Hevordah Imperium - Story thread - Updated 6-13-03!

[mlmbd]

rags, hope those paragraphs are going together well. I am wondering how that vote is going to go.

mlmbd

[Ragnarok]

Originally posted by mlmbd:
rags, hope those paragraphs are going together well. I am wondering how that vote is going to go.

mlmbd

I only have 8 paragraphs put together so far. I've been busy lately and haven't been able to work on it as much as I'd like to. In those 8 paragraphs I haven't discussed the vote yet. It's been mostly Qullum and someone from earlier in the story talking and so forth. Can't give out details as that will ruin it a little bit. So you'll just have to wait. But I'm thinking it should be done in a few days.

[mlmbd]

No by all means don't give away the story. I can wait. Even if it is VERY impatiently.

mlmbd

[Ragnarok]

After I responded to your Last post I decided to write some this afternoon. (You put me in the mood to do it. I guess that was one of my problems, just wasn't in the mood needed to write) and as of 5PM today this chapter was almost as long as the Last chapter. Only like 5000 letters to go till I reach that same size. It's looking to be longer then the Last one by quite a bit. I'll probably write for about an hour now. If I finish it in that hour I'll post it here. If not I'll finish tomorrow evening and post then. Until then, Rags signing off...

[mlmbd]

rags, glad your mood has changed for the better. I was going to say; Glad you're "In The Mood". But I thought someone would misinterpret it. If you know what I mean?

mlmbd

[Ragnarok]

Yes I know what ya mean. I was thinking the same thing when I stated it like that.
But as I said in the Lurk thread the story should be up today.

[Ragnarok]

Chapter 3
The launching 2400.0.03

It had been one week since Qullum Gorgas Jr. gave his presentation at the Complex. Qullum was growing impatient with the members of the Board because he still had heard nothing as to their decision. He was hoping to begin construction on the very first Orbital Space Station in a couple weeks but from the looks of things he would just have to wait. Qullum continued doing his work as usual on a day-to-day basis researching new technologies. They had discovered a few new items, and improved some already existing technologies � mostly in the weapons Category � that he was anxious to test out in action.

One day Qullum had finished up a hard days work at the laboratory and was walking home when he bumped into a rather large Hevordian. He stopped, nodded and politely said, �excuse me� as he continued on his journey home. The man he ran into stood there for a few moments thinking then finally after realizing whom he just ran into he took off after him.

He caught up with Qullum and after catching his breath he said, �Hey! Long time no see buddy!�
Qullum�s eyes turned into a yellowish color indicating confusion, he stared blankly at the man for a moment then replied, �I�m sorry, do I know you?�

The man laughed at the comment then said, �Yes you know me Jr. Well you should anyways. I worked with your mother and father back in the day.�
Again Qullum looked confused as he was trying to figure out who this man could possibly be. �That does not tell me much,� Said Qullum, �My parents worked with many Hevordians. You will have to be more specific then that.�

The man just smiled and said, �Of course. The name is Jotag, Cadet Jotag.�
Qullum finally realized who it was. He half smiled and began to speak, �Ohhhh, man that�s right. You helped my mother doing her studies when they first found the warp-gates. How could I have forgotten?� he questioned rhetorically.

�Well, you were only what 8 or 9 when you Last saw me? After that you headed off to the Academy. So I don�t expect you to remember too awful much about those days.� Replied Jotag.

Both men kind of chuckled for a moment. �That is very true, Jotag. So what are you up to these days? Still working for the research institute?�

Jotag�s smile dissipated as he looked down to the ground. �No, after your mother and father died I just couldn�t keep going in that line of work. I went off and found a maintenance job over in Ku�lah at the mining factory, but I soon found myself longing for what your parents wanted. I was going to continue their work on my own, but I just didn�t have the resources, the power, or the time to pursue it. So I just let it slide and I kept my job at the factory. But look at the bright side. I�m up for a promotion next month.�

Qullum laughed and then started to rub his chin in thought. �Well, I am sorry you could not carry on their dream. You know, I think I could find a job for you at GorgaSpace if you wanted. We are always looking for a good qualified researcher, and with your background history in the field, I am sure you would not have a problem getting hired there. Plus you have some high connections from what I hear.�

Jotag smiled at the remark and replied, �I thank you for the offer, and I think I�ll take you up on that. But let me go home and talk to my wife about it and clear it with her first. After that I will be in touch with you to let you know on what we�ve decided.�

�Alright, sounds good,� said Qullum, �Just let me know anytime what you guys have decided.�
�Ok, I will do that. Oh, another thing. The whole reason I was even in this neck of the woods was that I was heading over to GorgaSpace to talk to you in person. I just wanted to let you know that I was at the Complex when you gave your presentation, and I really enjoyed it. You picked up a lot of the traits your father had, he too, was a great speaker when it came to his work. I�m really proud of you Qullum. You are doing what I dreamed of doing when your parents passed away.�

Qullum was beginning to think back to when his parents were alive and it was starting to get to him. His skin went from a normally purplish green color to a more bluish color. �Thank you Jotag. That means a lot.�

Noticing that Qullum was getting upset on the current subject Jotag made a final comment on that particular subject, �I�m sure your parents are watching you from Du�moh with a smile of approval on their faces.� Jotag then moved onto a different subject, �Hey, have you heard from the Board members yet? Any word as to if they are going to grant you that permit?�

Upon hearing this Qullum perked up a little bit and said to Jotag, �No, nothing as of yet. It�s starting to tick me off. I was hoping to start construction in a couple weeks. But if I don�t find out soon then those plans could be delayed a few weeks if not months. Everything is basically in order; if we do get the permit, then once we begin construction we should have the Station done in about 3 months.�

�Ahh, sorry for the misfortune of not hearing anything. But I�m confident that you will find out relatively soon, if not then if I were you I�d go talk to them. Make sure they haven�t forgot about you just yet.�

Qullum chuckled at the mental thought of seeing himself walking into the Chamber � the central office that the Board members meet in � and reminding them of him and his permit. He knew this probably would not be a good idea seeing as he was pushing his luck getting the permit as it was. �I had better not Jotag, I think that would hamper my chances slightly more then they are right now.�

The two men laughed as they could just imagine how the members of the Board would react to Qullum barging in there. The two of them stood there for a few more minutes talking on different subjects before finally they parted ways. Jotag was to go home discuss with his wife his new job opportunity and Qullum was going to go up and catch up on some sleep.

The next Day� 2400.0.04

The day began as usual for Qullum. He arrived at his office early in the morning. As he walked in he asked his personal assistant if he had any communications that may have come through before he showed up. Knowing precisely what he meant, his assistant responded in a professional tone, �No, you have not received any communiqu� from the Board members this morning, nor have you received any from anyone else. Not very many people awaken this early in the morning.�

�Are you trying to say something to me Shi�kla?� Qullum asked.
Shi�kla gave a friendly nod, �Of course not Qullum. I would never do such a thing.�
Qullum smiled back in return, �That is precisely what I thought.�

Qullum and the employees at GorgaSpace were not the only ones to awaken so early in the day. For at that very moment the members of the Board were one by one arriving at the Chamber to discuss the day�s activities. As the final member arrived he took his appropriate position at the end of the Chamber table. Then the Chairman of the Board began the day with the usual statement, only worded differently.

�Good morning to you all. We have quite a few different events to discuss today. So let us get started shall we?�
At that the rest of the board members in unison responded with a nod of agreement.

The first couple hours they covered multiple areas of requests for all sorts of different events. One of which was the proposal for a permit to have an annual event in the name of Qullum Sr. on the date he discovered his telepathic capabilities. Loyal activists were the ones who requested such a permit that was promptly turned down by the Board members. Which was not such a bad idea as they realized that if they allowed such a event to take place that there would no doubt be uprisings and demonstrations which would lead to riots.

At around midday, they finally reached a very important matter that would no doubt effect the Hevordian society no matter which way they ruled. That no doubt being the issue of whether or not to grant a permit to Qullum Gorgas and GorgaSpace, Inc. allowing them to launch an Orbital Station about Kriekaal.

�Would everyone please pull out the summery of the presentation that Mr. Gorgas gave at the Complex that I prepared for us?� Began the Chairman. The other seven members then pulled out their copies of the demonstration Qullum had given one week earlier. As they flipped through the material on the H-Padd the Chairman continued to speak.

�As we all know Qullum Gorgas has petitioned us to approve his entry for a permit. This will work just as all other voting sessions work Qullum will have to win five out of the eight members on the board in order to be granted the permit. If he does not receive five votes the permit will be declined and he will have to wait three years before he can submit another application. If it ends up in a four to four tie then we will put the matter aside for two weeks before we discuss the matter again. In which we must make a vote. If it once again ends up in a vote it goes to the High Judger to make the final decision. I am sure everyone understands so lets begin.�

The Chairman had done this many times before but it was by stipulation that he repeats the procedure to the rest of the Board members.
He continued on, �I will now open this up to the rest of you to discuss and express your opinions on the matter.

�I will start off. Mr. Gorgas gave a really powerful presentation to us Last week and it no doubt moved many in attendance to start believe just as he does. But I feel that by granting him a permit, that we will ruin what we have established as a society here on Kriekaal. If we were to grant this permit and this Orbital Station was launched and exploratory ships were sent off in search of other planets, which in all likelihood just plainly will not happen, and they do not find nothing, then we will have a real issue on our hands.�

The chairman obviously was not in favor of granting the permit. He reached a conclusion in his mind long before this was to be discussed, �So it is my vote that we do not allow such a permit as it will wreck this society.� He marked down on the H-Padd his vote and he said, �Talishka, your thoughts on the matter please.�

Talishka was seated to the right of the Chairman, indicating that she was next in line to be Chairman, or Chairwoman in her case. She was the only female on the Board and she was the first female to ever be on the Committee. She was taller then the average Hevordian female by at least a few centimeters. Her complexion was unusually pale, meaning she was a really light purple/green mix compared to usual dark purple/green mix that most Hevordian females, and males for that matter had. But with those matters aside, she began her review of the situation.

�I do have to agree with you Chairman on the matter. If we did allow this and he did not find anything out there; the society would indeed be ruined to an extent. But we would be able to repair the damage when and if this happened. However, I feel that if we do not allow his permit we will be in the same situation then if we did grant it. We would have a real problem with the people. He convinced many Hevordians in his favor Last week and we cannot deny that.�

Talishka was very proficient in her speaking. She chose her words wisely and always was clear and informative when she would speak to other members of the Board or if she was just speaking to average Hevordians.

She continued on with what she was saying, �Seeing that we would be in the same situation if not worse if we did not allow this permit, I feel that it is a risk that we can and should take. We owe it to the people to grant this permit.� Stated Talishka, �So it is my vote that we grant Qullum Gorgas this permit for a Space Program.�

Everyone nodded in acceptance of her standing on the matter. The Chairman then stated as he punched in Talishka�s vote into the H-Padd, �Very well, your vote has been recorded. The current count is 1 in favor of a permit and one in disfavor of it. Civ�I,� continued the Chairman, �You�re next.�

Civ�I pronounced �Seev�I� was the youngest member of the board. In fact he was the youngest member ever to be in a position of authority over the Hevordian people. He was put in power when he was merely 28 earth years old, which would be 32 Hevordian years. He was very advanced in his knowledge of technology and advances of the Society, which is the reason he was put into power so early in his life.

The reason he is so much more advanced then the average Hevordian citizen is because he was borne with an over abundance of Soupa cells in his brain. Soupa cells being the main cell that controlled main functions and memories in the brain of Hevordian people. As far as it was known this was the first ever case reported. Civ�I used this abundance of Soupa cells to his advantage. He realized at an early age that he was able to learn and remember things in a much more advanced pace then most Hevordian adults. So he read many documents concerning the history of Kriekaal and the Hevordian people.

�First of all there is not much more to say about the issue besides placing my vote. You, the Chairman, and you, Talishka have covered most of the finer points that were to be discussed. However, you did not really touch on the pros and cons of having a space program. Granted, you did mention the cons, but only the cons. Therefore, I will touch on a few of the pros of having the aforementioned program.�

The way Civ�I spoke was simply amazing. He was very advanced in his speech and it showed. His choice of words and the way he got those words across was just outstanding.
He continued on with his vote, �Some� emphasizing that one word, �of the pros to having a Orbital station are:

• The issue of over-population would not be such a problem, as we could shift population to different Orbital Stations.

• We would avoid having riots on our hands from the activists.

• We would finally have something to do with our lives, even if it were to just fly around doing nothing.

• We could put to test the technologies that we have discovered. Putting them to their fullest power, as we cannot do that on the planet surface due to the danger involved.

• We could finally see whether or not Qullum Sr. was right about this stuff. We owe him that much for dedicating his life to this project.�

He then went on to mention a few other key benefits to having a space program. Before he summed up what he talked about.
�So to put it simply, I feel that the benefits outweigh, by far, the disadvantages of having the program. So it is my vote that we grant Mr. Gorgas a permit to launch a Orbital Station.�
�Thank you Civ�I for your comments. Your vote has been recorded and after having three votes, two are in favor of granting the permit and one against.�

After the Chairman reviewed the count, four other members of the Board discussed their views and opinions on the issue and placed their votes. After these four members finished their votes the Chairman once again summed up the count.

�Ok, here is where we stand after seven votes. We have three votes against granting the permit, three votes in favor of allowing the permit, and one vote undecided. So the situation is that if Mr. Rodale also votes indecisive we will put the issue on hold until Mr. Gorgas can resubmit his application after a period of two weeks. If, however, Mr. Rodale votes against the permit, the permit will be turned down and Mr. Gorgas cannot submit another application for three years. But if Rodale votes in favor or the permit, then we will grant the permit to GorgaSpace, Inc. and that will be the end of it. You�re up Mr. Rodale.� Said the Chairman in a even tone.

�Very well sir,� replied Rodale.
Rodale� Rodale was a very unusual name for a Hevordian. The more appropriate term would be, �Unique� really. Yes, Rodale was a very unique Hevordian name. No one knows why his parents had given him such a unique name. Many people had asked him that very question but he would simply change the subject to something else. It was at that moment ones would know not to push any further as Rodale had a very short temper.

�Well, now that basically every point has been touched on I don�t have too much else I could talk about. Every point brought out here today has been very valid and certainly these points warrant consideration. However, I feel just as Civ�I and Talishka do, I feel that the benefits far outweigh the possibility of having riots. So it is my vote that we grant Mr. Gorgas, and GorgaSpace, Inc. the permit allowing them to start a space program to launch a Orbital station.�

You could see the look of disappointment on the Chairman�s face. He did not want to see this time come about but his efforts to deny the permit had failed. He had been out voted and the permit would indeed be granted.

The Chairman then nodded his head and said, �Alright, that is four votes in favor, three votes against, and one vote undecided. The Board has decided and with a four/three/one victory, the permit for a space program is hereby accepted on this date. Ok, Rodale, I am putting you in charge of contacting GorgaSpace with the news. I expect you to do so before the day is through. Now, lets move on to the other matters at hand.�

Rodale just simply nodded his head in acknowledgement of the decision that was made; he could not help but have a small grin come to his face. Then they went on discussing other matters.

After a long days work Rodale finally reached his office where he had one final task on the day to complete. And that was to contact Qullum Gorgas to inform him of the decision.

He sat down at his desk and shuffled through a few items then said, �Computer, open a communiqu� to Qullum Gorgas� office place.� He heard an affirmative bleep as the computer did just as it was commanded. In just a few brief seconds Qullum appeared on the hologrid.
�Qullum Gorgas here.� Stated Qullum in an official tone that he used when he was speaking to different ones that called him.

Rodale then replied, �Uh, yes, Qullum this is Rodale from the Board Committee. I am contacting you to inform you of the decision that was made today regarding the permit.�

�Oh, of course, I have been waiting in eager anticipation for a communiqu� about the decision.� Said Qullum in a tone that much resembled one that was trying to, �suck up�. Even though sucking up would not do him much good if the vote was against the approval of the permit, as the decision was already made final.

�I�m sure you have been.� began Rodale with a slight smile on his face, �The decision with a four/three/one final count is you have been granted the permit and hereby allowed to start a space program. Congratulations Mr. Gorgas this indeed will be a grand day in the history of the Hevordian people.�

Despite his best efforts, Qullum could not help but allow a huge smile to come across his face as he heard the news. Never in his life had he been so happy as he was right now. He was about to scream in joy but he knew he should not with a Board member watching him. So he kept a professional posture and said, �Thank you Mr. Rodale, I agree, this is the beginning of a new era for the Hevordian people and I am glad I can be a part of it.�

Rodale smiled and then replied, �You are very welcome Qullum, you deserved this permit and I am happy to see you receive it. And please, call me Rodale, you don�t have to include the formalities.�

�Ok M�Rodale,� said Qullum with a smile in reply. �I will put this permit to its fullest use and hopefully back up my findings with it.�

�I�m sure you will Qullum, now if you will excuse me I have some other matters to attend to.� Came the reply from Rodale.

�Of course, thanks again, Qullum out.� At that Qullum and Rodale at the same time pressed the button on their respective hologrid�s and terminated the comm. Link. After which Qullum finally was able to shout his joyful praise and he had finally received what he had tried so hard to attain the past two months, no, what he had tried to attain his whole life.

Meanwhile back in Rodale�s office he commanded the computer to open another comm. Link. �Computer,� he began, �open a subspace communiqu� on this subspace frequency.� Rodale then punched in the frequency of 182-294.43. �Priority red,� continued Rodale, �initiate protection lock Delta Alpha 3 niner using Dalero Procedure 6.�

As soon as he finished his command the computer repeated back to him in an ever so eerie voice, �Initiating protection lock Delta Alpha 3, Procedure Dalero 6���.Lock initiated. Frequency now secured.�

After the link was secured he waited for a few moments, nothing was happening. Moments of silence passed by. But then the hologrid lit up. Standing before Rodale, or rather the holo projectors made it so it looked as if it was standing before him was a tall, dark, sleek man with nothing but darkness and shadows behind him. Hardly anything could be made out of the man except for his face as the darkness covered everything else. He had unusual markings across his face, and eerily bright white eyes. But that is all that could be made of his face.

�I thought I told you not to communicate with me unless it was an emergency Rodale.� Began the man with a booming voice.

Rodale responded by saying, �Yes, you did tell me that. But we are on a secure channel that no one can trace. I made sure of it. But it only works for a brief moment of time.�

The man looked a little agitated at Rodale for some reason or another. �Is that all you contacted me for? Is to tell me that you can create a secure channel for a brief time?�

�Uhh, no, uhh,� said Rodale, obviously very tense when he spoke to the man. �I, uhh, well Qullum Gorgas was granted the permit today. He is officially going to be starting a space program in the coming weeks. I just thought you would like to know.�

In response the man said, �Very well indeed, I see that the Ancient Texts so far are accurate in foretelling who would be the chosen one to rule the galaxy.�

�It appears so sir. Is there anything else you would like to know?� replied Rodale.

The man shook his head as he began to speak, �No, not at this moment. I will be in touch if there is anything else. Inform me if anything of particular interest happens in the meantime.�

�Very well,� replied Rodale, �Rodale out.� He then cut off the comm. Link and slid back into his seat and took a big sigh of relief. He could not stand talking to the man very long. For some reason he got very tense whenever he did try to talk to him. Rodale never could figure this out, but then again, he hadn�t thought too awful much about it.

In the mean time back to wherever it is that this man comes from he stepped back into his dark shadows and then commanded of someone standing in the far corner of the room, �You, come over here.�
The man in the corner stepped out from the darkness and said in reply, �Yess masster?�
�Prepare the ship for departure.� Came the booming voice of the man. �It seems our time is drawing to an end.�

�Very well ssir, I will have the sship ready in a few hourss.� Came the reply of the much smaller man.

Back on Kriekaal. 2400.0.6
It had been two days since Qullum had received a communiqu� regarding the Boards final vote. He was finally getting over the initial shock of the decision that ruled in his favor. The previous day he had given all his employees the day off to allow time to celebrate what had just been accomplished. He had handed out numerous H-Padds detailed the work that he wanted completed over the new few days.

2400.0.9
While he was hard at work at trying to get things ready for the construction process he still was trying to discover some new technologies that could be used. The previous week he had designed a vessel that would hold no life at all. He had named this vessel a �Satellite�. It was small in size, roughly 80kt, which is smaller then one fifth the size of the Orbital Station that they would be building. This Satellite would be used for many different purposes, defense, recon, perhaps even mining asteroids if they found any.

2400.0.13
After he had discovered this Satellite he got to thinking. Thinking about the future is what it really came down to. For now they could launch Satellites from the planet surface. But then he thought that if they could be used to mine asteroids then he highly doubted that they could launch that far from the planet. So he began working on a device that could be installed onto a ship that would be able to launch these into outer space. Since he had named the Satellites, well a Satellite, then he found it only fitting that he would call this new device a �Satellite Bay�.

He had finally came up with a design of this Bay that would be able to launch four Satellites per month. Due to its small size and high-energy intake it was not able to launch very many. He had hoped that in the future maybe they could revise the design and create an even bigger one that could launch more Satellites.

2400.0.16
Over the next few days Qullum had come up with some new designs of ships and some new devices. In the ship Category he had designed a transport vessel that they could outfit with a minimum crew compliment and the rest would be filled with cargo bays. This would come in handy should they need to transport goods to and from different bases and planets.

Also in ship designing field he had designed a vessel that he had deemed a Colony Ship. This ship would be outfitted with the crew compliment then the rest of the hull would be empty space, in which he would install a component that would support the life of nearly four million Hevordians. It was a marvelous device, as it would allow them to transport many Hevordians to other planets and create colonies throughout the galaxy.

2400.0.18
Back at GorgaSpace, Inc. preparations were already far along getting ready for the beginning of construction of the new Orbital Station. Qullum was doing his best to get things organized so that they could begin the construction by the 20th of 40 of the month. Everything was going smoothly and they were right on schedule with where they wanted to be at this point in time. Qullum was running around performing task after task when a man approached him. It was Cadet Jotag.

�Jotag!� said Qullum as he noticed him approaching. �How are things going?�

�Everything is going pretty good. I heard the news on the hologrid Last week. Congratulations!� stated Jotag. He examined the room as workers were frantically going about their business trying to meet the deadline in time. Then he began to speak once more, �I see everything is pretty hectic around here right now.�

�Thanks,� replied Qullum. �Yes, it is indeed very hectic. We are hoping to meet a deadline in two days from now to start the construction, and there is a lot of work to be done in the meantime.�

Jotag nodded in agreement. �I�m sure there is Qullum.� He stood there for a minute then said, �Hey, I won�t take much of your time, I just wanted to come over here to talk to you about that position you offered me.�

�Sure, what is it?� replied Qullum.

�Well I just wanted to let you know I talked to my wife about it and she is in agreement of it. She knows that it means a lot to me and so she is ok with it. So if it is still all right with you I�d like to start whenever you need me. It will take a few days for me to get back into the swing of things since it has been so long. But I am sure I can pick up on the new technologies and tricks of the trade very quickly.� Said Jotag.

Qullum stood there thinking for a brief moment as if he was wondering if it was still ok. �Sure thing Jotag. I even think I have a place for you right now. You can start whenever you are available.�

�I�m available right now Qullum.� Stated Jotag.

�Very well then.� Started Qullum. �You can start by familiarizing yourself with all the new instruments and so forth over there with one of my senior staff members, Sor�kla.�

Jotag nodded in agreement and he walked off heading over to meet with Sor�kla. So for the next two days everyone was busy at work. Organizing work schedules, materials, equipment, and so forth. On the 20th of 40 of the month, Qullum made an announcement to all employees working at GorgaSpace.

�Everyone, can I have your attention please?� began Qullum. As everyone stopped in his or her tracks Qullum continued, �I would like to take this time to thank you all for your hard work. It has been a rough ride thus far and it is only to become rougher as time goes by. But I know that each and every one of you will put forth your best efforts to get this project done in an efficient manner. This is the beginning of a new era for the Hevordian people and we are all very privileged to be the ones leading the way into that era. That is all.�

Before everyone resumed whatever task they had been working on they all started to applause Qullum for his efforts. The understood what this meant to him, and it meant just as much to them as they had been working towards this for so long.

2400.1.03
Over the period of the next month they had worked diligently on the Orbital Station. After the one-month mark of beginning the project they had finished the outer hull of the Station and were beginning work on outfitting the inside, and inserting computer consoles.

2400.2.12
It had now been two months since the construction had begun and all components of the Station had been added. They were working on the detailing of the interior now. Their estimate was that it would be completed in the next week or so.

2400.2.23
It had taken eleven days, four days longer then they had hoped for, but they had finally finished the detail work of the Station. The Station was finally complete and ready for launch. They were going to run a few more tests on the computer systems but if all went well they would launch in two days.

In the meantime Jotag, who was moving up rapidly in the research department, discovered how to use the gases from outer space to his advantage. He developed a device that would harness these gases and turn them into supplies for ships while traveling. He figured that once they get out of the nebula and into a star system, assuming there was an end to the nebula, that he could easily modify this device to harness the power of the stars. But that was for future times.

For the next couple days, preparations were once again being made. But this time it was not for the construction of the Station, but it was for the launching of the Station. From the beginning of construction to the ending of it, it had been a period of two months and three days. Beating their deadline, by a huge margin, by thirty-seven days, which was almost a full month on the Hevordian Calendar.

It took a massive complex to be able to hold the Station, and it would take an even larger one to launch the thing. The Station was 500kt in size, absolutely huge, it would hold a maximum of up to 300 Hevordians, but they would not stretch the limits, therefore they were only sending up 175 Hevordian people to maintain and work on the station. Work on the launch site was nearing completion as the launch date drew ever so close.

2400.2.25
The day had finally arrived; they would be launching the Station today. The weather was just perfect for launching the Station. They were down to 3 hours before the launching would take place and Qullum was scheduled to make a short speech before this memorable time. This was a huge event, billions of people would be watching from all over Kriekaal as the space program was officially underway.

As everyone tuned into the hologrid to watch this event, the news had made a special program to mark this time in history.
�Good evening Kriekaal and thank you for tuning in, I am Zor�ka Mi�cle. The headline today is of course the launching of the first ever Orbital Station in our history. We have made a special presentation for all of you out there watching us tonight. Listen in as we go through the years of Qullum Gorgas and see what kind of story his life has been.� The hologrid faded and showed how Qullum Gorgas had made it this far. It showed his trials of being a kid to parents who shared this very dream. It also showed how he had tried so hard to get the permit to do what he was about to do today.

As the program ended the hologrid focused back in to Zor�ka Mi�cle and she began to speak once more, �Wow, what a powerful story. Qullum Gorgas as obviously has been through a lot throughout his lifetime.� A few brief moments had passed and she then said, �It�s been reported that Qullum is now stepping up to the podium to address the crowd. Lets listen in as he does this��

Qullum Gorgas stepped up to the podium and as he looked around he thought of the Last time he was in front of a huge crowd like this. It was when he made his presentation to the Board members in efforts to receive the permit to start a space program. It brought a sense of joy and satisfaction as he looked around, he knew an even larger group was watching him across the hologrid, and he knew that his and his parents dream was finally being fulfilled.

Qullum took a deep breath and said, �I thank you all for coming out today to witness this spectacular event about to take place. In approximately one hour we will begin the launching sequence and a new chapter in Hevordian history will be wrote, the first of many.� Qullum paused for a brief moment as the crowd had broken out in applause. Smiling, he continued, �My parents had worked so hard to attain what I am about to, but they never did as no one would listen to them. But I feel if it was for my parents then I would not be up here today, and we would not be entering into a new era.�

Qullum was obviously overjoyed at the fact that this was finally happening. Tears were about to come to his eyes as he continued to speak; �This Orbital Station is the first of hopefully many more to come. Here are a few details of this Station:

• This Station is the first of its class; the class name of it is the Marvel.

• It is 500kt in size, or to put it in perspective, about the size of three Complexes.

• It can hold a crew capacity of 300, but at first it will only contain 175 Hevordians.

• It took 83 days to build, or two months and 3 days.

And Last but certainly not least:

• Its designation is the H-I Ambition.

We felt that this was a very fitting name as it took a lot of ambition to achieve this goal.�
The crowd then once again applauded Qullum. This time it was a standing ovation that Lasted a solid three minutes.
�Thank you,� Qullum said as he bowed, �The launching will take place in about 30 minutes. I thank you all again for coming out here today, but I especially want to think my employees at GorgaSpace, without them I do not think we could have gotten this far in the project.�
At the Qullum stepped away from the podium as the crowd continued to applaud.

Meanwhile up at control booth Qullum and his staff ran through the final checklists. Making everything was in order and ready to go. Everything appeared to be in order so they began the countdown.
�Twenty seconds till launch.� Barked Sor�kla. �I repeat, twenty seconds till launch.�
At hearing this announcement the people down on the pad moved off and way and onto the transport as they would have to be at least 4 kilometers away to be out of harms way. The heat and fumes from the launch boosters would kill anyone any closer then 2 � kilometers.

Qullum was getting excited now. He could not wait to see his creation on its way up. He heard the count reach 10.
Sor�kla continued to bark out commands, �Nine seconds till launch. Lets move people!�
�Eight�� people were rushing around the control booth completing their tasks that needed done before launch.
�Seven��
�Six�� The booster engines had ignited. They needed at least five seconds to run to generate enough heat and power to be able to lift the Station from the ground.
�Five��
�Four��
�Three��
�Two�� Qullum couldn�t help but have a huge grin come across his face. He was a mere two seconds way from his dream taking off� literally.
�One second till launch��
�We have lift off!� said Sor�kla.

At that the engines began their pull of the station. Slowly but surely the Station was lifting off the ground. As it reached higher into the afternoon sky the faster it went. It reached a max velocity of nearly 20,000 miles per hour. Once it reached its orbit the booster engines would detach them selves and fall back to the planet. Then the stabilizing thrusters would initiate on the Station and it would hold its orbit above Kriekaal.

A few minutes went by as everyone watched the Station until they would no longer see it. �The Space Station Ambition is now in orbit around the planet sir.� Reported one of Qullum�s employees.
�Very well,� replied Qullum. �Very well.�

The crowd down below the control booth was going nuts. They were cheering and doing all sorts of different things in celebration of this great moment in time. Qullum Gorgas meanwhile up in the control booth was just standing there looking to the sky. It had finally come true, his dream, it had finally come true. He simply could not believe it. There was a time in his life he never thought he would see this day come. But here it was, that day was right before him. As he finished looking up to the sky he whispered to himself, �Thank you mom and dad. Thank you.�

He then backed away from the observation window and walked away with a huge smile upon his face. This was the beginning of a new era for his people. The history books had not just been completed; but rather, they had just started.

The saga Continues...

[ November 22, 2002, 05:27: Message edited by: Ragnarok ]

[capnq]

Is there a chunk of text missing? It seems like there's a time gap and change of speakers between the second and third item on the bulleted list.

[Ragnarok]

Originally posted by capnq:
Is there a chunk of text missing? It seems like there's a time gap and change of speakers between the second and third item on the bulleted list.

Hmmm... I guess I don't see what you are meaning? Could you be a little bit more specific? I just copied and pasted from Word to here so it should all be there.

[mlmbd]

Rags, koodoos, congratulations, bravo, cheers and some I missed. Great story! More than worth waiting for.

I do see where capnq is talking about. The time where you leave off, and pickup two weeks later. I by the way didn't mind.

Again, WELL DONE! WELL DONE, INDEED!

mlmbd