Newbie Galactic Combat II - Story Thread

[Ruatha]

Weyrlings
Mon, Nov 18 at 07:33:30 EST

WEYRLINGS 2403.4
================
"-Sire", the colonel was always afraid when he approached the God Emperor Ruatha, you never knew what humour he'd have, sometimes it amused him to chop off heads before lunch.
"-Yes, What is it", Ruatha answered impatiently, wifting his tail high in the air.

"-The Sons of Thunder has asked for a trade, they want Ice colonization tech from us, they will give us plenty in return".
The Colonel had his tail pressed to the ground in the humiliating ritual that the God Emperor Ruatha demanded of all subjects that approached him.

"-What is the problem then, make the trade"

"-But, but.. We don't have Ice Tech, Sire"

"-Well, do they know that? If so why do they bother us, anyway they should be destroyed, kill them all!"

"-Sire, we're not at war with them, and they have a mighty fleet."

"-Not at war, we're always at war, with everyone, they just don't know it. We'll, don't kill them today then, but arrange the trade. And I want a spy report of their leaders face when he realizes he's been fooled!".

"-Instantly Sire", the colonel responded, withdrawing backwards, almost hurting with ache from not being able to show his claws in anger.

The colonel went immediately to the Free Council and reported the events.
The Free Council was outraged at this provocation that might cast the Weyrlings to war.
The Colonel accepted the task set upon him by the Free Council: To decline the trade and then take his own life, so that the God Emperor Ruatha wouldn't find out about the Free Council if he chose to torture the Colonel instead of plainly executing him, one never knew what mood the God Emperor might be in.

The war wouldn't start today at least, the Colonel thought as he slit his throat, watching the picture of his wife and children as the blood poured from the cut arteries.


Re: Weyrlings
Tue, Nov 19 at 01:26:04 EST
WEYRLINGS 2403.5
================

The Free Council was in meeting.

"-We must do something, the God Emperor Ruatha is quite mad, and more and more of the population are showing symptoms of madness."

"-Yes, these symptoms have increased these past 200 years, ever since The One became dormant."

"-It must be awaken again!"

The Free Council was referring to the Weyrling Common consciousness that had ruled Weyrling society up to 200 years ago.
200 years ago the Weyrlings first made contact with an alien species.
Seeing that the alien individuality had made the aliens prosper and develop technology unknown to the Weyrlings. The One decided to transform Weyrling society to an individual one instead of a collective and went to sleep.
The decision had been a good decision initially, the Weyrling scientists, now unhindered by common goals and any need to listen to others started researching various areas, quickly gaining space travel capabilities.
But now the stress of being individuals started to show in Weyrling society, psychic illness, previous unknown was flourishing in the society. The feeling of loneliness was enormous.

"-Do we all agree?"

"-Aye" "-Yes" "-Of course"...
The vote was unanimous, the One must be brought back.

"-But how can it be done? None has any real influence on the One, the few of us can't wake it our self, I guess the whole population would have to concentrate to do it, and in the state many are now I don't think they would agree to it!"

"-There is another way! A scientific group has on the order of the God Emperor Ruatha been working on psychic weapons, they believe some of those weapons might be used to wake the One. But the God Emperor Ruatha has forbidden any further research in the area."

"-No, it must be continued. Can those scientists be trusted?"

"-Most of them yes, those who has travelled to far down insanity road has entered other projects, mostly doomsday weapon projects. But some still continue the psychic research in secrecy. One of them is my mate.", Said Marit the Warrior.

The Free Council issued a mission to Marit, wake the One by all means before was too late.


Re: Weyrlings
posted by: tbontob Posted Wednesday, Dec 11 at 3:34 AM
Wed, Dec 11 at 03:34:08 EST
The war council was in full session.

Ministers and generals were poring over maps of star systems. The society was under assault by an implacable enemy and a solution had to be found to win the day.

Finally, a general stood up and declared he had a solution to the crises. In a loud stentorian voice he stated while pointing with his baton “We take our defensive forces from these four locations and bring them here”. Once our forces have joined, we make a massive push against our most hated enemy, break through into his system and push on to obliterate his home world.

Pandemonium erupted!

Yells and screams drowned out any further comments the general had to make.

“My wife and children live there!”

“It would mean as much as 10 billion dead if the enemy should decide to attack those areas from which we have withdrawn our forces.”

“My investments would be ruined!”

“The enemy could take this opportunity to drive on to our home planet and incinerate it!”

Amidst all this commotion, a courtier ran into the room and approached Zaxxon, the central speaker. Three times the courtier had to repeat himself before Zaxxon understood the import of the message.

It took 5 minutes to bring the meeting to order.

Zaxxon then stated that our esteemed intelligence service has uncovered that the “God emperor, Ruatha is mad!” Zaxxon went on to say “This is a heaven sent opportunity to eliminate a rival.”

The room went deathly silent as each person tried to put the information into some sort of perspective.

Finally, a small, reedy voice from the back of the room asked, “Where did our intelligence service get this information.”

Zaxxon: “Our espionage operator penetrated the inner circle of power of Ruatha’s homeworld.”

Reedy voice: “And where is Ruatha’s homeworld?”

Zaxxon: “We don’t know”

Reedy voice: “How can we eliminate a rival if we do not know where he is?”

Zaxxon yelled: “We’ll find out!!!!!!!!”

Reedy voice: “We have always been a nation of peace. What has Ruatha done to warrant us to want to eliminate him?”

Zaxxon starting to turn beet red, screamed: “He must have done something! No one is perfect!”

Reedy voice: “So you are suggesting we make war on a nation which may be inclined to be friendly with us, when we can barely defend ourselves against our present enemies?”

Everyone stared at Zaxxon as it started to sink in that Zaxxon mind may have become unhinged by the stress of the conflict.

Forbidden thoughts came to the surface of many in the room:the one who is mad may not be Ruatha but Zaxxon!

Zaxxon collapsed under the many thoughtful stares. And had to be carried out on a stretcher.


Re: Weyrlings
Wed, Dec 11 at 02:10:59 EST
WEYRLINGS 2403.6
================

Avrel Kopre, Intelligence officer in the Divine Intelligence Service tried to blend into the background as he approached the throne.

"-Excuse me Oh graceful God Emperor" He managed to say.
The God Emperor Ruatha quickly turned around and stared at him
"- What?"
"- The empire of the CCCP demands that the exploration ship V'ger be withdrawn."
"- Demands???! This demands action! Call for the generals! Call for War!" The God Emperor Ruatha was working up into a frenzy.
"Kill them all!", turning to the guards he pointed at Avrel, "Chop his head off!".
Quickly the closest guard severed Avrils head from the body with a quick movement of his claws.
The head physician moved forward pressing the hypodermic injection probe towards Ruathas skin, Ruatha quickly slumped back into the throne.
"-KILL, Kill, kiiiiil l l ", he started snoring.

The Master of Ceremonies quickly raised his voice:
"- The God Emperor Ruathas Words has been fulfilled, the traitor is killed", he turned towards the Generals.
"Now, you fix this within the hour, report to me your decision and I'll put it to the God Emperor when he awakens, he is open for suggestions at those moments...."

The Divina Armed Forces Head Committe was in meating.
The discussion was short and concise, there was really no options.
Aliens could never be allowed to dictate Weyrling foreign policy, V'ger would go on.
A message was sent to the CCCP stating that more information was needed as to the meanings of the demands.
The Weyrling exploration forces had several times accepted alien requests to abstain from exploring their territories.
But this was something new, a race demaning that they stop exploration of another races territory, trying to stop other races from meeting and setting up peaceful treaties.
More information was needed, but the prospect of war was clearly felt in the room.
All efforts would be made to avoid it, but if it came, the Weyrlings would be ready!


Re: Weyrlings
posted by: tbontob Posted 21 hours ago
Thu, Dec 12 at 05:33:24 EST
Zaxxon gradually awoke to the murmuring of?

"The Zaxxoness has move to Estonile with the children and has?"

"to become unhinged by the war with the CCCP and?"

"I know the position of Central Speaker is an appointment for life, but there must be something that can be done when our leader goes batty as a fruitcake."

Opening his eyes, Zaxxon notices that he is in bed. Around him, small Groups of nobles, ministers and military officers are talking is soft tones.

He motioned his friend, Eston to approach and asked about the talk about his wife.

Eston looked down at his feet and stumbled for words?

"Please Eston, tell me the truth!"

"Well, your wife left for Elstonile with the children and?"

"When I am unwell, she leaves on a trip?"

"Yes, she has relatives in the systems which the general wanted to withdraw forces from and?"

"Yes, yes"

"And well, uh she, uh, ahem, was offended that you did nothing to stop the discussion of removing the protective fleet in the system in which her parents reside."

"What! The meeting was in an uproar! We didn't even have the chance to discuss it"

"Well, ahem, she feels if you loved her, you would have done something to stop it. And since you did not, you could not love her."

Zaxxon groaned in pain and then asked. "What do you propose, my friend?"

"Well, I recommend you go after her and apologize to her on bended knee. And if necessary beg for her forgiveness."

"But Elstonile is in the opposite end of our society. It would take weeks to get there! And more weeks to return! What am I to do with the crises at hand?"

"Hmmm, that is a problem. If you leave, you will have abandoned your post as the central speaker. Abandoning a post in time of war is treason and you can be hung for it."

"Whaaaat?"

"Yet if you do not go to her, that will be proof to her that you do not love her."

"How can she do this to me?"

"Well, in her mind, love conquers all. So if you do not do battle to go to her, then you must not love her."

Zaxxon collapses back into the bed in shock.

Eston coughed, "Ahem, there is another matter. We have lost contact with our espionage officer in Ruatha?s court."

"How is that? I thought it was impossible to sever contact with an operative."

"We don't understand it. He had an undetectable organic transmitter in his neck connected to his brain stem. The only way to prevent Avrel Kopre from contacting us is to separate his head from his body."

Zaxxon mused, "This Ruatha is a formidable ruler of nations. No one has been able to detect our spies before and yet at a stroke he was able to ascertain who our spy was and do the one thing that would sever our contact with our spy. He must be a genius par excellence!"

"Yes, if we ever meet, we must be sure to give him many gifts to assuage any anger he may have towards us."

Zaxxan asks "And what of our war with our hated enemy?"

Eston replies "Nothing has changed. We are waiting for any instructions you wish to give."

Re: Weyrlings
Fri, Dec 13 at 02:16:26 EST

WEYRLINGS 2403.7
==================
The Weyrling Intelligence committee was in session.

“- I do believe this was the first wise decision Ruatha has ever made.
Do we have any means to detect these spying devices?”

“-No. It was pure luck. When Avrel Kopre’s remaining ashes were transferred to the box the device fell out.
The only way we have found to detect it is by seeing it or feeling it, and that is probably impossible when it’s in it’s proper place, which location in the body that is we still don’t know.
It’s a totally alien technology.”

“-Where does it come from?”

“-We haven’t the slightest clue! But the empires who are most suspicious right now is either the CCCP or the Sons of Thunder. We have recent intelligence analysis saying that those are the most threatening empires right now.
But we still don’t have enough data to blame anyone.”

“-I believe that there is a massive secret invasion force in our empire, fitted with these devices. Trying to infiltrate our governing structure.
We must put all officials and officers in the empire under surveillance.
We have the cooperation of the secret police and the military in this.
All personnel must move in Groups of three , a military, an intelligence officer and a member of the secret police.
There will be a total curfew, around the clock.
All scientific research will be aimed at finding a way do detect these devices, we estimate that there might be millions or billions of them in the empire.”

-----------------------------------------------------------
The Weyrling society came to a halt.
A total curfew was enforced throughout the empire, anyone found outside unaccompanied by a military, an intelligence officer and a secret police was executed. The corpses were littering the streets. People were starving in the homes, food was being delivered but the logistic problems were staggering.
The people wasn’t happy!

The God Emperor Ruatha knew nothing of this, no one told him.
He still issued orders as usual, and as was more and more common these days most of them were ignored.

[ February 21, 2003, 23:25: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[Ruatha]

Re: Zaxxon of the Zax's
posted by: tbontob Posted 1 hour ago
Fri, Dec 13 at 03:51:10 EST
Days had passed since Zaxxon relapse.

One day, he would be overwhelmed by his need to see his beloved Zaxxoness. He would call out his retinue and preparations would be made for the departure to Elstonile.

He would only change his mind when his good friend Eston spoke of "treason" and the certainty of his death by hanging.

Zaxxon would then be depressed for days.

Then he would be overwhelmed by his love for his beloved Zaxxoness and again he would give orders to travel. Eston would again convince him that the Zaxxoness would rather have a live and responsive Zaxxon than a dead one.

This cycle repeated itself over and over.

Zaxxon lost weight. His scales lost luster and hung limply from his frame. He became hollow-eyed and his bright red skin turned to a mottled pink and yellow patchwork.

Zaxxon started to mumble about his Zaxxoness...how beautiful she was...her incredible gentleness...her loving gestures...how delicate she was...her sacrifices...her inability to defend herself, both verbally and physically...and how he must have offended her so deeply for her to leave him.

He found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on sociey matters. His lack of attention to matters of import, meant that the society was becoming rudderless at a time when it could least affort to do so. The society was beginning to fall apart.

Finally, Zaxxon could take it no longer and begged his friend to go to the Zaxxoness and convince her of his undying love for her.

"Tell her how much I love her and how much she means to me. And how much I love the children. But do it gently since she is of a very delicate nature and so easily wounded."

Eston prepared for the journey to Elstonile and left the next day with a retinue of loyal Zax nobility and castle guards.

Zaxxon's spirits lifted with the making of this decision and was again able to focus on matters of importance.

He wanted to know more of the organic device that was used to spy on Ruatha's court and asked to see Spiii, head of his intelligence agency

Spiii had this to say:

They came upon Avrel when he was a student 20 years ago. He was in a serious accident and during the operations to repair his body they were able to implant the device without his knowledge.

It was only by sheer good luck that Avrel became an Intelligence officer in the Divine Intelligence Service.

The organic device needs power to transmit information but as the body is a poor producer of electrical energy, it can be dormant for years until the person becomes emotionally charged.

Then suddenly the message of Ruatha's insanity came through loud and clear.

We believe that Avrel must have had such a deep, undying love for his emporer/god, that his deep distress over Ruatha's condition resulted in enough energy to transmit the data.

Zaxxon asked "Then this device is really of limited usefulness?"

Spiii thought and then reluctantly resonded with "Essentially yes"

Zaxxon: "So not only did we go to inordinate expense to implant the device, we did it on the very remote chance he may be associated with Ruatha and not become a simple cobbler or baker."

"Yes"

"Well, if I was Ruatha, I would be laughing my head off! He must believe we are total incompetents to do something like this! We do not know if Ruatha is mad, temporarily mad or if only Avrel thought he was mad and he really is sane."

"Uhhh..yes"

"So, this device did nothing for us! We do not know if Ruatha is really sane or not. And as such, it contributes little if anything to our knowledge base of Ruatha and his empire."

"Uhhh...well yes"

"Dolts! The purpose of espionage is either to improve our situation of make the other's worse in some way. Neither of these things happened! Let's just hope Ruatha never finds out about it for the logical conclusion would be that we are so stupid that we would be easy prey for his empire!"

Spiii agreed with, "You are right! I will see to the entire revamping of our espionage bureau to ensure all future expenditures meet those requirements."

"See to it! I would be particularly interested in what you can learn about the CCCP."

[tbontob]

THE LOCATION: JUST OUTSIDE OF THE ENTRANCE TO ELSTONILE CASTLE.

The trip to Estonile castle was uneventful but somewhat subdued. Each member of the party knew the importance of effecting a reconciliation between Zaxxon and his beloved Zaxxoness.

They had just arrived. The drawbridge over the moat to Elstonile Castle was down over the moat which was a good sign.

But the portcullis was also down and it barred their way into the castle. But this was not necessarily a good or a bad sign.

Eston requested admittance to Estonile Castle.

After a short wait, the Zaxxoness appeared high up in the tower over the entranceway and wailed, "Where is my husband?"

Eston replied with "He is not here, my lady. But I have some very important Messages from him which he wishes I convey only to you and personally."

The Zaxxoness's hand flew to her cheek as she exclaimed "Oh!". Eston then observed her rushing towards the stairs of the tower.

Eston sat down to await the appearance of the Zaxxoness. His heart was filled with joy as he contemplated, "The lovebirds miss each other terribly. Now all he had to do was effect a reconciliation between Zaxxon and his Zaxxoness and then he could go home to his own family."

================================================

THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE

Zaxxon was energized. Knowing that he would soon be reconciled with his Zaxxoness, he was able to pour his energies into state affairs.

A courtier came in to inform Zaxxon of the acting Research Director request for an audience.

"Acting?"

"Well, the head of the department has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Shall I show him in."

"Yes, yes"

The acting head had a somewhat strange appearance. He was fat, being somewhat rolly-polly and seemed to lean backwards from the waist as he approached Zaxxon.

"What is your name?"

"R2D2"

"That is an ususual name?"

"Yes, apparently, my parents saw a foreign movie and thought the name fit me."

"How so"

"They never outright told me. But they seemed secretly amused whenever I asked them. At times it almost appeared as if they could hardly contain themselves from laughing."

R2D2 continued with "But I know they only wanted the best for me! My father was a Research Director level 3/security clearance 3. They shortened 'Research''2nd level''Director''2nd level clearance' to R2D2. That is one explanation. But sometimes they said it was a contraction of 'Research & Development'. It was terribly confusing to me. They assured me this was their way of encouraging me to not be satified with Research Director level 3/security clearance 3."

"Interesting! So what did you want to see me about?"

"Well, my superior focused on propulsion but we seem to be going nowhere with it."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, he wanted to research reverse speed so that if a battle seemed lost, our ships could 'get out of Dodge' fast."

"But don't all our ships have inertial dampeners?"

"Yes"

"And doesn't this mean that they can turn on a dime?"

"Yes, and thereby speed away instantly."

"So he wanted to have our ships 'back out' rather than 'turn about' to leave?"

"Yes sir. We probably would have propulsion 7 or 8 by now if we hadn't invested so heavily into reverse propulsion."

Zaxxon color was rapidly turning red "So, change it!"

"Well, being only 'acting' head of the R & D department, I don't have the authority to change research projects."

Zaxxon's countenance started to turn purple at the incredible stupidity of things. Only seeing the court physician surreptitiously pulling out a hyperdermic needle, gave him cause to restrain himself.

Tightlipped with stress, Zaxxon could barely whisper "The acting head of R & D has all the rights and privileges as the head of R & D."

"Oh! May I take my leave to make some changes?"

Barely containing himself, Zaxxon whispered "Yes"

================================================

THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: SOME HOURS LATER

After some hours of rest, Zaxxon was able to function again.

"Spiii wishes to see you, sir."

"Send him in"

Spiii rushes in to report on the reorganization of the espionage department.

"Good news, sir! We only have 1,138,297 operatives with the device in Ruatha's empire."

"What! 1,138 thousand?"

"And 297, sir"

Zaxxon groaned. If Ruatha should find out about this, they would most certainly be at war.

"And you are sure the device is completely undetectable?"

"Yes sir! And not only that, but the emmissions are broadband and radiate out in all directions, so there is nothing at all that will connect us to them."

"Thank God!" However, in spite of the reassurances, Zaxxon was uneasy for Ruatha was a mighty ruler and only the foolhardy dared to anger him.

"There is something that we cannot make sense of, sir."

"Yes"

"Well, you know the person must be 'emotionally charged' for the device to receive enough energy to work. In the past we would receive information on a mixture of 'unhappy' events and 'happy' events. The death of a wife, discovering a son has cancer, being fired from a job, being charged with a criminal offense are just a few examples of 'unhappy' events we would receive."

Spiii continued "Happy events would be things like winning the state lottery, the birth of a son, getting a contract for 100,000 widgets, an ugly spinster getting married are some 'happy' events we get."

"Yes, yes, go on"

"Well, recently, we are only getting massive numbers of unhappy events. There are no happy events at all! And not just the regular unhappy events, strange ones, like a son or daughter starving to death, indiscriminate arrests in the middle of the night, babies dying because they cannot get medical attention because of some curfew in effect, executions without due process of law, just to name a few."

Zaxxon exclaimed "Thank God for some good news!"

"Pardon" exclaimed Spiii as he tried to comprehend how Zaxxon could be so happy over the sufferings of others.

"Since we had nothing to do with the crisis in Ruatha's empire, he cannot blame us it!"

Zaxxon was actually jubilant!

Zaxxon continued, "And furthermore, he will be so distracted by the terrible events happening in his empire, that even if he should somehow happen to stumble upon the device...I know, I know you claim it is undetectable...but even if he should somehow stumble onto one of the devices, he is unlikely to notice or pay much attention to it because of the crises which requires his attention."

Zaxxon was so happy he didn't notice Spiii quietly leave the room.

EDIT============================================
Apparently Ruatha didn't post his update to his empire. As my update to the workings of the Zax empire is dependant upon the workings of the Ruatha's, I give his update here...
==============================================
Posted by RUATHA

The Exploration Committe was in session.

"-We have been ordered by the Divine Intelligence Service to turn back V'ger.
And as the domestic state of the empire is at right now I concurr. We can't really fight any war now, the empire is shutting down.
Furthermore, if the CCCP has such advanced technology that the mind-control device implies, we do not want to fight them.
And not to forget, so far the CCCP has been honourable towards us, wich is more than we've been against them!"

"-But to turn back a exploration ship on the demand of aliens! This will set a dangerous example. Who nows what we might find if we jump through the wormhole that V'ger is parked at?
Are we such cowards that we are afraid of mere aliens?"

"-Nothing we can find there will solve our current crisis, we cannot risk to enrage the CCCP anymore.
V'ger will turn back.
We will explore that part of the universe, but not now, not with V'ger!
It's not about courage, well not so much about courage as about survival!"

[ December 15, 2002, 19:48: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[Ruatha]

Weyrling Empire 2404.2
=====================

The curfew was lifted.
The society could not operate with it.
But the streets of the empire was still deserted, every here and there you could find a small group of people hurrying home with precius food supplies.
Most people were afraid, there was no way to know if your neighbour or the shop assistant at the shop around the corner was being controlled by aliens through an invisible mind control device.
There was no news of how they had been incorporated into the bodies of the victims.
It was known that the devices must have been in place for a long time, as there was no difference in the way those with devices and those without behaved, it was assumed that the aliens had thourogh information of the Weyrling society.
So far 78 devices had been found, most couldn't be traced back to an individual.
The mass deaths had resulted in mass cremations, 2-300 people being incarcerated at once, and the ashes being searched afterwards.

-------------------------
The free council was in session:
"-How is progress on the device to awaken The One going?"

"-Badly, all research has been shifted to means of detecting these mind control devices. But we do belive we will make some progress in psychic technology within one year. That might be enough to create something that can awaken the one.", Marit replied.

"-We must hurry. The mass hysteria caused by the mind-control devices has increased the spread of madness. Estimates is that more than 10% of the population is completely nutters.
It's hard to be sure as most are isolating themselves in their homes."

"-We will do our best, as always. Let's just hope it's enough."

"-On the positive front, our relationship with the CCCP is improving. Rumors now implies the Infernal Realm as being the master minds of the mind-control device plot.
But we do not know why those controlled hasn't started their attack yet, it might be that they aren't ready yet."

"-Yes, the Infernal realms people are so ugly, their demonic appearance haunts me every night.
I'm afraid we warriors hasn't done much damage to them yet, one colony ship is all that we've destroyed, and that was even before the war started."

"-yes, we should be grateful that the Thermolians has destroyed most of that Infernal realm's fleet.
Did you hear that Ruatha wanted to start a war with the Thermolians when he heard that, he thought they had robbed us of the glory of destroying these wile creatures.
I belive he really thinks we are at war with the Thermolians now, thankfully no one heeds his commands anymore."

"-I agree that it's good that he is almost powerless. However that has left us in a power vacum, no one rules at present."

"-Soon, The One will awake and set all things right...."

[ February 21, 2003, 23:15: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[tbontob]

THE ZAX SOCIETY
================================================
THE LOCATION: JUST OUTSIDE OF THE ENTRANCE TO ELSTONILE CASTLE.

Eston was happy, contemplating a quick resolution of the marital difficulties between Zaxxon and his Zaxxoness.

Five minutes passed...

He thought of the love Zaxxon had for his beloved Zaxxoness. It showed in many little ways. There were the little touches and quick glances of affection that often passed between them. It also showed in the gifts he gave her as he showered her in material things, jewels, works of art and property such as Elstonile Castle.

Fifteen minutes elapsed...

He reminisced on the the laughter which they exchanged. The quick wit and the repartee that went with their verbal parrying. It was a joy to see...

Thirty minutes slipped by...

He reflected on how they met. It was love at first sight. The Zaxxon was absolutely captivated by her beauty, slenderness, softness of features, delicate physical frame, emerald green eyes and ...

He was interrupted in his reverie by the gong which signaled the evening meal in the castle.

An hour? Where is the Zaxxoness?

He went up to the portcullis and signalled to a beefy soldier to approach.

The soldier, a hardened veteran of many wars was festooned with tattoos all over his chest, arms and back, approached Eston. He fixed Eston with a hard stare and said, "Wad ya want?"

"I want you to take a message to the Zaxxoness and tell her..."

Eston noticed that the soldier started to sway, tremble uncontrollably and eyes twitch.

"What's the matter?" Eston asked.

"Please sir, anything but that! I don't want to be rewarded again!"

"Rewarded! Talk sense, man."

"Sir, it is a long story. A year ago, the Zaxxoness heard of a ritual the humans have...the bubblebath. Apparently the females of the species love to sink into a tub of it and it relaxes them. It is even coming into favor for human males to use it without having to fear ridicule, just like they now can go into a beauty parlor to have the spikes on their heads trimmed."

Voice trembling, the soldier continued "Well the Zaxxoness bought carloads of the stuff. If you look you can see 10 boxcars of the stuff on the railroad siding there. Must be 20 tons at least."

"Anyways, I had disturbed her with an urgent message and she rewarded me with a bubblebath. It was fabulous! As I relaxed more and more, my pleasure escalated. Soon, I had no control over my muscles at all and slipped to the bottom of the tub."

"I would have drowned except for a serving girl who noticed the bubbles rising to the top of the bubblebath as I expelled my Last breath."

"Sir, I want nothing more in the world than to perform a service such as delivering your message. I'd sell my soul for another bubblebath."

"But the rational part of me tells me I am addicted to it. To cope with my addiction, I now attend Bubblebath Anonymous. I try to observe the 12 steps faithfully, but I am barely hanging on as it is. So, if the Zaxxoness should offer me another bubblebath, I don't think I'd have the fortitude to say no to it...I want it so badly."

"And then I would be either dead or so hopelessly addicted to it that I would have no hope of redemption."

Eston couldn't help but pity this proud yet defeated warrior. His battle scars and tattoos were no defence against the soapbubble.

He thought, "I will have to find another way to get a message to the Zaxxoness!"

----------------------------------------------

THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE

Strong-of-the-Arm Custor entered the room with "Sir, you wished to see me?"

"Yes, how is our war with the CCCP going?"

"Well, we are barely holding our own. They made a probing attack at the Big Horn system which we were able to turn back."

Strong-of-the-Arm Custor continued "Then there is the attack at the Little Big Bugle system but fortunately it was mined, so they lost their ships in the minefield."

"So we are holding our own?"

"Yes sir, but as I said at the meeting we must bring our forces together and ..."

"Yes, yes I know. We will discuss it later.", Zaxxon interjected. He didn't want to make a decision on that issue until he had reconciled with his Zaxxoness!

"Well then may I take my leave as I must get back to the defence of the realm."

----------------------------------------------

THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE

Zaxxon was feeling good, knowing that the silver tongue of Eston would bring his Zaxxoness back to him.

He was in conference with Spiii.

"So what do we really know of Ruatha?"

"Sir, what we know is only what we can deduct from inferences." replied Spiii.

"And what is that?"

"Well we infer that Avrel suffered a heart attack or stroke, brought on by his distress over his belief that Ruatha may be insane."

"From that we infer, that Avrel must have had a deep and abiding love for his emperor...so much so that it caused his death."

Spii continued, "There is also civil unrest, but it doesn't appear to be directed against Ruatha. If it were, there would be riots and attempts to depose him. This fact with Avrel's deep love for Ruatha leads us to the inescapable conclusion that he is deeply loved by all his people."

"And finally, we also believe he may be a great warrior. We get unclear Messages about his involvement in the war with the Thermolians. Since the Thermolians have been wiped out, it would appear that he is the cause of their demise."

Zaxxon replied, "I truly envy him. To be so deeply loved by his people. And to be such a general as to wipe out a race. Whereas, I can barely hold my own against the CCCP..."

[Ruatha]

Stardate 2404.4 Weyrlings
==========================

In the Weyrling military headquarters:
"-Did you hear what happened to our task force that was sent out towards the Infernal Realm?"

"-No, what?"

"-They were on their way to glass a civilian planet, our first real target. No real opposition was expected, it was meant to put the fear of the empire into those demons.
When our task force arrived at the small planet they struck some infernal devices called mines, in an instant all ships were destroyed!".

"-Mines, what is that?"

"-A cowardly weapon! They put war heads in space around the planet, when our ships arrived the war heads went off and exploded. The Infernal Realms military didn't even stay to watch the carnage. They dumped these mines and ran before we arrived, the cowards.
They killed the innocent crews on all four destroyers!
Now all those million demons on that planet can go on with their miserable lifes instead of being, *cough*, liberated by us."

"-So, will we send any more ships?"

"-No, it took that taskforce over two years to arrive at the front, the war will be over before any more ships arrives."

"-Does Ruatha know?"

"-Ofcourse not, no one has told him.
We can't tell him, he might blame the military and order the execution of all military personnel. The intelligence service wouldn't delay in complying with that order, even though it would cast the empire into even more chaos!"

"-But why hasn't the Intelligence Service informed him?"

"-Those cowards! They are afraid he would blame it on bad intelligence and order all intelligence personnel executed. And ofcourse, if he did, it would be our duty to comply and rid the empire of all intelligence scum."

"-I see. Any news on the Mind-Control Devices?"

-"No, the intelligence service is keeping a tight lid on all research, we might have to do something about that.
Let's go and talk to admiral Elyssandra, she might now what to do!"

[tbontob]

ZAX Society
============================================

THE LOCATION: JUST OUTSIDE OF THE ENTRANCE TO ELSTONILE CASTLE.

Eston was in a quandary.

He had a mission to accomplish. Not only did the health of Zaxxon depend upon his actions, but also the very survival of the society may depend upon it.

So, he could have "ordered" the guard to relay his message to the Zaxxoness.

But the distress of the guard was so great, that it brought out his deep sense of compassion. He decided to wait for the changing of the guard.

Almost eight hours, after midnight, the changing of the guard took place. But when Eston made his request, the new guard exhibited similar signs of distress. Eston decided wait a further 8 hours.

Morning dawned. With the changing of the guard, Eston approached the new guard on duty and made his request.

The guard started to tremble and sweat...

"Are you addicted to Bubblebath as well?" Eston asked.

"No sir, but I heard about it."

"Then why are you so afraid?"

"I have seen the deep longing of my fellow soldiers for another bubblebath. I have participated in holding them down as they exhibited severe signs of withdrawal. It is not something I wish to experience."

Eston could not bring himself to order the guard to deliver his message and turned back to his camp.

================================================

THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE

Zaxxon was happy. That morning, he had leaped out of his bed with a heart bursting with joy. He thought, "By now, the silver tongue of Eston must be doing its work. Why, even now, the Zaxxoness must be preparing for the trip back to him!"

He felt that nothing would affect his feelings of happiness and well being. This was going to be a great and momentous day!

His thoughts were interrupted by "R2D2 wishes to see you, sir."

"Send him in"

R2D2 burst in with "Sir, I have changed the funding for the research and development projects.

"Great. Tell me abo..."

"Well, I reduced the funding for reverse speed by 5% and put the 5% into researching propulsion. This way the research into reverse speed will not be lost and we will eventually get the next level of propulsion."

Only then did R2D2 become aware of the beet-red color of Zaxxon and of the court physician pulling out an empty hypodermic needle from the arm of Zaxxon.

"Whaaaaat?" R2D2 exclaimed.

"If you value your career, I would suggest you put some more thought into the projects you are funding." the court physician interjected.

================================================
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: 2 hours later

Zaxxon was beginning to emerge from his 'short nap', when Strong-of-the-Arm Custer burst in with "I must see him!"

"Sir, we must do something!" Going to the maps, he continued, "The CCCP is showing increased activity at these three locations! We must pull our ships of the line from this location to bolster our defenses."

Zaxxon started to tremble and hyperventilate when he realized that the system Custor wanted to abandon was the system where the Zaxxoness's parents lived.

Zaxxon again felt the prick of a needle and fell into a deep sleep.

================================================
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: 3 hours later

Zaxxon had almost fully recovered from his 'inoculations', when a courtier announced that Spiii wished to see him.

Zaxxon said, "Well Spiii, I hope you have some good news!"

"No sir! We have discovered that the CCCP has subordinate allies. A number of them are assisting the CCCP with resources, ships, intelligence and God knows what else."

This time Zaxxon hardly felt the pinprick.

================================================
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: 1 hour later

"Dip-low-Mac-Sea, the minister of foreign affairs wishes to see you sir."

Zaxxon responded with a weary "Send him in"

Dip-low-Mac-Sea said, "I have some bad news, sir."

"Well, it couldn't be any worse than what has happened so far!"

"Two more empires have declared war on us."

This time a hypodermic was not necessary as Zaxxon passed out with the shock of the announcement.

[Ruatha]

Weyrling Empire - Dawn, the new beginning. 2404.5
=================================================
It was an ordinary day in the God Emperor's palace, orders were issued without being obeyed, heads were rolling and guts opened, the blod pouring out of the throne chamber, Ruatha was in a good mood.

"Send in another wench!" He screamed after having killed his Last rape victim (in full view of the 234 attending persons in the throne room).

The High Guard closest to Ruatha twicthed the wiskers in a nervous manner, the High Guard's tail whisped slowly back and forth while pressed to the floor. Suddenly the Guard reaches for his beam wepon, steps forward and points it towards Ruatha, no other High Guard seems to react.

"-Death to the tyrant", the high pitched noise of the beam blends with the splatter of God Emperor Ruatha as he is split in the middle when the Guard sweeps the beam from Ruatha's head to the floor.

Now the other High Guards finally reacts, drawing their weapons and aiming at the killer.

The former High Guard moves his warm beam weapon upwards and points it towards his own head:
"-Long live Zaxxon, ruler of all , oh, sorry, I mean.. Long live the free Weyrlings, freedom to the people!"

As he presses the trigger the high pitched noise is this time abruptly ended by the splatter of the exploding head.

[ February 21, 2003, 23:13: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[Ruatha]

Weyrling Empire, A new sun arises. 2404.6
========================================
The provisional council was in session:
Admiral Elyssandra as acting chief of state was leading the procedings:
"-What is the state of the realm?", she asked.

"-Well", the general next to her replied, "It's quite odd, but the moral has never been higher. We belive those prone to panic were mostly killed in the recent disorders.
The Empire has responded well to the quick takeover by us military, as we have provided order.
That you Admiral has been appointed Chief of state helps, as you are seen as an honourble leader. Most remember your efforts in the short "Sons of thunder War" which you won singlehandedly with that weapon platform."

Elyssandra spoke again,
"-Good. Now we must make plans for the future. The fleet must be strenghtened. Surely some external forces might try to take advantage of the situation. Also we must send more ships to the Joint Alliance Force, so far our contribution has been laughable. We must prove ourselfs to the alliance now so that they don't turn against us.
General elections can't be held in any predictable time, I will continue as Chief of State for as long as needed.
We have already seen to a quick building program for the fleet, and we have a general defence plan for the next three years.

Now to another matter, we must find out who made us the favour of disposing of Ruatha. I'd like to thank them but of course they must be punished severly. High Guard Anjel who assasined Ruatha made a somewhat confused statement before taking his own life.
This Zaxxon he mentioned is unknown to us, it has been proposed that he might have been mad, or the sanest Wyerling around if you'd like to see it that way. Most evidence hovewer points towards the "Free Council". I'd hate to punish them as I do belive they are true patriots, but if we can't find anyone else to blame soon we will have to point the guns towards them.
If you haven't been informed of that underground movement, you ought to know that they are trying to awaken The One, these efforts are inofficially supported, but officialy we don't know of the existance of that "council".
We do know that the insanity still continues to rise in the population, the proportion of insane Weyrlings has decreased due to the recent events but the rate of affection increases. So far we haven't found any cure, and this insanity was unknown during the unity under The One.

So, to work. Strengthen the fleet, and let's find those behind Ruathas death!"

__________________________________________________ __________________________________

A public statement was made through all embassys to the alien civilizations:
Ruatha is dead, Matriarch Elyssandra now rules the Weyrlings. Death to all enemies of the Weyrling people and may their friends prosper.In the few systems in wich conflict with others might arise, the fleet strenght was raised.

[ February 21, 2003, 23:14: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[tbontob]

THE ZAX SOCIETY
================================================

THE LOCATION: ZAXXON'S BEDCHAMBER OF ZAX CENTRE

Zaxxon was screaming.

The high chamberlain ran into the room in response to the anguished cries of his Zaxxon.

He had to shake Zaxxon with increasing roughness until Zaxxon awoke. He was wild-eyed, pale and shaking.

"You had a bad dream, Sir."

"It was so vivid, so real."

"What Sir?"

"I dreamt I was being sliced in two, from my head to my foot. Blood was everywhere!"

"Just a nightmare, Sir!"

"No, it was more than that! It was so vivid, so real...so extraordinarily real!"

"Well,..."

"What does it mean?"

"I could ask the court physician, Sir"

"Yes, ask him to come at once!"

============================================
THE LOCATION: ZAXXON'S BEDCHAMBER OF ZAX CENTRE
THE TIME: 30 MINUTES LATER.

The court physician was saying "From what you tell me it can be no more than a bad dream..."

"No, no! It was more than that!" interjected Zaxxon.

"Well, I think we can help calm you." said the court physician as he prepared a hypodermic.

Zaxxon went hysterical, "No, no. I don't want to go to sleep. I may dream it again!"

"Hmmmm. Well, if you will calm down, I will not give you an injection."

"Yes, yes. I am calm, I am calm!" said the wild-eyed Zaxxon in a trembling voice.

"But my dear Zaxxon, we need to resolve this."

Zaxxon was so disturbed that he didn't notice the court physician and the high chamberlain had moved to a corner of the bedchamber and were discussing his situation in low whispers.

"We are at a loss Sir as to how to explain this event and its significance. We will put it before the council to ascertain how we should proceed. Is there anything we can do for you, now?"

In a trembling voice, "I just wish my Zaxxoness was here now. I could relax in her..." Zaxxon stopped, turned red and amended with "I meant with her."

"Well I am confident that Eston and the Zaxxoness are on their way here at this very moment."
================================================

THE LOCATION: JUST OUTSIDE OF THE ENTRANCE TO ELSTONILE CASTLE.

Eston was starting to panic.

He called a meeting of the Zax nobility who had accompanied him on the mission.

"Well, it seems obvious that she will not meet with anyone unless it is her Zaxxon." said one noble.

Another responded with "And if we cannot meet with her, then our mission is doomed. What could we tell Zaxxon? He had such high hopes for a reconciliation."

Everyone looked at each other, hoping against hope someone had a solution.

Seconds passed. Seconds turned into minutes. Everyone had a haunted look.

"Ahem, I may have a solution." said the guard who was in charge of the flap to the tent.

"Ignore him. He is only a guard! What does he know of matters such as these!" said one of the nobles.

"Insufferable!" said another.

"Low class...

The guard persisted with "But, I may..."

"Do you want to be dishonourably discharged from the service without a pension." shouted a noble.

Eston stepped in with, "Gentlemen, gentlemen! We have not come up with a solution. I do not want to go back to the Zaxxon and tell him our mission was a failure."

When the nobles had the opportunity to digest what Eston said, he continued with "I propose we allow him to tell us his idea."

Grudgingly, the nobles saw the wisdom of Eston's words and gave permission to the guard to speak.

"Well, it seems obvious that the Zaxxoness will not meet with anyone but her Zaxxon. And the Zaxxon cannot come here. So, the only solution is to pretend the Zaxxon is here and wants to see her. Once you have an audience with her, you can plead your case."

The meeting turned into an uproar.
"That's terrible you would suggest such a...."
"To lie to the Zaxxoness..."
"You actually suggest we use deceit?
"She could lay charges if we did such a thing!"

Unanimously, the nobles turned down the guard's suggestion with utter contempt!

Sadly Eston said "I do not want to return to Zaxxon to tell him the bad news. Personally, to avoid that, I would try almost anything."

"But, I however much I would like to try it." he continued. "I cannot do it without your help."

Zaxxon concluded with "So if this mission fails, it fails because you are not prepared to risk offending the Zaxxoness."

The nobles all responded with,
"My ethics do not permit me to lie...
"It is not right!
"To even imply that we do such a thing...

To a man, the nobles agreed that they should return to Zax central forthwith.

Sadly Eston said, "Yes. I will report our failure to the Zaxxon. It is likely he will ask if we have tried everything. If he does, I will have to tell him "No." because I didn't have your support."

Eston continued with "We should realize our society is imperilled with the war with three empires. How well our society performs depends in large part on the Zaxxons health and enthusiasm."

The nobles responded with
"Maybe so, but to demand we lie..."
"My conscience will not allow it."
"Sometimes we just have to accept things."

Eston quietly said, "But I think we have a law which says that if by action or inaction a person imperils the society, he could be hung."

The nobles went into shock and then suddenly said:
"Our Zaxxons health is paramount."
"We should do our duty."
"It is only right that we do what we can to reconcile the Zaxxoness with the Zaxxon."
"I am sentimental and want to try to get these lovebirds back together."

"How do you propose we do it?" Eston asked the guard.

"Well, if it was the Zaxxon, he would be accompanied by a retinue of nobles dressed in their finest silks and literally dripping in jewels. To do less may expose you."

The guard continued with "Then, I would suggest you pretend that Zaxxon is in the litter. Make sure the litter openings are closed with silks, give the reason that the Zaxxon is ill and requires immediate attention of her physician."

"Here, here!", the nobles shouted happily, each thinking of the silks and jewels they would like to have.

Historians would write that it was not only the nobles inner sense of duty and loyalty to do the right thing and but it was their compassion for the lovebirds which unwaveringly led them to change the course of history.