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“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space” 2754



Our galaxy, with the human home system

02.05 2754

Princeps Julius the Unifier today announced that the New Roman Empire would enter a new phase. It is to begin a project of exploring, exploiting and, in time, colonising space.

For some months construction has been proceeding in Earth’s orbit and within days an exploration vessel, the “Zheng He”, will depart for Ongoimgu, our twin moon. Several private firms have been constructing commercial ships in order to take advantage of discoveries.

Our scientific community is to begin a series of warp field experiments which the Princeps expects will lead to a huge increase in the speed of our space craft. In addition, the Empire is to construct a space station, the “Jupiter” to orbit permanently above the Earth.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

That was the official record of today’s events. Prepared as part of my job as the Princep’s Scriptor. It does not convey anything of the enormous effect the speech had. Beamed over tens of millions of holograph projectors, the entire population of Earth watched as, barely weeks after assuming power, the first ruler of the entire moon marked a clear division from the wars and civil disturbance of the past 100 years. The new united Earth would leave the past behind.

Julius had been clear in his instructions. (Another of my jobs is to write his speeches). Make sure to mention that the first vessel to leave our orbit was named after the legendary Chinese explorer: the support of the Tang Confederacy is critical to his maintaining power. Talk about private enterprise and the prospects of super profits to keep business happy. Include a bit about the new space station that would be visible from Earth for the common people. Do not mention that taxes will increase to 12% to pay for all this.



Admiral Zheng He takes his fleet back to China after exploring the African coast

The unofficial record of the past few weeks was very different. Only a few months ago I was plucked from, if not obscurity, then not far from it. Or so I had thought. A life quietly studying ancient texts that survived the Fall into Chaos was all I asked for, and all I was likely to get. Until a small unit of Euro guards “requested” I accompany them to the quarters of Imperator Julius the Younger, as he was then known.

On entry to the leader’s sanctum, I was made what the Ancients (for some unknown reason) would have called a “Godfather” offer. One that I could not refuse: to become the Imperator’s “Scriptor”. Luckily Julius did not wait for a reply – I was petrified. Already the young man had a reputation for ruthlessness. Paying no attention to my silence and my no doubt horror-struck face, he explained that he needed someone well acquainted with pre-Fall history.

“I need to unite the people of Earth or I will go the way of all others who have aspired to rule. Within weeks all the major political entities on this moon will sign a treaty, a treaty which will create a New Roman Empire, with me as Princeps.”

My state of terror grew. Knowing this information, would I be allowed to leave the room alive? Or would being blinded and having my tongue ripped out be enough, as it was for the Byzantines?

“But that is only the start. It will be a very shaky agreement, one that could fall apart at a moment, like any political agreement made by a handful of men and women who happen to be in power. One death could shift the balance.

So I need to weld the individuals who make up the different groups together. To bind them with something they all share. Which is where you come in. What they all have in common is their history before the Fall, before we sank into The Chaos. It may have been the Tang Confederacy or the United Africans or the Maya-Inca Pact that brought stability to their part of the moon, but they all share the history of our home planet.



Our solar system: 8 planets some with moons and a main sequence star at the centre

Already I have decided that we will rename this moon “Earth”, our star will be “Sol” and my administration will adopt some of the accoutrements of the Ancients. As you see, I wear the tunic of Ancient Rome– not my national dress. I will no longer be a leader of the Euros, but the Princeps of the New Roman Empire, an Empire, I am sure I don’t need to remind you, that consisted of dozens of races, cultures and religions and allowed them all to flourish, as long as they accepted that they were citizens of the Empire.”

The rest of the day was a blur. To be honest, the next few weeks were a blur. Julius was correct, the treaty was verified with the genetic code of the leaders of every group – nobody could afford to be left out. A new administration was set up with me as a small cog, but one very close to the master gear wheel.



Princeps Julius the Unifier: young but already the leader of a unified Earth

It is perhaps an exaggeration to call it a new administration. It was basically the existing structures, but with channels to ensure that all key information was provided to the Princeps’ data banks. To begin with everything was decided by Julius himself. Of course he addressed the Senate (the body consisting of all the ex-leaders who had signed away their power), but that was merely protocol. The reality was that he was a king in all but name. And, for my sins, I was his sounding board.

Julius is not a complex character – he has some traits that help understand him and his ideas. He is labour oriented and an industrialist. Everything revolves around the budget and the source of income, to him, is obtaining resources and exploiting them. This leads to some unhappiness in the citizenry but nothing that money can’t control. He is also measured and tolerant which makes him well equipped at diplomacy, as one might have gathered from his rise to power.

One must never forget however, that underlying it all is a burning belief that he is destined to rule. A belief that allows him to do anything he needs to keep power.

Following my “appointment”, the daily ritual was that I would go to Julius’ office and listen while he scoped out his plans for the future. My job was to make suggestions that would link such plans with the history (or myths) of the Ancients so that it could be portrayed in that way to the masses.

For example, shortly after his “Into Space” speech, he told me that another space craft was under construction. This one was huge: big enough to construct mining stations in orbit around other moons or planets.

“I am gambling, Scriptor. Gambling that the “Zheng He” will locate something useful, if not on our twin moon Ongoimgu, then on our planet Sol 7. But if I am to gamble, I will gamble to the limit. I have already started building a much bigger ship – a construction vessel. These spaceships and the spaceport have cost a fortune, a fortune that has been raised by heavy taxes. The people find the rate too high and it is only their excitement that keeps them happy. If it is all in vain, if the “Zheng He” finds nothing, that may be all some of my loyal senators need to start plotting.”

Time for my input.

“The Senator for United Africa was not too pleased that the Tang Confederacy was rewarded with a ship named after one of their heroes. Perhaps you could name this construction ship after a building complex that reflects the glory of the Senator’s past? The “Great Zimbabwe” would be a suitable name, recalling an empire from Africa’s past.”



Great Zimbabwe: a colossal structure that was old even before the Fall

“This is why we pay you the big credits, Scriptor.” I think that is his little joke – to the best of my knowledge I don’t get paid anything. “I will arrange for that news to be leaked immediately. And while we are talking space ships, I have ordered that all exploration ships in future will have no weapons. That will save some credits. Can’t waste the taxpayers’ money!”

I assume the pilots and crew of the exploration ships have not been consulted

02.25 2754

The Imperial Treasury approved the expenditure of 2,575 credits to construct a new exploration space ship. It has been decided that weapons serve no purpose on such vessels and accordingly none will be provided.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Space is very large apparently, something one does not gather from studying the old texts. From them it would appear that spaceships zoomed around the universe in no time at all. Obviously we lost some basic technology in the Fall. After months the “Zheng He” has just reached Ongoimgu and can only now start the tedious process of surveying beneath the surface below. Spies report that small groups of senators have been seen meeting clandestinely and that there is some muttering among the less enthusiastic of the populace.

But Julius’ luck held out, though not as he had anticipated.

09.12 2754

Princeps Julius the Unifier today announced that the construction ship “Great Zimbabwe” has been completed. The Princeps also announced that large groves of Giraxian trees have been located in a previously unexplored region of the Earth. Already quantities of Giraxian nectar are being extracted and will be available to all citizens of the Empire. The nectar increases health and helps fight disease.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Nothing like a fresh supply of luxuries to keep people from thinking about spaceships that have not yet reported. And the Senator for United Africa was seen shaking hands with the Senator for the Tang Confederacy. Everyone is happy.
They may not have been so happy had they known of the other diary entry, one not for the public view.

09.12 2754

Princeps Julius approved the appointment of a high-ranking professional spy. This person will use the code name Delator Primus. He will report only to the Princeps.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, sealed section, Imperial Archives)

As often happens, when the crisis has been averted, the solution arrives soon after.

10.10 2754

Princeps Julius the Unifier announced today that geologists on board the “Zheng He” have discovered vast deposits of silicon on Ongoimgu. This vital element is used in electronic components and energy collectors. The “Great Zimbabwe” has been sent to construct a mining station in orbit around the moon. Although the Imperial Reserve will need to provide 15 units of Mebnar, 12 units each of Polymers, Silicon and Carbonite as well as 6 units of Nekros Stone, access to the silicon mined will be free to all private ships that wish to pick it up. In addition, private mining ships are free to mine directly from the deposits should they prefer.

Its task complete, the “Zheng He” is now on route to Sol 7.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



Sol 7 and its moons

I was a little surprised at the generosity shown by the Empire and daringly suggested as much to the Princeps. He just laughed.

“Who do you think will build all those ships? Who will repair them, update them? The Imperial Shipyards! The law is quite plain – only the Empire may construct and maintain spaceships. Money will be flowing into our coffers very soon. And don’t forget – the private sector will pay taxes on all their profits too!”

That was the last thing of importance for 2754. The first year of the New Roman Empire and the first year of a united human return to space.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2755-2756

Once more the vastness of space forced Julius to suspend his aspirations. As “Zheng He” plodded its way to Sol 7 and “Great Zimbabwe” moved even more slowly to Ongoimgu, there was nothing for the Princeps to do but wait. Unfortunately for those who have to work with him, which now includes the spy Delator Primus, patience is not one of his traits.

It was not until four months of the new year had passed before an official announcement could be made, and that was something that had been tracked for some time.

04.08 2755

Princeps Julius the Unifier announced today that the spaceport “Jupiter” was now fully operational. It will be available for both private and military use.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



A newly constructed cargo freighter leavers the Imperial Space Port “Jupiter”

A handful of information traders asked questions about the mention of “military” use but Julius made no public statement. In private, he had been a little more informative. At the meeting where this announcement was discussed, he asked me about the stories of other humans having survived the Fall. I advised that all cultures and societies on Earth had such stories, and that there were astonishing similarities in the stories, similarities that would support there having a basis in truth.

The consistent details were that in the chaos after the Fall, small groups of humans with access to spaceships were able to escape to other star systems. There they eked out an existence on small bases that remained functional. Some stories referred to these groups as “pirates”.

Delator Primus (officially an advisor on Internal Affairs, but in reality the Imperial Spy, rarely makes a comment at these meetings, preferring to maintain his strong, silent image. But at this point he volunteered the information that his spy network, while unable to provide proof, has for some time suspected that alien groups have been operating here on earth, presumably monitoring our activities. For what purpose he cannot say.

Julius may be a risk taker, but basically he is cautious. He likes his risks to be measurable and the rewards to be great. That there may be other human groups in space, and that these could not be assumed to be friendly, prompted his order that the public announcement contain a reference to military preparations.

“Not to scare the citizenry, nor to turn them away from space exploration, but so that if and when such preparations come, they are not a complete surprise. I can’t afford to be seen as overlooking the possibility”
The next public statement was a big affair. After more a year of intense (and expensive) research, the series of experiments on warp fields reached the point where a rudimentary “skip” drive could be constructed. That success led to the elevation of the lead scientist Basant Dobachi to the inner circle. He warned that this new discovery was not a “gateway” to the stars – it was a first step. It would, however, make interplanetary travel far more convenient. Instead of months, such journeys would take weeks.



Chief Scientist Bosachi tried to explain warp drive theory to the Princeps. He was not successful.

Julius was not at all downhearted that there was a long way to go. He was busy calculating the increase in Treasury funds as private spaceships owners paid to have the new engines fitted.

Even when Dobachi suggested that the Empire put applied science on hold and instead concentrate on pure research in order to increase our scientific base, Julius was not annoyed. In fact he took the idea as his own, noting the long term benefits and the low cost.

06.08 2755

New Roman scientist Basant Dobachi informed the Princeps that a “skip” drive has been developed. This new drive will accelerate our exploration of the Sol system and form the basis for future research on warp fields. The Princeps has decreed that the scientific community will now concentrate on improving our research capacity, specifically our research laboratories.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Perhaps encouraged by Dobachi’s success, a group of ship builders approached the administration with a suggestion that three more exploration ships be constructed. They got a frosty reception. Julius is not prepared to spend precious credits on ships that may sit around doing nothing when the Sol system has been explored. “Time enough for that when we can travel to other systems” was final world.



The “Zheng He” leaves Sol 7, its survey complete

His natural tendency to be frugal was overcome however with the tremendous news from the ”Zheng He”. Sol 7, the enormous planet around which Earth and Ongoimgu circle, is a treasure trove of valuable resources. Of first importance is the presence of Caslon, essential for fuel for space travel. Our own supply, left over from before the Fall, was never going to last for more than a few years, and a nearby source was essential for Julius’ plans for expansion. Almost as important are Krypton and Argon, both used in the construction of reactors and potentially weapons and shields. The geologists also hinted at some still unknown items that might be revealed with more investigation.

The industrialist in the Princeps took control. Treasury was given the green light for a series of expensive outlays, all to expand our space program.

06.24 2755

Princeps Julius the Unifier today announced that important discoveries have been made by the New Roman exploration ship “Zheng He”. Sol 7 has immense reserves of Caslon, Argon and Krypton. To allow these reserves to be tapped for the benefit of the Empire, a new construction ship will be built. The “Zheng He” is to return to Earth to have the new “skip” drive installed. He also announced that the commissioning of the exploration ship “Leif Erikson”, which has just been completed ,will be delayed to allow the new drive to be installed.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

06.24 2755

The commander of the exploration ship “Zheng He” attached to his report on Sol 7 a secret appendix. In it she noted that there were indications that further investigation might reveal some “hidden” information. There may be risks associated with such investigations.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, sealed section, Imperial Archives)

The year ended on a good note: the chief engineer of the “Great Zimbabwe” advised that the Ongoimgu Mining Station was complete and that the vessel was returning home to be upgraded. The Princeps who has been studying the Empire’s accounts intensely of late, seemed relieved at the news. Is the Treasury struggling or is this just his natural caution?



Ongoimgu Mining Station: "If you buiild it, they will come"

11.24 2755

The Ongoimgu Mining Station is now mining and stockpiling silicon. Any ship that docks at the station may load as much silicon as it can carry, at no cost
.
(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

In the New Year, the entire administration was surprised. Julius had intended to have a major broadcast to celebrate the first use of the skip drive: the plan was for the “Zheng He” to be recorded as it engaged the drive and then vanished. Pan away to Julius waving farewell. We did not take into account commercial greed. The owners of the mining ship “Graceful Way” bribed their way to the head of the queue for installation of the new drive and then quietly took off for Sol 7. They would make a killing when they returned with the first load of Caslon, Krypton and Argon.

At first I thought the Princeps would explode with anger. He did go rigid when a trembling aide handed him the communication from “Jupiter”. I wondered if I might be collateral damage as he listened to the message again. Then he threw back his head and laughed.

“I rely on commerce to fund the Empire, but don’t realise that commerce has no respect for Imperial plans! What sort of fool am I, Scriptor?”

I decided this was a rhetorical question and merely essayed a slight smile. I didn’t want to seem to agree too enthusiastically.

Which is why what was supposed to be a tremendous celebration of the Empire’s achievements was downgraded to a one sentence entry in the official diary.

10.01 2256

The “Graceful Way”, a mining ship owned by the “Gas4U” Corporation, made the first hyperjump in Earth history since the Fall when it set off for Sol 7.

Shortly after, the exploration ship “Leif Erikson” departed Jupiter Space Port for Sol 4. A Treasury official confirmed that 2,661 Credits had been allocated for the construction of a third exploration ship.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



“Leif Erikson discovering America”: a painting that survived the Fall and the Chaos

The official record might suggest a lack of activity for the next 6 months, but that was definitely not the case. The Princeps ran all his staff ragged as he floated idea after idea. Most were discarded as impractical, a few as too expensive and some as "before their time". But a couple made it through to become policy.

05.08 2756

The Empire’s second Construction Vessel, the “Angkor Wat” was commissioned and immediately left for Sol 7. It is to build a Gas Extraction and Processing Station in orbit of the planet.

The exploration ship “Leif Erikson” has found Osalia gemstones present in large quantities in certain areas of Sol 4. These are suitable for commercial collection. The Imperial Armoury advises these will be required for future weaponry.

The Princeps Julius approved another large increase in research funding. Extra expenditure of 8,642 Credits will half the time needed to complete the “Research Labs” project.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Even now, late at night, the lights are burning in the Princep's office. There is a high probability that before daybreak I and the other two advisers will be summoned to consider his latest ideas.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2756-2757

For many months the Imperial Diary mentioned nothing about space or the Princep’s plans for the expansion of the Empire. Then, all of a sudden, a rash of announcements were made.

08.16.2756

General Indo Zotri has been appointed commander of the small standing army that the Empire retains, charged with the defence of the Palace, Treasury and Imperial Warehouses.

A new space exploration vessel, the “Christopher Columbus”, has been commissioned. It has left on a mission to survey Sol 5.

The “Zheng He”, now fitted with the “skip drive” has set off to survey Sol 2.

“Great Zimbabwe”, also retrofitted with a “skip drive” is on its way to Sol 4 to build a mining station to gather Osalia for collection by private freighters.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



Osalia: vital for the manufacture of advanced weapons
General Zotri now sits in on the meetings with the Princeps to discuss policy. He seems a simple soldier: good at logistics but poor at recruiting. Unless we are discussing areas of interest to him, he barely conceals his boredom. He needs to watch out: the Princeps is not one to overlook what he might consider rudeness. For example, when we were considering the expenditure of almost 5,500 Credits to build a Research Station at Sol 7, he barely said a word. The Chief Scientist Basant Dobachi was voluble in his support of course, and Delator Primus, once he had determined that Julius thought it a good idea, jumped on board. I mentioned that some Treasury officials had been complaining that our reserve of credits was getting low, but it served little purpose. Julius had already decided.

The partial destruction of the Imperial Archives during the heavy fighting in 2060 means that the records of the next few months are missing. I do recall however that the “Zheng He” discovered a source of Firexian Firestones (jewellers will pay enormous sums for them) as well as less valuable but more useful Nekros Stone on Sol 2. Once the crew stopped celebrating they were on their way to the planet’s moon, Tauphi. The “Christopher Columbus” did not do well on its maiden voyage: Sol 5 is a barren wasteland, good only for target practice. It was hoped it would do better at the nearby moon, Smauk.

10.16 2757

Smauk, the moon of Sol 5 has commercial quantities of Mebnar, Aculon and Cuprica. The “Christopher Columbus” is en route to Sol 6. Tauphi, the moon of Sol 2, has some steel present. The “Zheng He” has been given orders to “explore at will”.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



The mineral rich surface of the moon Smauk with the barren planet Sol 5 looming over it
Better luck for “Christopher Columbus” on its second mission. Then Mebnar alone would make a mining station viable. Our shipbuilders use large quantities for reactor shielding. They also use a lot of Aculon, valuable for its heat resistant qualities. Cuprica is not so useful at the moment, but Scientist Dobachi believes it will be import for the manufacture of weapons more advanced than those we currently use. The steel on Tauphi will remain untouched for now – we have more than enough for our needs.

11.28 2757

Princeps Julius opened the “Einstein Centre”, the Research Station built in orbit of Earth. (I found a reference to this mythical figure in an almost indecipherable text dug from deep below the capital: it definitely pre-dated the Fall. He seemed to have been held in reverence by the Ancients.) Chief Scientist Basant Dobachi and his staff have transferred to the Centre and will administer the scientific projects as ordered by the Princeps.
Construction ship “Angkor Wat” is to construct a mining station at Sol 2.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



The “Einstein Centre” in orbit around So 7. Sol 7 Mining Station and a freighter in the background
I will miss Basant, though of course he will be present (in holograph) for much of the time. But it is not quite the same as bumping into him in the corridors of the palace and being lectured on whatever scientific problem is occupying him. The spy and the general are nowhere near as entertaining.

When “Angkor Wat” left there was very little excitement. Space had become boring for much of the population. We sent out ships, they found stuff and we exploited it. We used that to make more ships or to improve life on Earth. Even Julius, usually a bundle of enthusiasm, seemed a little subdued. That was about to change.

04.01 2758

Two spaceships of unknown origin vessels appeared close to Earth and made contact. These ships belong to human pirates calling themselves the “Vicious Bandits”. The Princeps agreed to pay them 125 Credits per month.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

That the legends of humans surviving on ancient spaceships are based on fact was shock enough. That they were capable of running an interstellar protection racket was almost too much to bear. Julius, never one to appreciate being pressured, struggled to contain his fury as he agreed to their demands.

“Displeased with us! Contempt for our civilised complacency! I should blast your ships into atoms!”



Briefing notes for the meeting to discuss the demands of the “Vicious Bandits”
But he did not become the most powerful man on Earth by ignoring reality. The pirate ships are faster, bigger and far more powerful than anything we could build. We have no idea where these pirates (they call themselves the “Vicious Bandits”) are based: the ships seem to just appear out of nowhere. It was made clear to us that we needed to pay to ensure our space installations and ships were not subject to attacks. Who would be doing the attacking was not specified.

There was worse to come. Within days two more pirate groups made contact, both demanding similar “protection” payments. These were not human – we were being threatened by aliens! The first to arrive were Ackdarians, We know nothing about them, they are not mentioned in the ancient texts. All we can tell is that they have a gift for research and are not very friendly. They call themselves the “Dirty Fang Consortium”. The other aliens were Zenox who, according to our own spy chief, are adept at espionage and psyops. The ships of these “Vicious Pirates” have strong defensive shields.

06.01 2758

Two alien races, the Ackdarians and Zenox have made contact with Earth. Both groups claim to be pirates offering protection from attack. It was agreed to pay each 125 Credits per month.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

The Palace was not a happy work environment following these events. Julius was simmering with barely contained rage, and several servants found themselves transferred to remote mining camps for minor clumsiness. The Delator spent all his time grilling citizens suspected of either being human pirates working undercover or being in the pay of the aliens. General Indo Zotri made himself hard to find to avoid having to explain that he had no solution to the threat of bombardment (and invasion) from space. The Chief Scientist seemed to be having technical problems: it was very difficult to contact him at the “Einstein Centre”. Above all, there was a never-ending series of notes from Treasury about the heavy drain on our credit reserves caused by these multiple monthly payments.

There was other problem however, closer to home. Long range scanners had detected signals from an area between Sol 6 and Sol 7. The signals were faint and meaningless, but came from a small group of asteroids. Somehow the idea grew that they might be from abandoned ships and that these ships might be repairable. Could they perhaps be advanced designs, something we could use to deter the parasites emptying the Treasury? “Great Zimbabwe” was sent to find out.

02.30 2757

The construction ship “Great Zimbabwe” came under attack from the occupants of a space station hidden in an asteroid group some distance from Earth. The base identifies itself as the “Olabus Refuge” and from data collected as the “Great Zimbabwe” made its escape, it is well armed and defended. It is surrounded by abandoned space ships, believed to have been less fortunate victims.

A diplomat, Indo Undulian, has been promoted to the level of ambassador.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



Our construction ship comes under fire from the space station hidden in the asteroid belt
Only swift action by the captain of the “Great Zimbabwe” averted disaster. As soon as incoming projectiles and beams were detected the order was given to engage the skip drive. Some damage was suffered but nothing serious. Even in that brief time it was seen that the asteroid belt not only hid the hostile space station but also several apparently abandoned space ships. For now they would have to be left alone: we have nothing that could threaten the enemy.
It was becoming clear that we were defenceless in a universe full of danger. Yet there seemed no way to even match the power of even one of those who threatened us, let alone challenge them all. An ambassador would be useful, if we had anywhere to send him! And if we had a bargaining position: at the moment we held none of the cards.
A dark time for Princeps Julius and, by extension, the Empire.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2758

03.19 2758

A previously unknown extra-terrestrial group made contact and entered into discussions with the Pronceps. Calling themselves the “Ghost Fleet” they claim that they are their ancestors were members of an organisation, the “Eighth Fleet” that had responsibility for guarding humanity in this sector of the galaxy. This group survived the Fall and in the following Chaos had protected humanity as it regrew and redeveloped on the moon we now call Earth. They said it was now time for them to rejoin humanity. Before doing so, they asked for payment of over $25,000 Credits as a token payment for the protection they had provided over the millennia.

The Princeps agreed to this.

The Ghost Fleet, a destroyer and three escorts, is now under the control of the Empire. The newcomers brought knowledge of Nuclear Fission, Proton Ionisation and enough information to allow the completion of our study of Energy Beam Weapons. In addition, we have a space port in a system two star systems away, the Najorca Minor system.



The destroyer renamed “Ghost 1” moves through space on its way to Earth. It will be the flagship of the 9th Fleet
To celebrate our becoming a space power, a basic escort class spaceship design has been drawn up and the construction of two ships has been approved.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

I still remember the Princeps’ face when the holocom from the “Eighth Fleet” appeared. After two pirate groups had extorted “protection” from us, he was preparing himself for another humiliating concession being forced from his lips. Instead, the human, wearing some sort of uniform, spoke politely of history and the mission he and his warships had inherited.

It could have been the relief when he realised that the Eighth Fleet wanted not tribute but welcome that made him agree with a wave of his hand to a payment so large that it would leave the Treasury almost empty. He seemed overcome with emotion and I thought for a moment he was going to attempt to embrace the hologram image. Luckily some vestige of imperial dignity prevented this faux pas. The rules of polite behaviour are there for a reason – it is most unpleasant to have another body seem to want to occupy the space you are in yourself. We didn’t need another enemy.
Afterwards Julius was full of enthusiasm.

“We have a fleet! A space fleet! Now those pirates will pay! Get them on the holocom – I’ll show them who needs protection.”

Fortunately the voice of reason was present in the unlikely person of General Zotri. He suggested that we evaluate the strength of our new fleet before antagonising every other space travelling group we knew. He also pointed out that even though the new ships were doubtless faster than anything we could build, could just four ships cover the whole of the Sol system?

Julius is the first to admit he is not a military man and that, together with surprise that the normally acquiescent general ventured to offer a dissenting opinion, caused him to reflect.

“You are right. Tell Treasury to scrape the bottom of the vaults to pay for the construction of two escort ships. The best we can make. And rename the fleet. It isn’t a “Ghost Fleet” any more: it is the “Nineth Fleet” of the New Roman Empire.”

Though caution prevailed for the moment, with payments continuing to the other pirate groups who had contacted us earlier, the Princeps had made no commitments about the future. So it was no surprise when a fresh contact got short shrift.

04.28 2758

Contact was made by the “Dirty Fang Consortium”, a pirate group consisting of members of the Ackdarian species. The Princeps refused to pay them anything, advising that the Ninth Fleet was quite capable of defending the Empire.

The “Leif Erikson” has been ordered to investigate Sol 8, on the other side of our system.

06.07 2758

Tyderios located on Sol 6

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Delator Primus was permitted to recruit another senior operative. He will be referred to as Delator Secundus

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives)

I didn’t really see the Chief Spy as an empire builder, at least not in the bureaucratic sense. Yet somehow he has convinced the Princeps he needs an assistant. What can he be planning?

08.09 2758

The Princeps attended the launch of our first space warship, the “Audacious”. Together with the other escort, the “Belligerent”, it will join the 9th Fleet, now under the command of Admiral Yan Lukadi, previously commander of the “ghost Fleet”.



The “Audacious”, our first armed space ship. The “Ghost” escorts are three times as powerful
An alien owned trading ship, the “Cryptic Peril” docked at Jupiter space port. From her caption we learned of an independent colony several star systems away. This colony consists of a species known as the Shandar. The Princeps has ordered that they are not to be mistreated in any way.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Although the military did their best to show our new spaceships in a good light, I found the launch of the “Audacious” less than impressive. Anyone who has seen the Ghost Fleet ships realises that we simply lack the technology to build anything better than support ships for the main fleet. Bu there are so many areas where our knowledge is lacking.
The new Admiral of the fleet is also not too impressive, and I could see that the Princeps had the same impression. His days may be numbered.

The arrival of a non-Empire trading ship was a surprise, but a welcome surprise. It has become apparent for some time that we are not self-sufficient in many resources. Most significantly we lack a source of Carbonite, essential for shipbuilding and research. We have been trying to conserve the limited stockpile of Carbonite that remains from before the Fall, but that stockpile is getting very low. While the long-term solution is to find a source of our own, perhaps we can obtain some from these independent traders.



The independent trading vessel “Cryptic Peril” that brought news of the Shandar
Also of interest: the captain of the “Cryptic Peril” informed us of the existence of colony of aliens some distance away. From what he said, the Shandar are not aggressive and may respond well to diplomatic overtures. After the Captain left, Julius was excited. Our military weakness may prevent us from expanding the Empire by force, but Julius did not come to govern Earth by fighting all the other contenders. He has not come up with a strategy as yet, but his order to “be nice” should keep all our option open.

That would have to wait. Within weeks of the departure of the “Cryptic Peril”, we faced out fist pirate attack. Not in our system, but at our recently acquired outpost: the Ghost Fleet Base. The attackers were the “Dirty Fang Consortium”. The advanced defences of the ancient spaceport were enough to hold off the pirates, and one enemy ship was destroyed.

News of the victory was greeted by joy on Earth and the Senate voted to give Julius the title “Imperator Maximus”. He declined. Not, I should add, because he felt did not deserve it. That would never have stopped him. It was more he did not want to be associated with the results of space battles.

“It is fine to be linked with victory, but it always leads to being the owner of defeat. Best let others take both the glory and the abuse. You mark my words young Scriptor”. I almost choked on my Vodkol. (Not a good idea: we are getting very low on this refreshing if highly alcoholic beverage). The Princeps is barely a handful of years older than me! “Young Scriptor” indeed!

That did not prevent the mobs surrounding the Palace chanting his name and he had no reluctance in going out on the balcony to accept the adulation. Perhaps there was another reason for his refusal to take the title. A devious Senator or two might think it useful to present the Princeps with the title as a poisoned chalice: something to be used as a weapon at the appropriate time. If that were the case, the plot failed.



The “Majestic Clan” attacks Ghost Fleet Base in the Najarca Minor system.
10.28 2758

Our forces successfully repelled an attack by the criminal gang known as the “Dirty Fang Consortium”. The enemy ship “Majestic Clan” was disabled and then destroyed, but two other frigate class ships escaped.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

There had long been stories of non-human species existing in the galaxy, species that had been well known before the fall. There was little that could be held out to be factual however. My studies (before being recruited as a glorified note taker and confidant) had led me to believe that somewhere in the surviving literature there might be some descriptions of alien species.

When the Ackdarians moved from mere threats to physical attack, I was given free access to all archaeological sites and unlimited funds and staff to locate such records and achieved some limited success. Not a scientific examination of the different races, more a summary of characteristics, perhaps intended to be an introduction to further study. Not what I had hoped for, but better than nothing.

From these notes I learned that the Ackdarians are mammal like and semi-aquatic. They prefer deep oceans but will live in shallow seas as well. Good builders, especially of space ships. They have developed an Advanced Turbothruster which gives their ships great range and fuel efficiency. Generally they are neutral in their dealings with humans: our refusal to pay protection and to defend ourselves has infuriated them however.



Our relationship with the Ackdarian pirates the “Dirty Fang Consortium” is not good
The Shandar are an extremely long lived reptile like species that live on volcanic, carbonaceous and sulphur rich planets. They build using molten lava and while they have space-travel they show little interest in the rest of the galaxy. Easy going perhaps best sums them up. The Princeps made his mind up – we would cultivate them diplomatically and then consider setting up a colony on one of the bigger islands on their world.

01.10 2759

It has been announced that Indo Undulian will be our first extra-terrestrial ambassador. He will leave for Xa Fil 1 immediately.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Great AAR so far! I like the narrative format, and weaving in references to our own history for the 'New Roman Empire'. Looking forward to following!

justus2

Thank you - I have been reading your AAR with interest and learning so much about how to play this game. We seem to have taken different paths. I wonder how far apart the histories will be in another 50 years.

Great AAR so far. I'm half way through just reading as I reach home from office.

LordMM

"Great AAR so far. I'm half way through just reading as I reach home from office."

Thank you: I do aim to provide a lot to read. As the (very) old TV show said "Never mind the quality, feel the width!"

Perhaps I should take this opportunity to point out that I am learning as I go. Please do not take this AAR as instructional, unless you mean to learn from my mistakes.

Uriah wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 2:05 am
Perhaps I should take this opportunity to point out that I am learning as I go. Please do not take this AAR as instructional, unless you mean to learn from my mistakes.

I don't remember who is credited with the quote, but I believe the sentiment - "Experience is learning from your mistakes, Wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others." I am sure we will learn a lot from each other!

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2759

My office (cubicle really) is within earshot of the Princep’s suite in the Palace, for the very good reason that he disdains electronic communication and merely shouts when he wants me. As a result, I could clearly hear roars of anger not long after the Chief Scientist had passed my door heading that way. Seconds later a bellowed “Scriptor!” told me I was wanted.

Entering the room I saw a cowering Basant Dobachi with Julius standing above with a raised fist. I breathed a sigh of relief – there are plenty of things that either are weapons or could be used as weapons in that room. That the Princeps had not picked one up meant he was in control of himself to some extent at least.



Fortunately the Princeps did not pick up this ancient Roman gladius he keeps in his rooms
“Do you know what this fool has done?” I took it I was about to find out so looked interested as well as disapproving. “Remember when “Great Zimbabwe” came under fire for that damned Oblatus Refuge? Just before the arrival of the Ghost Fleet?” A nod was all that was required. “Well in the confusion around that time, when I was preoccupied with important matter, our researchers completed their studies into Research Labs. And without informing me, all our scientific effort went into a project on Basic Space Commerce1”

The Chief Scientist made an effort to speak but thought better of it.

“I admit that more than 18 months previously I had approved a plan to undertake such a study after the completion of the Research Labs project, but the situation had changed drastically since then. We had bloodsucking pirates, rebels in our own system and had become a space naval power. And this moron thought not to inform me that I had a decision to make!”

At last Dobuchi managed a few words. “But I sent you a note!”

A withering look silenced him.

“We may as well complete the project now, but we have wasted more than two years when we could have been developing weapons or defences for our fleet. Scriptor, prepare an authority for me to sign to approve the expenditure to finish this project quickly. Then place an appropriate note in the official records. And then both of you get out of here. I need to think.”

01.17 2759

The Chief Scientist has admitted that due to his incompetence, significant scientific effort has been misdirected and opportunities missed. The Princeps has taken corrective steps, including expenditure of 3,509 Credits to speed the completion of the “Space Commerce” project.

The Empire's three exploration ships have all been upgraded and have resumed their duties.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Over the next few months no less than three pirate group demanded the payment of protection money. The first, from the Dread Claw Outlaws, Julius dismissed with contempt. (These are Mortalens, a mammal/reptile hybrid that legend holds as fierce and agile. Not only bodily agile., but also their spaceships.) The next was Ackdarian, and they seemed to have a powerful fleet. Julius grudgingly agree to pay them – for now at least. The last was a human gang, Jameneri Minor Security. These seemed marginally more civilised, and there is a faint hope they may be useful. A contract was signed, and soon after they offered information on a nearby system for 3,600 Credits. Although he considered the price to be daylight robbery, Julius agreed, more to appear friendly than anything else.



We have some hope of persuading these pirates to become allies rather than parasites
03.11.2759

A group of Mortalen pirates calling themselves the “Dread Claw Outlaws” attempted to extort protection money from the Empire and were sent packing.

03.30. 2759

The Empire entered into a contract with the Ackdarian Prowlers. They will provide protection for Empire ships and bases on an ongoing basis for 125 Credits per month.

A group of humans known as Jameniri Minor Security have been engaged on the same terms as the Ackdarian Prowlers. They have provided us with information on the Yitnes System.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

It was not long before we discovered that the Mortalen reputation for ferocity was not undeserved. The first alert came from the “Happy Adversity”, a small freighter that happened to be close to the Sol 4 Mining Station. After alerting authorities of the presence of a pirate fleet, it fled. But it was not the target of the Dread Claw Outlaws: they were after bigger fish. Their ships attacked the mining station and then assault pods carried troops onto our installation. Within a short time they had looted 5,773 Credits and were on their way.



The Dread Claw Outlaws raid Sol 4 Mining Station
It did not take me more than a few seconds to do the math. The looted amount would have paid almost 50 months of “protection”. Not that I passed that on to the Princeps. Like most of the staff of the Imperial Palace, I tried to find tasks that would keep me well away from him. He did not take the raid well, and that he was intelligent enough to know there was nothing he could do about did not make him any less furious. Of course the attack was hushed up: the crew of the “Happy Adversity” and the few survivors of the operational staff of the mining station being silenced with a combination of bribes and threats. Word of our vulnerability must not get out to the citizens of Earth.

06.07 2759

The imperial Mining Station at Sol 4 was attacked and looted by the Dread Claw Outclaws. The Princeps has made a solemn oath to avenge this unprovoked attack.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives)

The completion of the Basic Space Commerce Project gave Julius an opportunity to do something about what he saw as a personal insult. (After he got over the fact that there was not enough room on the “Jupiter” for a commerce centre!). All research was switched to Advanced Nuclear Fission, a subject where we had gained great insights from the Ghost Fleet. It did cost us 50 units of Mebnar, but though we are not currently mining that resource we have a considerable reserve.

But that was not all. Another area where the Ghost Fleet had given our research a boost was Proton Ionisation. 50 units each of Steel, Polymer and Carbonite was needed to queue that project. We have plenty of the first two, but Carbonite is an issue. We have not located any deposits in our system and stocks are quite low.



In the distant past when Carbonite was plentiful, it was used to incarcerate political and military prisoners, especially during the legendary “Star Wars”
The research teams were instructed that following the completion of those projects, work was to begin on the development of a deflection field generator.

Finally Julius approved a fourth project: to discover a way to stabilise warp fields. This would be a massive project, one that would take years. Simply planning for it required the expenditure of 500 credits and the allocation of 50 units each of Carbonite, Polymer, Nekros Stone, Mebnar and Emeros Crystal. We don’t have a lot of Emeros Crystal, but a potential mining location is at least known. The additional carbonite, however, is a real concern.

It was not hard to see the reasoning behind the research plan. Soon our ships would have more power, better engines, energy shields and better hyperdrives. They would be vastly improved weapons platforms.

08.20 2759

Today the Princeps outlined the Empire’s research program for the next few years. He spoke of ensuring the safety of both the citizens and the economy of the Empire, warning of retaliation against those who violated our security.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

The confidence engendered by this ambitious program led Julius to reject another demand for protection money. This was from another previously pirate organisation, the Haakonish Force. (The Haakonish are reptilian and highly xenophobic: the surviving records say their ships have an extremely large range.)

We found that these deals with pirates are not necessarily effective. Ghost 4, one of the 9th Fleet escorts, came under attack and returned fire. The rest of our fleet was nearby and when they joined the battle the enemy ship retreated.



The Ackdarian Prowlers attack and loot Earth: part of the Princeps briefing notes following the attack
Shortly afterwards an Ackdarian Prowlers fleet appeared at Earth. Although our defences reacted and were able to destroy at least one of the attackers, the pirates were able to land a force on the surface. Although General Indo Zohri and 4th Strike Troopers engaged the enemy, the pirates were able to raid several storage areas. The enemy evacuated its ground troops and its fleet left.

An audit revealed significant resource losses: 49 units of Yarras Marble, 33 Steel, 88 Krypton, 7 Emeros Stone, 5 Carbonite 20 Kaasian Crystal, 49 Argon and 261 Giraxian Nectar. And what of our agreement with the Ackdarians? They claim we broke the agreement by firing on their ships. It would appear that it was an Ackdarian ship that attacked Ghost 4 and that the attack on Earth was a response to that ship defending itself! Needless to say, Julius is again enraged and vowing vengeance. All he could do however was to order 9th Fleet to make Earth its home base, something that should have been earlier but was overlooked.

The year ended with discovery that Sol 2 hid some unknown items but our exploration technology could not determine what it was. Something to bear in mind for the future.

[cewnter]“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2760[/center]

01.21 2760

Treasury officials, under the instruction of the Princeps, Julius the Unifier, has provided an additonal 2,108 credits to accelerate research into Advanced Nuclear Fission.

02.25 2760

While salvaging the hull section of an abandoned space ship, a cache containing 19,600 credits was discovered. The Empire has taken possession of these funds.



The hull section floats in space, its hidden cache about to be revealed
04.22 2760

The Advanced Nuclear Fission project has been completed, allowing the installation of Fission Resctors in our space ships. The Chief Scientist has been ordered to commence a study into Proton Acceleration. The Princeps has approved the allocation of 3,750 credits which will permit the project to be carried out at double the normal rate. The Empire’s two escorts, “Audacious” and “Belligerent” are to be upgraded.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)



A Fission reactor suitable for installation in any space vessel
2060 started well. Seizing the credits found by space scavengers gave us the funds to speed up research, and Treasury expects privately owned space ships to pay handsomely for the new reactors. Admiral Yan Lukadi oversaw the upgrading of our escorts: he has been revealed to be hopeless at combat command, but an efficient dockyard supervisor.
When the “Jameri Dictator”, a Dread Claw Outclaw escort, suddenly appeared near Earth and attacked a small freighter, it seemed that our good luck was continuing. 9th Fleet moved rapidly to the location and destroyed the attacker.



The 9th Fleet engages the “Jameri Dictator”, unaware the true threat was on the other side of the planet
What was not realised was that some distance away three other pirate ships had appeared and were sending assault groups to the surface of Earth. Our troops, (just one unit, the 4th Strike Trooper Brigade) were outnumbered and were it not for the bravery of the citizenry the Empire would have been defenceless. As the battle raged on the planet, the fleet moved at full speed to drive off the attacking fleet, but it took some time to get into position. When they came under fire, the pirates recalled their landing parties and departed. Searching through the wreckage, Treasury officials discovered the raiders had looted 2,727 credits.

Julius was shaken by our inability to defend our home planet and blamed himself for the debacle. The 4th Strike Trooper Brigade had been annihilated: two new brigades were called, 50th and 51st Strike Troopers. This took a bit longer than expected: General Indo Zotri had revealed himself to be a talented ground attacker and a competent administrator of logistics, but his recruiting skills are deplorable.



The fighting on Earth caused great destruction
The knowledge that additional ground forces were being assembled did not immediately calm the populace: they were quite agitated and only the availability of multiple luxury goods kept them in order. It was clear anyway that defending on the surface of Earth was nor ideal: we must prevent the pirate ships from having the opportunity to send down raiding parties.

Thanks to the extra funding, our scientists completed the Proton Ionisation project in record time. While our escorts were being refitted, Julius had Treasury scrape up every available credit. Chief Scientist Basant Dobachi on Jupiter was contacted and told that the enormous sum of 22,500 credits was being provided: the Princeps expected that a Stable Warp Field be available as soon as possible. Our ships must be able to respond to threats faster.



Apparently firing a proton into another atom creates ionisation, allowing us to make Proton Engines
As if to emphasise the point, the freighter “Ancient Novelty” was attacked by a ship of the Haakonish Force and barely escaped destruction.

06.25 2760

The Dread Claw Outlaws again raided Earth. In the subsequent heavy fighting, 4th Strike Trooper Brigade followed the tradition of the Imperial Legions and fought to the last man defending the Empire. Enraged citizens then drove off the raiders. Two new Strike Trooper Brigades were recruited.

09.12 2760

Proton Engines can now be fitted to both military and civilian space vessels. All possible resources have been allocated to researching Stable Warp Fields.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

09.12 2760

Treasury officials advised the Princeps that high expenditure on research, combined with ship improvements and the losses to pirates, had placed a heavy strain on the economy. Even with private payments to the Imperial Shipyards, the Empire was approaching bankruptcy.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives)

11.09 2760

A pirate ship of the Haakonish Force attacked a freighter near Sol 2.

(Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Towards the end of the year, there was an interesting report from the Chief Operating Officer of Sol 2 Mining Station. As part of normal mining activities, his staff have continued to explore Sol 2 and have made a new discovery. At some time in the ancient past unknown builders erected a huge obelisk. It would encourage colonists were the planet inhabitable, but it would still be a great tourist attraction.



The mysterious Stone Obelisk of Obalus
The final event of 2760 showed how despite the pirate raids Julius was still focussed on expansion. Disregarding the financial stress it would cause, he ordered that all our exploration ships be recalled to be upgraded. To pay for it, taxes would be raised by 1%. The people will groan, but they must carry out the wishes of the leader.

Excellent AAR

I have described this game as a "space documentary, where you make the history" and this is the greatest example of that. Not to be annoying, but your first mention of the ninth fleet calls it the "Nineth" fleet (which had me looking for what Nineth was... lol) and your mention of "Basic Space Commerce1" instead of Basic Space Commerce!". I point this out only because it is obvious you put a lot of time and love into your story.

Are you playing this on .5x speed or something? Or just pausing and writing as it goes...

Thank you for the kind (and encouraging) comments. Don't worry about pointing out mistakes - I like people to do it. I am old enough to realise (at last) that I am not perfect. My wife has been of great assistance in my discovering this.

I am afraid that I spend a fair bit of time at .25%. But that is not a concern to me - I have no real urge to reach the end game asap. I play for enjoyment and I enjoy thinking and learning how the game works as it grinds away. There is a lot to learn, even though I played DW1 for years.

Great AAR! I really enjoy seeing the stories of other empires unfolding, and you are doing a great job with your writing.

Thank you - I too look forward to seeing how AARs develop. I have no idea how this one will go.

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2761-2763

Although they may be looked down on as scavengers, those businessmen who make a living salvaging space debris have their uses. One particularly patriotic individual anonymously provided a chart found on an abandoned ship. It shows the location of the Trilla Yaigan and RL 66 systems. The former has quite a number of planets which will be worth exploring, though the later seems to contains little but a red dwarf star.


Our expanding universe: if only we could travel that far to investigate these systems
The Ackdarian Prowlers continued to be an annoyance: Ghost Base was attacked but destroyed the single pirate ship without much trouble. More encouraging was the offer of a Non-Agggression Pact from the Jameniri Minor Security. Needless to say we accepted it: one less “tribute” to pay and the hope of assistance if attacked.

01.21 2761

Charts provided to the Princeps have revealed two nearby systems. Priority is to be given to preparing an exploration ship to travel to the most promising, Trilla Yaigan.

02.12 2761

The pirate gang calling itself the Ackdarian Prowlers attacked Ghost Base but achieved nothing but the loss of their spaceship. The space-travelling group Jameniri Minor Security has entered into a Non Aggression Pact with the New Roman Empire.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Julius was not happy to be told that our knowledge of warp technology is too basic to allow us to send an exploration ship to Trilla Yaigan. Even the promise of unlimited funding cannot speed things up any more. The Princeps has been increasingly concerned that our rate of research is too slow and this provoked him into action. Against the warnings of senior Treasury officials, he has decreed that a Research Station will be constructed above Sol 2. The Stone Obelisk there will provide a basis for industrial research. While he was involved in the planning for that project, he became aware that the scientist Cobi Undalian has been identified as having a demoralising effect on his fellow scientists. He has been ordered to Earth, pending his assignment to the new Research Station.


Work on a Warp Bubble Generator continues, but the task cannot be hurried
A few more minor pirate raids took place, but the only real damage was when a landing party looted Smauk Mining Station of 1,654 credits.

07.02 2761

The construction ship “Great Zimbabwe” has commenced construction of a research facility above Sol 2.

10.20 2761

9th Fleet chased Ackdarian Prowlers’ ships from near Smauk, but could not prevent the loss of a small amount of credits.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

Having done all possible to address our research problems, Julius was then faced with a far more intractable block to our plans for expansion: Carbonite. Or rather a lack of Carbonite. Although our exploration ships have been assiduous in searching our system, not one source of this essential construction material has been found. It is possible that deposits exist that our scanners cannot detect but that is no consolation. Our problem is now, not whenever we have more efficient scanners. According to the Dominus Imperialis Horreis (Julius has started to insist on “traditional” titles for everyone: “Controller of the Imperial Warehouses” is not good enough apparently) we have just 51 units of Carbonite in storage. That is nowhere near what will be needed for the construction of more mining and research stations, let alone expansion of the Imperial Fleet. Could there be some small deposits in the asteroid belts in our system? Our exploration ships have nothing better to do, so the order went out for them to search every pebble for Carbonite. In the meantime there is a trickle of the precious resource available from alien traders, but it is only a tiny amount: not many such trips find the long trip to Jupiter worthwhile.


Carbonite storages are almost empty
Than Nesalio, deputy to our Chief Spy, has been sent on a dangerous mission: to steal the territory map of the Dread Claw Outlaws. Only after he had left was it realised that he had an Inspiring Presence, one that could improve everyone he worked with. Hopefully he will return safely.

11.24 2762

One of our spies volunteered for a dangerous mission. He is not expected to return for at least a year. Details of the mission are held by the Office of the Chief Spy, Delator Primus.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives)

Money problems continue to plague us, something we really did not need on top of the Carbonite crisis. Looking to save every possible credit, the Senate agreed with Julius that payment to the Vicious Pirates could not be justified. The decision was made even though the Dread Claw Outlaws carried out another attack on an Imperial ship.

02.11 2763

The Dread Claw Outlaws attacked the Imperial escort “Ghost 4”, but were easily driven off.

04.17 2763

The Vicious Pirates have been informed that no more payments will be made and that any attack on the Empire or its citizens will be met with force.

06.28 2763

As a result of intensive research, Imperial Scientists have designed a Warp Bubble Generator. This will greatly increase both the speed and range of our space ships. The exploration ships “Zhang He” and “Christopher Columbus” have been fitted with the new drive, and other ships will modified as resources allow.

Our research facilities will now concentrate on the invention of some sort of armour plating for our ships and installations.


Megallos nuts: expensive but useful for keeping the population content and productive
The inhabitants of Earth were delighted to be informed that groves of Megallos trees have been discovered deep in the forests that still cover parts of the planet. The nuts of this slow growing plant will be made available to all citizens through Imperial stores.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

It has been some time since I have seen the Princeps as happy as when a jubilant Chief Scientist appeared (in hologram) to advise that the new warp drive had passed all tests and was ready for use. It was a pleasant change from gloomy discussions about credits, Carbonite and pirate attacks. The old Julius, full of confidence and enthusiasm, was back, throwing out ideas and dreams of an Empire spanning whole systems and species.

Reality had to intrude of course, but even when told we only had enough Carbonite for two ships he was not downhearted.

“We still get some Carbonite from traders? Good – see if we can increase that amount. Let the private sector have access to the new drive: they will drive up the price and hopefully attract more supplies. This is it, Scriptor, we are on the way to real space, outside our own system!”

08.15 2763

The exploration ship “Leif Erikson” has been fitted with the Warp Bubble Generator. The “Zheng He” has left the Solar system on its voyage to Trilla Yaigan.

Earth was attacked by the pirate gang “Haakonish Force”. It was defeated in a space battle but raiders were able to loot the Imperial Warehouses of a large quantity of valuable resources.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)


Imperial warships attack pirate raiders above Earth
These pirate raids are becoming intolerable! Our ships can defeat them but they are so quick that they can still steal credits and resources before we can get to them. We are caught in a bind: the raids reducing our ability to counter them.

The last raid saw pirates escape with huge amounts of Giraxian Nectar, Silicon and Polymer, and lesser but still significant amounts of Yarras Marble, Cuprica, Mebnar, Osalia and Aculon. Listening to the Dominus Imperalis Horreis recite the long list of stolen property was depressing – Julius quietly seethed. It was probably the wrong time for the Jameniri Minor Security to offer to sell us information on another system: Julius was quite brusque in his refusal.
Only the news that our other two exploration ships were on their way (to RL 66 and a completely unknown system) cheered him up.

The news that the Vicious Pirates had reacted to our cancellation of their protection contract by attacking the Ghost Base was a minor irritation. A little more alarming was the arrival back on earth of our spy Than Nesalio. He had failed in his attempt to find the location of the Dread Claw Outlaws. Luckily he was able to escape, but of course the pirate gang is livid. As they were never going to be friendly to the Empire and they attack us constantly already, I don’t see much reason to be concerned.


The only known image of the Imperial spy San Allaria: snapped as she drank from a traditional Roman clay mug.
The Chief Spy was not put off by the failure of his first attempt at interstellar espionage. A new spy has been recruited, San Allaria, and she has been despatched to steal technical information from the Vicious Pirates. That will teach them to attack us. Though it has done nothing in the short term. Weeks after San Allaria’s departure, another raid on Ghost Base saw the pirates steal a huge amount of Caslon that was stored to refuel our ships, as well as smaller amounts of construction materials.

There were mixed results from exploration. A map found on a bulkhead drifting in space contained some details of asteroids in the Toolfa system. Not really of much use. The preliminary report from the “Zhang He” was disappointing, in that no planet likely to contain Carbonite was detected in the Trilla Yaigan system. (Our records show that the resource is only found on Marshy Swamp, Mangrove Forest and Carbonaceous worlds). There is however a Forest world that might be suitable for colonisation, so the captain has been instructed to make that his priority. But that will have to wait until next year.

12.02 2763

Dilator Primus informed the Princeps that our spy had failed to locate the base of the Dread Claw Outlaws, but although detected he had managed to escape capture. The Chief Spy informed the Princeps privately that another spy has been sent to obtain research data from the Vicious Pirates.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives)

12.25 2763

Our exploration ship in the Trilla Yaigan system has found no source of Carbonite but will investigate one planet as a potential colony site.

(Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives)

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: SWOT

2764 had hardly started when I was summoned by the Princeps. For some reason he has been reading an obscure paper I published back in my academic years, a paper based on data retrieved from an ancient storage device that showed a methodology for analyising an entity’s strategic position at a point in time.

“This concept, “SWOT”, it’s just what I want! A short summary of where the Empire is 10 years after I made my “Ad Astra” speech. Get it done.”

When he gives an order like that, it is not an invitation to discuss or present a contrary view. It was not too difficult to gather the data, and within a day I was able to present him with what he wanted.

01.02 2764

SWOT Analysis of the New Roman Empire: 2764

Strengths

Our main strength is leadership. Under the firm but thoughtful rule of the Princeps Julius the Unifier, the Empire is able to maintain progress with stability.



We also possess a fleet capable of repelling pirate attacks



Population and the private economy are both growing rapidly




Weaknesses

We are still not able to equip our space ships with weapons, defences and speed sufficient to eliminate our enemies



Our basic “Escort” design: the peak of our technological ability

The Imperial Treasury is struggling to meet the growing demands for State funds



Shortages of critical resources are not only halting the construction of State ships and installations, but also purchases by private entities from the Imperial shipyards.



Opportunities

The whole galaxy awaits us, but specifically our closest neighbours



We also have hopes of an improving relationship with the only alien race we have come into contact, the Shakur of Xa Fil 1



Threats

To date, the only threats are a gaggle of pirate gangs




Prepared by the Office of the Scriptor, as directed by the Princeps.

(From the Imperial Archives)

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2764 – 2767

2764 started slowly, the only item of interest in the first few months being an offer by the Dread Claw Outlaws to halt their attacks in return for monthly payments. The offer was refused.

It was not until late April that anything of importance occurred. That was the message from the captain of “Christopher Columbus” that a carboniferous moon (“Ritalfoufi”) had been located on the Najarca system. Could this be the source of Carbonite our economy needs so badly? We would have to wait to find out – it would take weeks to get to the moon from the outskirts of the system.



A long trip across the Najarca system for the “Christopher Columbus”
Meanwhile the “Zheng He” reported Trillar Yaigan 2 was not suitable for colonisation. It did however have an abundance of Repha bushes, the base for Rephidium Ale, a wonderful beer that will be popular with the plebians. In addition, there are some idyllic coastal islands which could be a tourist attraction. Another possible colony site, TY 5 is nothing but a desert savannah, though it does have plenty of Doakan bamboo groves. Tea made from this is in demand, but not as much as Carbonite.



The idyllic coastal islands of Trillar Yaigan 2: with endless supplies of Rephidium Ale, who would not want to have a holiday here?
We will have to wait for our carbonite. The survey equipment on the “Christopher Columbus” is just not sophisticated enough to penetrate the heavy plant growth on the surface of Ritalfouli. In any case, our exploration ship came under attack from some strange space creature. It has been called a “Gravillex” but we know little else: the commander of our ship wisely elected to leave the area as quickly as possible. While fleeing, a pirate base, the “Gambler’s Cove” was located, hidden in the rings of Najarca 3. It has been identified as the headquarters of the Dirty Fang Consortium. It is far too powerful for our fleet but its location has been noted for future action.



“Christopher Columbus” flees the twin threats of a Gravillex and a pirate base
Several other pirate gangs approached the Empire with offers of “protection”, but all were rejected. In fact, Julius left orders that he was not to be bothered by any such requests: they were to be rejected by whatever low level adminsitrative officer received the message.

Another science project completed, another started. Armour plate is now able to be installed, subject to Carbonite supplies. In the meantime, early investigations into Energy Field Deflection should lead to a method of enhancing defence for our ships. Treasury was also persuaded to make a down payment on a study to expand the size of our civilian ships. Lack of Carbonite has affected our research program. It has virtually closed our ship building and uprgrading industries which has meant Imperial income has been cut to almost nothing. So no “rush” research funded by enormous amounts of credits: just steady work by our scientists.



A sample of the new armour plate for our spaceships: will we ever be able to make it widely available?

09.01 2764

“Zheng He” has reported no success in the search for Carbonite on the Trillar Yaigan system, though it has found sources of Rephidium Ale and Doakan Tea. One likely planet remains to be explored.

10.25 2764

Imperial ships may now be protected with Armour Plating, following successful research led by the Chief Scientist. Research into Energy Field Deflection is underway.

03.02 2765

The Princeps approved the purchase of a system map from the Jameneri Minor Security for 3,600 credits

The captain of the “Christopher Columbus” advised that the ships scanners could not determine whether Carbonite was present on Ritalfouli. In any case, the area is dangerous: a space creature is presnt and a pirate base is nearby. The exploration ship is on its way to a carbonaceous moon on the other side of the Najarca system. Terkeibi orbits Najarca 2 – it will take a long time to get our scanners into position.

Excerpts from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

The next year went by without much to disturb the day to day administration of the Empire. The crippling lack of Carbonite restricted any expansion of our fleet, the accompanying lack of finance restricted any other expansion. Julius’ frustration was shown by his squandering of thousands of credits purchasing maps of systems too far for us to even reach, let alone explore.



The Chief Scientist, Basant Dobachi, tried to explain the basis of the Energy Deflector
The Early Energy Deflectors project ended, the Expanded Civilian Ship project began.

Then, out of the blue, the message the whole Empire had been waiting for: Carbonite had been found! Terkeibi had small but exploitable deposits. The “Great Zimbabwe” was ordered to leave immediately to build a mining station, but it was found that it could not load the required construction materials: not enough Carbonite! The Princep’s quarters were ominiously quiet, and only those who had no way of avoiding it entered.

The discovery of another vital resource, Dyrillium Crystal, on the moon Tannoiye in the Trillar Yaigan system did not calm Julius. News that a whole range of civilian ship designs were now available and that we intended to develop a better exploration scanner did nothing to reduce his frustration.

What did return him to a positive frame of mind was word from Jupiter that an enterprising civilian corporation had sent a mining ship to Terkeibi. It would take some time, and “Worthy Neighbour” has limited cargo space, but if all goes well, we could get some Carbonite in the forseeable future! A small amount, but hopefully enough to allow a construction ship to build a mining base. Failure cannot be contemplated.

08.26 2767

The Princeps ordered the Chief Spy to make sure that no information regarding the mining ship “Worthy Neighbour” be reach the media. All means are to be employed to achieve this objective as its mission is critical to the Empire.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Sealed Section, Imperial Archives



The Empire’s hopes are carried by one small mining ship

“Ad Astra: Princeps Julius takes humanity back to space”: 2767-2769

The court waited anxiously for the return of the mining ship “Worthy Neighbour” from Terkeibi. Not just concerned for the welfare of the Empire, depending so much on the carbonite the ship would hopefully bring back, but for their own welfare. The loss of the ship and the accompanying delay in his expansion plans could make it dangerous to be around the Princeps. In the meantime, pirates made several approaches. The attempts by the Vicious Pirates and Dirty Fang Consortium were of course rejected out of hand, but an offer of a system map from the Jameneri Minor Security was accepted. More I suspect out of a desire on Julius’ part for a distraction from waiting helplessly than any real interest in a star system so far out of our reach.



Our latest space map, with four systems beyond the current range of our most advanced ships
We had to wait until late in the year for word to get back from “Worthy Neighbour”. There was jubilation throughout the palace as the news spread: a deposit of carbonite had been located and mined, and 800 units of carbonite loaded on the ship. The precious cargo was on its way back to New Rome!

10.10 2768

MineralsRUs Corporation announced that the “Worthy Neighbour” is on its way to Nova Roma loaded with carbonite. The stock market surged, and public confidence in the economy hit a new high. The Princeps stated that he will approve the construction of a mining station at Terkeibi to provide free ore to any cargo ship prepared to make the long voyage.

A space creature attacked the exploration ship in the Belbrenge system but it escaped unharmed. The Imperial Scriptor informed the Princeps it had been identified from ancient records as being a Neutron Gravillex.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

Less welcome was the news from the exploration ship “Leif Erikson”. While exploring the Belbrenge system it was surprised by a space beast that was hiding in an asteroid belt around Belbrenge 1. As the unarmed ship fled at full speed while engaging its warp drive, it sent back what details it had of the creature. The description triggered a memory I had: a dash to my collection of priceless ancient texts confirmed my recollection. The creature was definitely what was known in the pre-Fall days as a "Gravillex”. Slow moving, but a real danger to lightly armoured ships. And, from the stories, also to ships that were incapacitated in some way. There is one sad epic poem about the fate of the crew of a warship damaged in a space battle waiting helplessly as a Gravillex slowly moved towards them. There seem to be several species – this one sounds like a “Neutron”.



A shock for the unarmed exploration ship “Leif Erikson”
Although the captain and crew of the “Leif Erikson” would not agree, the alarm might have been beneficial. The ship entered the Belbrenge Major system and immediately determined that one planet was continental in nature. It was told to make that planet its first priority. Could it be the site for our first colony?

Chief Scientist Basant Dobachi helped ease the tension of the waiting Princeps by informing him of the completion of the Planetary Exploration research program. When (the Princeps will not tolerate anyone saying “if” in his presence) the carbonite arrives the private sector will order both new ships and upgrades and repairs for existing ships. With the cash generated we will be able to install advanced exploration modules in all our exploration ships.



The new exploration modules will improve both the time and quality of planetary scanning
It may have been the encounter with the Gravillex that prompted the choice of Accurate Point Defence weaponry to the next research project. In what is now becoming a standard approach for funding the research program, a down payment was made to the next project in the queue: Expanded Space Stations.

“Leif Erikson” had mixed news about Belbrenge 1. It is not suitable for colonisation, at least not for now. But even the “old” scanning equipment was able to detect extensive forests of Losarn trees. A processing station could obtain large quantities of Losarn Syrup, a luxury for our citizens.

Building a station there may soon be possible. “Worthy Neighbour” landed to cheers and the precious cargo unloaded. Some of the carbonite was immediately reloaded onto waiting construction ships. Within hours, “Angkor Wat” was on its way to Terkeibi to build a mining station to extract the carbonite in bulk. With the price so high, private cargo ships will soon ferry it to Nova Roma. The “Great Zimbabwe” will head for Tainoye where deposits of Dyrillium Quartz are waiting to be exploited.

06.19 2769

The Princeps was a guest of MineralsRUs at a celebration of the return of its ship “worthy Neighbour”. He announced that construction ships would depart within days for Terkeibi and Tainoye.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives



Raw Dyrillium Quartz: found on Sulphur Volcanic planets, it is essential for high end electronic products and energy collectors.
Admiral Yan Lukadi who has been agitating for some time for his existing ships to get improved armour and for the size of the fleet to be increased should be happy: both “Audacious” and “Belligerent” will get armour and shields and two more escorts will be built. (It is not clear how much longer the Princeps will put up with the Admiral. His poor combat skills have meant he is kept well away from the fleet, on Jupiter. There his technical skills assist ship building and maintenance. But now he had developed a drinking problem which is slowly decreasing all his skills. Soon he will become a liability, and Julius has a habit of disposing of liabilities.)

Other areas of administration had also been pushing for more ships, and Julius was prepared to appear generous, as if he had not intended to build more ships anyway. Apart from the two escorts, two more exploration ships and another construction ship have been ordered.

12.22 2769

Orders have been placed with the Imperial Shipyards for the upgrading of our two existing escorts, and the construction of two more. Contracts for two exploration ships and two construction ships have also been approved. Treasury officials have said that such expenditure is one-off, and funded by the burst of government income following the arrival of a supply of carbonite.

Excerpt from the Official Diary, Imperial Archives

Then it was back to waiting. Carbonite stocks are again empty. It will be some time before “Angkor Wat” reaches Terkeibi and a further delay while it constructs a mining station in orbit. After that further waiting while traders seeking to profit make the long trip there and back with more carbonite.



The sun rises over Angkor Wat. Will its namesake bring a new dawn to the Empire?
But 2769 is nearly over. Next year “Angkor Wat” will have completed it task and carbonite should be flowing freely. Julius is convinced 2770 will be a new start for our space expansion program, and his enthusiasm is contagious.

BTW, I check on this every couple of days, enjoying it.