambivalent at best, which surprised me. He did offer to exchange technology, and I accepted. He also offered to sell me, for a nominal fee, the communication link to Morgan and Santiago and for a mere 35 energy credits the deal was done. He seemed quite happy with the deal and offered a treaty of friendship, which I accepted. I also contacted Morgan, who was positively delighted to see me, although I cannot understand why. Being a merchant at heart he offered first a friendship and then a Pact, which I accepted. Imagine – the ecologically observant Gaians being Pacted with the Morganites? This is a sometimes-unfriendly world and, to be honest, I value that sort of friendship from any quarter. Strangely he was not willing to trade technology with me, since it seem you got to him first. Fair enough – it was your initiative that started this inter-faction communication, and I do not resent you for it. As to Santiago, you were quite right about her belligerent attitude. She wanted nothing to do with me and her tone was downright chilly. I closed the communication link before things got out of hand.

As to trading technology, our offer is still open, if you want it. Through your masterful diplomacy you have gained a technological lead that will be hard to equal. The ‘kicker’ I mentioned was contingent, as you may recall, to having a similar success in brokering information deals that you have had. Alas, we were not nearly as skillful as you were. Pravin traded Information Networks to us, which is an interesting technology, but nothing else. Morgan wasn’t interested, and Santiago was downright quarrelsome. But, instead of a ‘gift’ I propose a mutual gift. I will give you Biogenetics, and you give one of your technologies in return. This way you can add to your trove of information, and we will both benefit from it.

I have to admit that the Council feels much more at ease now, and it is entirely possible that we can have a true friendship since we don’t feel so isolated anymore. There is a whole world out there to be explored and our scouts are busy doing that right now.

Take care,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2121

Deirdre Skye,

I thought that the biogenetics technology was to be a "gift"? Now the giving of this "gift" was contingent upon this trade or that trade being completed by you, are you sure that you did not know Nwabudike before the trip to this planet? I am surprised that after my most generous gift of the communication frequency you now "balk" at giving me my gift and that you now cloud the issue with some word semantics. I find your recent actions, disturbing. Without my most generous gift even your pact with Nwabudike would not be possible, please consider that as well. Perhaps now you will realize how information can be as important if not more so than some technological breakthrough.

I will honestly say I am surprised at your actions into entering into a "pact" with Nwabudike. The alliance with Nwabudike does not fit the profile I have prepared on you so I am asking myself what other factors motivated you to do this. I do hope that you remember my words of caution about these so-called "pacts". My discussions with Corazon have revealed her contempt for the Morganites and I would hate for you to be linked with Morgan should an incident occur. Corazon and her soldiers lack the ability to sift through the subtle shades gray that many of us are able to distinguish easily, this is her strength and weakness. I suggest you be very careful.

The first step in my grand experiment has been launched and it is working out better than I had hoped. My "children" are quickly accepting the changes I have made and the extra security has calmed the nerves of many a troubled minds. With all the security systems that have been installed each and every citizen now knows what they need to be doing and at what time. Our troops in the field now get the supplies they need on a timely which have also created a surplus since we are no longer wasting supplied!

I did receive an obscure report from Pravin about a breakthrough into the secrets of the human mind by University scientists. I have tried to question Pravin more about this but he will not say anything more. What or who are the "University" and how did they achieve such a breakthrough. If you have information I would request that you share it.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2122

Chairman,

Your gift was most generous, and I will respond in kind when I have something of like value. At the moment I do not. I seem to remember you explaining to me the relative values of various commodities, and how it was not possible that they were all equal. Our files on Biogenetics and now Ethical Calculus are not equal to these communication frequencies, and, actually, we bought two from Pravin. As to the ‘gift’, I think you should review our original offer. This gift was incumbent on a certain degree of success in technology trading, which we did not have. That is too bad since I cannot give this technology to you since, to be blunt, this would only cement your technological lead.

As to Pacts, I have not problem Pacting with Morgan. He has given me absolutely no cause to be concerned and has been open in our relationship. In time I may even convince him to trade technologies with us. As to Corozan, she is very far away and, while I respect her military ability, she hardly has the means to enforce her wishes on us. One day she may, but not now. In the meantime we will be both respectful and cautious as required.

I am a little mystified by your statement on the start of your grand experiment. Have you fundamentally changed your society in some way? If so I would be interested if you could explain your philosophy to me.

The “University” you speak of can only be my old boss Zakharov. I am glad he survived, and would be curious what sort of society he has formed. It is evident he is doing well to have made this momentous discovery, and I can’t but help to be envious. Maybe one day we will be able to speak with him. But, this is a big planet and you had a great deal of luck to stumble on Santiago’s communication frequency, which you handled very well indeed. It might be a long time before we locate Zak, or he locates us.

Take care,
Dee

*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2122

Deirdre Skye,

I am still amazed at your bravado. I could have withheld the communication frequencies from you for a very long time and short of you attacking me there would have been little that you could have done about it. However, out of a willingness to broker, as you yourself wrote, an increase in our friendship I gave you the information "gratis". Now you claim since your negotiations failed to be as fruitful as you had hoped that now you feel you cannot honor your statement and that I am somehow to blame for this. I intend to forget this incident and mark it down to your inexperience as a leader. As I turn the page I offer this trade to you. Since you now acknowledge the fact that not all technology has the same worth I offer this exchange. I will transmit to you files on advanced industrial operations and energy storage systems, a technology that Nwabudike traded to me for my blueprints for speeders, in turn you will transmit your files on recycling systems and children crèche’s. I will also add the following. I will soon make a breakthrough into plasma energy systems. When I complete that discovery I will transmit the information on lasers and synthetic metal to you. So in essence you will get three technologies will I will get two. Of course you will have to trust me that I will honor my agreement to you and I do believe I have done anything but prove that I am an honorable man, correct. Of course you will have to be patient and await the results but that is the nature of science. I can only see this as a win/win scenario for us both.

Yes, as I stated in my last communication the grand experiment into forging a new humanity has begun. The impact has already been tremendous! We have completed our fifth colony pod and I have plans to begin a new project that can only add to the security my citizens, my children deserve! The changes that our taking place are a wonder to behold. No longer do my people argue and worry about complex decisions that they themselves have not the talent or vision to make. I am the teacher; I am the guide, the source of the vision that will lead us into the future. There appointed task in this dream is to work for the common goal and to put aside their petty desires in exchange for the grand vision. This is the impact of the changes I have made and what a glorious thing it is. As I look out into the night I know my vision is now moving forward and that soon, someday, the light will shine and break down the long night and reveal the new man, the new tomorrow!

I do apologize for going on so but I am living in exciting times as my citizens can tell you. I have up linked my most recent map files to you once again as proof to my willingness to increase our friendly relationship.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2123

Chairman,

Your offer is more than fair – I accept. I have included the files for Biogenetics and Ethical Calculus, along with my latest map, with this latest transmission. You will note several interesting things on this map. First, I received a huge data file from Morgan when I pacted with him. It includes the complete layout of all the known factions, which will be of great use to you, assuming you do not already have it. The Council determined that the Pact with Nwabudike has more than paid for itself by this dividend alone. I don’t even mind that he is making a handsome profit in trade while we currently make none! Second, we have determined conclusively that our landmasses are not connected to the south. Our scout advanced south this last year and found that the small stringer of land was not an isthmus, but a peninsula. While our landmasses may be connected in another location, it will not be in such a direct route. So, it looks like you are sharing a rather large and fertile continent with Pravin, and we Gaians may be on a large island, although the extent of this island remains to be seen.

I wish you well on your grand experiment, Chairman. I am sure that it will serve both you and your people well.

Take care,
Dee

P.S. – Here is a partial transcript from my transmission in MY 2119 that should clear up any misunderstanding: In fact, if these communications and technology trades are as successful as yours I have a kicker: I’ll give you Biogenetics as a thank you. This should compensate you for the cost of the channel you paid to Morgan, allay fears in the Council, and act as the goodwill gesture you seem to crave.

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2123

Deirdre Skye,

I have accepted your offer but it seems you still do not trust me so perhaps you are learning. I have transmitted the advanced industrial energy storage systems plans to you as agreed to. I hope that you will complete the transmission so that I can receive the files and maps you have promised.

Our fifth colony pod is in route to its final destination. I intend to colonize a sector of land adjacent to the sea or is it an ocean or gulf that lies between us. It will also be our most northern colony and serve as a watchtower to the north. I sometimes wonder about the "stability" of our former leader and I think that he secretly dreams of a world governed from UNHQ only.

Lastly, I am pleased to report the completion of our synth-metal project and our first infantry company has been outfitted with the new armor suits. The new armor is wonderful stuff and provides excellent protection against small arms fire. Anything short of a shredder rifle will have little effect upon it unless it is at close range. We hope to upgrade the company with laser rifles in a turn or two then move on to our other infantry units.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2124

Chairman,

Congratulations on the successful application of Nwabudike’s technology! Maybe one day we will duplicate this advance, but not at this moment. Our hold on Planet is tenuous, and it makes sense to expand our bases in the case of the worst, as you are doing. Strangely, our compatriots are not as forward thinking as we are. Pravin, Nwabudike, or Santiago have not seen fit to expand their holdings, and I expect they will regret that decision in time.

As to the technology trade, you are right. The Council has decided to trust you in a leap of faith that we hope you will not disappoint. We Gaians feel more secure now that there is some technological parity between us, and feel that sharing resources can only help us both. We will look for that feeling to be reciprocated, however, and with that hope that these exchanges can be mutually beneficial.

I do not understand your hard feelings toward Pravin, though. He has been courteous with me in the recent past, and we can both benefit from his expansion and the trade that will grow with it. Although his and my dreams are not in complete alignment I can understand them, and agree with most of them. Give him time and you may come to understand his point of view, also.

Dee

**Hydro** · February 18, 2002, 22:40

The Hive, MY 2124

Deirdre Skye,

I was aware that many of the other leaders seemed to be not pursing aggressive expansionism. While we are only a few turns away from establishing our fifth colony it become clear how "fragile" the other pod leaders communities are. What amazed me the most was Corazon's second colony's location. Corazon tried to explain the overwhelming military advantages to placing her second base so far from her headquarters but I still fail to see the logic behind it.

I have decided to focus our terraforming efforts into three areas: roads, sensors and solar collectors. The land we have settled on is very rich but not very energy abundant. The lack of energy resources has begun to affect our research program and expansion efforts. I have ordered all scout teams to track any of the alien "mindworms" and destroy them and return all of the energy spheres they can. I have also tasked them to open all UNITY pods as quickly as possible so that we can capture the much-needed resources in them. The most recent one a team opened allowed us to complete our second terraformer.

The data you sent me on children crèches intrigues me very much. I am working on a plan to incorporate the use of these crèches to build on my master plan for humanity. Already my people love and honor me daily but I must make sure that I leave no stone unturned or no child uneducated in the ways of our new society.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2125

Chairman,

You are wise to start your terraforming efforts, since the results can only enhance your people’s prosperity. Our area has a strange proliferation of forests, which is most fortunate. Even so, our four formers are busy at work doing all sorts of useful tasks, especially as we move farther away from our home territory.

You may be interested to note where Pravin has placed his third base. In a way I feel sorry for him since his territory is so poor by comparison to yours or mine. Can you imagine sending your colony leaders that far to place a colony? It seems wasteful in time and effort.

As to Santiago, I do not understand her logic at all. Her territory is incredibly fertile yet she is not taking advantage of it. That is very strange. I imaging she is busy making a formidable ‘survivalist’ arm so she can force her will on – who? She is so far from anyone that there can be no use in a significant defensive or offensive force.

Take care,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2125

Deirdre Skye,

A scout patrol was investigating what they had thought was a UNITY pod but when they began to examine the area they quickly realized that they had not found a pod at all but remains of an ancient civilization, a non human civilization. I am asking you if you have also come across any of these sites as well? The team searched the area and found a passage way that lead them beneath the surface and into a small vaulted room made from a material we are still trying to have analyzed. What they found seems to be an alien artifact made of the same type of crystalline structure we use to store information on. I have ordered the team to return to our base immediately to begin a close examination of the device. Have you any experience with this type of alien data crystal? It will be some time before the artifact will make it back to our base but we are getting daily reports from the patrol team so we hope to be ready for it when it arrives.

I have special psyche teams working on profiles of all the leaders now and the actions they are taking are very puzzling indeed. I suspect that they have some information that we do not posses and are acting on that information. Both Corazon and Pravin seem to be trying to build a bridge to something to be the first to establish a base in that area.

Energy reserves remain at an all time low and I am considering an offer made by Nwabudike for a loan of energy credits. My labs lack the energy to complete the research on plasma energy and I will need energy reserves soon to power some of the new systems we are bringing on line. I would prefer to power our own systems but we are still working on solar collectors. I have ordered all teams to be more aggressive in investigating all possible sources of energy.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2126

Chairman,

We have seen none of the artifacts you mention, but we have found an alien monolith. It is at the outer edges of our territory and we have had little time to give it a proper investigation, and it seemed to draw our mindworm toward it. The monolith itself is quite astounding since it is obviously of alien manufacture, and it seems to be hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of years old! I would be interested what your research into the artifacts yields.

Maybe our Pravin is cannier than he seems. Perhaps he is claiming territory, and that is the reason he sent his colony pod into the hinterlands? If so it is an interesting gambit, and I hope it works for him since Santiago may not take kindly to a neighbor, even if he is rather inoffensive.

Good luck with your terraforming,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2126

Deirdre Skye,

I am now more convinced than ever that both Corazon and Pravin have some information that leads them to believe that expansion efforts into that area will have some vast reward. I intend to find out why.

Your discovery of the monolith should have been reported to me earlier. I find your lack of disclosure disturbing. If you intend to withhold valuable information such as that I and the other leaders can do the same to you. Perhaps if you had been more forthcoming with your data we could have worked out an arrangement by which I would have shared any discovery with you equally.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2127

Chairman,

We discovered the monolith a while ago, and at that time you were hardly friendly toward we Gaians. In fact, I seem to recall that you were using your control over the communication frequencies and the technology you had gained through your trades to your advantage. In that atmosphere the discovery of the monolith was quickly overshadowed by larger geopolitical events, such as the fact that we were isolated. So, perhaps, you can understand why we were not inclined to share this information at that time and how it was that, until recently, it did not come into the forefront of our attention. After your report we immediately remembered the old and neglected report, and, since we are on much better terms, we then mentioned it to you immediately. I am sure we will have more detailed reports for you on the monolith when our colonization efforts make it out that far.

It seems that, although our territory is not as rich in nutrients as yours that the swampy growths, rivers, and forests that surround our cities are much richer in energy. As a result we haven’t had to take the time to build solar collectors, although we will as we expand out of the vast swamp. In the next two or three years our sixth and possibly seventh bases will be established and, at that point, the Council will have to assess its options.

As to Corazon and Pravin, I have no idea why they are pushing their expansion so far a field. All I can infer is that they are in a territory grab since the lands they inhabit are vast.

Take care,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2127

Deirdre Skye,

I seem to remember at that same time I did warn you of the mind worm menace and gave you some very detailed analysis on them. I find it curious that at about that same time you didn't feel that you could impart information that was obviously important as well. I suggest that you learn to understand that someone information transcends the politic of the here and now. I will add this event to my growing psychological database on you and classify it as a mistake made by an inexperienced leader. I think that in time you will learn to see the difference between the two. It is fortunate for you that you make these errors with me rather than my good friend Corazon who might have interrupted your actions as hostile.

Next turn we will establish our fifth colony to the far west along the coastline of the "gulf" or sea that is between our two continents. I think we will try to expand further south and west to expand our holdings and to provide a perimeter screen for our larger bases.

We will soon be completing some needed base improvements such as energy banks and recycling tanks to increase the productivity of our bases. The people fully understand and support with all their hearts the need to make these improvements first over other improvements such as recreation facilities.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2128

Chairman,

Our strategy for expansion has changed a little, and our base expansion will be delayed a few years while bases are better placed. To date the combination of rivers and roads has lead to the fast travel of colony pods to their destinations, but not we will have to rely on only roads so or terraformers will be very busy.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2128

Deirdre Skye,

We have established our fifth colony and hope to launch our sixth colony with the next 5 to 7 turns. I am looking for technology that will allow sea transport. If you should come across or develop it I will make a straight up exchange with you for the secrets of the human mind. This technology will come in very useful in defending ourselves from the worm mind attack.

Please advise...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2129

Chairman,

I have been advised by my lead scientists that it may be a while before we relearn the required infrastructure for sea exploration since we will first need to understand Doctrine: Mobility. Once Mobility has been acquired it is highly likely that our scientists will be able to unlock the secrets of Doctrine: Flexibility since we seem to be well disposed toward understanding the Exploration required for this advance. However, since you have deemed us not ready for Doctrine: Mobility I will have to keep your request in mind when this technology crosses my desk.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2129

Deirdre Skye,

I am transmitting the files on speeder technology. I am honoring our agreement a bit ahead of schedule since it is my hope that once you have the files if you do develop sea transport technology you will exchange it for our files on psionic defense. Once again I think this is a win/win proposition for us both. I also hope that my actions demonstrate to you that even though we might not see "eye to eye" on many issues you and I can still prosper.

My scientists are still lagging behind on making a breakthrough into high energy weapons and I have been forced to re-educate many of them in hopes of encouraging them to work harder. Unfortunately, re-education is a lengthy process and can take days to weeks to complete, which reduces laboratory staff but it has to be done for the greater good of the Hive. This entire "business" has forced me to look at more practical means to obtain needed technology until my scientists can once again focus on the work at hand and not other issues that they need not worry about.

A scout patrol has opened a UNITY pod to our east and activated a robotic hydroponics farming plant and it has begun planting large numbers of trees. With the tree farm in progress we plan on moving a colony pod into that area as soon as possible. It will also force a shift in our border with Pravin pushing the boundary further north. Much of the land to our north is poor quality but I do wish to see a larger buffer zone between Hive ore bases and Pravin Lal's Peacekeepers. There does seem to be a very large mountain range to our east that from all early indicators will yield vast amounts of minerals and energy.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2130

Chairman,

Thank you for Doctrine: Mobility. We may make a breakthrough soon, although I can make no guarantees what that breakthrough will be in. Our scientists are busy on at least eight different technologies, although only four of those are likely to bear fruit any time in the near future. One of those that we may have some luck in is Doctrine: Flexibility. I have to say that there are any number of other technologies that would be equally appealing, such as Secrets of the Human Brain or Intellectual Integrity. I’ll be sure to keep you apprized.

We founded our sixth colony this last year, and will found two more next year. While our territory isn’t as fertile or expansive as yours we do possess abundant rivers and forests. This has helped our production and research, even if our growth has been limited. Our new colonies are now at the edge of this territory, so our new bases will not have access to such resources.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2130

Deirdre Skye,

From your last map transmission I see that you have established a colony near the small isthmus of land that connects your territory to mine. I will state very clearly so that there will be no misunderstandings between us that no further colonies will be established further south and in particular none that will require you to traverse the small land bridge that connects our continents. I will, in turn, not place any colony within 6 sectors of your southern most colony thus creating the neutral zone we discussed earlier. I want to leave you with this last thought on this issue: any colony pod, scout patrol or speeder that crosses the land bridge will be seen as an aggressive act by you and I will act accordingly. The Hive's strategic position has turned out to be not as fortunate as I had anticipated. With Pravin to the North, Corazon to the east, Nwabudike to the south and you to the west I have little territory to expand without causing an incident. So I am now always mindful of the importance of boundaries and respecting them something I am willing to protect at all costs.

I have important news to inform you of. We have found a second artifact not far from the ruins of the first. Both are now in route back to our headquarters for examination. My scientists have told me that the artifacts might enhance or accelerate a certain special project that I am planning. With two artifacts in my position I can utilize one and the other can be studied for other purposes.

I await your response to the border question...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2131

Chairman,

It seems you are correct about our landmasses being connected, although how you knew this I cannot begin to guess since, based on the last maps we exchanged, your exploration has not come close to our territory and ours had not either. So, let us think about the issue of borders since it is quite important since we both need to feel secure. The boundary you have proposed includes, if I understand you correctly, the land up to and including the peninsula that connects our landmasses - which is about seven sectors from our home territory. By comparison, this boundary is about 25 sectors from your home territory. In that light perhaps you can understand why we find this proposal to be…uncomfortable. I can understand your need for territory, and the feeling of being boxed in, but when I look at the map I see enough room for almost a half dozen bases toward Pravin, at least 3 toward Morgan, and an unknown number to the west and northwest. In addition you will better utilize your own territory by placing your bases closer together since this minimizes the time to set up a base and start its productive potential. By adopting closer base spacing you are not really losing any productive potential assuming they are 3 sectors apart on the diagonal (look at how we have space our bases for an idea on how this might work). Adding these numbers up I come to the conclusion that you can easily fit at least 12 additional moderately spaced bases in the territory you now know, and that doesn’t count the unknown to the far west. This would give you about 17 bases, or at least 14 if you spaced them further apart that what I recommend. So, how many more bases do you feel you need?

Now, consider the Gaian position. If we cede the peninsula to you then your bases are potentially within 7 sectors of our home territory, which the Council defines as the productive swamp we landed in. Can you see why this makes us nervous? If we were to switch positions, would you accept a Gaian proposal to allow Gaian bases within seven sectors of the Jungle? Somehow I don’t think so.

Here is what I propose: the establishment of a neutral zone centered along a northeast-southwest diagonal from sector 6, 58, which just happens to be the center point between where our capitols were established (if I have done my math correctly). This neutral zone will be 10 sectors wide, or 5 sectors on each ‘side’ in a northwest-southeast direction, which effectively means we Gaians cannot effectively colonize the peninsula unless we cram a base very close to our existing southern base, which makes little sense except in a strategic sense. You would still be able to build about 12 more moderately spaced bases (your current bases are, in my opinion, much too far apart and wasteful of space).

I do, however, have an objection to your prohibition against exploring up to this neutral zone. Since you seem to have an uncanny knowledge of the map it is only fair if we also are able to at least see the lay of the land. We will only send a lone scout into this area, and we will stop at wherever this neutral zone ends up being. Until we hash this out we will attempt no colonization of this area to the south since we do have some territory to the north, even if it is not very inviting.

Everything I have mentioned is open for discussion, of course. We are both finding our ways in the world, and we both have our advantages and disadvantages. Your position in the Jungle is one of long-term strength, since it will allow you to expand your bases through growth to unprecedented size. The Council and I are highly sensitive of your feelings of insecurity for territory and we wish to be a good neighbor. I am sure we can come to a mutually agreeable settlement, one that give both of us the territory for our bases and grants us a modicum of security for our home territories.

I do have a few more items of interest. Have you noticed how Pravin has grown in the last few years? And that he now has a perimeter defense around UN Headquarters? Isn’t that extraordinary? I also called on Santiago, and she was still in a foul mood as usual – she must not be getting enough fiber. She did have the communication link for Zakharov but would not part with it, even though I offered her energy and technology. She wouldn’t even trade technology on an even basis. I can’t say, however, that I am surprised.

I wish you good luck in exploring the mysteries of the alien artifacts, for they promise to give you any number of benefits that we can only dream of – another advantage your people have. One last thing: We did make a breakthrough this last year, but it wasn’t, unfortunately, in the field of Doctrine: Flexibility. The Council has decided to study this technology to see what use it may be, since it is not entirely clear. Your trade of Doctrine: Mobility has evened the ledgers, since we gave you two technologies last time to your one in a gesture of trust, and that trust was repaid. If you are interested in further technology trades I would be delighted to hear what you have to offer.

Yours truly,
Dee

**Hydro** · February 22, 2002, 20:05

The Hive, MY 2131

Deirdre Skye,

I have analyzed your proposal and I cannot accept the position you have taken concerning territorial boundaries.

First, the placement of my colonies is by my design and not out of random choice. I understand the "practical" concerns in establishing colonies that are short distances from each other but I have other concerns that drive the placement of my bases. I think if you will only look at your map that you alone seem to have adopted this "packed" strategy for colony placement while all of the other faction leaders seem to be emulating mine. In time I might order the construction of a base or two to augment the core area of my territory but not right now. Second, I will not accept a Gaian base that is established on my side of the land bridge. I cannot make it more clearly to you than that. I, for my part, will not establish any base within 6 sectors of the southern side of the land bridge. All of the land in between will remain a neutral zone. Third, as to expansion I have already encountered several of Pravin's UN Peacekeeper scout patrols and they are exploring areas just to the north of my own headquarters. Based on my conversations with Corazon I could see a Spartan speeder any time within the next couple of years. So to be blunt I do not intend to concentrate my colonies so that other leaders can land grab all of the strategic area around me. I intend to launch within the next five to seven years a number of long-range colony pods that will establish colonies far beyond our current core colonies. These colonies will serve as an outpost that will establish the territory that I intend to claim. Currently I intend to send one colony pod to the northeast to a point just south of the small lake fed by a river from the large mountain range to the west. I also intend to launch a colony pod to the west that will set-up just east of the small hills, about 8 sectors due southeast of the south side of the land bridge.

I will not lecture you any further on this issue. I have made it very clear to you and your council that any expansion on the south side of the land bridge will be taken as an act of war against the Hive. Our two nations are nearly the same size but you should remember that my troops have laser rifles and have synth-metal armor and are very well trained in combat. I suspect that should any conflict arise I could also bring Corazon into the fray on my side as well. So think long and hard about how you respond. If you continue to push the issue of colony expansion to the south it will mean war. If you do accept that no Gaian colony will expand south and that all we need to establish is a proper "buffer" zone then I am willing to negotiate.

If you do send a LONE scout I will not take this action only as an aggressive one but simply as one of exploration. I find it humorous that you talk about expansion when you seem to have a growing amount of territory just to the north of the position. I see no reason why you could expand for infinity it seems in that area. I have problems enough with Pravin Lal's lecturing me about the important changes I have made at the Hive right now. Pravin at one minute lectures me for days about how I operate things and how it is "morally" repugnant to him. While then at the same time offering a treaty of friendship that I accepted.

Think well before you respond...

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2132

Chairman,

Expand as you will. It is clear that you are not interested in negotiating but in dictating terms, for which I am sorry. If you are interested in civil discussion my communication channel is always open, but be advised that I may not be interested in listening to threatening tirades.

As to Santiago, she is a long way away and can go pound salt.

Deirdre Skye

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2132

Deirdre Skye,

Once again you fail to grasp the meaning of my communication. You talk about my "threats" when it is you who threaten me! As I see it any base that you place on the south side of the land bridge threatens the direct security of the HIVE, plain and simple. Any base you place on the south side could be used to stage attacks on core HIVE colonies and serve as a buffer against any reprisals. While you on the other hand can concentrate your forces at the land bridge which serves as a natural "choke point" for any attack on you. Here is my proposal to you. I will not establish any colony within 10 sectors of the south side of the land bridge. Both of us will be allowed to build as many sensor arrays as we see fit within this area. No roads will be built within this area so as to prevent the rapid transit of troops. No Gaian colony will be built on the south side of the land bridge.

I can accept some modifications as to the area of the neutral zone but I want to be clear in that I will not accept any Gaian colony on the south side of the land bridge no matter your reason. Should you build one there will be a state of war between our two nations. So you can decide the future of our "relationship" and how we will continue to progress or fall back. I hope that you will abandon any plans to colonize south and choose to look north.

I have received notification from my intelligence corps that Miriam Godwinson has begin a very important secret and powerful research project, the human genome project. I also will be starting a project as well soon but I have not decided which one as yet. I am intrigued by this human genome project but security concerns seem to press on me more. I think the implication s of the human genome project is far greater than the security project I had envisioned. I have little data yet on Miriam since she is not a very "talkative" person. Rather, she likes to preach to you. I have yet to talk to Professor Zakharov since my friend Corazon seems to wish to keep her relationship with him to herself.

I do hope that you will come to see the practical reality of the situation and agree to the suggestion I have offered.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2133

Chairman,

I have a counter proposal. The Gaians will not place a base south of the isthmus, and there will be a neutral zone that is at least 15 sectors wide. This will have the same effect as my earlier proposal, but would exclude Gaians bases on your ‘side’ of the land bridge and allow you the territory you feel you need. The added benefit is that it will allow we Gaians to know that there won’t be an unfortunate incident that might lead to our home territory being threatened. Your suggestion of sensors and no roads is a good one, and we accept this without reservation.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2133

Deirdre Skye,

I offer this counter-counter proposal. I will agree to a 12 sector neutral zone. The eastern boundary of this zone will follow these sector coordinates: 0-68, 2-68, 3-67, 4-66, 5-65 and 6-64. Also no base will be built on this line but could be built on the adjacent eastern side of the line. This will in essence establish a 13-sector buffer from the southern edge of the land bridge up to my farthest possible western colony. I think this is being very generous on my part. Of course as stated earlier no Gaian base could be built in this area as well. You could of course build on the very tip of the northern portion of the land bridge if you wished. This is a far greater area than I now share with Pravin Lal so I think that this should complete our agreement.

My sensor array has detected an espionage team working its way southward from Pravin's territory. I have warned him should he try to approach any of my bases he will be meet with force. I give you this warning should a conflict occur so that you are not unaware of the situation.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2134

Chairman,

Your proposal is acceptable. The neutral zone will extend from the start of the isthmus to the sector row defined by 0-68, 2-68, 3-67, 4-66, 5-65, and 6-64. I think this will give us both a feeling of security, and it will give you room for expansion. No Gaian bases will be built south of our existing southern base. I have to admit my temper was pretty frayed in the communications with you, but I think this is a solution we can both live with.

I hope neither you nor Pravin does anything rash. I can guarantee that Pravin doesn’t have much of a military, and he has concentrated on infrastructure. Hopefully his probes won’t get too aggressive, or you will be able to head them off before either of you does something unfortunate.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2134

Deirdre Skye,

I will brief and too the point. Security was breached at one of our bases by Pravin Lal's espionage teams. We were unable to stop the theft of our data but we were able to determine that they were responsible. I cannot let this outrage stand and I have thus declared vendetta on Pravin Lal. I am assuming that you will stay neutral in this affair. I have no reason to believe that you plan on supporting Pravin in his defense but should you do I will consider this an act of war against me. I do plan on contacting Corazon and asking for her support in "teaching" Pravin his manners, so to speak. I think she is also very tired of Pravin's constant preaching to us about Unity when he takes provocative actions like this I no longer believe his motives are pure. I do regret the actions that I am forced to take but I see that I have little choice since if I do not act then it will only embolden Pravin to try more "stunts" like this and I can not be seen as weak in Corazon’s eye's. We will be assembling a strike force within the next couple of turns all armed with laser weapons and synth-metal armor suits.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 3135

Chairman,

This is absolutely terrible, just terrible. I do not doubt your report, since I know that Pravin has probe teams, but I can’t imagine why he would do such a thing. Well, that is not quite true, I can imagine. He is far behind in technology, and he doesn’t have the contacts you and Santiago do to expedite his technology acquisition through negotiation. In fact, he is in the same position that we Gaian’s were in the recent past. We are still behind, but can hold our own. Pravin is not so fortunate, and he doesn’t have the population base to expand his knowledge base.

Still, his actions are inexcusable since you have apparently given him no reason to be so aggressive. You should know that Pravin and I are pact mates, and under most circumstances I would be supportive of him. But, considering the circumstances, I cannot condone what he has done.

Be advised, however, that I will in no way support anything more than a demonstration against Pravin. He has erred, to your loss, but his actions are not a justification for an extreme reaction. If your actions are punitive I will be highly displeased and our relations will suffer.

Dee

*~*~*~*~

The Hive, MY 3135

Deirdre Skye,

I am not sure what a "demonstration" is versus "punitive" actions are. If I had used saboteurs to steal data from you would you only "demonstrate" your anger? Pravin's saboteurs were caught and destroyed just beyond the perimeter defenses of our base. I have up linked all of the video images so that proof could be laid at your feet to reinforce our position. Shortly after the destruction of the espionage unit another team has been detected approaching another of our bases. It will also be destroyed in short order, before it can steal any data! I think the only way Pravin Lal will learn to respect my borders if his precious UNHQ building has its battlements blown off by our laser cannons!

I make this offer to you. Talk to Pravin and explain to him the "error of his actions". I will accept a 25 energy credit payment for the loss of my data files as compensation. Also explain to him that any unit, no matter what its composition, will be destroyed if should it enter Hive territory. These are my terms - no negotiations, otherwise I will launch my assault. I have three armored speeders with laser cannons ready to depart and should I not get my terms then it be on Pravin's head!

Corazon is consulting with her general staff right now if she will support our attack on Pravin. With the forces I have ready along with Corazon's I doubt Pravin Lal's UNHQ will survive more than ten turns. Explain that to him as well.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2136

Chairman,

I believe the ‘demonstration’ I mentioned has already been effected. You have destroyed at least two of his probe teams, and that must be a sore loss to him. I called him up and he seemed honestly bewildered as to how events could have gotten so out of hand. Although he didn’t say so, I think his underlings had told him that you would not even know that the files had been taken. I offered your proposal, and Pravin was circumspect, and his position seemed to harden. In the end I had to be blunt, and I laid his situation out for him in cold, hard detail. Moreover, I mentioned that the offer of 25 energy to ‘forgive and forget’ was generous on your part, since you would hardly have sold him this technology for this price. In the end he accepted, and asked me to transmit the energy for him. His pride, evidently, prevents him from being more forthright.

I trust this puts this incident at an end, and that you will agree to a truce with Pravin. Don’t be surprised if he is reluctant to speak with you, but if he does I urge you to offer him a truce since he may be too prideful to offer one to you. You may even be able to get him to sweeten the offer, depending on his mood.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2136

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I had to "demonstrate" again on several probe teams that tried to infiltrate my base. Luckily our base had a long-range sensor array and we were able to detect their approach and prepare for it. Our Hive Thought Guards moved out from the base and destroyed the espionage teams in an ambush just two sectors away from our base. Since Pravin does not want to communicate with me please pass this on to him. Should any more espionage teams approach within three sectors of a Hive base I will have them destroyed along with any troops he might send to support them. I hope that you will reason with Pravin because I have had communications with Corazon and I assure you should he try his saboteur operations against her and get caught her response will not be as reasonable as mine has been. I hope that you will try and persuade him to end these efforts immediately or face the consequences of his actions!

Ever since our "demonstrations" I have been trying to collect as much "passive" intelligence on Pravin as possible. His UNHQ is getting very large indeed and I wonder how he is able to "control" all of those people. Not to mention the impact he has on the surrounding area. I am sure his people are very busy tearing up the surrounding area so that Pravin can continue his building program. I for one am somewhat relived that he is not "expanding" but rather "growing". Each day that I look at the map the area between Pravin and myself seems to shrink.

I have reports from a scout patrol that is operating to our west that they detected a large explosion and their sensors indicated a large number of mind worms in the area. The team leader seems to think that perhaps a UNITY pod was opened and it had been infested with mind worms. Is this the case? Did your team survive the initial attack? I do want to make you aware that should a team of yours meet up with a Hive patrol they will not interact with your team. I have issued orders to all Hive Thought Guards that only the team leaders and social officer are to make contact with any non-hive units. I like to think this will reduce the possibility of "contamination" by outside forces that might disrupt the important work we are doing here to reshape mans destiny. Of course if your team would need medical attention the medic will assist but the social officer will supervisor any exchange and please issue orders to your Gaians not to talk to any Hive trooper. All Hive Thought Guards understand the consequences of interacting with others and I would hate to see them make a mistake. The troops understand their roles in our society and the social officers make sure they are understood.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

**Hydro** · February 22, 2002, 20:07

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2137

Chairman,

Pravin is expanding and growing, since he just founded a new city near UN Headquarters. His growth rate is quite impressive, and I can assure you that he has no trouble controlling his population. Pravin’s society values freedom and the free flow of information and, while chaotic, it does draw the best and the brightest, and in his system they excel. He already has a good deal of infrastructure completed, and I am impressed by how fast he has built it. Maybe I underestimated him.

As to the other issue, I am afraid that our scout team violated direct orders and unleashed eight mindworms while investigating a Unity pod. They succumbed quickly, and even with your trance ability they would not have survived. Our southern base is on alert, and you should be, too, since the mindworms seem to be drawn to human habitations. I hope this doesn’t cause you any inconvenience and, if you are well prepared, you may reap a windfall of planetpearls.

Good luck,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2137

Lady Deirdre Skye,

Your scout teams inexperienced actions did result in the deaths of our scout team as well. I should demand some compensation for the reckless actions they took. The Hive Thought Guards have had 27 years of investigating these pods so they are very well trained to know what signs to look for if the pod's integrity has been breached. Our team was able to defeat one mind worm but not all four that attacked it. The team was able to recover some of the energy nodules and just before they were attacked were able to open a pod that with their experience, that is now lost thanks to your team, was able to uncover another alien artifact. We still have contact with one of the remaining scout team members that was left behind to guard the artifact. With that area overrun with mind worms I doubt that the lone scout will be able to secure the artifact and return it to Hive territory. So I purpose the following I will turn over the artifact to you in exchange for either a sum of energy credits we can agree to or you could transfer some technology that you might have. If you choose not to agree to the terms then I will order the scout to try and return it to Hive territory but should it be destroyed then cest'la vie! I already have two such artifacts under my control that I intend to use very soon so losing a third would not be such a great lost. Think of this as another means to foster better relations between our two nations. If you agree I will order the scout to move the artifact west by north hoping to avoid the mind worms that were clustered on the southern side. I hope that you will order some sort of escort to meet the approaching scout and artifact to insure its arrival. I also hope that you do not try to "steal" the artifact from us since I have ordered the scout to destroy it before it call fall into the wrong hands.

As to your statement about Pravin's society attracting the brightest and best people I fail to see the correlation. It is a society that builds a person not the other way around. It is society that molds the character, teaches the mind and gives direction not the person, surely you can see even that. You of all people Deirdre should understand my techniques in building a new person. Like a gardener I plant the seeds and I nurture them and I feed them and they prosper. But like every good gardener I must be every vigilant for weeds and I must "prune" the plants that are not developing as they should and that could destroy the whole crop. I practice those same techniques here in the Hive. I am constantly vigilant looking out for those citizens that need help and guidance and when they begin to disrupt the whole I simply have them removed for re-training and re-education. Almost all return as productive members of the whole fulfilling the roles they were assigned by society. As for the other citizens that fail to conform, well, I treat them just like the good gardener does who takes the weeds and other plants and puts them on the compost pile to provide nutrients for future plants to grow. Every person in the Hive will serve to help our society grow and prosper one way or another. In fact, I am working on methods daily that will insure all citizens will conform to the will of society and that no one will deviate from the greater goal. Think of it this way if you like. If this was a race I would not be interested in winning but making sure that each step, that each stride was performed in precise fashion that the most efficient form was used that the energy used was maximized at every step. Winning is not important but how you get there is!

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2138

Chairman,

I am sorry if the tragic accident has caused you harm, but the harm was unintentional. I seem to recall that you reported that one of your teams had just such an unfortunate incident, so your people are not immune to mistakes. I hope your scout crew and artifact make it home safely. If it would be helpful I offer them shelter in my territory, and I give you my personal guarantee that your property will not be appropriated and your scout crews segregated from ‘contamination’, whatever that means.

As to the artifact, I would be very interested in it but it would have to make it to my territory first. Taking control of it would require, among other things, that it be in our territory (which it may not be), and then there would need to be someone to escort it back to Gaian territory. We are building just such a crew now to replace the now lost crew, but it will take a while to move that far south. As to compensation, I am willing to make a deal, as it were.

I think you misunderstand Pravin, just as he misunderstands you, I think. In many ways your philosophies are diametrically opposed, but the important point is that both can succeed. As you so eloquently said, winning is not important but how you get there. You have different paths.

Lastly, I have noticed that your society has been suffering some riots, and I hope all is well. There has been some unrest at a few Gaian cities that have experienced some recent growth spurts and, to be honest, it is hard to manage. A few of my advisors are telling me that we should institute a police state, but I am firmly against this. Although I have your good example I do not think that is appropriate for our society’s dynamic. Like you and Pravin, we follow a different path.

Take care,
Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2138

Lady Deirdre Skye,

We have begun studying the alien artifact at our research facility located within our city, Socialism Tunnels. With the initial readings and findings we have learned from it I have decided to use the power of this object to begin research into the very stuff of life, the human genome. I realized with this technology that my dream will be achieved much quicker if I could also change the very essence of man. I will be occupied with this work for some time; so do not expect lengthy communications from me. With the knowledge that we have already unearthed from this artifact when the second one arrives I plan on using its powers as well for an even more ambitious project.

As to the third artifact mind worms overwhelmed the doomed lone scout and destroyed both. We are now refitting all of our armored laser rovers with the special protective psionic defense units. I still regret to report that our efforts into completing work on the plasma energy project are still falling behind. I have had even more scientists re-educated and I hope the remaining few will even work harder for that breakthrough. If you do have some technology that you think I might be interested in I might be willing to trade it for the psionic defense modules. They have proved very effective so far.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2139

Chairman,

Our basic infrastructure is now in place at Gaia’s Landing, and we have started on a grand Project: the Weather Paradigm! It will take us much in the way of resources to complete, but it will be worth it. I wish you well on your Human Genome Project, but you should know that Miriam, wherever she is, has two cities working on this same project. How do I know this? I have no idea, but my intelligence officers have advised me that such is the rumor flitting around Morgan Industries and UN Headquarters.

I feel for your loss, Chairman. We have to give thought to our home defense, too, since it would be unfortunate if such a large collection of hostile mindworms were to erupt on our borders or, worse, inside our territory. We are somewhat isolated, but one can never be too careful, as you have warned me repeatedly. The fruits of our aggressive expansion are now paying off so we have the resources to divert of items that were neglected.

Dee

*~*~*~*~

The Hive, MY 2139

Lady Deirdre Skye,

My intelligence network has also informed of Miriam's work but I believe that I will be able to beat her to completion with the aid of our alien artifact. By applying a small amount of energy it is able to produce minerals and other energy enhancements that have greatly boosted the research capabilities at Socialism tunnels. Do not be afraid for I have also a second and third team of scientists working on other research so should I fail to complete the project before Miriam then I could apply the resources to complete another, such as, the weather paradigm? Once the second artifact reaches Fellowship City it will begin research as well into a second project, one that has more direct military applications.

I am pleased to report that next turn two more colony pods will arrive at their destinations and expand our holdings to seven cities. Then within seven turns we will expand again to eight colonies. The ninth will take at least 12 maybe 13 turns to complete construction and reach its destination but I have my eye on a particular piece of ground to the north-east of my main base that is very rich in resources and has one of those alien monoliths near it. It will also serve as a forward command post against any further Peacekeeper intrusions. I will have the rover task force I had assembled earlier escort the pod and then station themselves there, in case they are needed, for whatever reason.

I do have to inform you that the psionic shields we have are very effective. I have one patrol squad that has defeated 4 mind worms in consecutive turns and has only suffered 50% casualties from those encounters! I do hope that you soon will complete your research our trade for the naval technology we talked about earlier so that you could have a better defense against the mind worms and not loose anymore of your citizens.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2140

Chairman,

It is interesting that you mention the Secrets of the Human Mind, since it is likely that is the technology we will discover next. That would be very unfortunate, and I’m sure our scientists and the Council would be sorely disappointed if we duplicated a technology you now hold (and that Zakharov originally discovered, wherever he is). I have a proposal you sent to me, and you advised me that it was exceptionally ‘enlightened’: you give us Secrets of the Human Mind, and then we give you the technology we discover. You are guaranteed a new technology (assuming we don’t duplicate some other research you have advanced in but haven’t shared with us) in a few turns at no great cost, and I can assure you that it will engender the good will of the Council and me. After all, we trusted you when we gifted you both Biogenetics and Ethical Calculus. Perhaps it is time for you to trust us as we trusted you?

I wish you good luck in your Projects, but you should know that the Weather Paradigm is dear to my heart and it would be…unfortunate…if we should come to some misunderstanding over this effort.

Dee

**Hydro** · February 26, 2002, 22:26

The Hive, MY 2140

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I agree to your proposal. I have uplinked the secrets to psionic defense and I believe that you will find them very useful. I expect that you will turn over as soon as possible any "new" discoveries you make. I do not doubt that you will honor your commitment to this arrangement Deirdre because it is you I know, not your council, and I know that it is your will that guides the council.

This turn has been very interesting for the Hive. First, I have brokered a treaty with Pravin Lal. We have signed a treaty of friendship and I do hope he has learned from his error. During the negotiations Pravin actually tried to "threaten" me with his crack scout troops. I had only to show him the video feed of our Thought Guards in synth-armor firing laser weapons at his saboteurs to dissuade him from any further bravado! I hope for Pravin's sake he keeps his word this time and respects our borders. If it should happen again I would take action that will end the threat once and for all.

Secondly. It seems that your friend Nwabudike Morgan has run afoul of Corazon Santiago. Corazon contacted me and we talked for some time about her "hatred" for Nwabudike. She asked me to join her in her assaults on Nwabudike and his people. I was able to stall any response this turn but Corazon was very persistent on this issue. I have ordered immediate research into this issue, addressing it from both sides, and I do not like the results. I fear that the following will occur. I will end up supporting Corazon's attack on Morgan. I think that Zakahrov has also aligned himself with Corazon since she is still unwilling to share his comm. frequency. In turn you would be forced to honor your "pact" with Nwabudike and help support him that in turn will force me to attack you. I am sure Pravin will in turn support both you and Nwabudike so in very short order we are at world war. I still have my social scientists working on more variables but it does not get much better. I suggest that you talk to Morgan and try to make peace with Corazon as quickly as possible. If it all possible I would like to remain neutral but due to may strategic position I will be forced to align myself with Corazon. Now if I had your promise that you would not support Nwabudike in this conflict I also would make the same pledge with Corazon. This we would avoid the "domino effect" that could occur. To make matters even more complicated I was contacted by Nwabudike, who pleaded for support in his defense against Corazon. I think the man has gone around the moneychanger one to many times to think I would cross Corazon! Alas, I do not think we can avoid this conflict. With this in mind I do plan on transferring my 5 companies of armored trance laser rovers to my most western base. I offer this promise, should events fall into place as I fear, I will honor our agreement and I will advise you one turn in advance of any troops crossing the agreed upon border. This is the best I can do. I hope that you will bring your diplomatic skills to bear on Nwabudike so that we can avoid this scenario. Please advise us if your stance on the issues I have raised. I do believe that you are the "lynch pin" on which the entire "domino theory" rests since if you decide to support Nwabudike general war breaks out, if you don't, then I think we can maintain peace for a while.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2141

Chairman,

I was alarmed by your report, and I immediately contacted Morgan. Almost the first thing out of his mouth was a request that I support him in his vendetta against Santiago, which I declined. I could tell by his body language that he was none too pleased, and I hope our long-term relations haven’t suffered. I requested that he call off his vendetta against Santiago, and he said that Santiago had declared vendetta against him! I find that I believe him, since he has no military to speak of, and certainly nothing that could threaten Santiago. He, as you have noted, is a mercantilist, and he makes his living by making deals, not sticking his sword in the beating heart of his declared enemies. It makes far more sense that the primary militarist on Planet, Santiago, would pick a fight with the weakest faction, Morgan, who is even more of a pacifist than we Gaians can be. So, it looks like instead of me being the lynch pin that you are. I suggest you contact Santiago and ask if she would call off her vendetta against Morgan.

Chairman, Santiago’s war is an unjust one. I could understand your cause against Pravin, since he did wrong you, but what could Morgan possibly have done to Santiago? The only thing that comes to mind is that Santiago is looking for fat victim so she can justify her military spending, and Morgan just might foot the bill in her eyes. This is a bad trend for us to take, for, as you noted, it could very well send us straight down the road to world war. Such wars would, inevitably, be very messy, and cause extreme loss of life and the waste of enormous resources that could be better used to improve our people’s lives. Just think – for the cost of a laser rover you could build a recycling tank, which would benefit your people for ages to come. Of course it is important to be prepared, but excessive military spending is a waste beyond a certain point.

I urge you not to honor Santiago’s request for war with Morgan. He has been a good neighbor to both of us, and has traded some technology, to all of our benefits. While our societies are different, we have shown over 40 years that we can live in peace. If Santiago insists on pressing he war I say let her. She is far away, and I doubt that even her impressive military could press this attack to any effect. Or, at least, Morgan would be able to prepare by the time she got there.

That said, I will support Morgan if he is unjustly attacked. This sort of capricious action is part of what destroyed Earth, and we cannot let that start again. We are bound to have our differences, but I would hope that they could be resolved without the force of arms.

It looks like the ball is in your court, Chairman.

In other news, our scientists were overjoyed at the implications of Secrets of the Human Brain. We are likely to have a breakthrough in the next two or three turns, and I will let you know what the breakthrough is as soon as it is clear.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2141

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I have to concur with your assessment of the situation concerning who was the aggressor in this situation. It is clear from all indicators that Corazon has little respect for Nwabudike due to his mercantilist traits. Plainly spoken, Corazon respects only one thing and that is might. It is inevitable that Corazon will strike at the Morganites. Nwabudike and his people and, more importantly, the wealth they have developed are too tempting a target for her. The question remains what will be the outcome given all other factors remain the same and it is clear Nwabudike will fall. I have been working long hours with the social scientists and it has become clear that any involvement by any of us into this fray will cause an all out general war. I suggest to you that you contact Nwabudike and force him to pay any tribute Corazon demands so that she will not strike. Anything else will result in all of us getting dragged into this conflict. I also suggest you review any "pacts" you have made and analyze them again to see if they truly are in the long term interests of the Gaians. I know you entered into these pacts early in your role as leader of the Gaians and were very in-experienced and now you are getting boxed into situations you have little control over. If you honestly believe any of your "troops" would have a chance to withstand an assault by Spartan legionaries you are sadly mistaken. Even with the meager guards Morgan could furnish and assuming Pravin and his forces also assist you the fight would still be in her favor. I for one will not decided yet what to do. From the models I have constructed this is the best course of action to take since it makes the situation "unclear" and "unstable" and as a result, I contend, will force Corazon to withhold any attack until she is sure of the entire picture. She is many things, but she is a military strategist and as such will not move until she is sure of the political picture. Of course she will try to "clear up" that picture by forcing me to side with her but I think I can withstand her advances, for now. What does worry me is what of Professor Zakahrov? I suspect now that his domain is somewhere to the south of Corazon and if this is correct then he might have already forged an alliance with him and if his scientific resources are now at Corazon's command then that would drastically change the entire picture. If this turns out to be the case I would be forced to side with Corazon since the faction she represents would be the most powerful on the planet.

I will have a chance it seems to find this out since for some unexplained reason a scout patrol when opening a UNITY pod created a dimensional gate that flung the team to the slopes of a gigantic volcano to the south and east of our position. I have ordered the team to explore the area and scout out Zakahrov's territory.

I see that Pravin has established another colony further south of his main base making the border situation even more "fluid". I will be forced now to move our eighth colony pod northwards to push back the boundary from our territory. Pravin does not even want to hear about neutral zones, like the one we established, so it will now be a race to see who can grab as much land as possible. I feel I have the advantage in this race since Pravin does not seem to expand as quickly as I do. Since we have now established our sixth and seventh colonies numbers will begin to tell, along with armored laser speeders.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*~

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2142

Chairman,

I take it from the tone of your last message that you either have not spoken with Santiago about calling off her vendetta, or have chosen not to. I do think that, given your apparently friendly relationship, that she might listen to you and might even call off her vendetta as a favor to you. As to Morgan, I do not know how to ‘force’ him to pay tribute to Santiago and, frankly, I think the idea is repulsive. Why should Morgan, who is the victim, pay Santiago a bribe to leave him alone? Maybe Morgan will not feel that way, since he believes everything is for sale and everyone has their price. Morgan was vague when I spoke with him, and he said he’d consider it. One thing does puzzle me, though: why did Santiago declare her unjust war when she has almost no ability to press it? She is very far away from everyone but Pravin, and maybe Zak. Even if she made top speed with her speeders it would take her decades to get anywhere near Morgan, and even then she would likely have to pass through your territory (and maybe Pravin’s). This suggests to me that Santiago, for all her self-professed military acumen, is a bit unrealistic and, perhaps, blinded by dreams of glory. That is very dangerous, Chairman, and I encourage you to consider that as part of Santiago’s psych profile.

Pravin expanded his holding, as I warned you. If you look at the map you will see a very inhosptitable mountain range to Pravin’s east (which he, amazingly, crossed with a colony pod), so he only reasonable expansion area is nearby. There is still quite a lot of open territory to your east, and from the maps you have sent me it look very inviting, and much more inviting than the arid land to my north. Even so, I would suggest he isn’t much of a threat to you. He is building ‘up’ mostly, and has only four bases. If he holds off on any more ill conceived efforts against you then you should be able to live peaceably.

We just founded our eleventh colony, and will be slowing down our expansion now. Our interior bases will be suffering from instability unless they put all their efforts toward colony pods, or social structures that will help stability, like recreation commons. We also positioned a former south of the land bridge. I will be building a farm, forests, and sensors since there are a few sectors of inviting territory within the reach of our southernmost bases. No roads will be built, per our agreement. I wanted you to know this ahead of time to avoid any surprises, and misunderstandings that might arise from them.

I wish you well in your exploration of the volcano. Our exploration is pretty much at an end within our territory, and more exploration will be difficult until we finally unlock the secrets of Doctrine: Flexibility, whenever that may be.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2142

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I have tragic news. Our newest colony to the southwest was destroyed by a mind worm mass. I am still in shock due to the loss of life and I have ordered our speeders to hunt down the mass and destroy it. I want to let you know that I have every reason to believe that it was one of the worms from the pod your scout team opened. So now the tally for the reckless acts of your scouts is one of my colonies destroyed and my scout team! And please spare me the comments about "you also opened a pod and had the something happen as well". Yes, it is true we did but we also turned over to you the data as to how to recognize such things so that in the future you and anyone else would be prepared not to make the same mistake. You obviously failed to communicate that information to your scouts and I have paid the price again for your "slipshod" organizational skills! You Gaians might be masters of nature but you have no idea it seems of organization and coordination. With that said I am willing to put the incident behind me since short of some "action" by me I doubt I will get the retribution I feel I am owed.

As to the point you made about me asking Corazon to cease her vendetta against Nwabudike. First, I have no intention of interjecting myself into this situation. Once again I was contacted by both parties asking to form these "pacts" you all seem so fond of and I was able to stall them both again, for now. I have no intention of joining any pact unless the political/military situation absolutely demands that I make such an arrangement in order to preserve the Hive. I have no intention of using any of my leverage or political capital that I have with Corazon for the sake of Morgan. Any leverage or influence I might have with Corazon will be used for the advancement of the Hive and the grand experiment. I have no doubt that Corazon is the aggressor in this situation and I agree on the surface she does not seem to have the reach, yet, to make good on her threats, but she will soon. Nwabudike is a businessman so he should act like one in this situation. He should make a deal with Corazon and pay tribute or build up his military, these are the only options I see. Unless you and Pravin are planning to build troops to cross the mountain range and begin attacking the Spartans I doubt there is little you can do to help Morgan at this time. Of course there would be the issue of how your troops would even get there since I would have to allow them to travel through Hive territory to get there. We all have to face the reality of the new body politic on this planet and that is this, since we have all broken away from a central authority it is by might alone that we will maintain our nations. You and the others have only complicated this issue by entering into these pacts that will drag you and everyone else into war. I suggest you end your pacts now. They serve no purpose that I can see and so far they have only made the chance of war greater. I do not believe that as time wears on that the long range goals of Nwabudike Morgan and Deirdre Skye are compatible in any form so how will you reconcile that issue? I want to leave you with one last thought on this issue and that is this, should Corazon end her threats against Nwabudike she will most likely turn her eyes to someone else and who do you think that might be? This entire situation boiled down to the essential facts is an example of evolution in process. What faction on this
planet will survive and dominate, will it be Corazon's Spartans, the strong, the predator or will it be someone like Morgan who is highly intelligent and is able to adapt and improvise. I have ordered my social mathematicians to set-up a permanent study group on this issue and continue to update me on the findings. It will be very interesting to see over time how it is played out versus the projections.

So in conclusion I intend to remain neutral, I intend to guard my borders and add to my already formidable military forces, I will expand the Hive and improve our defenses and, of course, forge ahead with the grand experiment. Should war errupt I will hold out to the very last on making a choice on who to support and then, if needed, make an alliance with the side that is winning. I hope this clears up any preceptions you might have about Hive policy.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2143

Chairman,

I regret the loss of life your people have suffered, and there is little I can do to make amends. The hard fact is that Planet is a hostile environment, and that we are all at risk from the mindworms and other possible threats. Indeed, it may not be Planet that is our greatest threat, but each other. I can see why you would like to be neutral, but I think you should understand that the vendetta between the Morgans and Spartans will continue to tug at you, and at the rest of us. I imaging Santiago has become less and less friendly with each communication you have with her, and every time you decline her request to intervene. Likewise with Morgan. So, your relationship with both sides suffers. Wouldn’t it be easier to expend a small portion of your political capital to stop the war, at which point you may be able to resume friendly relations with both parties? What does trouble me about you statement is that you intend to side with the stronger faction after your analysis is done. Does this mean you put opportunity about principles? That leads me to question what your principles are, since to me it is clear that your society can grow and flourish while at peace (or relative peace). Let Santiago waste her time and resources on a military campaign she can’t possibly win. In the meantime you can grow, and become stronger than she (or perhaps any of us).

This situation is unfortunate since I am also in the middle, and I don’t like it. I am tempted to call on Santiago and ask her to call off her war myself, although it is clear she has no love for my people or me. I am willing to try to make sure the mistakes of Earth are not repeated here, Chairman. This is our last chance. We squandered our home, and it died in nuclear fire. Don’t let that same conflagration engulf our adopted home.

Dee

**Hydro** · February 26, 2002, 22:29

The Hive, MY 2143

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I still see you fail to grasp the essence of the issue again. There will be no escalation of conflict if we choose not to become involved in that conflict! All of you have become desperate and this desperation has led you into these pacts that you are trying to build. Once everyone has chosen a side war will be inevitable, plain and simple. However, if we let Corazon and Nwabudike think that there is no support for either one of them they will find a solution to the problem themselves. In what form that solution takes is still difficult to see but I suspect that even Corazon will hesitate to aggressively advance a campaign that due to the great distances, economics and lack of support will have little chance of success. Corazon is not stupid leader. Once she sees that no one will "cover her back" she will most probably back down but will try to seek a way to save "face". I suspect that the reason she has acted is due to your creation of the "pact" with Nwabudike in the first place. Corazon would rather strike down a young cub than face the fully-grown lion. Your alliance could be used to destroy her someday so she has acted first. So my recommendation to you is as follows: first, end your pact with Nwabudike, second, have Nwabudike contact Corazon and offer to make a tribute to smooth relations and allow her to claim victory. It is that simple. I doubt however you will heed my advice and so things will escalate as envisioned. I have no secret agenda that you seem to imply so my last statement still stands. The preservation of the Hive is paramount. I will remain outside of the conflict for as long as possible. My interests are only in making sure that the Hive survives and will prosper and depending on which side is winning I will, if forced, support that side since it does not matter to me which ideology leads which faction. I have my own agenda, my own ideology that transcends all of the petty squabbling and politicking that is occurring around us. The Hive will survive, it will prosper and it will achieve the great experiment, it is my vision that guides, that leads, and I will prevail!

Lastly, I leave you with this bit of information. I think the dimensional gate that our scout fell through was a greater boon than I had suspected. I now believe based upon some early sensor readings that just to my east your old mentor Professor Zakharov has set up camp, so to speak. I have ordered the scout to investigate some very promising signs of habitation. Should I contact Zakharov I will pass on your regards.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2144

Chairman,

Our scientists made a breakthrough this last year, although it wasn’t what either of us might have expected: Intellectual Integrity. We have already used this to good effect at home, and eventually the Citizen’s Defense Force might be useful, although I suspect you will not see this since you already have an equivalent defense. True to my word I am forwarding this technology to you. I hope you will find it to be of use.

I applaud you efforts to remain above Santiago’s mad war, and I will do likewise. I will not, however, end my Pacts with either Morgan or Pravin since I disagree with your assertion that this is somehow the ‘cause’ of Santiago’s foolishness. These alliances makes us stronger, especially in the face of a warmonger like Santiago who would like nothing better than to split us apart and deal with us piecemeal. I seem to remember a fascist dictator from the 20th Century who employed the divide-and-conquer tactic rather well. This Hitler caused the free peoples to turn on each other, and abandon one of their own to his tender mercies and to then declare, with a straight face, that they had achieved “Peace in our Time”. Hitler promptly consumed this poor unfortunate sacrificial victim that was laid on the altar by his so-called friends. When Hitler was done he then turned to bigger prizes – those that had appeased him in the first place, which was perhaps a just reward for their treachery. History has taught us over an over of the greater horrors that result from appeasing the aggressor. I suspect that if we reward her that Santiago will just become hungry for more (just like Pavlov’s famous drooling dog experiment, which with Santiago is doubly apt), and will turn on another that is close to her. Santiago has profited mightily from her apparent relationship with Zakharov – would you suggest she cut herself off from this avenue? Moreover, would she agree? I don’t think so. My Pacts with Pravin and Morgan will remain until they decide, for whatever reason, that they are no longer useful.

I hope you find Zakharov, and I trust that he is well. Give him my best if you speak with him.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2144

Lady Deirdre Skye,

It is obvious your insecurities are clouding your judgment as it pertains to these "pacts". Your last transmission had demonstrated the seemingly obvious flaw when it comes to these pacts. You state that you will "stay above" the conflict that I state violates the very principal of your pacts! When Nwabudike contacts you and demands immediate military aid due to the fact that Spartan legionaries are marching on his bases will you respond that you plan on "staying above" the situation and that no aid will be offered? Your example of this Adolph Hitler and the policy of appeasement does not apply to this situation. What does apply is the fact that even after suffering a first world war due the domino effect of supporting alliances these same nations made the mistake twice. As I read the history of World War 2 it began as a result of Germany invading Poland and thus triggering a mutual defense "pact". These nations were swept into a conflict that, as it turns out, were not prepared for at all since some other "event" took control of flow of events. Let us say for example that neither France nor Britain signed any treaty with Poland. Hitler invades Poland and the conflict stops. Perhaps this could have been the "wake-up" call for both France and Britain to rebuild their military and thus "check" any threatening advances by Germany. Perhaps in time all of Europe would have, in time, worked out a peaceful solution to the crisis! I point to as supporting historical data the time-line following the period after the second world war. For over 40 years both the United States and the Soviet Union maintained a balance of power by maintaining a strong military and avoiding any conflict that could draw them into direct military conflict.

Though they did each create a military alliance it was always clear which party made the decisions so that the superior powers would not be swept into a conflict. Only one time during that entire period was peace truly threatened and it was due to the fact that the United States had kept building a wall of "allied" nations to contain the Soviets which in turn forced them to try the same situation. Unfortunately in this crisis events almost spun out of control due to the fact that their were more than two parties involved!

In time I think you will see my point. I see once again the Pravin is expanding southwards towards my core cities. If I had set-up a base within 10 sectors of Gaia's landing what would you have done?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2145

Chairman,

Since we are busy with analogies, let’s continue. Without the pacts between the old USSR, Britain, and the United States it is highly likely that they would have succumbed to Nazi strength through intimidation or outright military power. While it is possible that Britain might have had its island to protect it, without the aid of the US it would have crumbled and there would have been little they could have done but bow to the inevitable. The USSR could fight, but without a second front and significant material support from its allies even its scorched earth policies would likely have succeeded against the full might of Nazi Germany. Where would that have left the individual combatants? Alone, and individually defeated.

Now, let’s continue. The pact between the old USA and the prostrate countries of Europe prevented the tired but triumphant USSR from simply walking into Europe and doing what it wanted. Later the USSR felt hemmed in, and this did cause conflict, but I contend that it caused much less conflict than a limp wrested and appeasement-minded Europe and USA would have generated. And, keep in mind, it wasn’t these pacts that eventually destroyed Earth – it was the small, petty wars that used weapons of mass destruction that destroyed millions, and then billions, of people and the ecosystems that supported them. Millions died in the Three Minute War, and India and Pakistan did that all by themselves. The fundamentalist USA destroyed itself in factional fighting, laying waste to the former bastion of freedom. Intolerance and nationalism eventually overcame the pacts that kept some order, and in time even the pale shadow of the UN failed. So, it wasn’t Pacts that caused the destruction in the 20th and 21st Centuries, but wanton military aggression and blind nationalism. In my mind Pacts speak of understanding, and communication. This is how two societies that are very different, like ours are, can come to mutual understanding that reduces conflict – such as our long discussed border settlement.

As to expansion, I believe I have made my point. Through communication we have come to a mutually beneficial agreement. We trade technologies when it is in our mutual interests, to both of our benefit, and we have built some level of trust, and that speaks for itself.

Dee

The Hive, MY 2145

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I see that is of no use to continue to try and explain the "subtle" differences in the analogies I have made. I will leave you with this last thought on the matter. Corazon is a "war hawk" and an astute leader but she also has a streak of paranoia that tends to dominate her reasoning. You and Pravin and Nwabudike might think your pact is a non-aggressive, trade pact built on the idea of expanding economic resources. I assure you that Corazon does not see it in that light. All she sees is several factions "teaming up" in order to dominate her. Until that perception is removed she will continue to foster her fears and those fears will build towards violence. So you and Pravin and Nwabudike have only several options: first, abandon you pacts or two, strike her down while you are still able to do so If you let her control the tactical and strategic situation by allowing her to pick the time and place and victim you will all fall to her eventually.

Are projects are proceeding quickly with the aid of our alien artifacts. We should complete the human genome project in just under 10 turns and due to the vast mineral supplies at our Fellowship City base the command nexus should be done in 15. Reports indicate that you are also moving to complete the command nexus project as well. I would suggest that we reach an agreement on this issue. You abandon the command nexus in favor of some other project and I will not switch production so that we complete the weather paradigm before you. The Hive will have the humane genome project and the command nexus and you will have the weather paradigm and some other project of your choosing. I would suggest taking the citizens defense force. Please respond if you would agree to such an arrangement.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2146

Chairman,

Chairman,

I think we are in more agreement than not with regards to Santiago and her war mongering. We will have to agree to disagree about my Pacts, since those who are 'weaker' can only survive when they band together. In that way we are stronger than our parts, and maybe this superior organizational skill and 'synergy' is what Santiago fears, because she does not understand it. I would argue that organization a hallmark of an higher-ordered society, which is important, wouldn't you agree?

As to the Projects, I am sorry if I gave you the impression that I was actively pursuing the Command Nexus - I am not. It was only a 'space holder' until something better came along, and it has: The Empath Guild. We should complete it in not too long, since our cities are size three and four now. I'll send my regards when I talk to Zak and Miriam. I'm sure they will be delighted to know you are well.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2146

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I had meant this communication to be a positive one. I am reporting to you that I had decided to take up negotiations with Corazon concerning this feud between her and Nwabudike. I must have picked the best time to address this issue since she seemed almost relieved at the suggestion that I should ask her to halt her feud. In fact we even had time to exchange some very important technology that will only make our ability to defend ourselves greater than before. So I did contact Morgan and informed him of the situation and he seemed almost indifferent to the issue as if it didn't matter. This was not the reaction I had anticipated. Morgan, Lal and yourself form this pact so that now most of the other faction leaders fear your future influence and want nothing to do with you now. So the statesman, the visionary, Chairman Yang, intercedes on your behalf to stop what could become our first world war and all I get is a "thank you". I do not believe this is the "reception" I was anticipating. Not only do I feel like I have been "taken advantage of" something I assure you does not happen often but my security teams now report more espionage teams approaching our newest base to the northeast corner of our territory!

Deirdre Skye I will make this very clear to you and you can pass it on to your "pact mates". If the probe teams are not removed immediately I will destroy them. If, for some reason, the probe teams do penetrate our defenses I will contact Corazon and form a pact with her and the two of us will blow Pravin from the face of the planet! I now posess particle accelerator weapons, a weapon that makes his shredder rifles look like popguns, and as soon as I retro-fit a few of them I will send them to "demonstrate" once and for all that borders are their for a reason! I also require that you consult your "pact mates" so that I can obtain the technical specifications to build these espionage teams myself! I am willing to trade my files on laser weapons to Pravin or yourself to secure the exchange. For the negotiations alone that I worked out with Corazon that alone should be my reward! If Pravin Lal is lagging behind in technology and feels that he can only steal it I suggest you give him your files or the next time you see him it might be just his head on a pole!

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2147

Chairman,

Thank you very much for interceding to stop Santiago’s vendetta. My guess is that she finally cooled off and the reality of the situation finally set in, and that your ‘suggestion’ allowed her a means of saving face means of withdrawing from an untenable situation. While Morgan may not be as grateful as you might like, it is possible he doesn’t realize what you have done for him from a big-picture point of view.

As to Pravin, I will harken you back to what you recently lectured me about at great length – the perception of ‘forces stacked against you’ that leads to insecurity, and action that might not be prudent. You and Santiago have denied Pravin and me even the most basic offensive weaponry. Pravin, having come upon a technology you do not have, finds that this allows him a way of forming a defensive and perhaps offensive force to counter you and Santiago. Pravin must be feeling very uncomfortable now that you have deployed laser weapons, and soon impact, and even more so with the slightly to completely cracked Santiago who probably spends her evening polishing gun barrels. After all, what are his defenses? Good, but not good enough. In his place, my dear Chairman, you would do exactly the same thing – use your abilities to form a basic defense for his people. Does that makes Pravin’s actions acceptable? No. But it does make them understandable. If he can’t build a basic offensive force to defend himself then he will do the next best thing. He has shored up his defenses as well as he can, you might note, but that will be a slim thing if you or Santiago show up with impact weaponry.

How do I suggest you deal with Pravin? Just this – destroy any of his probe teams he sends into your territory. To do this you will need advance guards, since probe teams are surprisingly mobile. As to acquiring this technology, I have asked Pravin but I have been rebuffed. He holds this technology, and the Virtual World project it allows, dear, and I can understand why – it is his only defense against aggressors like Santiago, and potentially you. I do not think your appreciate your position, or that of Santiago. If there is a Pact between Pravin, Nwabudike, and me it is due to the veiled threat of those who are militarily inclined. So, the Pact is a reaction, now a cause. I suggest you give laser technology to Pravin, and I’d bet he’d stop producing probe teams. If I had it I’d give it to him, but you have deemed me unready for this technology, too.

I also appreciated the updated map you sent, and it shows what I have long suspected – that there is a large tract of territory to the west and east for your expansion, if you decide to do so. I consider the ‘territory’ issue more or less settled since you will have as much space as you like to expand your considerable holding.

You also mentioned the other faction leaders not wanting anything to do with me now. Well, Morgan and Pravin are always very happy to hear from me. We have had continual and frank discussions, and I think we understand each other better. Santiago has never had much to say to me. I have not talked to Zak or Miriam. In the end I don’t see how this Pact has soured my relationship with anyone, and if anything it has improved my relations with two of the peaceful factions on Planet, although it causes you some concern.

One last thing, and I tell you this as a personal favor. Pravin has five probe teams, only some of which are placed in his cities. He builds shockingly quickly, and since he can build nothing else it looks like probes are apparently his unit of choice when not building his impressive infrastructure (specially since he can build no other military unit). I suggest being on your guard, and if Pravin whines about you destroying his probe teams to me I can assure you his plaintive complaints will fall on deaf ears.

Take care, and keep your guard up,
Dee

**Hydro** · February 26, 2002, 22:31

The Hive, MY 2147

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I am warning you now that Pravin Lal's days on this planet are about to end! Once again I feel that I have been taken advantage of by your "pact-mate" since his saboteurs have penetrated our defenses and Manufacturing warrens and stole the plans on heavy artillery! There were two teams and I was able to capture one unit and in trying to "work" with the other leaders I chose NOT to destroy them but in fact returned them unharmed except for a few bruises. I can not tolerate any further penetrations and contaminations to our society so what I overlooked once I will not overlook twice. I intend to assault and destroy his nearest base to us within the next 7 turns. If Pravin does not sue for peace at that time I will move on to his next until he does! I have never once given Pravin any reason to "fear" his old friend Yang but you claim because I have not given to him my files on laser weapons that I am the villain! Do I just transfer all of my military technology to you gratis and hope that with this technology Pravin will not violate my borders more than he does now! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Unless I am compensated NOW for this outrage I will eliminate him from the face of this planet. I have been in contact with Corazon and all I have to do is give her the okay and both of our forces will move out and leave not a single stone unbroken! If you choose to support your friend Pravin you do it at your own risk, I warn you up front. As a token to our understanding I will offer you this I will hold off on any actions for 2 turns. Unless I am compensated in some manner for this act or Pravin is gone! I will not stop until he and his kind are wiped from the face of this planet!

As to the second part of your message about lands to the east, as I suspect, it is already claimed by Provost Zakharov. We have worked out an arrangement that I will not expand any further east then the top of the large mountain range to my east. That leaves me little room to expand in that direction. So that leaves me only south and a little bit west for any "future" expansion. Zakharov has not changed much since landing here and it turns out his labs are beyond belief. As a symbol of our new found friendship he has transferred to me certain medical formulas that will sustain my health far beyond normal years. We also exchanged much information and it turns out that the good professor has the information on sea technology that I had been seeking. With that I can now begin searching the oceans of this planet.

Lastly, much to my outrage, it does seem that Miriam Godwinson did complete the human Genome project before me. We were only three turns away from completion so I am faced with a choice now. What do I redirect the research now to? I am still intrigued by the weather paradigm and I have to be frank with you that it would serve me greatly in reaching my goals. I know that you covet this technology so I ask you what would you be willing to trade to keep me from completing it before you? There are many "issues" on the plate for you and I ask you to consider your options carefully.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2148

Chairman,

I am not sure what you mean by ‘compensation’ for Pravin’s offenses. Why don’t you contact him and demand what you want as a price for peace, since that seems to be your aim? You could even demand that he cede a base to you as compensation. I have to say that I cannot condone Pravin’s actions, and I’ve said that a number of times. In your position I might be similarly infuriated, although I have to say it is unlikely that I’d try to obliterate his entire society for Pravin’s mistakes.

It is too bad that Miriam finished the Human Genome Project first, and I can’t help but think of the irony of a born again Christian coming to such an understanding of the human genetic code. Maybe she has superimposed her own peculiar mysticism to obscure its true meaning, but she much have a tortured mind to fit both concepts into one setting. As to the Weather Paradigm, I am willing to entertain what you might think is appropriate to ensure that the Gaians finish this Project, which is dear to my heart. I do have several technologies you do not apparently have and I might be willing to part with them if certain assurances are made. For instance, you might be interested in Gene Splicing, which we have had for a while now.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2148

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I will accept any ONE technology that I currently do not have in exchange for not completing the weather paradigm project. I do have gene splicing technology and hospital plans so I am not sure as to why you thought I did not have it, this is curious as well. I also make this request as well. I want the virtual world technology that Pravin and Morgan both have. I realize that you do not have it but I am sure you can pressure your pact-mates into trading this to you. I will also make this promise as well. I will transmit files on laser weapons and sea going technology in exchange for this data with the promise that you will not try to build this project. I should think this would be a wonderful trade for you and your people. Access to the sea and high-energy weapons and with the data files you will be able to build your own covert operational teams. You will get three technologies for the price of one, perhaps. On a related matter, since I now have blueprints to build ships the agreement that I made with you earlier seems to be in question. I transferred two technologies to you with the understanding that I would get, in turn, ship designs when you were able to design them. Since I was able to procure them through other means I feel that I am still "owed" some compensation as well for the two technologies I sent you in the first place. From where I stand now, you owe me, two "new" technologies for past and current promises. I do hope you plan on honoring them, I would even accept the virtual world as one of those technologies still promised to me.

As for Pravin, I will no longer accept the excuse that is my fault that Pravin has to steal technology since I will not share with him. Was it not you that said that Pravin's society attracts the brightest and best people? What you should have said is that Pravin attracts the brightest and best thieves! You still have one turn to work out something with Pravin. If he transmits the data on the virtual world I would accept that as well in compensation. If not then within 4 to 5 turns his southern most city will be destroyed. I will crush it and the citizens tortured lives will be an example to all who dare steal from Chairman Yang! I am relying on you to impress this information to Pravin since the coward will not accept any transmission from me so you will have to broker these deal quickly!

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2149

Chairman,

You need to review you notes. We traded technology you Centauri Ecology (MY 2109), Biogenetics (2123), Ethical Calculus (2123), and Intellectual Integrity (2144), and we have received from you Doctrine: Loyalty (2109), Industrial Economics (2123), Doctrine: Mobility (2129), and Secrets (2140). It seems very clear that we are even in terms of technology trading, and I am completely at a loss as to why you say we owe you two. If there is some misunderstanding please clarify. As to the types of technology, we acquired Doctrine: Flexibility from an alternate source also.

In other news, we completed the Weather Paradigm. It took some work, and sacrifice, but it is done. We will probably pause for a while, and then start a few more Projects. I suggest you complete the Command Nexus as soon as possible since I noticed Santiago is working on that Project, too. It is also likely that Miriam will switch to this project, and wouldn’t it be irritating if Miriam (wherever she is) were to get both Human Genome Project and Command Nexus?

Neither Morgan nor Pravin will speak with me. It seems they are tired of me calling them up all the time on your behalf. In any case, Pravin is unwilling to trade me for Planetary Networks, so I fail to see why he would trade it to you. It is his only advantage against you and he isn’t likely to give up his one hope of weathering your wrath.

You will notice that I declined to trade maps with you. This will continue while you are in conflict with Pravin. Although I will not actively support him, neither will I support you.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2149

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I accept your position about the transfer of map information so I expect that you understand I will no longer transfer such information to you either since I doubt you can promise me that you will not put the information in Pravin's hands. Pravin it seems is making another all out assault by his espionage teams to gather intelligence. I have reports of four teams approaching my territory. I will not make the same mistake as before in thinking that mercy could send a signal to Pravin that he should stop such activities. So we will try the next method, pure violence! I intend to have all the espionage teams caught and then executed. My rover attack teams are now moving to the nearest base and should have it under siege within 5 turns. I don't expect much resistance and I have not decided if the entire population should be put to death or just subjugated. I am also joining an alliance (but not a pact, as of now ) with Corazon and I plan to divide up the territory Pravin currently controls. Corazon has always wanted the remote base to the north for some reason and she is welcome to it. Based upon your earlier messages I am expecting you to remain neutral in this affair since I am the injured party due to the criminal behavior displayed by Pravin. In case you might have changed your mind I have stationed three armored laser speeders along our western border just on my side of the neutral zone. Should I detect any scout troops advance I will move my forces into the zone and begin an assault on you. I am being very open with you since we do have a history of partnership but I will extract my revenge from Pravin to what level all depends upon him.

I no longer wish to "barter" back and forth about who owes what to whom. As far as I am concerned any past deals we have made are complete and ended, though I do feel that I have been once again been taken advantage of by you. I doubt that with the current situation you could not in all good conscience trade technology with me anyway so I doubt we will have much discourse until this issue is resolved.

Lastly, I leave you with this thought. I never sought this conflict. I worked hard to broker the cease-fire between Corazon and Morgan and I even tried mercy to show that I could be a reasonable person but that was all for nothing it seems. If you can eventually broker a cease-fire before Pravin is put to death, all the better for us all. But I expect compensation and I will expect to annex his southern most city into the Hive.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2150

Chairman,

You read too much in to my message if you think I will stand by while Pravin’s people are slaughtered. While I understand your outrage at what Pravin has done, his deeds do not merit genocide against his people, or the wholesale destruction of his faction. Do I mean you should turn the other cheek again? No, I do not. You showed considerable restraint when you did so the first time. What I am saying is that the response should be in keeping with the offense. To go further would mark you as much, much worse than Pravin. He stole information from you, and that is a terrible crime. If you were to burn his cities to the ground and slaughter or enslave his people, as you have implied, that would be a crime against humanity, and I suspect that the other factions would agree with me that you have crossed the line from addressing grievances (through violence) to lawlessness and chaos.

I would be happy to broker a peace between you, where you are justly compensated for your loss, but you need to understand that you have put me into an untenable position. Pravin did not declare this war, even if he provoked it, so I can’t ask him to stop it. What I can do is this: if you are able to take his southern base, I will do my best to get Pravin to suggest to you or accept from you, if you are gracious enough to give it, his acceptance of a truce. This will, in effect, cede this base to you, and it should be a considerable gain for you in territory, and in weakening Pravin’s position. He will have been taught a lesson; you will have gained in position. To me that seems equitable and fair.

Dee

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2150

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I have not decided what I will do the Peacekeepers yet. I might spare the city and then I might not. I have not decided as to what level of atrocity it will take for Pravin Lal to wake up from his dreams of power and face the cold reality of this planet. I am not under his command or his jurisdiction. Suffice it to say that you will find out the minute I take his first base and then you will know.

I am glad you still agree that I am the injured party. I would have traded him 2 technologies for the virtual world if he himself had not been so stubborn about maintaining his monopoly over it. He seems to think that it is "evil" of me to have advanced military weapons but he and you for that matter seem to want to control all other technology. Here is an offer I will make to you now, think of it as a test, I will transmit technical files on laser weapons and artillery systems to you in exchange for two technologies. Do you accept?? I only make this stipulation, that you cannot transmit the data to Pravin Lal. If you accept then please send me a list of technologies you would be willing to trade. Frankly, I doubt that you will but we shall put your arguments to the test.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2151

Chairman,

Assuming you prevail in your assault on Pravin you should know that our continued affable relations would depend on the level of clemency you show him. Regardless of the status of this base, your point will have been made, and I doubt that Pravin will mistake your intentions.

Our scientists have made good progress in a number of areas, some of which might be of interest to you. As to the technology trade I’m afraid that I cannot, in good conscience, exchange technologies with you while your conflict with Pravin continues. This trade would benefit you, and that would indirectly harm Pravin. Moreover, I could not promise that I would not trade any technology I got from you to Pravin, considering the straights he is in, especially if he were to call upon me for minimal support. It would be faithless of me to trade with you, to my benefit and yours, and then deny him and his trust the same goodwill. The only moral solution is to put any further technology trades in abeyance with you while your conflict continues. I will actively trade my technologies, where appropriate, to the other faction leaders I am in commutation with, if they are willing, however.

Dee

**Hydro** · May 8, 2002, 13:51

The Hive, MY 2151

Deirdre Skye,

It now becomes very clear as to your true intentions and the real purpose of your "pact". You make threats with the hope that I will stay my hand of justice all the while rubbing your hands together, reaping the rewards as Pravin's saboteurs steal my technology. Of course you won’t trade with me, why should you when Pravin steals it all for himself and then can barter or gift it to you! How convenient for you and your pact-mates! Perhaps I should just transfer all of my technology now to you and while I am at it control of my bases, wouldn't that make it all the more easier for your master plan! Once again I had saboteurs enter one of my bases and steal more technology, the blue prints for sea going vessels! I warned you, and you were unable to restrain Pravin so it ends now. As soon as I complete my negotiations with Corazon the beginning of the end draws near for Pravin. The technology he stole will be his last, I assure you of that. This will be my last communication with you until this issue is done I see no further need to communicate with you while you are supporting Pravin Lal's banditry! My social scientists all tell me with nearly 100% certainty that this was your intention from the beginning, the destruction of the Hive. I would sooner kill each of my Hive children before I ever let you control them. I know of your secret labs attempts to develop genetic "freaks" that will infiltrate my cities and spy on us. As quickly as it takes for me to end Pravin's rule I might as well turn my sights on you and Morgan. You have done nothing to intercede to end this nightmare with Pravin. I doubt Pravin would never have been so bold to attempt these thefts if it were not for your "pacts". All the while Pravin is thinking no matter the repercussions Morgan and Skye will help me so I can act without repercussions. I blame you and you alone for the state of conflict that has resulted. I am sure that you have a long laugh at my expense as you swap my technology back and forth with no care as to how much work went into building it. I warn you again for the last time, never cross the neutral zone unless you are prepared to face me knowing that by killing me will be the only way to end this war. I will work my people day and night men, women and children to build all of the weapons I need to destroy the two of you if you ever cross the neutral zone! I hope you read this carefully and make sure you understand it because I will not repeat this threat ever again. I see no reason to communicate further with you since I am sure you pass on each of my messages to Pravin anyway. You feign neutrality yet in secret you are his greatest supporter, profiting from his ill-gotten actions. From this moment forward I will only communicate with you as required but nothing else until I slake my thirst for revenge!

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2152

Chairman,

Your ‘social scientists’ need to go to one of your re-education camps. Pravin has had no interest in trading technology with me since he discovered Planetary Networks for fear of allowing the secrets of the Virtual World to fall into my hands, as he has told me when I call on him every five years or so. All the technology he has stolen from you is in his hands, not mine.

As to stealing technology, I find it amusing that you have directed your rage at me when you should be blaming yourself. You have let Pravin’s black suited sneaks penetrate your cities not once, not twice, but three times! Whose fault is that? All it would have taken is to station a simple scout one sector away from your vulnerable cities and capture or destroy the offending probe team. Or, if you really want to be sure, station two. Or you could make you cities inaccessible with simple forests, which block the sly movements of Pravin’s army of sneaks so you can destroy them before they enter your cities. Even a terraformer would do! I find it simply inconceivable that Chairman Yang, who prides himself on the most secure and orderly society on Planet, cannot even defend his cities against the predations of someone who has no offensive weaponry, only sneaks in black suits.

As to Pravin, I have no more control over him than you have over Miriam. He is an independent faction, and while he is mostly friendly toward me he will not do my bidding. I could intervene to stop a hot war he had declared, but not a cold war. He has his own goals and, regardless on how much you want to blame me for your failures, I am not responsible for him.

I will not even deign to comment on your other delusions. Your rage has overcome your sometimes-considerable intellect.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive

Deirdre Skye,

I am reporting that more Peacekeeper spies were put to death and still Pravin sends more. Very, very soon my forces will be in place to begin the assault on his southern base. I have decided not to make an example of his people since it was hardly their foolhardy mistake to test the HIVE. However, I have ordered special "equipment" to be sent with my Thought Guards so that should the citizens become agitated about their change in leadership measures will be taken to calm their nerves. I have been working on this technology for some time but have not had the reason to use it since all Hive citizens are loyal and hardworking and would never need such means to maintain order.

You might take some comfort to know that I did follow your advice and put some of the social scientists into a re-education camp since additional information has come to light about your position in your pact. Unfortunately many of the scientists could not withstand the rigors of the camp and have performed their final act patriotism for the Hive.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2153

Chairman,

After receiving you last message I called in my scientific cadre, since I had no idea what you might mean your statement ‘measures will be taken to calm their nerves.’ It seems my scientists aren’t so enlightened as I thought since they had no idea what you were saying, and I assumed you were being subtle, as usual.

I am not sure I should congratulate you on taking my advice or not. I have not misled you, and I never have, although I have to admit I have a hard time divining what you mean sometimes. I can only assume your camp ‘rigors’ are metaphoric, since I don’t like to contemplate alternate interpretations.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2153

Lady Deirdre Skye,

Pravin Lal at last contacted me in an attempt by him to broker a cease-fire and "blood truce". I refused. While he was negotiating I detected even more saboteurs who had crossed the border into our territory. I can only presume that Lal has become more motivated to talk since the lead elements of my Thought Guards are now only a sector or so away from his southern base. He now claims he has laser weapons but I doubt that he has them in the numbers needed to defend himself and even if he does my particle cannons are twice as powerful than lasers. Perhaps when his city has fallen and his people have joined into the harmony and peace of the Hive will he then think to negotiate in good faith!

Perhaps if in the future he would contact me again to talk about peace if I knew there would be compensation either from him or his "pact-mates" I might be more interested in hearing him out?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2154

Chairman,

There are a couple of things you should know, and I tell you this in good faith. First, there are now two members of the Gaians navy. They are modest, and they have already begun exploring the seas and have found that there are many Unity pods bobbing in the water just waiting to be investigated. Second, we have established our 15th base. Remember that peninsula that I at first thought might lead to your territory, but instead simply ended in the water? The Council has approved establishing a base there. It in no way intrudes past the isthmus, and our territorial treaty area, since this land is on our ‘side’. Still, I’d rather tell you now than have you find out yourself and be alarmed.

As to you second matter; I’m not sure what you mean. Kindly elaborate further.

Lastly, I saw your single speeder advance on Pravin’s base. I am having our consulate in that UN base evacuate, since it is clear you intend deadly force. Just remember, Chairman, that this is a small base and may not take the shock of combat well.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2154

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I wish to announce the formation of my new alliance, the alliance of independence. The Hive, Spartans, University and the Morganites have all decided to support my leadership and guidance as "pact leader". It seems I was not the only one chaffing under Pravin Lal's constant scolding for not being model citizens of the United Nations. It took a great deal of work on my behalf and of course some incentives to sweeten the pot but all those leaders are now sworn to support my cause. I know that Morgan and I you have an existing pact but the man is a businessman and business is business. He does not cloud his thinking with moral issues but keeps the table clean so he can count his money. I have even been able to talk Corazon and Zakharov to support my "lesson" on Pravin Lal. I see this year as the beginning of a whole new order on this planet, one that you will join, in time, I hope.

Alas, my lead element did not subdue the base as anticipated and in fact perished in the attack, all the better for him. I have sent the general in command of the lead element back to "school" shall we say to improve his tactics. I should have had the man executed on the spot but I was feeling "generous" at the time, an interesting sensation.

I have no issue with the expansion of your base along the peninsula of land. Our agreement concerned the land bridge and as long as we are still "clear" on that issue all is well with the Hive. As to your new fleet this is also of no interest since our ships are also exploring the oceans as well along with terraforming them as well! I congratulate you on your new bases and we are also expanding as well. We will soon establish two more bases within the next few years and more to follow, along with those that are liberated, perhaps.

As to the question of compensation. Once again I was forced to destroy another Peacekeeper saboteur attempting to steal secrets. So I doubt Pravin is any mood to accept the fate he is about to be dealt. So you could save him, if you choose to do so. Since Pravin stole three technologies that you will eventually benefit from I ask only this to call of my vendetta and spare his city, 75 energy credits. I know I could ask for more but once again I am feeling generous.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2155

Chairman,

I find it reassuring that you have taken my words to heart and have abandoned your bias against Pacts. Indeed, you have gone one step further than even the Council would have suggested with Pacts with three other factions! So, how does it feel to be hemmed in, and ensnared in a web of obligations, Chairman? My guess is that it makes you feel more secure in your goals, and that is exactly what I have been telling you all along. Pacts strengthen those in them, not the other way around.

Your pactmates may have a different idea of who is leading this mutual pact of yours, however. I sincerely doubt that Santiago would for one minute think that you lead this pact; my guess is that she thinks you are merely walking in the same direction at the moment. Morgan will Pact with almost anyone since it gives him greater profits. I have a harder time reading Zak, but my guess is that his was a purely intellectual decision, especially if you offered him technology, which was always his weakness. I have to admit that the Council and I might consider such an offer, too, if we weren’t asked to do something immoral in compensation, which would means sacrificing the core of who we are. I doubt you would sacrifice you basic vision for short-term goals, either, Chairman.

I have another gift of information to share with you. We have captured an isle of the deep, one that was carrying a mindworm. This confirms our suspicion that these creatures are all somehow linked, and that even though they have vastly different forms they are still the same in every fundamental way that matters. This, and other isles we will persuade to work with us, will vastly increase our ability to explore Planet, which has always been one of our most deep set goals.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2155

Lady Deirdre Skye,

I formed a pact-alliance to protect myself from the delusions of Pravin Lal. All of the members in my pact are tired of Lal's sanctimonious pontifications about his role as leader of this planet. We intend to prove him wrong. You would be surprised how easily it was to form the alliance of independence and you might be even more surprised that it was Corazon herself that nominated me as pact leader. Of course I named her immediately as the alliance general in chief due to her obvious military skills. I at this time cannot make the offer to you to join our alliance. Many of the members feel you support Pravin Lal too much to depend upon you keeping our secrets and policy. I had to report to the alliance just this turn that Pravin Lal wanted me to abandon my pact with Nwabudike Morgan so that I could join him in a vendetta against the man! Pravin Lal has become a rabid dog that must be put down for the safety of us all. I hope that you can see this.

I have little use for any of the native plant or animal or whatever you call it on this planet. The only benefit I see from the mind worms is the energy nodules they leave behind after you destroy them. I am amazed that you have learned to "teach" them and use them as trained pets or guard dogs. I have had my military scientists explore this possibility and they feel it has little sustainable use.

I will be frank with you Deirdre. Pravin is putting up a fight for his base. Our lead scout units have been both destroyed but they have also inflicted heavy damages on Pravin. However, the inevitable conclusion of this war is all to clear to see. Pravin only has two bases with any sizable population and he has made no improvements to his land! The HIVE is had 3 times the number of bases and a far greater industrial base. Pravin has no hope of winning this war; he drags out the outcome for no purpose. Now Pravin will have to deal with armored attack teams with particle cannons and I doubt even with the technology he stole he will match up to us.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

**Hydro** · May 8, 2002, 13:52

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2156

Chairman,

This has been a very amusing year. First, we completed the Empath Guild, and the wealth of information that flows out of it is simply astounding. Indeed, it is the main source of my mirth. I had to vote adjourn the Council early because we just couldn’t stop laughing, and once Councilman peed his pants he was laughing so hard. We retired to the Sun Side Garden, which has a wonderful view of the Sea of Knowledge to our west. After the fourth round of Fungal Gin Fanny Bangers were all in a really good mood, I can assure you.

The main source of our collective good cheer is that we contacted Miriam. I am sure you have your stereotypes of Miriam, Chairman, but they couldn’t be farther from the truth. She was pleasant to talk with, and was more than willing to trade technology, some very important technology. In fact, she traded some technology that you had denied us for the last 40 years. So, the first fruit of this new union is born, and we both have profited handsomely from it. I even gifted her several technologies, and I have absolutely no regrets. The other misconception is that Miriam is a backward, close-minded soul. That couldn’t be more wrong, too. In fact, do you want to guess who has the second highest research rate on Chiron? Hmmmm? I’ll give you a hint: the Gaians are first.

Lastly, I called Planetary Council to elect a Planetary Governor. Now, this is what got us rolling in the isles. The election is between Lal and me. Santiago, Miriam, and Zak abstained and Morgan voted with me. Guess who has the deciding vote? You do. You can either vote for Lal to give him 61 votes to my 61 votes, abstain and it will be 61 for me and 40 for Lal, or vote for me and it will be 82 for me and 40 for Lal. If you vote for Lal, and that is the ironic part since you are at war with him (and how would that stand with your principles? Or those of your allied warring factions?), we have the same number of votes. I’m not sure how a tie will be resolved, but it should be interesting. If you abstain or vote for me than I am Governor free and clear. I suppose you could try some backroom negotiation, but I am not too worried either way. The spectacle itself is worth the price of whoever is Governor.

Like I said, it was a hilarious year. Part of that is relief since we now have military parity, which I can assure you will be closed very quickly (I noticed you are just finishing your impact prototype, by the way). We are catching worms like crazy, and I encourage you to think they are useless distractions. Maybe one day you will understand that Planet has much to offer, if you are willing to listen.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2156

Governor Skye,

I consulted with my allies and it was decided to vote for you and to deprive Lal of the resources and the information network that it offers. We saw no reason to add to the ill-gotten gains he obtained through his thievery. Since you had already completed your project for creating empathic freaks the advantage you gained in becoming Governor of this planet was muted. It was also believed by many in our council that you will have more "respect" for the rights of others to live as they choose and govern as they may without interference from you.

I am sure that from the information you are now receiving that you and your Gaian council are not laughing as much as you were. We intercepted a Peacekeeper colony pod on our side of the border and I issued orders for its destruction. It seems that this event has "triggered" a reprisal from you according to my assistants and that you have automatically declared a state of vendetta against me! I had always suspected that you had supported Lal in his schemes and now the fruit of my suspicions bears fruit! I am sure as well that you will quickly trade more technology with him allowing him parity with my impact speeders as well. I also wish to inform you that I have completed the command nexus project and with that technology my troops will be even more prepared for this conflict.

I also contact Miriam and found her unpleasant to say the least. It seems she has much righteous indignation over my grand project, a plan that does not seem to fit into her bible. I contacted Corazon and Zakharov and they both faced a tongue lashing by the women who seems even more intent in imposing her will on others.

I leave you with this one last thought, governor, what will you do now? Will you try to mend the fences and restore peace to this planet or plunge us further into war? I have withheld bringing into the fray Corazon so as to not expand the conflict even more but the question is will you? I never withheld any technology from you since you choose not to trade with me in order to honor your "pact" with Pravin. Do not blame me for that decision; it was yours. As far as I can tell you and your people did not suffer one iota more if you would have had high energy weapon technology or not. I have never threatened you and you me and it is obvious from your statements that the technology was very important to you more so than some others? Perhaps this only reinforces my earlier arguments.

Once again, Governor, will you build peace or not!

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2157

Chairman,

There is no state of vendetta by the Gaians against the Hive. In fact, when I contacted Pravin last he insisted that I honor our pact and declare vendetta against you and I declined. He was none too happy about that, and he visibly soured when I informed him that I could not support him. I do not know where you got your information after destroying Pravin’s civilians, but it is incorrect. When I last contacted Pravin I asked to he call off his wars, and he agreed, and in destroying his colony you may have re-ignited your war. Although I agree with most of Pravin’s principles, his actions against you are inexcusable and I will not support him in your conflict unless he is about to be eliminated. In other words, as long as each side does not go to extremes I will not intervene.

Congratulations on completing the Command Nexus! If you had waited much longer you might have lost it to Miriam, or perhaps to Santiago. I am sure it will be a great aid in your military endeavors, and it will give you some security that you will have some ability to defend yourself.

As to technology, it is the feeling of the Council that you held the military technologies as a trump card in our negotiations for over 20 years. While we never felt specifically threatened, you should know that your war against Pravin caused and continues to cause grave doubts about your objectives, and what you will do to secure your grand plan. One thing has eased the minds of all the Council members is that you are devoting your resources toward peaceful development. That, more than anything else, means that you are not out for the extermination of the Peacekeepers for Pravin’s crimes, but simply justice. That I can fully understand, and I think the Council is coming to understand, too.

We Gaians dislike war and the thought of conflict, but we understand that we must be prepared to defend ourselves. I am sure you have come to the same conclusion. I think that mutual security comes through parity, and we have achieved that. We both have all the room we need to expand, and there is no reason that we should come into conflict over territory as long as we honor our neutral zone. In short, we have little to be in conflict over.

There is room on Planet for all of us, Chairman, and I think that all of our dreams and goals, if not taken to irrational extremes, can co-exist. I think that you and I can help broker peace, since I have some influence with Pravin, Morgan, and Miriam, and you have more influence with Santiago, Zak, and also Morgan. Between us we literally cover all the bases, and I think that can be the basis for a strong, working relationship. When your war with Pravin is over we can, perhaps, continue our talks of improving relations, and exchanging technologies. That initiative is in your court.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2157

Governor Skye,

I doubt there is much you can do to settle the conflict between Pravin and myself. The man has no honor or integrity and will break any treaty he has with anyone. Our border is now a myth. I believe that only when I have taken one or two of his bases will he realize the futility of his actions and come to his senses. I will make two pledges to you now. First, I will not exterminate all Peacekeeper bases, in fact, all I wish to do is remove/capture his most southern base in hopes that this will serve as his wake up call. If that does not work I will move onto the next southern city and capture that. Regardless of Pravin's actions at that point I will not move any further north against his core cities. Second, I make this pledge to you now that I will not expand the war by bringing Corazon into the fray. I hope that this demonstrates how reasonable I am in trying to bring a long-term solution to this conflict.

I wish to inform you that it is the consensus of our alliance of Independence that "Sister Miriam" is the greater threat to long security than Pravin Lal. She is quickly spreading south and putting pressure on Corazon's territory and Zakharov fears her extreme views toward science. Morgan is neutral on the subject for the most part but is becoming disgruntled at the fact that Miriam sees trade as an act of evil not worthy of a righteous man. You might find her reasonable but the rest of the planet leaders see a far greater threat to the peace of this planet than you can imagine.

Lastly, I will be frank with you concerning your statements about withholding information on weapon designs. It seems that this argument could run both ways I think. You Gaians have always had a greater research rate than the Hive and I am sure that you have also benefited from it greatly. You now seem to support my argument that some technology is more valuable than others. I also feared that should I transfer large amounts of military data to you that you would in turn transfer it to Pravin Lal. I can not imagine the situation I would be facing if this had occurred. So let us start from the beginning and I will make this offer to you. I have plans for heavy artillery and I am willing to trade it to you for one, just one, of your technologies. I am particularly interested in your advanced methods into planet research for making the land more productive. I doubt this could be seen as a threat to Pravin since he stole the plans from me several turns ago and he has already built artillery units. What I find strange is that he has yet to trade that information with you? Will you accept the trade?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2158

Chairman,

The jury is still out on Miriam. She has been more than friendly with me, and if she has been hostile toward Santiago then maybe she feels, as you put it, hemmed in by a hostile alliance. Santiago has always been, well, blunt and undiplomatic, and I can easily see a situation where sets into one of her religious lectures and Santiago shows zero patience and tells her what she can do, biologically, with her precious cross. Santiago has lectured me at some length, when she isn’t abruptly terminating our conversations or trying to threaten me for technology, on her prowess in force of arms. If she isn’t careful she will get to test her mettle against Miriam, who has and continues to wisely expanded her holding and is growing fast. The contrast is that she didn’t waste her energy and resources building up a military too early, like Santiago, and is now reaping the rewards. At the rate she is building infrastructure and expanding she may even outpace Gaian scientists. That thought did chill the Council, and we are working to ensure that does not happen.

I’d love to trade technology with you, Chairman, but my previous statement stands. Pravin, for all his significant faults, is my Pactmate and trading technology with you would indirectly be bad faith toward him. I have already strained our relationship by refusing to declare vendetta against your people, which I refused to do since you were provoked. As I mentioned, Pravin has not been willing to trade technology with me either, and neither have Morgan or Zak, and all for the same reason: the Virtual World. All of them fear it falling into enemy hands, and I can’t blame them. So, resolve your differences with Zak and we can trade any number of technologies. For instance, I’d be willing to trade Centauri Empathy, which would allow you to build biology labs and, if you are interested, mindworms. You could also switch to a Green economy, and the greater empathy this brings with Planet may be of use to you in capturing native life forms.

Dee

*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2158

Governor Skye,

My forces are reporting the destruction of two more Peackeeper units which has now opened the way for us to proceed to Lal's southern base. We have reports of more sabateurs in the area which I think they are there in hopes of stalling our attack on his base. With only minimal bases Lal will not be able to produce enough war material to keep up with the HIVE so time and attrition are now the key soldiers in this battle.

I am sure your genetic freaks are keeping you up to date with information on our society, if not them then it is your irksome planet administrators that are constantly poking their noses into things. We do plan on linking the alien artifact to our new network node and I have hopes that we can extract some new technology from it which I am sure your spies will inform you of quickly.

Currently Morgan, Santiago and Lal have the espionage technical files and I have assurances that as soon as one of them complete the project the others will transmit the data to me. I do not blame them for wanting to keep this data secret since it offers a whole extra dimension to the grand game we are playing, does it not?

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2159

Chairman,

It appears our treaty has lapsed, so I offer you a treaty of friendship. I think that we have grown to understand each other better over the years, and I am more than willing to extend to you my hand in friendship.

Planetary Networks is a crucial technology, not only for the Virtual World but for the other technology it is crucial to. We are also constructing network nodes and have three artifacts on the way back to our home territory, and we hope that this technology will be brought to light with them. But, with artifacts I am advised that what breakthroughs you get are likely random, so who knows what will be found?

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2159

Governor Skye,

I expect the fall of Pravin Lal's UN Enforcement base next turn. I give you ample warning just in case your “spies” forget to tell you. I give you this warning not as a courtesy but as a precaution. I have four attack speeders bearing down on the base along with one infantry company. The infantry company engaged a Peacekeeper attack rover and heavily damaged it forcing them to withdrawal back to UN Enforcement Base. Intelligence still indicates only minimal military forces along with the damaged speeder company at the base making any assault a forgone conclusion. There are indications that Pravin is making a sortie to my west but I think my base defenders are well prepared for any attack he can offer. Once our troops capture the base we will refit them and offer terms to Pravin to declare a blood truce so long as he does not violate our borders again. Should he not do so we will capture another city and then another until he is resigned to the fact that we will not accept further attacks or espionage attempts. Some staff advisors suggest that once I capture the Peacekeeper base Pravin might wish to barter peace for the return of the base. I do not see any reason for the Hive to accept such an offer unless it was backed by the additional compensation of energy credits and technology; preferably the espionage plans. Perhaps after I take the second UN base would I then entertain such an arrangement but not for now.

The network node did unlock the very same advanced planetary terraforming technology that we asked to trade with you. It has increased our mineral production greatly which I hope to use to build infrastructure improvements. I doubt at the rate Nwabudike is building the Virtual World project that I will be able to pry it out of anyone's hands any time soon so I will have to wait it seems.

We continue to colonize and expand our holdings. As you most probably already know we have four more colony pods either completed and enroute to their sites or in construction. My intention is to expand to the west along the shores of the sea that is between our two nations and to send one possible two pods to the east to colonize the area on our side of the great mountain range. This will increase the total number of Hive cities to 13 with the expectations of increasing to 18 as our final goal.

Lastly, I seem to be plagued with continuing mind worm attacks from our west areas. Some military administrators suggest that you are "secretly" behind these mind worm assaults since you already have control over these creatures. That by sending them in waves against us you tie us up and weaken our garrison units. I would like to hear your response to these accusations. These administrators argue that you did know that the pod you opened contained these worms and you are actions were part of a calculated "risk" by you. I for one don't believe that you had the long-term vision to be so diabolical but you have surprised me before.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

**Hydro** · May 8, 2002, 14:14

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2160

Chairman,

I did note that you have worn down most of Pravin’s resistance, but he isn’t giving up yet and your speeders are damaged. I cannot wish you good luck; all I can ask is a speedy peace between you and Pravin.

I hope you can put your knowledge of Ecological Engineering to good use. We have had this for a while now, and it is not as useful as we might have liked. Tasking our citizens to simply harvest minerals is a waste even at cities with ample nutrient production, and I can’t see a reason to employ this on a wide scale. A few select bases, perhaps, but not many. It may lead to more valuable understandings, however, and this may be Ecological Engineering’s true worth.

We have 16 bases now and, all going well, we will be setting up our 17th next year. There aren’t any more in our immediate plans, and you should know that my social advisors gave me a warning of increased bureaucratic inefficiency and unhappiness after the establishment of our 14th base. Our society is a little more efficient than any other on Planet, and we have take steps to increase this efficiency at the expense of expansion. I am fairly sure that you may get a bureaucracy warning after your ninth base, but I am not sure. I imagine that you have ways of dealing with unhappiness that are superior to those we Gaians have at our disposal, so this may not be a concern for you.

The mindworms you are encountering are not part of some ‘plot’, but from the Unity pod accident from a long while ago, and possibly the spawning of new mindworms. One of the mindworms tried to cross the bottleneck into our territory almost a decade ago, and it has to be almost 20 years since we opened the pod. The pod itself had eight mindworms in it, which our crew reported before they were overrun. How many worms have you seen, and dispatched? We have taken care of, perhaps, one, so that would leave seven unaccounted for. As far as I know the worms do not reproduce, at least not in the conventional sense, although the do boil out of the fungus when disturbed or if provoked. Have your scout teams been wading through the fungus, and disturbing the mindworms? Regardless, you should have seen at most seven or 8 worms. I’ be curious what your accounting is. We have a rover skirmisher exploring the fungus immediately south and west on the isthmus (and on our side of the line), and I have received no reports of any worm activity. If I seen any I’ll let you know immediately.

Lastly, Miriam in encroaching on territory that Santiago has a loose claim to. Santiago’s bases are so far apart that they are almost un-defendable, and I still do not understand why she has not established more. Miriam is not making that mistake and is rapidly expanding toward and into Santiago’s area. In fact, Miriam’s newest base is within spitting distance of Santiago’s. Santiago needs to get her act together and stop polishing her artillery or Miriam will colonize her territory out from under her. Miriam already has over twice the population of Santiago, and it may take more than simple superior training to overcome that differential. I am mentioning this as a personal favor to you, Chairman, since there is no love lost between Santiago and me. Inform Santiago as you see fit since my conversations with her have always been distasteful.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2160

Governor Skye,

Pravin Lal's forces are putting up a tough battle at his base but I do not expect it to hold out for long. His people fight with a tenacity and determination that Pravin does not deserve. It will be interesting to see hwo quickly these people will mesh into the greater Hive order.

Corazon is very concerned about the continuing spread of Miriam's people as should we all. She seems to show no regard for the established boundaries and continues to gobble chunks of Santiago's land. Corazon is preparing for war and it will be interesting to watch which posses the better military forces. I am sure you would not find Miriam as accommodating if you did not have the Spartans, Peacekeepers and Hive between her and you.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2161

Chairman,

It has historically taken a long time for a conquered people to be assimilated into their host’s society. My guess, based on examples from Earth, is that this time to assimilate is 2 or 3 generations, or about 50 years. Any conqueror needs to be aware of the extra discontent native to a conquered people, and what that means for spending priorities.

For a military genius Santiago is a strategic idiot, and her lack of common sense in settling her territory is likely to cause her considerable problems in the future if she and Miriam have difference of opinion. The boundaries between their peoples are fluid because Santiago doesn’t hold them tightly due to her sparse settlements, and that is her fault alone. This may be a source of conflict. I propose that both of us try to heal any wounds between them, and that if either are so foolish as to try to settle their differences by force that you contact Santiago and I contact Miriam to ask them to pledge a truce before it gets out of hand. This will be for Santiago’s benefit, since she is the weaker party here, but I consider it my duty to do what I can in the interest of peace.

Lastly I have some unfortunate news to report. On of our foils lost heart in its conflict with an isle and was lost. This isle, now severely damaged, is roaming the waters near your, my, and Pravin’s territories. It is much closer to Pravin and me than you, but I thought you should be given ample warning before it shows up on anyone’s door. A replacement foil is being constructed as we speak, but it will be a half dozen years before it is complete. I do have a lesson that I can pass on to you, though. Be sure to equip your foils with empathic ability. I know you consider empaths ‘freaks’, but they can be useful when dealing with mindworms at sea or land. In my opinion it is more important than trance ability since foils are likely to be able to react to an isle, as opposed to passively wait for it to attack. Some Gaian land speeders also have empathic ability, and our garrisons have trance of police, depending on the circumstances.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2161

Governor Skye,

I offer the facilities at the Great Collective if you need them for repair. I have sent orders to them to prepare for a possible visit. Your people would have to stay in separate facilities, of course, and we would provide you with material to do the work. I still consider you a non-combatant in this fray.

Pravin is still putting his heart into the battle but he is losing the war. I keep sending waves of impact speeders that are tearing up his troops. The sad part about this is that while I can afford to devote a fraction of my production effort to this battle it is taking every once of his war machine to just stay in the game. I want to ask you this question and please discuss it with your council. If we were to bring you into the Alliance of Independence would that not send a signal to Pravin that he needs to make peace and soon. Morgan is a joint "pact-mate" so I see no reason why you could not be one as well. This move might push Pravin back to his senses.
If not then we will continue to battle it out till I capture one or two or three of his cities leaving him penniless and without resources. At that time you would only have Morgan as your pact mate and you have already seen how fickle he can be. Please consider this offer.

He worm menace is getting worse. We had a colony pod destroyed just west of Socialism Tunnels. I have ordered the rapid completion of a trance rover to clear a path for future bases and then cleanse the area of worms. I find it still strange that you are not plagued with these attacks and we are! Many in the alliance worry about your growing control over the creatures of this planet. While they pose not a serious risk to our military forces the civilian population is at risk.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2162

Chairman,

I have no explanation as to why you are harried more by mindworms than we are. Part of the reason may be that we typically build roads to our colony sites before the colony pods are set on their way, so their transit time is less. The roads also mean that they have a chance to see the lay of the land, and what might lurk there, before they are committed. The roads give them a chance to retreat if conditions are unfavorable, or they detect a mindworm lurking ahead of them. We have met plenty of worms in open territory we have explored on other continents, and in the wide-open and unclaimed territory north of Pravin and west of Santiago. In these areas we welcome worms that burst from infested Unity pods since they ignore our worms so they get to attack first. Now, this is typically fatal to our rover crews, and several have perished when they opened the wrong pod. My only suggestions are roads and mobile escorts, like rovers. As to life itself, we have no control over it and only occasionally are we able to communicate and establish a relationship with these strange creatures. At last count we have four isles, and a significantly growing number of worms, some of which came with the isles we have captured. I have to tell you that the isles have many terrific benefits, since they can traverse sea fungus with ease, can carry units in their bulk, and can attack other isles, if pressed. They generally do not have to since a foil escorts almost all of our isles, but they can attack if pressed.

I'm afraid I can't join your mutual pact Alliance of Independence at this time. This would be a betrayal of Pravin, and I can only hope that you will resolve your differences soon. This war has dragged on longer than I would have anticipated, and I must say that Pravin's tenacious defense has surprised me. This is even sadder since, as you say, Pravin can hardly afford the losses, and the cost to your people is significant, too. I hope this war ends soon so we can exchange technology. I have been advised that a breakthrough is looming, and it is always regrettable if we duplicate research since that impoverishes us all.

Dee

*~*~*

The Hive, NY 2162

Governor Skye,

Pravin seems to have now ordered his troops to destroy infrastructure improvements near our colony, Great Collective. I would not think Pravin so destructive but he at least allowed the mining teams to leave the structure before destroying it. I have destroyed even more of his probe teams so I can only assume that he his running out of minerals to construct needed military hardware. I am informing you that I have decided to stop trying to contact Pravin since he will not return even one communication. I see that only through action will I get Pravin's attention.

I also expected the campaign to be over by now but fighting an offensive campaign over great distances makes it far more difficult for me than him. However, I am still expanding and growing and more colony pods are moving towards settlement areas while Pravin has yet to build even one in the same time period.

As to the issue of Corazon and Miriam I think it only a matter of time before hostilities break out between them. Corazon might have limitations but once the word is given to go to war Miriam will be hard pressed conducting a long range campaign even further than I am. Spartan Legionaries are the toughest soldiers on this planet and do not underestimate Corazon’s military production prowess.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE

*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2163

Chairman,

Considering you are assaulting Pravin’s base I can hardly blame him attempting retaliation. His forces are holding up well, given his position. Pravin’s choice of building probe teams is a sign of weakness on his part, but not in the way you think. The probe teams are not due to a lack of minerals but a lack of useful military hardware that is available to him to produce. He is still working with lasers, which are only effective against damaged units or units without armor. Probes, as you have found out to your sorrow, have been much more effective for him.

Santiago and Miriam may come to blows, and I certainly hope they do not. Santiago’s problem is that Miriam’s line of support will actually be less than Santiago’s since she is building fairly densely, and has three times the bases Santiago has. That can not be a comforting thought to Santiago.

I have to say I can’t figure Santiago out. I call on her every decade or so, for forms sake, and these little chats have always been unpleasant. She ends up demanding technology, and her mood is uniformly foul. I contacted her this year and she demanded technology, as usual, but then she offered a friendship treaty. I was shocked, but immediately accepted. I have never borne her ill will, and maybe she sees this. Then again, maybe not. It could be a way to generate trade income, and nothing more. Regardless of her motives it is a start.

Our scientists did duplicate research common on Planet, but I can’t say I am sad about it. The elusive technology Planetary Networks is now in our databanks, and I was completely surprised by this breakthrough. I would have expected a more Exploratory technology to come in, and Planetary Networks only has a weak exploratory bend. We have converted the obsolete Merchant Exchange to Virtual World, and will work hard to complete this Project before Morgan. Regrettably I can’t offer this technology to you for several reasons. First, I can’t in good conscience trade any technology to you while your war with Pravin exists. Second, the Council forbids me to do so until the Virtual World is complete. As I have said, I will willingly trade almost any technology with you once the war is over, and regardless I will probably give your people Planetary Networks and Pravin Nonlinear Mathematics. I also contacted Zak and he was, surprisingly, submissive. He willingly traded Advanced Military Algorithms for Centauri Empathy, but I had nothing else of interest to him. Later we linked an artifact to the network node in Gaian’s Landing and had another breakthrough: High Energy Chemistry. He may be willing to trade other technologies for this one. Since this is a defensive technology I am also willing to give this technology to anyone who wants it, providing the trade doesn’t create any conflicts of interest for us.

I hope you war with Pravin is resolved soon, Chairman. Even though you have a much larger resource base I can’t help but think that the productive ability of your people could be allocated to better purposes.

Dee

**Hydro** · May 8, 2002, 14:15

The Hive, MY 2163

Governor Skye,

I doubt there will be any "quick" resolution to this war until one of us gains the upper hand and I doubt that will happen any time soon. It seems that some traitors were easily swayed by Pravin Lal's bribes and he was able to acquire a damaged unarmored laser rover company. I have issued orders to all Thought Guard commanders to eliminate any soldier who seems to be falling under the influence of enemy mind control. Pravin only has two rifle infantry companies garrisoned to protect his base along with a very damaged laser recon rover. I will use my impact rover to destroy the espionage unit next turn and lay siege to the base then when my armored impact rovers come on line I will capture the base. Until now I had hoped that Pravin would eventually see reason but I know believe that this war has taken on a much higher meaning. It has now become a war of dominance and ultimate survival. It will not end quickly or cleanly. I believe now that
any treaty I strike with Pravin will be broken as soon as he sees fit. I see no recourse now but to switch the entire production effort of the Hive to maximum war material output. Once I am building 3 to 4 rovers for every one of his the tide of war will turn and I will have won. In order that massive expense of this campaign will be "offset" I have mapped out the following strategy. I will leave Pravin with his precious UNHQ command base and the far northern base and perhaps the base just to the west of UNHQ but all others will fall under my control. I feel that this will in essence deprive him of the ability to make a further menace of himself and if he does try again I will take another and then another till all he is left with is his headquarters. I will honor my promise and not destroy and capture Pravin, as much as I would like to, but rather leave him impotent and sterile, devoid of the ability to be a leader of this planet, this will be a much greater punishment then anything I could devise. I think I could not devise a more humiliating defeat then Pravin Lal sitting in his lone base behind an empty table where at one time the other colony administrators sat dreaming of past glowers and drinking in the sour wine of defeat daily. This is the lot Pravin has chosen and I doubt he will be change the course of events.

The Hive will prosper, it grows daily, it builds weapons of war and goods for its citizens and it will win this war.

Chairman Yang,
HIVE.

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2164

Chairman,

I am glad you have spoken your mind on your current hostilities with Pravin, and I think I understand you much more clearly. Your ‘solution’ to your war with Pravin seems to be, in my opinion, harsh. It is equally unfortunate that you see this war extending for a long period of time since, during this period, I will not be able to trade technology with you.

An event has occurred that you should be aware of. One of the Gaian mindworms that was exploring the unclaimed territory north of Pravin’s territory slipped through a dimensional rift and landed next to Pravin’s second largest base. Pravin took this opportunity to discuss the hostilities he is going through. He has, as you can imagine, a dim view of the constant attack he was been under, and a remarkably short memory as to why you might be the aggrieved party. He demanded that I give him Nonlinear Mathematics to allow him to defend himself and, considering the statements in your last message, I agreed. He also transferred to me your files on Polymorphic Software. I am well aware of your feelings on this, and know you will have cause to be upset. However, know this: I am willing to grant you any technology I have when your conflict with Pravin is over in compensation, except Planetary Networks. I have convinced the Council that, due to all your trouble, that you are due Planetary Networks as a gift after the Virtual World is done or nearly complete. The Council has also agreed to gift you High Energy Chemistry. Again, this is all contingent on a quick and equitable resolution to your conflict with Pravin.

Our mindworm will stay in Pravin’s second largest base as an insurance policy. If you attack this base, you will attack this mindworm and, by extension, the Gaians. I encourage you to some to terms with Pravin in a manner that will leave him more than his capital. Dragging this conflict longer is in no one’s interest, and once you have Planetary Networks you can defend yourself against Pravins black suited sneaks. He is already much smaller and less powerful than you, and reducing him in such a way serves no good purpose. The combination of your natural perimeter defense and plasma armor will render you immune from any attack Pravin might take, and defensive probes will mean that Pravin’s sneaks won’t be able to prey on you, as they have in the past. In short, with a little preparation Pravin will cease to be a threat.

I have one other bit of information for you, Chairman. It seems that Sister Miriam has 15 bases, and nine completed colony pods waiting to establish new bases. Nine! She also has two or three more colony pods in production. Did I mention she has the largest army on Planet? If this doesn’t alarm you, it should; it has lifted the veils from my and the Council’s eyes, and it is the reason that the Council has authorized the gifting of these technologies to you. While I don’t consider Miriam a threat yet, she is clearly an expansionist. Now, you may ask, why do I mention this to you? Your war with Pravin has diverted too much of your resources that could have gone into expansion and infrastructure. While the cause of your war is justified, if you are diverted too long you will fall way behind expansionists such as Miriam. Gaian policy has already changed, and we are producing colony pods again, just to keep up with Miriam. I encourage you to do the same. There may come a day when your conflict with Pravin will look less important than it does now, especially if Miriam ascends to dominance through aggressive colonization of the contiguous land mass we all live on. I also fear for Santiago and will have to contact her soon to gift her High Energy Chemistry (or I could give it to you so you could trade technology with her – your choice).

Chairman, the Gaians are willing to make much of the wrong done to you right. With your war with Pravin behind you then you can bolster your defenses and continue the expansion that you have mentioned is necessary. The Gaians Council will fully support you in your efforts, and all we ask is that you take our offer to heart.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2164

Governor Skye,

I see that you have finally come to your senses Deirdre! Do you think for the past 10 turns Pravin and myself have been playing at paper dolls? You could have stopped your "pact-mate" from this deadly course in the first place but you choose not to. Now that it is only a matter of time before I reduce him and his people to paupers you finally decide to weigh in and your first actions are to arm him with more weapons and better weapons so that he can continue the war with me, very nice indeed. Why not just attack me yourself? Would that not have been easier, but of course, you Gaians don't have the stomach for it, do you? Now that your genetic freaks bring back information about the impending onslaught of the Believers, something that my Alliance and I warned you about many turns ago, you now decided that you need the Hive and her allies to help stop Miriam. I really don't know what to say Deirdre except that you could not have made a worse mess out of this if you had tried.

First, I have tried to contact Pravin for many, many turns and he never responds and then just this turn he does and guess what he demands, reparations for the damages I have done him. I was so shocked by his incredulous statement that I almost ordered a full-scale assault regardless of the consequences, but I regained my composure. He then demands my files on optical computers to settle the vendetta. Do you seriously think I would accept such an offer? Do you think me MAD!? I don't know what you and Pravin cooked up but I can only guess that perhaps you are on Miriam's payroll. The only way I will offer a "token" gift to Pravin in order to end this conflict will be as follows:

1) You, our your pact-mates, transfer 100 energy credits to my account (payable over several turns)
2) I will be compensated for the three technologies stolen and including the "token" technology I will have to transfer to Pravin to end this conflict for a total of four. I will need the plasma energy files, 2 other technologies and the files to create espionage units.
3) Your promise to put your troops on the border (on the Peacekeeper side) between the
Peacekeepers and Hive and should any Peacekeeper attempt to cross the border you would stop them. Or your promise that I can station troops on the border and should I intercept any Peacekeeper soldiers or colony pods I can destroy them at will without worrying about reprisals from you or your pact.

I have little room to negotiate but I warn you I will not go much farther than I have stated above. If you agree you will have to contact Pravin quickly and force him to listen to me so that I am not just talking to thin air.

In closing I wish to leave you with this thought. I wonder at times if this had been your plan all along Deirdre to create this conflict so you could go about your merry way and build and expand while I was forced into a war of attrition with Pravin. I think this gives you too much credit since, in my opinion, an incompetent could only have created the current situation I am in. Lastly, I want you to know that should I feel that this whole negotiation is about to fall through remember one of the first things I told you: I will do everything I can to insure that the Hive will survive and the grand experiment will continue...

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2165

Chairman,

You are correct that I am only now realizing what a threat the Believers could become. However, she is not a threat now, and all these discussions are hypothetical. My main concern is the rate of growth and the imbalance that might cause, particularly for Santiago. You can cloak that concern however you wish.

Your war with Pravin only concerns me inasmuch as it saps both of your strength. You have lost any number of troops in your assault on Pravin’s southern city, and I will take no blame for that. Indeed, I have supported you in your indignation all along, since what Pravin did was wrong. There was no plot on my part, just a growing frustration since I can’t make either of you do anything and events seemed to drive themselves.

Now, to your demands. The first demand is doable. I have found that being Planetary Governor has increased my energy reserves, and I will be willing to transfer 20 credits per year to you for each of five years, for a total of 100 energy. The second demand is somewhat problematic since I only have three technologies you do not have: Planetary Networks, High Energy Chemistry and Centauri Empathy. I am willing to give these to you as compensation for what Pravin stole. Pravin’s demand for a tribute technology falls on its face, and since I have given him several technologies in the past you can ignore this demand of his. Your last demand is not workable. I can station troops on Pravin’s border, but since I am a pactmate I cannot attack them, be they probes or regular troops. My troops will not impede his in any way, so I do not see how this will work. What will work is for you to station sentinel troops such that you will see any military units or sneaks that try to cross. You might want to station these in forests with sensors to give them maximum defensive advantage. The borders themselves I cannot guarantee, and all I can suggest is that you build colony pods and build it near his border to solidify it. You do not want to be in the situation of Santiago who nominally controls a lot of territory, but which shrinks when someone plants a base anywhere in the vicinity because her pitifully few bases hold it so loosely. The energy I will give you should compensate your bases for these expenditures, and you will have these troops soon enough with your massive military building program. After plasma armor and defensive probes augment these measures then you should be all but impenetrable.

What I will do is call up Pravin and ask him to offer you a truce. I do not know if this will work since I do not know who started the hostilities, although I think it was you when you attacked his colony pod. If you declared vendetta then you will have to wait until Pravin will talk to you again. I have no idea when this will be, but he is livid toward you at the moment since you have been attacking him for a decade, and have cost him much. I cannot force him to talk to you, or force him to allow you to talk to him. But, if for whatever reason you get a chance to chat, offer him a truce or accept his offer of a truce. When the truce goes into effect this ‘deal’ goes into effect.

As to destroying Pravin’s units, if you do this you will be at war with Pravin again. Considering what the Gaians are sacrificing for this peace I will look at such an act as with a jaundiced eye. That said, you would need to make sure there are no more probe incidents by properly defending your holdings from Pravin’s marauding sneaks. Sentinels will do at the beginning, and later the probes I mentioned. I will keep you updated on how many sneaks Pravin has or is building. Perhaps Pravin will think twice about when he sees a half dozen impact infantry and speeders facing him.

One last item. You might want to consider double stacking your units. This will prevent any bribing, like what happened to your laser rover. Also, forests and fungus do a wonderful job in hanging up those nasty sneaks. If they can’t get to you in one turn you can intercept them, and prevent any state secrets from falling into Pravin’s hands.

Dee

**Hydro** · May 8, 2002, 14:16

The Hive, MY 2165

Governor Skye,

I have at last made peace with Pravin Lal. I required that he remove his probe teams and some puny infantry units from Hive territory and he agreed. I did have to transfer to him the data on optical computers to allow him to save face in light of almost loosing this war.

So I will expect the first installment of energy credits and technology immediately. I also ask that you transmit the information on anti-espionage units immediately. I need this data to reinforce my bases from further attacks. I might have to wait a considerable time until you complete your project, while in the meantime, it might embolden Pravin to try his sneak attacks again, which could start another incident. Since your freaks keep you up to date on the status of our colonies I doubt that we would be able to "crash" build the virtual world before you could complete it, agreed? So I see no reason why you could not transmit the data now so that I can build anti-espionage units and protect my bases. The plan you laid out would require me to commit large amount of military equipment and troops to maintain the border and build very expensive fortifications to house them. Of course, while all this goes on Pravin can sneak through and infiltrate my cities. So I think the solution is very simple transmit all the data now. If you are short a technology then you can "owe me" when you unlock another secret in your labs.

As to my third request. I will hold fire on Pravin but only if we are understood that each "incursion" if not stopped will result in additional compensation to me. I can see this as the only way I can reach a final understanding to this problem. If I continue to allow Pravin to penetrate my borders the other leaders that might embolden them to attack me will see me as weak and failing. So I must show that with each non-attack I am being the wise leader, the greater leader.

Corazon and I have already talked and I plan on giving her every once of support I can to withstand Miriam for surely the hammer will fall soon and even if she had worked as hard as you or me Miriam would be a devastating opponent to face. Even with our help my scientists inform me that she will most certainly fail, in time, and time is what we all need right now, is it not Deirdre? I have taken the communication a while back when you told me how you and your council laughed and laughed about the events and secrets your freaks had uncovered. I wonder if you are still laughing knowing that your plan is to sacrifice thousands of Spartans to buy you the time to settle the inter-faction fighting and build up your allies to help support the inevitable conflict between you and Miriam. I wonder do you still sit and drink wine and watch the sunset as it turns blood red and does it remind you of the blood that will soon be lost. I now think that perhaps you might have grown into a true leader of people, one willing to sacrifice thousands to save millions. Always remember I will do whatever it takes to preserve the Hive just as you are doing now.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2166

Chairman,

All the data files, our latest maps, and the energy are in our latest transmission. I agree with your assessment of needing some probe defenses now, and the Virtual World is almost complete. One word of warning, however - Pravin has 5 active probe teams, 4 of which are unaccounted for. He also has 4 in production. I STRONGLY encourage you to post a few sentries one or two sectors away from your bases, particularly those in the northern part of your territory. The land there is flat, and there is nothing to keep a few sneaks from darting in and causing mischief. I don’t know what chaos Pravin might cause, but I imagine that he might have other ideas, so keep up your guard.

You will note that my map files will show considerably more information that what you may already have. Specifically, it shows all of the Believer bases and where they are with respect to Santiago, and how Santiago’s territory is being absorbed as Miriam expands. He established her 16th base this last year, and it caught one of my mindworms off guard. She even has a pod nearby, so my poor mindworm is likely to be hemmed in soon, and its presence is likely to be seen by Miriam as “poaching” on her new territory. She was nowhere nearby when I started exploring, and then the bases were there. Our foils and isles have also explored considerable amounts of the Sea of Knowledge, and the outlines of our western coast are more apparent now.

You now have all the technology I had as of this year, and you may want to gift some to Santiago. If you decline let me know and I will do so. The last time I called on Santiago she was actually civil. She had no interest in trading technology (which is her loss), but at least she didn’t threaten my people, or have some harsh things to say.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2166

Governor Skye,

I thought I had already accepted the settlement but for some reason you are still witholding the technology and energy credits from him, may I ask why? I have reports from my commanders of numerous probe teams that once again have crossed the border but so far the military units I have positioned have thwarted his attempts, but that can not last forever. I can not allow Pravin to continue to send probe units into my territory! I need the anti-espionage files and I need them now!

Until you and your Gaian administrators are able to complete the exchange I believe we have little to discuss.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

PS-Withdraw the isle of the deep that is sitting off the coastline of Society grid. I see no reason for your creature to be so close to Hive territory, withdraw at once!

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2167

Chairman,

Please accept my apologies on my lack of forethought on the energy and data transmission. You will note that this year’s allotment of energy is also included, and this has been pre-accepted to speed delivery. I have also ‘convinced’ the Council to include an extra 20 energy to compensate you for the delay. You should receive 60 energy from Gaian coffers this year.

The isle has been withdrawn. It was only exploring, as it has been told to do, and it meant no harm to you.

Lastly, Pravin still has 5 sneaks and all of them are unaccounted for. His southern-most base will finish another probe team next year. So, please consider my suggestion to have a picket out to guard against any further foolishness by Pravin.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2167

Governor Skye,

I accept your additional compensation for my troubles, and, I thank you. I am working as quickly as possible to "stabilize" my border with Pravin Lal. I had to return to the Peacekeeper border guards several espionage units that we had captured while trying to penetrate our defenses, returned unharmed but slightly bruised. I have nearly all of my Thought Guards stationed along the border with Pravin with the hopes that they will intercept any further probes. However, this has left me with almost no internal protection forces except for my Hive Garrisons and several recon rovers equipped with psionic defense gear. I have issued orders to almost every base adjutant that as soon as they complete current projects all production is to be switched over to making the anti-espionage units. I am also planning to expand as quickly as possible to my west up to the mountain peaks of the great mountain range. I plan on establishing a series of fortifications and sensors that will form a wall to our north and west. Essentially, the Hive will become your great western wall against any invasion that might come from further west will have to break first. I plan on occupying the heights as quickly as possible so that we command the highest points of that range. I doubt Provost Zakharov will not argue too much since I am still honoring the intent of our agreement not to expand any further west of the mountain range.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2168

Chairman,

We finished the Virtual World, and I was so busy exploring its features I think I forgot to ensure your payment was sent. Never fear. I will send you the balance, in full, next year.

It is too bad that Pravin feels the need to test your defenses as he does. I have no idea what he is trying to prove, except that he can irritate you and divert you attention and production. I think that in a little while your defenses will be such that he can send over all the sneaks he wants, and that you will be able to send them back without any real threat to you resources.

I’m glad you are planning to expand. There is much unclaimed territory, and much of it has a lot of potential. Zak seems perfectly happy with his few bases in the uranium flats, and you are undoubtedly right that he will have no objection. In fact, he may appreciate your proximity if he has a problem.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2168

Governor Skye,

Pravin continues to send more probe teams towards my bases for what reasons I still can not fathom. While the Hive continues to expand, we will establish two more bases next turn, the Peacekeepers still seem to be stagnate. None of my social scientists can explain Pravin's irrational tactics but I am beginning to suspect that he might be getting assistance
from the good Sister Miriam. I am ordering my intelligence machinery to begin collecting as much data on Sister Miriam and her followers. Should I determine that he is getting aid from her then I will expect that you will act accordingly.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

*~*~*~*

Gaia’s Landing, MY 2169

Chairman,

I didn’t forget this time. Your 60 energy credits are attached.

I looked into your suspicion about Pravin and Miriam and, as a result of my snooping, don’t think they are plotting together. They don’t even have a treaty of friendship, much less a more elaborate strategic relationship. The only person Miriam has seen fit to have a treaty with is me. Imagine - a devote Christian having a friendship treaty with a heathen? She has to know of Santiago by now, and both of them must have their reasons for not pursuing an understanding. Miriam is hard to figure out, and some days it hurts to try.

Dee

*~*~*~*

The Hive, MY 2169

Governor Skye,

I am uploading new map data so that you are aware of two new bases we have established. I have completed some long term plans to build up our western and northern border as I had discussed earlier and we should start that within the next three turns. After that things should proceed very quickly with the establishment of three mountain bases and several more bases in the foot hills below. Along with these bases will be a whole array of fixed fortifications and sensor arrays manned by elite Thought Guard units.

Pravin still tries to continue his "sneak attacks" on our bases and I am forced to return his teams to the border guards only slightly worse for the wear, shall we say. Each and every day that passes I think Pravin is loosing his grip on reality. Why hasn't the man expanded!? If Pravin should loose even one base the effect of such a loss would be enormous. I see now why you wished me to refrain from taking even one base from him.

Lastly, I have to report that I have not been able to set-up a meeting with Corazon. She is in the field conducting training missions and from what I have been told in depth reconnaissance of Miriam's territory. I hope that she does not trigger an incident yet when she is still ill prepared for the hammer of Miriam's soldiers.

Chairman Yang
HIVE

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