Mars 2050 - Planetfall - In character

by **ApplePieistan** » Mon May 01, 2017 3:18 pm

Later that year

Bibi led her people to settle atop Tharsis Montes. To most, this would seem like a rather foolish plan since earthly goods wood have a difficult time reaching it. However, Bibi was set to colonize this mountain, and no one dared to question her leadership. It did provide a good source of sunlight, though at this point, that didn't really matter so much. One would only need half as much energy for all the lights, toasters, and cameras in the base. Prefabricated pieces of the base came down from the sky one at a time, which the colonists had to piece together. It was long and tiresome work, though the people managed to get it done. One by one, premade spotlights, gun turrets, moving targets, and security cameras were set up.

It took a few good months, but in good time, everything was set up. Operation Napoleon now had a base of operations, one which could never be taken. After all this hard work, the colonists wanted a minute to catch their breath, but there was no time. Now was time for basic training. Throughout the training regiments, many questions about Bibi's motives were being answered. Mountainous terrain wasn't the base location for its energy potential, its protective natures, or its scenic view; it was chosen for altitude training! Spending the better part of a year moving furniture around, then spending the remaining time carrying rocks up a mountain for training was quite exhausting. The men hated to do the intense training they had to, but it worked! These French colonists could now call themselves soldiers, and could fight off raiders, government forces, corporations, anyone they'd ever have to.

While everything seemed to be going smoothly, there was still one major problem: there was no food! No man can fight on an empty stomach, but where on Mars could one obtain food? One could buy from earth, but it would take a full year to arrive, and the people are hungry now. The other option was talking to that Augustine guy, the one Catron thought was a spy. He still might be, though he also might be the only one around with spare food. Regrettably, Bibi left a message for him on the phone.

To: Augustine of New Acadia
From: Sgt. Bibi Catron in charge of Operation Napoleon

Hey, it's me, Bibi, from the conference. I just wanted to know if we could buy some food from your colony, just enough to feed ourselves for the first year. We've got about a billion credits we're willing to offer you, and should you accept, we can swing by and pick up the food. Anyway, call me back.

Starting goods: 10 C, 3 rifles, 1 rover, 1 military colony, 1 solar panel, and 1 French unit

by **Harkback Union** » Mon May 01, 2017 5:06 pm

CIVILIAN SUPPORT!
Earth - 2051

As the news of the first martian landings reach Earth, a new wave of space enthusiasm sweeps through the populace.

Many desire to enlist and funds are raised to cover their trips. Others offer material support as part of a clever advertisement scheme. Finally, there are those who simply want to help. By which they mean, help raise their own ratings.
Each colonial faction may choose from 1 of the following:

Volunteer drive - +1 Starting colonist from the ones available only at start. Remember, you can keep colonists you hired for free on earth/moon until you need their service.

Britannia Windmills - +1 Windmill deployed at your landing site.

Media Cover - +1 Media Power until year 10.

by **Harkback Union** » Mon May 01, 2017 5:23 pm

LUNAR SUPPORT
The Moon, 2051

Meanwhile, on the moon...

The Lunar Cartel, although not as influential or wealthy as the powers of earth, wishes to gain influence on Mars by providing support to the colonies. This will no doubt raise some eyebrows in the conclave, but there is little the Republic can do about this.

Taking Lunar Support can damage your Republican Reputation. You may choose 1 of the following:

Bank of Lunapolis - +5 bC in funds. No questions asked.

Mining Equipment - Worth +3 IP towards building a Mining Colony.

Carbon Deal - Lunar traders will make regular visits to your colony and purchase carbon, if available, for 1 bC each until the first martian space port is built.

by **Seno Zhou Varada** » Mon May 01, 2017 6:30 pm

Primary Conference Room

Apolline pulled up her datapad, quickly excusing herself from the conversation to plan with Arjuna on a landing site. She had already had Elysium Planitia in mind earlier, with it's vast water ice reserves, geothermal energy, and ore. She planned on starting with a biodome prefab, as it's conditions were more suitable to humans and food production is one of the most important things on Mars. However she was convinced by Arjuna to settle on a mining colony, as his comrades had much more experience with eeking out a living from the Earthen soil and so would be more suited. Besides the colony would need industrial capacity and ore was essential to it. Hopefully Arjuna would find another person to assist with colonization, as the sooner they could produce the items necessary for building, the sooner they could make sure they could keep up with the corp sponsored others.

Elysium Planitia, Mesa region, Year One

The lander came down with a jolt, as expected for a lander only to be used for the landing, not retrofitted into a cargo craft. The mesas, while not as impressive as their Earthen cousins, were less dangerous due to lower gravity. Also allowing mining operations to go down the sides to allow easier verticality. Apolline and her other french comrades waited in the Hangar in exosuits as the atmosphere vented. Then, after a small robotic message of "Prepare for opening', the doors slid open and the new environment washed upon them, like the change of a polluted, but still living world, to a broken, irradiated one. However this change was different. This was somewhat of a new start for the weary rebels. The Republic's rule was lessened. Today, they were free from the constant fear and fighting. Today, the revolution would start.

Apolline, seeing her comrades in awe of this, began moving out of the hangar, grabbing the first set of boxes for the mining prefab. She was not one for speeches, however a few words never hurt, "Comrades," she spoke as she turned back, "We are free from the Republic's iron grip! We are free to build a new society without constant threat of destruction! And that society will not build itself!".

Now her comrades were energized, commands flew through the radio, people grabbed boxes and tools, setting up their new home. The lander would still be used for at least a week, but work moved fast. It was easier to carry the heavy supplies, and the lower gravity had many entertain themselves by simply jumping as high as they could. The once industrially bland prefab was filled with new life, art everywhere, plants where they could be. Revolutionary slogans painted along the walls, new music styles sounding throughout the prefab, reflecting the freedom given to them. And while this energy slowed down as things settled down, it never exactly ended. For this revolution, was here to stay.

by **New Minahasa** » Tue May 02, 2017 3:37 am

Leader of Mission: Overseer Klaus F. Rothschild
Mission Codename: Project: R.A.Pi.E.R (Research And Pioneer Exceptional Resources); RAPIER Protectorate
Planned Landing Site: Hellas Planitia, Base Site 9
Flag: Gold and/or Black.
Launch date: 2050
Sponsors:
Prefab colony: Industrial
Colonist: German Federation
ISA: Food Cache
Corporate: Wolf Network
Republican: RoE Ministry of Information
Medium - Term: Mining Bots
Long - Term: Martian Investments
Culture: A hereditary absolute monarchical fascist corporation led by a corporate fascist. What more to say?

High Martian Orbit, Onboard the lander "Imperial Eagle"

Code: Select all: -Approaching Martian grounds- -SCANNING: No obstacles detected- -SCANNING: Landing point located- -WARNING: ETA in less than 30 seconds. Activating automatic brakes in 10 seconds- -Automatic brakes activated- -WARNING: ETA in less than 15 seconds. Deploying automatic brakes in 10 seconds- -Automatic brakes deployed- -Approaching Martian grounds in 5 seconds- -Landing succeeded- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>WELCOME, MR. ROTHSCHILD<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Mars, Hellas Planitia

The door of the ship descended slowly. The passengers inside braved themselves as they stepped out to embrace their new world. These were one among many of Earth's people that came with the purpose to colonize Mars. Most of the colonists came with that one purpose in their mind, yes, but there were some that had other plans in motion. This one specific group, led by a man named Klaus Rothschild, usually referred to by his title "Overseer", was not much different.

They originated from one of the many Corporations on Earth, a fragment of the Megacorps, quick to be forgotten. But that didn't really matter, did it? What mattered was what lied within their leader's heart. Truth be told, they were nothing but greed and arrogance, jealousy and vengeance, lust for power and deceit. But he was a zealous and cunning man, nevertheless. A person of great brilliance.

The items, supplies, and equipment he brought from Earth were more than enough for his colony to sustain themselves for couples of decades on this desolate planet. What's left of his wealth, he had invested in this colony. The lander, the buildings, the goods and materials, all of the things that came with him were the physical examples of what's left of his family's wealth. With his colony soon set up, it would only be a matter of time before his schemes unfold.

by **ApplePieistan** » Tue May 02, 2017 5:45 am

Year 1 Civilian Support Update

It seemed that people on Earth were growing an interest with the opportunity to live on Mars. People that want to escape the Republic, people that want the freedom Mars gives, and some just want to get that sense of adventure. Clearly, they didn't know what Operation Napoleon is all about. They have no idea that entry into the colony not only means instant enlistment, but also being subjected to an array of verbal abuse by Sgt. Catron, who is an expert at hurting feelings. Whatever. Their loss, Bibi's gain. Bibi approved the next group of Frenchmen to come over to the basecamp, leaving each of them the note "bring money."

Meanwhile, it seemed some lunar cartel is offering Operation Napoleon support. They have quite generous gifts, and each of them would really help the group get on it's feet. They offered money, building supplies, and fair trade deals, each of which would greatly benefit the group. The offers were so good, Sgt. Catron had to accept one. Who cares if the Republic hates it? Operation Napoleon is broke. Any help they can get is greatly appreciated, even if it comes from friends in low places.

Recieve 1 French unit as civilian support, bringing 2 bC
Accept 5 bC from cartel
Total Credits in year 1: 15 bC

by **The Grim Reaper** » Tue May 02, 2017 6:45 am

Turn 0

Leader of Mission: Professor Arjuna South
Mission Codename: The Utopia Network
Landing Site: Elysium Planitia, Mesa region
Flag: Black
Launch date: 2050
Sponsored Manifest:
1 Biodome
1 District: Africa Colonists
1 Solar Panels / ISA Short-term
Dissident Rep & +2 Bc / USW
? Bc / RoE Funds
Comms Satellite / ISA Medium-term
Martian Investment (Industrial prefab) / ISA Long-term
Culture: The Utopia Network is highly decentralized, incorporating libertarian socialist ideals into a libertine, spiritualist worldview. They are predominantly organized through a shared interest in producing arts media, and in propagating open dissent of a both militant and non-militant nature in state and corporate societies. Whilst openly supportive of militancy, they are actually nominally pacifist, labelling violence as the ultimate corrupting force on the metaphysical soul - albeit one which all are free to choose, as a sacrifice in the name of the greater good.

Elysium Planitia, Mesa region, Year One

Professor South had opted to launch after Apolline - he'd taken some time to talk shop with Natalya, on the nature of that most infamous problem, the tragedy of the commons. He believed, wholeheartedly, that the average human was predisposed towards understanding the social good as an aspect of the self. Empathy was fundamental to the human condition, a mechanism evolved just as any other advantage in a harsh world. In South's eye, the tragedy of the commons was the product of hierarchy, wherein the capacity to rule was both produced by and produced the legitimization of selfishness. Only by understanding the evolution of society itself, not just the hypothetical self-interested individual, could a path cognizant of the human spirit be forged.

It was, of course, an ideological difference. An axiom, regarding yet another age-old philosophical conundrum, the nature of the core of the human within which both sin and Godliness resided in equal measure.

One of those things that could be debated for eternity, but that was ultimately a question of faith.

He'd apologized to Natalya for cutting their conversation short, knowing that he'd likely not be seeing her in person again. Not for literal years, at least. There was a precious short landing window for him - it had been decided to allow Apolline to launch her craft at the prime of the Martian weather conditions, to facilitate a comfy landing and the establishment of an operating base to navigate South through the ragged edges of safety. Her complement were all-together more fit for the immediate concerns of any potential emergency on the ground, with their time as militia serving them well, and it had been reasoned that they would be able to preserve themselves for a more prolonged period than South's with their food cache and their natural health in case of an emergency.

However, all had gone well. Arjuna smiled as a gentleman, hailing from Tunisia, recounted in jovial tones messages of a new French Revolution - tongue in cheek. The Tunisians had been crucial in organizing the African expedition, and the Global South Liberty Lobby. Even in the ashes of the old world, they held dear the foundations of their society in the Arab Spring of 2011. Whilst their successes had not been replicated in the rest of Africa, they remained the birthplace of the revolutionary elan that permeated Arjuna's colony. Tunisians, and their similarly historically democratic friends hailing from Mauritius, were, perhaps, overrepresented in Arjuna's circles - a convenient coincidence, given that both communities largely spoke French in addition to their first languages. Although most, if not all, of Arjuna's crew were English-fluent, French had been a convenient, alternative unifying language when wanting to symbolically reject the Anglophone history of the Republic. It also served as a connection with the less-educated, but equally dedicated revolutionaries that formed Apolline's circles.

Speaking of which, it was time to follow behind.

Arjuna lingered about the craft as the final preparations were made. Checklists hung everywhere, with various people meandering about, checking and double-checking every lashing and supply. His Tunisian comrade tapped him on the shoulder as he wandered.

"Stop - look to your left. There...that's it."

Arjuna had been waiting for this. One of his crew was an accomplished architect and urban planner, but more importantly, an artist and sculptor. He had put together a beautiful little sculpture of the - their Biodome.

"There's a little plaque there. The name we selected."

"Oh?"

So there was. Arjuna had decided not to reveal the name of the biodome to himself, avoiding the many casual water-cooler meetings that formed the naming project. He lifted the canvas cloth, taking a deep breath as the bronze of the plaque reflected in the sharp, fluorescent lights of the craft.

'Spirit'.

Turn 1 - Waiting on RoE funds.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Tue May 02, 2017 11:08 am

Plaza of Rebirth, Spire of Eternity, Daedelia Planum, Redstar Exarchate
Month Five of Expedition Year One

The slow hiss of oxygenated false-atmosphere rushed around Viktor as he stood inside the external airlock, signaling the equalization of the pressure in the vast chamber. With the rumble of gears and the purr of well-maintained motors the great blasteel door opened, and a babble of voices suddenly assailed the assembled representatives of the colony as a rush of men and women carrying cases, duffel bags, and assorted supply packs surged in to the plaza. Their voices were strange after so many months knowing every man and woman that had come on the first wave in the Errant Dawn, but welcome.

Viktor stepped forward as the newcomers in their Exarchate jumpsuits wondered at the large open area of the Biodome, a change probably for the better after the cramped interior of the lifter from Earth. Most circumstances called for a speech here, and so Viktor gave a short one, thanking the newcomers for their fervency and expertise that would make Mars better for all. It wasn't really very inspiring, but then again, the Siberian had never really been much of one for emotional appeals. Out of tens of thousands of applications from every walk of life that the Exarchate had received, these men and women- some of them western engineers, some hard working mechanics from the former Soviet block, amusingly the majority native Siberians- had been selected for their skills by Viktor and his advisers as being valuable additions to the dynamic already at work in the Spire.

Indeed, their work in the manufacturing fields would likely be very valuable. Some of their number included a NovoRossiyan conglomerate team that had built a new compact solar furnace, a focused shape designed to minimize materials needed while maintaining standard energy flow in a sparse-cloud environment. They were wondrous machines, needing highly specialized skills to create, but the skilled mechanics and engineers inducted from the NovoRossiyan team would hopefully ameliorate many of those issues.

The Spire rose apace, now integrating both the manufacturing complex which hummed with activity, and the long-term food production biodome. Agriscientists had decided to leave the Dome offline in terms of food production for now, what with the stocks brought from Earth still being viable as caloric sources, and were taking the time to establish long-lived edible vine and tree strains. Walking through the garden was something both Viktor and many of the Boers found very pleasant, for with the expertise of the hardy pioneers turned to manicuring the ecosystem within one could enjoy a small memory of Earth even as valuable foodstuffs were raised for the consumption of all. Indeed, there was a particularly beautiful white pine that the colony leader had planted in the commons upon arrival which was doing quite nicely in enriched Martian soil.

by **The Burning Sun** » Tue May 02, 2017 12:56 pm

Ledger

Ledger Year 2

Ledger Year 3

by **Harkback Union** » Tue May 02, 2017 1:09 pm

ROME
February 21st, 2052

"Enormous crowds gather around Union Plaza to witness the inauguration of the 3rd Consul of the Republic. The previous consul, Otto Severus was removed from power by a unanimous vote of the Conclave. Severus has been charged for treason for secretly supporting anti-republican forces in Latin America, even going so far as to allow some of them to leave earth on ISA shuttles..."

"What a waste of taxpayer credits, eh? The crowds look stiff, Valentina!"

"Indeed, Robert, The new consul is moments away from being announced! We can already see several senators gathering around the main podium... *static* "

For those tuning in on mars, The News Broadcast is temporarily interrupted due to a minor technical glitch, not uncommon in inter-planetary communication. A few minutes later, the feed is restored.

"Cornaro Petronius" - An elderly gentleman announces the choice of the conclave into the microphones. Within mere seconds, the message reaches most on earth and the moon. Those on Mars received the news with a 20 minute delay, but for them, it didn't make a difference. The new consul walked over to the podium and begun to speak in his deep, sinister voice...

"People of Earth! A New Era of Unity, Progress and Prosperity Dawns on our Planet!" - The new consul promised. - "I, Cornaro Petronius, Consul of the republic will overturn the disastrous policies of the previous administration. No more will we allow for separatist scums to terrorize the borderlands of the republic, nor will we allow demagogues and illusionists to mislead the masses with their constant scheming against our sacred democracy." - Loud cheering echoed across the plaza.

"No more will we waste precious resources on wasteful illusions of Space Colonization, not when millions are without food or clean water." - The cheering intensified.

"For the past several years, we have neglected enforcing our laws and principles across the nations, and the result is, corruption, separatism, treachery! And now, The Barbarians are at the Gates! An attack on the Republic has become an imminent threat! The time has come to strike, my brothers, strike before they do, and make no peace, until all of Earth is finally United under a single banner, as our forefathers have dreamed for centuries!
- The crowd was now really fired up.

"Wow, what a speech!" - the cute correspondent commented.

"Indeed, the conclave seemed to have made a good choice today. I can't help but feel, we are entering new era of the republic!"

Code: Select all: Transmission interrupted, Solar flare imminent.

by **Harkback Union** » Tue May 02, 2017 1:09 pm

by **Seno Zhou Varada** » Tue May 02, 2017 2:45 pm

Elysium Planitia, Mesa region, Year Two, Colony Freedom

The year had gone quickly, and with it new events had popped up. With the colonization process beginning, people on Earth had gotten excited. Apolline had heard from some of her comrades in holding cells, apparently some Republican decided these holding cells needed to be opened up for other dissidents. While she wasn't able to get them here due to a lack of space in the colony, she was able to have them on a waiting list, making them immune to being thrown back in prison and executed. Once she got another facility for them to inhabit, she would get them here as fast as she could.

On another note, the Lunar Cartel was getting into the game. While not as powerful as the Republic, they were offering deals. Of course the Republic wouldn't like any faction taking these deals but fuck the Republic. Extra funds were necessary for the fledgling colony, and if she had her men back on Earth sell their guns, she could afford another set of solar panels so energy wouldn't be an issue. Of course this deal with money wasn't preferable, but if she tried to go without it, the other colonies non-revolutionary colonies would no doubt attack the FMPM and the Utopia Network.

However with the end of last year, came the beginning of the new year. Which came with a Republic speech. The beginning was ok for Republic media, her comrades had gotten so money from the Republic. However as it progressed it was clear bad things were happening. The more tolerant consul had been replaced with a charismatic and hateful one. His intolerance towards separatists was extremely worrying, hopefully his Earth centric campaign would keep him away from her. Luckily her comrades, by a quirk of Republican law, would be safe or at least transferred to the moon till she had adequate space for them. The other dissidents on Earth however, may have to go into deep hiding until she could rescue them.

At least the comets should be arriving soon, by the end of the year at most. However due to a change in plans, she had no use for them. However her comrade Arjuna had a bio colony which need easy access to water. She transferred the control of the comet's landing site to him and reviewed her plans. Arjuna, it seems, would be able to hire on the Lunar colonists, possibly allowing her comrades to work the industrial colonies while the more skilled Lunar workers would get ore from the mine. They would also have similar values to her comrades, being anti-republic and anti-corp. While they weren't exactly loyal to the FMPM, it didn't matter too much as her comrades might be able to defend the base from attacks. Now if only she didn't have to wait for the prefab to come in, well time is passed easier when she is occupied with something. She quickly pulled out her datapad and got to work assisting communications between her comrades.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Tue May 02, 2017 10:52 pm

Primary Living Quarters, Spire of Eternity, Daedelum Planum, Redstar Exarchate

Martian Spring Cycle of Mission Year Two

As the broadcast winked out, Viktor heard muttered conversation spark amongst the several dozen workers and colonists that had taken time out of their days to watch the new Consul's address. The pompous bastard. The tones of the murmured words marched very much in line with Viktor's own internal thoughts, one part chagrin at the foolishness of those who should know better, one part anger at the direction that foolishness was aimed. Mars, at present, wouldn't survive long without a steady stream of goodwill and manufactured products from Earth. The Exarchate might make it, but with only a few thousand souls, and the industrial capacity of a small city, what could Martian civilization really amount to?

It was so blind of those pencil-pushing bureaucrats, allocating funds based on political maneuvering and showmanship, not proven ability to accomplish the Mission's objectives. Sure, maybe there wasn't a lot of evidence for the Exarchate's achievements just this minute, but still, nobody in the ISA and their Republican oversight committees had even bothered to ask. With a few more billion credits, hell, he could have full industrial production online even when the automated systems of the recently activated mining robots failed, and have the Spire fully secured against any aggression.

Desmond walked up next to the Provost while he was still deep in thought, and only the clearing of the engineer's throat returned Viktor to the present, instead of fuming at the political machinations of a quarter of a stellar system afield. One of the Siberian manufacturing team that had been assigned to the vast eastern solar fields for expansion and refurbishment, his work with the fabrication drones had been unparalleled in efficiency, and so Viktor had appointed him the overseer for the project.

"Viktor? We're going to turn on the link to the arrays in a few minutes, if you wanted to be part of the ceremony over at the energy banks. Some of my lads were watching the broadcast from the comptroller tower, and Jason figured you might want in on this triumph after hearing that idiotic filth that the Consul was spouting."

The Provost sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, and turned away from the post-speech coverage from RNN. A smile touched his face, somewhat forced, but somewhat genuine for the concern of those whose wellbeing was his responsibility. The chains of command could be heavy at times, but they were lighter if those one led were willing to bear some of the weight.

"Yes, that would be excellent Desmond. I'll be right along. As for the speech... well, some parts of it, about separatism and corruption, those were reasonable enough. But I never thought I would live to see the day when such short-sighted man as this new Consul took the reins of Earth. That is trouble brewing, and no mistake."

by **Ulls** » Wed May 03, 2017 3:09 am

Year 1

The trip to the Red Planet was one of realistic depression and of joyous merriment. Augustine knew he wasn't the best charismatic leader but everyone needed to know what they're just got themselves in. The idea is that Mars is a planet far away from the Earth and they will be one of many factions looking to carve out their own ideas in the soil. The Cajuns were no different. Faced with a growing need to escape their dire straits of the failing eco towns and the idea to make their own country was what rose volunteers to the occasion.

Many Cajuns still played songs of old and hoped for the future of their nation to not have as much bloodshed like wars in the pasts were like. Augustine started to think what the nation would be like. He knew that they only had around 100 people but even still, more will be coming and a form of government would be the first step to nationhood. At least the Cajun farmer had examples on what how not to lead a nation.

The landing on the Red Planet made everyone view the barren world with shock and awe. They knew that this would be difficult but the idea of terraforming the land around seemed impossible. However, they set up the prefab biofarm colony and hooked up the solar panel that the ISA gave them. Normally, just plugging in a power source wouldn't be enough to start the colony, yet the Cajuns were skilled in managing their supplies and resources ever since they had to survive since the nuclear holocaust.

Within a few months, the Cajuns used various seed pods and genetic material of small domestic animals that resemble a small, humid Louisianan grove. It would've of been a bigger ecosystem if there was water but small rain showers happened because of the recycled water that they brought with them and they developed a small ecosystem. This was enough to make all sorts of fresh food that support their population and more.

To most of the Cajuns, this is the first time that they had saw animals or even plants and spices since they mostly eat imported nutrient past but these species of flora and fauna were more durable than normal but were still the same on the outside. Augustine was proud that the first months of the colonization.

It was time for the leader to try and form a government for their new country. He decided to split the first 100 people into 20 people represented by 4 of the most skilled people to check the power of Augustine. Augustine himself didn't want to have a term as the country of New Acadia had just started to grow. As for now, this was accepted as long that their is some form of check and balance between Augustine and the representatives. Another thing that was needed was the name of their capital. The name they went forward with is Destrehan, which is was once the oldest plantation of the Lower Mississippi River Valley.

The new country sparked some people back on Earth to have a sort of volunteer drive for the new country. It seemed that the various French freedom fighters who have getting exiled by Earth to Mars had heard of New Acadia. Among all the things Pierre thought he could want to ship into a new country of 100 people, French freedom fighters were one of the things that Augustine was trying to not bring. It's not that he didn't like the French or hated their ideas, he just didn't need a rise of rampant militarism but guns are always good to have for defense.

Another thing that happened was that Augustine's daughter managed to get a shipping contract with her company for carbon since the region is has good stocks. Augustine already had it set up for next year since he already was requesting an ice drilling station. It was the first means of getting money and they didn't mind ruffling the feathers of the Republic for the sake of the country.

There was still a way to make money. Apparently their neighbor, Sgt. Bibi, needed food and was willing to pay. Augustine didn't mind to sell her some food since the Cajuns would have to go substance farming and hold off shipping the French till they can get their ecosystem back to 80% fertility.

The leader of the new country decided to respond the message on his phone.

Dear, Sgt. Bibi Catron,

I got your message. Just want to say that we got some food 'ere! They mostly greens and spicy peppers but we got some meat. We'll have it wrap it up in metal containers so you can pick it. Just send the scrimpt to my account and it be waiting for ya colonists to get it.

Good luck with ya Colony,

Augustine Jean-Baptiste, leader of the country of New Acadia.

with perhaps the first and only sell of their food, Augustine put it towards 1 IP for a new solar panel by getting it imported from Earth. Which was great as the plan that he had for his colony was ahead by a year.

Year 2

The start of the month landed with the delivery of the ice drilling station in their region. It was considered very far away from the capital but since that's where the Carbon was then there was little choice. This was the first proper trade that the upstart country can have and the people were happy as they can make enough credits to have some economic weight in the growing solar system.

Augustine organized the more mechanically inclined workers to go and drill the carbon from the ice. This was good to make some good reputation with the Lunar Cartel despite it going against the ideas of Earth. The Cajuns just shrugged because they needed to get income and the Cartel was the best bet.

The solar panel was connected to the ice drilling station while the Biofarm worked on using substance farming to get by the year. Augustine believed that the country may need to keep going on substance farming for another year as he was sitting on a metal crate when Pierre came by.

" Hey there my lord!" The large Cajun said to Augustine.

" I ain't no lord Pierre." Augustine said with a smirk.

" Right, Right. The "Emperor got no clothes" or something like that." He said sitting down on a crate next to him. His larger body mass made Augustine scoot over.

" Hehe, you know that ain't how the saying goes che." Augustine said laughingly.

" Whateva' man you know what I mean."

They both laugh for a bit then Augustine got up after he got a message on his phone. " Hey Cous', you wanna come watch the speech from the new Consul before you go back into space?"

Pierre just shrugged and they went into the Commons Room. The room was basically a very big living with a bar and kitchen all together. Nearly the entire colony packed into the room to try and see the large TV. The speech was met with disgust and fear. Augustine was crossing his arms and shook his head.

" It's only been two years and now the Conclave put some "Earth first" asshole in power?" He said still looking at the tv.

" Hey man, be glad that they didn't mention New Acadia as a separatist country." Pierre said

" Of course, but this doesn't bo' well for our neighbors. Especially the one I had the joy of contactin'." Augustine said as he started to walk out.

" That's I been sayin' you need some guns n' a military outpost cause I fear that them soldiers in the mountains would come down and burn the New Acadia down." Pierre said with a worrying voice.

"That's why I been thinkin' to call someone about this. He's a friend of me and my daughter, if anything, he was probably the one who kept the media not give me that much of a bad light."

Pierre gave him a questioning look as they walked into his office and he sat down and started to looking through contacts in his computer. Eventually he got on the phone and it said " Encryption Established" as he got on the phone.

" Hello? Who is this?" A young, Italian voice came on the other line.

" Hey there Toga-kin!" the Cajun said with a smile.

" Augustine you Cajun bastard! How are you and how's Marquette?" The voice said over happily.

" She's fine, got herself a business on the Moon and helping her Pa here. Actually there's something I like to talk to you about." He said.

" Was it about the speech? Trust me, I'll try to make sure that you don't feel too much of a squeeze." the Italian said.

" Listen Caius, its not just me but everyone on Mars and I think that is about to get heated by my neighbors." Augustine said with some anger.

" Neighbors? Which one do you think is giving you trouble?" Caius asked

" Just some militants on a mountain that I sold food to. Though, they got no means of making their own. Now that I gave them food I basically-"

" Put a target on your back?" Caius interrupted as he continued," if so, tell me whose the big boogyman causing trouble for your 'country' Augustine?"

" Her name is Sgt.Bibi of Operation Napoleon." Augustine said.

The phone line goes silent but Augustine could here a few noises and curses with Caius on the line again.

" Look Augustine, your my friend but I only send you so much even if your speaking the truth but I need you to do something for me." Caius said.

" Nothing isn't free so what is it?" Augustine asked.

" I need your colony to be used a staging base for an attempted offensive if I can manage to get the approval." Caius explained.

" What! Hell no! There's gotta be something else then using my colony as a offensive?" Augustine said angrily.

" Look Augustine, in many ways, your 'country' doesn't exist and your listed as a independent colony but aligned to Earth and her Megacorps. In many ways, you need help and this can be twisted that Bibi is attacking a colony aligned to Earth and perhaps make a stance for pro-space colonization. I know how you feel about this but its the only way I can get support for you." Caius explained.

Augustine clench his phone tightly in his hand and gave a sigh.

" Yeah I understand. Thanks for doing what you can." Augustine said as he hanged up and tiled another phone number.

" Operator, can ya get me the phone number for the CEO of RealMeal?"

by **ApplePieistan** » Wed May 03, 2017 5:26 am

Year 1

Sgt. Catron ordered the rover to go to New Acadia carrying a billion credits and pick up the canned food. With this, everyone in the base of operations of Operation Napoleon could eat. Delicious.

Year 2

Sgt. Catron called all the trained French soldiers to hear a speech. "Now that I gathered you all today, here's what's going down. We have no food. We have money, but if we use it to build a farm, someone's going to starve today. Neither of those outcomes are favorable. We have also received news that the republic had stopped caring about us. Some would see this as a perfect storm of bad events. I see it as an opportunity. What we're going to do is give you boys rifles and have you take the rover to New Acadia. They are commanded by someone we suspect to be a Republican spy. Either capture it or destroy it. The choice is yours."

As everyone left, Sgt. Cameron did some shopping. She ordered a group of 100 prisoners to join the party. They didn't bring anything including skills, but they could probably handle a gun. Depending on how the offensive goes, she might also order another prefabricated colony. While waiting for this, Bibi made two actions: train the rookies and talk to New Acadia over the radio.

From: Operation Napoleon
To: New Acadia

Because of a famine occurring in Operation Napoleon territory, we require possession of your biodome colony. To better persuade you to let us have possession, I have dispatched especially tough armed men in armored vehicles to your biodome. Your people may leave the colony right now. They are unnecessary for our cause and they need not get hurt. However, all possessions inside must be left behind. Please understand why we must do this.

Should you refuse, we have no qualms about destroying it. This will benefit us by allowing us to fulfill part of our promise to Terran weapons. If you refuse, we will be able to both plunder the base for all its resources and kill its inhabitants, which we would spare if you permit us possession. Afterwards, we would build another biodome over the remains of the previous one to utilize its facilities.

Live or die. Make your choice.

by **The Grim Reaper** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:22 am

Turn One

Choices: Accept Lunar Investment (+5 Bc), Accept Republic Investment (Volunteer Drive - District: Britain)
Actions:
Budget = 7 Bc
Buy Lunar colonists (This costs 1 Bc excess, which will be deducted from RoE funds - Transferred to Apolline whilst still waiting on Moon)
+1 Water from landing comet in Elysium Planitia Mesa site, near Spirit & Freedom

Arjuna leaned over the little tablet computer, as Georgiana - his liaison with the Global South Liberty Lobby, who handled the Utopia Network's offworld relations - brought up their latest ledger. Two billion credits from the USW, God bless their souls. "I'm expecting to hear back from the Lobby any minute now, about the response from the Republic's funding body. Until then, we've actually heard some good news - the general public in the Republic and Lunapolis are looking to curry favour with us, and the rest of Mars. We've got a few options I'd like you to look over."

Arjuna took a quick look over the document Georgiana pulled up. Next to the letter from the GSLL's (informal, underground) Lunar branch, there was - as expected - a friendly note, indicating the Lobby's expectation of opposition from the Republic. Of course, it was a given that he had no interest in foregoing Lunar investment for Republic support.

"Apolline already has a mining set-up ready to go, so I don't think mining equipment will be much of a concern in the short term. And we're shit out of luck when it comes to carbon - even if we could get it, we'd be using it ourselves. There's only one question - do we want cash or cheque?"

Georgiana grinned. "Only one answer, too. Don't think the GSLL will appreciate us having five billion credits in hard-form delivered to Michelle's door. What about the Republic?"

Arjuna shrugged. "Well, media cover isn't particularly useful to us right now. A single audience unit isn't enough to really achieve anything we'd want to do, and I'm not comfortable pushing to set up a media outlet before we've secured a stable industrial and agricultural output. The Windmills are useful, but I've actually just heard that Apolline's chucking a comet our way - ah, no, I mean it'll be coming down nearby. We can use it for water, so we won't need to get an ice drill going for a bit. A volunteer drive might be more useful - we could get more British colonists over, prepare to rush expansion with another biodome."

"Hmm, I thought you mentioned you were thinking of getting some more Africans in. Or some French."

"True, the French contacts I have are as solid as Apolline's for good, sturdy idealists, but I'd rather not pervert my vision for this place immediately. They're strong soldiers - which is exactly my problem. We can call on them to bring funds instead of rifles, but they'd still come with a skillset I don't intend to use. Another unit of African colonists would go a huge way towards making this place more sustainable. There's lots of water in Elysium to use, so I'm not too worried about looking further afield to the Acadian communities. That being said, we'd need a lot more energy to get anything like that going.

And good researchers would be great, but a lot of the scientific minds I can tap on aren't exactly going to fit in here - certainly not going to maintain their weight in gold until we can secure carbon.

The British would let us use the incoming industrial prefab more effectively than anyone else I have access to."

"So you want me to focus our recruitment drive on Britain?"

"Yes, but also - I'd like it if you could direct some funds to recruiting the latest batch of Lunar colonists. I've heard that Apolline wants some good miners, so she can redirect her French colonists over to their industrial prefab. Have them put in her command, lunarside, and ask her to see about returning the favour by hooking us up with some energy at our industrial base at earliest convenience. We'll need to get some, to move towards operating at full capacity. Our new British colonists will be able to navigate their way around windmill schematics more competently than her French colonists can, so we'll be able to get more energy up quicker."

"We'll be slightly short on our current budget, but I think I can pull some strings - the catastrophic notwithstanding, at least 1 billion credits should be all but guaranteed out of the RoE pre-mission funds."

Ledger:
1 Biodome (1 African Colonists - produces 1 Food) : 1 Solar Panel, 1 Water = 3 Food produced

by **The Mighty Datlofian Empire** » Wed May 03, 2017 9:44 am

Jack Madison proudly strode into the conference room, trying to look imposing, but failing due to his physique. He did not look like the kind of person to lead a colony, he looked like he should be in a lab instead. He quickly realized that he was in a room, full of powerful people. For a moment his confidence wavered, but he pressed on none the less. After all, he had gone through endless training to prove he was the best at managing the colony. He suddenly wished he had brought one of his peers to help him through this. He realized suddenly that some people were giving him odd looks and quickly steeled his demeanor, knowing that if he showed weakness now, it could harm the future of the colony. So he
began to size up the others in the room.
Year 1

Year 2

Leader of Mission: Jack Madison
Mission Codename: Martian Commonwealth
Planned Landing Site: Site 21
Flag: Burgundy
Launch date: 2050
Sponsors: ISA: Solar Panels, ROE Terraforming Mission, Automated Miners, Martian Investments, United Space Workers
Culture: Lead by a group of 6 people 5 of which have equal power while one of them holds the power of 2 separate seats, they are selected by a test that every colonist takes to see which is the most capable in managing the colony. Once one of the 5 dies or retires, the one who scored the highest is chosen to replace him or her. If they refuse then the next one on the list is chosen and so on and so forth.

by **Pac Kindom** » Wed May 03, 2017 10:55 am

Martian Orbit

John sat in his chair as the Bython drop in to Martian atmosphere and he felt his stomach jump as the lander jolted as the atmospheric brakes of the ship began to fire and the crew got there first look of there new home, the hills of Malea Planum all thro they look barren but john knew why they chose the area because the hills hid water ice and metal ore. The crew cheered as the lander jolted for the last time as it landed and without john needing to say a word the crew got to work setting up there new home.

Leader of Mission: John Bython
Mission Codename: Bython Union
Planned Landing Site: Malea Planum BASE SITE 13
Flag: Blue
Launch date: 2050
Sponsors:
--ISA: Food Cache | Comms Satellite | Martian Investments | Avalon Pharmaceuticals | RoE Ministry of Industrial Planning
Culture: The Union was founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways of improving the quality of all humanity on Mars without destroying the planet in the process.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Wed May 03, 2017 2:07 pm

The Biodome, The Spire of Eternity, Daedelum Planum, Redstar Exarchate

Summer, Mission Year Two

Viktor knelt to the soil, utilitarian coveralls softly crushing loose dirt down in to a packed surface to support the Provost's weight. With careful hands he checked the small groundcover plants near the white pine saplings that were now about two feet tall, making sure they weren't crowding out the young trees or taking too many nutrients from the surrounding larger flora. Gardening helped ground the Siberian; even when he was young, when the family had been forced to shelter in a bunker deep beneath the Russian permafrost, he had always enjoyed helping his mother maintain the small herb garden planted there. It wasn't a very efficient way of growing calories or nutrients, sure, but it had a far greater sense of a connection to a greater world than one man than did looking out over the fields of hydroponics that were the major part of the Biodome's living space.

Yes, this garden was here for the soul as much as the stomach. One day in the future, perhaps when Mars had been terraformed to let men walk free of their confining exosuits, the white pines here would still stand tall and strong under a blue Martian sky. People would remember who had lived here, who had placed the first boots on Martian soil of the new generation, who had come to make a new home away from the blasted husk of a cradle that Earth had become. Or, so the Provost hoped.

There were sobering reminders here, even now, that success was not guaranteed. A major dust storm had recently ravaged the outlying solar panels causing superficial damage, a taste of a what a true blow on the Red Planet could do to the hardy but still not invincible infrastructure of the colony. And as the survey teams from the Spire had worked to locate new places for water drilling and good solar sites, they had come all too often upon the wreckage of rovers, dilapidated prefabricated structures, even spacesuits of an ancient make half-submerged in the Martian dust. Before the Cataclysm men had thought to make homes on this world too, but when the nukes fell Earth had abandoned them, and only skeletons of men and buildings remained where once pioneers and dreamers must have walked upon this very land.

Viktor tutted as his experienced eyes roamed across a young crab-apple tree. It was already facing trouble, a sucker growth common to its genus busy drawing water and nutrients away from the main stem. Opening a small flap on his belt, the commander of the Siberian mission pulled out a minute pair of secateurs and with deft movements removed the parasitic stem from the trunk of the small purple-blossomed arboreal denizen. Straightening, Viktor noticed a line of Martian dust kicked up and pluming in the atmosphere, far out in the distance to the north and east. He frowned. Something about that picture didn't sit right with the Provost's intuition.

Shaking his head, he tried to forget the feeling as he moved on to the next soil bed, one laden with perennials imported from the upper Manchurian highlands.

by **Harkback Union** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:05 pm

Real Meal Headquarters
Melbourne, Australia

"CEO Rower?" - A young and stylish secretary asked, whilst she gently knocked on the door of his boss. Mr. Rower was Quite old fashioned and preferred his secretary delivering messages, personally. Or maybe he just he just wanted to see his secretary, often.

"Come in!" - The reply finally came. Inside, the head of the company was busy eating his lunch, which consisted of various exotic delights, high quality expensive foods, nothing RealMeal would ever make.

"Mr. Rower, sorry to disturb your meal, but this is urgent! Our martian business partners have are under military threat and are asking for assistance!"

"What? Military Threats? Jesus Al Abraham, what the hell is going on on that wretched planet?" - He screamed after spitting his 1997 bordeaux back into the glass he was previously drinking from.

"Sir, it appears that a militant colonial faction has threatened to invade our clients if they refuse to hand over their biodome."

"That is out of the question! That biodome is crucial for our martian operations! How big is this attacking force? It can't be that large, we'll hire some security, it can't cost that much, right?"

"5 Billion credits sir is the cheapest out there, I've taken the time to check."

The CEO had to once again spit out the liquids from his mouth to speak. - "That is unreal... but I suppose we have no choice. I won't let the future of this company be ruined by some ragtag martian militants. Send our clients a message, support is on the way,
and get me the head of that space security company. We need their help pronto!"

24 hours later

The events of yesterday had Zed Rower, CEO of RealMeal In a stance of continuous rage. He was trying to eat lunch with his shaky old hands, when his fabulous secrétaire came into his office once more.

"Sir, If I may, I have come across something that might interest you." - She said in her enchanting voice.

"Oh really, what is it?" - was the CEO's blunt response.

"Last year's space-themed advertisement scheme has left us with large quantities of SpaceBurgers that are selling very slowly and nearing expiration date. Since the martian attackers wish to seize the colonies of our client due to a food shortage in their colony, we could, perhaps, offer them a shipment of these burgers in an attempt to appease them."

"Hmmm... That's a good idea. What the name of the leader of these thugs anyway? Can we communicate with them?" - The CEO asked whilst gazing out his office window and pondering how far Mars really is...

"Of course sir. Sgt. Bibi Catron, a former French drill sergeant is the leader of the militants. She is the leader of a mission codenamed: Operation Napoleon. We have received their comm frequency from our clients."

"Who's sponsoring that clown anyway?"

"Terran Weapons."

"..."

The resourceful secretary has set up the CEO's video recorder and satellite connection. The message would repeat hundreds of times each day to ensure it reaches its recipient, whenever they decided to tune it.

Interplanetary Broadcast:
From: RealMeal Corporate COMSAT
To: Bibi Catron of the Operation Napoleon

Good Afternoon, or Morning, or whatever time it is on Mars miss Catron. My name is Zed Rower and I am the CEO of RealMeal incorporated. As I have learned, your colony's food supplies have been exhausted in the recent months. That is very bad news indeed, but, have no fear! We here at RealMeal wish to ensure that noone on Earth, or Mars, for that matter have to go without food. Therefore, we would like to offer you and your colonists a generous donation of an enormous shipment of tasty Space Burgers! That's right! Space Burgers! Long-lasting burgers designed specifically for low-gravity environments.

Although, I hope that in return I can ask you a small favor. One of our clients have constructed a Biodome on mars, not far from your own colony. It would very unpleasant to us if this biodome was to be in any way harmed, so please, if you can, protect this small defenseless colony from harm... in the future.

So, what do you say? Will you accept our generosity? If so, we will dispatch the freighters as soon as we can!

Have a nice Martian day!

Rower Out

Whilst Rower made his broadcast, his secretary hide sat down on a nearby couch, hiding her face in her hands.

by **ApplePieistan** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:50 pm

Sgt. Catron received a message from RealMeal, offering burgers if she cancels the invasion. She had to think about this deal very deeply. While it would be giving her all the food she needs, they may also cancel the deal if she invades someone else. Bibi looked at the numbers, busted out the calculator, and came up with a decision: negotiate. All she needed was a bit more food security and everything would be okay. Bibi types back:

From: Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
To: RealMeal Corporate COMSAT

We would be pleased to accept this request, however, we would like to have a bit more food security than your current offer provides. If we can be assured that we only need to withhold aggression towards your clients, than we shall graciously accept.

Have a nice Earth day!

Catron out.

by **Harkback Union** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:58 pm

ApplePieistan wrote:Sgt. Catron received a message from RealMeal, offering burgers if she cancels the invasion. She had to think about this deal very deeply. While it would be giving her all the food she needs, they may also cancel the deal if she invades someone else. Bibi looked at the numbers, busted out the calculator, and came up with a decision: negotiate. All she needed was a bit more food security and everything would be okay. Bibi types back:

From: Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
To: RealMeal Corporate COMSAT

We would be pleased to accept this request, however, we would like to have a bit more food security than your current offer provides. If we can be assured that we only need to withhold aggression towards your clients, than we shall graciously accept.

Have a nice Earth day!

Catron out.

After some delay, the reply would come, also by text.

Incoming message:
RealMeal Comsat, Earth

Dear Sgt. Catron

We didn't quite understand the motives behind your last message, but worry not. You can rest assured that, as long as our clients remain unharmed, we will have no reason to stop providing you with emergency food supplies.

CEO Z. Rower
Melbourne, District: Australia

by **ApplePieistan** » Wed May 03, 2017 8:10 pm

"Sweet," Catron whispered to herself. She typed two messages, one to RealMeal and another to New Acadia.

From: Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
To: RealMeal Corporate COMSAT

Thank you for your generous offer. Our men would greatly appreciate RealMeal burgers consider any hostilities to your clients canceled so long as you hold up your end of the deal. Perhaps someday, we may adopt RealMeal as a permanent food source. Once again, we accept your offer.

From: Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
To: Augustine Jean-Baptiste of New Acadia

On behalf of all of us at Operation Napoleon headquarters, we apologize for our planned invasion of your territory. It was quite uncharismatic of us to attempt to destroy all of your possessions and kill your people. I'll admit, that was indeed quite rude. We send you this message, not just to apologize, but also to ask: are we still cool?

by **Ulls** » Wed May 03, 2017 9:55 pm

ApplePieistan wrote:"Sweet," Catron whispered to herself. She typed two messages, one to RealMeal and another to New Acadia.

From: Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
To: RealMeal Corporate COMSAT

Thank you for your generous offer. Our men would greatly appreciate RealMeal burgers consider any hostilities to your clients canceled so long as you hold up your end of the deal. Perhaps someday, we may adopt RealMeal as a permanent food source. Once again, we accept your offer.

From: Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
To: Augustine Jean-Baptiste of New Acadia

On behalf of all of us at Operation Napoleon headquarters, we apologize for our planned invasion of your territory. It was quite uncharismatic of us to attempt to destroy all of your possessions and kill your people. I'll admit, that was indeed quite rude. We send you this message, not just to apologize, but also to ask: are we still cool?

Augustine just got off the phone with the secretary of RealMeal. Pierre looked at him curious wanting to know the answer of the phone call.

" Looks like RealMeal just bought off Catron but the CEO is right off on me." Augustine said.

Pierre picked up the man and gave him a bear hug. He stopped as he was tapping him on the arm to put him down.

" That's great Cous'! You just save the nation with your own connections!" The big Cajun said joyously.

" I wouldn't be too happy Pierre. It just means that we have more people mad at us and the price of freedom to increase in the limbs. I need to make some calls n' send some messages to some people."

To:Bibi Catron of Operation Napoleon
From:Augustine Jean-Baptiste of New Acadia

Bibi, understand that what you were going to was down right stupid. I understand that you were given food by my sponsor to keep the peace. So as far that you have your bribe and I can actually build my new home, hold to corporate obligations, and make new lives for my dying people away from the Earth then we're cool.

Perhaps we can still do business, as I am a client of RealMeal and am obligated to increase the numbers of restaurants here. We maybe able to set up a restaurant or two up there.

Augustine Jean-Baptiste

by **The Knights of Azorea** » Thu May 04, 2017 12:00 am

Utica Colony Operations, Industrial Base at the Aventine Canyon - Year Two

Life at the Aventine base was not easy, but none of the crew had expected it to be. The spartan, efficient corridors, connecting great monolithic industrial bunkers designed to withstand the cold. Much of the colony was devoted to the production of the raw industrial materials needed to propagate industrial construction, but one small sector of the Industrial colony had been devoted to the men and women of the colony. The only section with windowed corridors, it was well lit, with all the finest materials brought along lavished on it. The dormitories were hardly spacious, but Cato had ensured that they each fed into various common rooms, equipped with basic games, what books and documents could be acquired, and at least decent seating. His aim had not simply been to ensure his people would have a chance to rest, but that the proximity to their fellows would nurture the camaraderie between the crew-members.

He could understand the startling isolation of life in a sealed colony, and he had done everything to ensure it did not get to anyone too quickly. He could never be totally sure of these things, but the colonists seemed almost satisfied with their devoted industry, or if not happy, at least stoic regarding their conditions. He had made the decision to grant himself quarters only slightly better than those of his men, adjoining the central corridor connecting the common rooms, and in the model of Caesar he made the most of the proximity, walking among his fellows and treating them as such. When they went hungry, he did too and when they worked, he did the same. It offered him some relief from the stresses of administration to join the work-crews from time to time, and it resulted in a unique delight with him. The colony, no matter the hardship, was growing more and more loyal, to itself, and to him.

He had even managed to fit the population into one of the larger common rooms and had played the radio broadcast of the announcement of the new Consul. It had not gone quite as hoped. The colonists were just as furious as Cato to hear of their betrayal by the new Consul, and he had quickly set about ensuring the project of terraforming remained consistent, and that the colony would receive the payments it had been promised for colonizing this new Red planet. Soon after the announcement, the offers of the Lunapolis Bank were finally accepted, a mark of defiance, and a population of African colonists were hired, though left on the moon, for future duty in the colony.

Seeing the need for self sustainability, an Ice drilling station and a further solar panel to power it had been acquired and set to work, with the industrial colony, aided by the automating mining Robots, producing a water tank to store the water produced by the drills, rather than wasting it. When the new Biodome was constructed, rather than requiring another solar panel to power it, the stored water could be used to provide for the hydroponic farms, and the panel array used for the drills could be rerouted to the great dome. There were great ambitions for Utica, and it would simply require a few years of hard labour to achieve them. For the most part, Cato kept only half an eye on the news coming out of the remainder of Mars. He had been unconcerned by news until the general chatter of some military commandeering was heard, at which point he grew worried.

His men and women were not armed, and though he was sure they would fight and die for the colony, they could only do so much with working tools. He was loathe to petition to the Republic for military support, as a military man himself he had heard the horror stories of administrators cast out by overbearing legates, and he had no intention of surrendering sovereignty to some corporate madman. He would have to wait and see, as nothing concrete regarding any attack could be confirmed.

Mars 2050 - Planetfall - In character

2051

2051

Placeholder cuz the rest of this week is crazy

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