[Battletech] A Life Worth Living For

RATKILLER PART 2

From: DURARTE, CELESTINA AUREA <clestinaaureadurarte.regionaldir.glowple.private.com>
To: MATOS, ICIAR SILVESTRE <iciarsilvestrematos.researchdevelopment.glowple.private.com>
Date: 156-2248 13:11
Regarding: Rats Control Solution

Dear Senor Matos,
After the review of your recent proposal regarding the rat problem the CEO and Board of Directors have declined per limited resources and public reaction. We shall keep your recommendation for use at a later time. Comments to follow.

Sincerely,
Glowple Board of Directors

Personal Comments:
Look Iciar, the Board liked the idea with releasing sterile cats with some modifications, however there has been resistance from Environmental Science and Public Relations about this. ES is afraid we are replacing one pest with another pest and PR is dealing with various groups that do not want us to harm the rats. Right now we are focusing to stabilizing the planoforming program and reducing the ability of rats to build nests in populated areas. The board will fund some sort of countermeasures at a later time but we have no timeframe. So the answer is not no but wait. Finally, I would like to warn you and your fellow genengineers about any 'accidents'. If I find out about anything like that I will have all of you shoving manure into the methane digestors for the next ten years.

Celestina.

With the young colony slowly settling into its new reality, so too does the government settle into its responsibilities, their components slowly assembling themselves into a shape best described as "functional" as the months tick by, and the year ends on Lakshmibasti once more.

With President Ashia Gupta in charge, not only did the nascent industry of the people flourish as hundreds took advantage of the generous terms of the national bank to create their businesses beyond those who had set out to do so in the first place, but also the grants and aid given to Glowple ensured that the Terraforming would proceed without much delay despite the DD.

Beyond that, she also managed to bring about the establishment of ten holidays enshrined in law, ten days that would see the people relax, celebrate, and come together as one beyond the veil and division of Old Earth. Among them is Landing Day, celebrated on the day the first ship touched down and honoring the dedication of the pioneers who would make the world liveable. A bit of a self-congratulatory shoulder-patting, but let it not be said that nobody didn't like the idea of a holiday dedicated to themselves.

Another four would come in the form of many other celebrations of humanity, tied to the seasons like old, yet adapted to this planet in particular. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Day would be celebrated with festivals themed around the coming season, and each would find itself stocked with fireworks...once they could produce those.

Religious celebrations were likewise enshrined, if somewhat differently than some thought and others hoped. Christmas wouldn't be a major festival, but Totensonntag would be to honor the departed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year. There would also be Akshaya Tritiya, celebrated in spring, an auspicious day for marriages, engagements, business ventures, and more, alongside the veneration of dead loved ones. Mid-Sha'ban was the last celebration focusing on the dead as a component that would be enshrined in the law, but it was also a night of fortunes and forgiveness, where people could pray for and reflect on those lost. Mysore Dasara was less a day of celebration and more a ten-day parade, military showmanship, and carnival where the army would be tasked with shows of strength, unity, and good old-fashioned dakka. The last festival was less one picked for any cultural connotations and more because people liked it, as few could genuinely say that a Dragon Boat Festival, especially one adapted to their needs and sensibilities, would go that terribly. Also, people liked dragons. Simple as.

And as the world goes on, so too does time. People change, as do seasons, and history is being written by the stars shining down upon the people who inhabit this rock floating through the eternal expanse of space.

One wonders...

Who Are They?
(Ranked Choice Vote, 5 most popular win, Not A Plan Vote. 40-Year Timeskip.)

[] The Soldier
[] The Programmer
[] The Doctor
[] The Boxer - (Omake Reward)
[] The Politician
[] The Prostitute
[] The Schoolboy
[] The Farmer
[] The Prospector
[] The Dissenter
[] The Worker
[] The Terraformer
[] The Spacer
[] The Priest

"Many spectators and writers will marvel at the athletic who delivers the winning goal, who completes a Century, who defeats an opponent by submission or knock out. They do not see the hours, days, weeks and even years that have gone into that moment. They will not see the physical training, the time practicing particular movements or tactics, the time studying an opponent's style, tactics or history. They will not see the injuries, the sore muscles, the cuts and bruises. To be an athletic requires a level of focus and determination almost religious in nature. So why do we do this? It is through sport that we become something more, we transform from a group of individuals into a team, as we develop our muscles we develop our minds and spirits. Now many of you may never become professional, but do not be discouraged. Your efforts will not only benefit you but others, you will become mentors, guides and heroes to many and pass your experience to them. In that way you will become eternal."

SPP/FDP President Estela Marcar, 2260

Sports are a major component of Lakshmibasti culture involving people from various ages, sexes, backgrounds and skill levels. Not only for to improve physical fitness and skills but also enjoyment to participants and entertainment to spectators. Various individuals, communities, businesses, professional and civic groups participate in some level of sports as a form of relaxation, meeting friends and neighbors or for physical and mental exercise. While we cannot list every form of sports activity, we will list the top four sports based on popularity and impact on society.

History: During the transit to Ganeshaeshwaram and when the first vessels landed on Lakshmibasti our ancestors were playing various games to relieve tension and boredom using equipment they brought with them. As the planet was planoformed and the city of Naya Ghar expanded, various playing fields and facilities were suggested but were not started due to lack of funds. It would take a young woman by the name of Estela Gallego who would petition and meet with various civic and professional bodies to arrange support and funds. After she became a viral sensation while at work, Estela would meet with President Ashia Gupta, who would provide resources from her personal accounts. Now with these resources, various sports facilities would be construction across the city and in 2245 the Sports Federation of Praya (Sports Phedareshan oph Praya/Federación Deportiva de Praya/Praya Spor Federasyonu), a non-governmental non-profit organization, would be formed to create a common set of rules and rankings, promote sports, and organize various competitions. Nearly all athletes over the age of 18 are members of the SPP/FDP and can take advantage of reduced rates and discounts at various sports facilities and services. Near all sport 'Seasons or Year' begin after the First Day of Spring (Vasant/Primavera/Bahar) and last until First Day of Winter (Sardee/Invierno/Kış). Wrestling and Boxing are year round.

Any sort of Sports Betting and Odds Making are also regulated by the Central Government as a form of fund raising.

Football:
The most popular game is Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players each who primarily use their feet to propel a ball around a rectangular field called a pitch. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by moving the ball beyond the goal line into a rectangular-framed goal defended by the opposing team. Traditionally, the game has been played over two 45-minute halves, for a total match time of 90 minutes.

The game of association football is played in accordance with the Laws of the Game, a set of rules that has been in effect since the 19th Century. The game is played with a football that is 68–70 cm (27–28 in) in circumference. The two teams compete to get the ball into the other team's goal (between the posts and under the bar), thereby scoring a goal. When the ball is in play, the players mainly use their feet, but may use any other part of their body, except for their hands or arms, to control, strike, or pass the ball. Only the goalkeepers may use their hands and arms, and only then within the penalty area. The team that has scored more goals at the end of the game is the winner. Depending on the format of the competition, an equal number of goals scored may result in a draw being declared, or the game goes into extra time or a penalty shootout.

Football Clubs exist on all levels of society from neighborhood kids and residents to company teams to government offices. Many civic groups and businesses will sponsor football clubs for children and young adults in order to promote themselves and provide a 'safe' hobby to keep the youth out of trouble. The top 13 professional football clubs will compete in a Yearly Championship before the Winter Break for the Cuellar Cup, named for famous footballer Renato Yurena Cuéllar.

Twenty20 Cricket:

Twenty20 Cricket is the second most popular game, especially among descendants of the Indian Community. The match format is a form of limited overs cricket in that it involves two teams, each with a single innings. The key feature is that each team bats for a maximum of 20 overs (120 legal balls). The batting team members do not arrive from and depart to traditional dressing rooms, but come and go from a bench (typically a row of chairs) visible in the playing arena, analogous to association football's technical area or a baseball dugout. Similar to Football teams, exist on all levels of society from neighborhood kids and residents to company teams to government offices. Many civic groups and businesses will sponsor team for children and young adults in order to promote themselves and provide a 'safe' hobby to keep the youth out of trouble. Unlike Football, the professional Cricket teams receive points during the season with the top performing team and player receiving the Top Performing Award for the Year based on points.

The Laws of cricket apply to Twenty20, with major exceptions:

Each bowler may bowl a maximum of only one-fifth of the total overs per innings. For a full, uninterrupted match, this is four overs.
If a bowler delivers a no-ball by overstepping the crease, it costs one or two runs (depending on the competition) and their next delivery is designated a "free-hit". In this circumstance the batter can only be dismissed through a run out, hitting the ball twice or obstructing the field.
The following fielding restrictions apply:
No more than five fielders can be on the leg side at any time.
During the first six overs, a maximum of two fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle (this is known as the powerplay).
After the first six overs, a maximum of five fielders can be outside the fielding circle.
If the fielding team does not start to bowl their 20th over within 75 minutes, the batting side is credited an extra six runs for every whole over bowled after the 75-minute mark; the umpire may add more time to this if they believe the batting team is wasting time.

Tie deciders

Currently, if the match ends with the scores tied and there must be a winner, the tie is broken with a one-over-per-side Eliminator or Super Over: Each team nominates three batsmen and one bowler to play a one-over-per-side "mini-match". The team which bats second in the match bats first in the Super Over. In turn, each side bats one over bowled by the one nominated opposition bowler, with their innings over if they lose two wickets before the over is completed. The side with the higher score from their Super Over wins. If the Super Over also ends up in a tie, it is repeated until the tie is broken.

Wrestling:
Wrestling is one of the most popular sports among the descendants of the Indian and Turkish communities. Wrestling competitions known as dangal or kushti, are held in various locations and as such are variable and flexible. The area is either a circular or square shape, measuring at least fourteen feet across. Wrestlers train and compete on dirt floors. Before training, the floor is raked of any pebbles or stones. Buttermilk, oil, and red ochre are sprinkled to the ground, giving the dirt its red hue. Water is added every few days to keep it at the right consistency; soft enough to avoid injury but hard enough so as not to impede the wrestlers' movements. Every match is preceded by the wrestlers throwing a few handfuls of dirt from the floor on themselves and their opponent as a form of blessing. Despite the marked boundaries of the arena, competitors may go outside the ring during a match with no penalty. There are no rounds but the length of every bout is specified beforehand, usually about 25–30 minutes. If both competitors agree, the length of the match may be extended. Match extensions are typically around 10–15 minutes. Unlike mat-based wrestling, there is no point scoring system; a win is achieved by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground simultaneously, although victory by knockout, stoppage or submission is also possible. In some variations of the rules, pinning only the shoulders is sufficient. Bouts are overseen by a referee inside the ring and a panel of two judges watching from the outside. Because of the amount of training and food involved many wrestlers will be sponsored by another individual or family as a representative in disputes.

The biggest and most notable wrestling competition is held on Mysore Dasara in which male and female wrestlers will compete to become the Champion of Lakshmibasti (चैंपियन ऑफ लक्ष्मीबस्ती/Campeón de Lakshmibasti/Lakshmibasti'nin Şampiyonu). Previous Champions have become media sensations and even have run for political office.

The Wedding Match
In 2257 to avoid his parents trying to arrange his marriage, wrestler Jayant Shekhar Kumar would publicly announce he would wed the first woman who beat him in a competition. This announcement would create a sensation across the colony and women wrestlers would compete to defeat the handsome wrestler. He would meet his match in 2259 when he would be defeated by Reva Amarjeet Vemulakonda during Mysore Dasara. The couple would wed on Akshaya Tritiya, 2260. Since then similar matches would be held since then.

Boxing:

The Marquess of Queensberry rules have been the general rules governing modern boxing since their publication in 1867. A boxing match typically consists of a determined number of three-minute rounds, a total of up to 9 to 12 rounds with a minute spent between each round with the fighters resting in their assigned corners and receiving advice and attention from their coach and staff. The fight is controlled by a referee who works within the ring to judge and control the conduct of the fighters, rule on their ability to fight safely, count knocked-down fighters, and rule on fouls.

Up to three judges are typically present at ringside to score the bout and assign points to the boxers, based on punches and elbows that connect, defense, knockdowns, hugging and other, more subjective, measures. Because of the open-ended style of boxing judging, many fights have controversial results, in which one or both fighters believe they have been "robbed" or unfairly denied a victory. Each fighter has an assigned corner of the ring, where their coach, as well as one or more "seconds" may administer to the fighter at the beginning of the fight and between rounds. Each boxer enters into the ring from their assigned corners at the beginning of each round and must cease fighting and return to their corner at the signaled end of each round.

A bout in which the predetermined number of rounds passes is decided by the judges, and is said to "go the distance". The fighter with the higher score at the end of the fight is ruled the winner. With three judges, unanimous and split decisions are possible, as are draws. A boxer may win the bout before a decision is reached through a knock-out; such bouts are said to have ended "inside the distance". If a fighter is knocked down during the fight, determined by whether the boxer touches the canvas floor of the ring with any part of their body other than the feet as a result of the opponent's punch and not a slip, as determined by the referee, the referee begins counting until the fighter returns to their feet and can continue. Championship bouts for various weight classes are held at various times of the year.

References:

Edit: Do note that I am currently preparing to move, and as such things have stopped to a crawl for all my writing projects (Gay Dictator, Cult Creator, Fallout: Iron Dawn) alongside this one.

Do not expect updates to be more than what I can write in 20~30 mins when I have time over the coming days/weeks.

The world continues moving, time flows undeterred from the desires of man, and years pass by even those who do not notice them passing along its eternal march forward, ever forward, toward an end to all things in billions of years.

For Estela, the last 40-odd years had passed like a crawl, each year something to treasure, each year something to experience and filled with opportunities and challenges, yet they passed like a blur, coming and going like a whirlwind until she one day stopped, and looked back at everything that had happened, everything that had gone right, and oh so wrong.

With every decade, Glowple publicized another milestone reached, another section of her home now made like Earth, a new area ready to boost the global terraforming happening at a crawl that was starting to accelerate exponentially. Another century may be needed before it could be left alone and another two before the planet would handle all but the direst of catastrophes without human intervention. But what had captured people's attention and imagination had been the spread of 'Glodelions,' the bioluminescent dandelions, over the planet. Instead of taking over and damaging the biosphere by supplanting the native moss and lichen, the Glodelions turned their duet into a trio, fields of shimmering, blooming, and floating seeds becoming an ever-present sight beloved and marveled at by even those born with them. Yet not all could be good news, as rats had been unintentionally brought over, wreaking havoc on farms, electronic equipment, and human health. Yet, though the rats were a significant problem, especially amidst the city and on the farms, broad remits and hunting parties saw their population managed. Some had proposed bounties, but a look at history had shot that idea down within the day.

On the other side, FMI had begun publishing progress in their effort to revamp the code base of humanity altogether and the technologies needed to create better, faster, more versatile tools, utilities, and weaponry. Their prototype computer using the newly developed code language and technologies proved their course held potential, and it quickly found itself bought by the military to bolster its targeting systems alongside the spacer's detection algorithms for stray asteroids.

Every year brought another expansion to Naya Ghar, with towns prioritizing farming or small-scale industries beginning to shoot up like wild mushrooms, the baby boom enjoyed by everyone quickly lending workers and hands for everything in abundance, even as the government still worried itself sick over the lack of people. A strange dichotomy but one that young couples enjoyed, as it meant relief from taxation if they had enough children and bonuses if they had even more. Something Estela Marta Dolores Oliva Gallego Macar took full advantage of, having proposed to Damla Macar decades ago, the two enjoying Praya's intent on explosive population growth, allowing them to have children without having to go through hoops and socially suspect means.

Though some would have thought that love and children would impede her drive and desire to see her passion and devotion to boxing and sport spread to the populace, they were not merely wrong but had failed to account for the desire of a woman set on a goal, and a government eager to back any cultural effort that would see them cement their rule and governance. Forty years may be brief in the span of things and briefer before all of humanity's existence, but it was still two-thirds of a life's work and one set about with aplomb and soul-filling cheer.

But how was it expressed?
[] A Legacy.
A legacy is often all we will leave behind, and Estela will leave hers with a nation eager for what she has to offer. Others will follow by creating styles as she did, mixing a dozen combat techniques and blending them, forming groups and schools in the coming decades and centuries. And all train to be crowned champion in the yearly All-Prayan Tournament she started to bring home glory for their school and style.

[] A National Sports Organization.
Under Estela's eyes, the education and leisure time of Lakshmibasti would be spread as a matter of course, the government ensuring funding and participation among the children in the schools while opening centers within Naya Ghar and the beginning towns. Health was sure to benefit, as was every sport sought out.

[] Wildcat Studios And Rings Across All Ages.
Who cares about order and structure? Let people fight and enjoy the sting of muscles pushed to their limit; let them love the strike of flesh against flesh and the ache in one's body after training, filled with food and passion of the fight and the meeting of peers in honor and combat. It is said that there are a thousand fights on Lakshmibasti any one day, against the world, fate, people, and peers, and they are right.