Depths of Space (IC, OPEN, FT)

[The Moscow Metro Red Line]

Fuerein System - Fuerein Fleet Starbase

"Excuse me?" Admiral Baum interjected. "Care to explain the terms exterminatus and hive mind? I would like to inform you that the Ostian Emperor has ordered that no planet-killing weapons are to be used. Besides, my orders are to hold position and build up strength. We haven't been ordered on the offensive, yet."

"Think of it as hard parenting," Captain Y'era. "Those species who become second-class citizens are people who surrendered or do not offer substantial resistance. Ostian culture, along with my own and the Schlange value strength over anything else. My people and the Schlange were offered a place in the Imperium due to our stubborn resistance. No matter how many troops the Ostians deployed, we still never gave up. It is this mindset the Ostians wish to instill into their people. When we place obstacles for those other species, it is meant to encourage them to that mindset. Those who overcome these pressures are worthy of a place in Ostian society, those who are content with their place are weak. From their expansion, the Ostians observed the failure of 'democracy'. Too many voices, too many opinions. In a galaxy of quick changes and decision, democracy was the least efficient form of governance. Besides, why do you need those things if you live fine already without them?"

------------------------------------------------------------------
Sol System - Orbit Around Mars - Battle Group Sol - I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, Crown Prince Joseph Marx's Flagship - Audience Chamber - 2124 Earth Hours

"I'll submit a request for reinforcements." Joseph said after he began eating the head. There was a plate next to the pot were scales, claws, and parts of the skeleton of the viper. "While I would like to know what the meaning of blitzkreig, I can infer it means a type of warfare requiring quick movement of troops. Do the Florans have any unique abilities? How effective are they in close maneuvers?"

[Spindle]

Post-impact: 0.2421s

Analysis [Floranmissilewave-00001alpha]

Impacts [hullsector11-13-19-hullsector11-13-22]

Effects minimal [ref:systeminformationtimeframe10seconds]

Tactical impact: High

[Pointdefences=optimal ref:observedmaneuverecmattained]

Recommendation synthesising...

Post-impact: 0.4807s

Recommendation: Azarealspreadsalvoplan19beta [ref:Analysis-missilesvstethers] [ref:Analysis-azarealdetonationradiationtypes]

Secondary recommendation: [Command-boltdetonation-hullsector11-13-19-hullsector11-13-22]

Awaiting confirmation...

Post-impact: 0.9284s

Confirmation recieved.

[Command-Missiles-Azarealspreadsalvoplan19beta1]

[Command-boltdetonation-hullsector11-13-19-hullsector11-13-22]

Ceto felt dull as she sent the command. She didn't want to do this. The margin for error was too tight, there were too many things that could go wrong. But she had no choice. She'd felt those two impacts on her hull-the ship's hull, rather-and knew what they meant. She was already dead. It was just a matter of time now. On her external cameras she could see the tethers dug into her ship's armour like meat hooks. She wanted so badly to rip them apart with her hands for what they were doing to her ship, but she couldn't. So she sat here and waited as the eternally long second ticked by.

Post-impact: 1.0987s

Analysis: [Salvocommencing-salvoplan19beta1]

Missile tubes 1-8, 13-16 discharging.

Post-impact: 1.1449s

Missile tubes 1-8, 13-16 discharging.

Post-impact: 1.1923s

Missile tubes 1-8, 13-16 discharging.

Error [coolant60%capacity]

Salvo status: aborted.

[Analyis-salvoplan19beta1]:

Azareal [26-type32-softwarechange173]

ETI: 2.489s

Ceto felt savage delight spread through her as the twenty-six Azereals speared towards the tethers like diving falcons before each one detonated, the plasma savagely tearing into the tethers like a machete, the burst of gamma- and x- ray radiation heavily ionising the plant matter that remained. Suddenly, Ceto was able to move again.

Unfortunately, the Azereals had detonated too close. A wave of gamma radiation and x-rays tore through the Ophian and two things happened within milliseconds of each other: too fast even for Ceto's mind to fully comprehend.

First, the wave of ionising radiation caused a massive build-up of potential difference in almost all of the circuits on the ship. Most of them were fine, designed as they were to take enemy EMPs and their own share of firepower, but the grav calibrators on the inertial dampeners weren't. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but a questing tether had torn a hole in its radiation shielding, and the effects of the ionisation were devastating. The entire circuit fused into a single lump of inert metal and the inertial dampeners shut down.

Secondly, the two most starward maneuver engines detonated from the same wave ionisation, their radiation shielding also scragged by the tether, the end of which was still embedded in the ship. The ship results of this would normally have been unnoticeable, save for the need to maneuver with less engines, except the inertial dampeners were currently so much scrap. Ceto heard her body scream as thirty-one gees of acceleration twisted her, shattering bones all the while. The amniotic and the tank were only rated to fifteen gees, which in practice meant nineteen gees. That meant that in reality 'only' twelve gees were slamming into her, a fact which almost certainly saved her life. As the damage reports and lost interlink connections flooded through her mind, Ceto checked on her body with an interior camera, before grimacing. Her left arm was floating away in the amniotic and the rest of her crumpled mess of a body was barely recognisable as Human anymore. A chill brushed along her spine, before she turned back to the battle being fought.

---

Ophius' grimace deepened when Shellist reminded her of the Scythes. Another factor that was too unknown for her liking. And another problem they'd need to solve. Too many problems, not enough time or resources to solve everything. Another forkful of Schlange root went down, before Ophius pushed the bowl away. Her stomach was roiling too much for her to eat anything more.

"Blitzkrieg is an old Earth word, literally lightening war." She explained "It's used to describe rapid, decentralised, well-coordinated joint effort operations." Her eyes moved to Shellist, "But I agree with the other questions. How much do we actually know?"

[Aterrian Union]

Fuerein System - Fuerein Fleet Starbase

"Exterminatus is the general Imperium of Man and Union term for wiping all life off a planet, not outright destroying the world though. It is often used when the enemy cannot be stopped or is in the process of harvesting the planet; as this highbreed seems to be doing right now. A hive mind is essentially a unified consciousness of many to all individuals of a particular species. As for this rate of mobilization, I worry it'll be too late by the time we depart. However, I have called for support from the home system, they should be arriving in short order." Johnson states.

"Hmm. While I do think democracy can be horribly inefficient, especially with massive population bases, you have to realize that the Union we came from was in a time of perpetual peace and prosperity. The early government was essentially a military dictatorship, and yes, it got much done. Personally, I don't agree with the 'wolf eats wolf', strong dominates weak' type of ideology. Since our Union was formed, it was one of our first laws that 'We must stand up to the powerful, and protect those in need.' The First Citizen, our leader, was a supporter of equality and the right to speak up. Democracy lets the common citizen have a voice. Without it, a government can become corrupt and unjust; working for it's own gain rather than the betterment of the people. I'm not saying a democratic government is corruption free, I just think it's better that everyone, barring extremists, can participate in national decision making." Richards says.
"Time's up, Captain, look outside." Richard points outside.

Suddenly, nearly three dozen holes open up in space, and around 31 warships appear. 15 2km escorts, 10 6km long frigates, 5 15km battleships, and one massive 60km dreadnought.
"The cavalry has arrived, help is on the way." Richard says with a smile.

Meanwhile on Arcturus 1 food riots continue as police and military soldiers attempt to maintain the peace.

[Delta Eridanus]

"So, if since all introductions are done, lets get to the meeting." Petrov finishes. "You can bring your soldiers if you like."
With that, everyone in the area suddenly teleports to the a private conference area; very clean and decently formal.
"Have a seat Lord Decius. Drinks will be provided."
A formally dressed soldier brings in 10 glasses of Arcturus Vodka.
"Now, to begin everything, I will simply state our basic requests for any trade deals. Arcturus is in need of food, as protein bars won't satisfy the populace. Another major issue is that our world was an important production center. The 15km ships you saw arriving here happen to be the UASWR's(Nation Arcturus if from) standard Victory-Class Battleship. We could produce those dozens a month. But now there is no point in producing more, and we lack the materials trade ships used to bring in. This is crippling the economy. I'd now like to see if we could work out an agreement: If you give us your designs, we can build ships for the Eridan Imperium for very cheap prices and maximum quality. Of course your going to have to give us the required materials. We can also introduce some of our own advanced technologies, like the Black Hole Cannon, or Chrono-weapons. All we ask for exchange is a large food supply, and a mutual pact of friendship. In total, we gain foodstuffs and our economy doesn't collapse completely, and you get plenty of large ships and new technologies, especially weapons. Seems decently fair in my opinion."
Petrov Stops and waits for a response.

"It is very fair." Decius began. "Your ship-building offer is generous, but we cannot give you all of our blueprints. instead we will give you the blueprints to our three most powerful weapons: The Red and Blue Ferrum Rays, and a weaponized Corinthian Drive. The Red Ferrum should be fairly easy to obtain, if you are fine with mining a red supergiant star."

[Aterrian Union]

"Good, good. I'll send all blueprints to Arcturus 3 when the deal is signed. In exchange for the tech we'll give you designs to anti-matter handguns, a sample singularity cannon, and maybe some mechas just as a sign of friendship. May I inquire, how big is the Eridan Imperium? And just a question of interest, what types of MACs do you use, we could give you some nova cannons."
Petrov says.

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

---

Ophius rubbed her temples as she ran over the collected data she'd downloaded from the infodumps and the basic analyses. She shuddered slightly underneath her dress. It chilled her every time she saw those hives. They were far too large for her to feel comfortable even considering fighting them. A thought sent the reconstruction of the battle flickering up onto the holo, annotations crawling alongside the figures to detail their observed capabilities.

"This is what I'm worried about." She sighed, her brow creasing slightly, "While your battlesuits could probably destroy any group of fighters they come across...well, they have the fighters to simply go around them. Perhaps an extended escort net could stop that, but they'd be spread too thin to hold out against a concerted punch from those capital ships." The holo brought the systemnal map again, various orbital patterns showing up as potential escort nets. "That's where we have our advantage, I think. While the Colma and Florans have their capital ships and their smaller craft, they don't seem to have a huge amount of escorts or cruisers and that's going to limit their force projection ability to their fighters."

She picked up a forkful of Schlange root and grimaced as she started to chew on it, partially because of the taste and partially because the Silver Scythe was being enveloped by the Florans on the holo.

"We're going to need a tight point defence mesh." She said solemnly, "As tight as we can get it."

John had been quiet this entire time, but Shellist stopped the silence from the UTT.
"I'm going to stop you there. They have the Silver Scythe, plus Apex shields. There isn't a way we'll damage the Scythe with multiple ships coming out at rapid pace. We need to sit back, and assess our situation from their strategy. The Scythe is called so because it can make a laser scythe that cuts through ships. The Florans rely on blitzkrieg strategy, so the best way to do anything is to wait for ships to stop pouring. I say we get as much distance as possible, have the Golden Scythe in the lead, cutting through ships, and have Ostian Battlesuits protect the Scythe. If they get their hands on the Golden Scythe, I don't know if we can make a push. The Scythe technology took us 4 years to make on both ships, so we have no way of replicating it quick enough."

Stien added. "If we are discussing battle plans, I've found over the years that the best offense really is a good defense. I can set up artillery vessels in a line formation to constantly pelt the enemy."

[Delta Eridanus]

"Good, good. I'll send all blueprints to Arcturus 3 when the deal is signed. In exchange for the tech we'll give you designs to anti-matter handguns, a sample singularity cannon, and maybe some mechas just as a sign of friendship. May I inquire, how big is the Eridan Imperium? And just a question of interest, what types of MACs do you use, we could give you some nova cannons."
Petrov says.

"We encompass the entire Eridanus Constellation, hence the name." Decius replied. "We normally use hand MACs, but a few of our ships have them in cannon form."

[The United Tributational Territories]

"Let me guess." Dmitri said, "That'll be bad. Will you need help fighting off the Martells? From what I've seen, I think I like your houses better anyway."

Rowan smiled. "Then you'll like House Caridin, as well. They're the ruling house and one of Dayne and Fellhorn's greatest allies."

Lyris thought for a second. "Honestly, the Daynes might be able to hold Dorian Martell off, unless the Martells bring the ICS Spear of the Sun. Then we have a issue. Though the ICS Valhalla or the ICS Hyperion might be able to intervene. So, a little bit of help might be necessary. But anyhow, we need to get this to Lord Caridin."

Rowan looked off screen. "Speaking of Caridin..."

At that moment, the ICS Old Arcadia appeared in a flash of light. On its side was a gold stripe, announcing House Caridin's ownership.

Rowan did a little fiddling, and soon enough, Ionia Caridin, the second daughter of Darius Caridin was on screen. She had black hair and electric blue eyes.

Rowan filled her in as Lyris fiddled with the translator once again to account for Ionia's mixture of Old Cadian and Terran.

When the translator was fixed again. Ionia turned toward Dmitri.

"I am Ionia Caridin, daughter of Darius Caridin, and Thane of Cadia. You are?"

(Don't remember if I gave Dmitri a last name, so I shoehorned it in.)
"Captain Dmitri Holstead, of the UTT Argent Spire. Our actual Emperor or general would be here in my place, but they're off in a meeting. I was sent to represent our nation after we found out about Lyris," Dmitri pointed to Lyris, "being one of your people and not a human. She sent a message about the Martells. Unfortunately, the Argent Spire isn't equipped for war, and it seems like you are steadily approaching just that thing."

[The United Tributational Territories]

Sol System - Orbit Around Mars - Battle Group Sol - I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, Crown Prince Joseph Marx's Flagship - Audience Chamber - 2124 Earth Hours

"I'll submit a request for reinforcements." Joseph said after he began eating the head. There was a plate next to the pot were scales, claws, and parts of the skeleton of the viper. "While I would like to know what the meaning of blitzkreig, I can infer it means a type of warfare requiring quick movement of troops. Do the Florans have any unique abilities? How effective are they in close maneuvers?"

Shellist started to speak, but was interrupted by John.
"I studied their patterns for years, as the Collective had a base close to us. They have claws on their bodies, and sharp fangs. The material their claws and fangs are made of are hard and sharp enough to cut through our armor. Which, might I add, our sharpest blades can't do. The ONE IMPORTANT weakness they have is fire. They can surprisingly survive ice easily, believe me, we've tried, but fire is very effective against them. Even their ships can't withstand a constant blaze. Blitzkrieg is what the German 3rd Reich used in World War 2, which I believe, your nation was here for. Blitzkrieg is the strategy of rushing with no care, so the enemy is unprepared. The only issue with that is reinforcements and supplies. They don't make bases on the way, they just go."

[Aterrian Union]

"Interesting." Petrov replies. "We've arrived at Arcturus 1 to continue negotiations."
A display shows the city world, including the massive orbital ring around the planet.
"This is Arcturus 1, home to 2.1 trillion people, and an orbital shipyard/ defense line. The planet is equiped with a super heavy shield in the case of attack."
The display then shows a towering grey-drab. pyramid-like structure, easily 5 miles tall (Think 1984 like). It's most prominent feature is a massive hammer and sickle.
"This is the Ministry of Public relations and trade, the president will be there to finish talks."
Another prominent landmark is the Mile high statue of The Eternal Worker; an average man wielding a hammer and smashing down the oppresive tyrant.

[Delta Eridanus]

Rowan smiled. "Then you'll like House Caridin, as well. They're the ruling house and one of Dayne and Fellhorn's greatest allies."

Lyris thought for a second. "Honestly, the Daynes might be able to hold Dorian Martell off, unless the Martells bring the ICS Spear of the Sun. Then we have a issue. Though the ICS Valhalla or the ICS Hyperion might be able to intervene. So, a little bit of help might be necessary. But anyhow, we need to get this to Lord Caridin."

Rowan looked off screen. "Speaking of Caridin..."

At that moment, the ICS Old Arcadia appeared in a flash of light. On its side was a gold stripe, announcing House Caridin's ownership.

Rowan did a little fiddling, and soon enough, Ionia Caridin, the second daughter of Darius Caridin was on screen. She had black hair and electric blue eyes.

Rowan filled her in as Lyris fiddled with the translator once again to account for Ionia's mixture of Old Cadian and Terran.

When the translator was fixed again. Ionia turned toward Dmitri.

"I am Ionia Caridin, daughter of Darius Caridin, and Thane of Cadia. You are?"

(Don't remember if I gave Dmitri a last name, so I shoehorned it in.)
"Captain Dmitri Holstead, of the UTT Argent Spire. Our actual Emperor or general would be here in my place, but they're off in a meeting. I was sent to represent our nation after we found out about Lyris," Dmitri pointed to Lyris, "being one of your people and not a human. She sent a message about the Martells. Unfortunately, the Argent Spire isn't equipped for war, and it seems like you are steadily approaching just that thing."

"Unfortunately, that is true." Ionia nodded.

"Still, Lyris' intel is valuable, and my father will want to see you. After that, you may leave. but please alert your Emperor of the situation here. We may not be able to get the ICS Hyperion to Theta Eridani in time."

[The United Tributational Territories]

(Don't remember if I gave Dmitri a last name, so I shoehorned it in.)
"Captain Dmitri Holstead, of the UTT Argent Spire. Our actual Emperor or general would be here in my place, but they're off in a meeting. I was sent to represent our nation after we found out about Lyris," Dmitri pointed to Lyris, "being one of your people and not a human. She sent a message about the Martells. Unfortunately, the Argent Spire isn't equipped for war, and it seems like you are steadily approaching just that thing."

"Unfortunately, that is true." Ionia nodded.

"Still, Lyris' intel is valuable, and my father will want to see you. After that, you may leave. but please alert your Emperor of the situation here. We may not be able to get the ICS Hyperion to Theta Eridani in time."

"Our Emperor would love to meet you, don't get the wrong idea. He's very kind, and walks with commoners regularly. You can schedule appointments with him at coffee shops. He's very kind-hearted, and I don't think a single person has ever made an attempt on his life. If I can get a part of the fleet away from Sol, we're fighting a big threat ourselves, we can give reinforcements. Alternatively, we could contact some Novakid. Have you ever heard of them? We'll have to remind them we exist, but they'll help. We're long-time friends."

[Delta Eridanus]

"Interesting." Petrov replies. "We've arrived at Arcturus 1 to continue negotiations."
A display shows the city world, including the massive orbital ring around the planet.
"This is Arcturus 1, home to 2.1 trillion people, and an orbital shipyard/ defense line. The planet is equiped with a super heavy shield in the case of attack."
The display then shows a towering grey-drab. pyramid-like structure, easily 5 miles tall (Think 1984 like). It's most prominent feature is a massive hammer and sickle.
"This is the Ministry of Public relations and trade, the president will be there to finish talks."
Another prominent landmark is the Mile high statue of The Eternal Worker; an average man wielding a hammer and smashing down the oppresive tyrant.

Although he didn't show it, Decius was shocked. This was a entire city!

"I'm somewhat curious about the statue. could you tell me about it?"

[Delta Eridanus]

"Unfortunately, that is true." Ionia nodded.

"Still, Lyris' intel is valuable, and my father will want to see you. After that, you may leave. but please alert your Emperor of the situation here. We may not be able to get the ICS Hyperion to Theta Eridani in time."

"Our Emperor would love to meet you, don't get the wrong idea. He's very kind, and walks with commoners regularly. You can schedule appointments with him at coffee shops. He's very kind-hearted, and I don't think a single person has ever made an attempt on his life. If I can get a part of the fleet away from Sol, we're fighting a big threat ourselves, we can give reinforcements. Alternatively, we could contact some Novakid. Have you ever heard of them? We'll have to remind them we exist, but they'll help. We're long-time friends."

(Lol, I'm juggling trade talks with Arcturus, and the encounter with the UTT. you keep posting in tandem!)

"What kind of threat?" Rowan asked.

Ionia thought for a second. "I met one Novakid out at Tau II Eridani. his name was George something if it's any help."

[The United Tributational Territories]

"Our Emperor would love to meet you, don't get the wrong idea. He's very kind, and walks with commoners regularly. You can schedule appointments with him at coffee shops. He's very kind-hearted, and I don't think a single person has ever made an attempt on his life. If I can get a part of the fleet away from Sol, we're fighting a big threat ourselves, we can give reinforcements. Alternatively, we could contact some Novakid. Have you ever heard of them? We'll have to remind them we exist, but they'll help. We're long-time friends."

(Lol, I'm juggling trade talks with Arcturus, and the encounter with the UTT. you keep posting in tandem!)

"What kind of threat?" Rowan asked.

Ionia thought for a second. "I met one Novakid out at Tau II Eridani. his name was George something if it's any help."

Dmitri answered Rowan first, "The Florans. They are a race of carnivorous Plant-people. Normally, that wouldn't seem bad, but their tactic is to lure in prey, act helpless, and then eat them alive and take their tech. They've grown so big, they started attacking Sol and it's allies."

Then, to Ionia, "George! He's a major Novakid, and he loves the UTT. He's the only one we've actually been able to get to remember us. Another one we know, Jack, is the leader. We can mobilize a Sun-Army!"

[Delta Eridanus]

(Lol, I'm juggling trade talks with Arcturus, and the encounter with the UTT. you keep posting in tandem!)

"What kind of threat?" Rowan asked.

Ionia thought for a second. "I met one Novakid out at Tau II Eridani. his name was George something if it's any help."

Dmitri answered Rowan first, "The Florans. They are a race of carnivorous Plant-people. Normally, that wouldn't seem bad, but their tactic is to lure in prey, act helpless, and then eat them alive and take their tech. They've grown so big, they started attacking Sol and it's allies."

Then, to Ionia, "George! He's a major Novakid, and he loves the UTT. He's the only one we've actually been able to get to remember us. Another one we know, Jack, is the leader. We can mobilize a Sun-Army!"

Rowan thought for a second. "What exactly are these Florans resistant to?"

Ionia was surprised. "Well then, go ahead and do so! Well, after Lord Caridin meets you."

[The United Tributational Territories]

Dmitri answered Rowan first, "The Florans. They are a race of carnivorous Plant-people. Normally, that wouldn't seem bad, but their tactic is to lure in prey, act helpless, and then eat them alive and take their tech. They've grown so big, they started attacking Sol and it's allies."

Then, to Ionia, "George! He's a major Novakid, and he loves the UTT. He's the only one we've actually been able to get to remember us. Another one we know, Jack, is the leader. We can mobilize a Sun-Army!"

Rowan thought for a second. "What exactly are these Florans resistant to?"

Ionia was surprised. "Well then, go ahead and do so! Well, after Lord Caridin meets you."

"The Florans are resistant to ice, and they have the advantage by not needing anyone but The Great One. Every trooper is sacrificeable."

"Will do, maybe I can stream the fight and the Lord to my Emperor and his allies."

[Delta Eridanus]

Rowan nodded. "I might have an idea, but I'll need to ask House Fellhorn some questions. But before we get to that, can your ship handle water, or low orbit?"

Ionia looked at Dmitri, expecting an answer.

[The United Tributational Territories]

Rowan nodded. "I might have an idea, but I'll need to ask House Fellhorn some questions. But before we get to that, can your ship handle water, or low orbit?"

Ionia looked at Dmitri, expecting an answer.

Dmitri nodded and said, "Both. We optimize transport ships like this one for every situation."

[Harndar]

The Initar Pride
"Let us test these hyperspace engines. Qunar, set a course to the nearest solar system other than Sol."
"On it, entering hyperspace in 5 minutes. Sir."
---
Primsalis
"Great! The tea will help us to cure the disease!" One of the Delegates said happily when he got the news.
"Who knew a civilizations could be a life saver." Another spoke

[Delta Eridanus]

Rowan nodded. "I might have an idea, but I'll need to ask House Fellhorn some questions. But before we get to that, can your ship handle water, or low orbit?"

Ionia looked at Dmitri, expecting an answer.

Dmitri nodded and said, "Both. We optimize transport ships like this one for every situation."

Rowan widened her eyes. "Perfect! Follow me."

The three ships descended into the atmosphere of Cadia. once they broke though the clouds, they found their target in a lonely mountain valley: The sprawling city of New Hyperion, by Lake Hvergelmir. New Hyperion was the capital of Cadia, and the Imperium.

Rowan positioned her ship over Lake Hvergelmir, which appeared to be the same size as Lake Superior on Earth.

[The United Tributational Territories]

Dmitri nodded and said, "Both. We optimize transport ships like this one for every situation."

Rowan widened her eyes. "Perfect! Follow me."

The three ships descended into the atmosphere of Cadia. once they broke though the clouds, they found their target in a lonely mountain valley: The sprawling city of New Hyperion, by Lake Hvergelmir. New Hyperion was the capital of Cadia, and the Imperium.

Rowan positioned her ship over Lake Hvergelmir, which appeared to be the same size as Lake Superior on Earth.

The Argent Spire did the same, and as they were doing it, Dmitri looked out in wonder. It was...beautiful. It seemed like all the pollution was gone, something Hexham City was working on.
He spoke to Rowan, "Wow...this is...amazing."

[Delta Eridanus]

"We've lived on Cadia for hundreds of thousands of years, even when it was our only world. It was and still is our home." Rowan spoke for the entire Imperium. "Now, onto the trickiest part. The reason why you don't see any spaceport in space or on the surface: It's underwater."

With that, Rowan shouted orders, and the Arngrim descended into the lake.

[The United Tributational Territories]

"We've lived on Cadia for hundreds of thousands of years, even when it was our only world. It was and still is our home." Rowan spoke for the entire Imperium. "Now, onto the trickiest part. The reason why you don't see any spaceport in space or on the surface: It's underwater."

With that, Rowan shouted orders, and the Arngrim descended into the lake.

Dmitri started barking orders too, and the Spire engaged submarine mode, and it sunk beneath the lake. Hexham City was partially underground, but it wasn't done through a lake. There was just a giant Magnet Elevator and it went to the lower levels. Most of the population lived underground, just because it was spatially efficient, but it lead to a bit of classism, where older children who lived above ground called the Undergrounders moles. Dmitri was from the underground, so he knew how the children felt.

[Aterrian Union]

"Interesting." Petrov replies. "We've arrived at Arcturus 1 to continue negotiations."
A display shows the city world, including the massive orbital ring around the planet.
"This is Arcturus 1, home to 2.1 trillion people, and an orbital shipyard/ defense line. The planet is equiped with a super heavy shield in the case of attack."
The display then shows a towering grey-drab. pyramid-like structure, easily 5 miles tall (Think 1984 like). It's most prominent feature is a massive hammer and sickle.
"This is the Ministry of Public relations and trade, the president will be there to finish talks."
Another prominent landmark is the Mile high statue of The Eternal Worker; an average man wielding a hammer and smashing down the oppresive tyrant.

Although he didn't show it, Decius was shocked. This was a entire city!

"I'm somewhat curious about the statue. could you tell me about it?"

"Ahh, the statue of The Eternal Worker. It symbolizes freedom and overthrow of a cruel uncaring government. 4000 years ago, The Imperium of Man: a massive degenerate theocracy of 1 million worlds, ruled with an Iron Fist over the Milky Way our system warped from. Average life for the common worker was horrible; long hours, harsh and dangerous conditions, little pay, low living standards, etc. The Union of Allied Socialist World Republics was still a relatively young nation, minding its own business. This all changed when the Imperium launched a surprise attack against a world with 40 billion inhabitants. When they lost the battle, they proceeded to wipe the world of life. Over 99% of the planetary population perished. What followed was a 1000 year long war. Our government encouraged the impoverished subjects of Imperium to rise up and overthrow their feudal oppressors. The Man on the statue represents the worker; an unamed average man. The hammer stands for the working class, the the tyrant stands for oppression, dictatorship, and an unfair class system." Petrov explains with pride.
"In the Union and on Arcturus, there is no class system. Everyone is equal, and everyone has the same rights as everyone else, even androids: machines designed to be like humans, and most xenos. Democracy and socialism are held dear, and we will die to defend our right to these principles."