A globular cluster lased with red lines threw out thirteen green lines to a slightly spinning spiral galaxy hovering over a chrome table. The scientist waved his hand through the green lines.
"The scout and cargo ships have gone and built the gates in key systems. These are the new gate paths, my lord," the scientist bowed his head to the man sitting at the apex of the massive throne. "As you can see, they return to the galaxy. We've managed to reconnect the Dictatorship with the Milky Way."
"Why thirteen?" asked the Third Elite Guard.
"Seventeen, of the thirty, crews did not report back. You should have read the full report Third," the scientist stated simply "This is all in it."
"Send a message on all frequencies, in all known languages, to let the galaxy know we have returned. We have been out of the loop for far too long. We need to see how many of the old allies are still out there, maybe make some new ones. We need a new supply of trinium and neutronium," The Dictator stood and looked at the Four Elite Guards. "Send out scouting parties and science vessels to look for the missing crews. Doctor," the scientist flinched as Lord Zar's eyes fell on him, "Thank you for giving us the report. Even if the written report was more informative, I like my briefings short."
Admiral Mar looked out the viewer to a Hyperspace Gate floating in the void of space. Its sliver rings shone bright as a ship materialized within them. A scout ship, its long sensor array jutting forward like a blade, flew into the rings as the other ship maneuvered out. The blue clad ensign finished relaying his message.
"They want us to open the gates and do WHAT!!" Mar spat.
"Send a message 'on all frequencies, in all known languages' to the galaxy, sir!" the ensign barked.
"We would be giving up a strategic advantage!" Mar turned to the ensign, a vain popping on his neck.
"These orders came from the Second, Admiral."
The High Admiral calmed almost instantly. "The Second? The Second Elite Guard sent these orders?"
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Then we must," Mar sighed and rubbed his temple, "I want a full fleet posted here, just in case someone shows up with hot guns. Five carriers, two science vessels, and eight corvettes."
The Admiral looked passed the cloud for rings that made up the Hyperspace Gate hub; onto the misshapen form of The Mansion. Countless years of barely checked growth had made the once stately mansion of the Zar family into the largest construct in the Dictatorship. At thirty it dwarfed even the ten kilometer planetbuster in its dockyards. 20 million people lived on that station. The Admiral would be damned if he let even one get hurt.
[quote=To the galaxy] We are the The Militarized Dictatorship of Bob the 3ed. We invite all nations to come to our capitol, The Mansion, to open diplomatic relations. Following are the locations of Hyperspace Gates that will take any vessel to the Gate Hub closest to The Mansion.[/quote]
