Link to the Anarchy First Cruiser SSD (PXR11.1)
Link to the Anarchy in Project-X

The first new SSD in a long time for a Major Empire in Project-X. The Anarchy (PXR11.0) uses unpredictable Chaotic Technology. A deadly new opponent for all the First Cruisers of Project-X.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Saturday, August 10, 2019 - 09:35 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.10.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Hephaestus sat in the Mess Hall with Captain Lupinus, Mother Bethany, Eyeball, and Simon. Aodon walked back and forth to the table bringing additional food, appetizers, and drinks. For some reason, the Dollfolk Engineer felt uncomfortable. Smithy himself didn't understand why. He had known these people for years. They were friends. They were family. But there was something...unsettling...about his recent experience in the Parallel Dimension.

"So let me make sure I understand you correctly, Smithy," Mother Bethany said in a soft voice. She sipped her tea, making sure not to spill any on her pure white robes. Her long white hair dangled loosely past her shoulders. She sat upright with excellent posture. Her deep blue eyes focused on Hephaestus.

"In this other world, I was a Witch that used my powers to dominate and torture the men who served me? And I was cruel and heartless? It's so hard to imagine. I don't know what I would do if I ever came face to face with such an opposite version of myself. It's disturbing."

"That's right, Maam," Hephaestus answered, remembering what the Evil Mother Bethany did when she removed a cherished memory from the mind of one of her Security Guards. "Ah've seen some terrible things in mah time, believe me, but even ah was shocked by what ah saw. Ah'm so happy ta be home with all of ye." Smithy guzzled his mug of ale and then signaled Aodon to bring another. His long beard was wet from spilled ale.

"Oh, I don't know," Captain Lupinus said playfully. The Captain had shoulder length black hair and a neatly trimmed goatee. There was a confidence in his eyes that was unmatched. He stuffed a meatball with spaghetti sauce into his mouth before continuing to speak. "You did say that Mother Bethany was wearing a black gown that was ripped, along with stiletto shoes, right? Black hair and a wicked look? Sounds kinda kinky to me..." Talbot flashed a grin toward Mother Bethany.

"Talbot stop!" Mother Bethany exclaimed, slightly embarrassed. She pinched Captain Lupinus and then punched him softly on his shoulder. In her mind, Mother Bethany wondered if she could ever descend into such decadence. It was unimaginable.

Aodon brought another mug of ale for Hephaestus along with a large bowl of potato chips for everyone else. The humanoid pufferfish found this conversation so interesting. "I'm just glad you got home safe, Smithy. Could you imagine if we got stuck with your Evil Self? Didn't you also say that Eyeball killed Crewman Kyle with a lightning bolt?"

Hephaestus drank his mug of ale before responding. No matter how much alcohol the Dollfolk Engineer consumed, he never seemed to get drunk. "That's correct, Aodon. It was brutal and savage. Poor Kyle. Ah've nah witnessed such barbarism since mah viking days."

Eyeball grabbed a potato chip and dipped it in guacamole. His face lit up when he put the chip into his mouth. His large single eye vibrated with pleasure. The Cyclopean was rarely away from Research and Development. He meant to enjoy the time as much as possible. "Cyclopeans never summon the lightning within us except for emergencies. And even then, we use it for defense, to protect those we love. What you described is impossible."

Smithy stared at the tall Cyclopean whose black hair was tied back in a ponytail. It was his fault that he got stranded in that strange dimension. Hephaestus almost lost everything. He almost died. But Eyeball didn't mean for it to happen. It was the Ion Storm that interfered with the experiment. Smithy took another drink from his mug of ale.

"And what about me?" Simon asked out of curiosity. The Magisterium Science Officer was clad in his usual purple robes. Underneath his hood, he possessed a clean cut handsome face. Short red hair was almost completely covered by his garb. Simon bit into a slice of pizza. He loved the taste of shrimp and anchovies.

"You conveniently left me out of the story. I assume I was at least at my post. You didn't interact with me in any way? I would be interested to hear what my 'Evil Self' was like. Perhaps in that galaxy, I used my magic for sinister purposes."

"Yeah, maybe," Hephaestus said, wondering what an Evil Simon would be like. "Sorry Laddie, ah just didn't run into tha likes of ye. Probably a good thing too. Ye might have turned me inta a pumpkin or rat or something." Smithy drank more of his ale. His circular eyes lit up suddenly. "Wait a moment! Ye were on the Bridge, ah remember now. But there was something different about ye..."

"What was it?" Simon asked as he finished his slice of pizza.

"Ye had a red goatee!"

Everyone imagined Simon, the Science Officer who was always serious, with a red goatee.

Then they all laughed loudly.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 11:37 am: Edit

Link to the Democracy First Cruiser SSD (PXR12.1)
Link to the Democracy (PXR12.0) in Project-X

In the beginning, the Democracy and the Republic were one and the same. But as time passed, they split into two separate empires. While the Republic researched Kinetic Technology until they developed the Kinetic Torpedo, the Democracy took their Kinetic Technology down an entirely different technological path.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 02:54 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.15.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Hephaestus stepped into the Habitat, home to the Black Wolf's Advisor. The Habitat was a special environment created specifically for the Changeling, one that was slowly ever-changing. To the Dollfolk Engineer's surprise, he found himself staring at green hills for as far as the eye could see, complimented by a clear light blue sky. A smattering of clouds drifted slowly across the sky, unearthly beings that had lost the concept of time. Birds playfully chased each other in a circular pattern, the bright sun above stood as a sentinel watching over them.

How different this place is from Engineering, Smithy thought to himself. He was used to cold, technological environments, run by logic, circuits, and wires. But here, surrounded by nature, he found none of those things. Perhaps this is the way that things should be. Maybe what Man has created is an Abomination, a false idol to worship his own intellect, a horned illusion that can only take him away from his true place in the world.

"Animus? Are ye here, my friend? I am needin' to be speakin' ta ye."

Suddenly, one of the birds flying overhead broke off from the rest of the group. Gently, it floated downward toward Hephaestus, as a leaf in the final days of Fall. Then the bird landed in front of the Dollfolk Engineer, its body mutating and shifting into another form. Changelings could assume any shape except humanoid. Smithy stared at the large moose that now towered above his three foot tall body.

"I am at your service, Master Engineer," the moose said in a deep voice. "I am pleased you returned from the Parallel Dimension unscathed." The moose looked over Hephaestus carefully, gazing deep within his circular eyes. "Or perhaps...not so unscathed."

Hephaestus looked downward, slightly embarrassed. But he knew that he could be honest and true in front of Animus. Everyone had to be. "Ye be guessing correctly, Animus. That's the reason for me visit. Ye see, I can't get the Evil Versions of everybody out of me head. When ah see Talbot, ah see this Black Wolf killing his Security Officers indiscriminately. When ah look at Mother Bethany, ah see this Evil Witch delightin' in the pain her mental powers cause. Please help me, mah friend. It's already hurtin' me work performance."

The moose stared at Hephaestus, its two large antlers blocking out part of the sun's rays. There was a sad look to its eyes, one that almost bordered on pity. Slowly, the moose transformed into a tiny insect. Smithy heard a loud buzzing in the air. A chubby bumblebee landed on his shoulder.

"Do you think Captain Lupinus is ever free from Evil thoughts?" the yellow and black bumblebee asked. "Even Mother Bethany, in all her purity, is she free from any Evil imaginings? Deep inside you, Master Engineer, you already know the answer."

The bumblebee shapechanged into a caterpillar. It inched its way up Smithy's cheek and then rested directly on top of his Dollfolk head.

"None of us are immune to Evil's Temptations, including me," the green worm-like creature explained. "All day long, dark thoughts and powerful emotions flood our Souls. This is quite normal. In fact, it would be unnatural to Not have these thoughts. The real question is: what do we do about them? What you describe as 'Good' are simply people that recognize what the Evil thoughts are, and then refuse to act on them. Seeing the great potential they have for causing harm and death in the world, they are strong enough to dismiss the thoughts, to banish them forever from their mind."

The caterpillar transformed into a squirrel. Its bushy tail flipped back and forth playfully. With perfect balance, it maintained its position on top of Hephaestus' head.

"As you might have guessed, not everyone is strong enough to resist Evil's Temptation. Sometimes, the urge is so great, the feeling so strong, the promise of reward so delicious, that one cannot help but to give in to the Dark One's Lure. Great Men become nothing more than playthings, amusement for the Evil Lord's game. For who else planted these Evil Thoughts in our Minds? By giving in to Evil, we become Evil ourselves. The World loses its Light and becomes All the Darker for it. Master Engineer, this is what you witnessed in the Parallel Dimension. Those who willfully and fully embraced the Dark Impulses within them, to the point that they were unrecognizable; hideous monstrosities that never should have existed."

Smithy contemplated what Animus was telling him. It made sense. His mind began to slowly clear.

The squirrel changed into a hummingbird. The hummingbird floated directly in front of the Dollfolk Engineer's face, its two wings flapping so rapidly they could not be seen by the naked eye.

"The world is not Black and White, Master Engineer. It is far more complicated than simply Evil and Good. There are many Shades of Grey, ever changing into the Light and into the Dark and back again. Always remember, what you call 'Good' is capable of Evil at any time. If it so chooses. And the opposite is also true. What you call 'Evil' is capable of choosing to be Good, if it so desires. No one is beyond Redemption. Remember these words. And be careful with your Judgements. Learn to Trust those who resist the Evil Temptations within them. Those that have Proven Themselves Worthy of your Trust. Support One Another and Gain Strength from Each Other. The Best Way to counter the Dark Desires is by Filling Yourself with LOVE."

Then the hummingbird flew off, leaving Hephaestus alone with his thoughts. Without answering, the Dollfolk nodded in understanding. Now he realized why the Parallel Dimension was so Dark. Because of the Choices the inhabitants had made. It doesn't mean that Their Choices had to be the same in this galaxy. The people he knew and cared about had clearly made Different Choices. And they were completely different people as a result.

Hephaestus breathed a sigh of relief. He stroked his long beard once out of habit.

Then the Dollfolk Engineer exited the Habitat and returned to Engineering where he belongs.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 09:55 pm: Edit

I'm not sure I'd want something that can change from a moose into a caterpillar to sit on my head. What if it decided to change into an elephant??


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 11:12 pm: Edit

Faith, my Friend. Have Faith.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 08:59 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.24.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


The Black Wolf slowly circled Janara-06, its course so steady that it could easily have been mistaken for a permanent orbiting moon. Their mission was to deliver medical aid. The people of Janara-06 suffered from a terrible affliction, one that caused the victim to die horribly over the course of a month. Covered in hives, the afflicted would experience great pain, first in their extremities, then in their torso, and finally in their head. The disease was transmitted through physical contact. Doctor Bumble was confident that she would be able to cure the disease, although it would take time due to the massive number of people that had been infected.

And so Doctor Bumble, Mother Bethany, and a team of medical personnel worked around the clock to heal the people of Janara-06. Doctor Bumble oversaw the administration of the antidote, as well as its ongoing formulation. Mother Bethany used her psychic abilities to ease the suffering of as many patients as she could. After a week of intense effort, positive results began to emerge. The disease was losing the war to eliminate the population of Janara-06.

Onboard the Black Wolf, Captain Lupinus made certain that the Landing Party had all the supplies and support they needed to complete their assignment. Working closely with Janaran Officials, Talbot was apprised with regular status reports. Doctor Bumble, in particular, stayed in constant communication with the Captain to inform him of new challenges that cropped up, changes that needed to be made in the implementation of the antidote, and what strategy she had to cure the next region of the planet.

Then the unexpected happened.

As the Landing Party worked feverishly to treat the infected in a small stadium, a huge explosion tore through the west wall. Armed soldiers wearing black masks stormed onto the grounds, shooting anyone who dared to intervene. Half of the medical team was slain, along with a host of patients who tried to escape the scene. Grenades were thrown in all directions, filling the air with a green mist that quickly knocked out anyone who inhaled its noxious vapors. Mother Bethany and Doctor Bumble fell unconscious from the fumes. Both of them were taken hostage by the soldiers, who left the way the came. A flag was left behind bearing the insignia of a man-eating plant.

"They call themselves the Yateveo," Kiley, the Head Janaran Official, explained to Captain Lupinus. She had a sympathetic, but sad look on her face. "They're terrorists. We've dealt with them on several occasions. Each time they've taken hostages, always people of high importance, and then made ridiculous demands that could never possibly be met. When we try to negotiate, they kill the hostages. When we try to use force, they kill the hostages. When we ignore their demands, they kill the hostages. They're extremely dangerous, Captain. They're religious extremists, well armed and well organized. They spread fear and terror, using death and violence as their tools. I'm sorry, but there is little hope that you will recover your First Officer and Chief Medical Officer alive."

Talbot slammed his two fists onto the conference table out of frustration. He tried to speak, but his teeth were quivering rapidly due to his intense anger. Captain Lupinus imagined Mother Bethany helpless in the hands of psychotic terrorists. He contemplated never seeing her again. Talbot's blood boiled so hot that his head overflowed with madness.

Kiley stared at Captain Lupinus, suddenly scared for the terrorists. And herself. She paused to give Talbot a moment to gather himself.

"Fortunately," Kiley continued after swallowing a large gulp to clear her throat. "We have an operative that has infiltrated the Yateveo organization. It took years of effort, combined with fabricated documents, fake identities, and dead operatives who were discovered, but in the end, our agent was absorbed into their group without question. Now, we know the location of their largest stronghold, its layout, its defenses, and where your officers are going to be held. I will provide this information to you with the greatest haste. I can...see...that you intend to mount a rescue attempt."

Captain Lupinus thanked Kiley before escorting her and the other Janaran Officials to the Transporter Room. In a flash of light, they disappeared from the Black Wolf, only to reappear on the surface of Janara-06. Soon after, the Yateveo data that was promised by Kiley was transmitted to Captain Lupinus.

Within an hour, after carefully studying the provided information on the Yateveo stronghold, Talbot summoned the Wolf Pack. His intense gaze met Athena's eyes, and then the eyes of each and every member of the Wolf Pack. They stared back at him coldly, each one willing to give their life and more. They wore light armor, the distinctive Wolf Pack helmet, and carried a force shield and an energy spear.

"Your orders?" Athena asked Captain Lupinus, so that her Wolf Pack would be clear about his instructions. "Once we beam down to the Yateveo stronghold?"

Hair grew longer and longer on Talbot's arms, legs, and face. His eyes vibrated wildly, changing from black to yellow. Sharp claws extended where his hands used to be. He opened his mouth, revealing row upon row of sharp teeth. Captain Lupinus let out a howl so thunderous it shook the Afterlife itself.

Then he stared at Athena and the Wolf Pack, streams of saliva dripping from his Wolfen snout.

"KILL THEM ALL!!"

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 10:02 pm: Edit

A gentle soul might think that is simply anger talking there, that the captain allowed his emotions to cloud his judgement. Nothing could be further from the truth. The captain has made a detailed tactical and risk analysis of the situation and has come to the only logical conclusion: there is an ongoing credible threat to peace, one that must be eliminated. Negotiations have not worked. Concessions have not worked. Limited military action to take out their leaders has not worked. As there are no other options, the only way to eliminate the threat is to completely eliminate the threat now and forever. Anything less will result the threat returning, stronger and more determined than ever. Sad but true, he must "KILL THEM ALL!!"


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 10:31 pm: Edit

Only a Kindred Mind could understand Talbot, Garth.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Sunday, August 25, 2019 - 10:35 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.25.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


The attack on the Yateveo stronghold came swiftly in the dead of night.

A device created by Eyeball scrambled the Yateveo Anti-Transporter Field. Four watchtowers guarded the complex, each with two guards. A single Wolfling beamed into each watchtower, quickly dispatching both guards. Six Sniper Drones, hastily constructed by Hephaestus, were beamed into the air above the Yateveo stronghold. They dominated the air space, picking off Yateveo soldiers on the ground one by one from a distance. One team of Wolflings transported into the main reactor, knocking out all power to the Yateveo Stronghold. Every force field they had erected collapsed instantaneously. Another squad of Wolflings took out their sensor grid, effectively blinding the terrorists. Still another group of Wolflings secured their transporter pad, preventing anyone from escaping the assault. More Wolflings appeared in their airfield, destroying every shuttle that was available for launch.

The main body of Yateveo soldiers tried desperately to fight back against the Wolf Pack. They formed two lines, both firing their pulse rifles at the approaching invaders. The Wolf Pack performed as they had been trained to. Force shield after force shield overlapped with one another, creating an impenetrable Phalanx. The Yateveo pulse rifles could not hit their targets, the force shields were too strong for their weapons. Even the shock grenades they threw exploded harmlessly on a group of force shields which covered the top of the Phalanx.

But the Phalanx employed by the Wolf Pack was far from a purely defensive formation. Carefully devised gaps in the force shields allowed Wolflings to fire their energy spears back at the Yateveo soldiers. Unable to protect themselves, they fell to the defensive fire. In a short period of time, blood and bodies filled the main compound of the stronghold. Any Yateveo soldier foolish enough to rush the Phalanx in hopes of disrupting it through physical force was brutally stabbed by energy spears that were thrust through tiny openings in the force shield wall. Slowly, the Phalanx advanced on the terrorists, like a creeping monster unleashed to kill every first born.

The Wolf Pack thought to themselves: We do what we were trained to do, what we were bred to do, what we were born to do!

High Commander Jiradan was unconcerned with the invasion. He knew that his cause was righteous. He knew that his God would protect him. Every soldier under his command would be honored in the afterlife for giving up their life. All non believers must be punished. They must be destroyed, like filth that disfigures all that is beautiful in life. Their ways are an abomination to the Great One. Their women do not follow the Law. They cherish material things instead of spiritual wealth. Jiradan had suspected that the Janaran Government had found powerful allies in the Commonwealth. But it did not matter. Even if his stronghold fell, there were countless other cells around Janara-06, each one growing, hiding, patiently biding their time until the moment comes to claim revenge.

The double doors to his warehouse exploded in a fiery blaze. Athena, a huge Black Wolf, and six Wolflings appeared through the flames, advancing toward High Commander Jiradan. The two dozen guards he had posted outside the warehouse were all slaughtered. Jiradan moved to stand next to Mother Bethany and Doctor Bumble, both of whom were bound tightly and gagged.

To Jiradan's astonishment, the Black Wolf spoke. It must be magic.

"Release your prisoners, Commander. This is your only chance. Spend the rest of your life in a Janaran Prison or be ripped to pieces right now by my sharp teeth. I hope you'll choose the latter."

High Commander Jiradan stood proudly, apparently unintimidated by Captain Lupinus' threat. Athena and the Wolflings had their energy spears aimed at Jiradan, ready to fire at a moment's notice. Jiradan chuckled loudly, like some kind of madman who lived in his own world.

"If you want them, come take them."

"If you can."

That was when Captain Lupinus, Athena, and the Wolflings noticed Mother Bethany and Doctor Bumble were tied to some kind of gigantic plant. With a shudder, the leaves of the plant started moving, while the stalk of the huge plant extended upward like a geyser. At the top of the monstrous plant, a terrible mouth emerged, the sharp thorns that acted as teeth still covered in blood from past victims. The giant man-eating plant roared toward the heavens as it thrashed wildly in an unpredictable pattern. Mother Bethany and Doctor Bumble tried to scream, but the gags muffled their voices.

The Black Wolf, who seemed like a small insect compared to the massive plant, snarled in response. He shouted orders to Athena and the Wolflings, even as he crouched in preparation to attack.

"First we kill this Green Monstrosity and secure our Crew Members!"

"Then I want Commander Jiradan - ALIVE."

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Sunday, August 25, 2019 - 10:57 pm: Edit

Yes, alive, but for how long???


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 - 07:06 am: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.28.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


The final battle to free the hostages in the Yateveo stronghold quickly turned into a mass of chaos. High Commander Jiradan watched with his arms folded, a huge grin displayed on his face for all to see. He made no attempt at escape.

The Black Wolf, after lunging at the giant plant and biting at its stalk several times, found itself ensnared in a tangle of living vines. Talbot tried desperately to free himself, but it seemed hopeless. Multiple green vines wrapped around his four paws, preventing him from gaining his footing. More vines encircled his neck, stopping the Black Wolf from effectively biting. Captain Lupinus howled in frustration.

Four of the six Wolflings accompanying Athena and Captain Lupinus had already been killed. The snake-like vines had entwined them, lifted them up high, and then dropped them into the carnivorous mouth of the monstrous man-eating plant. The mouth of the plant, which was filled with razor sharp thorns acting as teeth, ripped them to shreds before swallowing the bloody remains. The remaining Wolflings fired their energy spears at the huge plant, to no effect.

Athena used her speed and grace to stay one step ahead of the gigantic man-eating plant. She flipped forward, backward, tumbling, jumping, running, spinning, and rolling. The Alpha of the Wolf Pack resembled an aerial ballerina whose martial elegance was unparalleled. The vines of the killer plant could not ensnare the female Acryan. In-between her acrobatic display, she would strike with determination at the giant plant using her energy spear. Although the sharp tip, which was charged with power, stabbed deep into the stalk again and again, the immense plant seemed undeterred.

Sixteen more Wolflings arrived at the warehouse to help combat the monster, but one by one, they were dragged into the air by the living vines and thrown into its hungry mouth.

Down at the base of the giant plant, Mother Bethany and Doctor Bumble struggled to free themselves from their bonds. Unable to do so, they were helpless save to watch the ensuing chaos. Then Mother Bethany thought of a way to put a stop to this madness.

She reached out with her mind, searching the monstrous plant for some kind of intelligence. Surely something this large had a brain of some kind. It must be sentient, Mother Bethany reasoned. Within moments, she found it. She was right, the plant was intelligent. Quickly, Mother Bethany joined minds with the giant man-eating plant.

Mother Bethany shared images of the afflicted Janaran people who were suffering tremendously from the disease that was spread through physical contact. She showed how the Commonwealth had arrived to help, administering an antidote to those affected. Then Mother Bethany showed how the Yateveo aggressively attacked the stadium, brutally killing medical personnel and innocent patients trying to escape. She showed how they were taken prisoner to be used as hostages for the Yateveo's demands.

We are not the enemy. Although High Commander Jiradan has fed you all these years, giving you innocent victims to consume, his actions are evil. He is evil. The Yateveo are evil. Deep inside, you know the difference between right and wrong. While you may be a plant and we may be humanoid, you know the senseless destruction of life is wrong. You know that needless suffering is wrong. Please...help us.

Suddenly, the massive man-eating plant stopped moving. Its living vines released all of its captives. The thick stalk stretched, allowing the huge plant to bend. Slowly, its giant mouth leaned downward toward High Commander Jiradan. The mouth opened, showing row after row of bloody ultra sharp thorns.

Jiradan stretched out his arms in front of him, holding his palms toward the beast in a futile attempt to keep it away. His eyes bulged as his body became covered in sweat. "Please...I have only been good to you...I raised you all these years...I fed you..."

Then the mouth of the giant plant surged forward, snapping up High Commander Jiradan. In a single gulp, he was swallowed by the man-eating plant. His instrument of destruction had become the instrument of his own demise.

Captain Lupinus shifted back to his human form and quickly freed Mother Bethany and Doctor Bumble. He passionately kissed Mother Bethany, not caring who might be watching. He had almost lost her, but Life had determined it was not yet her time. Talbot thanked the Heavens that he had been given more time with his True Love. Inside her mind, Mother Bethany could feel Talbot's intense love for her. She smiled, kissing him back with all her might.

Later, aboard the Black Wolf, Captain Lupinus sat with Mother Bethany in her quarters. The danger had passed. The relief effort on Janara-06 continued and was estimated to be completed in two weeks. Having earned it, Talbot and Bethany sat next to each other, both of them barely wearing any clothing, slowly drinking glasses filled with red wine.

"Talbot, it look a lot of lives to rescue Doctor Bumble and I. Yes, most of those lives lost were terrorist lives, but a portion of those lives were from the Wolf Pack. That's a lot of bloodshed. What a heavy burden for your Soul to carry. Doesn't that bother you in the slightest?"

Talbot drank his glass of red wine, finishing every last drop. He smiled, caressing her cheek with one hand. Then his smile faded and an intense gaze appeared in his black eyes. For a moment, they flashed yellow, hinting at his submerged Wolfen nature.

"Bethany, my Love...my Sweet Love, whom I cannot live without. I would Sacrifice ALL the Lives in the Cosmos...to be At Your Side."

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Sunday, September 01, 2019 - 08:58 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 09.01.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Security Officer Sean MacDonald sat in the Captain's Ready Room. He was in his prime, a fit individual with a large chest, powerful thighs, and strong biceps. His golden hair was cut short and a neatly trimmed beard hung from his chin. He proudly wore his red shirt. The years had instilled a natural confidence in him, something that dispelled nervousness, fear, or apprehension. He was ready for the interview that he had worked so hard for.

Captain Lupinus stared at his computer screen for several long moments, studying the information it provided. In the corner of the ready room, a tall woman sat in partial darkness, a silent observer to what was about to transpire. Captain Lupinus pushed his screen away and turned to face Officer MacDonald. The Captain had shoulder length black hair, combed straight, a short black goatee, and piercing black eyes. Talbot smiled.

"Your record is impressive," Talbot stated in a friendly tone. "This interview is a formality more than anything else. We want to see what lies beyond your record. Before we begin, did you have any questions for me or remarks?"

Officer MacDonald sat straight up in his chair and met Captain Lupinus' gaze. "No questions, sir. I only wanted to say that I've studied the Black Wolf for some time now and it would be my honor to serve aboard her. To be perfectly frank, it is my dream, sir. I hope you will have me."

"Your record states that you are currently serving on Starbase Delta Three. Tell me about it."

Sean relaxed a bit as he thought of the recent past. "There's not much to tell, sir. As I'm sure you're already aware, not too much happens on a starbase. I've been there for two years now. Honestly, the boredom of the work is one of the main reasons I want to transfer to the Black Wolf. I need more than that, sir. I deserve more. I can do more. I can grow more. Starbase work is so routine and there are plenty of other Security Officers always ready to back you up. But not on a starship. Often you are short-manned or even alone. This is the kind of work I've been looking for, sir."

Talbot nodded, acknowledging the boredom that can come from certain assignments. Sean was right; there was a big difference between being assigned to a starbase and being assigned to a starship. "You received a medal for your actions on Colony Fenris. Please describe what happened there."

Memories replayed in Officer MacDonald's mind. To him, the incident just happened yesterday. "I was ordered to protect a certain family, one that was crucial to the government at the time. The transporters were knocked out. That meant I had to get them safely to a shuttle. The problem was that the Colony was full of invaders. I would have to fight my way there. It was the Grex, sir."

Talbot listened intently, noting anything that differed from the official report. He waited for Sean to continue.

"I managed to sneak the family to the shuttle bay, carefully avoiding the Grex patrols. It wasn't easy. We almost got caught twice. But I used diversions and distracted them just long enough for the family to sneak by. I could have engaged the enemy right there, but that wasn't my mission. I had to keep that family safe. When we got to the shuttle bay, I found six Grex guards had been stationed there."

Officer MacDonald paused for a moment, going over his thought process for what happened next. Once he had it straight in his mind, he continued. "I told the family to wait in a safe location until I called out for them. I gave them a Phaser just in case I didn't make it. Then I charged at the Grex guards, yelling madly to make them think there was more than just me. I fired my Phaser at one of the shuttles, hitting it just right to cause an explosion. That took out three of the Grex immediately. Another Phaser shot took out a fourth. By this time, I had closed the gap with the Grex and we were close enough for hand to hand combat."

Captain Lupinus was already impressed with Officer MacDonald's bravery. One man versus six Grex!

"That's when I started to get into trouble. One of the Grex fired his Shock Pistol, hitting me in the thigh. I could still walk, but the wound caused me to limp. In response, I smashed him in the head with a double handed fist strike. He went down, leaving only one Grex left."

The woman in the corner was also impressed by Officer MacDonald's story, but she remained silent.

"This four-armed Grex was armed with two daggers, a long sword, and a spear. I only had one baton. We went at it, like two madmen. I can't remember the particulars. I only remember that if I died, the family would suffer horribly before dying themselves. I just couldn't let that happen to them. I had to win that fight. So I did. But it cost me. I was stabbed six times, cut across the chest and face, and pierced in the side by that spear. I don't know how I did it, sir, but I killed that Grex by strangling him with my own bare hands. I called out to the family, who came running. Lucky for me, the father knew how to pilot the shuttle. They dragged me aboard, a bloody mess, and got me to an orbiting starship where they fixed me up. I didn't care about my wounds. I was charged with protecting that family and that's exactly what I did."

Talbot grinned. Perhaps he would done the exact same thing were he in the same place. "You are aware that you would be serving under a Grex, Officer MacDonald? Bulwark is my Chief of Security. Do you have any problems serving under a Grex, after what happened on Colony Fenris?"

"No sir," Officer MacDonald answered without hesitation. "I'm well aware of Bulwark's record, sir. He's one of us, through and through. It's too bad that more Grex couldn't be like him. They really are the scum of the galaxy, sir, enslaving and torturing innocent people just because they can."

Sean's candor took Captain Lupinus by surprise. But at the same time, he appreciated his honesty. That's what this interview was about, uncovering the truth that was hidden from the official record.

"Do you have a family, Officer MacDonald? Are you aware of the Life Expectancy of Security Officers aboard the Black Wolf?" By asking both questions are once, Captain Lupinus instantly linked one to the other. It was an important issue, one that could make or break the entire interview.

"Yes, sir. I have a wife and three children back on Earth-2. And yes, I know how long Security Officers last on the Black Wolf. I've studied the data. It doesn't bother me one bit, sir. I just want to do my Duty. I want to Serve and Protect Others. That's what I was born to do. Ever since I was young, I protected my younger brother and my two sisters. I'm the oldest. I guess it's just my nature. My wife and kids accepted long ago that this is the kind of work I'm in. They know I can die at any moment. And that incident on Colony Fenris helped to remind them of that. I love them so much, but I have to be who I am. I can't help that."

Captain Lupinus smiled and stood up. Officer MacDonald did the same. Talbot reached out and shook Sean's hand. "Welcome to the Black Wolf, Officer MacDonald. After hearing what I've just heard, I know you will be a fine addition to the crew. Your transfer is approved. There's just one more thing. I'm sure you know Athena, the Alpha of the Wolf Pack?"

The woman in the corner stepped out of the shadows, revealing her tall, lean form. The female Acryan stood nine feet tall. She had black braided hair and four eyes. Light armor partially covered her bronze skin, but two tattoos lay visible for all to see. One of an Owl and one of a Medusa. She approached Officer MacDonald until she was standing directly in front of his face. Athena stared down at the Security Officer with her four eyes, a look that would have melted lesser men.

Sean looked up and met her stare. There was no fear in him. "Yes, sir. I'm familiar with all your crew, including Athena. It's an honor, ma'am."

Suddenly, Athena punched Officer MacDonald hard in the face with an arching hook. A backhand followed, and then a blow to the stomach. In the next instant, Athena was behind Sean, choking him with one elbow under his chin and one hand pressing behind the back of his head.

Officer MacDonald reacted instinctively. He elbowed behind himself twice, catching Athena in her midsection. Then he stepped forward with one leg, grabbed her arm with both hands, and then stepped back while using leverage to flip her over his own body. She landed hard in front of him, releasing her choke hold. Sean quickly put one knee on top of her body and then raised his fist up high to strike. But he stopped himself. He knew this was just a test and he had to show control. Sean stood up and pulled Athena to her feet with one arm.

"Welcome to the Black Wolf, Officer MacDonald," Athena said, tilting her head slightly in approval. She stared in his Soul for a moment before exiting the Captain's Ready Room.

Talbot dismissed Officer MacDonald, freeing him to stroll down the corridor towards the Transporter Room. Sean was overjoyed. He loved everything about the Black Wolf. It's Captain, the Wolf Pack, Bulwark, their mission, and every intriguing member of its crew. He didn't care if he died tomorrow or died in many years of old age. He had achieved his lifelong goal of serving aboard the Black Wolf. Sean was going to go home to his wife and children, and celebrate like never before.

He smiled widely. What his Father told him when he was young was correct.

Dreams DO come True...if you Work Really Hard for them.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 10:53 am: Edit

A BRAND NEW YEAR, A BRAND NEW WEBSITE

Link to RegenesisGalaxies.Com

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 10:58 am: Edit

WHITE WOLF – STARDATE 011220
Link to more Fiction

Ichaborn sat in his command chair, brooding.

His blood red eyes stared out into the vastness of space. There he sought the answers to the riddles which plagued him, to no avail. They were mercurial, evasive, hidden, fleeting. They were playful imps running and laughing, forever tormenting the pursuer too slow to catch them.

Ichaborn clenched his bone white hand into a fist. How did this come to be? Nothing is the way it should be. Nothing is right. Everything has changed. All that he fought for is now something else. Impossible. Inconceivable. Unbelievable. Yet Ichaborn could not deny the truth in front of his eyes.

He was young again. As was Doctor Melia. A brand new ship was his to command, familiar yet alien to him. The White Wolf was Reborn, seemingly from another life. But this wasn’t the Yesterday Galaxy. It was someplace else.

The Celestial Fellowship of Galaxies was gone. In its place stood the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems. Again, Ichaborn failed to recognize this new organization. Yet it was hauntingly familiar.

Project-X, Gargantua, Doppelgen, Project-O, the Alpha Colonies, Mitosis, Jomon, Meiosis, Pangaea, Phoenix, Project-A, Sector 50, the Trinary Cluster, Valhalla…they were all gone. Or perhaps transformed. Something New and Different has risen up to take their place.

Even the Final Enemy was no more. Ichaborn could hardly believe it possible. There were New Players in the game. Things far worse, in their own way, than the Final Enemy ever was. Perhaps this Rebuilding of Reality was their doing?

Doctor Melia entered the bridge to stand next to her husband. She was beautiful, young, vigorous, intelligent, and compassionate. Ichaborn loved her with all his heart, yet he knew deep down that even she was not as she should be. He could smell her red and yellow hair as it dangled over his shoulder. A breath of fresh air in the stagnant air of a tomb.

“What is it, my love? What bothers you when the Universe couldn’t be more Right?”

That’s the problem, Ichaborn thought to himself.

His red eyes narrowed.

The Universe couldn’t be more Right…

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 11:00 am: Edit

ODE TO REGENESIS

what was once is gone away
forever lost to never stay

this game we all must play
together now into the fray

the albino dearly will pay
stricken to save the day

black white all is gray
death my friend my way

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 02:16 pm: Edit

Norm! Where have you been, man? Cool story, but I can't help feeling that there's a hidden meaning in it. Still trying to wrap my head around it.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 03:21 pm: Edit

Garth! Sorry about my absence, I had to discuss world-shattering SFB topics with a portly old man. I just got back from the north pole via sleigh.

You are indeed correct. There is a hidden meaning behind it all. I really want to tell you what it is, but I promised the portly old man that I wouldn't!

By Stewart Frazier (Frazikar3) on Sunday, January 12, 2020 - 11:28 pm: Edit

Ah, hidden meanings abound … but weren't you supposed to keep the northern connection on the down-low??

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - 06:34 pm: Edit

Very cryptic! I was looking forward to Project T

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - 08:08 pm: Edit

You never know, Nick. Those designs might surface One Day...MAYBE. (Ominous Laughter that sounds just like SPP)

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Thursday, January 16, 2020 - 05:26 pm: Edit

Z-TECHNOLOGY
Link to Z-Technology

This is One possible version of X2 Technology out of Many Possibilities. Z-Technology is my own personal vision regarding what X2 Technology could Possibly turn out to be like. This is most certainly NOT the X2 that ADB will publish in the future (nor does it seek to be). Primary reasons for this include Lack of Trade Wars Historical Info, Completely Different Empires, and Different Design Goals.
Instead, Z-Technology provides something intriguing to Explore, Examine, Design, and ultimately, Playtest. But Z-Technology’s Origins must begin by answering basic questions about X2 (since Z-Technology is intended to be More Advanced than X-Technology). Z-Technology is commonplace on all starships in the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems where Ichaborn inexplicably finds himself.

PROBLEM: X2 Ships need to be Superior to X1 Ships and Far Superior to X0 Ships.
SOLUTION: There are Many Areas where X2 should be “Superior.” These include Speed, Turning Ability, Defense (Shields+), Direct-Fire Weapons, Drones, Seeking Weapons, Phasers, Shuttles, Labs, Special Sensors, Tractor Beams, Transporters, Repair (Damage Control), Reserve Power, Energy Generation, Phaser Capacitor, Command Boxes, Probes, Acceleration, Deceleration, HET’s, TAC’s, and More. So saying that X2 needs to be “Superior” to X1/X0 is Too Generic. Each Specific Area needs to be Examined and then the Total Picture (Sum of All Its Parts) needs to be Reviewed.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have a New Paradigm, not just Better Improvements. It needs to be Different in Design from X1 and X0.
SOLUTION: I agree with this. X1/X0 presented a Linear Progression of Technology with Ever-Increasing Abilities. X2 should have some kind of New Design Philosophy that separates it from previous iterations.
Z-Technology succeeds in this aspect by introducing Artificial Intelligence, a Sophisticated Capacitor, Ultra-Fast Movement, a Superior Defense System, Improved Reserve Power, and Advanced Power Generation. These things go beyond adding New Boxes with Rules. They are Inherent Factors resulting from the Design (Construction) of Z-Technology starships.
PROBLEM: X2 SSD’s cannot be Too Large. This includes Shields. The SSD’s need to be Smaller if possible.
SOLUTION: What we don’t want is Boxes that are Running Off the Page. So Many Boxes it requires 2-4 Pages for each SSD. Z-Technology seeks to solve this by making Boxes More Effective and More Efficient, rather than More Numerous. Of course, you can only do so much. A certain number of boxes is required.
PROBLEM: X2 Ships need to Maneuver in Combat. There has to be a Need to Maneuver.
SOLUTION: The Need to Maneuver comes from Offense (Bringing your Weapons into Arc and Range) and Defense (Protecting Weak Shields/Promoting Strong Shields). Making Phasers and Heavy Weapons 360 degrees reduces the Need to Maneuver. 360 degree Shields does the same.
Z-Technology does not employ purely 360 degree Phasers, thereby Forcing Maneuver to occur. However, some Shielding and Defenses in Z-Technology is 360, resulting in Less Maneuver in Certain Situations. There was no way to avoid this to achieve the Design Goals I desired. A compromise had to be settled upon.
PROBLEM: X2 Combat needs to be Tactically Viable. There needs to be a Need for Strategy and the Implementation of Tactics that Work.
SOLUTION: Forcing Maneuver is one way to ensure the Use of Tactics. But it goes beyond that. Weapons, Defenses, Movement, and Energy cannot be Overpowered (Too Good). This is because there Needs to be a Challenge (which is why Good Tactics are Needed to Win). If Everything is Overpowered, there is No Challenge and therefore, No Need to Use Tactics. Most importantly, there must be Balance between Starships (creating the Need to Use Tactics to Win).
Z-Technology seeks to keep all of these things in mind as SSD’s are Designed/Rules are Created.
PROBLEM: X2 Ships cannot be “General War on Steroids.” X2 needs to feel Natural, not Overpowered.
SOLUTION: This is a Subjective Statement. What is “Steroids” to one person, will not be to another. As improvements in technology are needed, there is no way to escape the feeling of things being Overpowered. Z-Technology seeks to address this by creating Balance in SSD Designs (all of which use the Same Technology).
PROBLEM: X2 cannot make SFB “Broken.” It still needs to be Playable, Enjoyable, and Tactical.
SOLUTION: This is True. It would be very easy to make up/incorporate a rule that will “Break” the game. But with Careful Design and Thorough Playtesting, “Breaking the Game” can be avoided.
PROBLEM: X2 must be Backward-Compatible with X1 and X0. It must play smoothly with these Old Eras.
SOLUTION: Most certainly. A statement was made that X2 will make X1 and (especially) X0 obsolete, therefore it was not a good thing. But I disagree. If designed properly, X2 should interact with X1/X0 with no problems. In fact, there should be intrigue due to all the new possibilities that are now possible between these different technological eras.
Z-Technology will work well with both X1 and X0.
PROBLEM: X2 should not have Excessive New Rules.
SOLUTION: I agree with this, but it may be unavoidable. A light rulebook is fine, in my opinion, but a huge book the size of the Omega Master Rulebook is unnecessary.
To avoid this, Z-Technology seeks to make use of Already Published Rules (instead of Creating New Ones) whenever possible.
PROBLEM: X2 should have New Systems.
SOLUTION: There has to a Purpose/Reason for a New System. It can’t be a New System just to Be Different. If there is Appropriate Justification, I don’t see a problem with a New System. But careful thought must be given as to whether the New System “Breaks” anything else.
PROBLEM: X2 should be More Efficient in Power Usage.
SOLUTION: This is very important in Z-Technology. Instead of just Increasing Power, make its usage More Efficient.
PROBLEM: X2 has made Fighters Obsolete.
SOLUTION: This is one major area where Z-Technology will differ from the Official X2. Fighters have long been part of the game and many Tactics/SSD’s have been developed for Fighters. So in Z-Technology, Fighters (and Carriers) will live on (not just in the “Hydrans”).
But there needs to be Improvements in Z-Technology Fighters over X1/X0 Fighters. This will take the form of “Hiver-Like” Fighters that use their own form of On-The-Fly Energy Allocation.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have better Phasers than X1 (Rapid Pulse Capability).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology Phasers (PH-Z) will indeed be better than a PH-1, but will lack the ability to Rapid Pulse. This is because of the development of the Defense Field (which removed the need to Rapid Pulse). The PH-Z will be based on the Radiation Phaser (Auto-Hit), but will score More Damage, have Better Range, and be More Energy Efficient.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Phaser Capacitors (Double the Amount of Phasers).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology solves this by implementing a Central Capacitor on each starship which Stores More Energy, is More Efficient, Self-Regenerates, and Serves Other Functions.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have more Total Power than X1 (Warp + Impulse + APR).
SOLUTION: This is only true if the Cost to Perform Functions is the Same as X1/X0. But if there is Better Efficiency in terms of Cost, the Total Power does not have to be so high. Z-Technology employs this Concept of Better Efficiency.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Shields (Overall Defense) than X1.
SOLUTION: Here we have one of the main points of contention with X2. Rather than using a Damage Ratio based on Different Eras,
Z-Technology seeks to provide Better Defense with Existing Systems. In particular, Z-Technology starships will possess a 7th Shield which Regenerates (not completely) and Neutronium Armor to Protect Key Systems. The fact that these rules already exist helps to keep the introduction of new rules to a minimum.
A Regenerating 7th Shield was chosen because a Minimum Amount of Damage will be required to score Permanent Damage. Minor Damage and Long-Range Sniping will be made Obsolete by the Regenerating 7th Shield. Only a Heavy Alpha Strike will penetrate it to cause lasting damage.
Much thought and consideration was given to implementing (Helgardian) Rotary Shields either in addition to or in place of the Regenerating 7th Shield. While the ability to shift the Rotary Shields every 8 Impulses was attractive, it also created the need for more bookkeeping. The Regenerating 7th Shield keeps Gameplay Fast and Simple, while allowing the owning player to choose when and exactly how much damage (if any) he wants to accept on the 7th Shield. In the final analysis, the 7th Shield was chosen over the Rotary Shields, because of its simplicity, effectiveness, efficiency, and small space taken up on the SSD.
Neutronium Armor was chosen, not only because it made the starship more durable, but the rules already exist (eliminating the need to introduce new rules). However, I found that it didn’t make sense to have a FH/RH protecting the same key systems, so Neutronium Armor in Z-Technology will be 360 degrees.
Standard Shields will be reduced slightly to account for the existence of the 7th Shield and Neutronium Armor. This will help to reduce space on the SSD.
Overall, when you compare the Overall Defense of Z-Technology with X1/X0, it is Far Superior without resorting to a Damage Ratio System based on Different Eras. The Integrated Defense Field present on all Z-Technology starships adds to this fact.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have More Warp than X1 (Speed 31).
SOLUTION: This was a tough one, since this rule (Speed 31) was not supposed to be broken. My original solution was to give Z-Technology CA’s a 1/2 Movement Cost. This would reduce the amount of Warp Boxes needed, while still allowing the starship to move quickly.
But what I really wanted was for my Z-Technology starships to move faster than Speed 31. Skip Warp Movement provided the answer I was looking for. While not exactly breaking the Speed Barrier, it did allow starships to move 2 Hexes each impulse instead of just 1 Hex. Overall, this resulted in Double the Movement. It was a Pseudo-Solution which was good enough. Plus the Rules for Skip Warp already existed, eliminating the need for New Rules.
Of course, opponents will argue that only the Nicozians should use Skip Warp. Well, you can’t em all. Techno-Babble can explain everything in the end. What’s most important is Functionality on the Tabletop while pursuing your Design Goals.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Turn Modes than X1.
SOLUTION: This can be handled directly with the Turn Mode Box on Z-Technology SSD’s. I wanted to have the Turn Mode reduced if the CPU gets destroyed, but that would require an additional Turn Mode Box on the SSD. So I ended up dropping this idea for now. Maybe someday I will think of a way to implement it without cluttering up the SSD further.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Batteries (Reserve Power) than X1 (3 points each).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology handles this in three different ways. This first and most important is that Batteries are Self-Restoring (Slowly). Similar to the Alunda, this is already a decisive advantage. Secondly, Z-Technology Batteries will hold more power. Third, lowering the Overall Energy Usage (Increasing Energy Efficiency) of Weapons/Systems eliminates the need for a great amount of Reserve Power.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Reactors than X1 (2 points each).
SOLUTION: AZR’s will generate 3 points each.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Heavy Weapons than X1 (Fast-Load).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology Heavy Weapons will be More Powerful (More Damage), but will not have a Fast-Load Ability. This is because the Basis for All Heavy Weapons is the Photon and the Disruptor. The Photon is a 2-Turn, Inaccurate, Major Damage Weapon. The Disruptor is a 1-Turn, Accurate, Minor Damage Weapon. I wanted to keep with these Design Attributes in Z-Technology. Fast-Loading (even with the Range 15 Limit) negates some of these attributes. Careful construction of Z-Technology Heavy Weapons along with Solid Playtesting should solve this issue.
In addition, Z-Technology Heavy Weapons will have a “Penetrating Factor” that allows a portion of damage to Bypass Standard Shields. Only Z-Technology’s 7th Shield will be able to stop this “Penetrating Factor.” This is yet another way in which Z-Technology starships are Superior (and More Deadly) to X1/X0 starships.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Plasma Weapons than X1 (Fast-Load, Rapid Load, Sabot, Carronade).
SOLUTION: Sabots already move at Speed 40. Fast-Loads yield PL-F’s while Rapid Loads allow 2-Turn Arming with Costs Combined. I have always liked the 3-Turn Plasma and will probably keep that with Z-Technology. This will also match the 2-Turn Photon and 1-Turn Disruptor idea.
Z-Technology Plasmas will therefore be Better than X1/X0 Plasmas by doing More Damage (PL-R), Moving at Speed 64 (2 Hexes per Impulse), Being More Resistant to Damage (3:1), and possibly having more Built-In ECM.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Drones than X1 (Payload Spaces, Drone Mixtures, Warhead, Damage, Speed, Endurance).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology Drones will use Skip Warp to move 2 Hexes per Impulse. Beyond that, Z-Technology Drones will be identical to the Drones introduced in X1 and Standard Drones. I may, in the future, introduce New Drone Types. Super-Fast Movement will already be a Key Advantage to Z-Technology Drones.
While deadly, Z-Technology Drones should seek to do the same thing as Standard Drones, namely Control Space on the Map and Overwhelm the Enemy with Numbers. However, this will be difficult with the Z-Technology Defense Field. Most likely, Tactics with Z-Technology Drones will have to be modified so that launching is Staggered, as opposed to All-At-Once (in the Same Hex).
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better EW than X1 (Sensor Rating +2).
SOLUTION: In order to keep using the Same EW Rules, Z-Technology EW will probably max out at 10 or 12 (instead of 8). It will probably be easiest to say “Double your Sensor Rating.”
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Shield Repair (1 Shield Box per 1 Point in Damage Control).
SOLUTION: Standard Z-Technology CA’s will have 8 as the Highest Damage Control Box. This will result in More Shield Boxes being repaired per turn. This fact combined with the Regenerative 7th Shield will make Shield Repair better in Z-Technology than X1/X0.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Aegis Fire Control (Two Shots with Limited Aegis).
SOLUTION: This is easily solved by giving Z-Technology starships Full Aegis.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Seeking Weapon Control (Double Sensor Rating).
SOLUTION: Double the Sensor Rating is already a lot. I’m not sure that Triple the Sensor Rating is needed. It is a possibility if you can get that many Drones/Plasmas on the board at once.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Special Sensors.
SOLUTION: With Z-Technology, this will take the form of Reduced Blinding and Expanded Special Sensor Abilities.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Weapon Statuses than X1 (WS-II 50% Phaser Capacitor, WS-III 100% Phaser Capacitor.)
SOLUTION: Z-Technology Weapon Statuses will have to be Redefined due to the Central Capacitor.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Damage Control than X1.
SOLUTION: This was answered under “Better Shielding.” Standard Z-Technology CA’s will have 8 as the Highest Damage Control Box. This will result in Shield Boxes being repaired per turn. This fact combined with the Regenerative 7th Shield will make Shield Repair better in Z-Technology than X1/X0.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Labs than X1 (+1 to Result before Lab Multiplication).
SOLUTION: Research Labs (RLAB’s) will be More Efficient and may have More Abilities than Standard Labs. RLAB’s will also generate Power.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Tractors than X1.
SOLUTION: Z-Technology starships use Integrated Warp Tractors (IWT’s). Abilities will include Tractor Energy Pools, Improved Tractor Beams with Extended Range, Negative Tractor, and Warp Shunting. Tractor Crush and Tractor Punch will be Deleted (never liked them and a bit unbalanced). The Pressure Field is unnecessary due to the Z-Technology’s Defense Field.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Transporters than X1.
SOLUTION: Z-Technology starships use Quantum Transporters (QT’s) and Transporter Links. The Transporter Function of the QT’s may need to be enhanced.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Admin Shuttles than X1.
SOLUTION: Improved Admin Shuttles is something discarded in X1. But Z-Technology will incorporate this feature. It will most likely include Speed 8, Damage 8 Admin Shuttles carrying a PH-1 (now considered something like a PH-3 when compared to the new PH-Z).
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Probes than X1.
SOLUTION: Z-Technology will feature Improved Probes for Gathering Information. May possibly use Particle Probes for inspiration.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Fire Control than X1 (2 Points ECCM).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology may increase the free ECCM points to 4.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Maulers than X1.
SOLUTION: With Z-Technology, this will probably take the form of an Increased Energy:Damage Ratio, Extended Range, and a Wider Firing Arc.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Cloaks than X1 (4-Impulse Fade Out).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology may improve this to a 3-Impulse Fade Out. Or there may be a way to introduce Other Cloaking Benefits.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better PF’s than X1 (which remain the same as X0 PF’s).
SOLUTION: PF’s will probably benefit from all the Improved Z-Technology Benefits. Still, it is possible that other PF Advancements could be introduced with Z-Technology.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better PFT’s than X1.
SOLUTION: This will go along with (and depend on) the answer above.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Tugs than X1.
SOLUTION: If implemented in Z-Technology, this will most likely take the form of Improved Pods and More Efficient Tugs.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Wild Weasels than X1 (2 Points ECCM does not void WW).
SOLUTION: Need to think about this. Wild Weasels may not be used as much due to the Defense Field. And using a Z-Admin Shuttle for a WW may not be practical.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Suicide Shuttles than X1 (same as X0).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology may feature More Damage for a More Efficient Energy Cost.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Scatterpacks than X1 (same as X0).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology may feature 8 Drones per Scatterpack instead of 6. Or Other Improvements may be implemented instead.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Acceleration than X1 (Previous Turn or 15).
SOLUTION: With Skip Warp, this rule can stay the same in Z-Technology.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Tactical Maneuvers than X1 (6/turn).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology will allow 8/turn.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better HET’s than X1 (2 first-time HET bonuses).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology may allow 3 first time HET bonuses. Furthermore, HET’s can be performed with Skip Warp (which is normally not allowed).
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Emergency Deceleration than X1 (12-Impulse Post Deceleration).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology may reduce the Post Deceleration Period to 8-Impulses. Emergency Deceleration will be possible under Skip Warp with Z-Technology.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have Better Speed Changes than X1 (every 6 Impulses).
SOLUTION: Z-Technology will allow Speed Changes every 4 Impulses.
PROBLEM: X2 needs to have New Ship Abilities beyond X1/X0.
SOLUTION: Z-Technology will feature Several New Ship Abilities due to the New Design Paradigm. The Regenerating 7th Shield and Neutronium Armor have already been mentioned.

The Central Capacitor will allow Phasers, Heavy Weapons, and Devices to draw from it. There will no longer be a need for Separate Capacitors for each item. This Central Capacitor will be Self-Restoring (slowly).

The Defense Field is a Phaser Fuction that was developed to counter Drones, Fighters, Suicide Shuttles, and Plasmas. It will function similar to an ESG/SEG/IPG.

All Z-Technology starships will combine Quantum Transporters (QT) with Warp Movement (normally not possible). QT usage will be limited, but will introduce a Tactical Dimensional never before possible. Similar to Self Displacement, Z-Technology starships can now “Disappear and Reappear” to a limited extent during a battle. This ability, combined with Skip Warp, will greatly overhaul Tactics. These powers make
Z-Technology far Superior to X1/X0 starships.

It will be standard on Z-Technology starships to make use of (Triangulum) Powered Armor.

All Z-Technology starships will have an Artificial Intelligence integrated into the system. This will take the form of a CPU which is hit on Command Hits on the DAC. Benefits will resemble the Drex CPU and Computer-Controlled Ships, without being Too Overpowered. So each ability will have to be carefully reviewed and playtested. I also wanted the Z-Technology starship to lose these abilities if the CPU gets destroyed, but this may cause SSD and Gameplay Complications.

Because of the Built-In Artificial Intelligence, all Z-Technology starships will come standard with Robots. These Robots will be Tougher and Stronger than regular Crew Units.

The PH-Z can fire at Half Strength, causing Half Damage for Half the Energy Cost. This is not Rapid Pulse, but rather just Half Power.

Z-Technology starships will also feature Non-Weapon Options (NWO), Power Options, Optional Weapons, New Systems, and Other Systems Not Normally Standard on starships.

Z-Technology starships will employ Warp Field Distortion Mines as standard implements. This is meant to be a More Powerful/Deadly Version of Transporter Bombs. Z-Technology Starships will carry 8 Standard Transporter Bombs instead of the 6 used in X1.

Viral Warfare was always intended for one of the Genesis Galaxies and Z-Technology is the perfect time to introduce it. Based on the Sensor Rating, Viral Warfare will function similar to Electronic Warfare. However, X1/X0 starships will be Particularly Vulnerable to Viral Warfare. This is yet another way that Z-Technology is Superior to X1/X0.

IN CONCLUSION:

Z-Technology provides the Foundation to create SSD’s for the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems. This bold and exciting future features ONE POSSIBLE EQUIVALENT OF X2, but obviously is NOT THE TRUE X2 (TO BE LATER PUBLISHED BY ADB). I believe there are DIFFERENT POSSIBLE VERSIONS OF X2, BUT ONLY ONE OFFICIAL X2 (TO BE LATER PUBLISHED BY ADB). Over the years, players have come up with their own versions of X2, particularly Donald Miller, several other SFB Websites (which no longer exist), and all the X2 Ideas proposed on the BBS. Not to mention the Outdated and Obsolete Original Second-Generation Rules. My Z-Technology is not the Best Version of X2, nor the Be-All-End-All of X2 Ideas, but instead is simply a Version of X2 that Works (Achieves its Design Goals) and Interests Me Enough to Work on Future SSD’s for Many Different New Empires.

Opponents will have several arguments. One cannot Tech-Slosh. Only Nicozians can use Skip Warp and Warp Field Distortion Bombs. Only Triangulum can use Neutronium Armor and Powered Armor. Only the Sigvirions can use 7th Shields due to their Circular Starships. Only the Bolosco can use IWT’s. Only the Trobrin can use Radiation-Type Phasers. Only the Ryn can use Quantum Transporters. Quantum Transporters cannot be mixed with Warp. Only the Drex can have CPU’s. Computer-Controlled Ships were made obsolete in X1. 3:1 Plasmas and Speed 64 Drones/Plasmas were rejected for X1. Fighters (Non-Hydran) will be obsolete in X2. Only ADB can design X2.

To those people who believe these arguments, I can only say that, from a certain perspective, they are right. From a hard-nosed SFB Traditionalist Viewpoint that Strictly “Follows the Rules” and only uses what is “Official”, they are correct. And there is nothing wrong with that belief, it keeps SFB “Pure.”

On the other hand, I (as a Designer and Enthusiast) should be free (per the Online Web Policy) to create New Galaxies and New Empires with Technology More Advanced than X1. In order to do this, the basic questions of what constitutes X2 must be examined (and answered). The result may not be Official. But it will be Fun. It will be Playable. It will be Compatible with X1/X0. Combat will require Tactics and Strategy. Maneuver will be required to Win Battles. It will Open Up the Mind and Imagination to Brand New Possibilities. It will create a Brand New Era of Starships where Super Advanced Technology is the Standard of the Day, rather than just the Ultra Rare Occurrence.

THIS IS Z-TECHNOLOGY.

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Friday, January 17, 2020 - 01:24 am: Edit

Norman, are you going to put a forum on your new website? I would like to comment on the above but not here as there already is an X2 topic.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, January 17, 2020 - 01:40 am: Edit

Hi Nick. I had not planned on it. You should be able to comment freely here under the umbrella of Z-Technology, rather than the Official X2 planned by ADB.

If you are not comfortable doing that, you can always send me a private e-mail with your thoughts and comments.

By Mike Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Friday, January 17, 2020 - 03:41 am: Edit

Problem:

Gorn, Romulan, and ISC plasma options are nearly identical.

Carronades & reduced holding costs on every tube for Gorns.

Roms get some kind of plasma that can fire while under cloak (like the Axion torp)?

ISC get variable plasma (from the simulators) and MUCH more PPD availability. So you'd have mostly PPDs with a very minor key in plasma torps.