Story 1, Entry 5

Story 1, Entry 5

 

“Raiders, freighters and secrets”

 

     “Freighter Mary McKay just cleared loading arm 3. All lights green.” I updated Mr. Charles, or hammer, as they often called the traffic boss. He stomped onto the control room floor in regular fashion, a mug of coffee always with him.

      “Finally, took the crew long enough to get her loaded. Put in an order to check the flow regulators on the pumps and make sure the filters got changed. Shouldn’t have taken this long, even for a big girl like that.” He replied. He walked over to one of the windows. He was one of those bosses you could tell was always solving or considering a dozen problems at a time but that was his job and he was known as one of the best traffic bosses in the business.
      “Did that maintenance team get the condenser changed out on the number seven separator yet?” He asks to the room as he looked out the window at different angles. From that side he could see the freighter, and the gas giant Argus 2 not that far off in the distance, covering up most of the view. If you strained and knew where to look, you could make out one or two of the giant extractors in low orbit. The extractors constantly took in the atmosphere of the planet, took out what gases it was programmed to for storage and latter transfer to the main facility. Once here, on the main platform the gas would be liquified, purified and stored until transfer to a freighter like the Mary McKay just leaving. I don’t know who Mary McKay was but must be nice to have a ship named after you, even a corporate freighter.

     “They reported they are sealing up the compartment now, should be able to begin start up in an hour or so.” Daniels answered in an effort to please his new boss, fresh higher, always the same, if they only knew the boss they wouldn’t bother.

     “Christ considering all the money corp spent on equipment and brainpower you would think someone here could make coffee you could drink instead of chew.” The hammer said as he spit into the mug. He shook his head while walking over to another window close to me.

     “They sure aren’t the talking type.” He said with a casual look to me while nodding out the window. I didn’t have to look out the window to know what he meant. From that window you could see the same thing since the day we arrived to set up house. An Imperial warship. I was told it was equal to a destroyer class. It was one of three located close by. I had been glancing at it for over a month now and still wasn’t used to it. It was just so different from our boats. Metallic blue hull. Dark ruby red trim. The main weapons were in turrets but didn’t look much like what the Commonwealth had. The ship had smooth rounded lines, not like ours. You could just tell it was high tech. It looked faster than what we had, and rumor was that all their ships had really powerful energy barriers along with better electronics and other hi tech gear. I should have felt safe with them here. Just none of us knew if they were really here to protect us or to keep an eye on us. I heard their commander came over for a dinner when we first arrived but that has been the only face to face meeting, at all. Like the boss said, not the social type.

     “Boss, my screen just woke up. I’m getting three unknowns on long range trackers. Coming in at 132, there a way’s off, low and fast. Possible raiders. There coming our way, don’t know if their after us or the Mary. Trying to get a tracking fix.” Elaina announced from behind me in a surprised and concerned voice. Mr. Charles walked towards Elaina’s station, calm but quickly.

     “Put the facility on lock down. Begin charging up the point defense grid. Confirm the Mary and our protection are tracking them to. Must have come from behind one of the other gas giants. I knew this area smelled bad. Give me an open channel.” The traffic boss continued while he looked over Elaina’s station.

     I checked the information coming in on my board.

“Sir the Mary McKay has confirmed contact and the lead Imperial ship just sent an acknowledgment signal. You have an open line to the facility.” I answered after a few quick taps on my screen.

     “This is the traffic boss. We have three incoming unknowns. They may be hostile so we might get a shake up in the regular routine. Everyone get to your stations and secure. Stay calm and do your jobs. I will let you know more as soon as I do.” He finished before turning back to us.

      “Okay, so much for the pep talk, someone tell me something I don’t know.” Mr. Charles continued, a small grin to assure everyone.

     “The Mary has activated her defensive systems and has changed coarse back to us. I have better feed back on the three unknows. I am picking up weapon mount signatures so guess that answers that. The three Imperials are starting to move to intercept. Looks like they have raised their barriers and increased power out put to weapons and engines. Just with this civilian grade equipment its hard to get very detailed readings on them.” Elaina answered, taking a moment to look up at the boss.

     “Well at least it doesn’t look like they gonna leave us to the wolves. From what I heard if they activate their full targeting and jamming your not gonna see nothing on that screen but haze.” He answered as he took a sip of a new batch of coffee just handed to him. He took a sip and nodded as if to say better. He then walked over to the window he would be able to see the raiders from, if they were a lot closer.

     “Boss I got two new contacts. Mark 212. There coming out from behind Argus. There close. Ones another raider, the other looks like a smaller freighter with modifications, she’s picking up a lot of speed for a freighter. I, I think there heading to the Mary McKay.” Elaina spit out in a somewhat panicked tone.

     “Now we know the missing part. The first three are just to pull the guard dogs away from the sheep. They plan to take the Mary, or at least as much of her cargo as they can grab. I hope our watch dogs are paying attention. Signal the Mary to come in as close as she can. Well give her what support we can.” Mr. Charles answered as he shook his head with a smirk. He seemed to know this was going to happen, like he had seen it before. The only one in the room not surprised.  

Story 1, Entry 4

Story 1 Entry 4

 

“The mouse and the bunta”

 

     The governor then gestured for me to sit down at the corner of the large conference table. He took a seat next to me and pushed a drink to me. He then seemed to pause in thought before looking straight at me with the same purpose he had done when I first entered the room.

     “You live on one of the boarder systems. You know that we, I can not stop what the humans have done. They have unique qualities Koreth like the general will never see. Our people’s interest in them can not be changed. Despite the disruption from small extreme groups on both sides all the information I receive draws me to the same place. The humans have influenced our people with there ideas in ways no other species has been able to. It goes against five hundred years of tradition, but it won’t be stopped.” He started, looking down at his drink.

     “Sooner or later the Emperor will find out and his reaction will be swift, predictable and most likely violent. If I am to save my people and the humans, we need them. We need their unwavering support and despite what the general thinks we need their military. It’s the only chance we have to change the Emperor and the council’s thoughts on the matter.” He continued with a short taste from the glass.

     “Governor, I am a little confused or not properly informed. If you want, feel you need the humans political and military support, why did you refuse to allow them to send their own warships as escorts?” I asked after a moment to realize he was sharing with me thoughts not many others knew of.

     “Are you familiar with a small fur covered animal among the humans they call a mouse? It is a lot like the buntas we have on our home world, and others.” He said, looking at me with a smile. I shook my head no; I had not heard of this mouse.

     “They, like the buntas are small scavengers that hide and reproduce at a rapid rate to survive. This mouse animal has the most basic of instincts, it is very cautious of any thing new. They thrive in buildings with a water and food source and just like buntas are difficult to get ride of. Do you know the best way to capture them, all of them?” The governor asked, although the question seemed to just be a pause in his thoughts not intended for me to really answer. Again, I just motioned my head no.

     “They are over cautious and suspicious of anything new to their environment. If one entices them with a treat but then traps them. You will catch one or a couple, but the rest will learn that the treat means death and is to be avoided. So, you will have the remainder still in your house, still unable to catch or control them.” He continued with small color changes in his skin as he looked past me.

     “So, you offer the treat with out a trap. After they take it you give them more. You do this for a certain length of time. You allow them to become accustom to the treat. You teach them to become even dependent on it. Soon all the buntas in your house will come to the same spot, at the same time, expecting the same treat.” The governor said with a smile, turning his look back to me.

     “At that time, you set out the trap. At that moment you catch them all, at one time, you have them. You use patience and time. Two things the Imperium practices with reliable consistency. The humans know enough about our traditions to know that allowing military access from the very beginning would go against hundreds of years of policy. I think they are smart enough, have enough instincts just like the buntas, their mouse animals that they would be overly cautious, suspicious perhaps become hesitant. So, we will offer them the treat first. Then another. We will wait as they become comfortable with what we offer. We will wait until they come to expect it, want it, perhaps even feel they have earned the right to demand it.” The governor took another quick drink. He then leaned over to me. Looked into my eyes. It was then I saw the intense face of a Koreth that had been deep in planning for a long time.

     “Then we will let their military in. We will let them set up limited bases, in secrete. We will let them make a military commitment to us and we will let them think it was their idea, their wise planning. Then we will have them, all of them, all their support. They will be unwilling to give up the treats they have become so accustomed to and they will be willing to fight to keep them. We will have trapped them all.” He finished with a slow nod. He allowed a small smile and color change to a soft blue as he rose from his seat.

     The meeting was over, the purpose of it had already begun and I just now learned of my part in it.  

Story 1, Entry 3

Story 1, Entry 3

 

“Porakath onchon, governor”

 

     Tap, tap, tap went my finger on my info pad. I have been to the governor’s office a number of times through the years as my duties required but I never seemed to get as comfortable with it as I was hoping for. There were several others in the waiting area besides me. Some obviously administrators, managers and the like. Two were military and I would say fleet by the uniforms but not currently with commands. I can’t put it in words but officers that were assigned to warships always carried themselves a little different then those that never had.

     The chairs were comfortable enough, the walls covered with quality decorations and copies of old art. The large window gave a fine view of the capital below, busy as always. I had seen it before and many others like it. I just wanted to get on with the reason I was here, to report my updated information after my latest meeting with my counter part Mr. Baldwin. I don’t know if I was requested to report in person because of secrecy or because the governor wanted to make sure he had all his questions answered. Hopefully I would soon find out.  

     “Vorathan Sarra of the Markie lineage?” The assistant stated to the room as he stood to look us all over. I grabbed my info pad, stood up, pulled my dress uniform down tight and responded.

     “That is me, I am here.” I said. I went ahead and started to walk to him assuming it was now my turn.

     “Governor Kathruth Kaul of the Andul lineage has called for you, through that entrance.” He replied, pointing to the large obvious door that I couldn’t imagine anyone getting confused over. I nodded as I walked pass. He gave me a simple smile and nod that he obviously displayed countless times a day with little variation.

     The Governors office was as I remembered it a combination of many task, like the position itself. To one side was an old shelf full of an even older collection of books with written word. Extremely valuable to the right collector I would think. Then, on the other side of the room was a modern conference table equipped with all the modern assortments of holographic imagining and various modes of communication. Two individuals awaited me as I walked inside, I recognized them both, most Koreth in this province would.

     The governor was behind his desk of wood and metal. The other was to the side near the window, he turned to face me, and I recognized him as the highest ranking general in the provincial fleet. His uniform was clean, neat but lacked the attention to small details of age. It matched his face and general appearance. He was a career officer of many battles both in space and in conference rooms. His face offered wisdom, hardness and tradition, all the makings of an ideal Imperial general. His skin remained a dull grey, revealing no emotion, a practiced trait for someone in his position.  

     “Porakath onchon.” The governor said with his attention still focused on a small screen to one side of his desk.”

     “Greetings to you governor.” I responded with my choice of human English. I was hoping the choice would help dismiss any concerns they may have as to my knowledge of everything related to my duties to the Imperium.    

     “Very good ambassador, I see you to have been practicing these humans’ languages. My daughter has been my best teacher, I’m sure you know how the younger generation seems to be so easily embracing everything human, music, fashion, even religion in some circles. Agree or disagree it is the root of all the issues we now see staring back at us or do you see things differently? I can only wonder at the added inefficiency caused by having more than one language. It is my understanding that they have over fifteen popular ones used, and countless other lesser ones, although English seems to be most common in the boarder systems for whatever reason.” The governor asked of me, looking up, directly at me before beginning to move from behind his desk.

      “The humans own many practices that make them…………so interesting to our youth and others? I am starting to work on another common language, Spanish, but I have a distance to go on it.” I replied, attempting to be diplomatic in my response since I was not sure of the governor’s politics and intentions.

     “Well, I can only hope that for my needs, one will be enough.” The governor replied, walking to a back shelf with an assortment of drinks. I could see the age of duty on him, but he seemed to carry it well. Still with a spark of spirit unusual for a politician of his age. Interesting.

     “So, let us forward move with some of the issues before us. I’m sure you know general Tarka Drajja of the Dradoss lineage and can understand the need for his presence here?” The governor continued, pointing to the general with one hand and gesturing if I wanted a drink with the other.

     “Yes, I can. To that, I would like to start out by saying that the humans agreed to all our, your conditions. They were not to happy about the military issue, but they are in agreement and ready to proceed. In fact, my counterpart has informed me they are already making preparations for the first convoy of ships.” I replied with a humble since of accomplishment on my part.

     “Good, there is no justifiable reason they should have an issue with relying on our ships to protect theirs. These humans are just as troubled with a conflict of pride and arrogance as all the rest. They should be grateful we have offered to protect them. Their militaries capabilities are notable behind us, as is always the case. They are a simple species with little knowledge of what they truly need to know. However, you have addressed my main concern. Commerce is one thing but to allow even their obsolete warships into our home systems, chaos and nonsense poured into the same cup, waiting to be spilled all over the place and make a mess.” General Tarka unexpectedly responded. He walked forward shaking his head as his ears moved about and his skin turned slightly red in spots. The timing of his response surprised me but not the response. Every military officer considered not just the humans but all other species to be inferior in the art of war and unable to speak its language with the same mastery as the Imperium.

     “I am glad to hear that general, now would you mind stepping outside for a few moments so I can finish with the ambassador. Afterwards please return so we can finalize a few remaining issues.” The governor asked of the general as he walked closer to me and raised a hand to the door. The general nodded and seemed to return to a more reserved disposition.

     “I should check for any recent communications so yes that will be fine. I will return after a short time governor.” He responded as he turned and left the room. A room I suddenly felt grow smaller.

Stars Reach Short Story Series , Story 1, Entry 2

Story 1, Entry 2

 

“Futures Ventured”

 

     “Thank you, Mr. Baldwin, for a most interesting presentation. I’m glad the I.P.I.S. seems to be working well today, your image and voice remained very clear throughout.” Admiral Tully commented as I finished summarizing the information that Vorathan had given to me a few weeks ago. I was glad the holographic image of me in my office was clean and clear. I found few things more frustrating than trying to have an important meeting when the Inter Planetary Information System was not connecting well. It had taken some time to make the arrangements for the small audience to meet, I would not want to have to try and reschedule because of a bad connection for any number of reasons. After sharing my meeting, they seemed to have the same looks of surprise I must have had that day.

     “Mr. Baldwin, in your experience do you feel the Governor would be willing to compromise on some of his conditions? The area he has suggested is not just isolated, but I remember some reports of pirate activity in that area and even two unconfirmed reports of small Trazari raiding party sightings. Not exactly the safest neighborhood to set up shop.” Admiral Yuan asked in his usual heavy Chinese accent.

     “I could give you a long diplomatic answer but to the point, no Sir, I doubt it.” I replied after little thought.

     “Not even if you explained to them our concern for the protection of our people and if the military escort was kept small. We could even coordinate with their military. If they are really interested in developing a more open relationship you could impress on them this gesture would go a long way.” The admiral followed up with. I couldn’t tell if he was attempting to convince me or himself.

     “Sounds like the Koreth want to use us as test subjects to see how dangerous industrial operations will be in that area, their area, before they risk their own people?” Secretary MacMorre chimed in. He was one of the Prime ministers’ top advisors, lifelong politician and just more testimony to the importance of this meeting.

     “Ladies and gentlemen, from what I have learned about the Koreth from what history we know about them and personal contact from living on this boarder system planet for the last 12 years is that they may be slow to react but they are thoughtful and move with purpose with each action.” I started to answer. I couldn’t help but tilt my head down as I rubbed my chin with my right hand and started to pace around my office. It was a long-standing habit I went to when trying to focus my thoughts and words.

     “They have assured us that they will provide a military presence in the area to protect our people. I have no reason to doubt they will do as they say, and I assure you their ships are more than a match for any amount of pirate or other threat in the area. Historically they are very protective of claimed space and that tradition would override any benefit gained by allowing our ships to be put at risk vs their own, I would think.” I continued.

     “You have to keep in mind, traditionally the Koreth have a single overriding principle when they encounter another species capable of FTL travel. That species is viewed as a present or future threat and in their thinking the only logical response is to either conquer or subjugate the possible threat. What they are offering goes against almost 500 years of tradition. I can’t tell you why now, why us, why here. I can only tell you that it is a rare opportunity and the potential benefits must out weight any risk.” I concluded with what I hoped were the right words.

     “Still, I would feel better if we used our own military ships to provide security. Our ships are also more than capable of dealing with any possible threat, I would argue they are the most advance and capable in this sector of the galaxy and have the best leadership and crews any vessel could have.” Admiral Tully added. She had a reputation for being almost overly confident in the Commonwealths military and she wasn’t the only one. She has also been rumored to have always preferred a military solution to problems in the past.

     I had to admit, the Commonwealths new generation of warships were a large leap forward, by our standards. Unlike the others in that room my image was being projected into so far away on earth because of were I was I have seen one of the Imperial warships up close, five years ago. Compared to what I saw, I doubt the Koreth would be overly impressed with our progress by their standards. There was good reason they had the largest empire we had yet encountered. It was no accident or luck they occupied over half of the entire Perseus arm of the galaxy. I only hope this group and others in their position fully understood that and all it implied.

     “I agree Mr. Baldwin, we can not pass up this opportunity and need to play it out. I imagine the real challenge will be in deciding which corporations get the trade rights, but that is another debate for another day. I am happy to hear any closing thoughts by the others in this room before I make my final recommendation to the Prime minister. Mr. Baldwin, again, thank you for your report, you are dismissed. Some one will be in touch soon I imagine.” Secretary MacMorre commented with a wave of his hand and a tone of conclusion.

     I nodded and with the push of a button they and the conference room faded away. I had done my part; I had pushed the next domino down. I couldn’t help but wonder if I had pushed any others down, I couldn’t see.   

Stars Reach Short Story Series, Story 1, Entry 1

In an effort to generate some fun and added interest in the Stars Reach Universe I am going to be doing a series of short story segments or episodes. They will all be short, provide a look into the universe and most will give some ideas for scenarios to play out. So enjoy, feel free to comment and happy gaming!

Story 1, Entry 1

 

 

"Casual diplomacy, in the casual way"

 

     "Have you made your mid-day food selection?" The Koreth waiter asked in a successful attempt to intrude on my thoughts of when my longtime friend would show up and what the meeting might be for.

"Yes, I have, but I'm waiting on some one, I could use a topping off." I replied, giving my half empty glass a shake. The waiter nodded and turned away. Despite the humble restaurant uniform covering most of his body a momentary red discoloration flashed on his normally grey skinned neck, just above the collar. The Koreth used changes in skin color to help communicate basic emotions, red was displeasure, anger or in my case irritation.

It was then I noticed my friend, my equal in diplomatic circles enter from the wood framed door. I stood, followed by a wave. He nodded and made his way over. The reverse angled legs of Koreth gave them a different pace from humans, his old age gave him a slightly different pace from other Koreth. His cloths were regular, unassuming. His look casual, he, Vorathan, gave nothing out of the ordinary for others to notice. I smiled and nodded before we both sat down.

He was always just a little late for our meetings. I used to think he did it to gain some type of advantage but after 12 years I think it was just his way.

"Family?" Vorathan asked, his bat like ears leaning forward as he gave me a solid look before observing the list of food choices, he probably knew by heart. This was his favorite small restaurant in the whole capital. Good food, no excitement, a place to be seen but not noticed.

"Good, my oldest starts flight school next month. My youngest, well she is still passing her lesson plans. My wife is still happy, so I am to." I responded.

"So, my old friend, what's the urgency, not like you. Is the unrest causing more of a stir than I know?" It wasn't normal to skip small talk and get to the point, but his message seemed to justify it. I for one knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy my lunch not knowing so I broke with normal diplomatic unwritten rules.

"Getting impatient in your old age or we are just too good of friends now? My boss has decided to accept your governments offer, with conditions." Vorathan replied with an emotionless stare into my eyes. I had to take a moment to observe his unexpected directness before replying.

"Really? Why now, after all the years?" I had to wonder out loud.

"The continued increase in tension between our peoples on all four of the boarder systems is part of it. There are other reasons I cannot say. I can tell you it is in the best interest of both sides. He wants to keep his people, his family safe. A new opportunity for cooperation could help with this he thinks. The governor assumes your people are still interested?" Vorathan finished, glancing down at the food list.

"Interested. Yes, there are several corporations very interested in securing trade rights in Imperium space, on any level, even a small one...….to start with. The military and politicians will be mixed but give into private pressure as usual. How does your bosses boss feel about this?" I asked, leaning forward across the small table.

"My bosses’ boss does not know, and you already knew that. You have been a diplomate to the Imperium long enough to know what the Emperor and his advisory councils’ policy and our traditions say about such things." He answered with a slight change in tone, leaning forward as well.

"A small number of civilian mining and refining ships only, some remote location, no military I assume?" I asked to confirm what I already knew. It all made much more sense now. For a provincial governor to take actions he has sworn not to and without the Emperors blessing is no small act nor is the consequences. I had no idea today was to be so historical in nature. Commonwealth ships in Imperium home territory on unofficial, official business.

"Yes and no. Here is the official unofficial offer to make it official." He replied as he slides a small info chip across the table to my hand.

"Do us all the convince of seeing it delivered quickly and don't lose it, I don't have a copy." Vorathan said in an attempt at human humor and to lighten an otherwise very serious discussion disguised as small talk.

"Is this really going to happen? I feel like I am holding just the first of many domino's and haven't a clue where the last one will land." I commented as the waiter decided he needed to return to the table.

"Change is constant and needed, even within the Imperium. Your Commonwealth, your species, you humans seem to thrive on change in all its forms. I think we may put that to the test in the coming times. Now not to ruin lunch let me tell you of my family while we eat my favorite choices." Vorathan responded. His voice was casual, but his skin was black in spots. Concern, black meant deep concern.

 

 

Phi-Kari Ship Stats for Colonial Battlefleets Rule set Stars Reach setting

Phi Kari Union information for Colonial Battlefleets - Stars Reach

The following is information on the latest Stars Reach faction the Phi Kari Union. The information being presented is in the same format used in the Stars Reach Expansion and also uses information from the basic core rules. Also we will provide ship stats for the miniatures. Those that play test with the new primary weapon of this faction are welcome to leave feed back on play balance, suggestions, etc.

Phi-Kari Union

Special Rules: Every ship receives the battle line bonus for free.

Faction Special weapon, the Quantum Disruption Cannon. This weapon, the QDC system, fires multiple "layers" of energy that are designed to attack or disrupt energy or mass on the atomic level. The weapon is capable of tremendous damage, has a risky over charge option for "finishing" attacks that are risky but can be decisive. The tech and machinery used requires a lot of space and mass and thus is difficult to fire affectively in more than one arc. For this reason most capital ships simple carry additional weapons in broadside positions instead of allocating all the extra equipment  that would be needed to allow the weapon to affectively pivot to different arcs.
     This weapon can be fired in either a standard or overcharge mode. The overcharge mode does more damage but runs the risk of a "burn out". To determine if this happens when firing the QDC in overcharge mode IF the attack die, a 1D10 rolls a natural 1 or 2 than the weapon is considered to have taken a critical hit and can not be fired again until repaired. This happens regardless of if the weapon hits or misses its target. What mode it will be fired in is announced at the time it is fired and does not have to be "pre-plotted".
     In addition the weapon has double (x2) the normal tonnage cost to mount in a turret or for each additional arc it is allowed to fire in. This is to represent the fact that while the weapon is capable of impressive damage it is very "bulky" relative to other weapon systems. The weapon has a base tonnage of 16 for a single firing arc. Its stats in both modes are as follows:

QDC Standard Mode: Direct Fire, Attack 1D10, Pen 1D6, S Dmg 8, H Dmg 6

QDC Standard Over Charge Mode: Direct Fire, Attack 1D10, Pen 1D10, S Dmg 12, H Dmg 10 

Faction Tech Levels:
Antimatter Manipulation - 3
Conventional Weaponry - 3
Fighter Technology - 3                  
Laser Weaponry - 4
Orbital Construction - 4
Quantum Manipulation - 4

Armory:
Quantum Disruption Cannon
Gatling Laser
Heavy Laser
Mass Driver
Advanced Mass Driver System (AMDS)
HE Mass Driver
Advance Cluster Munitions
Apocalypse Cannon - Spinal Mount version
Cluster Missile
Reduced Footprint Missile (RFM)

I will also be adding ship stats (sorry for being hand written) for the miniatures that came out with the second Stars Reach kickstarter. Enjoy and happy gaming!