Archive through January 20, 2022
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Archive through January 20, 2022
BLACK WOLF
STARDATE 11.21.21
YESTERDAY GALAXY
Link to previous Black Wolf Logs
"FIRE OVERLOADED SCATTERGUNS!! HARD TO PORT!!!"
Captain Lupinus gripped his command chair tightly with both hands. His light and dark grey Commonwealth uniform stretched over his body tightly. Black shoulder length hair and a black goatee were neatly trimmed. Two sharp teeth were partially visible as the Captain barked out his orders.
Talbot woke up in this strange future reality and immediately knew that something was wrong. Perhaps it was his enhanced wolfen senses. The Commonwealth had grown and advanced, as had all the empires of the Yesterday Galaxy. There was a clear distinction between "old technology" and "new technology." Every empire had just begun to upgrade their starships to "new technology." Not only did this include improved Phasers, but many Heavy Weapons gained the ability to "overload", allowing greater damage potential at a limited distance.
But what all of the empires failed to recognize was the growth and spread of INDOMITUS. What began as a simple unit of Artificial Intelligence that could learn, expanded over time into everyone's Nightmare. Not only did INDOMITUS constantly develop new weapons and defenses based on prior encounters, but it also employed more and more sophisticated tactics and strategies. Fortunately, each successive incarnation of INDOMITUS presented a new vulnerability that could be exploited to destroy the monster. But these vulnerabilities were becoming harder to pinpoint and more difficult to trigger as INDOMITUS grew more advanced.
Currently, INDOMITUS had expanded so far that it had pushed back every major empire and crumpled their own borders. Each empire found themselves fighting a losing battle against a mechanized adversary the likes of which they have never seen before. They had encountered previous incarnations of INDOMITUS in the past, dismissing the artificially evolving threat as minimal and easily subdued. The error of their ways had been made apparent by the sudden and massive expansion of INDOMITUS. Only the Hellguard, the Realm of Night, and the Wildlings managed to repel invasion attempts by INDOMITUS, but they couldn't last much longer. In a desperate bid for survival, the remaining major empires formed a loose alliance called THE OPPOSITION.
To make matters more unsettling, even the Black Wolf itself had changed. The crew that Captain Lupinus knew intimately was only partially there. The other half had been replaced by members of the White Wolf, whom Captain Lupinus was familiar with from old Commonwealth Databanks. As the White Wolf had mysteriously gone missing during her tour of duty, the Black Wolf was commissioned to succeed her. Like some strange sense of Deja Vu, Captain Lupinus felt as though he had worked with the members of the White Wolf crew for years, even though he was also eerily aware that this strange combination of crews was only recent.
Oddly enough, even the personalities and memories of this new combined crew were different. Captain Lupinus had fallen in love with Mother Bethany long before she became a Saint of Vadica. He knows how pure, innocent, and serene she is, both on the inside and on the outside. But now, Captain Lupinus can sense a darkness within her...and its growing.
Ever since Captain Lupinus woke up in this new reality, he has been having nightmares. Ichaborn himself visits Talbot, floating in his dreams like an ethereal ghost, mouthing words that Captain Lupinus cannot understand. Captain Lupinus suspects that Ichaborn is alive...somewhere. A strange, devilish figure called the Final Enemy also sits in the darkness, just out of sight. And then there are frightening visions of the Commonwealth being destroyed by INDOMITUS, of Captain Lupinus losing everyone and everything that ever meant anything to him.
Captain Lupinus snapped back to the current moment.
Quantum Missiles slammed into a Magisterium Heavy Cruiser as she tried to fire Magical Bolts at INDOMITUS. The Magisterium vessel exploded into a bright miniature star. A Grex Dreadnought was next to fall, its Battle Blades having little effect on INDOMITUS' Antimatter Armor. Two Insecta Destroyers met their maker when INDOMITUS blasted them with its Ion Shotgun. A Sidhe Command Cruiser died suddenly when an Orb of Destruction launched by INDOMITUS struck its organic hull, instantly slaying the living starship.
That left only the Black Wolf. Without the others, it would be virtually impossible to hit INDOMITUS' vulnerable spot.
Suddenly, an inhuman mechanized voice resounded throughout the Black Wolf, but it was loudest on the Bridge.
COME...BLACK WOLF...CHARGE AT MY ARTIFICIAL JAWS...INDOMITUS IS HUNGRY...HUNGRY FOR...ORGANIC FLESH.
THE YESTERDAY GALAXY
Link to the Yesterday Galaxy
The YESTERDAY GALAXY is returning to RegenesisGalaxies.com! Having went from the working title of the Yesterday Galaxy to Project-Y and back again, the title of Yesterday Galaxy best summarizes what this galaxy is about. It is a new version of the Early Years with All New Empires and Technology. However, this new version of the Yesterday Galaxy has discovered "General War" Technology, allowing for SSD's to be created with modern tech beyond the Early Years.
The Yesterday Galaxy will seek to be Balanced between Empires and Balanced between Ships as much as possible. Perfect Balance is impossible, of course. The Yesterday Galaxy will look toward the Early Years for its initial designs.
A Yesterday Galaxy MAP (Version 1.0) was created years ago, but it needs heavy revision. All of the empires will be shifted around and INDOMITUS will stretch its reach into every major empire.
Many of the following Yesterday Galaxy Empires were referenced (and fleshed out) in the Old Fiction for the White Wolf and the Black Wolf. Some Background Information on these empires was also on Old Websites that are no longer active. Each of these Yesterday Galaxy Empires will now be developed with the addition of General War Technology (although very limited as it is a "new breakthrough.")
YESTERDAY GALAXY EMPIRES (may be expanded further in the future)
The Commonwealth
The Cyclopeans
The Sidhe
The Realm of Night
The Insecta Imperium
The Magisterium
The Inertians
The Blind Gazers
The Quatch
The Thofen Trimada
The Drebbel Mariners
The Grex Slavers
Gitxl
A.I. Spawn
Nanoids
Ichor
Wildlings
Barbary Corsairs
Hellguard
Panzans
Talos
Dollfolk Vikings
Chloris Gardens
Glacian Ice Peaks
Gargant Titans
INDOMITUS
COMMONWEALTH EARLY HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link the Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser SSD
THE YESTERDAY GALAXY
COMMONWEALTH SHIPS
(YGR1.1) EARLY HEAVY CRUISER (YCA):
The Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser formed the basis of the Commonwealth Fleet during its initial formation. Armed with Two Scatterguns and Six Offensive Phasers, the Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser was a sturdy vessel capable of handling any opponent in the same ship class. Of particular note were the Four Shuttles, Plentiful Labs, and Excess Hull. The Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser was not known for its maneuverability. Because the early Commonwealth Fleet was limited in its ship production, the Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser fulfilled a variety of roles, far beyond that of simply engaging in combat.
DESIGNER NOTES:
The Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser is based on the Federation Early Cruiser. The primary difference is the replacement of Early Photon Torpedoes with Early Scatterguns. Scatterguns are a Range-of-Effect Weapon that combine aspects of Photons and Disruptors. However, while the Scattergun is similar to a Phaser, I wanted to make sure it had a chance to miss, even at close range. It didn't make sense to automatically hit at various ranges during the period of Early Years Technology. So this chance to miss was carefully incorporated into the Scattergun Table.
This Commonwealth Early Heavy Cruiser sets the stage for their later "General War" Cruiser, which would have been considered Advanced by the Commonwealth. The Scattergun will have to gain an Overload Ability, the Heavy Cruiser increased in size, capability, and power, and an Additional Weapon/Device will have to be designed for the Commonwealth.
INDOMITUS MARK I SSD
Link to the INDOMITUS MARK I SSD
THE YESTERDAY GALAXY
INDOMITUS SHIPS
(YGR1.2) INDOMITUS MARK I (IND-I):
The INDOMITUS MARK I is the first version of INDOMITUS encountered by the Empires of the Yesterday Galaxy. It was an unarmed, unshielded scout vessel which moved slowly with poor maneuverability. The INDOMITUS MARK I possessed highly advanced Processors, Special Sensors, and a Subspace Transceiver. It appears to have used its Tractor Beam and Transporter to collect Scientific Samples to store in its Cargo for later study.
The first version of INDOMITUS MARK I was blown to bits once it encountered a Grex Battlecruiser. Little did the Grex suspect that the INDOMITUS MARK I was transmitting constant data about their encounter with its Subspace Transceiver.
Many Empires suspect that there was more than one INDOMITUS MARK I exploring the Yesterday Galaxy at the time, but this has never been confirmed.
DESIGNER NOTES:
The INDOMITUS MARK I is the first in a long line of INDOMITUS Incarnations. There will literally be hundreds of INDOMITUS Marks that were produced, each one more terrifying and unstoppable than the last Mark.
It was essential for me to show that the First INDOMITUS Mark was Non-Hostile and Non-Threatening. Did INDOMITUS learn Violence and Death from its initial interaction with the Empires of the Yesterday Galaxy? In a strange way, did the Empires of the Yesterday Galaxy Destroy Themselves by teaching INDOMITUS How to Behave...?
BLACK WOLF
STARDATE 11.23.21
YESTERDAY GALAXY
Link to previous Black Wolf Logs
"RRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Captain Lupinus transformed into a large Black Werewolf, partially tearing his grey Commonwealth uniform. His chest heaved like a fiery volcano. Razor sharp claws extended where his hands used to be. Even the Bridge Crew, who had seen his change many times before, was shocked.
"INDOMITUS, YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR EVERYONE YOU KILLED!!" Talbot howled. His yellow eyes bulged from their sockets. Captain Lupinus thought of all the people who had died aboard the Magisterium, Grex, Insecta, and Sidhe vessels. They gave their lives for THE OPPOSITION.
Beloved, calm yourself! Mother Bethany said, speaking directly into Talbot's thoughts. We cannot exploit this version of INDOMITUS without the coordinated actions of an entire fleet. We have to give up this area of space to INDOMITUS and regroup at Sigma Four where the Commonwealth Fleet New Dawn is gathering. INDOMITUS is purposely trying to trigger your emotions. Remember, INDOMITUS is now well versed in Psychological Warfare!
Mother Bethany spoke mentally to Eleanor, the Black Wolf's Inertian Navigator. Elly, get us out of here, maximum warp! Set a course for Sigma Four. We'll regroup with the New Dawn there.
Morduug, the Blind Gazer serving as Science Officer, contacted Mother Bethany with his thoughts. I was able to gather a substantial amount of information on this INDOMITUS, Mother Bethany. I will study it carefully. Hopefully, it will reveal further weaknesses in this incarnation of INDOMITUS.
Captain Lupinus calmed down and transformed into his human form once again. He sat down in his command chair, taking deep breaths. A colorful Butterfly landed on his shoulder. It was ANIMUS, the Changeling who was his Spiritual Advisor and Personal Guard.
"Don't worry, Talbot. There will be justice for the fallen. INDOMITUS may be a near unstoppable force, but nothing can conquer what is Right and True in life!"
Captain Lupinus turned to Chrysanthemum, his Chloris Communications Officer. "Mum, send a subspace message on a coded channel to Sigma Four. Alert the New Dawn Fleet of our estimated arrival time. Keep me informed of any responses or messages from other fleets engaging INDOMITUS."
Captain Lupinus gazed at his First Officer. Mother Bethany was his true love. She was beautiful as she ran the Bridge while he recomposed himself. Her long red hair danced by her shoulders as she moved about. Her deep blue eyes were firm and confident. She was radiant. The Saint of Vadica wore her traditional all-white robe. Talbot projected his thoughts for her to hear.
You are my strength. You are my fortress. You shine your light into my darkness. You tame the beast inside of me. You remind me what it means to be human. I love you with all my heart.
Mother Bethany turned and stared at Talbot with loving eyes from across the room. She smiled.
I WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF YOU, MY LOVE. WE ARE TWO HALVES OF THE SAME WHOLE.
MERLIN
STARDATE 11.24.21
PRIME SECTOR
Link to previous Merlin Logs
After a slow flash of light and a low hum, the Landing Party appeared on Shrieketh-2.
Captain Elizabeth, Una, Morgause, Doctor Sap, Delphi, Lilith, Fortune, Security Officers Robinson, Gomez, Patrick, Jenkins, and Alpha Predators Dorian and Vazik looked around at the tiny town they found themselves in. It was a simple place with barely any machinery, littered with decaying structures that looked like they might fall apart if you touched them. A light breeze blew through the town, lifting dust from the dirt filled ground. There were footprints in the dirt, but not many of them.
The entire Landing Party had been cosmetically altered to look like the inhabitants of Shrieketh-2. Since the inhabitants were greatly varied in species, it was not difficult to take on their appearance.
As soon as the Landing Party materialized, the small number of people within sight from the town quickly scattered and hid. They appeared to be afraid for their lives. However, Captain Elizabeth did notice a small girl hiding underneath a wooden cart nearby. The Captain made her way slowly toward the girl with Morgause trailing a few steps behind her.
"It's all right, little one. We won't hurt you. We're just visiting your lovely town. Are you hungry? I have some food if you like."
Captain Elizabeth extended her hand and offered the girl a miniature sandwich filled with meat and cheese.
The girl, who was covered in dirt, reached out and grabbed the sandwich immediately. She stuffed it into her mouth like she had not eaten for days. After she was finished, the girl came out of hiding. She stood before Captain Elizabeth, accepting the fact that the Landing Party was not a threat to her. The girl was a unkempt, skinny child with long, brown hair. She had strange ridges on her nose, indicative of her own species.
"Hello there. My name is Elizabeth. These are my friends from another...town. What's your name?"
"Marita," the girl answered in a soft voice. She looked curiously at the Landing Party. Never before had she beheld anyone that looked like them. "Are you looking for our monthly payment?"
Captain Elizabeth formed a confused look on her face. "Payment? What do you mean, Marita?"
"My family and the other families mine the stones in the area. That's why we live here. Every month, a shuttle full of men comes out of the mountain to collect the stones. I thought you came to collect your payment."
Captain Elizabeth glanced at Morgause, who had a disgusted look on her face. Although the Guardian Knight was wearing her ceremonial armor and carrying her sword, it was well hidden underneath her flowing garments.
"No, of course not, Marita. We're not here for your stones. We just want to look around your nice town. What will happen if your family does not pay with the stones every month?"
Marita looked down at the ground. She appeared worried. "My father said something really bad would happen. The men would kill us...slowly."
Captain Elizabeth paused. She was well aware of how the Death Cult treated the slaves that they...managed.
"Marita. Could you please get one of the stones that you give to the men? My friends and I just want to look at one. We won't keep it. Do you have one nearby?"
"Sure!" Marita exclaimed with excitement. She ran off toward an open field right outside of town. It wasn't far away.
Una and Delphi moved forward to join Captain Elizabeth and Morgause. Everyone waited for Marita to return.
"So the Death Cult are stationed on Shrieketh-2," Captain Elizabeth said, looking at Doctor Sap. The Doctor looked surprised. "They come from underneath the Shielded Location in the mountain and collect the resources from this town. We have to penetrate that Shield and see what type of base it is. But first we have to determine what kind of resource they are harvesting."
Marita came back with a stone which softly glowed red. "Here! Here's one!!"
Una ran her Tricorder over the stone. The Tricorder lit up and made a continuous beeping noise. Marita was transfixed with it.
Una became greatly concerned. The Fair Folk Science Officer does not often show emotion, but this time she did.
"Captain, it's Brimdorian-2. As you well know, Brimdorian-2 is a rare, vital component used in the creation of..."
STRATEGIC WEAPONS THAT TURN HABITABLE PLANETS INTO LIFELESS, DEAD HUSKS.
ALFHEIM HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser SSD
ARCH OMEGA DESIGN PARADIGM:
"ARCH OMEGA is a Unique Galaxy that uses Quantum Transporters for Movement (No Warp), Ceramic Composite Armor (No Shields), and Transporter Collector Cannons (Similar to Hypercannons) as Primary Weapons. Omega Weapons (including Original Omega Range Brackets and Overload Ranges), Omega Devices, and Omega Phasers (including Original Omega Range Brackets) are Secondary Weapons in Arch Omega. New Technology is introduced as well on a case-by-case New Empire Basis.
Given the highly unusual Design Paradigm of Arch Omega, it should be clear that Arch Omega starships should not be flown against the Alpha Sector or even the Original Omega Sector."
ARCH OMEGA
ALFHEIM SHIPS
(AOR1.2) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):
The Alfheim Heavy Cruiser was a powerful vessel in Arch Omega. Known for its strong defense against seeking weapons, the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser possessed a pair of Energy Howitzers that could quickly strip the Shields from an adversary. Many were unprepared for the Energy Torpedoes the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser could launch, which mimicked the effect of the Energy Howitzer to a certain degree. Finally, plentiful Shuttles and abundant Reserve Power made the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser a force to be reckoned with.
DESIGNER NOTES:
The Alfheim Heavy Cruiser converts the Chlorophon into Arch Omega. The first task was to change the Shields into Directional Ceramic Composite Armor and implement Transporter Collector Cannons and Quantum Transporters.
I ran into a major decision early because the Chlorophon Heavy Cruiser only had 14 Warp (which surprised me!). This would not due for Arch Omega, particularly because of how the Quantum Transporters have a 4-Impulse Delay between Bank Use. In the end, I could choose between giving the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser 20 Quantum Transporters or 24 Quantum Transporters. In order to make the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser tactically comparable to the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser (which has 24 Quantum Transporters), I choose to give the Alfeim Heavy Cruiser 24 Quantum Transporters as well. Obviously, this increase in speed is much different from the original Chlorophon CA.
Next came the Heavy Weapons/Devices. Energy Howitzers and Spore Casters were easy enough to implement without any changes. Note that Arch Omega uses Original Omega Tech Without Revision (as much as possible), including Varying Range Brackets and Overload Ranges.
Spore Casters are less effective in Arch Omega. This is due to the fact that all empires use Quantum Transportation for movement. Starships will never run into a patch of asteroids at high speed. However, Spore Casters can still be used as excellent defense against plasma-like and drone-like seeking weapons. Yes, I know Spore Casters have another name, but I prefer the term Spore Casters. 
Arch Omega is unique in the addition of New Omega-Type Weaponry that is often based on existing Omega Tech. For the Alfheim, this became the Energy Torpedo. The Energy Torpedo takes the Effect of the Energy Howitzer and converts it into a Seeking Weapon. Special care had to be taken to make sure the Energy Torpedo was not too powerful. At maximum effect, the Energy Torpedo scores slightly less damage than a maximum PL-F. The Energy Torpedo is not light on internals like the Energy Howitzer.
It also made sense to me that this technology might one day be developed from Energy Howitzer technology. In a strange way, you can think of the Energy Howitzer as a "Bolt" version of the Energy Torpedo. So the two are linked in a conceptual sense. The goal of the Energy Torpedo was not just to add some new tech for fun, but to give the Alfheim more tactical options in combat (beyond the Energy Howitzer and the Spore Caster). The addition of seeking weapons greatly increases the depth of its tactical game (including Pseudo Energy Torpedoes).
I rounded out the SSD, making sure the Power Curve matches the Arch Omega Design Paradigm. Power is much different on Arch Omega starships because of the use of Quantum Transporters instead of Warp. You won't find a bunch of Warp on an Arch Omega SSD providing a lot of power for Energy Allocation.
Ultimately, I like how the Alfheim Heavy Cruiser turned out. It is a complex vessel with a lot of tactical depth and possibilities in combat. It is not slow like the Chlorophon CA and its Quantum Transporter movement lets it move in many unique ways. The Alfheim retains the flavor of the Chlorophons, but takes their technology to a whole new level with the Energy Torpedo. Lastly, the Transporter Collector Cannons and Ceramic Composite Armor add yet another layer to the Alfheim's tactical game for Captains to master.
SOLSTICE
STARDATE 11.26.21
Link to previous Fiction
The Captain's Ready Room was filled with dying roots, tendrils, vines, and stems. Leaves that were once bright green were now rotting brown. The entire room smelled of death. At the center of it all sat the Green Man. Once proud, mighty, powerful, and strong, he was now laid low, a defeated victim who had been beaten over and over again by life itself. If the doorway to the next life presented itself to him and opened wide, the Green Man would have gladly dived through it without hesitation.
An Air Elemental entered the Ready Room. Circular wisps of smoke slowly coalesced into a feminine form. The First Officer looked down at the Captain with sorrow and disdain.
"Green Man? My Captain?"
"I am here," the Green Man mumbled in a deep voice. His face was buried in an overgrown patch of dying vegetation. "Although I wish I wasn't."
"The Solstice needs her Captain. Your ship needs you, Green Man."
The Green Man gazed at his First Officer with tired, weary eyes. "The Solstice has you, my First Officer. You are in command now."
The First Officer grew frustrated. Her heart sank. Her ethereal hands formed into fists. Tears of mist rolled down her transparent cheeks.
"Where is the man I fell in love with? Where is the man that inspired me to join the Solstice all those years ago?"
The Green Man struggled to get up, but he could not. His roots and stems vibrated slightly from his attempt, but then grew still once more.
"He is Dead. He died thousands of years ago, during the supposed 'Titan Wars.' What a joke! Now they call us the 'Great Ones.' What a laugh! We were anything but Great! We had no idea what life was truly about. All we did is fight endless wars with one another, killed billions upon billions of innocent people, developed technology that became deadlier with each passing evolution, hoarded materials and resources, and proclaimed ourselves rulers over this...'Prime Sector'...as they now call it. What fools we were! What a fool I am! I lost everyone and everything I loved during those Wars. Now, the heartache is so great, my own vegetation withers and dies away! I am lost. Please...let me wither away and die."
"And what of the Resurrection Components we seek? They are the reason the Soltice has endured through thousands of years. Captain, if we find them all, we will hold the Key to Life itself!"
"What do I care of such things?" the Green Man asked in an apathetic voice. He closed his eyes and tried to die, but his body would not let him.
"Green Man, you have not lost everything. You still have me. And I refuse to let our love die! I refuse to let you die! I swear to you, this is not over!!"
The Air Elemental transformed into a stormy gust of wind and fled from the Ready Room.
The Green Man tried to open his eyes, but he could not. He tried to move his limbs, but he could not. His Body was nearly Dead. His Mind was already Gone. His Soul was already Lost.
Before the Green Man drifted away into Oblivion, he answered his absent First Officer.
YES, MY LOVE...YES...I'M AFRAID...IT IS...OVER...QUITE...OVER...INDEED...
ALLIANCE OF LORDS MISSILE CRUISER SSD
Link to the Alliance of Lords Missile Cruiser SSD
THE PRIME SECTOR
ALLIANCE OF LORDS SHIPS
(PMR1.2) MISSILE CRUISER (MCA):
The Alliance of Lords converted a limited amount of heavy cruisers into missile cruisers. Their purpose was to provide long range ultrawarp missile support during fleet engagements. Armed with Six Ultarwarp Missile Racks, the Alliance of Lords Missile Cruiser was able to put out a significant number of Ultrawarp Missiles in a single volley. These Ultrawarp Missiles would bombard the enemy from a safe distance while other Alliance of Lords vessels closed in to use their Photon Torpedoes.
The Ultrawarp Missile Racks on the Alliance of Lords Missile Cruiser were specially modified to allow for reloads. The forward hull was converted into a large cargo area specifically to hold Ultrawarp Missile reloads.
DESIGNER NOTES:
The Alliance of Lords Missile Cruiser is a variant of the Heavy Cruiser that only makes sense during fleet engagements. Because the forward Photon Torpedoes were removed and replaced with Ultrawarp Missile Racks, the Alliance of Lords Missile Cruiser lost a significant amount of firepower and crunch power. Therefore, in a single duel, it would be easily defeated, as it cannot muster enough pure force to properly defend itself. However, in a fleet formation, protected by other vessels and staying a safe distance from the main conflict, it made perfect sense to use the high speed of the Ultrawarp Missiles to a great tactical advantage. The Alliance of Lords Missile Cruiser would have been a rare and valuable commodity, protected at all times and only sent on specific missions to support other fleet vessels.
INDOMITUS MARK II SSD
Link to the Indomitus Mark II SSD
THE YESTERDAY GALAXY
INDOMITUS SHIPS
(YGR1.3) INDOMITUS MARK II (IND-II):
The INDOMITUS MARK II was a very minor threat in the Yesterday Galaxy. Not seeking conflict unto itself, the INDOMITUS MARK II was armed with a pair of Defensive Phasers for self defense. It seemed to all involved that the INDOMITUS MARK II was still seeking to collect information about its surroundings and store samples in its cargo bay for later analysis. For the most part, the INDOMITUS MARK II was ignored by the major empires of the Yesterday Galaxy.
DESIGNER NOTES:
The INDOMITUS MARK II is a reaction to the earlier destruction of the INDOMITUS MARK I by a Grex Battlecruiser. INDOMITUS has realized that the galaxy is a dangerous place and there are hostile empires that attack without provocation. To this end, INDOMITUS has added armaments and protective armor for the first time. Additional Warp Energy was also added to power the new weaponry.
EAGLE'S EGG - STARDATE 11.30.21
Link to previous Eagle's Egg Logs
The long night has come. The greatest civilization in history has fallen. Now one ship, one crew, have vowed to drive back the night and rekindle the light of civilization. On the Eagle's Egg... Hope lives again.
Like an eagle swooping down to catch surprised prey with its talons, the Eagle's Egg deactivated its X-Cloak and surprised the Reaver Heavy Cruiser and the Reaver Destroyer that were orbiting Atrin IX.
While the Eagle's Egg destroyed the Reaver Heavy Cruiser with a concentrated barrage of Overloaded 2X Photon Torpedoes, X-Phasers, and X-Drones, the Reaver Destroyer sped up and attempted to escape.
Captain Zeno switched his implanted Communications Chip to his Super Sensors Officer.
"Moult, distance to the Reaver Destroyer?"
The spindly, humanoid insect watched his holographic display with bulging yellow eyes. He clicked loudly several times before answering.
"One hundred seventy thousand kilometers and increasing with every second, Captain!"
A thought switched Captain Zeno's Communication Chip from his Super Sensors Officer to his Web Operations Officer.
"Widow, is the X-Web Caster's Capacitor charged to full energy?"
The crystalline spidery creature answered without hesitation. A special nano suit allowed the being to function in the Eagle's Egg's environment without difficulty.
"Confirmed, Captain Zeno. The device is ready for immediate use. I will monitor its function and the energy level of the Web as the Web Caster operates."
"Fire a Linear Web directly in front of the fleeing Reaver Destroyer."
"Komodo, launch a pair of X-Drones at the Reaver Destroyer. Calculate the projected location of impact based on the creation of the Web and the Reaver's current trajectory."
The large reptilian creature let out a snarling response full of excitement. The Tactical Officer was still engrossed with the recent destruction of the Reaver Heavy Cruiser.
"As you command, Captain Zeno!"
A lattice of energy shot out of the Eagle's Egg forming a barrier directly in front of the Reaver Destroyer. At the Reaver Destroyer's current speed, it could not turn in time to avoid it. Two X-Drones launched out of the Eagle's Egg toward the Reaver Destroyer, moving many times faster than the Eagle's Egg's current speed.
Suddenly, the blind albino with two antennae who served as the Communications Officer informed the Captain of a startling development with her own implanted Communications Chip.
"Captain, they are transmitting a distress call to other Reavers in the area!!"
That's what I was afraid of, Captain Zeno thought to himself. It was a gamble dropping out of our cloak to destroy the Reaver Heavy Cruiser and Destroyer. Our assault relied upon surprise and speed. But there are always variables that are unaccounted for. The other option was to sneak around to the far side of Atrin IX and beam down to the surface while the Reavers remained in orbit. That plan seemed too risky for the Landing Party. Now, other Reaver vessels will be closing in on Atrin IX. Our time is limited.
Per Captain Zeno's agreement with Captain Nadalla, the Eagle's Egg received the Crown of Kings along with two officers from the Universal Order starship designated Bright Star. The two officers were curious beings. One was a small furry creature standing no more than two feet high whose legs and arms were hidden by the long hairs growing out of its body. It resembled a furry ball of hair. The other was an ivory woman who refused to leave the side of the Crown of Kings. She carried the magical artifact wherever she went, concealed in a protective case.
Captain Zeno's mission was to return the Crown of Kings to the people of Atrin IX. Captain Nadalla and the Universal Order were relying on him to complete this critical task. The people of Atrin IX believed that the Crown of Kings made their planet prosperous and bountiful.
The Reaver Destroyer exploded while it was trapped in the Web created by the Eagle's Egg. It had already been damaged by X-Phaser fire from the Eagle's Egg. The X-Drones finished the job. Now, Captain Zeno had to rush to get to the surface of Atrin IX. He had to act quickly before Reaver reinforcements arrived.
"T'Peve, Dr. Purr, Komodo, Gray, Major Ubra, Moult...prepare to beam down to the surface. Inform the two Universal Order representatives that we will be transporting down. Hoary, have four Security Officers ready to accompany us. Stenella, you are in charge of the Eagle's Egg while we are away. Keep in constant communication with the Landing Party."
The humanoid dolphin serving as Chief Engineer confirmed taking command of the Eagle's Egg through her Communications Chip.
Within minutes, everyone was ready to transport down to Atrin IX. A bright flash of light engulfed each individual from wherever they were standing aboard the Eagle's Egg.
IN THE NEXT MOMENT, THE TWELVE INDIVIDUALS COMPRISING THE LANDING PARTY SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE CAPITAL OF ATRIN IX.
Where do the crew live? No hull. What are "ARM" No shields/ Armor/ PA Panels?
Hi Mike. Thanks for the inquiries.
INDOMITUS is an Mechanized Artificial Intelligence Entity. It uses No Crew. You can see on the far left side of the SSD that the Crew Units have been completely removed.
Correct, there is No Hull, but there is Cargo (on the Mark I and Mark II).
Yes, ARM is Armor. INDOMITUS MARK I & MARK II does not use Shields or PA Panels.
MERLIN
STARDATE 12.01.21
PRIME SECTOR
Link to previous Merlin logs
Captain Elizabeth fired her Phaser directly into the Death Cult soldier, vaporizing him instantly. His death cry echoed in the wind.
Security Officers Robinson, Gomez, Patrick, and Jenkins were laying on the rocky ground, dead. Their red shirts had been ripped wide open by Disruptor fire. Each of them wore a contorted death mask with their mouths wide open.
Alpha Predators Dorian and Vazik were firing their Photon Rifles in rapid succession from a bent leg position. They were trying to hold off an entire horde of Death Cult soldiers.
Una struck down any Death Cult soldiers trying to get around Dorian and Vazik. The Fair Folk Science Officer used her magic to protect herself with a Flame Shield and to unleash Fireballs from her hands at the enemy. Death Cult soldiers screamed as they were burnt alive.
Morgause cut down another Death Cult soldier with her enchanted blade. She quickly blocked an incoming strike from another warrior with her mystic shield. Again and again her magic sword whirled, cutting down Death Cult adversaries like wheat from the chaff. Morgause faced five Death Cult soldiers at the same time, with reinforcements replacing every Death Cult soldier that fell.
Doctor Sap stood in front of Delphi, protecting the blind Seer. But one of the Death Cult soldiers managed to break through the defensive line to charge at them. Quickly, Doctor Sap grabbed the Death Cult soldier around the neck with her hands made of wood and constricted her roots around his neck until he lost consciousness. The Grove Doctor was sworn to never take a life unless there was absolutely no other option.
One Death Cult soldier made the mistake of grabbing Lilith with both hands. The sensual Negativity Advisor laughed with glee. She placed her hand on his face, slowly draining the life force from his body. Within moments, his body turned into a wrinkled, dry prune. Before he died, Lilith kissed him on the lips as a parting gift from this life to the next.
Fortune used his powers as a Chaplain to heal anyone who suffered an injury. But as quick as the all black Puss Felinus was, he could still be cornered. A Death Cult soldier prepared to deiver a fatal blow to the three foot tall humanoid cat.
Suddenly, Fortune began to glow as bright as a star. For you see, Fortune was not simply a Chaplain, he was a Battle Chaplain. "BACK! BACK, SPAWN OF THE EVIL ONE!! I REBUKE YOU!!!!" Light shot out of Fortune, engulfing the shocked Death Cult soldier in white light. The warrior screamed out in pain. Helpless before the divine onslaught, he turned and ran away from Fortune.
Captain Elizabeth knew that the Landing Party was in a bad strategic position. The Death Cult soldiers would not end. Eventually, the Landing Party would be overwhelmed.
The Landing Party on Shrieketh-2 had made their way to the Shielded Base. After Una discovered a way to penetrate a small portion of the Shield, she was able to take detailed scans of the Base. There was no doubt, the Death Cult Base was manufacturing Destructive Weapons that could render an Entire Planet Lifeless. They were regularly collecting Brimdorian-2, an essential element used in the manufacturing process, from their slaves on the surface.
Delphi saw a vision of the near future and warned the Captain that the Death Cult were sending soldiers to capture them. The Landing Party retreated from the Base as quickly as they could, but the Death Cult soldiers caught up with them less than twenty minutes later.
The Death Cult soldiers wore their standard uniform: solid black material that covered their entire body except for their face, which was covered by a white skull mask. Each of the soldiers was armed with a Disruptor Rifle equipped with a Plasma Bayonet.
Captain Elizabeth yelled into her Communicator. "LOVECRAFT, BEAM US UP...NOW!!!"
"Yes, Captain," the Vampire Squid First Officer responded through the communications device. "Daedalus just cut through the mountainous interference. We can finally lock onto each one of you. Transportation commencing."
"But Captain, I have some bad news for you."
"Lovecraft, what could possibly be worse than the situation we are in now??"
A DEATH CULT FLEET IS APPROACHING SHRIEKETH-2.
Indomitus looks like a cool thing to drop in a campaign.
Thanks for the comment, Nick.
Yes, INDOMITUS could work in a Campaign with some fine tuning. I suppose you would just have to make sure that whatever INDOMITUS MARKS you use match the ship selection available...
COLUMBIAD
STARDATE 12.04.21
PRE-HISTORY YEARS
Link to previous Columbiad Logs
The lights flickered on and off in the Columbiad due to the strain. The ship vibrated as if it was experiencing minor tremors before some massive earthquake.
Captain Dounia sat in her command chair, tension filling her body. A red and yellow scarf was pulled around her head so that only her face was showing. The calm Captain knew that this was Columbiad's first real challenge since it left Terra Reserve for deep space. She would not let its mission end so early. The people of Terra Reserve were counting on her. Her crew was counting on her. Captain Dounia would find a way.
"Mister Octo, report."
The seven foot tall humanoid octopus stared into the metallic binoculars attached to his Science Station with his strange, alien eyes. His many tentacles explored the air around him as if they had a life of their own. And with his hyper accelerated genetics, perhaps they did.
"The Wide Cannon is charging for another burst. Blasts thus far have been ineffective for the most part. The Star Lamprey is still breaking through our Fifth Shield. Once it reaches the ship, it will begin to consume us. The Monster is highly resistant to Phaser fire. Our Photon Torpedoes are not capable of targeting it due to its current location. I am gathering further data using our Laboratories."
The Star Lamprey, Captain Adeena Dounia thought to herself. The creature that might devour my ship and its crew. The beast possesses a natural ability to camouflage against the stars. The Columbiad did not detect it until it was too late. The Star Lamprey attached itself to one of Columbiad's Shields and began slowly eating through it. All attempts to force the creature away have failed. But there must be a way...
"The crew and I are relying on you, Mister Octo. I am fully confident in your knowledge and expertise."
Two white dots slowly moved from the center to the outer edges on a display right underneath the main View Screen on the Columbiad's Bridge.
Captain Dounia pushed a button to connect the Intercom to Engineering.
"Argus, divert all power to the Shields. Use Reserve Power to boost the reinforcement."
"Yes Ma'am!" the old Greek Shipwright replied. His shiny bald head was lined with sweat. "The ship's buckling from that beastie's biting and pulling. The Warp Engines are running red hot. We can't keep us this strain forever."
"I am aware of that, Argus," Captain Dounia said in a calm voice. "Don't worry, my friend. Even now, Mister Octo is gathering important data on the creature that will aid us in repelling it. Together, we will succeed."
"Together, we will succeed," Argus answered back before closing the Intercom.
"Oy, purhaps we can lure the Lamprey 'way wid food?" the handsome, young Australian Navigator suggested while staring at the stars on the View Screen.
"We are the food, Mister Wallabig," Mister Octo replied coldly as he continued his work. The genetically modified Octopus was focused and determined. Three of his tentacles pushed various buttons on his Work Station. As a result, various beeps and flashing lights responded like a thing alive.
Captain Dounia watched the interaction between Mister Octo and her Navigator carefully. There was a short period of silence afterward. The Bridge Crew began to wonder if their lives would soon be forfeit.
"Captain, may I make a suggestion?"
Captain Dounia turned around to face her Communications Officer. She was surprised by her request.
"Of course, Liling. Please, share with us your thoughts."
"Walker's suggestion about food got me thinking. The Star Lamprey must sense something it wants on the Columbiad. I am guessing that thing is power. I doubt it just wants to eat our metallic hull."
Captain Dounia nodded in agreement. "I have thought about the same thing, Ms. Zhao. But we cannot shut off the power that runs the ship. We would lose the very Shields that protect us if we did."
"Well," Liling Zhao continued, her eyes looking off as she imagined the possibilities. "What if there was another power source that distracted the Star Lamprey and lured it away from the Columbiad? Like one of our Shuttles."
Captain Dounia looked at her Science Officer. Mister Octo stared back with his inhuman eyes.
"Captain, it could work. At least for a few moments. During that time, we could lock onto the Star Lamprey with our Photon Torpedoes and kill it. But we would only get one chance, otherwise the Star Lamprey would devour the Shuttle and then return to finish the Columbiad. We cannot miss."
"I won't miss," Makeba Impi stated confidently in a grim tone. The Master Gunner was anxious to kill the Monster that was threatening all of their lives. "Captain, just give me one shot."
Captain Dounia thought to herself. She knew she had to make a quick decision. Time was running out. "Whoever pilots the Shuttle will be in grave danger. If the Star Lamprey catches up to them, they will surely die."
"Captain, let meh pilot the Shuttle," Aine O'Clery blurted out without hesitation. The Irish Helmsman with blonde hair and green eyes was dead serious. She knew her life was at stake. "Walker can cover mah Station until Ah return. Ah'm the best Pilot you've got. Ah'll draw the Star Lamprey right in front of the Columbiad so Makeba will get ah clear shot at it. Please, Captain, Ah want to do this."
Captain Dounia went quiet as she considered losing Aine O'Clery. There was no one aboard Columbiad who could match her skill at the Helm. Losing her would be a fatal blow to their mission of exploration. But she was the best one suited to this task. She gave the Columbiad the highest chance for success. And the lives of the rest of the crew were at stake...
"Ms. O'Clery, proceed to the Shuttle Bay. Makeba, prepare to fire Photon Torpedoes."
LET'S SLAY THIS BEAST SO IT NEVER THREATENS ANYONE ELSE AGAIN.
COLUMBIAD
STARDATE 12.05.21
PRE-HISTORY YEARS
Link to previous Columbiad Starlogs
"OH AINE, MEH LASS, YEH REALLY BIT THE TAIL OFF THE DONKEY THIS TIME!!"
The Shuttlecraft bucked and veered erratically like a wild bull. Right behind it, the hungry circular jaw of the Star Lamprey followed, intent on devouring its next meal.
The Columbiad tried to follow the Monster and the Shuttle, but the larger Terra Reserve starship was not as swift as the smaller entities.
"Stay with them, Mister Wallabig," Captain Dounia said in a calm, but stern voice. Her red and yellow uniform covered her entire body. "Aine O'Clery's life depends on it."
"Oim doin' meh best, Ma'am!" the handsome Australian Navigator replied in a loud, overly stressed voice. He was covering the Helm while Aine piloted the Shuttlecraft. Walker Wallabig could fly the Columbiad, but nowhere near as well as Aine O'Clery. His eyes bulged as he gripped the controls with both hands.
"I can't get a clear shot!" Makeba Impi yelled. The African Master Gunner knew that she had to kill the Star Lamprey with the Columbiad's Photon Torpedoes. But she would only get one chance. If she missed, Aine O'Clery was as good as dead.
"Stay calm, everyone," Captain Adeena Dounia instructed in a reassuring voice. "Together we will succeed." She activated the Intercom to Engineering.
"Argus, we need all the speed we can get. Divert all available Warp Power and Reserve Power."
The Old Greek Engineer responded in an excited and overworked voice. "I'm giving her all she's got, Captain! That bloody beast drained our Shields, but good. Reserve Power is depleted, its recharging now. We'll have to make do with what we've got!"
Liling Zhao, the Columbiad's Communications Officer, watched the View Screen with concerned eyes.
The Columbiad's engines roared loudly from the strain of the chase.
"Captain, I have an idea," Makebi said as she stared at the real time results flashing on her Work Station. A huge scar ran across one of her cheeks. "If I can hit the Star Lamprey with our Phasers, it might turn around to face us. The Phasers won't do any real damage to the Monster, but I can kill it with our Photon Torpedoes while its turning around."
Captain Dounia immediately did not like the idea. With the Shuttle and Star Lamprey's turbulent movement, the Columbiad could accidentally hit Aine O'Clery with its Phasers. But if the Columbiad didn't act quickly, she was going to be eaten alive. Adeena had no choice but to trust the aim and accuracy of her Master Gunner. After all, that's why Adeena chose her for the position.
"Ms. Impi...Fire."
There were three seconds of silence that passed before Makebi activated the controls to fire the Forward Phasers. Then red beams of light shot out of the Columbiad, striking the Star Lamprey in the tail. Furious, the Creature turned around to face the Columbiad. The Shuttle carrying Aine O'Clery rushed to a safe distance.
"Well done, Makebi!" Captain Dounia exclaimed, letting her emotions out, which she rarely did. "Now Fire Photon Torpedoes!!!"
Makebi Impi activated the Photon Torpedoes, well aware of the fact that she could not miss. Not only would Aine O'Clery be killed by the Star Lamprey, but everyone on the Columbiad would be as well.
Two bolts of white light flew out of the Columbiad. They struck the Star Lamprey directly in the center of its long body. The Monster let out a screeching death cry and then perished.
After a brief cheer from the Bridge Crew, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Excellent work, Ms. Impi. You just saved all of our lives, including Aine O'Clery."
The Captain pushed a button allowing her to talk to the Shuttlecraft.
"Aine, you may return to the Columbiad. You risked your life to save all of us. We are in your debt. I will be sure to enter Commendations for you and Makebi in my Starlog."
Captain Dounia looked around at everyone on the Bridge. She was overwhelmed with thankfulness that they were all alive. Adeena closed her eyes and silently uttered a prayer to Allah.
So the Columbiad survives her first challenge, Captain Dounia thought to herself. This is a true blessing. Adeena was confident, now more than ever, that their long mission of exploration would be meaningful and fruitful.
Captain Dounia activated the Intercom, allowing her to speak shipwide so that everyone in the crew could hear her.
"The Columbiad has overcome her first obstacle in deep space. But she could not have done it without the coordinated actions of her brave crew. Take a moment to praise yourselves for what you have achieved. Be thankful for everyone around you. And always remember..."
TOGETHER WE WILL SUCCEED.
WHITE WOLF
STARDATE 12.06.21
HIGH GUARD/INTERGALACTIC ASSEMBLAGE OF SYSTEMS
Link to previous White Wolf Logs
Captain Ichaborn sat in his quarters, brooding as usual. His skeletal hands were interlocked with one another. Red eyes, as crimson as blood, stared forward without blinking. His mind was unsettled.
His wife, Doctor Melia, entered the chamber from their bedroom. Blonde hair with red streaks dangled over her smooth beige skin. The Dryen's deep blue eyes stared at her husband with concern. She walked over to Ichaborn and placed both of her soft hands on his back.
The albino turned and stared at his wife with loving eyes. He smiled. One of his bone white hands reached back to grasp her own. He squeezed tightly, for he loved Doctor Melia with all his heart and with all of his soul.
"What troubles you?" Doctor Melia asked.
"Ah...nothing that concerns you, my love," Ichaborn replied in a hushed voice. "Your world is the field of medicine. My world seems to be entangled in politics. The Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems is similar to the Celestial Fellowship of Galaxies, just on a much more massive scale..."
"The Celestial Fellowship of Galaxies? What's that, dear?"
Ichaborn stopped in mid sentence. He had forgotten that in this new reality, only he was aware of the past from which he came, which included knowledge of the Celestial Fellowship of Galaxies. Or perhaps Ichaborn was simply mad.
"The Celestial Fellowship of Galaxies is just...an ancient civilization that I read about. They fell because of their hubris. I fear the same thing may happen to the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems."
Doctor Melia released her hands from Ichaborn's back, walked around the couch, and sat beside her husband. She grabbed his arm with both of her hands and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Why do you think that, my love?"
"I can't quite pinpoint it. There is a...darkness growing within the Assemblage. I fear that more and more politicians are becoming corrupt. When I stood before the High Council, describing what happened with the Deathbringers and the Autumnstar System, they refused to grant me a High Guard Armada to lead against the Deathbringers. They cited reason after reason for why it could not be done and how there were different solutions to this problem. All of them seemed intent on discussing the matter for days without end. In the meantime, billions of innocent people are dying! Oh, my sweet Melia, I was born to be a Captain, not some diplomat dealing with manipulative bureaucrats."
There was a long period of silence between the two lovers as they contemplated the current situation and their future.
"Don't worry, my love, you'll find your way. You always do. And wherever that leads you, I will be right beside you. I love you so much."
Ichaborn looked into the eyes of his beautiful wife.
"I love you too, with every fiber of my being."
"Even though you have that lovely computer avatar with silver hair and grey eyes?" Doctor Melia joked.
Ichaborn could sense some jealousy in his wife. After all, he did spend a great deal of time with his ship's holographic Artificial Intelligence, even more time than with his own wife. And the ghost-like Avatar was beautiful, if not young.
But Ichaborn could love no other like he loved Doctor Melia. It would be like trying to rearrange the very stars from their current positions.
His crimson eyes did not blink as he stared into the eyes of the love of his life.
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE ONE FOR ME, MELIA, YOU AND NO OTHER. THIS I SWEAR UPON MY OWN GRAVE.
DJINN HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Djinn Heavy Cruiser SSD
KING ALPHA
DJINN SHIPS
(KAR1.3) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):
Like all Djinn, the Djinn Heavy Cruiser was seldom seen or detected. As fleeting as a ghost, the Djinn Heavy Cruiser would drift here and there, accomplishing its stealth missions, only appearing to strike when it was absolutely necessary.
When the Djinn Heavy Cruiser did appear, it was a frightening adversary. Armed with dual Plasma-R Torpedoes, the Djinn could incinerate targets in a single strike. The Displacement Device it carried allowed itself to be transported out of danger or the disruption of enemy fleet formations. The Djinn Heavy Cruiser did have one major flaw, its Weak Shields were often exploited by the opponent.
Like the Djinn of Mythology, the Djinn were feared because of their mystical abilities (a rumor the Djinn loved to hear and propagate). It was said that the Djinn could become invisible, teleport at will, transport you from one place to another, and breathe flame from their mouth.
DESIGNER NOTES:
The Djinn is the second empire for King Alpha. The King Alpha Design Paradigm calls for Three Heavy Weapons (already existing in Alpha Sector Technology) which are to be combined in a tactically advantageous manner. However, the Djinn are somewhat different. While one of the Three Heavy Weapons is a PL-R, the other Two Heavy Weapons are actually Devices. Each Device is strategically and tactically important, perhaps making them more critical than a simple Heavy Weapon. Of course, the Two Devices are the Cloaking Device and the Displacement Device.
Both the Cloaking Device and the Displacement Device have numerous tactical applications, all of which vary according to the opponent they are facing. Because the Djinn do not have the Triple Heavy Weapons that other King Alpha empires have, they must successfully use the Cloaking Device and the Displacement Device to their maximum advantage in order to be victorious.
Overall, the Djinn Heavy Cruiser is a powerful starship, more so than the Watcher Heavy Cruiser upon which it is based. In order to compensate for this might, the Djinn Heavy Cruiser was purposely given Weak Shields, which actually fits nicely into its tactical gameplay.
REUEL
STARDATE 12.13.21
KING ALPHA
Link to previous Reuel Logs
Two months have passed since Isla, Reuel's Chief Engineer, was mortally injured. Captain Cherub missed her deeply.
Captain Cherub thought back to the events that led up to this. On Trinius-06, the Landing Party had encountered Ogon, a strange being that was forcing the primitive inhabitants to worship it as a god. Mr. Gloom quickly determined that Ogon was an artificial construct without life. However, the landing party was hard pressed to deactivate it due to Ogon's seemingly supernatural abilities. The entire landing party would have been lost if not for the heroic actions of Isla. At a critical moment, Isla beamed down and worked feverishly to deactivate the source of Ogon's power. She succeeded, but Ogon discovered her just as she finished. In his anger, he fired bolts of fire from his eyes, critically injuring Isla. Then Ogon blew up into thousands of mechanical pieces.
Isla was rushed to the nearest Starbase where they were able to stabilize her condition. She was going to live, but she could no longer continue to serve as Chief Engineer aboard the Reuel. She would have to retire to a far less strenuous existence where she would be comfortable on a peaceful planet full of resources and medical personnel. Captain Cherub was suddenly forced to say a heartfelt goodbye to a beautiful young woman whom he had hoped to serve with for many years.
Captain Cherub had long encouraged Isla to develop her long distance relationship with Blake Hawkins. She was never able to due to her time consuming duties aboard the Reuel. Now, she will finally be able to. Captain Cherub smiled inwardly. The Most High truly works in mysterious ways.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
The large baby with angelic wings turned to find his Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Maize standing right next to him. Captain Cherub didn't even hear his approach. Yellow kernels covered the Vegetian's body, accented by large green husk leaves that hung downward from his shoulders. Glasses covered the deep blue orbs that served as the Doctor's eyes.
"Cob! My apologies, my good friend. I was just thinking about...Isla. I miss her tremendously."
"I miss her too," Dr. Maize replied sympathetically. "But you have to move on, Cherub. The Reuel needs her Captain focused and without distractions. The lives of the crew depend on it."
"I know," Captain Cherub confirmed reluctantly.
Nearby, Mr. Gloom labored steadily at his science station. The seven foot tall undead Necronin glanced at Captain Cherub and Doctor Maize, but then continued on with his work.
The Arch Watcher Gabriel had contacted Captain Cherub to give him an important mission. The Djinn had reached out to the Watchers to request assistance with a dire situation. A strange object was hurtling through Djinn space. It had already destroyed one Djinn cruiser and was now rapidly approaching a second. The Reuel was closer than any other Djinn starship. Cleary, the Djinn had a positive impression of the All-Seeing Watchers, perhaps due to their long history of benevolent conduct throughout King Alpha.
This would be the first time that any Watcher vessel has ever been invited into Djinn space. The Arch Watcher Gabriel emphasized to Captain Cherub how essential it was that he do everything in his power to aid the Djinn. The result of this temporary union could be the beginning of a strong and healthy relationship between the Djinn and the All-Seeing Watchers.
Captain Cherub stared at the Djinn cruiser, the Ifriti, sitting on his view screen. It has been twelve hours with no communication from them at all. All hails have gone unanswered. The Djinn were certainly living up to their reputation for being reclusive, withdrawn, xenophobic, and suspicious. Having no other alternative, the Reuel took up a parallel position to the Ifriti and waited patiently.
Unexpectedly, a planetoid dropped out of high warp. The foreign object was the size of a small moon. Its surface was rocky and barren, save for a honeycomb pattern that crisscrossed its entire circumference. This honeycomb pattern glowed bright orange, like a thing alive.
SUDDENLY, CAPTAIN CHERUB HAD DOUBTS ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF HIS MISSION...
REUEL
STARDATE 12.16.21
KING ALPHA
Link to previous Reuel Logs
"NOTHING CAN STOP GEODIN FROM CONSUMING HIS SUSTENANCE!!"
Both Captain Cherub and Mr. Gloom realized the same thing at the same time. The threatening Planetoid from Beyond was somehow sentient. And that meant there was hope for negotiation and diplomacy.
Captain Cherub flapped his wings and quickly turned toward his Tenshin Communications Officer. She was an unnaturally beautiful Japanese woman with green eyes and long black hair who was wearing an ornate, colorful kimono. A lotus blossum sat decorately in her hair.
"Miho, open a channel to the Ifriti. Hurry! Before it's too..."
Captain Cherub didn't get to finish his sentence. The Ifriti launched two Heavy Plasma Torpedoes at Geodin and then cloaked into darkness. Consequently, the Reuel went into Red Alert. A bright red triangle flashed brightly on the Bridge.
The Reuel and the Ifriti spent the next fifteen minutes fighting for their lives. They quickly discovered that Geodin possessed built-in Fire Streams that acted as Defensive Phasers to counter any Plasma Torpedoes launched at it. Geodin also launched an ongoing series of its own Plasma Torpedoes, which emerged from the hexagonal shapes covering his surface. To the shock of both the Reuel and the Ifriti, Geodin incinerated an inbound Shuttle with a Fiery Barrier that it could erect around its own atmosphere.
Three Plasma Torpedoes chased the Reuel. The Egg Shaped Cruiser with Six Wings spun round and round like a tornado as it sought to outrun them. Pulse Phasers fired backward at the incoming Plasma Torpedoes, significantly reducing their deadly strength. What remained of the Plasma Torpedoes struck the Reuel's Aft Shield, rocking the Reuel with such force that crewmen walking the corridors tumbled to their knees. The Reuel's Aft Shield held, but just barely.
"Aft Shield down to Ten Percent!" Astra yelled. The Navigator was a lovely, young woman with hair that constantly changed colors and sparkled with stars. Her eyes were solid black.
The Reuel had already used three of its four Shuttles as Wild Weasels. Captain Cherub only wanted to use the final Shuttle as a last resort. And each time a Wild Weasel was used, the Reuel had to slow down to dangerously vulnerable speeds, which Captain Cherub found unsettling. But the constant Plasma Torpedo barrage from Geodin was an attrition tactic that would soon destroy the Reuel.
If only the Ifriti had listened to me instead of engaging Geodin immediately, Captain Cherub thought. We might have been able to communicate with Geodin and provide the sustenance he requires.
To the dismay of the Ifriti, Geodin could somehow sense her location even while cloaked. Geodin's endless Plasma Torpedoes chased the Ifriti whether she was cloaked or not.
Time was running out. The Reuel and the Ifriti would soon be destroyed and Geodin would move on to its next target. The damage inflicted on Geodin with Photon Torpedoes, Disruptor Bolts, and Phaser Cannons was minimal. It seemed nothing short of a full fleet would have the firepower necessary to destroy Geodin.
"Mr. Gloom, anything fruitful from your repeated analysis?" Captain Cherub asked his Science Officer.
The undead Necronin stared into the binocular-like device attached to his work station. At the same time, he pushed several buttons on his console with his right hand. A series of loud beeps responded.
Mr. Gloom turned and looked at Captain Cherub. His pale face was unemotional as usual, accented by his light grey eyes. His black hair formed a fishbowl shape around the top of his head.
"I have found a vulnerability in Geodin," Mr. Gloom announced in a deep, hollow voice. "I have the coordinates of a location on Geodin's surface that will magnify the force of a weapon's impact by a thousand fold. That should be enough force to disable or destroy Geodin. But the only weapon which can cause this magnification is an Antimatter Bomb. Captain, we will have to prepare a Suicide Shuttle. And, in order to be effective, the Suicide Shuttle will have to be launched from less than 5,000 kilometers from Geodin."
The Large Baby with Angelic Wings frowned. "That close? Isn't that within the perimeter of Geodin's Fiery Shield?"
"Indeed, it is, Captain."
Captain Cherub watched the View Screen as the Ifriti ran from a series of Plasma Torpedoes launched by Geodin. He immediately realized that there was only one way to succeed: by working together with the Ifriti.
"Miho, get me ship to ship with the Ifriti. Inform them we have found a way to destroy Geodin. But we require their cooperation."
The Tenshin Communications Officer did as she was told. As a result, the View Screen slowly morphed to show the Captain of the Ifriti. He was a strange being with green skin whose lower body was composed entirely of gas. The Djinn wore loose clothing. He stared at Captain Cherub with solid black eyes.
Astra gasped. Being Half-Born with a Djinn Mother, Astra had a mysterious ancestry.
"I am listening. You may address me as Captain Baloosh. Speak quickly, for we are in the thick of battle."
"Mr. Gloom, transmit your findings to the Ifriti starship," Captain Cherub said as he floated closer to the View Screen with the aid of his angelic wings. "Captain Baloosh, inspect our analysis. You will find that Geodin has a fatal weakness on his surface that is vulnerable to an Anti-Matter Bomb. But we have to get close enough to use a Suicide Shuttle. One of us will have to impact Geodin's Fiery Barrier long enough for the other ship to get through."
Captain Baloosh waited until his own Science Officer had confirmed the findings. Then he replied in a serious tone.
"This is Djinn Space. This is our Responsibility. The Ifriti will crash into the Fiery Shield so that the Reuel can pass through. We will gladly sacrifice ourselves to save the many innocent Djinn inhabitants that Geodin will threaten should he be allowed to proceed onward."
Captain Cherub nodded. "The Most High is watching and guiding us, Captain Baloosh. He will not allow us to fail. Have faith. We're setting our attack run now for the coordinates. Set a parallel course and prepare to impact Geodin's Fiery Shield one second before we do."
"It will be done," Captain Baloosh stated as he faded from the View Screen.
Captain Cherub looked at Wiyot, the Reuel's Indian Helmsman, with a grim, determined look.
WIYOT, TAKE US IN. MR. GLOOM, PREP A SUICIDE SHUTTLE. ASTRA, REINFORCE THE FORWARD SHIELD.
MAY THE MOST HIGH HAVE MERCY ON OUR SOULS...
REUEL
STARDATE 12.18.21
KING ALPHA
Link to previous Reuel Logs
LIKE THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE INTO THE VALLEY OF DEATH, THE REUEL AND THE IFRITI CHARGED AT GEODIN, PRESSING FORWARD THROUGH A HEAVY BARRAGE OF INCOMING PLASMA TORPEDOES.
Phaser Cannons tried desperately to dissipate the Plasma Torpedoes targeted at the Reuel. Partially successful, the remnants of each Plasma Torpedo slammed into the Reuel's Forward Shield like waves crashing against a rocky shoreline.
"Forward Shield down to Thirty Percent!" Astra yelled. The Half-Djinn Navigator was overwhelmed with emotion. Her starry hair flashed between purple, red, and blue. "Twenty-Eight Percent! Twenty-Four Percent! Twenty-One Percent!..."
"Stay the course!" Captain Cherub announced, determination ringing in his voice. "Wiyot, continue toward the target location, even if our Forward Shield goes down!"
"Yes, Captain!" the Indian Helmsman replied, his bulging eyes fixed on the View Screen. Inwardly, he uttered a silent prayer to The Great Spirit.
Suddenly, a Fiery Shield enveloped Geodin, protecting its atmosphere from physical intrusions. The Reuel raced toward this inferno as a moth to a flame. It was a descent into hell itself.
The Ifriti impacted the deadly Fire Shield a second before the Reuel. Intense destructive energy raked at the Ifriti over and over like a succubus clawing the back of a reluctant lover. Captain Cherub could hear the souls aboard the Ifriti screaming out in pain and agony. Every Watcher felt deep compassion for other living creatures, no matter what species they were.
The Reuel slipped through an opening created in the Fire Shield by the Ifriti. Its Shields down, the Ifriti began to be ripped apart by the fiery waves.
"Captain, we are 4930 kilimeters away from Geodin!" Astra said with excitement and relief.
The Immense Baby with Wings turned to his Science Officer.
"Mr. Gloom, launch the Suicide Shuttle at the Target Coordinates!!"
The Undead Necronin had already launched the Suicide Shuttle two seconds earlier. "It is underway, Captain. I suggest we make a hasty retreat immediately. The Reuel will not survive once the Suicide Shuttle impacts and the Anti-Matter Bomb explosion is magnified a thousand fold."
Captain Cherub knew better than to not heed the advice of his astute Science Officer.
"Wiyot, reverse course! Take us away from Geodin, Maximum Warp!!"
Without warning, the Reuel shook and raged like a wild animal caught in a snare. Two powerful Tractor Beams emanating from Geodin caught the Watcher vessel before it could flee. The Reuel was held fast. An incredibly loud revving sound could be heard as the Warp Engines fought hard against the twin Tractor Beams.
"Brigid, Maximum Speed!! We need to break free from the Tractor Beams or we're all Dead!!!"
"Ah'm givin' er all ah've got, Captain!!" the Irish Faerie Engineer responded through the Intercom.
For a split second, Captain Cherub thought of Isla.
"Impact in five...four...three..." Mr. Gloom announced for everyone on the Bridge to hear.
Captain Cherub closed his eyes. It looks like our road ends here, in this last ditch heroic effort. A fitting way to die. This moment was written in the Book of Life long before any of us were born. So be it. Most High, forgive us for all our Failings...
Then, a miracle happened. Reality itself seemed to warp, as the Reuel disappeared and reappeared a safe distance away from Geodin. Whatever Tractor Beams Geodin had on the Reuel were broken.
The Reuel switched the View Screen to a rear view, where they watched helplessly as the Ifriti burst into a final blaze of sacrifice. Everyone on the Reuel owed their lives to the Ifriti and her Captain.
Then Geodin cried out in agony as the Suicide Shuttle found its mark. The energy from the Anti-Matter Bomb was magnified a thousand fold, rocking Geodin's surface and interior with powerful, destructive shockwaves. The Sentient Planetoid groaned loudly and then went still. The glowing hexagonal pattern crisscrossing its surface went black.
The Bridge Crew on the Reuel cheered in victory. Captain Cherub breathed a sigh of relief. His angelic wings sagged downward as he mouthed a prayer for all who died aboard the Ifriti.
Mr. Gloom walked over to his Captain and stood beside his command chair. The tall Necronin stared at Captain Cherub silently for a moment before speaking.
"Data indicates we were saved by the Ifriti's strange Displacement Technology. How it works, I do not know. The Watchers have never been able to study a working copy. What a wonder it would be if we possessed such a device."
Captain Cherub remained silent. His soul was sad for everyone who had died during the conflict.
Mr. Gloom noticed Captain Cherub's withdrawn state of mind. He raised one eyebrow curiously.
"Captain, did we not just score a Victory?"
YES, MR. GLOOM, WE DID. BUT IT WAS A PYRRHIC VICTORY.
MERLIN
STARDATE 12.19.21
PRIME SECTOR
Link to previous Merlin Logs
Two red beams of destructive energy slammed into the Shielded Base on Shrieketh-2 over and over. The ground shook violently from the repeated assault.
"Captain, their Shield is holding against our Phaser Fire!" Morgause announced as she kept her eyes glued to her console. The Guardian Knight was still very animated from the Landing Party's recent battle on the surface of Shrieketh-2. "Continuing to fire per your last command!"
Captain Elizabeth stared at the View Screen with her light blue eyes as Merlin's Phasers continued to bombard the Death Cult Base. Her blonde hair hung down and rested on her shoulders.
In a chair next to the Captain sat Lovecraft, her First Officer. The crimson Vampire Squid was carefully monitoring the attack from a dispay built into his seat. Single blue orbs sat on opposite sides of his oval head.
Dr. Sap stood on the other side of Captain Elizabeth's chair. The Grove Treeling's orange eyes were watching the surface barrage with amazement, shock, and disbelief. Yellow leaves decorated the roots which sprang out of her wooden head.
A large Black Cat was curled up behind Captain Elizabeth's head on her chair. Fortune was Merlin's Puss Felinus Chaplain.
"The Death Cult Fleet is closing and will be within firing range in two minutes," Ignis declared. The Will O Wisp Navigator disappeared and reappeared as he periodically did.
Morgause was frustrated that Merlin's Phasers could not penetrate the Death Cult Shield. "Captain, recommend that we switch to Photon Torpedoes!"
Elizabeth glanced at her Science Officer. "Una?"
The tall, majestic Fair Folk was busy performing calculations at her station and analyzing real-time results. Her eyes glittered with stars. Long white hair was tucked neatly behind her pointed ears.
"I calculate a sixty-three percent chance we will destroy the Death Cult Base with our Photon Torpedoes. But there is a possibility that the Death Cult Base will survive, having only been partially destroyed. It is also possible that everyone in the Base might be killed by our Photon Torpedoes, but the Brimdorian-2 might remain to be collected in the future by the Death Cult. Certainly, our Photon Torpedoes will devastate the surrounding Mountain Range and the Fourteen Towns scattered in its proximity."
Dr. Sap gasped at the thought. She immediately imagined all the innocent slaves living in the Towns who would be instantly killed by the Photon Torpedoes.
Lovecraft leaned close to Captain Elizabeth. Rows of sharp barbs were carefully hidden underneath his solid red cloak. "Captain," Lovecraft said in a serious, soft voice. "We must deploy the Bio-Weapon given to us by Alliance Command. The Accelerated Aging is the only way to ensure that everyone on Shrieketh-2 is killed. Even those inside of the Death Cult Base cannot escape its effect. The Bio-Weapon will also affect anyone else beaming down to the surface in the future. The Death Cult will not be able to retrieve the Brimdorian-2 or mine more of the deadly resource for future Strategic Weapons. While I mourn the staggering loss of life, it is a necessary sacrifice in order to save countless more innocent lives in the future."
Dr. Sap was horrified at the recommendation. Her orange eyes grew large and her wooden branches vibrated with anxiety. "Captain, you can't! There are over Two Hundred Million Inhabitants on Shrieketh-2!! We would become Murderers, no better than the Death Cult themselves!!!"
"Captain, we are out of time," Lovecraft said quietly. A single blue orb was fixed on Captain Elizabeth's face. "If we don't leave immediately, Merlin won't be able to outrun the incoming Death Cult Fleet. We must deal with this Death Cult Base now while we have the opportunity. We will never again be this far deep into Death Cult Territory. If we do not, they will deploy the Strategic Weapons they are making with Brimdorian-2 that can render entire planets lifeless. We cannot allow that to happen. It is my job as First Officer to present you with all the options, no matter how...inhumane...they may be. The final choice is yours."
Captain Elizabeth stared at Shrieketh-2 on the View Screen with determined, regretful eyes.
YES...THE CHOICE IS MINE ALONE...
V-TECHNOLOGY
Link to V-Technology
V-Technology or Variable-Technology can be thought of as Experimental Offshoots on the way to X-Technology. This means that, in game terms, while V-Technology can be wildly different with many tactical applications, it should never exceed X-Technology in totality.
The primary characteristic that defines V-Technology is that it affects the same weapon/device differently. For example, one empire might develop V-Technology for a Photon Torpedo that functions differently than another empire that has also developed V-Technology for a Photon Torpedo. In this way, V-Technology is Empire Specific.
Another defining attribute of V-Technology is that it affects not just a single weapon/device, but every system on that ship. Phasers, Batteries, Laboratories, Warp Engines, Impulse, Shields, Damage Control, and More might all be improved at the same time in various ways by the installation of V-Technology. Typically, V-Technology Ships (or V-Ships) are built from the ground up so that the V-Technology is integrated into every component seamlessly. It would be highly unusual to attempt to upgrade a standard ship to V-Technology (although this has happened on rare occasions).
V-Technology also functions differently on different Ship Classes. For example, V-Technology on a Destroyer might function differently than V-Technology on a Heavy Cruiser, even with the same weapons/devices within the same empire.
As stated earlier, V-Technology will constantly be compared against X-Technology for Game Balance Reasons. The goal is to create a multitude of minor but significant improvements to existing technology in order for new tactics to emerge during gameplay. This will result in V-Technology feeling eerily familiar to standard play and yet strangely different. V-Technology also has the feel of X-Technology, but is not quite up to that unified and ubiquitous standard.
V-Technology is, therefore, an exciting new realm of tactical possibilities for the SFB Player to explore.