Archive through January 05, 2025
Star Fleet Universe Discussion Board: Star Fleet Battles: Norm's Genesis Galaxies Workshop - The Genesis Project:
Archive through January 05, 2025
Maybe BPV 90 is too high. Maybe needs a split economic/combat BPV.
For BPV, I compare against existing starships within that galaxy, not against the Alpha Sector (which may or may not have a different Design Paradigm from the galaxy I am working on). For the Yesterday Galaxy, that means comparing against the Commonwealth YCA (and the Indomitus Mark I and the Bijou YCA to a much lesser degree).
The Commonwealth YCA has a BPV of 84.
Noting the much lesser capabilities and systems of the Cyclopean Thunderclap Steed, I came up with a BPV much lower than 84. However, the Cyclopean Thunderclap Steed carries the unique Thunderclap Engine. How does one rate a Cyclopean Wonder Device/Weapon in terms of BPV? These "Godlike" items have never been seen before in the game, much less measured in terms of BPV. So I added an estimated factor for the Thunderclap Engine (Wonder Device) and came up with 90.
As some know, I am not a big fan of the BPV system. A single number does not represent well the Advantages/Disadvantages of a starship, in my opinion. Considering Firing Arcs, Heavy Weapons, Shields, Power, Reserve Power, Maximum Speed, Shuttles, Phasers, and more, there are a great many factors that define a starship. If I just say, well that starship is worth 120 BPV, what does that really tell me? This is why I added a Secondary Information Box on many of my SSD's, detailing all that other vital game-deciding information.
I will add that I understand well why the BPV System was developed and it has worked great throughout all the years of SFB. It is simple, easy to understand, and quick to put into action. Its very creation is a marvel.
Given my thoughts on BPV in general, I don't really want to have two BPV's for the Cyclopean Thunderclap Steed (one representing the Build Cost and the other representing the Combat Cost). I shy away from the BPV System in general, but include it on my SSD's because nearly all players use it.
Anyway, thanks for the suggestion, Nick, and sorry for the longwinded explanation.
Also folks, please remember the turn mode when under Thunderclap drive; it'll be useful for a straight-line getaway, but even that comes at the cost of being slower when NOT on Thunderclap drive, unless the captain only uses AWR power for it.
BLACK WOLF
STARDATE 11.01.24
YESTERDAY GALAXY
Link to previous Black Wolf entries
The Black Wolf suddenly appeared in the Yesterday Galaxy. The Commonwealth Heavy Cruiser was spinning slightly, flipping around and around in the darkness of space. Easily corrected, the Black Wolf righted itself and settled into a stable position.
Captain Lupinus shook his head. He was mildly disoriented. "Report," he said in a stern voice, looking at Morduug, his Blind Gazer Science Officer.
Morduug ran his fingers over his console while his two blank, white eyes stared straight ahead. "Talbot, we are indeed in the Yesterday Galaxy of the Past! It is incredible! The stars confirm the time period we are now in. The Temporal Wormhole that brought us here from the Future is now closed."
Captain Lupinus stroked his neatly trimmed black goatee. He stared at the View Screen. There were numerous large behemoths floating about that resembled whales. "Hmmmmm...where are we exactly?"
Snowflake, the Black Wolf's Glacian Navigator, examined his star charts and compared them to the readings he was getting. "Captain, the Black Wolf is currently in the center of the Ebra Breeding Ground."
Talbot's eyes bulged out of their sockets. "THE EBRA BREEDING GROUND? THAT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALAXY FROM THE COMMONWEALTH!!"
"Correct," Morduug added. "The Commonwealth has not yet made contact with the Ebra in this time period."
The door to the Bridge slid open, allowing Mother Bethany to enter. She was rushing, still slightly disoriented from going through the Temporal Wormhole. A white robe flowed around her body, signifying her role as a Saint of Vadica. Her beautiful red hair was unkempt. "What is going on? My Psychic Powers went haywire while I was sleeping!"
Morduug, who also possessed mental abilities, began to brief Mother Bethany on their current situation psychically.
"Any sign of Indomitus?" Captain Lupinus asked, remembering why they had traveled to the Yesterday Galaxy's Past. He thought of the Opposition and all of his friends that he abandoned in the Future to come to the Past.
"Negative, Talbot," Morduug replied as he examined his display with light touches of his fingers. "There is no sign of Indomitus at all. He must still be in one of his early Mark incarnations."
Good, Talbot thought. That at least gives us a chance. If we can reach the Commonwealth, warn them about what Indomitus will become in the Future, push them to prepare now and expand the Commonwealth Fleet...
"How long will it take us to reach the Commonwealth?" Mother Bethany asked Snowflake after reading Talbot's thoughts.
The living snowman looked at his console and then turned toward the Black Wolf's First Officer. He had a worried and desperate look on his face composed of snow.
"AT MAXIMUM WARP...SIX MONTHS, EIGHT WEEKS, AND FOUR DAYS."
Uploaded the (PSR2.1) Newtling Heavy Cruiser SSD for the Proto Sector to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
'SIX MONTHS, EIGHT WEEKS, AND FOUR DAYS'
Seems a bit much, unless their month is longer than eight weeks …
LOL! I noticed that after I already posted it.
Then I thought that maybe their months are longer than weeks, but I really didn't want to define that...
So perhaps I thought no one would notice...
But you have a Sharp Eye!
Uploaded Fiction for Columbiad Stardate 12.04.21 in the Pre-History Years to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
COLUMBIAD
STARDATE 12.04.21
PRE-HISTORY YEARS
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 her 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 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 me 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 my Station until I return. I'm the best Pilot you've got. I'll draw the Star Lamprey right in front of the Columbiad so Makeba will get a clear shot at it. Please, Captain, I 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.
Weasel?
Add a "Seasoning" to the "Food" that's distasteful?
An analysis of the Lamprey's "Brain" could include test signals to discover what it responds to, so a triggering of "Flight" reflexes might not be out of order, as might be a resonance in its motor signals (i.e.: a "Stun" effect).
Just some thoughts...
Hi Jeff. Those are some intriguing ideas.
There are no Wild Weasels in the Pre-History Years (maybe later in the Timeline). Even if there were, there is no guarantee the Lamprey would be drawn to it.
Not quite sure what you mean exactly by distasteful...? Could you please specify how to do that?
The Lab Analysis on the Lamprey is not sophisticated enough to send "test signals" into its brain to trigger "flight" reflexes or to "stun" it.
The Pre-History Years is even lower than the Early Years on the Tech Scale.
I appreciate the comments, Jeff.
(looking at this again, I might have misunderstood some of Jeff's suggestions. I will leave it to him to clarify if he wishes...
Back in the `60's there were experiments done by animal behavior researchers in which electrodes were surgically implanted in the brains of animals. From these experiments, we did learn quite a few things about what takes place inside of animal brains and how they respond to stimuli.
More recently, there have been experiments done with reading brain activity without going in. Exactly how the scans were done, I don't know; I was told I lacked the necessary qualifications to be a brain scan subject...
(
)
In all seriousness, there have already been some experiments procedures done that have remotely triggered emotional responses in subjects. Between these two projects, triggering responses in the brains of some animals is not out of the question within the next twenty years or so.
On the other hand, I can see some opposition to following this sort of research to its conclusion.
As far as "Distasteful" goes, the "Read" scans I talked about above have shown definitely recognizable patterns for pleasure and revulsion in test subject brains.
They also show distinct patterns for a fear response; that aspect of these experiments is likely to be a source of opposition.
Naturally, all these experiments have been done with life from Planet Earth, so there's no way to be certain if alien life will have the same responses within their brains.
Besides, my post really wasn't anything more than just a couple screwball ideas, in case you've not finished where you wish to go with that story.
That's all...
Thanks for the explanation, Jeff. That's some very interesting stuff you're describing.
For the Star Lamprey, I would have to say it is not possible to read its brain and it does not respond to traditional stimuli which works on similar creatures.
I appreciate your thoughts, Jeff.
Uploaded the (PXR8.1) Bastion First Cruiser SSD for Project-X to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
Alien brains are, well, ALIEN!
Besides, I'm guessing that there are storytelling elements in place. It's something quite common in writing and storytelling. Aw heck, I've done it myself!
Also, a quick question on the Bastion. Do the enveloping and implosive modes, that require special ammunition, do less list damage, and (in the case of enveloping) cost more to arm, have any special effects not in the blurb?
Hi Jeff. There is a reference to follow the damage procedures listed under (OE16.32).
Hope that answers your question. Thanks.
Uploaded Fiction for U.S.S. Exodus Stardate 01.16.21 in Sector Zero to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
U.S.S. EXODUS
STARDATE 01.16.21
SECTOR ZERO
“RUTH, NOW!!!”
The First Officer’s Pink Eyes turned Bright Red. She motioned with both hands, first with open fingers and then with clenched fists. She pulled her hands back toward her chest. As Ruth did so, the Hand Phasers held by Deitrich and Holland flew out of their hands and onto the floor.
“DOCTOR OWUSUA, STAY BACK!!” Captain Moshe yelled stepping forward.
Possessed Deitrich and Holland shambled forward to engage in hand-to-hand combat with the Landing Party. They were not the best combatants, due to their uncoordinated movements, but the Daemons within them wanted to injure the Landing Party in any way possible.
Captain Moshe was not the young man he used to be. In his prime, Captain Moshe could have easily defeated these two Possessed Security Officers plus a dozen more. If only he could reclaim those glory days of his youth…
Ruth stepped in front of Doctor Owusua to protect her from Holland. She assumed a martial stance known only to her unique species. As Holland charged clumsily, Ruth grabbed one of his arms and twisted, causing him to flip five feet onto his back. The Daemon within was undeterred. Holland slowly got back up to attack again.
The Daemon who Possessed Deitrich soon regretted attacking Captain Moshe. Although he was now an Old Man, Captain Moshe possessed years of fighting experience and skill. A Two Handed Smash came down hard on Deitrich’s skull. This was followed by Two Karate Chops, one to each side of the neck. A stomp to the knee caused Deitrich’s right leg to buckle. Then, to Captain Moshe’s own surprise, he expertly executed a Double Jump Kick which launched Deitrich back 40 feet!
Ruth’s Side Kick slammed into Holland’s abdomen, knocking the wind out of the Possessed Security Officer. A Left Palm Strike crashed into Holland’s chin, followed by a Right Palm Strike. Then came a martial arts maneuver that required years of practice and training. Ruth performed a Vertical Somersault, kicking Holland in the chin at the same time, sending him tumbling backward like a tumbleweed.
For the moment, Possessed Deitrich and Holland were Stunned. They would recover in moments.
“TO THE REAR ENTRANCE QUICKLY!! OUR SCANS INDICATED A SHUTTLE STATIONED BEHIND THE BUILDING! LET’S HOPE IT’S IN WORKING ORDER!!”
Captain Moshe and First Officer Ruth raced through the Colony Headquarters toward the Rear Entrance.
Doctor Owusua followed, huffing and puffing due to her lack of physical exercise.
As sweat poured down her forehead, Doctor Owusua frowned and thought to herself,
WHEN (AND IF) WE GET BACK TO THE EXODUS, I’M GOING TO SPEND THE NEXT MONTH TRAINING IN THE GYMNASIUM NON-STOP!!!
Uploaded the (50R9.1) Orsian Heavy Cruiser SSD for Sector 50 to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
THE OLD GUARD
STARDATE 11.06.24
SECTOR 50
Link to previous Old Guard entries
Like a lion charging into a ferocious pack of ravenous wolves to save his lioness. the Old Guard crashed into the midst of Babylon and Black Flock starships who were intent on destroying the Europa Heavy Cruiser, Parthenon. Two Overloaded Photon Torpedoes ripped apart a Babylon Destroyer, turning it into chunks of metal debris floating in space. A Scatterpack released six Drones which concentrated their impact on a Black Flock Heavy Cruiser, sending their crew into the next life in a huge ball of fire. Phasers tore through a Babylon P3A Battlecruiser's already damaged Shield, crippling the vessel within and taking it out of the fight. Still, a couple of enemy starships remained.
The assault was not without its price. Two of the Old Guard's Shields were down and two more were barely functional. The Old Guard had suffered very minor Internal Damage. She was a tough, old lion.
"ACTIVATE TRANSPORTERS!!" Captain Severick yelled into the open Intercom to Engineering.
"Ja, Captain!" Mr. Freeman, the Old Guard's Chief Engineer answered. "Zat is the last of zem!"
"Is the Captain present?" Stephanos asked in a desperate voice.
Mr. Freeman gazed at the Captain of the Parthenon. She was laying unconscious with minor burns on her body and face.
"Ja, Captain."
Captain Severick let out a loud sigh of relief. His First Officer, Descry Brookside stared at him with unblinking eyes. She had never seen him act like this before. It was a side of Stephanos Severick that she didn't even know existed.
Suddenly, an explosion on the Bridge of the Old Guard sent Ms. Brookside flying into a railing where she hit her head. Descry was unconscious. Captain Severick was knocked out of his Anti-Grav Wheelchair. Quickly, Angelica Ursinus, the Old Guard's Chief of Security rushed to his side. She lifted him up like he was made of straw and placed him back in his Anti-Grav Wheelchair.
"CAPTAIN, WE'VE BEEN BOARDED!!!" William Schuler, the Old Guard's Tactical Officer called out loudly through the smoke that filled the Bridge.
Angelica looked at Stephanos with bulging eyes. She was waiting for him to give the command.
Captain Severick let out a few coarse coughs. "Ms. Ursinus...gather your team."
He stretched out his arm and put his shaking hand on Angelica's right shoulder. He looked into her eyes with an intense gaze.
"REPEL THE INVADERS AT ALL COSTS."
Uploaded the (PMR15.1) Draco Hunter Wyrm for the Prime Sector to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
Uploaded Fiction for Zen Stardate 03.10.21 in the Graw Project to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
ZEN
STARDATE 03.10.21
GRAW PROJECT
Omen strolled through the beautiful and serene Zen Garden at a snail’s pace. Beside her flew a Small White Dove.
“Tell me your Tale again, Omen,” the Zen’s Counselor said in a chirping, bird-like voice.
“You already know it,” Omen answered to protect herself. She did not want to tread those harmful and dangerous memories again. “I’ve told it to you several times, Amour.”
“I know,” Amour replied innocently. “But I wish to hear it again. Your perspective on the Tale means everything, because it shows how you perceive the events. Please…indulge me, Number One.”
Omen sighed. The beautiful ghost let her mind slip, allowing ancient memories to surface once again. Memories she did not want to revisit. But she had to…in order to find Meaning.
“When I was a young woman, all I wanted was to Fall in Love, to get Married, and to have a Family. I thought I found that when I met Tregan. He was so gallant, so charming, so thoughtful. I fell head over heels for him. There was nothing else I could think about in life. Later, we got Married. My Dreams were becoming Reality.”
Omen paused. Her voice started to quake. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Amour landed on her shoulder and caressed her head with her wing for support.
“Then my Dreams turned to Nightmares. I came home early one day to find Tregan cheating on me. He was in bed with another woman. I was devastated. My heart cracked open. I ran out of the house. Tregan tried to catch me in order to explain, but I lost him in the woods behind our home. I ran and ran and ran…until I came to the Cliffs overlooking the Ocean. Distraught, Betrayed, and Without Hope, I threw myself from the Cliff, Ending my Life.”
Omen let out a huge sigh. She clearly remembered Dying. She remembered not wanting to Live any Longer. She remembered her Intense Hatred for Tregan. Amour rubbed her soft white feathers against Omen’s head. The Sad Ghost was sometimes Corporeal, if she wished to be.
“Later, I awoke as part of the Geist Haunthood. They had taken me in as one of their own. My Tragic Tale gave me Immortality. I was Reborn as a Living Ghost.”
Omen looked at her own Transparent Hands. They were no longer flesh and blood.
“But with the Geist Haunthood, I lost my Way. Their strange plans for the Graw Project did not sit well with me. I realized that I did not belong with them, even though they were my Brothers and Sisters. So I left and discovered the Warrior Poets. “
Omen stared at the Zen Garden. She looked at the different size stones, each with ripples of sand emanating from them. Could this Dry Landscape be Symbolic for the Events of her own Strange Existence?
“I was intrigued by the Warrior Poet’s Path of Enlightenment. Their Higher Calling to Life really touched something inside of me. So I joined their organization and studied hard, until I became the First Officer aboard the Zen.”
“Which brings us to this moment, the Present,” Amour stated while taking flight once more. She hovered next to Omen. Together, the two admired the Zen Garden’s tranquility.
“Yes, now I am unsure of my Future,” Omen said in a tone of uncertainty. “I want to become a Captain someday. But I’m not sure if I’m ready. I am full of such intense emotions, mostly because of my origins, and they are hard to control. If I become Captain one day, I fear they would put my Crew at risk.”
“And Captain Siddhartha?”
Omen looked at a Statue of Buddha that sat in the middle of the Zen Garden.
“I am Honored and Thankful to Serve under Captain Siddhartha. There is so much I have to Learn from him. He is a Magnificent Warrior Poet. But there are times when…”
“When you can’t Connect with Him?” Amour interjected.
“Yes,” Omen admitted. “He is so far down the Path of Spirituality and Enlightenment, sometimes I can’t even Relate to Him. I try, but it’s so Difficult. It’s like this Zen Garden. See those Ripples? Well, my Ripples just won’t reach far enough to touch Captain Siddhartha’s Rock. It’s like it’s just too far away.”
Amour landed and folded her wings over her body. The beautiful Dove looked up at Omen.
“We All feel that way, Omen. The Warrior Poets are Different Beings, Far Beyond Any of Us. That is Why they are Here. To Show us the Way. To Show us the Possibilities. To Show us what we would Never have Seen by Ourselves.”
Omen nodded her head in agreement. She knew that Amour spoke the Truth.
“Give yourself Time,” Amour said to Omen in a reassuring voice. “Your Destiny will Reveal Itself when it is Ready. You can’t Force it to Happen. Omen, you’ve come a Long Way. You’ve endured Unimaginable Hardship. But it has only made you Stronger. Now, you can use that Inner Strength to aid everyone on the Zen. That’s why you’re Here in this Moment of Time. You will Grow into Something Else, but you have to let it happen Naturally and Organically. Be at Peace with your Current Self, my Friend.”
Omen nodded again in agreement. She willed her hand to become Corporeal and reached down to pet Amour. She lovingly stroked her feathered head and body.
“Thank you Amour. I am grateful to have you to consult with. You are an invaluable Friend. I Treasure what we have Together.”
Amour flew up and landed on Omen’s shoulder.
AND TOGETHER, THE TWO SAT IN SILENCE, STARING AT THE ZEN GARDEN FOR HOURS. THEY DIDN’T DEMAND THAT THE FUTURE REVEAL ITSELF. INSTEAD, THEY JUST APPRECIATED THE GIFTS THAT THE PRESENT GAVE TO THEM.
There are some who believe that ghosts are troubled souls that will move on to a higher plane of existence once their souls are at peace.
Will Omen, on reaching the state of enlightenment necessary to be the Captain of a Warrior Poet ship, instead move on to a higher plane of existence?
We will have to see, Jeff.
We will have to see...
Uploaded the (YGR3.2) Indomitus Mark II SSD for the Yesterday Galaxy to GenesisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
Uploaded Fiction for Merlin Stardate 07.12.21 in the Prime Sector to GeensisGalaxiesUniverse.com.
MERLIN
STARDATE 7.12.21
PRIME SECTOR
"For this reason, we are installing a battalion of marines onboard the Merlin. This battalion, led by a Major of our choosing, will work side by side with your Tactical Officer and your Chief of Security. None of them supersedes the other in terms of authority. They are all separate units that answer solely to you."
Captain Elizabeth stared at the immense, intimidating figure standing before her. Although it wore a solid black Marine uniform with a white Alliance of Lords symbol over the left breast, its massive form must have weighed more than five hundred pounds. The figure, which was standing rigidly at attention, looked like a strange type of dinosaur. It had reptilian features combined with avian features. A crocodile like mouth stretched out from its face, while feathers covered the many hard scales protecting its body. Razor sharp bird-like claws extended from its long arms. The creature's eyes were bright orange with thin black slits in the center. This was Major Zilo.
"Major Zilo. I read your report. Welcome to the Merlin. I understand that you are an Archosaur."
"Yes, Ma'am," Major Zilo growled. "My people's ways are not my own. They believe in a savage hierarchy dictated by might alone. My egg was found by the Alliance of Lords abandoned on a volcanic planet. While I am a proponent of physical ferocity, I also believe in a sense of honor."
Captain Elizabeth was already impressed with Major Zilo. She smiled at the sentient and obviously very intelligent being in front of her.
"I see. And I understand you have hand chosen your troops. The battalion that you call...the Alpha Predators."
"That is correct, Ma'am. Although I am open to new recruits as we proceed on our mission. I anticipate some losses over the course of time."
Captain Elizabeth formed a sad expression on her face at the thought. Yet Major Zilo was simply thinking ahead and honestly anticipating the future.
"What is your Mission, Major Zilo?"
"To Protect the Merlin and her Crew at All Costs, Ma'am!!"
"Have you studied the layout and design of the Merlin?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Very good. Morgause will be giving you and the Alpha Predators a tour of the Merlin. I'm certain you will become very familiar with her over time. Your quarters and training den are all ready for you and your troops."
"I thank you, Ma'am. The Alpha Predators will not let you down."
"I expect no less. Now, I want your full report by tomorrow at 0500 hours. In particular, I want you to note Key Locations to Protect during Enemy Hit and Run Raids. I also want you and your troops to run regular drills training to perform Ht and Run Raids on Enemy Vessels. Note any Vulnerabilities you identify on the Merlin. You will work closely with Dusk to ensure the protection of the Merlin at all times. Let me know what equipment and weapons you require and I will make sure you get them. Lastly, in the event that one of our crew gets taken hostage by an alien force, I want a rescue plan laid out. I know that the plan will be vague without specific details, but we need to start somewhere. I also want a separate report on the Archosaur, providing what knowledge you have about them, in case we encounter them in our travels. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, Ma'am. If I have to choose between the Merlin and her Crew, which one takes Priority?"
Captain Elizabeth was quick to answer. "The Crew...ALWAYS. Ships can be Replaced. People Cannot Be."
"Understood, Ma'am!"
"Dismissed Major Zilo."
Captain Elizabeth watched the large creature leave her Ready Room, barely fitting through the door. His tail swung left and right as he squeezed through.
AND SUDDENLY, CAPTAIN ELIZABETH FELT VERY, VERY SECURE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE MERLIN AND HER CREW.
FIMBULVETR
STARDATE 01.05.25
Link to previous Fimbulvetr entries
High Captain Edda stared out at the stars from the view port in his quarters. His stance was rigid, both arms were crossed, and his stern expression was chiseled out of stone. He was an imposing, massive figure, standing eight feet tall, and that was when he was calm and not in a combative state of mood. Glowing white runes were etched into his dark blue skin, similar to tattoos, but not as superficial. His long, orange hair was accented with intermittent flames, the kind that came into being, danced with pleasure, sadness, and anger, and then mysteriously disappeared in a heartbeat. His golden eyes were of the same color, and they too stored fiery power within them.
After the First Invasion was repelled, not without great cost, the Home Sector assumed they were free to rebuild. And rebuild they did, focusing more on economics than war, with intense trading even escalating to vitriolic levels. X-Technology advanced, even to the point where brand new ships were constructed from whole cloth, rather than upgrading existing starships. It was a time of peace, prosperity, growth, and hope.
No one suspected that the First Invasion was only the beginning. A massive force, much larger than the initial spearhead, was lurking out in deep space, far beyond the edges of the galaxy. Upon discovering what happened to their initial advance force, they redirected their primary armada to our Home Sector. We were taken completely by surprise. These new warships were different from their predecessors, utilizing deadly weaponry and technology the likes of which we had never encountered before. Planets fell, whole fleets were destroyed, entire populations vanished, and empires were crushed. The Home Sector fell like wheat before the scythe.
High Captain Edda gritted his teeth. Anger swelled up within him. Flaming sparks leapt from his eyes. Scientists confirmed long ago that there was a parallel dimension similar to the Home Sector where historical events took a similar but different path. How he wished he was there instead of here.
The remaining survivors found their way to this place, their future home and final stronghold. It was a starbase as large as a planet, a place that would come to be known to everyone as Planetbase. No one understood how Planetbase was constructed or by whom, but there was evidence of a highly advanced civilization everywhere. What happened to them is anyone's guess. Planetbase sits in a strange cloud that naturally hides its existence from those who hunt them.
More survivors arrived on Planetbase from the Other Sector that neighbors our own. They too were devastated by the punishing armada that returned to our systems. Similar tales were recounted, old hatreds were set aside, and simple survival became the main concern for all. Curiously, utilizing ancient technology reaped from Planetbase, we were able to share technology with one another on a scale we never imagined possible. Sadly, we all lost the ability to field X-Starships.
Is there any hope for those of us who remain? We are all that is left of our once great, galaxy spanning empires. Mere fragments of what used to be. How can we possibly regain what was lost? How can we return to what we were? Perhaps, instead, we have to metamorphosize into something...else.
We called our combined forces on Planetbase: Unity. Our old empires are all gone. Now, each of us belongs to Unity.
And what of those who hunt us? Those who will not stop until every last one of us has been destroyed. Those intergalactic conquerors who seem to harbor an intense need for revenge because of what we did to their First Forces. Those who seem as unstoppable as a god-like tsunami rising high above mere mortals who dwell on land.
THE NEO-INVADERS.