There is no sky. No light. No sound. You have awakened to naught but a formless void, all...
War\Zone: An Original Strategy Quest
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1 - Integration
There is no sky. No light. No sound. You have awakened to naught but a formless void, all consuming in its darkness.
You twist and turn about in the darkness, hoping to find something, anything on which to orient yourself. Your efforts all prove for naught. You are, for the moment at least, completely alone.
Your breathing slowly quickens as you glance around, trying to remember how you got here. There was an offer made to you. You cannot remember what, but there was something asked in exchange. Unbidden, your arms fly to your head, although you cannot see them. Why can't you remember?
There, amongst the darkness, a light burst into existence! An incandescent red sphere, light-years away and yet close enough to touch. As you reach out towards it, three more stars flash into your vision. Green, blue, and purple orbs now drift in the void. However, each is far away from the others, lonely and isolated. Your observations are interrupted by a voice in the darkness.
The four lights brighten briefly as gaseous tendrils of color burst forth from their surfaces. A solar prominence repeated across all four suns.
The tendrils have now drifted away from the stars of their birth. Just when it seems that they will fade into oblivion, you are nearly blinded by a dozen bursts of light. At the terminus of the tendrils now sit new stars, similarly colored to their progenitors.
From every star, more tendrils have stretched out into the darkness. As soon as a new point of light is born, more appear. Your eyes are soon blinded by the sheer number exploding into existence. When the light finally fades, a tear falls from your eye at the majesty of the sight before you.
Where there were once four stars, there is now a multitude beyond counting, each slightly different in hue from its brothers. Four great constellations blanket the entire space in a multitudinous spectrum of light. Taking your attention from the spectacle as a whole, you focus on each constellation in turn, and the shapes clearly drawn by the tendrils connecting their components.
The red constellation has taken the shape of a broad sword pointing above your head, its point crowned by a brilliant starburst. As you focus on it, images come to your mind unbidden. Knights in full plate; uniform lines of men and horses; banners and heraldry waving in the wind. From there, the images become more fantastic; men throwing forth bolts of lightning from their hands, great beasts flying in the sky, and even an olden sailing ship floating amongst the clouds.
The green constellation is an immense gear, with lines of geometric circuitry tracing their way through its center. The images here are far more familiar to you. Factories belch smoke into the air as lines of tanks and planes issue forth from their interiors. A great row of ships sail the sea, their immaculate white paint glistening in the sunlight. A glittering cityscape covered in neon colors as metal men wander its streets.
The azure constellation presents you the image of a planet, circled by immense rings. A solitary light drifts across the rings, orbiting the rest of the world. You can see the darkness of space, lit by the glittering of thousands of flickering beams of light. A green and blue world, its surface covered by explosions of unimaginable scale. A solitary spaceship, the light of a star tracing incandescent patterns on its golden sails. One final star, surrounded by an immense halo of rock and metal and light.
The last constellation is more confusing. The purple stars have arranged themselves into the shape of a Mobius Strip, forever turning back inwards on itself. You can see a city made entirely of plants, green leaves waving gently in the breeze. There, in the sky, a man with a cape flies over an art deco metropolis. You sight men in black suits and mirrored sunglasses, and finally a town teeming with creatures straight out of a horror film.
To which possibility do you reach?
[] The Ruby Constellation – Reach for a Noble Past
[] The Emerald Constellation – Reach for a Familiar Present
[] The Sapphire Constellation – Reach for a Shining Tomorrow
[] The Amethyst Constellation – Reach for the Wondrous and Strange
You twist and turn about in the darkness, hoping to find something, anything on which to orient yourself. Your efforts all prove for naught. You are, for the moment at least, completely alone.
Your breathing slowly quickens as you glance around, trying to remember how you got here. There was an offer made to you. You cannot remember what, but there was something asked in exchange. Unbidden, your arms fly to your head, although you cannot see them. Why can't you remember?
There, amongst the darkness, a light burst into existence! An incandescent red sphere, light-years away and yet close enough to touch. As you reach out towards it, three more stars flash into your vision. Green, blue, and purple orbs now drift in the void. However, each is far away from the others, lonely and isolated. Your observations are interrupted by a voice in the darkness.
"In the beginning, there was possibility."
The four lights brighten briefly as gaseous tendrils of color burst forth from their surfaces. A solar prominence repeated across all four suns.
"And from that sea of potential, life was born a thousand times over."
The tendrils have now drifted away from the stars of their birth. Just when it seems that they will fade into oblivion, you are nearly blinded by a dozen bursts of light. At the terminus of the tendrils now sit new stars, similarly colored to their progenitors.
"For every potentiality, there exist common denominators: tenacity and courage, drive and ambition, innovation and adventure. It is these qualities, and many others, which have ensured that such potentialities blossom into new worlds; new futures."
From every star, more tendrils have stretched out into the darkness. As soon as a new point of light is born, more appear. Your eyes are soon blinded by the sheer number exploding into existence. When the light finally fades, a tear falls from your eye at the majesty of the sight before you.
Where there were once four stars, there is now a multitude beyond counting, each slightly different in hue from its brothers. Four great constellations blanket the entire space in a multitudinous spectrum of light. Taking your attention from the spectacle as a whole, you focus on each constellation in turn, and the shapes clearly drawn by the tendrils connecting their components.
The red constellation has taken the shape of a broad sword pointing above your head, its point crowned by a brilliant starburst. As you focus on it, images come to your mind unbidden. Knights in full plate; uniform lines of men and horses; banners and heraldry waving in the wind. From there, the images become more fantastic; men throwing forth bolts of lightning from their hands, great beasts flying in the sky, and even an olden sailing ship floating amongst the clouds.
The green constellation is an immense gear, with lines of geometric circuitry tracing their way through its center. The images here are far more familiar to you. Factories belch smoke into the air as lines of tanks and planes issue forth from their interiors. A great row of ships sail the sea, their immaculate white paint glistening in the sunlight. A glittering cityscape covered in neon colors as metal men wander its streets.
The azure constellation presents you the image of a planet, circled by immense rings. A solitary light drifts across the rings, orbiting the rest of the world. You can see the darkness of space, lit by the glittering of thousands of flickering beams of light. A green and blue world, its surface covered by explosions of unimaginable scale. A solitary spaceship, the light of a star tracing incandescent patterns on its golden sails. One final star, surrounded by an immense halo of rock and metal and light.
The last constellation is more confusing. The purple stars have arranged themselves into the shape of a Mobius Strip, forever turning back inwards on itself. You can see a city made entirely of plants, green leaves waving gently in the breeze. There, in the sky, a man with a cape flies over an art deco metropolis. You sight men in black suits and mirrored sunglasses, and finally a town teeming with creatures straight out of a horror film.
"For every existence, there are exemplars: champions and civilizations which display the finest qualities of both their existence and indeed, of all life. It is these chosen few who will vie for invaluable treasures placed before you. Choose wisely, for each path before you offers its own rewards; and its own perils."
=\\//=
=\\//=
To which possibility do you reach?
[] The Ruby Constellation – Reach for a Noble Past
[] The Emerald Constellation – Reach for a Familiar Present
[] The Sapphire Constellation – Reach for a Shining Tomorrow
[] The Amethyst Constellation – Reach for the Wondrous and Strange
=\\//=
So, this is an original brain bug which I'll be working on alongside my Muv-Luv quest. Please ask any questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer them. As for what to expect, this is intended to be a grand strategy quest, wherein players will war alongside their army for control of a patchwork world. While not using the ckii system, that's a pretty good reference point for how this will operate. That, and a healthy dose of Fate/Stay Night as inspiration.
Also, apologies if the formatting looks a little weird on mobile browsers.
Also, apologies if the formatting looks a little weird on mobile browsers.
2 - Sapphire
[X] The Sapphire Constellation - Reach for a shining tomorrow
Soon, you are visibly drifting towards the center of the constellation, its rings slowly growing massive in your vision. Still, you are accelerating. The stars come flowing by at speeds seemingly unimaginable, a torrent of cerulean raindrops in your vision.
Then, as quickly as your journey began, it ends. You find yourself floating in the center of the constellation. You can still make out the other three, but only as faint pinpricks in the distance. From your place within the constellation, there are four distinct amalgamations of stars in your vision. While you glance around, you hear the voice in the darkness return.
Your vision spins for a moment as you twist about, orienting yourself towards one of the four star clusters. These stars are gathered almost completely into one densely packed sphere, blinding in its intensity. A few stars circle the central mass in concentric circles, like planets orbiting their sun.
Gazing upon the cluster for a few more moments produces images in your mind's eye, just as before. You can see a single spaceship, colored a bright white, trailing behind a gossamer sail. A man standing alone upon a desolate moon, flag in hand. You see a trio of gleaming bronze darts flying over a city floating amongst an endless sea of clouds. A massive cylinder, three great mirrors stretching from its end as metal giants duel inside.
The second cluster is dominated by a great circle, with a many pointed star on the interior. A massive compass in the night sky. Focusing upon it shows you visions of lone starships setting course towards unknown worlds. Men in fantastic armor fighting amongst themselves while others in suits revel on the horizon. Domed cities upon alien worlds, twin suns shining brightly in the sky. Graceful starships landing upon dusty fields while traders haggle over prices under their shade.
Turned about again to gaze upon the third cluster, you can see a crown made of stars. It is the most beautiful sight yet, and you have to restrain yourself from simply reaching towards it out of reflex. Underneath the crown lies a sword crossed over some kind of cylinder. Perhaps a scroll?
Focusing upon the crown shows you immense formations of starships, two enormous walls filling the space between them with incandescent death. An immense assembly room, its thousand chairs empty save for one man gazing upon old-fashioned parchment. Seven bloody standards, all crossed over an empty throne. Ten thousand stars, all interconnected by highways of gleaming light.
The final cluster is the most obvious, and yet the most ambiguous. It is in the shape of a galaxy, spiral arms clearly defined against the bright center and empty voids. It is glistening with light, at once serene and violent. On fire at the same time it shines like a diamond.
It is here that the true scale of some of these images hits you. The first is a planet, covered entirely in unending skyscrapers. It lies cracked in half like an eggshell while white leviathans fight amongst its moons. You see a star encircled by an immense ring of rock and metal and light. Obelisks the size of worlds drift slowly amongst the stars, caring not for the time of their journey, only the inevitability of their arrival. A black hole encapsulated by thirteen concentric rings, matter and light bending to the will of the universe while the rings remain still.
To which future do you reach?
[] The Star - Reach for youthful dynamism.
[] The Compass - Reach for adventure and discovery.
[] The Crown - Reach for empire and industry.
[] The Galaxy - Reach for knowledge and majesty.
[] Return (Can only pick once, choose another constellation)
Here we go. As usual, ask for any clarifications needed.
=\\//=
Reaching out, you grasp towards the sapphire constellation. For the briefest of moments, you float stilly in that position, single hand stretching towards the heavens. Then, you feel it. It starts as a gentle tugging, the faintest of pulls towards the mass of azure stars.
Soon, you are visibly drifting towards the center of the constellation, its rings slowly growing massive in your vision. Still, you are accelerating. The stars come flowing by at speeds seemingly unimaginable, a torrent of cerulean raindrops in your vision.
Then, as quickly as your journey began, it ends. You find yourself floating in the center of the constellation. You can still make out the other three, but only as faint pinpricks in the distance. From your place within the constellation, there are four distinct amalgamations of stars in your vision. While you glance around, you hear the voice in the darkness return.
"For as long as life has existed, it has gazed into the heavens with wonder. The sky above captivates us, beckoning with the promise of limitless possibility. Life will forever remain fascinated with reaching the stars above; an undimming desire, perhaps, to escape the island world where it was born. It is these civilizations, with the drive and tenacity to leave their homes for the heavens, which you have chosen."
Your vision spins for a moment as you twist about, orienting yourself towards one of the four star clusters. These stars are gathered almost completely into one densely packed sphere, blinding in its intensity. A few stars circle the central mass in concentric circles, like planets orbiting their sun.
Gazing upon the cluster for a few more moments produces images in your mind's eye, just as before. You can see a single spaceship, colored a bright white, trailing behind a gossamer sail. A man standing alone upon a desolate moon, flag in hand. You see a trio of gleaming bronze darts flying over a city floating amongst an endless sea of clouds. A massive cylinder, three great mirrors stretching from its end as metal giants duel inside.
"Those first steps outside of the cradle of their mother worlds are often the most difficult. Indeed, many civilizations grow to master the planets of their home star, only to find their souls inextricably bound to its gravity. Whether by magical fate or by the cruel ministrations of physics."
The second cluster is dominated by a great circle, with a many pointed star on the interior. A massive compass in the night sky. Focusing upon it shows you visions of lone starships setting course towards unknown worlds. Men in fantastic armor fighting amongst themselves while others in suits revel on the horizon. Domed cities upon alien worlds, twin suns shining brightly in the sky. Graceful starships landing upon dusty fields while traders haggle over prices under their shade.
"Departing the home star represents the greatest journey into the unknown. These steps are not without struggle, but the majesty of the entire universe awaits those with the tenacity and courage to make the journey."
Turned about again to gaze upon the third cluster, you can see a crown made of stars. It is the most beautiful sight yet, and you have to restrain yourself from simply reaching towards it out of reflex. Underneath the crown lies a sword crossed over some kind of cylinder. Perhaps a scroll?
Focusing upon the crown shows you immense formations of starships, two enormous walls filling the space between them with incandescent death. An immense assembly room, its thousand chairs empty save for one man gazing upon old-fashioned parchment. Seven bloody standards, all crossed over an empty throne. Ten thousand stars, all interconnected by highways of gleaming light.
"Exploration eventually gives way to expansion. Expansion leads to consolidation and, eventually, empire. As life moves throughout the galaxies and matures, so to do their ambitions grow. Whether through diplomacy or through violence, the fates of the stars slowly intertwine."
The final cluster is the most obvious, and yet the most ambiguous. It is in the shape of a galaxy, spiral arms clearly defined against the bright center and empty voids. It is glistening with light, at once serene and violent. On fire at the same time it shines like a diamond.
It is here that the true scale of some of these images hits you. The first is a planet, covered entirely in unending skyscrapers. It lies cracked in half like an eggshell while white leviathans fight amongst its moons. You see a star encircled by an immense ring of rock and metal and light. Obelisks the size of worlds drift slowly amongst the stars, caring not for the time of their journey, only the inevitability of their arrival. A black hole encapsulated by thirteen concentric rings, matter and light bending to the will of the universe while the rings remain still.
"The exploration of the unknown offers infinite possibilities to those civilizations which actively pursue them. The manner in which the fruits of that exploration are used however, offers far greater insight into the possibility you seek. Now, you must choose which of these existences to pursue. You may still return along the path from whence you came, but only once."
=\\//=
=\\//=
To which future do you reach?
[] The Star - Reach for youthful dynamism.
[] The Compass - Reach for adventure and discovery.
[] The Crown - Reach for empire and industry.
[] The Galaxy - Reach for knowledge and majesty.
[] Return (Can only pick once, choose another constellation)
=\\//=
Here we go. As usual, ask for any clarifications needed.
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3 - A Compass to guide your path
[X] The Compass - Reach for adventure and discovery
With one more effort, you reach out to The Compass. Again, you see the stars flowing towards you as you are pulled even further into the constellation. Your journey is far shorter this time, and soon you come to a halt.
For several moments, there is complete stillness as you float amongst the azure lights. Then, six of the multitude pulse brightly, before they come racing towards you. Your hand flies to your face to shield against the sudden brightness. After a few moments, it is over, and your hand falls away to reveal the six stars. They are close enough you can easily reach out to touch them. You can see images dancing clearly across their surfaces, no longer confined to the eye of your mind.
=\\//=
To which possibility do you reach?
[] The Familiar
[] The Remnant
[] The Fantastic Empire
[] The Peacekeepers
[] The Explorers
[] The Nomads
[] Reroll (Select a new group stars in The Compass, reduces number of choices to 3)
[] Return (Can only be taken once, choose another option from The Sapphire Constellation)
=\\//=
With one more effort, you reach out to The Compass. Again, you see the stars flowing towards you as you are pulled even further into the constellation. Your journey is far shorter this time, and soon you come to a halt.
For several moments, there is complete stillness as you float amongst the azure lights. Then, six of the multitude pulse brightly, before they come racing towards you. Your hand flies to your face to shield against the sudden brightness. After a few moments, it is over, and your hand falls away to reveal the six stars. They are close enough you can easily reach out to touch them. You can see images dancing clearly across their surfaces, no longer confined to the eye of your mind.
Hesitantly, you reach out towards the first of the six stars. It is covered in images of familiar flags, interspersed with dull grey starships passing each other in the void, weapons trained on one another in suspicion. A lavish party is the next scene, the partygoers laugh through their revelry as soldiers clash outside of the windows. Finally, you see people in suits moving pieces on a chessboard, Cheshire grins on their faces.
"When our ancestors looked up at the stars, they often imagined a world where we had all banded together. Petty differences and outdated nationalism abandoned in the name of a common humanity. Science and progress have jumped leaps and bounds, but human nature is a far more resilient thing."
"When we finally made it to the stars, we brought our grudges and suspicions with us. Nations established new borders and flew new flags, but the principles remain unchanged. There is some comfort in this though; it proves we are by far stubborn enough to survive any challenge the cosmos can throw our way."
"When we finally made it to the stars, we brought our grudges and suspicions with us. Nations established new borders and flew new flags, but the principles remain unchanged. There is some comfort in this though; it proves we are by far stubborn enough to survive any challenge the cosmos can throw our way."
The second star shows a multitude of smaller spacecraft, their hulls painted in a myriad of bright colors. They are flitting to and from a bone white space station, like a school of fish around a whale. You can see a starship landing on a dusty field, traders meeting underneath the shade of its hull. Finally, a metal skeleton surrounded by tiny machines, carving parts from it like a great ruin slowly being fed upon by carrion birds."I can only imagine what people must have felt when the gate network failed all those decades ago. It must have felt like the end of the universe, being suddenly cut off from everything and everyone. Still, civilization is a resilient thing. People from every corner slowly got back on their feet, banded together to pick up the pieces of the old worlds."
"Sure, things aren't the same as they were in the history books. Life is a bit harder, things a bit smaller, the galaxy quite a bit bigger. That doesn't stop life from finding a way though. And maybe, one day, we'll reach heights even the people in those histories never could."
"Sure, things aren't the same as they were in the history books. Life is a bit harder, things a bit smaller, the galaxy quite a bit bigger. That doesn't stop life from finding a way though. And maybe, one day, we'll reach heights even the people in those histories never could."
You turn towards the third star, only to be confronted with an image out of a fantasy. Unlike the space craft of the two previous scenes, the ones in this vision look like old-fashion wooden ships which decided to take to the heavens, their hulls surrounded by rings of blazing light. You see men adorned in fanciful costume planting their flag upon scores of worlds, claiming all they can see."The Empire was amongst the first to discover the properties of the Luminous Aether, and with it, the possibility of leaving our home for new worlds. We have travelled the Empyrean Currents, bringing the light of civilization to all corners of the cosmos. This obligation is not without challenge, but the might and courage of the Imperial Navy have carried the day without fail."
"The engines of our industry and knowledge continue to derive new wonders for our people. The governors and magistrates ensure that our trading companies provide unchallenged prosperity, while the aegis of Her Majesty's armies keeps them from harm. Suns beyond counting now shine down upon our Empire, and by the grace of Queen and Country they shall never set."
"The engines of our industry and knowledge continue to derive new wonders for our people. The governors and magistrates ensure that our trading companies provide unchallenged prosperity, while the aegis of Her Majesty's armies keeps them from harm. Suns beyond counting now shine down upon our Empire, and by the grace of Queen and Country they shall never set."
Your fourth selection shows a lone starship sailing into the unknown, silhouette of a blue planet painted on its hull. That is quickly replaced by a squadron of ships warring against an unseen enemy, the same emblem on their hulls. The next scene is that of a parade under a violet sky. You can see a great mass of unknown beings lining the street, their features blurry beyond recognition. The subjects of the parade however, visibly bask in the favor of the crowd. Finally, you observe six figures standing under a banner, their hands grasped in friendship as flashbulbs glitter in the foreground.
"Was our intervention against the Vion politically motivated? 'Course it was, you don't mobilize millions of men just because it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. We were the new kids on the block, and committing ourselves helped buy what could be decades of good will and favorable concessions."
"Still, it wasn't all politics. The UE had a moral obligation to intervene as well. We saved millions of sapient beings in the Rift Worlds from death or occupation. And at the end of the war, as we stood amongst our allies and celebrated a hard won peace, I could look around and know they'd have done the same for any of us. We're the big kids on the block now, and if there's one lesson that still holds true, it's talk softly and carry a big stick."
"Still, it wasn't all politics. The UE had a moral obligation to intervene as well. We saved millions of sapient beings in the Rift Worlds from death or occupation. And at the end of the war, as we stood amongst our allies and celebrated a hard won peace, I could look around and know they'd have done the same for any of us. We're the big kids on the block now, and if there's one lesson that still holds true, it's talk softly and carry a big stick."
Continuing onwards, you find yourself staring at the image of a sleek white vessel gracefully hovering over the desolate surface of an alien world. The scene skips, and you now see the saucer landed. Two people stand on the edge of a mountain, surveying the land below. Unlike the third star, this image does not feel like one of conquest, but rather exploration. The ship hovers back up into the sky, leaving the site of its departure pristine.
"To think it's only been fifty-five years since all this started. Barely half a century and over seventy species join together to explore the stars. Not through violence or intimidation, but diplomacy and negotiation. A feat that none of the old empires could have accomplished."
"As we look forward to this final frontier we must remember the principles our great union was founded upon. Our fleets are tools of discovery, not imperialism. They are not meant to start wars, but to prevent them. So long as we continue to adhere to these principles, we will continue to boldly go into the unknown."
"As we look forward to this final frontier we must remember the principles our great union was founded upon. Our fleets are tools of discovery, not imperialism. They are not meant to start wars, but to prevent them. So long as we continue to adhere to these principles, we will continue to boldly go into the unknown."
The final star shows you an image of a burning world. You can just make out the shape of familiar continents through the enormous clouds of dust and ash. Next, you see a great starship, far larger than any previous, taking to the stars with great fanfare. That same ship is now accompanied into the void by many others, while onboard you see life continue much like any city you've ever seen. The final scenes are only subtly different, the same ship silhouetted in front of numerous stars, always searching for a final destination."Do I think we'd still be out here if The Starfall hadn't happened? Well, yeah. I mean, how could you not want to be out here? There are wonders the people back on The Homeworld could scarcely imagine, and we see them every day. It probably would have taken longer, and there wouldn't be as many of us, but we would be here."
"There was a man, I don't remember who, that said human history was a timeline of exploration. Whoever said that was wise beyond their time. Starfall taught us some hard lessons, but we can't let the loss of our home prevent us from appreciating the majesty of the cosmos, even as we search for a new place among the heavens."
"There was a man, I don't remember who, that said human history was a timeline of exploration. Whoever said that was wise beyond their time. Starfall taught us some hard lessons, but we can't let the loss of our home prevent us from appreciating the majesty of the cosmos, even as we search for a new place among the heavens."
=\\//=
[] The Familiar
[] The Remnant
[] The Fantastic Empire
[] The Peacekeepers
[] The Explorers
[] The Nomads
[] Reroll (Select a new group stars in The Compass, reduces number of choices to 3)
[] Return (Can only be taken once, choose another option from The Sapphire Constellation)
=\\//=
And so, two years and hundreds of threads apart, we end at the same destination. Given the magnitude of the decision, I'll try to be pretty liberal with answers if there are questions about any of the options.
4 - Welcome to Atlas!
[X] The Familiar
Overhead, without any fuss, the stars were going out.
One by one, the stars you had travelled among winked back into the void, forming an advancing wave of darkness that was quickly closing on you from all sides. Flinching back, you desperately clutched at the star you had chosen, huddling as close as possible in the absence of gravity. Then it's gone, and you are alone in the darkness.
Wordlessly, you scream into the endless night.
Then, in the space between eye blinks, you find yourself surrounded by light. Blinded by the sudden change in illumination, you flinch back in surprise. Or rather, you would have, had not gravity decided to suddenly make itself known. Your foot catches on something hard, sending you falling backwards. Instead of the void you had expected, you grunt as your shoulder and arm bang into something hard before you land harshly on your back.
As you lay there, easing the pain in your back and blinking the spots from your eyes, you wonder. Was this all some kind of dream? Did you simply fall asleep here and imagine it all? Finally, the spots clear, and you find yourself staring up at actinic glare of overhead lights. Rolling onto your side, you find yourself face to face with the source of your rapidly bruising arm: a vending machine. Unamused, you glare at the offending machine. Its response is nonplussed.
After a few more seconds of expressing your frustration, you manage to pull yourself off the floor. You're in the middle of a hallway, windows on one side, gently curving upwards at both ends. Wait, if the hallway curved like that, this meant…
All previous concerns abandoned, you dash across the hallway to get to the nearest window, eyes wide in excitement.
You're in space, you're actually in space!
Below you, slowly spinning in your vision is a blue green world; unfamiliar continents and glittering oceans under swirling clouds. It's clear this isn't Earth. It is beautiful however. You can't quite stop yourself from hopping up and down a bit in excitement.
Eventually, you're able to pull your gaze from the planet below to focus on the sights a bit closer to you. You can see the ring of the space station gently curving off in both directions. Crouching down, you can make out a sleek spaceplane at the very edge of the visible curve, its nose embedded into the station wall. Meanwhile, looking outwards lets you see two clusters of flickering lights. Too close and inconstant to be stars, they're likely other space stations or ships.
"!"
You start slightly as a series of friendly chimes echo around you.
"Welcome to Von Braun Station, your gateway to the stars!"
The voice that follows is far too jovial for your taste, like something from a bad late night infomercial.
"It is currently 10:30 station time on error, date not found. The next outbound flight to all destinations is scheduled to depart from gate three. All passengers please make your way to the gate at this time. Thank you for visiting Von Braun Station."
Well, better than just standing around you guess. Glancing up at the ceiling signs for directions, you make your way towards the gates. Really, were it not for the illusion that you're constantly walking uphill, this place would be pretty mundane. At least, it would if there were any people around.
The next few minutes of walking slowly carry you around the station, only the distant hum of machinery for company. Soon though, you come upon your destination; an airlock door adjacent to a small counter, surrounded by rows of low chairs and benches. As you close on the seating area, a screen near the door flickers to life.
"Welcome to Atlas! As one of the most populated colonies in known space, Atlas serves as a hub of trade and industry on the Spinward Arm. Atlas also has the most diverse ecosystem discovered outside Earth, and is home to many natural and botanical wonders. There's always something to see or do, whether it's cosmopolitan adventures or life and death struggle, Atlas has something for everyone. The nearly sixty million people who call this planet home hail from many nations, but no matter where your planetside travels take you, we'll be happy to make you feel right at home."
The screens play what looks like a small tourist advertisement as you walk up to the gate desk, alternating between shots of expansive natural vistas and towering cityscapes. Sitting on it are three old fashioned paper boarding passes.
"Attention passengers, flight 1103 will be departing for Atlas soon. Please choose your destination and prepare to board. Travelers should note that this flight will also determine your chosen Exemplar."
The screen looks like it has updated itself to display another video. This one shows a cityscape dominated by three massive towers, surrounded by a grassy plain. This is followed by a close-up of three blocky starships in close formation; their gunmetal grey hulls unadorned save for unobtrusive white numbers on their flanks.
"Even now, the United States of America remains one of the world's largest military and economic powers, and nowhere can that be better seen than Kennedy City. As the largest and oldest offworld colony of any nation on Atlas, Kennedy has been at the forefront of the planet's economic development, in addition to continued exploration of the Spinward Arm. It's also home to the carrier Midway and the 3rd fleet of the United States Stellar Navy, a powerful force projection group responsible for securing American interests in the region."
The film has continued onwards. Now it shows a far more arctic clime, light snowfall blanketing itself over wide streets as smoke rises from factories in the distance.
"While no longer amongst the premier three spacefaring powers, the European Union remains a strong economic power. The colony of Hoffnung is the most recently established on Atlas, founded jointly by the German and French governments with the intention of exploiting natural resource deposits recently discovered on the planet's southern latitudes. While smaller than its neighbors, Hoffnung's high industrial potential has ensured that the EU has deployed the 12th escadron spatial to guard the colony, in addition to a sizeable ground forces contingent. Travelers are advised to stay clear of areas disputed by America and the EU for their safety."
The next clip also shows a colony, but a far more pastoral one. Deep blue waves crest against white cliffs while the camera pans up on boundless fields of grain, buildings dimly visible in the distance.
"New Carthage is the only offworld colony of the Carthaginian League, a smaller multinational bloc formed by the nations of Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Founded as a prestige program just a few years after Kennedy, it is focused primarily on agricultural and biotech developments, in addition to a booming tourism industry. As befitting its importance to the Carthaginian League, a significant portion of the League's meagre space force is stationed on the planet. In an excellent show of international cooperation, they engage in a disproportionately high percentage of the region's anti-piracy patrols."
As soon as the final clip has played, the screen cuts off abruptly. With a sharp hiss of compressed air, the airlock door to your side swings open, the corridor beyond passing into and out of shadow as lights within flicker on.
"Attention passengers, flight 1103 has begun boarding. Please present your boarding pass and prepare for departure."
[] Kennedy
[] Hoffnung
[] New Carthage
As usual, please ask away. You never know what kind of information you might get.
=\\//=
Decision made, you enclose your hand around the final star you were given. You hold this position for what feels like an eternity, expecting the same flowing sensation as the previous two times you were forced to make a decision. You finally turn your attention away from your closed fist, looking for clues in the void around you. Something looked different. Squinting at the stars above for a second, you finally see it.
Overhead, without any fuss, the stars were going out.
One by one, the stars you had travelled among winked back into the void, forming an advancing wave of darkness that was quickly closing on you from all sides. Flinching back, you desperately clutched at the star you had chosen, huddling as close as possible in the absence of gravity. Then it's gone, and you are alone in the darkness.
Wordlessly, you scream into the endless night.
=\\//=
You're not sure how long you've been floating here. Maybe it's been days, maybe seconds, maybe an eternity. The darkness makes it impossible to tell. Regardless, you're not sure how much more you can take.
Then, in the space between eye blinks, you find yourself surrounded by light. Blinded by the sudden change in illumination, you flinch back in surprise. Or rather, you would have, had not gravity decided to suddenly make itself known. Your foot catches on something hard, sending you falling backwards. Instead of the void you had expected, you grunt as your shoulder and arm bang into something hard before you land harshly on your back.
As you lay there, easing the pain in your back and blinking the spots from your eyes, you wonder. Was this all some kind of dream? Did you simply fall asleep here and imagine it all? Finally, the spots clear, and you find yourself staring up at actinic glare of overhead lights. Rolling onto your side, you find yourself face to face with the source of your rapidly bruising arm: a vending machine. Unamused, you glare at the offending machine. Its response is nonplussed.
After a few more seconds of expressing your frustration, you manage to pull yourself off the floor. You're in the middle of a hallway, windows on one side, gently curving upwards at both ends. Wait, if the hallway curved like that, this meant…
All previous concerns abandoned, you dash across the hallway to get to the nearest window, eyes wide in excitement.
You're in space, you're actually in space!
Below you, slowly spinning in your vision is a blue green world; unfamiliar continents and glittering oceans under swirling clouds. It's clear this isn't Earth. It is beautiful however. You can't quite stop yourself from hopping up and down a bit in excitement.
Eventually, you're able to pull your gaze from the planet below to focus on the sights a bit closer to you. You can see the ring of the space station gently curving off in both directions. Crouching down, you can make out a sleek spaceplane at the very edge of the visible curve, its nose embedded into the station wall. Meanwhile, looking outwards lets you see two clusters of flickering lights. Too close and inconstant to be stars, they're likely other space stations or ships.
"!"
You start slightly as a series of friendly chimes echo around you.
"Welcome to Von Braun Station, your gateway to the stars!"
The voice that follows is far too jovial for your taste, like something from a bad late night infomercial.
"It is currently 10:30 station time on error, date not found. The next outbound flight to all destinations is scheduled to depart from gate three. All passengers please make your way to the gate at this time. Thank you for visiting Von Braun Station."
Well, better than just standing around you guess. Glancing up at the ceiling signs for directions, you make your way towards the gates. Really, were it not for the illusion that you're constantly walking uphill, this place would be pretty mundane. At least, it would if there were any people around.
The next few minutes of walking slowly carry you around the station, only the distant hum of machinery for company. Soon though, you come upon your destination; an airlock door adjacent to a small counter, surrounded by rows of low chairs and benches. As you close on the seating area, a screen near the door flickers to life.
"Welcome to Atlas! As one of the most populated colonies in known space, Atlas serves as a hub of trade and industry on the Spinward Arm. Atlas also has the most diverse ecosystem discovered outside Earth, and is home to many natural and botanical wonders. There's always something to see or do, whether it's cosmopolitan adventures or life and death struggle, Atlas has something for everyone. The nearly sixty million people who call this planet home hail from many nations, but no matter where your planetside travels take you, we'll be happy to make you feel right at home."
The screens play what looks like a small tourist advertisement as you walk up to the gate desk, alternating between shots of expansive natural vistas and towering cityscapes. Sitting on it are three old fashioned paper boarding passes.
"Attention passengers, flight 1103 will be departing for Atlas soon. Please choose your destination and prepare to board. Travelers should note that this flight will also determine your chosen Exemplar."
The screen looks like it has updated itself to display another video. This one shows a cityscape dominated by three massive towers, surrounded by a grassy plain. This is followed by a close-up of three blocky starships in close formation; their gunmetal grey hulls unadorned save for unobtrusive white numbers on their flanks.
"Even now, the United States of America remains one of the world's largest military and economic powers, and nowhere can that be better seen than Kennedy City. As the largest and oldest offworld colony of any nation on Atlas, Kennedy has been at the forefront of the planet's economic development, in addition to continued exploration of the Spinward Arm. It's also home to the carrier Midway and the 3rd fleet of the United States Stellar Navy, a powerful force projection group responsible for securing American interests in the region."
The film has continued onwards. Now it shows a far more arctic clime, light snowfall blanketing itself over wide streets as smoke rises from factories in the distance.
"While no longer amongst the premier three spacefaring powers, the European Union remains a strong economic power. The colony of Hoffnung is the most recently established on Atlas, founded jointly by the German and French governments with the intention of exploiting natural resource deposits recently discovered on the planet's southern latitudes. While smaller than its neighbors, Hoffnung's high industrial potential has ensured that the EU has deployed the 12th escadron spatial to guard the colony, in addition to a sizeable ground forces contingent. Travelers are advised to stay clear of areas disputed by America and the EU for their safety."
The next clip also shows a colony, but a far more pastoral one. Deep blue waves crest against white cliffs while the camera pans up on boundless fields of grain, buildings dimly visible in the distance.
"New Carthage is the only offworld colony of the Carthaginian League, a smaller multinational bloc formed by the nations of Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Founded as a prestige program just a few years after Kennedy, it is focused primarily on agricultural and biotech developments, in addition to a booming tourism industry. As befitting its importance to the Carthaginian League, a significant portion of the League's meagre space force is stationed on the planet. In an excellent show of international cooperation, they engage in a disproportionately high percentage of the region's anti-piracy patrols."
As soon as the final clip has played, the screen cuts off abruptly. With a sharp hiss of compressed air, the airlock door to your side swings open, the corridor beyond passing into and out of shadow as lights within flicker on.
"Attention passengers, flight 1103 has begun boarding. Please present your boarding pass and prepare for departure."
=\\//=
Which boarding pass do you take?
[] Kennedy
[] Hoffnung
[] New Carthage
=\\//=
So, here we go. As a brief clarification, you'll get all of the forces described above for your campaign. What this vote indicates is both the colony city where you start off and which nation your Exemplar will come from. While the rules of the war will be explained in detail next post, an Exemplar is your hero unit. Think of them like a servant from Fate/Stay Night – a person capable of performing far in excess of their peers.
As usual, please ask away. You never know what kind of information you might get.
Space combat doctrine comparison (Atlas)
Keeping this vote out until tomorrow, although the current vote count does have a strong favorite. Currently, the EU colony of Hoffnung leads 5-2-2.
I was planning to save this until the next update, but here is a high level overview of the space combat doctrines of all three navies deployed around Atlas, in case it provides any insight.
I'll try to keep extract content like this coming at a fairly regular basis.
United States Stellar Navy:
Similar to its old wet navy doctrine, the USSN centers its operational doctrine around the carrier battlegroup, or CBG. Centered on one or more dedicated carriers, these formations focus on the use of FTL capable small craft as their primary strike elements, with a multi-layered defensive sphere surrounding the carrier.
The outermost layer consists of a combat air patrol and other screening destroyers and frigates. In addition to providing the outermost layer of detection, these craft may engage hostile forces either using their own weapons or by acting to direct the FTL anti-ship missiles launched from deeper in the formation. The second layer of defense is the powerful cruisers escorting the carrier. While far fewer in number, these ships carry powerful missile batteries and sophisticated targeting systems to enable standoff engagement. Finally, the carrier itself is equipped with a series of counter missiles and laser emitters for self-defense. However, most enemies are eliminated long before they enter active detection range of the carrier.
From an offensive perspective, doctrine emphasizes leveraging the USSNs technological advantages, especially in strike craft and sensor technology, to eliminate threats from standoff ranges. To this end, FTL strike craft are the primary offensive element. Fighter squadrons will jump into combat ranges and then either attack directly or act as terminal guidance for volleys of ASM(F)s launched from the battlegroup's capital ships.
As might be inferred from the above, most USSN ships are specialists, focusing on one task almost to the exclusion of all others. While this means that their ships are often superior to their peers, it also means that effective utilization of USSN resources depends on careful intelligence and planning, as well as good command of the fleet's logistical train. Their high performance strike craft also require higher amounts of maintenance when compared to their EU and CL peers.
European Space Command:
Lacking the sheer numerical or technological advantages of the USSN, the European Space Command instead emphasizes reliable multirole spacecraft employed under a decisive battle doctrine. This is primarily due to the distribution of EU extrasolar colonies, which are more widely distributed across the arms of human expansion than their peers. Accordingly, simple logistic matters make it more difficult to assemble the concentrated strike groups their competitors favor. This led to the focus on multirole spacecraft, instead of specialized carriers and EW platforms, for example.
The prototypical ESC squadron is centered on one or more through deck cruisers. While possessed of far less carrying capacity than a USSN carrier, a cruiser is far more capable of defending itself directly. The cruiser is then screened by a collection of destroyers and frigates, with the strike craft operating directly with these escorts instead of in another layer. Under this doctrine, most frigates carry some selection of small craft as well, with a squadron spread across the task group instead of being stationed on a single ship.
Offensively, ESC doctrine emphasizes bold and decisive engagements utilizing the particular performance advantages of their spacecraft design. ESC ASM(F)s lack in range and warhead power compared to their counterparts, but make it up with some of the fastest FTL drives available on a missile. Under optimal conditions, ESC cruisers will launch missiles from standoff range before closing in a series of slashing attacks with laser and coilguns, using their strike craft as supplemental attack vectors. Ideal timing has the fleet elements arrive on a different vector compared to the missile strike to divide and defeat hostile interception in detail. Frigates act as screening elements for the task group, engaging and defeating enemy escorts and strike craft.
In comparison to the USSN, the ESC places their primary squadron elements at far greater risk during a strike action, but can be devastating if able to claim the initiative. They also have a lower logistical burden than their main competitors on Atlas, thanks to most ships being designed around the possibility of independent action.
Carthaginian League Space Navy:
In comparison to both the USSN and the ESC, the Carthaginian League Space Navy has a significantly different operational focus. With New Carthage being the League's only colony outside the Sol system, the CLSN is primarily concerned with securing trade routes between Sol and Atlas. The procurement choices made by this navy strongly reflect this mission.
Unlike the other two navies operating from Atlas, the CLSN does not operate any elements heavier than a frigate. In addition, most of their craft are not domestically manufactured, but instead procured from other powers. Their frigates are earlier generation Japanese models, while Russian MIGs provide their long range interceptors. The only domestically produced crafts are a variety of mid-range cutter/SWAC craft, along with some domestically developed strike craft.
What this means doctrinally is that the CLSN is primarily a convoy escort and raiding force. The most typical operation deployment is making use of a tender to extend the range of their frigates and interceptors as they follow in close protection of civilian shipping. Should New Carthage be attacked, the CLSN would deny a decisive engagement as able. Instead, they would attempt to harass hostile shipping and logistics until their allies become able to intervene. Meanwhile, ground based strike craft will attempt to harass any interface and landing efforts. The only hampering factor in this plan is that no CLSN craft are equipped with ASM(F)s.
One interesting note is that, with the exception of their fuel tenders, all CLSN craft were deliberately procured as interface capable. This greatly simplifies maintenance on the frontier, as work can often be done in shirtsleeves on a planetary surface. It also helps with anti-piracy activities, as CLSN craft can covertly deposit teams of ground forces on planetary surfaces to intervene against pirate bases directly. Another advantage of this operational focus is that the CLSN is by far the most experienced force on Atlas in terms of operational deployment time and awareness of the astrography near the system.
I was planning to save this until the next update, but here is a high level overview of the space combat doctrines of all three navies deployed around Atlas, in case it provides any insight.
I'll try to keep extract content like this coming at a fairly regular basis.
=\\//=
Space Combat Doctrines (Atlas - High Level):
United States Stellar Navy:
Similar to its old wet navy doctrine, the USSN centers its operational doctrine around the carrier battlegroup, or CBG. Centered on one or more dedicated carriers, these formations focus on the use of FTL capable small craft as their primary strike elements, with a multi-layered defensive sphere surrounding the carrier.
The outermost layer consists of a combat air patrol and other screening destroyers and frigates. In addition to providing the outermost layer of detection, these craft may engage hostile forces either using their own weapons or by acting to direct the FTL anti-ship missiles launched from deeper in the formation. The second layer of defense is the powerful cruisers escorting the carrier. While far fewer in number, these ships carry powerful missile batteries and sophisticated targeting systems to enable standoff engagement. Finally, the carrier itself is equipped with a series of counter missiles and laser emitters for self-defense. However, most enemies are eliminated long before they enter active detection range of the carrier.
From an offensive perspective, doctrine emphasizes leveraging the USSNs technological advantages, especially in strike craft and sensor technology, to eliminate threats from standoff ranges. To this end, FTL strike craft are the primary offensive element. Fighter squadrons will jump into combat ranges and then either attack directly or act as terminal guidance for volleys of ASM(F)s launched from the battlegroup's capital ships.
As might be inferred from the above, most USSN ships are specialists, focusing on one task almost to the exclusion of all others. While this means that their ships are often superior to their peers, it also means that effective utilization of USSN resources depends on careful intelligence and planning, as well as good command of the fleet's logistical train. Their high performance strike craft also require higher amounts of maintenance when compared to their EU and CL peers.
=\\//=
European Space Command:
Lacking the sheer numerical or technological advantages of the USSN, the European Space Command instead emphasizes reliable multirole spacecraft employed under a decisive battle doctrine. This is primarily due to the distribution of EU extrasolar colonies, which are more widely distributed across the arms of human expansion than their peers. Accordingly, simple logistic matters make it more difficult to assemble the concentrated strike groups their competitors favor. This led to the focus on multirole spacecraft, instead of specialized carriers and EW platforms, for example.
The prototypical ESC squadron is centered on one or more through deck cruisers. While possessed of far less carrying capacity than a USSN carrier, a cruiser is far more capable of defending itself directly. The cruiser is then screened by a collection of destroyers and frigates, with the strike craft operating directly with these escorts instead of in another layer. Under this doctrine, most frigates carry some selection of small craft as well, with a squadron spread across the task group instead of being stationed on a single ship.
Offensively, ESC doctrine emphasizes bold and decisive engagements utilizing the particular performance advantages of their spacecraft design. ESC ASM(F)s lack in range and warhead power compared to their counterparts, but make it up with some of the fastest FTL drives available on a missile. Under optimal conditions, ESC cruisers will launch missiles from standoff range before closing in a series of slashing attacks with laser and coilguns, using their strike craft as supplemental attack vectors. Ideal timing has the fleet elements arrive on a different vector compared to the missile strike to divide and defeat hostile interception in detail. Frigates act as screening elements for the task group, engaging and defeating enemy escorts and strike craft.
In comparison to the USSN, the ESC places their primary squadron elements at far greater risk during a strike action, but can be devastating if able to claim the initiative. They also have a lower logistical burden than their main competitors on Atlas, thanks to most ships being designed around the possibility of independent action.
=\\//=
Carthaginian League Space Navy:
In comparison to both the USSN and the ESC, the Carthaginian League Space Navy has a significantly different operational focus. With New Carthage being the League's only colony outside the Sol system, the CLSN is primarily concerned with securing trade routes between Sol and Atlas. The procurement choices made by this navy strongly reflect this mission.
Unlike the other two navies operating from Atlas, the CLSN does not operate any elements heavier than a frigate. In addition, most of their craft are not domestically manufactured, but instead procured from other powers. Their frigates are earlier generation Japanese models, while Russian MIGs provide their long range interceptors. The only domestically produced crafts are a variety of mid-range cutter/SWAC craft, along with some domestically developed strike craft.
What this means doctrinally is that the CLSN is primarily a convoy escort and raiding force. The most typical operation deployment is making use of a tender to extend the range of their frigates and interceptors as they follow in close protection of civilian shipping. Should New Carthage be attacked, the CLSN would deny a decisive engagement as able. Instead, they would attempt to harass hostile shipping and logistics until their allies become able to intervene. Meanwhile, ground based strike craft will attempt to harass any interface and landing efforts. The only hampering factor in this plan is that no CLSN craft are equipped with ASM(F)s.
One interesting note is that, with the exception of their fuel tenders, all CLSN craft were deliberately procured as interface capable. This greatly simplifies maintenance on the frontier, as work can often be done in shirtsleeves on a planetary surface. It also helps with anti-piracy activities, as CLSN craft can covertly deposit teams of ground forces on planetary surfaces to intervene against pirate bases directly. Another advantage of this operational focus is that the CLSN is by far the most experienced force on Atlas in terms of operational deployment time and awareness of the astrography near the system.
5 - Landfall at Hoffnung
[X] Hoffnung
Ducking ever so slightly as you enter the cabin, you find yourself face to face with a set of plush leather seats, removed from subsequent narrower rows by a thin divider. Some things never change it seems. Still, you think as you take a seat in the front row, no reason you can't treat yourself to a first class flight. No sooner do you sit down than the door closes with a dull hiss.
"Attention passengers," the intercom plays, "welcome aboard Lufthansa flight 1103, with descent service to Hoffnung. We'll be departing momentarily, so please fasten your seatbelts and secure any loose items prior to undocking."
You quickly fasten your restraints, a dull thud reverberating throughout the cabin as you do so. Seconds later, you push slightly against your restraints as your limbs and hair begins to float about. It only takes a second to realize what is happening as your wave your arms about, smile on your face. This is zero gravity; amazing.
Still, the sensation only lasts a moment before you're pushed back into your seat by the force of the spaceplane's acceleration.
"We are now beginning our final orbit and descent into Hoffnung. Our expected flight time is one hour and four minutes."
You spend every minute of the descent staring out of the window. Eventually, the silent serenity of orbit was replaced with the turbulence and fire of an atmospheric entry.
It's only a moment later that the spaceplane reaches a final stop, the hiss of the opening cabin door accompanied by the seatbelt icon flickering off your only indications to leave.
Hesitantly, you pace down the jetway. You've not encountered another living soul since you first awoke, and you barely know what you're supposed to be doing here. How could anyone? You slowly push the door to the terminal open.
You freeze as soon as you cross the threshold. Just outside are a dozen figures in mottled blue fatigues, rifles aimed in the direction of the door. While none are pointed directly at you, several of the soldiers give you looks that could certainly substitute for a bullet. And so, unsure of what to do, you stand frozen in the doorway.
The stalemate continues for what feels like eternity until it's interrupted by a lilting laughter. From behind the formation, you can see another figure step forwards, this one unarmed. A brown haired woman, dressed in the same fatigues as the others. You can make out alternating silver and gold lines on her shoulders, and a nametag reading Cabiro on her right pocket.
"Colonel," one of the soldiers reaches to stop her, only for her to brush past with one arm as she strides towards you. You step back slightly as she comes to a stop scant inches from you. Her hand comes up to delicately stroke the side of your face, fingers sliding down under your chin.
"To think, all of this trouble for a kid. And here I was ready to level the entire spaceport trying to kill whatever came off that shuttle." She smiles, "Still, maybe I should have you shot, just in case that would end this insanity."
You stand stock still, thoughts of "please don't shoot me, please don't shoot me" echoing through your mind with growing intensity.
Cabiro tries and fails to suppress a chuckle as she pats your cheek twice. "Buck up kid. If I thought a bullet would have solved this mess we wouldn't be having a conversation." She turns back towards her men, two fingers raised to gesture you to follow. "Still, hearing you beg not to get shot is rather gratifying."
Of course you'd ended up saying that aloud. Still, you suppose there's nothing better to do than follow your supposed companions. Even if the six armed men that fall in behind you do anything but make you feel safe.
After a few minutes of brisk walking, you hustle through a pair of wide doors and find yourself facing a pair of six-wheeled APCs, pained in the same mottled blue as the camo your escort was wearing. Piling into the lead vehicle, you soon find yourself on the road. Directly across from you is Cabiro.
"Since you're obviously just as confused as any of us, perhaps we should compare knowledge. Yesterday, all of the usual night sky gets replaced with a brand new set of stars and a disembodied voice tells us that we're all part of some deranged competition. Sound familiar?"
Taking your nod as assent, she continues.
"After that, we're told that some kind of leader would be sent, and that we can't win without trusting them." Her expression shifts to a critical glance, "You look more like a college student than some great general though."
"Sorry to disappoint," you shoot back, causing her lips to lift in a slight smile.
"See, you even have the attitude down. Of course, that's all assuming that this isn't some American trick like Konrad's been claiming." She sighs, "I'm surprised that he and the Yanks haven't started shooting each other up in orbit with all of the accusations being thrown around."
"Still, I'll trust you for the moment, if only because yesterday I was thirty light years away trying to enjoy my leave. And I doubt you or the Americans have managed to invent teleportation in the last two days."
"So," you ask, "what now?"
Cabiro responds by lifting a tablet out of her fatigues, glancing down at it for a second.
"We could start by heading to the governor's mansion. With all that's happened, the civilian population is starting to panic, and many of the locals are gathering there."
"The planetary defense command is another option. It was pretty tense when I left for the spaceport, and it would be a bloodbath if those two idiots started a fight in low orbit. We could call the Carthaginians from there as well, try and…"
Any further discussion is interrupted by a distinct growling from your stomach, eliciting a brief chuckle from both Cabiro and some of her troops.
"Or, since I suppose the world isn't going to go even more insane in the next hour, and since you haven't looked at ease since the second I laid eyes on you. Maybe lunch on me would make up for holding you at gunpoint?"
[] The Governor's Mansion
[] ESC command
[] Lunch
[] Write-In
=\\//=
With purpose, you grab the middle boarding pass as you stride into the airlock. Making your way down the corridor gives you your first good look at the waiting spaceplane: a sleek white bird marred only by a great black "Lufthansa" emblazoned on its side. The boarding door at the end of the door stands open, beckoning you inside.
Ducking ever so slightly as you enter the cabin, you find yourself face to face with a set of plush leather seats, removed from subsequent narrower rows by a thin divider. Some things never change it seems. Still, you think as you take a seat in the front row, no reason you can't treat yourself to a first class flight. No sooner do you sit down than the door closes with a dull hiss.
"Attention passengers," the intercom plays, "welcome aboard Lufthansa flight 1103, with descent service to Hoffnung. We'll be departing momentarily, so please fasten your seatbelts and secure any loose items prior to undocking."
You quickly fasten your restraints, a dull thud reverberating throughout the cabin as you do so. Seconds later, you push slightly against your restraints as your limbs and hair begins to float about. It only takes a second to realize what is happening as your wave your arms about, smile on your face. This is zero gravity; amazing.
Still, the sensation only lasts a moment before you're pushed back into your seat by the force of the spaceplane's acceleration.
"We are now beginning our final orbit and descent into Hoffnung. Our expected flight time is one hour and four minutes."
You spend every minute of the descent staring out of the window. Eventually, the silent serenity of orbit was replaced with the turbulence and fire of an atmospheric entry.
=\\//=
It doesn't feel anywhere long enough before you finally lay your eyes on Hoffnung for the first time. From the sky it looks pretty quiet, a wide field of low sitting buildings amidst patches of slowly melting snow, nestled against the side of a mountain. You can just barely make out the factories in the distance before the jolt of landing takes your vision from the sight.
It's only a moment later that the spaceplane reaches a final stop, the hiss of the opening cabin door accompanied by the seatbelt icon flickering off your only indications to leave.
Hesitantly, you pace down the jetway. You've not encountered another living soul since you first awoke, and you barely know what you're supposed to be doing here. How could anyone? You slowly push the door to the terminal open.
You freeze as soon as you cross the threshold. Just outside are a dozen figures in mottled blue fatigues, rifles aimed in the direction of the door. While none are pointed directly at you, several of the soldiers give you looks that could certainly substitute for a bullet. And so, unsure of what to do, you stand frozen in the doorway.
The stalemate continues for what feels like eternity until it's interrupted by a lilting laughter. From behind the formation, you can see another figure step forwards, this one unarmed. A brown haired woman, dressed in the same fatigues as the others. You can make out alternating silver and gold lines on her shoulders, and a nametag reading Cabiro on her right pocket.
"Colonel," one of the soldiers reaches to stop her, only for her to brush past with one arm as she strides towards you. You step back slightly as she comes to a stop scant inches from you. Her hand comes up to delicately stroke the side of your face, fingers sliding down under your chin.
"To think, all of this trouble for a kid. And here I was ready to level the entire spaceport trying to kill whatever came off that shuttle." She smiles, "Still, maybe I should have you shot, just in case that would end this insanity."
You stand stock still, thoughts of "please don't shoot me, please don't shoot me" echoing through your mind with growing intensity.
Cabiro tries and fails to suppress a chuckle as she pats your cheek twice. "Buck up kid. If I thought a bullet would have solved this mess we wouldn't be having a conversation." She turns back towards her men, two fingers raised to gesture you to follow. "Still, hearing you beg not to get shot is rather gratifying."
Of course you'd ended up saying that aloud. Still, you suppose there's nothing better to do than follow your supposed companions. Even if the six armed men that fall in behind you do anything but make you feel safe.
After a few minutes of brisk walking, you hustle through a pair of wide doors and find yourself facing a pair of six-wheeled APCs, pained in the same mottled blue as the camo your escort was wearing. Piling into the lead vehicle, you soon find yourself on the road. Directly across from you is Cabiro.
"Since you're obviously just as confused as any of us, perhaps we should compare knowledge. Yesterday, all of the usual night sky gets replaced with a brand new set of stars and a disembodied voice tells us that we're all part of some deranged competition. Sound familiar?"
Taking your nod as assent, she continues.
"After that, we're told that some kind of leader would be sent, and that we can't win without trusting them." Her expression shifts to a critical glance, "You look more like a college student than some great general though."
"Sorry to disappoint," you shoot back, causing her lips to lift in a slight smile.
"See, you even have the attitude down. Of course, that's all assuming that this isn't some American trick like Konrad's been claiming." She sighs, "I'm surprised that he and the Yanks haven't started shooting each other up in orbit with all of the accusations being thrown around."
"Still, I'll trust you for the moment, if only because yesterday I was thirty light years away trying to enjoy my leave. And I doubt you or the Americans have managed to invent teleportation in the last two days."
"So," you ask, "what now?"
Cabiro responds by lifting a tablet out of her fatigues, glancing down at it for a second.
"We could start by heading to the governor's mansion. With all that's happened, the civilian population is starting to panic, and many of the locals are gathering there."
"The planetary defense command is another option. It was pretty tense when I left for the spaceport, and it would be a bloodbath if those two idiots started a fight in low orbit. We could call the Carthaginians from there as well, try and…"
Any further discussion is interrupted by a distinct growling from your stomach, eliciting a brief chuckle from both Cabiro and some of her troops.
"Or, since I suppose the world isn't going to go even more insane in the next hour, and since you haven't looked at ease since the second I laid eyes on you. Maybe lunch on me would make up for holding you at gunpoint?"
=\\//=
Where should you go?
[] The Governor's Mansion
[] ESC command
[] Lunch
[] Write-In
=\\//=
Can't say I'm incredibly satisfied with this, but procrastinating any more won't get things moving.
I'll follow this up with some more apocrypha, this time for the ESC in particular. In that vein, what types of background/fluff entries would you all find interesting? Some examples would include technical information (vehicles, tech, etc.), national and demographic details, or things like the biology and astrography of the Atlas system.
I'll follow this up with some more apocrypha, this time for the ESC in particular. In that vein, what types of background/fluff entries would you all find interesting? Some examples would include technical information (vehicles, tech, etc.), national and demographic details, or things like the biology and astrography of the Atlas system.
6 - Hoffnung Part 1
[X] ESC Command
"I think we should head to the defense facilities; try and stop things before they get out of hand."
Cabiro nods, "Sounds like a plan. Hopefully between you showing up out of nowhere and having a bit more time things have calmed down. Otherwise I'll have another try at talking some sense into the spacers."
She leans down slightly, hand over her ear, before you can feel the tilt of the APC making a hard turn.
Thankfully your isolation only lasts for a few minutes before the rear door of the transport lowers to the ground with a dull pneumatic hiss. Talking that as a cue to stand, you shiver slightly as you step into the chilly air.
"Keep up and follow me," the colonel claps your shoulder as she starts off towards one of the squat grey buildings at a brisk trot. As you fall in behind her, you take a moment to glance around. The buildings themselves are rather nondescript, almost prefabricated looking. It's the pale green, nearly teal grass that holds your attention until you're through the doors.
Two more sentries move to stop you on the other side of the door, armored in the same way as the soldiers you've seen already. Cabiro brushes them aside with a silent wave, her own men forming up in front you.
As you stalk down the bare corridors of the base, you can see the few uniformed personnel awkwardly dashing to escape the phalanx of troops in front of you. Their eyes briefly meet yours, no doubt curious as to the importance of their charge. This marks only the second time you've seen other people since landing on Atlas, and they're all soldiers.
So distracted you are trying to pay attention to everything that you nearly run headlong into Cabiro as she comes to a sudden halt. You've arrived in the base's command center. A vaulted room lined with prominent displays on five of its six walls, a dozen or so officers manning stations along the perimeter while a raised dais sits empty at its center.
"Put an orbital track on the central monitor – has the situation changed?" Your companion steps onto the center dais as a wireframe of the planet is projected in front of her. Atlas is surrounded by a myriad of colorful symbols, but two groups stand out to you. A cloud of blue diamonds and cubes is slowly closing on a sphere of similar icons, these colored brilliant crimson.
"Ma'am," one of the operators calls out, "Situation unchanged. Flottillenadmiral Werner's squadron is still on an intercept vector with the American station. Their formations will merge in less than five minutes."
You step onto the dais in time to catch Cabiro hissing in frustration. "Get them both on the line now, before someone decides to start shooting!" She passes you an earpiece at the same time. "And loop the Carthies as well."
Two of the other screens flash to life as you get your first look at the commanders of the two fleets in orbit. To your left is an impressively mustachioed man with intense green eyes. He's wearing the same uniform as the EU soldiers around you. The man on the right screen is visibly the older, with tanned complexion and greying hair cut close. He scowls into the camera.
"Eurocom, this had better be good," the American commander rumbles. "Your craft are already well within my defense perimeter, and we both know I cannot allow you to unilaterally dock with our station."
"Admiral Raines, Flottillenadmiral," Cabiro speaks up, "We met the shuttle from Von Braun on the tarmac." She gestures towards you. "This person was the only one on board. There were no pilots or crew, and as far as my men at the spaceport could tell, no tampering to the shuttle. I think they might be authentic."
"Preposterous!" The German officer cuts in. "I refuse to believe that some child could possibly have orchestrated this. What evidence can you claim?"
"Sir," Cabiro says, "we checked with Von Braun. No one saw them aboard the station or triggering the shuttle to launch. In addition, it seems doubtful they could have piloted it to the surface themselves."
"So you have nothing but hunches? I had thought better of you Emmanuelle," Werner retorts. "I can see that I will have to get to the bottom of this trickery myself. We will investigate the American station to confirm if they are involved."
"I cannot allow you to violate American sovereign space on mere hunches," the American admiral growls. "Besides, as impossible as it sounds, who's to say I shouldn't be suspecting your involvement in this? That shuttle did land in Hoffnung."
From your position on the command floor you can see Cabiro, Emmanuelle's, hands grip the railing ever tighter. The blips on the center display slowly inch closer, almost overlapping. You can feel a twisting in your stomach, wondering what to do.
"Sirs, please stand down," her tone is higher now, more frustrated, "There is no evidence that either of our nations caused this event, and any spacer can see a battle in low orbit will be a bloodbath."
"Status change," one of the operators calls out. "Transports have separated from the Westfalen. They are on a vector for rendezvous with the American base. Formation merge in three minutes at current."
"Damnit Konrad!" Cabiro slams her fist on the railing. "Stop this now, before you get yourself killed." Neither man answers her, both talking to figures off screen.
This isn't right, you think. You don't know how many people are up there, but they shouldn't lose their lives over you choosing this place. Another status change is called out from below.
"The American ships have gone emissions active. Their outer formation elements have begun interception burns. Targeting and data links from our fleet are coming in now. Merge in two minutes."
"Stop," you speak up. "There's nothing to be gained from this. We're all stuck here, and shooting at each other isn't going to change anything. Just stop this, please, and I'll explain what I can."
The American admiral just looks pensive, but your words appear to have piqued Werner as he swings back towards the camera.
"I have no time for the idle fantasies of some young fool with delusions of importance. I will find the answers I need up here, even if I have to take them."
The next few moments pass in silence as the American craft close on the ESC shuttles, slipping ever closer to the point of no return. Years of paranoia building towards a seemingly inevitable conclusion. The only sound comes from Cabiro as she sighs, turning her eyes from the monitors.
No. One more try.
"Admiral Werner." You muster all the authority you can find in your voice, a building pressure pushing on your head. "Stand down now."
He only scoffs, "Do not presume to command me, child."
The cry comes up from the command pit, "Missile launch!"
You don't know who fired, but it really doesn't matter. As the pressure in the back of your mind grows ever greater, you shout out one more time.
"You will stop!"
The pressure releases in a flood, and for a moment your eyes catch Werner's. They go glassy for a moment as he sits stock still, rigid as a board. When next he speaks it is in a dull monotone, all traces of the outrage from earlier absent. "All ships, come to zero relative to the American station and stand down."
The lone missile indicator disappears from the tracking board, self-destructed by whoever had ordered the launch. All eyes focus on you before Raines finally gives voice to their feelings.
"What the hell was that?"
"I. I don't know," you whisper as you're overcome by a feeling of weakness. Your legs quiver slightly as a wet sensation makes itself known on your upper lip. Idly, you raise two fingers to wipe at it. They come away covered in blood.
When next you look at the three officers, you can see the balance has changed. Raines is staring intently at you, like a bear eying a threat. Werner's produced a handkerchief and is slowly wiping sweat from his brow. Whatever you did has really unnerved him. Cabiro looks more contemplative than anything else, but you can see her drift backwards ever so slightly.
"Perhaps." Surprisingly, the German admiral is the first one to break the silence. "Perhaps this matter requires a more thorough assessment of our situation. Colonel, please see to determining a location. I'll leave the particulars to your discretion."
"Of course," Cabiro nods. "Admiral Raines, in the interest of international cooperation, will you plan to attend?"
The American just nods once before the video feed cuts out, joined shortly by that of his European counterpart. Your compatriot drops forwards to lean on the railing as soon as they're gone, a deep sigh escaping her lips. "Well," she says, "that could've gone better. Least it's over."
"Colonel," one of the operators interrupts, "Reports coming in from the city. A riot's broken out at the governor's mansion. Captain Daza is asking permission to suppress the rioters."
She just rolls her eyes at the news. "I brought that on myself, didn't I?"
"Yes," you agree, "you did. What now?"
"Well, now that Konrad and Raines are willing to talk, we should probably set up a meeting between all three nations planetside. We might want to choose a different locale though, since Hoffnung might give a bad impression after almost starting a war. The Carthies should agree to come as well, especially if they had a representative present for this."
"There's also the matter of whatever is going on in the city. If this gets out of hand, we could see the city in a bad way. Finally," she suddenly steps closer to you, arm flashing out to catch your wrist in a vice like grip. She lifts your bloody fingers to your face. "I'm no medic, but bleeding out your nose probably isn't a good sign. Especially with whatever black magic you just did."
You can't help but nod at her observation.
"So," she releases your arm, "What do you suggest?"
[] Prepare to meet the military and civilian leaders [specify location]
[]Delegate to Colonel Cabiro
=\\//=
Pausing for a moment, you glance past your companions at the unadorned wall of the APC. Hunger could come later, which left two problems to consider. While you were lacking in concrete information, your companion's frustrated exclamations seemed to indicate that the military situation was the more precarious. While you did not know what kinds of weapons these people wielded, internecine conflicts could only put you all at risk.
"I think we should head to the defense facilities; try and stop things before they get out of hand."
Cabiro nods, "Sounds like a plan. Hopefully between you showing up out of nowhere and having a bit more time things have calmed down. Otherwise I'll have another try at talking some sense into the spacers."
She leans down slightly, hand over her ear, before you can feel the tilt of the APC making a hard turn.
=\\//=
It's a quiet ride from there on, as the soldiers seem more preoccupied with checking their gear and communications than talking with you.
Thankfully your isolation only lasts for a few minutes before the rear door of the transport lowers to the ground with a dull pneumatic hiss. Talking that as a cue to stand, you shiver slightly as you step into the chilly air.
"Keep up and follow me," the colonel claps your shoulder as she starts off towards one of the squat grey buildings at a brisk trot. As you fall in behind her, you take a moment to glance around. The buildings themselves are rather nondescript, almost prefabricated looking. It's the pale green, nearly teal grass that holds your attention until you're through the doors.
Two more sentries move to stop you on the other side of the door, armored in the same way as the soldiers you've seen already. Cabiro brushes them aside with a silent wave, her own men forming up in front you.
As you stalk down the bare corridors of the base, you can see the few uniformed personnel awkwardly dashing to escape the phalanx of troops in front of you. Their eyes briefly meet yours, no doubt curious as to the importance of their charge. This marks only the second time you've seen other people since landing on Atlas, and they're all soldiers.
So distracted you are trying to pay attention to everything that you nearly run headlong into Cabiro as she comes to a sudden halt. You've arrived in the base's command center. A vaulted room lined with prominent displays on five of its six walls, a dozen or so officers manning stations along the perimeter while a raised dais sits empty at its center.
"Put an orbital track on the central monitor – has the situation changed?" Your companion steps onto the center dais as a wireframe of the planet is projected in front of her. Atlas is surrounded by a myriad of colorful symbols, but two groups stand out to you. A cloud of blue diamonds and cubes is slowly closing on a sphere of similar icons, these colored brilliant crimson.
"Ma'am," one of the operators calls out, "Situation unchanged. Flottillenadmiral Werner's squadron is still on an intercept vector with the American station. Their formations will merge in less than five minutes."
You step onto the dais in time to catch Cabiro hissing in frustration. "Get them both on the line now, before someone decides to start shooting!" She passes you an earpiece at the same time. "And loop the Carthies as well."
Two of the other screens flash to life as you get your first look at the commanders of the two fleets in orbit. To your left is an impressively mustachioed man with intense green eyes. He's wearing the same uniform as the EU soldiers around you. The man on the right screen is visibly the older, with tanned complexion and greying hair cut close. He scowls into the camera.
"Eurocom, this had better be good," the American commander rumbles. "Your craft are already well within my defense perimeter, and we both know I cannot allow you to unilaterally dock with our station."
"Admiral Raines, Flottillenadmiral," Cabiro speaks up, "We met the shuttle from Von Braun on the tarmac." She gestures towards you. "This person was the only one on board. There were no pilots or crew, and as far as my men at the spaceport could tell, no tampering to the shuttle. I think they might be authentic."
"Preposterous!" The German officer cuts in. "I refuse to believe that some child could possibly have orchestrated this. What evidence can you claim?"
"Sir," Cabiro says, "we checked with Von Braun. No one saw them aboard the station or triggering the shuttle to launch. In addition, it seems doubtful they could have piloted it to the surface themselves."
"So you have nothing but hunches? I had thought better of you Emmanuelle," Werner retorts. "I can see that I will have to get to the bottom of this trickery myself. We will investigate the American station to confirm if they are involved."
"I cannot allow you to violate American sovereign space on mere hunches," the American admiral growls. "Besides, as impossible as it sounds, who's to say I shouldn't be suspecting your involvement in this? That shuttle did land in Hoffnung."
From your position on the command floor you can see Cabiro, Emmanuelle's, hands grip the railing ever tighter. The blips on the center display slowly inch closer, almost overlapping. You can feel a twisting in your stomach, wondering what to do.
"Sirs, please stand down," her tone is higher now, more frustrated, "There is no evidence that either of our nations caused this event, and any spacer can see a battle in low orbit will be a bloodbath."
"Status change," one of the operators calls out. "Transports have separated from the Westfalen. They are on a vector for rendezvous with the American base. Formation merge in three minutes at current."
"Damnit Konrad!" Cabiro slams her fist on the railing. "Stop this now, before you get yourself killed." Neither man answers her, both talking to figures off screen.
This isn't right, you think. You don't know how many people are up there, but they shouldn't lose their lives over you choosing this place. Another status change is called out from below.
"The American ships have gone emissions active. Their outer formation elements have begun interception burns. Targeting and data links from our fleet are coming in now. Merge in two minutes."
"Stop," you speak up. "There's nothing to be gained from this. We're all stuck here, and shooting at each other isn't going to change anything. Just stop this, please, and I'll explain what I can."
The American admiral just looks pensive, but your words appear to have piqued Werner as he swings back towards the camera.
"I have no time for the idle fantasies of some young fool with delusions of importance. I will find the answers I need up here, even if I have to take them."
The next few moments pass in silence as the American craft close on the ESC shuttles, slipping ever closer to the point of no return. Years of paranoia building towards a seemingly inevitable conclusion. The only sound comes from Cabiro as she sighs, turning her eyes from the monitors.
No. One more try.
"Admiral Werner." You muster all the authority you can find in your voice, a building pressure pushing on your head. "Stand down now."
He only scoffs, "Do not presume to command me, child."
The cry comes up from the command pit, "Missile launch!"
You don't know who fired, but it really doesn't matter. As the pressure in the back of your mind grows ever greater, you shout out one more time.
"You will stop!"
The pressure releases in a flood, and for a moment your eyes catch Werner's. They go glassy for a moment as he sits stock still, rigid as a board. When next he speaks it is in a dull monotone, all traces of the outrage from earlier absent. "All ships, come to zero relative to the American station and stand down."
The lone missile indicator disappears from the tracking board, self-destructed by whoever had ordered the launch. All eyes focus on you before Raines finally gives voice to their feelings.
"What the hell was that?"
"I. I don't know," you whisper as you're overcome by a feeling of weakness. Your legs quiver slightly as a wet sensation makes itself known on your upper lip. Idly, you raise two fingers to wipe at it. They come away covered in blood.
When next you look at the three officers, you can see the balance has changed. Raines is staring intently at you, like a bear eying a threat. Werner's produced a handkerchief and is slowly wiping sweat from his brow. Whatever you did has really unnerved him. Cabiro looks more contemplative than anything else, but you can see her drift backwards ever so slightly.
"Perhaps." Surprisingly, the German admiral is the first one to break the silence. "Perhaps this matter requires a more thorough assessment of our situation. Colonel, please see to determining a location. I'll leave the particulars to your discretion."
"Of course," Cabiro nods. "Admiral Raines, in the interest of international cooperation, will you plan to attend?"
The American just nods once before the video feed cuts out, joined shortly by that of his European counterpart. Your compatriot drops forwards to lean on the railing as soon as they're gone, a deep sigh escaping her lips. "Well," she says, "that could've gone better. Least it's over."
"Colonel," one of the operators interrupts, "Reports coming in from the city. A riot's broken out at the governor's mansion. Captain Daza is asking permission to suppress the rioters."
She just rolls her eyes at the news. "I brought that on myself, didn't I?"
"Yes," you agree, "you did. What now?"
"Well, now that Konrad and Raines are willing to talk, we should probably set up a meeting between all three nations planetside. We might want to choose a different locale though, since Hoffnung might give a bad impression after almost starting a war. The Carthies should agree to come as well, especially if they had a representative present for this."
"There's also the matter of whatever is going on in the city. If this gets out of hand, we could see the city in a bad way. Finally," she suddenly steps closer to you, arm flashing out to catch your wrist in a vice like grip. She lifts your bloody fingers to your face. "I'm no medic, but bleeding out your nose probably isn't a good sign. Especially with whatever black magic you just did."
You can't help but nod at her observation.
"So," she releases your arm, "What do you suggest?"
=\\//=
Where should you go [EDITED]?
[] Prepare to meet the military and civilian leaders [specify location]
- Select a location (examples include Hoffnung, Kennedy, New Carthage or Von Braun station) to hold a proposed summit with Atlas' military and civilian leadership. While you'll always get to choose the location, taking this action exclusively will mean you arrive before the other delegates and have increased time to prepare.
[] Travel to the governor's mansion
- Travel to Hoffnung proper and help deal with the rioting currently occurring in the city.
[] Seek medical attention
- Seek a full medical examination and attempt to determine the nature of whatever ability you used on Werner, as well as its possible health effects.
[] Multitask [Select Which]
- Attempt to address multiple situations described above. Note that each additional task selected will impose penalties towards their completion - only so many hours in the day after all.
[] Write-In
- Propose another activity to undertake. Subject to approval.
[]Delegate to Colonel Cabiro
- Pick one of the tasks above (excluding seek medical attention) and ask her to focus on it while you handle something else. While it might allow you to tackle multiple tasks separately, her presence or lack thereof will affect your performance on any of the tasks you decide to tackle (troops will be less likely to obey you directly, for example).
=\\//=
Sigh. I blame work.
Still, sorry if this feels a bit railroaded, but I want to get to the grand strategy portion of the quest sometime soon. As to the votes, treat them as more general suggestions than specific actions, and feel free to add additional detail to any plan submitted.
On the other hand, you've now discovered one of the more mysterious powers at your disposal (and given someone an existential crisis in the same go).
As usual, any comments, critiques or questions are more than welcome.
Still, sorry if this feels a bit railroaded, but I want to get to the grand strategy portion of the quest sometime soon. As to the votes, treat them as more general suggestions than specific actions, and feel free to add additional detail to any plan submitted.
On the other hand, you've now discovered one of the more mysterious powers at your disposal (and given someone an existential crisis in the same go).
As usual, any comments, critiques or questions are more than welcome.
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