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The Hive, MY 2237
Governor Skye,
I found your last transmission very interesting and informative. I believe that my one time underling stated that we were set to build 5 planet busters, for only defensive measures. With that in mind I will accept 5 technologies in exchange for the Hive not to build the five planned planet busters. Before we make any final agreements I must make the following stipulation though. If you and I agree not to build planet busters than we must persuade the other leaders to follow suit or if they can not be persuaded then we must do so by force of arms until they do. This "persuasion" can take many forms such as espionage tactics to out right military intervention and the seizure of those bases trying to build them. I have been told by some of my space engineers that eventually they will be able to make orbital defensive satellites that will be able to intercept incoming missiles but for now we must rely on our ability to enforce ourselves. Once we have the orbital technology then this issue is mute since only an idiot would waste the energy, time and minerals in building them only to have them destroyed by something that costs only a fraction of the price to a build planet buster. If you will not agree to this stipulation then I can not agree to your terms and I will build planet busters as planned. What I fear, and I fear few things on planet, is that somehow a small power like Miriam or Corazon or even Nwabudike will acquire the technology and should they become mired in a conflict they can not resolve that they would resort to using these weapons as a means of last resort. Simply put if they are on the brink of losing all they have worked or they might become so desperate to believe that the short term benefit outweighs the long term impact. However, if I also have planet busters and they know that any use of them would result in immediate destruction then the short term benefit is deleted from the equation and in theory planet busters neutralize each other.
If you do agree to my terms then the five technologies I wish are as follows:
Nano-metallurgy
Unified Field theory
Neural Grafting
Probability mechanics
Advanced Eco. Engineering
I have little else to report this turn other than the Hive continues to expand and we will soon have a sea base located just south of your most western base that sits next to the undeveloped territory. I have one question to put to you and that is as follows: my planet engineers who visited your scientists have suggested that this small continent might be better used if we do not use it at all. By leaving some of planet undeveloped" it might "ease" the effects we have done to planet. I for one might agree, not for these reasons, but more for the fact that it is too far away for proper Hive supervision. However, some of the data I have been shown is interesting. I have made it a point to build a thermal borehole for almost every city/base the Hive has and this excess energy might start to melt the polar caps and flood planet. This concerns me greatly, should it actually happen, since many Hive cities are located below 1000 meters. What is your assessment of this suggestion.
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2238
Chairman,
I accept your proposal and have attached the requested technological specification to this transmission. In addition I have attached the specs for Self Aware Machines, which we were finally able to understand as a result of the insights gained from the Universal Translator. This means that we will be able to build Orbital Defense Pods, and that will make us both secure against the event that some rogue faction decides to build and use a planetbuster.
One thing you should know: your old friend Zak is building a Planetbuster. What is laughable is that he is building it in a size 3 base and that it will take him 42 years to complete. A lot can change in 40-odd years, so I don’t think you need fear him. Moreover, I expect that you will have layered orbital defense pod defenses up by then, rendering any threat he might present moot.
I can help clarify your concerns about global pollution and the rising sea levels it might cause. Exceeding your mineral output at a single base, and to a lesser extent base improvements, causes global pollution. If you have no or little pollution then there will be no buildup that might trigger a global warming cycle. At your suggestion I did a little survey and none of the other factions have bases that are causing any significant pollution. No Gaian bases have caused any pollution in a long time, although we did have a few fungal blooms a while ago during our first population boom caused mineral production to get out of control. I didn’t check your bases, but I would hope your base administrators have pollution under control. So, if there is no pollution there is no global sea rise. Even if there is there may be time to get a solar shade in place, although that can have unpredictable effects. It is best not to cause the pollution in the first place.
Take care, Chairman,
Dee
*~*~*~*
The Hive MY2238
Governor Skye,
It seems that Pravin Lal has now resorted to the stealing of equipment. I shall have to teach him a lesson on manners it seems. The man is amazing to me in some respects, faced with the cold reality of his own failure as a leader, he still tries to grasp at some faint hope of glory to relieve his suffering mind. I am not sure if I pity him more for his failed grand vision of humanity or despise him for his lack of strength to make it reality.
We established our second plateau base and I do believe it will be vast source of energy for the Hive. For some strange reason it seems to be a focal point of energy for this planet and the few energy collectors we assumed control of are barely able to handle the energy flow.
I am now faced with a situation that I am rarely, well, to be frank, have never been in. It seems that with the technical information you transmitted part of it included plans on the self aware computer system. I see this technology as one of the most important discoveries ever presented to the Hive. I have ordered that ALL resources be made available to complete this project as quickly as possible ( and currently we are on track to complete it in less than 4 turns, using all available resources each turn ). Then to my dismay I was told by a administrative bio-prod that you also were working on this project . I am curious as to why the Gaians would even be interested in this technology since it has such devastating implications to the basic principals of freedom that you so loudly expound upon! So I set this problem to my social engineers to unravel and much to their dismay and their fear, it seems, could not find a reason as to why the Gaians would want such a technology. So as I stated earlier I am put into a situation I rarely if ever have been in, to ASK why? The implications this technology has for the Hive are all but incredible. I will now have the ability to have complete control over my bio-prods and increase the acceleration of my most valuable and awe inspiring dream, the new man. I have always lacked the ability to "grasp" the whole of my society and re-work it to my needs, my vision. This technology will allow me to do just that. I state this as simple fact since I hope that even your most dense empathic freaks have updated you and kept you abreast of how the Hive operates. So we come to the "crux" of this issue. I am willing to negotiate, well something, in exchange for the Hive's exclusive rights to this project. I suppose I might have just answered my own question as to why you wish this technology, as a bartering chip. I would find it hard to accept that you, the lady Deirdre Skye, would condone such a technology that allows the state such enormous powers of control and order when you prize freedom and openness more than anything. So, state your terms for this exchange and we can then begin to negotiate. You have in essence made a successful middle gambit move and forced me to come to terms, well done, I would not have thought you had such guile.
Lastly, I did try to talk with Zakhrov about his planet buster and I am not sure what effect it had. I almost think of all the leaders on this planet that he would be the most likely to use such a weapon. I am sure you might think that I might be the most likely culprit to do so, but, such an analysis would only be cursory at best and lack depth of thought.
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2239
Chairman,
You are correct in your observation of our society and we have stopped building the Self Aware Colony. The Council has authorized us to switch to the Nano Factory, which was completed this year.
In keeping with that thought our society has evolved into Eudiamonia, which will allow our citizens to fulfill their full potential to the benefit of themselves and our society. Already he have seen a tremendous boost in our energy production, industrial output, and growth. Our military has suffered, however, and I don’t think my generals are too keen on the fixation on individuality, regardless of the benefits it brings.
Also, all of our Talents have become Transcendi, which is the ultimate expression of empathic ability. These special beings are no longer confined to corporal bodies. Some live as disembodied consciousnesses within computer systems, and it is rumored that a few have even evolved into beings of almost pure energy. This seems to fit well with Eudiamonia, since it is the ultimate expression of a free society.
We transferred another base to Santiago this last year, and the last base to be transferred will occur next year. If peace is maintained in that sad portion of the Santiago’s continent we will be better for it. I formed a new base for Miriam on one of the small islands. More will be created, and these will be gifted to Miriam.
Lastly, I strongly encourage you to build a few orbital defense pods right away. It seems that planetbusters are popular right now, and that Morgan is building one now. It will take 18 years to complete, but that a weak insurance policy against disaster. The first few Gaian ODPs are or will be deployed in the next few years.
Dee
*~*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2239
Governor Skye,
I am pleased that we were able to work out an "agreement" on the self aware computer technology. I suspect, though you will surely not admit it, all part of your plan to force me into asking for your agreement on this technology. I will not underestimate you again in this regard.
I was contacted by Sister Miriam and it is seems my air patrols in her area are "un-nerving" her fellow brethren and she asked very forcible for me to stop. I agreed this time. It seems Miriam is positioning more of her troops to converge on the plateau area. The control of this area is becoming the key "high ground" in this area since it forces both Miriam and Corazon to go around rather than over.
I have little else to report other than we have developed attack helicopters and they should prove to be very powerful tools on this planet. I suspect that with your advanced economic and scientific prowess you too will discover this technology soon.
I have been wondering if it would be possible for us to explore a "pact" arrangement as well. I would be curious if you would like to investigate this option??
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2240
Chairman,
I hope you can resolve your territory disputes with Miriam peaceably. She seems much more amenable to reason since she was shorn of her offensive ability, and to be honest she isn’t the threat she once was.
In the last decade or so I have appreciated your willingness to listen to the Gaian point of view, even if you haven’t always agreed with it. We have always come to a reasonable understanding, and been able to find middle ground. So, I think it is appropriate that we Pact, if you are willing. Together we can help the other factions, who are so often busy squabbling that they fail to see the end goal, or how to achieve their own goals. Shall we lead together?
Dee
*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2240
Governor Skye,
It seems Sister Miriam believes that she has caught me off guard and has decided to launch a "sneak attack" and storm the high plateau region, the fool. I intend now to conquer her territory and end her sad and pathetic religion once and for all.
I have much planning to do so I will be brief. We have completed the self aware technology and it should be most useful when we capture those Believer bases.
Once I have more time next turn, I will write more.
Lastly, that fool Morgan wants to melt the polar caps. The IDIOT! His territory sits no higher than mine and he would soon find his precious Morgan bases becoming akin to the mythic city of Atlantis!
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2241
Chairman,
Why did you call for the solar shade to be launched? I wasn’t aware that a period of global warming had started, and launching a solar shade can have dire consequences, such as lowering of sea levels, desertification, and the disruption of rainfall patterns. By the time the vote got to me it was clear your proposal would fail since there was only one other supporter- Lal. Since I saw no need to enact such a serious measure so I voted against it.
By the way, I checked on Morgan and he has one base that is producing 6 pollution. While this is unfortunate, it seems unlikely that it would cause sufficient pollution to trigger a cycle of warming. As I mentioned, no Gaian bases are causing pollution. I checked a few of yours and they don’t seem to be causing pollution, either. I will look into the matter more in the coming year.
It seems Miriam will never learn. I called on her to ask that she call off her vendetta, but she was intransigent. Apparently Santiago declared war with you, so the hot war is on. I see no way Miriam can defend her remaining bases near yours so I have ordered our troops to pull back so there isn’t a misunderstanding, and a spate of unfortunate collateral damage. Miriam’s remaining bases in her original territory are under my protection. She has exactly two, plus a few bases I will have constructed for her safely on a remote island. Our former Believer bases will not be constructing a mag tube system, so you won’t have to worry about these two bases forming an army against you. Plus, I noted that your plateau base is well defended, so I doubt you have much to worry about anyway.
We completed the Xenoempathy Dome last year. I’ve wanted to complete it for a long while, but the Council always overrode me with arguments of re-allocation of resources or that, once we build it, we will not longer be able to recruit ferals to our cause. Finally I persuaded a few critical holdouts that we really don’t need the ferals anymore. We can construct any mindworm vectors we might need, and we have a significant army of mindworms and isles in the field already. Moreover, any offensive ability the mindworms may have had has been long eclipsed by technology, both for offense and defense. Gaia’s Landing has started the Space Elevator, which the Council believes will allow us to gain some parity with your advantage in space.
Lastly, now that we are Pacted I invite you to examine all of our cities to your heart’s content. I have had an unfair intelligence advantage for a long while since my empaths have been able to see where you could not, and once we constructed the Hunter Seeker Algorithm you couldn’t penetrate our security. We have nothing to hide, and if you have any questions I will be happy to answer them.
Dee
*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2241
Governor Skye,
It was not ME who initiated that planet council, but Morgan. I also believe the vote was to "melt the ice cap" not launch a solar shade. I think you and your council have been sitting too long on your patios drinking fungal wine.
I see that Lal is now building a prototype of a needle jet. I can not allow him to do so. I intend to launch a series of raids to suspend his operations in this field.
Once again I have little time this turn. Morgan contacted me when a cruiser of his encountered a shard foil on patrol in the sea between us. He made some demand to exchange high level technology for some feeble technology about Centauri Psi. I turned him down and he then ordered his cruiser to sink my foil. I fully intend to have that cruiser destroyed next turn. The war with Miriam should not last long and the addition of her bases in that area should only enhance my energy reserves.
I did order some of my economic engineers to investigate your city structures and we found them for the most part very ordinary when compared to Hive cities.
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2242
Chairman,
Well, when the proposal was put in front of me it clearly said that Chairman Yang proposed a Solar Shade. If you didn’t propose it then I am doubly glad that it wasn’t approved.
We completed the Space Elevator this last year, and we will start a full-scale satellite-building program. I don’t think it will take long to maximize the utilization of the resources in space! In this respect you have lead the way.
Many of our cities have started Habitation Domes, which will allow unprecedented growth. Indeed, with the addition of a significant number of sky hydroponics satellites growth of cities should be significant. Also, we have now started replacing forests with fungal beds. Production from the fungus now frequently exceeds that of forests, even with hybrid forest enhancements.
I also want to tell you that my scientists revealed something disturbing – we now have the ability to form and control a micro singularity. You can guess what some of the implications might be, both civilian and, unfortunately, military. I imagine that a stasis singularity AAA defender within a base and an aerospace facility will prove all but impossible to deal with since by aircraft it will have a defense factor of 144! The best fusion shard needle only has an attack factor of 26! This will also allow the construction of a singularity planetbuster, which is a scary thought.
Dee
Governor Skye,
I found your last transmission very interesting and informative. I believe that my one time underling stated that we were set to build 5 planet busters, for only defensive measures. With that in mind I will accept 5 technologies in exchange for the Hive not to build the five planned planet busters. Before we make any final agreements I must make the following stipulation though. If you and I agree not to build planet busters than we must persuade the other leaders to follow suit or if they can not be persuaded then we must do so by force of arms until they do. This "persuasion" can take many forms such as espionage tactics to out right military intervention and the seizure of those bases trying to build them. I have been told by some of my space engineers that eventually they will be able to make orbital defensive satellites that will be able to intercept incoming missiles but for now we must rely on our ability to enforce ourselves. Once we have the orbital technology then this issue is mute since only an idiot would waste the energy, time and minerals in building them only to have them destroyed by something that costs only a fraction of the price to a build planet buster. If you will not agree to this stipulation then I can not agree to your terms and I will build planet busters as planned. What I fear, and I fear few things on planet, is that somehow a small power like Miriam or Corazon or even Nwabudike will acquire the technology and should they become mired in a conflict they can not resolve that they would resort to using these weapons as a means of last resort. Simply put if they are on the brink of losing all they have worked or they might become so desperate to believe that the short term benefit outweighs the long term impact. However, if I also have planet busters and they know that any use of them would result in immediate destruction then the short term benefit is deleted from the equation and in theory planet busters neutralize each other.
If you do agree to my terms then the five technologies I wish are as follows:
Nano-metallurgy
Unified Field theory
Neural Grafting
Probability mechanics
Advanced Eco. Engineering
I have little else to report this turn other than the Hive continues to expand and we will soon have a sea base located just south of your most western base that sits next to the undeveloped territory. I have one question to put to you and that is as follows: my planet engineers who visited your scientists have suggested that this small continent might be better used if we do not use it at all. By leaving some of planet undeveloped" it might "ease" the effects we have done to planet. I for one might agree, not for these reasons, but more for the fact that it is too far away for proper Hive supervision. However, some of the data I have been shown is interesting. I have made it a point to build a thermal borehole for almost every city/base the Hive has and this excess energy might start to melt the polar caps and flood planet. This concerns me greatly, should it actually happen, since many Hive cities are located below 1000 meters. What is your assessment of this suggestion.
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2238
Chairman,
I accept your proposal and have attached the requested technological specification to this transmission. In addition I have attached the specs for Self Aware Machines, which we were finally able to understand as a result of the insights gained from the Universal Translator. This means that we will be able to build Orbital Defense Pods, and that will make us both secure against the event that some rogue faction decides to build and use a planetbuster.
One thing you should know: your old friend Zak is building a Planetbuster. What is laughable is that he is building it in a size 3 base and that it will take him 42 years to complete. A lot can change in 40-odd years, so I don’t think you need fear him. Moreover, I expect that you will have layered orbital defense pod defenses up by then, rendering any threat he might present moot.
I can help clarify your concerns about global pollution and the rising sea levels it might cause. Exceeding your mineral output at a single base, and to a lesser extent base improvements, causes global pollution. If you have no or little pollution then there will be no buildup that might trigger a global warming cycle. At your suggestion I did a little survey and none of the other factions have bases that are causing any significant pollution. No Gaian bases have caused any pollution in a long time, although we did have a few fungal blooms a while ago during our first population boom caused mineral production to get out of control. I didn’t check your bases, but I would hope your base administrators have pollution under control. So, if there is no pollution there is no global sea rise. Even if there is there may be time to get a solar shade in place, although that can have unpredictable effects. It is best not to cause the pollution in the first place.
Take care, Chairman,
Dee
*~*~*~*
The Hive MY2238
Governor Skye,
It seems that Pravin Lal has now resorted to the stealing of equipment. I shall have to teach him a lesson on manners it seems. The man is amazing to me in some respects, faced with the cold reality of his own failure as a leader, he still tries to grasp at some faint hope of glory to relieve his suffering mind. I am not sure if I pity him more for his failed grand vision of humanity or despise him for his lack of strength to make it reality.
We established our second plateau base and I do believe it will be vast source of energy for the Hive. For some strange reason it seems to be a focal point of energy for this planet and the few energy collectors we assumed control of are barely able to handle the energy flow.
I am now faced with a situation that I am rarely, well, to be frank, have never been in. It seems that with the technical information you transmitted part of it included plans on the self aware computer system. I see this technology as one of the most important discoveries ever presented to the Hive. I have ordered that ALL resources be made available to complete this project as quickly as possible ( and currently we are on track to complete it in less than 4 turns, using all available resources each turn ). Then to my dismay I was told by a administrative bio-prod that you also were working on this project . I am curious as to why the Gaians would even be interested in this technology since it has such devastating implications to the basic principals of freedom that you so loudly expound upon! So I set this problem to my social engineers to unravel and much to their dismay and their fear, it seems, could not find a reason as to why the Gaians would want such a technology. So as I stated earlier I am put into a situation I rarely if ever have been in, to ASK why? The implications this technology has for the Hive are all but incredible. I will now have the ability to have complete control over my bio-prods and increase the acceleration of my most valuable and awe inspiring dream, the new man. I have always lacked the ability to "grasp" the whole of my society and re-work it to my needs, my vision. This technology will allow me to do just that. I state this as simple fact since I hope that even your most dense empathic freaks have updated you and kept you abreast of how the Hive operates. So we come to the "crux" of this issue. I am willing to negotiate, well something, in exchange for the Hive's exclusive rights to this project. I suppose I might have just answered my own question as to why you wish this technology, as a bartering chip. I would find it hard to accept that you, the lady Deirdre Skye, would condone such a technology that allows the state such enormous powers of control and order when you prize freedom and openness more than anything. So, state your terms for this exchange and we can then begin to negotiate. You have in essence made a successful middle gambit move and forced me to come to terms, well done, I would not have thought you had such guile.
Lastly, I did try to talk with Zakhrov about his planet buster and I am not sure what effect it had. I almost think of all the leaders on this planet that he would be the most likely to use such a weapon. I am sure you might think that I might be the most likely culprit to do so, but, such an analysis would only be cursory at best and lack depth of thought.
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2239
Chairman,
You are correct in your observation of our society and we have stopped building the Self Aware Colony. The Council has authorized us to switch to the Nano Factory, which was completed this year.
In keeping with that thought our society has evolved into Eudiamonia, which will allow our citizens to fulfill their full potential to the benefit of themselves and our society. Already he have seen a tremendous boost in our energy production, industrial output, and growth. Our military has suffered, however, and I don’t think my generals are too keen on the fixation on individuality, regardless of the benefits it brings.
Also, all of our Talents have become Transcendi, which is the ultimate expression of empathic ability. These special beings are no longer confined to corporal bodies. Some live as disembodied consciousnesses within computer systems, and it is rumored that a few have even evolved into beings of almost pure energy. This seems to fit well with Eudiamonia, since it is the ultimate expression of a free society.
We transferred another base to Santiago this last year, and the last base to be transferred will occur next year. If peace is maintained in that sad portion of the Santiago’s continent we will be better for it. I formed a new base for Miriam on one of the small islands. More will be created, and these will be gifted to Miriam.
Lastly, I strongly encourage you to build a few orbital defense pods right away. It seems that planetbusters are popular right now, and that Morgan is building one now. It will take 18 years to complete, but that a weak insurance policy against disaster. The first few Gaian ODPs are or will be deployed in the next few years.
Dee
*~*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2239
Governor Skye,
I am pleased that we were able to work out an "agreement" on the self aware computer technology. I suspect, though you will surely not admit it, all part of your plan to force me into asking for your agreement on this technology. I will not underestimate you again in this regard.
I was contacted by Sister Miriam and it is seems my air patrols in her area are "un-nerving" her fellow brethren and she asked very forcible for me to stop. I agreed this time. It seems Miriam is positioning more of her troops to converge on the plateau area. The control of this area is becoming the key "high ground" in this area since it forces both Miriam and Corazon to go around rather than over.
I have little else to report other than we have developed attack helicopters and they should prove to be very powerful tools on this planet. I suspect that with your advanced economic and scientific prowess you too will discover this technology soon.
I have been wondering if it would be possible for us to explore a "pact" arrangement as well. I would be curious if you would like to investigate this option??
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2240
Chairman,
I hope you can resolve your territory disputes with Miriam peaceably. She seems much more amenable to reason since she was shorn of her offensive ability, and to be honest she isn’t the threat she once was.
In the last decade or so I have appreciated your willingness to listen to the Gaian point of view, even if you haven’t always agreed with it. We have always come to a reasonable understanding, and been able to find middle ground. So, I think it is appropriate that we Pact, if you are willing. Together we can help the other factions, who are so often busy squabbling that they fail to see the end goal, or how to achieve their own goals. Shall we lead together?
Dee
*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2240
Governor Skye,
It seems Sister Miriam believes that she has caught me off guard and has decided to launch a "sneak attack" and storm the high plateau region, the fool. I intend now to conquer her territory and end her sad and pathetic religion once and for all.
I have much planning to do so I will be brief. We have completed the self aware technology and it should be most useful when we capture those Believer bases.
Once I have more time next turn, I will write more.
Lastly, that fool Morgan wants to melt the polar caps. The IDIOT! His territory sits no higher than mine and he would soon find his precious Morgan bases becoming akin to the mythic city of Atlantis!
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2241
Chairman,
Why did you call for the solar shade to be launched? I wasn’t aware that a period of global warming had started, and launching a solar shade can have dire consequences, such as lowering of sea levels, desertification, and the disruption of rainfall patterns. By the time the vote got to me it was clear your proposal would fail since there was only one other supporter- Lal. Since I saw no need to enact such a serious measure so I voted against it.
By the way, I checked on Morgan and he has one base that is producing 6 pollution. While this is unfortunate, it seems unlikely that it would cause sufficient pollution to trigger a cycle of warming. As I mentioned, no Gaian bases are causing pollution. I checked a few of yours and they don’t seem to be causing pollution, either. I will look into the matter more in the coming year.
It seems Miriam will never learn. I called on her to ask that she call off her vendetta, but she was intransigent. Apparently Santiago declared war with you, so the hot war is on. I see no way Miriam can defend her remaining bases near yours so I have ordered our troops to pull back so there isn’t a misunderstanding, and a spate of unfortunate collateral damage. Miriam’s remaining bases in her original territory are under my protection. She has exactly two, plus a few bases I will have constructed for her safely on a remote island. Our former Believer bases will not be constructing a mag tube system, so you won’t have to worry about these two bases forming an army against you. Plus, I noted that your plateau base is well defended, so I doubt you have much to worry about anyway.
We completed the Xenoempathy Dome last year. I’ve wanted to complete it for a long while, but the Council always overrode me with arguments of re-allocation of resources or that, once we build it, we will not longer be able to recruit ferals to our cause. Finally I persuaded a few critical holdouts that we really don’t need the ferals anymore. We can construct any mindworm vectors we might need, and we have a significant army of mindworms and isles in the field already. Moreover, any offensive ability the mindworms may have had has been long eclipsed by technology, both for offense and defense. Gaia’s Landing has started the Space Elevator, which the Council believes will allow us to gain some parity with your advantage in space.
Lastly, now that we are Pacted I invite you to examine all of our cities to your heart’s content. I have had an unfair intelligence advantage for a long while since my empaths have been able to see where you could not, and once we constructed the Hunter Seeker Algorithm you couldn’t penetrate our security. We have nothing to hide, and if you have any questions I will be happy to answer them.
Dee
*~*~*~*
The Hive, MY 2241
Governor Skye,
It was not ME who initiated that planet council, but Morgan. I also believe the vote was to "melt the ice cap" not launch a solar shade. I think you and your council have been sitting too long on your patios drinking fungal wine.
I see that Lal is now building a prototype of a needle jet. I can not allow him to do so. I intend to launch a series of raids to suspend his operations in this field.
Once again I have little time this turn. Morgan contacted me when a cruiser of his encountered a shard foil on patrol in the sea between us. He made some demand to exchange high level technology for some feeble technology about Centauri Psi. I turned him down and he then ordered his cruiser to sink my foil. I fully intend to have that cruiser destroyed next turn. The war with Miriam should not last long and the addition of her bases in that area should only enhance my energy reserves.
I did order some of my economic engineers to investigate your city structures and we found them for the most part very ordinary when compared to Hive cities.
Chairman Yang
HIVE
*~*~*~*
Gaia’s Landing, MY 2242
Chairman,
Well, when the proposal was put in front of me it clearly said that Chairman Yang proposed a Solar Shade. If you didn’t propose it then I am doubly glad that it wasn’t approved.
We completed the Space Elevator this last year, and we will start a full-scale satellite-building program. I don’t think it will take long to maximize the utilization of the resources in space! In this respect you have lead the way.
Many of our cities have started Habitation Domes, which will allow unprecedented growth. Indeed, with the addition of a significant number of sky hydroponics satellites growth of cities should be significant. Also, we have now started replacing forests with fungal beds. Production from the fungus now frequently exceeds that of forests, even with hybrid forest enhancements.
I also want to tell you that my scientists revealed something disturbing – we now have the ability to form and control a micro singularity. You can guess what some of the implications might be, both civilian and, unfortunately, military. I imagine that a stasis singularity AAA defender within a base and an aerospace facility will prove all but impossible to deal with since by aircraft it will have a defense factor of 144! The best fusion shard needle only has an attack factor of 26! This will also allow the construction of a singularity planetbuster, which is a scary thought.
Dee
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