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“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2770 - 2773

02.03 2770

The Chief Scientist informed the Princeps and the Senate that the Sentinel Multi-Beam Defence System has passed its trials and is ready for deployment in warships. Work has begun on designing an expanded space station. He asked for funding and the allocation of 50 units each of Emeros Crystal, Nekros Stone, Argon, Krypton, Silicon, Steel, Mebnar, Polymer and Carbonite. This would allow our scientists to prepare Basic Colonisation technology. After the Princeps indicated his support for the request, the Senate voted unanimously in the affirmative and appropriate instructions were issued to the Treasury and the Dominus Imperialis Horreis. The Senate noted a warning from the Dominus that stocks of certain resources, including Carbonite, were getting low.
The Senate welcomed the launching of the exploration ships “Hanno of Carthage”, “Marco Polo” and the refit of the “Leif Erikson”.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive



Military expansion – v – economic stability: confrontation in the Senate as Julius looks on
The Official Diary entry I wrote does not even hint at the heated discussions that took place in the first half of 2770. There was a strong push by the military, supported by the space business community, for the newly enriched Treasury to fund a big increase in the Classis Imperialis. They want to crush the pirates everywhere and ensure space trade is free from threats. Against this the planetary business groups and most of the Imperial advisors urged caution and the stockpiling of both credits and resources for future. They point out the precarious state of the economy.

Julius put off making a decision for some time before upsetting both sides. The 9th Fleet would receive two new escorts but that would be all for some time. The Empire would conserve its money and resources to upgrade ships and installations when scientific discoveries were made.

12.11 2770

Admiral Yan Lakadi reported the escorts “Courageous” and “Defiant” had joined the 9th Fleet, while the Princeps announced that the two new constructions ships “Pyramid of Kheops” and “Chichen Itza” were on their way to Sol 3 and Belbrenge Major 1.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

Julius made it clear where his priorities lie: when our scientists completed the “Expanded Space Station” project and switched to studying Basic Colonisation studies, he authorised the release of an extra 15,000 credits to allow faster research. Perhaps as a sop to the more aggressive voices in the Senate, Enhanced Missiles was officially nominated as the next project.



An initial blueprint for a Colony ship – no doubt it will change over the life of the project
The next 10 months were relatively quiet. No pirate attacks, no wonderful new discoveries. Just steady economic growth and the arrival of growing amounts of data from our exploration ships.

09.21 2771

The excellent work of our scientific community has led to the development of construction techniques that allow the building of resort stations and far larger mining stations. Research will now concentrate on designing a colony ship. In his speech announcing this decision, the Princeps spoke of the importance of expansion to the Empire and expressed confidence that suitable planets will be found soon.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

There was still enough money in the Imperial vaults to pay for the expansion of several mining stations, allowing the installation of missile defences as well as to lay down the keels for another explorer and construction ship.



Construction begins on more spaceships
Early in 2772 the colony ship basic design was complete. It will be some time before the design will be tested – there is not even a hint of a suitable planet from our exploration ships. The Imperial focus has shifted. The Enhanced Missiles research project is underway and the selection of the “System Patrol Starship” for the next project shows that Julius is looking at going on the offensive. Several mining stations have come on line and deliveries of Emeros Stones and other resources and luxuries are arriving regularly. Most important, the Terkeibi Mining Station opened for business and supplies of Carbonite should no longer be a problem for Nova Roma. (The station is of course undergoing an immediate expansion.)

11.20.2772

Princeps Julius has informed the Senate that shortages of Carbonite are in the past. Under his guidance the new mining station in the Najarca system will provide a steady stream of the mineral for traders. Already strong interest has been shown and the Imperial shipyards report a surge in orders for cargo ships.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive



Carbonite ore being transferred for processing and subsequent transportation to Sol
With credits pouring into the Treasury from the Imperial Shipyards, there was enough money to increase the speed of the Enhanced Missile project. In fact, when an adviser suggested a gift be made to the Shandars of Xa Fil1 there was enough to make a present of almost 20,000 credits! A worthwhile investment as it turned out – within a short time we signed a Limited Trade Treaty with them.

05.24. 2773

Our Ambassador to the Independent Colony of Xa Fil 1 has negotiated a trade treaty with the Shandar. The Princeps stated that this marked a new stage of our relationship with our neighbours.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

Although it was never made public, Julius’ claim that our Carbonite problems were over was a little premature. Production ground to a halt when the whole Najarca sector ran out of Caslon. Lack of fuel left the “Angkor Wat” drifting aimless in orbit around the Ghost Base. Apparently the private sector saw insufficient profits in transporting Caslon that far. I suspect that the price of fuel is now high enough to convince some businesses to send fuel tankers.

That was not good enough for the Senate. Nor, for that matter for Admiral Lukadi. Julius agreed – the Classis Imperialis needed its own fuel tankers. (Some of the military wanted him to seize private tankers from the private sector, but there are limits to Julius’ power). Fortuitously Basant Dobachi could accommodate the wishes of all. With the development of enhanced missiles, the focus of the entire scientific community was turned towards designing System Patrol Starships, which would also allow the construction of long-range fuel tankers for the fleet. As is now almost a ritual, Treasury simultaneously provided a huge boost to funding.



Transporting Caslon on standard cargo ships is expensive, requiring substantial modifications. The Imperial Navy demands dedicated tanker ships.

When fuel supplies to the distant Najarca system stabilise, there may be an opportunity for citizens of the Empire to do some sightseeing. Explorers report fantastic tourism opportunities on the volcanic moon Immeue, circling Najarca 4. Of particular interest are the Fire Caverns: a series of caves lit by a river of lava.



At some point our citizens will be able to pay to travel to see the sights of the galaxy, including the Fire Caverns of Immeue.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2774 - 2775

There can be no doubt that the Empire is preparing for war. Or, to be accurate, that the Princeps is preparing the Empire for war. He has become more bellicose, responding to real or imagined threats from pirate gangs with muttered comments such as “Your time will come!”. Even apparently peaceful operations such as the despatch of “Great Zimbabwe” to Najarca 2 to build a mining station are not as innocent as they appear. Collecting Julius’ scribbled notes from the day that was announced, I saw he had underlined the fact that Najarca 2 has sizeable deposits of Caslon, and a comment about a source of fuel for a fleet operating in Najarca sector. When that mining station is complete, there will be no long supply link back to Sol: that single station will provide more than enough fuel for the whole fleet.



The ability to refuel far from Sol will be important for the Imperial Fleet
Not that the Classis Imperialis will rely on fixed fuel supplies. The rushed research on System Patrol Starships has led to the development of a basic design for a long-range navy fuel tanker, as well as a much larger basic naval unit for the fleet. Not as large as the “Ghost” destroyer, but far larger than the escorts that were all we could build up until now. With several years of peaceful trade and benevolent rule, there were enough credits to build no less than three of the new “Mammal” class frigates, as well as a tanker. Not to mention splashing out 7,500 credits additional funding for Basic Transport studies.

04.28.2774

Admiral Lukadi in conjunction with the Chief Scientist, announced that our shipyards could now produce a larger warship, the frigate.

The Princeps has made a gift of 25,000 credits from the Empire to the Shandar Alliance, to show our commitment to our ongoing peaceful co-operation.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

In fact, even after that expenditure, there was still enough in the Treasury to provide a gift of more than 25,000 credits to the Shandar! Understandably, when the Basic Transport project was completed in record time and the scientists moved onto the development of an improved Exploration Scanner, there was only just enough left to pay for the initial costs.

Although I am not invited to discussions between the Princeps and his Chief Spy, Delator Primus, sometimes I do get to hear the results of such discussions. I think that Julius just wanted to tell someone that he has started a new phase in our relations with the pirates.

“Scriptor, you may have noticed that Delator Primus has been absent for some time” he said in an off-hand manner one afternoon. You may now notice that his deputy is also away. I would like a secret file to opened in the Archives, a file to cover extra-Terrestrial espionage. The first entry will note that Dilator Prime has left Sol on a mission to obtain information on Basic Countermeasures from the Dirty Fang Consortium. The second, that Than Nesalio has been ordered to get information on Basic Target Tracking from the Ackdarian Prowlers.”

There was a minute’s silence before he continued, more to himself than the me. “First we paid those scum protection money. Then, when we became stronger, we stood on our own two feet and refused to pay despite their veiled threats to attack us. Then they did attack us – killing Roman citizens, destroying Roman ships, even daring to touch the sacred ground of Nova Roma itself. Well now it is time for them to get their just desserts. Soon they will find that Princeps Julius of Nova Roma has a long memory.”

08.11.2774

Delator Primus is currently working undercover at the Dirty Fang Consortium base and Than Nesalio has left for the Ackdarian Prowlers base. Both are to attempt to steal scientific data.

Extract from the Imperial Archive, Sealed Section. Imperial Archive



Julius had personally supervised the building of a reconstruction of the legendary Coliseum: he was angered when pirate invaders gutted his tribute to past glories
Coincidentally, days later we heard from a new group of would be extortioners, the Haunted Mercenaries. Julius officially revoked his order regarding pirate threats. He now wants to be informed of each and every message demanding payment or making threats. He has not openly said why, but everyone who enters his private offices can see a display, visible in every room, listing those groups that have dared to threaten the Empire.

As another indication that it is not just the Najarca sector that may require a local source of Caslon, the “Great Wall of China” is now on its way to Trilllar Yaigan 4 to allow us to tap into the Caslon available there. Julius has not forgotten to keep the plebians happy – the “Chichen Itza” is heading to Garus Junction 1 to gain access to the recently discovered supplies Vofula Scent and Vakala Crystal.



One of our new frigates, the “Cougar” in the foreground as the construction ship “Great Wall of China” leaves for Tullar Yagan 4
It would seem that the pirates have noticed our preparations. Within days no less than four demands for payment were received. Julius took no notice other than to update his “little list” as he calls it, but Admiral Lukadi warned that we could possibly face multiple attacks from all directions. Julius said something about making preparations, but as he left that meeting he made it clear that he would welcome any excuse to use his new frigates.

The warlike preparations were slightly interrupted by news from the new mining station at Belonga Major I. In between collecting Graxian Nectar, Losarn Syrup and polymer, the crew did some exploration of the planet surface. They found what was left of an ancient colony that had suffered some disaster. They dug into the ruins and discovered a databank at least 1,000 years old. The colony was human – they were refugees from a war with a group known as the “Shakur Alliance”. There was mention of the “Terran Rangers” but then the records ended. Even so, the find gave a boost to our studies of Human Language and Expression.

03.01.2275

Discoveries on Belonga Major I indicate that a human colony had once existed on that planet.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

I saw Delator Primus slipping into the Imperial Quarters so I was expecting some information about his espionage activities. It did not take long – barely an hour later Julius told me that the Chief Spy had been successful in stealing scientific data. So too had his assistant, though he had been detected and only just escaped with his life. Julius added that both our spies have already left on new missions. The Chief Spy will return to the Dirty Fang Consortium while Than Nesalio, his cover blown, is off to infiltrate the Vicious Bandits.

24.07.2275

Both our spied returned safely and with much useful information. They left immediately on new missions.

Extract from the Imperial Archive, Sealed Section. Imperial Archive

An improved Resource Scanner has been developed for planetary exploration. Work has begun on designing a more powerful Escort Class warship.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

A new ambassador was appointed, Luc Jaksun, but there was nothing for him to do at the moment. More interesting was the start of manufacture of new Resource Scanners. When our exploration ships return to base to refuel they will be upgraded. I was not surprised when the Chief Scientist declared a focus on improved Escort designs: Julius had made his desire for bigger and stronger naval ships quite obvious, and Basant Dobachi was as adept at reading him as any other senior administrative officer.



An exploration drone equipped with the new Resource Scanner operates over a rocky planetoid
One of the new exploration ships, the “Albatross” had been despatched to survey the Trillar Yaigan Junction system, twice as far away as Trillar Yaigan itself. Its captain now sent an urgent message. The ship had come under fire from a starbase owned by the previously unknown Vicious Rock Authority. Fortunately for the “Albatross” it was able to take evasive action and warp away before taking damage, but it showed that space was infested with pirates. Julius will have his work cut out to deal with them all.



“Albatross” comes under attack
In the midst of all this activity, nobody noticed that 9th fleet had left “Jupiter” starbase for what was called “exercises”. Almost nobody – I have been close to Julius long enough to see that he was excited and kept checking his message alerts. I suspected that the Imperial Fleet was about to get a taste of combat. That Admiral Lukadi was still on “Jupiter” did not alter my conclusion: nobody in their right mind would let that drunk with his record as a poor defender anywhere near a battle fleet.

As a result I was not surprised when Julius and those more aggressive members of the Senate who had been pushing for action against the pirates locked themselves in the Astro-Communications Centre. Not long after I was summoned. Security was far higher than normal, and when I entered I was told to sit down, shut up and take notes.

An emotionless voice (I still am not sure if it was human or AI) kept up a commentary of events. “Frigate “Bison” under attack from enemy bombers and fighters – taking damage. Main fleet moving at full speed. Estimated time until enemy base in range: 4 minutes”.

The main displays showed various views of a large space station surrounded by asteroids and various items of debris, ranging in size from entire ships to cargo containers and sections of hull. One display showed the “Bison” ahead of the fleet, surrounded by tiny attackers.

From what I could gather from the commentary and the excited discussions from the politicians and naval officers nearby, 9th Fleet had warped close to the Olabus Refuge that we had discovered back in 2757. At that time the pirate base had damaged our construction ship “Great Zimbabwe”. We had been unable to respond, with no warship capable of taking on the beam weapons and shields of the starbase. Now however, thanks to years of research, the Empire was about to strike back! Sending the “Bison” ahead to draw fire, trusting its shields and armour to protect it, the main fleet moved in for the kill.



9th Fleet approaches Olabus Refuge, base for the Dekrat Junk Dealers
“All enemy bombers destroyed. Enemy fighters withdrawing. Destroyer “Ghost 1” taking heavy fire. Escort “Courageous” hit multiple times. All ships now in range. Enemy shields nearing collapse”.

It was mesmerising watching the fleet crawl forward across the blackness of space and then electrifying to switch to a closer view which showed escorts and frigates flashing like meteorites across the screen. But now most interest was directed at the largest screen. On it the Olabus Refuge, now identified as the home of the Dekrat Junk Dealers, could be seen in detail.

As we watched we could see the effect of our missiles and beam weapons. The faint sheen of the shields collapsed, then the armour was torn to pieces. Finally the hull started to erode, great holes appearing as our ships closed in. It was not all one-way: the defenders manned their guns to the last.



The end is near: the hull of the Olabus Refuge starts to collapse exposing the interior
“Flagship “Ghost 1” retreating. “Bison” crippled – reactor shut down. “Courageous” withdrawing. Enemy hull strength below 50%. “Ghost 1” deflectors inoperative. “Ghost 1” warp drive inoperable”.

Then it was over. As we watched, a ripple of light ran around the base and then it simply vaporised. No explosion, no cloud of debris. Just a hole in space containing a few tumbling bits and pieces that had somehow escaped the effect of the meltdown of the power generators.

After a moment’s silence, all looked at the Princeps, perhaps expecting him to be punching the air in jubilation. If so, they were disappointed. His face did show some pleasure, but he simply said “One down”, turned on his heel and walked out.

And that was the end of the Battle of Olabus Refuge, the first action and first victory of 9th Fleet.

12.16.2775

The Princeps informed the Senate and the People of Rome that the Imperial Fleet has destroyed the pirate base known as the Olabus Refuge. The Dekrat Junk Dealers have been eliminated. No ships were lost, though some need repairs.

The Senate responded by congratulating the Princeps and the 9th Fleet and wishing them well for the future.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2776 – 2779

The destruction of the Olabus Refuge marked a new phase in Imperial history. Although the military had dominated politics for centuries, once Julius united the warring factions under his rule their role had declined sharply. There was no great need for armed forces on a planet with just one government.



The Imperial Army had been reduced to providing men in traditional uniform for ceremonial occasions.

With the burst of popular support following the much publicised destruction of the pirate base that had dared to violate the territory of New Rome, there seem to be uniforms everywhere. A couple of Senators got carried away and wore their old army gear to the Senate, but Julius let it be known that he would tolerate no breach of his rule: traditional Roman togas were to be worn at all official events.

Even so, moderate policies were maintained. The last few credits remaining in the Treasury were spent on upgrading and manufacturing exploration and construction ships, not increasing the fleet.

Some Senators hope that moderation will not last for long. The designs for the new Escort models are complete. We will now have two classes of Escort: the Heavy Escort for the fleet and the Patrol Escort capable of other duties. With the promise of better manouevring equipment, confidence is high that more victories lie in the future. Those Senators who have decided to incease their influence by adopting a pro-military stance are advocating a huge increase in the size of the fleet.

Wiser heads prevailed. The Treasury is almost empty. The combination of the last round of naval spending, gifts to the Chandar Alliance and the provision of additional funds to reasearch projects have drained the surplus we once enjoyed. For now we must allow trade and growth to work their magic.



Searching the asteroid belt for abandoned ships and wreckage
It might not take as long to refill Treasury’s coffers as first thought. The cloud of debris that had surrounded the Olabus Refuge has proved to be a treasure trove.We have several ships collecting the hull sections, computer cores, cargo containers and other wreckage, as well as repairing the intact ships floating amongst the asteroids. Large quantities of scarce resources have been found, as well as maps of as yet undiscovered systems. One piece of engine superstructure alone contained 35,600 credits, presumably hidden by the owner before the ship was destroyed by the pirates. There were several other finds of lesser amounts and when added to the Loros Fruit, Korabbin Spice, Cagour Fur and other valuables picked up, one could understand why those few Senators comnplaining about the cost of the Olabus mission were soon quiet.

There was other good news too, but that was not made public. Our knowledge of Early Ion and Constant Beam Weapons was increased with the return of our two spies. Delator Prime remained on Earth, the Princeps having decided that risking his chief spy on routine assignments was not wise. Than Nesalio, however, was expendable, and set off to get information on Advanced Deflectors from the Ackdarian Prowlers.

06.04 2776

Delator Prime and Than Nesalio both arrived back on Earth having successfully carried out their assigned missions. The Chief Spy will remain here to advise the Princeps but Than Nesalio has left on to obtain more scientific information.

Extract from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archive

Not only cash, resources and maps were found in the asteroid belt. An escape pod was located and inside was found the leader of the Dekrat Junk Dealers. Jindak Untion is now on “Jupiter”, apparently willing to aid the Empire.
Despite the influx of funds, caution was still shown in expenditure. The only out of budget item approved was a few thousand credits to speed up the Enhanced Manouevring project. When that was finished, there were enough funds to start looking at rail guns as a possible addition to our weaponry, but not much more.

09.17 2777

The Senate welcomed the announcement by the Princeps that the Classis Imperialis will be increased by constructing 5 Escorts and 5 Frigates. It also not noted with pleasure increased funding for rail gun research.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

More and more valuable finds were made by the so-called “Scavenger Fleet”, enough to loosen the purse strings considerably. The scientific community celebrated receiving over $11,000 credits for the rail gun project, but its joy was minor compared to the jubilation of the military faction when it was announced that an order had been placed for five more escorts and five more frigates. The only topic of conversation in the corridors was “Who is next? What pirate group will face the anger of Nova Roma?

Nobody knows, perhaps not even Julius himself. And we may have to wait a little longer, as the fleet was needed for another task.



“Pyramid of Kheops” comes under attack from the space monster
The construction ship “Pyramid of Kheops” was part of the Scavenger Fleet, busy repairing disabled freighters and other ships left by the pirates. It was suddenly attacked by another of the space monsters known as collectively as Gravillex. Although badly damaged, it managed to warp to Jupiter where it orbited with all systems off-line.
Once more 9th Fleet set out for the asteroid belt, but this time it did not leave in secrecy. No need to cover up a possible defeat: a single Gravillex should pose no problem to our ships. Nor did it. The encounter was short and the beast destroyed before it could even attempt to damage our ships. The carcass and other remains were collected and the fleet returned to “Jupiter” starbase. Just in time for the new rail guns to become available.



The Imperial Frigate “Cougar” passes in front of the flagship “Ghost 1” to deliver the coup de grace to the Gravillex.
02.09 2778

In order to remove a threat from the Sol system, the 9th Fleet destroyed a Neutron Gravillex in the asteroid belt that formerly hid a pirate base. Following reports from naval authorities, the Princeps ordered a re-organisation of the 9th Fleet.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

With the fleet back at its base, the starbase “Jupiter”, Julius ordered a massive (and expensive) refit and restructure for the whole navy. The basic escort design had barely met the demands of a navy defending a single solar system: it would not suffice for an interstellar force intent on defeating enemy ships and bombarding enemy bases. The shipyards will be flat out for some time.

To avoid a long delay, a new exploration ship was ordered from Ghost Base. To the annoynance of Julius, while the construction order was accepted, building could not begin due to a lack of steel. Obviously even the desire for profit is not tempting enough private freighters to make the long trip to Najorca Minor.

In case anyone had forgotten the need for action, the “Zhang He” was forced to flee from its exploration of the Trillar Yaigan Junction asteroid belt when it stumbled onto the Hidden Vacuum Dweller Base, home of of the Haunted Mercenaries. Julius made an impassioned speech to the Senate (which he made sure was available to every news provider who wanted it) in which he denounced the “unprovoked attack” and claimed to be a “champion of the freedom of space”. It won’t be long before the fleet is in action again. (Although I doubt very much if it will be against the Hidden Vaccum Dweller Base. The details recorded by “Zheng He” before it escaped show that starbase to be capable of defeating our entire fleet.)



An intelligence summary compiled by the Classis Imperialis from data collected by the “Zheng He”: the base is far too powerful for our fleet
08.09 2778

A previously unknown pirate group attacked the Imperial explorer “Zheng He” in the Trillar Yaigan Junction. Despite being under fire, the ship’s crew were able to identify the attackers and their base.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

Than Nesalio completed his mission successfully, but he too will remain on Earth, for now at least. With his stolen information, our scientists were able to devise a Deflective Field Generator for our ships. Chief Scientist Basant Dobachi made a public statement praising our scientific prowess – for some reason not mentioning that most of the work had been done by Ackdarian pirates. Another bucket of credits accelerated the Ship Boarding project. All integral to a stronger navy: all other research has been put on hold.

Almost all: the next study will be on Space Construiction. When that is finshed however, it is back to military objectives, with Constant Beam weapons heading the list. (I have heard however that the business community is pushing for some sort of recreation system for our space bases and ships – Juliius is always conscious of the need to both keep the citizenry and the Treasury officials happy.)



Diplomatic and strategic notes re the Slukens
The next event called for a complete turnaround in space policy, from war to peace. We made contact with another independent space colony in the Acefoype system. The “Darter”, carrying out a routine scan of the area, discovered a civilsation on the marshy swamp world of Acefoype 2. The inhabitants call themselves the Slukens. Our first action was to send our spare ambassador, Luc Jaksun with a gift of credits. (“Darter” noticed many independent trading ships around the planet, so a monetary gift would be welcome). As a way of partially assuaging the anxious Treasury officials, payments to the “Vicious Bandits” were halted. We no longer pay any pirates “protection money”.

The end of another phase in our history: true independence!

05.09 2779

The Imperial exploration ship “Darter” discovered an independent colony of Slukans in the Acefoype system. Amabassador Luc Jacsun left immeidatley to establish friendly relations, bearing a gift of 12,488 credits.

The pirate gang known as the “Vicious Bandits” will no longer be paid protection money. The Princeps told the Senate that any pirate ship that threatened the Empire, its citizens or its installations would face the fury of the Classis imperialis. The Senate greeted this announcement with applause.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2779 – 2782

With so much else going on, the completion of several scientific projects occurred without much of the news penetrating the filters restricting access to the Imperial Palace. Our ships could now be fitted with Thrust Vectors, following studies into Enhanced Manouevring. We can also install Rail Guns on both ships and space installations as well as the necessary equipment to allow for boarding parties to be transported to enemy spacecraft. As our diplomats scurried around to deal with the first contact with the Slukens, our scientists were grappling with the difficulties of Space Construction.



Part of the initial application for funding of the rail gun project
Those difficulties have now been overcome, and work is progressing on developing Constant Beam Weapons. That improving weaponry is a high priority can be seen from the fact that funding was increased from the moment the project was announced. A fact even more notable when Treasury income is declining as the cost of running the Empire grows.

That is probably what prompted the despatch of “Pyramid of Kheops” to the distant Diex system to build a mining station to extract hexadorium. This polymer is quite rare and in great demand from the component manufacturing sector. Perhaps the development of a steady supply will boost the private sector and increase trade.

Not surprisingly given the cash poured into the project, it did not take long for Thuon Beam weapons to become available. Unfortunately there are not enough credits in the Treasury to re-equip our ships. What money can be spared is going to research: to accelerating studies into Basic Recreation Systems. It is hoped that growing a tourism industry will boost income.



A prototype Thuon beam weapon: perfect for long distance attacks
Perhaps Julius thought that his ordering the 9th Fleet to Najarca would escape scrutiny. If he did, he was wrong. With all things military being so popular, every commentator and pundit sprung into action. Speculation as the reason ran riot, but most concentrated on the obvious: that Najarca would be a perfect staging post for an attack on Gambler’s Cove, headquarters of the Dirty Fang Consortium. Any hope of surprise has been lost. You do not need to be the Chief Spy to realise that pirates keep a watch on Earth media to identy threats and opportunities.

The discovery of an ancient vault on Belbrenge Major 1 swept the speculation about an imminent attack on the pirate base from the public view. The vault was located in what were incontrovertibly the ruins of human colonies. The Chief Scientist himself, Basant Dobachi was present as a debate took place as to whether to blast open the vault or to hack into it. It was felt blasting was too dangerous, so the electronics experts got to work.



Chief Scientist Basant Dobachi enters the vault on Belbrenge Major 1
It did not take long to crack the vault. Any delay was worth it, as inside were navigation directions to two old human worlds as well as a massive amount of data on structural research. Unfortunately the cost was high. His curiosity overcoming his caution, Basant Dobachi ventured too close to the vault at a critical moment and was killed by its defence mechanism. His loss will be felt throughout the Empire.

03.11 2780

“It is with great regret that I advise the Senate that the Chief Scientist has died while performing his duties.” With these words the Princeps began his eulogy to Basant Dobachi. A day of mourning has been declared across the Empire. Kor Allaria has been named as acting Chief Scientist pending a formal decision as to the successor.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

There was a strange atmosphere in the Palace for the next month or so. While the masses were kept in ignorance, the elite knew that a major test of our offensive capacity loomed. Basic Recreation Systems were developed and a similar studt into Medical Systems began, with a bonus to speed things up. Nobody seemed to show much interest, with all the hallway discussions being on the announcement that the development of Countermeasures and Target Tracking were in the queue for funding.

An attack on mining ship “Grateful Way” by the Vicious Bandits stirred the business community, but it was far away, in the Camenu system, and it was hard to get a lot of support for action. Especially as all the decision makers knew that every combat ship in the Empire was on another mission.

It seemed no time at all for Kor Allaria to inform the Princeps that our scientists had moved onto the Countermeasures project, and that medical suites can now be added to our ships and stations. The news was welcome, but overwhelmed by the launch of our attack on Gambler’s Cove.



9th Fleet moves close to the enemy base, harassed by small warships launched by the defenders
The battle was surprisingly easy, though it took some time to wear down the defences of the pirate base and the enemy fighters and bombers were extremely effective. (Julius has ordered a review of our defensive strategy against such attacks). When at last the space station imploded in a spectacular burst of coloured light, we had eliminated one of the first groups to threaten the Empire. The Dirty Fang Consortiuum was no more. For the long-suffering scientific community, that meant another successful project was overlooked. The researchers resignedly moved onto Target Tracking, having to be satisfied with a few thousand extra credits.

03.18. 2781

To the cheers of a tumultous Senate, with a huge crowd in the Forum, the Princeps declared victory over the Dirty Fang Consortium. “No longer” he proclaimed “will the Senate and People of New Rome have to suffer the threats and demands of this criminal gang of Ackdarians. Their corpses float in the cold space around Najarca 3. No longer will their ships threaten trade. Let this be a warning to all those who dare interfere with the lawful and inevitable expansion of our Empire!”

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive

Two things were not mentioned in the speech: one, that the Imperial Frigate “Gorilla” is drifting helplessly in the Najarca system, waiting for a construction ship to make its way to repair it. Second, that even as the Ackdarians were being crushed, the Vicious Bandits again struck in Camenu. The victim this time was not a private ship but an ship bearing the Imperial colours, the construction ship “Stonehenge”. I think that might have moved the Vicious Bandits up the list of potential targets for the Classis Imperialis.



With the threat from Najarca removed, the Empire now has to deal with pirates at Camenu. There are rumours of some threat from Belbrenge Major.
For now, however, we will concentrate on building our strength, both militarily and economically. Two construction ships are to repair abandoned vessels in the Olabus asteroid belt, while Stonehenge which suffered only minor damage from the Viciou Bandit’s “Cruel Dragon”, has started for Diex 2 where a Hexadonium deposit has attracted a lot of interest.

Another item that did not make the media was the realisation that several ships had been given orders that required them to exceed their fuel reserves. As a result, they are limited to extremely slow travel speeds. While Julius was keen to deal out punishment to all concerned, the unfortunate fact was that all the orders had come directly from his office. He had to be satisfied with detaching the fleet’s tankers and despatching them to the stricken vessels.

A new resource (Rhylig Crystal) was discovered in the Calaan system and several locations reported that with additional research that other resources might be found. Target Tracking is now possible and, after a false start that cost a lot of time and credits, we made steady progress on the long-term project of Enhanced Construction. Than Nesalio was sent to steal information from the Ackdarian Prowlers on Basic Shandar Diplomacy.



Basic details of the Boskara: they pose a real threat
All that was pushed to one side however with the shattering news that a new alien race had been encountered. Not so much that the Boskara were a new race, but that they claimed to be not a pirate gang or an independent colony, but an Empire! Contact was made in the Belbrenge Major system and unfortunately it was not handled well. Our first discussions were interpreted as an insult, and as the Boskara are innately hostile to others, and a military dictatorship, things do not look promising for future relations.



Adaptability and Racial Strengths of the Boskara
06.16. 2782

The Senate noted with concern that a hostile race has been encountered at Belbrenge Major, three quarters of the way to the Shandar home of Xa Fil. The Boskara could pose a threat to the Empire’s plans in that direction. The Princeps has advised all contacts to be handled with care: the strength of this “Empire” is currently unknown.

Extract from the Official Diary, Imperial Archive



Boskaran diplomatic links and military skill

Absolutely brilliantly done AAR! Can't wait for the next installment.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2782 - 2785

The discovery of a potentially hostile Empire might have temporarily distracted Julius and the military from the ever present problem of pirate gangs, but news from Camenu 4 get their attention. The Vicious Bandits struck at the defenceless exploration ship “Zheng He”, one of the first ships we built. Although the commander desperately tried to flee, the combined fire from two frigates and two escorts hampered the jump. The pirates showed no mercy and simply fired until the ship’s fuel exploded.

To say Julius was furious would be an understatement. I think he has always had a soft spot for those early exploration ships, the ones that set off into the unknown and revealed to humanity the vastness and excitement of space. That the ship and its crew had been destroyed simply to encourage the Empire to pay protection money exacerbated his anger. He has adopted the ancient practice of Cato the Censor when he urged the destruction of Carthage. After every speech he gives in the Senate, he ends with the phrase “Ceterum, censeo piratas vitiosos esse delendos”. ("In addition, I think that the Vicious Pirates must be destroyed”.)



The lonely end of the “Zheng He”, surrounded by pirates and far from home
09.06.2782

The Princeps advised the Senate that the “Zheng He” had been subject to an unprovoked attack by the Vicious Pirates criminal gang. Although unarmed and without armour, the pirates destroyed it. All its crew are presumed dead. The Senate unanimously voted to support the Princeps in his call for the Roman Empire to both remember and avenge them.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

But to borrow another ancient phrase, “vengeance is a dish best served cold”. In the meantime life goes on. Two replacement exploration ships were ordered (“Falcon” and “Gannet”) and our spy Than Nesalio successfully stole details on Shankar language and expression from the Ackdarians Pirates and, even more daringly, similar details on the Sluken from the Vicious Pirates. He has been given an even greater challenge: to help us complete the Enhanced Construction project by obtaining data from the Dread Claw Outclaws.

We also encountered another colony of Slukens, in the Tennala Prime system. The earlier theft of Sluken language and expression became more significant. Although not of importance at the moment, the marshy moon Esloroiyei on which the colony is based has a rich biologial ecosystem which would aid considerable should there be a plague outbreak.



Unprepossessing to human eyes, the swamps of Esloroiyei hold biological treasures
That was not the only new colony found. A group of Naxxilians are established on Eneukgan. Although frightening to look at, this species may prove friendly. In time that is. For now, we will maintain a polite but distant contact.



All we have found out about the Naxxilians.
12.14. 2783

A colony of Naxxilians has been found on the fourth planer of the Eneugkan system. While they appear dangerous, astro-ethnologists consider them potential allies

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

While we continue to search for the home base of the Vicious Pirates, the campaign to clear space of pirate scum is not on hold. The word has filtered throughout the palace that the 9th Fleet has slipped awy. Nobody is sure where it is heading, but most of the rumours centre on the Trillar Yaigan Junction system. We know that the Hidden Vacuum Dwellers Base is hidden there. The Vicious Rock Authority may soon get an unpleasant reminder that the Roman Empire does not take kindly to threats.

Such a lesson needs to be made soon. The pirates are getting quite aggressive, with the “Christopher Columbus” only just escaping an ambush by the frigates “Cruel Dragon” and “Ultimate Vindication”. Both of these are owned by the Vicious Bandits: it would seem they are, in all practical terms, at war with us. The response from the Princeps was predictable. “”Ultimate Vindication! I’ll give them Ultimate Vindication! At the point of a missile!”



The recent attack by the Vicious Bandits spurred a revival of interest in Cato the Censor, here addressing the Roman Senate: Julius loves the comparison
Sources of several new luxury goods were found, and Than Nesalio did wonderfully, bringing enough information back from the Dread Claw Outlaws to complete the exhausting investigation into Enhanced Construction. Our efforts swung to developing a policy of Structured Research. We are already three quarters of the way there, but it will still take some years.



New space building techniques allow larger, more complex structures
Amazingly, a third Sluken colony was found. How has this race spread so far across the galaxy? Nobody knows. A large number of diplomats and those with business interests in astrotrade are pushing for more research in Sluken culture and language.

For some reason, perhaps heightened security, the attack on the Hidden Vacuum Dwellers Base was kept extremely secret. I heard nothing about it until it was all over. Even then little was said, other than it was successful. Only some afterwards did I hear that the fighting was brutal and that we lost a ship, the Heavy Escort “Defiant”. The first warship lost in battle, but no ceremony, no entry on a Wall of Honour. Julius said nothing, so I can only assume that he is concerned about public morale. Does he really think that the people of Rome are so fickle as to forget the pirate raids on Earth itself? Perhaps he needs to get out more, or get his spies to get some idea of public opinion.

01.20. 2785

The Classis Imperialis has eliminated the pirate gang known as the Vicious Rock Authority. The Hidden Vacuum Dwellers Base is no more. 9th fleet is returning from its successful mission for repair and refuelling at Jupiter starbase.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

During recent fighting with pirates in the Trillar Yaigan Junction system, the Heavy Escort “Defiant” was lost with all hands. This loss is not to be made public, and any release of this information will be treated as active treason against the Empire and the Princeps, with all that entails.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives

From my observations of my fellow citizens, the desire for the destruction of every pirate gang is close to the hearts of the Roman people and the loss of a ship would not dampen that enthusiasm. But any leak will not be traced back to me: I have seen what Dilator Prime’s security agents are capable of doing.

OldCrowBalthazor wrote: Sat May 14, 2022 9:30 am Absolutely brilliantly done AAR! Can't wait for the next installment.

Apologies for the delay in replying and the break in transmission. RL has rudely interrupted my computer time, and may continue to do so for some time. (Selling house and moving - never an easy process.)

I hope to get another update in a few days. If I can remember what I was doing.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2785 - 2790

After the excitement of space battles, normal life seems quite boring. Is anyone interested that we ordered two more explorations ships (one to replace the destroyed “Zheng He”). Or that rich fields of Tebrullium Moss were found at Colancia 4? Or that an abandoned freighter was repaired and put back into operation? Probably not, though several of the cooks here in the Princeps quarters tried to tell me that Tebrullium Moss was essential to civilised cooking.

Activities at Jupiter Starbase have been cloaked in secrecy since the Imperial Fleet returned. Admiral Yan Lukadi may be hopeless at commanding a fleet in action, but he is more than competent at running a space station and his performance in repairing those ships damaged in the recent fighting has been exemplary. In fact, only month after the first ships docked, I am reliably informed that the fleet has already left, a new mission having been approved “at the highest level”. That means that Julius has decided to get his revenge on another of the pirate gangs who have offended Rome’s (and his) dignity. The destination is officially a secret, but it is common knowledge that Julius considers the Vicious Bandits have treated the Empire badly. It would not surprise anyone to be told that orders have been given to proceed to Camenu 4 and engage the pirate base, often referred to as “Desperado End”.



We have data on the home of the Vicious Bandits: it is not that impressive
04.18.2786

Senior members of the Senate have been informed that further military action is underway to remove certain criminal elements that have been besmirching the honour of Rome and threatening citizens of the Empire. The Classis Imperialis has been despatched to the Camenu system with orders to destroy the base known as “Desperado End” and eliminate all pirates in the vicinity.

As it is known that the pirates have spies in all spaceports, this information is limited to those Senators with responsibility for military funding and policy.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives

Camenu is a long way away however. So far that the fleet will need to refuel at Trillar Yaigan Junction to be sure that all vessels are in peak condition for combat. Some of our scientists are sure that they can devise a faster way of space travel, but so far nobody has persuaded Julius or anyone of influence that such a project can be completed in a reasonable time.

As our warships ploughed slowly across the endless lightyears of space, life continued. Exploration ship commanders sent back enormous amounts of data about star systems, merchants got animated about newly discovered supplies of Korhuga Beans and Jakanta Ivory while the medicos rave about the qualities of Vapara leaf, but for the nearly 6 billion inhabitants of the Empire, one day was not much different from the next.

Until about the middle of 2787. Then Julius made the surprise announcement that hostilities were imminent: that the pirate fleet of the Vicious Bandits was moving out from its base and the 9th Fleet was preparing to engage. It was never going to be a fair fight: the enemy fleet consisted of half a dozen new Escorts backed by a couple of older frigates. “Ghost 1” may be old, but it is still a destroyer, and with seven frigates and 11 escorts, the end was predictable. The pirates wiped out, not a single Roman ship lost.



The Classis Imperialis engages the Vicious Bandits fleet
Although outwardly impressive, the base was virtually defenceless against our ships. The destruction of the base was methodical rather than gallant, but the crowds watching on holoscreens on Earth and every other place where Romans lived and worked were not disappointed. They wanted revenge, and they did not care if it came by way of watching a space station being slowly dismantled before their eyes. The cheers as the Princeps declared that the Vicious Pirates were no more were as real as they were loud. There was no mention that two pirate crews had deserted during the earlier battle and were now incorporated in the fleet. As far as the citizens of Rome were concerned, the only good pirate was a dead pirate, and Julius was not about to enlighten them.

11.06.2787

The Vicious Pirates have been completely destroyed. Their fleet has been eliminated and their base rendered uninhabitable. That is the fate of all who dare challenge the Empire.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

From his comments immediately after the victory speech, Julius had intended to send the fleet on a parade around the pirate bases, destroying them one after the other. Another threat however started to force itself into consideration. The Gravillex space monsters had caused problems in the past, but it seems they are far more common that we thought, and far more dangerous. “Albatoss” encountered a “Red Giant” Gravillex at Usawayx 4 and barely escaped intact. That made about half a dozen systems which remained unexplored either totally or in part because of the presence of these beast. The military sees exploration as essential to their task of protecting and expanding the Empire, and Treasury is keen to keep the economy growing. Add to that calls from the private sector that space monsters are just as much a problem to interstellar trade as pirates and the lobby for eradicating the Gravillex could exert a lot of power.



A Red Giant Gravillex passes over Usawayx 4
The Princeps was loath to let a single pirate gang exist a day longer, but he had time to consider further actions as the fleet began the long trip back to Jupiter. In the meantime he could keep the populace entertained with the news that our Structured Research progam had been completed. He took the opportunity to make a public speech in which he spoke of the spectacular results and promised that consruction of a Science Academy would begin immediately. Work would continue on learning the basics of the Shandar language, but that would be quickly followed by a massive investigation into Hyperdrive Technology. Treasury released 2,000 credits to kick start the project and the Imperial Warehouses provided several hundred units of Emeros Crystal, Nekros Stone, Mebnar, Polymer and the all important Carbonite. Julius warned that this single project might absorb our entire scientific efforts for more than a decade, but the results would be worth it. No longer would our ships plod across space – they would race to their destinations in the blink of an eye. (When he said this I saw several of the scientists on the stage turn pale and look a bit nervous – I think the Princeps may have embellished their predictions.)

07.17.2788

The Princeps, Julius the Unifier, informed the Senate that as a result of recent scientific developments, the Empire would soon develop a far faster method of space travel. To aid this important project, a Science Academy will be built on Earth.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

What the media is calling the “Gravillex threat” is now dominating the news. Reports piled in from all over known space. “Super Giant Gravillex”, “Neutron Gravillex”, “Red Giant Gravillex”, “Blue Giant Gravillex”. (How many species are there?) Not to forget the occasional Vordikar. Captains telling of desperate escapes, of anxious waits for the warp bubble to be generated, of entering a new star system fearful that it contained more space monsters. Popular calls for the Princeps to respond were growing and there were even a few demonstrations near space ports. Probably crew and relatives of space traders, but still effective on news bulletins and loved by commentators as backdrops, especially when there were slogans like “Do Something Julius!”.



A Vordikar lurks in the darkness of space
It would be easy to assume that Julius could just order the fleet to begin to clear up these annoyances – none of the monsters could stand up to the firepower of the 9th fleet. But they are spread over a huge expanse of space and even our fastest ships would take years to travel to all locations identified as harbouring the beasts. We could split the fleet, but that would render the Empire vulnerable to pirates again. The Princeps is adamant that Earth will never again be ravaged by pirate armies. And the pirates have not been cowed by the destruction of “Desperado End”. The Vicious Pirates (are they related to the Vicious Bandits?) attacked “Jackdaw” at Barus 2: they at least are not prepared to bow to the might of Rome.

As the year 2790 begins there are some hard decisions to be made.

This is great . Having written AARs before I know how hard it can be and what kind of time commitment it can demand. Hell of a job! Eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Seconded! You're doing a great job with this AAR and I'm really enjoying it!

Joined to say thank you for a fantastic AAR, quite enjoyable read. Good luck with your move and hope you get more time to continue this epic saga in space.