[] Traditions - (Marginally boost the practice of Arranged Marriage.)
[] Liberty - (Marginally decrease the practice of Arranged Marriages.)
[] Between - (Allow Arranged Marriages to exist, for good and ill, without either boosting or decreasing their appearance.)
Normally a wedding is a time for drinking, dancing, visiting relatives and friends and eating good food. For Turan and Abdül this was not a time for anything like that. After Purnima had issued her challenge, or more like her orders, regarding Mumtaz she watched the two men trying to find a match for her. Like Purnima they tried astrologers, matchmakers, people in the community and even the marriage bureaus. All the candidates they selected never even made it to the front door. Both men were getting desperate, if they failed they would never hear the end of it from anyone in their family, friends and community. They could not even have a drink in peace with the wives and family watching them. It was like becoming a holy man, but like in the stories the higher powers would grant them a blessing for their devotion and prayers.
It started with both men sitting at a time by themselves thankfully alone. The wives and family had gone to visit with the new couple and both men watched as the servers were picking up dishes and bringing refreshments. One of the servers, a young woman who looked just out of school would spill a dark colored drink on a older woman's sari. The woman yelled and began to berate the server for her incompetency and how she would have her fired. Until the organizer of the catering came in and offered to pay for the woman's cleaning bill if she apologized. The woman attempted to argue back but the organizer held his ground and said that after ten seconds he would decline the offer. By the time he counted down to four the woman apologized, the organizer took down her contact information and sent the server back to the kitchen with the remaining dishes.
"Turan, did you see that young man?" "I did, wait, you can not possibly mean, him?" "Look, he stood up to the woman but was not mean, he took care of the server. Those are good qualities to have. Isn't he the young man we met at the dhaba, the cook? The one who is a half owner of the place. So he's also a business man. This is even better." "Abdul, I know we are desperate but a roadside cook? Purnima will have our necks." "Look she has tried, we have tried, probably most of this planet has tried. Do you have a better idea or a candidate?" "No I do not, will he agree, from what I heard he is pretty devoted to his work." "So we do not ask them, let's find out about his family. Ask the servers about the guy, what are his hobbies, vices, you know the standards." "You really think this will work?" "That is up to God. If it does I will make a large donation to every Mosque and Temple I know."
One Week Later
Prabhat found himself being ambushed on his only day off work. Harinder and his sister in law Olivia had told him last night to have his dress clothes ready and that they were all going to visit some family friends. He had no idea who they were visiting or why they needed a rental car but the ride was nicer than a bus or rickshaw. As they travelled he noticed the neighborhood becoming nicer and the houses becoming larger with tended gardens and parks. Olivia leaned how and whispered to him "Now Prabhat if they serve coffee just drink it and do not make faces. They sometimes will put salt instead of sugar as a harmless prank." "Sister why would they do this to friends?" "It is just a joke, do not worry about it." Then the car stopped at the gate at a large house, easily three times the size of his house. There were larger houses but he noticed the garden was well maintained. A servant opened the gate and Prabhat's family walked up to the front door. Then he noticed the lorry parked to the side of the house on the driveway. He knew that lorry, it was Basanti, he had seen that vehicle before. Then he heard Harinder and Olivia greeting the wrestlers from the dhaba and presenting them with a gift. This was not a visit, this was about him.
[] March of Money - (Boost the rise of a native Upper Class.)
[] Desperate Times - (Marginally Boost the practice of Arranged Marriages.)
[] SALT?! - (Kill them all. Destroy this abomination upon all good taste.)
[X] [Disaster] The Burning Hand [X] [Year] 2310 - 4 Colony Choices - 1 Wonder
A new age was upon Praya and its people, a new era of expansion, rampant population explosion, and, above all, the unending, unrelenting, unyielding tide of humanity stretching its grabby little mittens over an entire planet with absolutely no regard for anything other than more, more, MORE!!!
It was also a time of towns being built atop the most desirable locations, some near, some far. Some wherever they could go so that the natural resources and soil could be taken advantage of, all so that Naya Ghar could grow ever more as the capital of this world.
[] [Settlement Draw-In]
(Take the world map and draw 4 (four) locations onto it. Do not name them. That will come in the next update!)
It was also a time of symbols and pride, for as the government worked, so did the sense of a national identity. With such came symbols and a flag.
[] [Flag]
[] [Sigil]
And, just like the first time significant changes were made, these Second Steps would also change the planet for good and ill...
The Second Steps Taken (Choose 4 + 1 Wonder):
[] [Second Steps] Cornucopian Abundance - [Food]
What good is anything if we cannot feed our people? What good does it do to know we have shiny roads and grand festivals if we hunger and thirst for sustenance? No, our people's needs must be met because society is ever only three missed meals away from anarchy. So let nobody be hungry because we lack food, and ensure that our people can build a legacy for their children and their children that will come after them in one strike. [] [Second Steps] Roaring Factories - [Industry]
Our industrial capacity must expand to meet our industrial needs. Our industrial needs must grow to feed our industrial capacity. We cannot sit still; we must forge on in all things production and output. [] [Second Steps] Grey Goo - [Construction]
We have houses, yes, but what about more roads? Power Plants? Purification stations, hospitals, clinics, schools, resorts, farms, logistical hubs, trains? What about all the things we need to be able to build the tools to build our future? One cannot expect us to rise if we must wade through knee-deep muck and mud while we transport a single crate instead of thousands wherever they are needed! [] [Second Steps] Brainpower - [Research]
We cannot stand still while all others march into the future; we must take the time and resources to peel back the mysteries of the universe and how we may make it work for us instead of fighting against it! The flame of knowledge must not be extinguished, and the torchbearers must be given what they need to ensure we will never face a dark age of technology where a computer may be worshipped as a manifestation of a divine will. [] [Second Steps] Unity In Unification - [Culture]
Three people from three different cultures have settled on a single planet and are now living in close proximity. While steps have been taken to unify us into one cohesive whole, it is the work of generations, not decades, to ensure we do not splinter and shatter at first sight of trouble. Let us forge onwards! [] [Second Steps] Space Exploitation Initiative - [Space]
With our brave explorers identifying and scouting for rare minerals that can easily be mined within our system, we should build freighters to lug equipment and people and bring materials back. Ideally, they would also be processed in orbit since that would be cheaper, and we could do more with less. [] [Second Steps] Sleeping Giants Die - [Military]
A military that has been untested and unblooded is its worst enemy. We cannot know what we lack if we do not have something to compare ourselves to, but we also cannot fall into the trap and think that we won't ever need it. There is also corruption to take care of, alongside training, preparations, plans, etc. [] [Second Steps] Wise Hands Meet Open - [Exploration]
Let us not sit idly by but share our bounties with the galaxy! They, too, should do the same, after all... [] [Second Steps] Server 01 - [Feline Metalwork Incorporated]
FMI is ready to begin a test of a newfangled system of hardware and software, promising much and showing little. Is it wise to trust them with this?
[] [Second Steps - Wonder] Terra Nil - [Glowple Worker Cooperative]
Terra Nil is the name of a planned arcology that, if all goes well, can effectively simulate and create new biospheres from nothing, with the goal being the seeding and terraformation of terraforming candidates with as little human intervention as needed. This first stage would see to Lakshmibasti's biosphere first, as a test run, before anything else. [] [Second Steps - Wonder] Sword of Shiva - [Military/Industry]
The Sword of Shiva is the first stage of three in securing the planet against foreign invasions and boosting the native industry. With the smuggling of lasers, research into their production and application can ensure that we can build turrets, autonomous and not, scattered in and around Naya Ghar to safeguard the people there in the case of an invasion. With enough of them incorporated into streets, buildings, roadsides, and dedicated bunkers and sites, none will be able to land without suffering heavy losses!
Well, not for the first stage, but in the end you are right for the first, but the second is more like this; View: https://youtu.be/sIljdb6I_IA
(From the movie Memories - (Story) Cannon Fodder, for those interested.)
[] [Second Steps] Brainpower - [Research] [] [Second Steps] Server 01 - [Feline Metalwork Incorporated] [] [Second Steps] Grey Goo - [Construction] [] [Second Steps] Roaring Factories - [Industry]
[] [Second Steps - Wonder] Terra Nil - [Glowple Worker Cooperative]
As much fun as SHIVA sounds, it seems a bit silly.
Trains and the economy didn't get much love during our first choices, so I thought we'd focus on that this time around.
we need investment into food, infrastructure, and defense as that was ignored in the First Step. We simply cannot keep avoiding those for the sake of side interests. While that added Unity is REALLY tempting other issues has more need currently. The server 01 option is a no brainer as the sunk cost fallacy demands it. We need to get something back anyways for that investment. With the Institute of robotics plus the infrastructure and food focus we gain this turn we will gain the required foundations for an industrial boom later. That Terra Nil project will be the cornerstone of our expansion strategy even if the military alternative is tempting. Hopefully the regular military option will be enough to fend off the early game military threats.
SCAG is naturally an excellent choice to focus our investment on to improve food production i feel
These three are definite picks, IMO. Food, shelter, and amenities are basic building blocks, so let's get all those dealt with, and we should get our military sorted out before we end up needing it. Not sure on the other picks, yet.
[] [Second Steps] Cornucopian Abundance - [Food]
[] [Second Steps] Grey Goo - [Construction] [] [Second Steps] Server 01 - [Feline Metalwork Incorporated] [] [Second Steps] Sleeping Giants Die - [Military] [] [Second Steps - Wonder] Terra Nil - [Glowple Worker Cooperative]
[] [Settlement Draw-In]
(Take the world map and draw 4 (four) locations onto it. Do not name them. That will come in the next update!)
First off, I'm not sure if I'm the first one to do this or not, so I'll continue. Now that the Tenno alphabet is released, I decided to go translate what it said on my WF founder shirt (It said evolution). After I found that out, I turned to the back to see anything in the Lotus symbol. I found i...
"A COOK! YOU WANT ME TO MARRY A COOK! ARE YOU INSANE?" "Mumtaz, that is no way to talk to your father. Apologize. Now." "Mother I cannot apologize for this. Have you heard what Father told you? This man is a cook at a roadside dhaba and lives in an small apartment. You did not educate me to marry downwards, how is he supposed to support a family? What money does he earn, did he even finish school? I turned down men from families that could buy a dozen restaurants. Is this how my father looks out for me? You called me a Princess all my life, you told me to do my best and be a good daughter, to trust you. How am I supposed to trust you after this." Purnima was about to retort when Abdul held up his left hand, a symbol for her to let him speak.
"You are right, you are a Princess. You will always be a Princess in my eyes. I did not want to place restrictions on you, I wanted you to study and pursue hobbies and be happy. Now there were comments made to me or your mother by people in our communities but I ignored them. You wanted to decide who you wished to marry, so we did not force you to marry. Again there were comments and we ignored them. Your mother and I looked for good men, men who would respect you and your values. Yes, there were families with sons who could had lots of wealth and property, who were handsome or influential. When we investigated them there were stories of abuse, of neglect, of adultery. Then there were those who wanted dowry, oh they did not say it, they just wanted 'gifts' or 'business considerations'. Many of those sons and families wanted to take over the company your mother and I built and put you aside. So we looked for a partner for you and even person we suggested you rejected.
Now Prabhat is a cook, he also is a half owner of that dhaba that he purchased with his own savings. That apartment he lives in is the same one he grew up in, he could have lived in a larger space with his brother and family but he said no. I asked around the dhaba and you know what the employees said? That he never abused his position, he never played favorites, he stood up for his employees. I even inquired to his family if he wanted any 'gifts' and he said no. He said that blessings from the girl's family was enough. I asked the family about our business and he said it belonged to us to decide. Your mother and I had very little when you were born but we worked together, we argued, but over time our bonds grew stronger and stronger. We believe that if a couple loves and believes each other they can do anything. If you can find someone that good then I will marry you right away with no objections."
Purnima spoke, "Honey, do you want to eat, it is dinner time." "No, just some water right now. I am not hungry. I want to go rest." Before Purnima and Mumtaz could object Abdul sat up from the kitchen table and walked to his study. "Mumtaz, I will not force you to marry but do not let your stubbornness block your happiness. You have hurt your father and me deeply. I am going to be with your father. If you want something to eat go ahead, I am not hungry." As Purnima left the kitchen Mumtaz sat in the kitchen and decided her life.
"I do not think she liked me." said Prabhat. "Did you really have to lie to me about visiting a girl's family?" Olivia turned her head to the right. "If we had told you, would you have gone? Or would you have made some excuse about work or some friend needing help. I know you may not like this but Harinder and I thought that Mumtaz's parents were good people. Their daughter were brought up with good values and their family is well known. They run their business with honesty and respect their people. I know you did not want anything from their blessings. We would have not introduced you if we thought they were greedy or would be bad for you." "They are well to do, did you see how she looked at me when I told her I was a cook." "So you are a cook! Your mother cooked and provided for you both. I cook for my family. Do you look down on her or me? You do not. If she turns you down it is their loss. You are a good man and you do your work with honesty. You will always have our blessings and as long as you are true to yourself you will succeed."
Former President Ashia Gupta Passes Away
First President and Champion of Women's Rights to receive State Funeral
NAYA GHAR- Earlier this morning, the family of Ashia Gupta notified the Local that Ashia Gupa, the First President of Lakshmibasti passed away last night at the age of 99. The cause of death has been recorded as Natural Causes. A spokesman from the Araya Medical Center stated that a medical team was dispatched to the Gupta home after being called and confirmed the death along with her personal physicians. "Shri Gupta passed away peacefully in her sleep and had no immediate medical issues. A personal checkup was completed earlier in the year which confirmed no abnormalities." The Gupta family has not issued an official statement as of yet but one is expected later today. The National Autonomy Party announced that it has suspended all meetings due to the passing of what they call "The Great Leader".
The Government has announced a week of National Mourning with flags half-masted and canceled entertainment and cultural events and offices closed for several days.
From Humble Roots
Ashia Gupta was the 4th child of a family of 9 born in the slums of New Delhi, Republic of India in 2211. Overlooked by her parents for her bigger brothers and their education. Even as she tried her hardest to succeed in the one thing young Ashia knew made her parents proud, her being consistently in the 1st or 2nd place wasn't acknowledged as much as the academic successes of her brothers, with her 2nd place placements often being used to punish her for failing the family or intentionally spiting her parents. When she turned 16 and graduated, she was offered a sponsorship by a corporation to attend a prestigious university in exchange for a binding 10-year contract, and raced back home to excitedly tell her parents about it.
A week later, she was married to a good match in the business world that would allow her brothers to rise through the ranks quickly. Five months later, she lost her eye in an accident. Three months after that, her husband died from a heart attack, leaving her with all his possessions. One month later, she gave birth to her first child, Tara in 2227. A year after that, as she finished her first courses in a local college, Ashia met her second husband, Vijya (2209-2300). After completing her Degree in Political Science and with her family she would emigrate from Earth to settle on Lakshmibasti in 2234. During this time she would focus on caring for her family and on women's rights given her personal and family history.
Entry Into Politics
With the rise of Outer Reaches Rebellion across the settled planets the Colonial Government would be thrown into turmoil with various factions rising. Already active in several political circles, being cut-off from the Terran Alliance would cement Ashia's her view of them being nothing more than predatory profiteers that have now shown their rotten core as they slowly begin to fall apart. Vijya and Ashia would join the National Autonomy Party in 2238. Using her education and political skills she was soon rising in the ranks by mobilizing the female population as a key voting block. She would appeal to all communities by campaigning on women's rights, healthcare spending and supporting a social safety net and would be nominated as a Presidential candidate in the first General Election in 2240.
Ashia would serve as President for over forty years by being re-elected four times. She would continue to serve on the Selection Committee of NAP, helping to select and create the political careers of dozens of candidates for various offices. She would be ruthless against corruption and abuse in her administration and party. While she would be know as a strict leader, she also would show concern for party workers and staff in her office. She would be given the title of Super Nani or Super Grandma for her concerns. She would retire from politics in 2280 due to age and to spend time with her family.
Personal Life
Despite her political influence she would remain a humble person, having dinner every evening with her family. Her residence would be decorated with pictures of her seven children and later on grand and great grandchildren. She also considered her husband Vijya her 'Best Political Advisor and No Man'. She would help to establish a national sports program with Estela Macar and sponsor several School Scholarships for deserving students. She would write a book on her life and thoughts called Wrong About My Past in 2291. She is survived by her last two children Anup and Rakhi.
We should invest in Battletech life extension / gene therapy.
I'm pretty sure at the height of their development citizens of the Terran Hegemony lived up to 150-200. (or was that just Terra)
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