And her ways are ways of gentleness [Maintenance; Closed]

[Macisikan]

RK3395.12.27

Report: Mishiki-jo Multiple System
Total population: 16,193,413 (current est.)
Political Status: Independent (Protectorate of the United Imperial Kingdoms of Macisikan)

The Mishiki-jo colonies are thought to have been set up as a general colonisation effort by an unnamed non-extant empire of the Dexter Quadrant outside of its borders. Analysis indicates that the initial settlement was only lightly invested in before the collapse. The system was too minor and undeveloped to draw attention from the Eridani Imperium, the Huerdian Star Empire, or any other star nations during the Delta conflicts. Mishiji-jo is located far enough away from the former nebula that it is unlikely to be troubled by elements from the area once the initial wave of displaced persons subsides.

Survivors of the former nobility have been detained attempting to flee to the system; according to interviews, they were attempting to join relatives in hiding on Hiolivik. The local Administrator has denied any knowledge of these individuals. ISS scans indicate that several additional such groups are presently en route to the system.

Local governance structures are organised along pre-collapse lines, and are rudimentary at best, intended either as components of the larger military, or as subordinate to a proper command structure in the empire proper. With the collapse of central authority, these structures are now inadequate to the task of providing proper governance for the territory. Pursuant to SC.R 1 Ayi. XII 7, the policy of HSMG is for the government of Mishiki-jo to remain in local hands. The locals are a protectorate of the UIK, having ceded their foreign affairs and military defence to HSMG; they are not an exarchy, a marshal province, or otherwise being annexed into the Realm.

Initial discussions around system governance indicate that the system is unlikely to be unified; while all three groups agree on reviving their old parliamentary system “as it was supposed to be”, there is no agreement on what form this will take. Hiolivik favours a population-based method of determining parliamentary power, Teneholm would prefer to see seats accorded to settled bodies. Both Hallidalr and Teneholm are aware that Hiolivik will dominate any population-based system, while Hallidalr and Hiolivik are aware Teneholm will dominate any settled-body-based system. The matter is further complicated by a tendency towards consensus-based decision-making on Hallidalr that conflicts with more hierarchical approaches in the other two polities.

HSMG has begun to push for a system whereby the three polities remain separate and independent, but in close association with each other.

---

[align=center] claign

---

Datasheets

Hiolivik
System:	Daura
Planet:	Daura III
Planet Type:	EuGaian, Continental subtype
Radius:	5,239km
Gravity:	0.74G
Day/Year:	33.9hrs/144.67 days
Axial Tilt:	14.52°
Atmosphere:	1.08 atm (N2 77.5%, O2 20.61%, Ar 0.29%, CO2 0.61%)
Mean Temp:	308°K
Water/Ice Index:	77.12
Population:	12,610,000 (planet); 130 (moon)
Remarks:	Political, cultural, and economic centre for the multiple. Industry is centred on light manufacturing to sustain colonies in Myta and Messae. Majority of population is concentrated in urban centres on the east coast of the NGJ continent. Remainder of planet is sparsely inhabited or left to wilderness. Colony is considered self-sustaining, but vulnerable without outside economic support. Only source of multiple speciality services in the multiple, including tertiary and post-tertiary education, and specialist medical services. If isolated, the colony would likely revert to early industrial levels within two generations. Mean time to recovery estimated at approximately 1,000 years. Local government authority is vested in the pre-collapse colonial administration structures; although they are the most advanced of the system, they are insufficient to the needs of long-term governance. While several elements of the former nobility have been found by the Benignity attempting to hide on the planet, these individuals are not a security risk. The local inhabitants display the most political awareness of the three polities.

---

Hallidalr
System:	Myta
Planet:	Myta I.4
Planet Type:	EuGaian, Continental subtype (suspected NeoGaian)
Radius:	4,862km
Gravity:	0.53G
Day/Year:	0hrs/2.16 days
Axial Tilt:	3.83°
Atmosphere:	0.94 atm (N2 76.9%, O2 21%, Ar 0.35%, CO2 0.23%)
Mean Temp:	292°K
Water/Ice Index:	68.2
Population:	3,165,400
Remarks:	Colony is centred on harvesting and export of crops and animals genetically engineered for the local climactic and gravitational conditions. Most population is rural, dispersed on east and west coasts of the inland sea, or on the Deciduous Isthmus due to favourable rain and growth conditions. Only two significant population centres with more than 10,000 people present, dedicated to providing orbital services to the main agricultural basins. Population suffers from above average level of birth defects, cancers, and other genetic abnormalities induced by radiation trapped in Myta I’s magnetic field. Colony is economically dependent on a market for agricultural export. Very few consumer goods or industrial products produced locally; if isolated, the colony is likely to revert to a preindustrial state within two generations. Local government authority is vested in the pre-collapse colonial administration structures, which are very limited in nature. Most decisions are made in local community groups, to be ratified and given an official veneer after the fact. Local inhabitants tend to be proudly independent but politically concerned with local affairs only.

---

Teneholm
System:	Messae
Planet:	Messae IV
Planet Type:	Arean
Radius:	3,445km
Gravity:	0.7G
Day/Year:	232.3hrs/12.6 days
Axial Tilt:	0.07°
Atmosphere:	0.06 atm (O2 55%,CO2 19%,CO 6%,SO2 4%)
Mean Temp:	196°K
Water/Ice Index:	39.89
Population:	416,000 (planet); approx. 4000 (permanent residents of six other locations in-system)
Remarks:	Central basing and population centre for all seven deployments around Messae. Population is confined to contained habitats. Considerable mineral wealth in the system; industry is centred on refining of ore for shipment. Messae colonies outside Teneholm are not considered self-sustaining, reliant on export of minerals to Hiolivik and agricultural imports from Myta. If isolated, the colonies are unlikely to survive in the long-term. Teneholm itself is marginal but capable of supporting the native population for the medium-term at least. Messae hosts the largest remnant of the military to be based in the multiple. This detachment is loyal to the local government authority (evidence that dissenters and renegades were dealt with harshly in the collapse). Local government authority is vested in the pre-collapse “mission command” structures. Civilian inhabitants tend to be mercenary, but are not interested in a return to the Empire, concerned primarily with survival; the military elements are more concerned with possible slaver incursions. The ISS has taken over security functions in the system, and the military elements are undergoing evaluation for retraining.

[Macisikan]

RK3395.12.30

The First Si’Anak Government

The Grand Council

Office	Holder	Party
Premier	Lord Tecuma Si’Anak	Order of The Burning Star
Deputy Premier	Dame Terily Sagitus	Peace and Order Initiative
Chancellor of the Exchequer	Lord Aeduka Sakir, 1st Earl Sakir	Board of Studies
Deputy Chancellor of the Exchequer	Dame Ankheret Kavar	Peace and Order Initiative
Chair of the Security Council	Lord Asen De’Ittaron, 3rd Earl Ittaron	Macisikani Future Movement
Deputy Chair of the Security Council	Sir Akaan Vattyen	Order of The Burning Star
Minister of Crown Services and Civil Society	Sir Tierce Desir	Internal Strength Coalition
Deputy Minister of Crown Services and Civil Society	Dame Lacrista Avison	Board of Studies
Minister of Justice	Dame Lavina Alaad	Conclave of Sacred Traditions
Deputy Minister of Justice	Lord Hefere Valdir	Friendship Society
Minister of Science	Sir Tamlen Sabariel	National Prosperity Foundation
Deputy Minister of Science	Lady Sandra Kas’Etap	Order of The Burning Star
Minister of the Interior	Lord Vadin Sakir	Board of Studies
Deputy Minister of the Interior	Lady Hatishue Kilara	Macisikani Future Movement

---

The Outer Ministry

Chancellery of the Exchequer

The Treasurer (VM Resources)	Sir Ipakah Sagitus	National Prosperity Foundation
Economy	Sir Alkhan Ikrahan	Macisikani Future Movement

Security Council

External Affairs	Sir Ardri Trivkaal	N/A
Subluminal Relations	Sir Conradin Nuchani	N/A
The Imperial Defence	Lord Akir deSoto	N/A
Imperial Security	Dame Ankhneret Sarla	N/A
Outer Empire	Lady Taisena Aris	Order of The Burning Star

Crown Services and Civil Society

Education	Lady Marie Neskahn Uí deIntaan, 1st Duchess of Intaan	N/A
Health, Ageing, and Transference	Duke Nesethe deMaiska	Internal Strength Coalition
The Imperial Assistance	Dame Retenkhay Tugard	Democratic Reform League

Interior

Trust Territories of the Realm	Dame Nicola Unaati	N/A
Colonial Affairs	Dame Retemkhay Vicaryut	N/A

[Macisikan]

RK3395.12.31

Timekeeping has always been an issue. Back in the days before the industrial revolution, timekeeping via the position of the sun in the sky was usually good enough, with local clocks reckoning midday from the zenith. When trains and watches showed up, and suddenly it was possible to traverse multiple towns with different reckonings of midday in a few hours, and clocks that would notice the difference, well, problems emerged.

Still, in such cases everyone had a shared basis – the time from midday to midday was pretty much the same for everyone. The time from solstice to solstice was the same (though it did change over the centuries). The standardisation of clocks, time zones, and so on, at least progressed from some basic concepts everyone was aware of.

This is, of course, a massive simplification, and skips a few things, but do you get the idea? Yes? Good. Now for the real problem.

The planet Meekatharra orbits its star every 268.44 days. It spins on its axis every 17.6 hours. Tenurra orbits its primary every 6.82 days, and is tidally locked – the day is as long as the year. Remain In Light orbits 100.33 days, and spins slowly, taking 235.5 hours to turn around. The Throneworld, Agrela’s High Garden, takes 228.98 days to circle Tichel, and a neat 22 hours to spin, while the Gift of Fervus takes a little over two earth years to make the same circle, and is an hour faster than the Throneworld. The Anvil of Man, that scorched burning world where the Great Sovereign has his Sky Palace, takes a mere 34.05 days, but 38 days to turn around. Only in the habitats is the day/night cycle standardised around a 24-hour period, but even then it’s a rare one that takes what humans think of as the usual 365.25 days to go around the local star. And then there’s exotic places like the circlet of Aker, or other newly-acquired territories, and, of course, the immaterium where time is quite subjective.

You see the issue.

This is where Standard Time enters into it. Most Macisikani who live in the materium live in habitats or towering arcologies; nicely self-contained environments. The local day/night cycle, the local seasons, the local conditions can be safely ignored. This even holds true for agriculture, where contained greenhouses, tissue culture vats, and so on have divorced the food supply from the natural procession of days and seasons. Of course there are local time scales and so on – usually with the traditional second as the basic unit. But for the master clocks, those are set by the central timekeeping authority on Khemet – the particulars are very complicated and not very exciting, and more than one proposal has been brought forth to disassociate the timekeeping from that to something “more sensible.” The argument is ongoing, and the Oracle has already said it just needs someone to pick something and it'll put everything in order - including applying dates retroactively and updating everyone's MMIs to take care of it.

Most people across the vast sprawling expanse of the UIK are content to know that it’s the last day of the year 3395, and yes, you can start drinking now. Don’t forget your antox patch, or you’ll have a hell of a hangover.

News coverage on NYE:

Reporter is in city, are crowds gathering at landmark?

Yes. Crowds are gathering. Here is a firework statistic.

Fantastic. Let’s cross now to reporter in different city.

Reporter, are crowds gathering at landmark?

Yes they are. Tonight fireworks happen

[Macisikan]

Arn-Checagou, Tellestia, Surya System, The UIK Metropole

RK3396.01.02

Capital of the Kingdom of Tellestia and Selene; former capital of the New Earth Government

Once they’d nicknamed this city after the winds, the origins obscured by time; it was now long lost to history. It was also wholly inappropriate now, Chief Minister Reneda Zergasson mused; the city was enclosed completely by a plastene dome, like the ones used to paraterraform Selene, fully climate controlled, and mild and pleasant all year around.

Outside, the wind howled its displeasure – but it did that all across this world, the legacy of the last attempt by the aliens from Hades – the very same ones who had created him and his species – to strike a blow at the Serene Majesty by icing the planet over. And that wasn’t the only thing they’d done on their way out. The Macisikani had been… furious, and Hades itself didn’t exist as a coherent object anymore. He sighed softly; the Ministry of the Interior was determined to restore Tellestia to its pre-war pristine glory, but it was going to be the work of another century. He brought his mind back to the present, and the dwarf clad in the uniform of the Mobile Surface Service standing respectfully in front of his desk. At the other’s request, it was just the two of them… well, the two of them, and the Benignity Operative shadowing said dwarf.

“Let me make sure I understand correctly, Major-General. The Security Council wants to reactivate, in deployable quantities, the Aeon Assets. Including the citizen-soldiers, who, if separated, will be invited to re-enlist, and who if not will be reformed into their Aeon units. Is this correct?”

“Yessir,” was the clipped reply

“I thought we were rid of them. Both the outsiders and our accursed creators. Is this not the case?”

“It is the case,” the dwarf replied. “But we have identified a similar agent to the Old Ones, loose in the galaxy. It has an appetite for the cybernetically-enhanced,” she tilted her head towards the Operative.

“We have identified a non-zero chance of a ground engagement. Contaminated worlds that we do not wish to scour, or worlds belonging to aligned nations that may need assistance,” he supplied.

“I would have thought the xenomorphic shock troops to be sufficient, maybe supplemented by the vatgrown,” Reneda voiced a suggestion from his own time in the uniform.

“That argument is for the Security Council to decide,” the Major-General sounded apologetic. “But in this case, they’ve decided to make their pens as mighty as they can.”

The Chief Minister smiled.

“Well, you know that, as they are assets of His Serene Majesty’s Armed Forces, of course I can’t deny you,” he said. “But thank you for letting me know. I assume activation already started?”

“Yes,” the dwarf sounded even more apologetic. “But only minor elements at the moment; the Secretary Assisting asked us to inform you before we activated the main body. That will be done within the next twelve hours; new asset accumulation begins tomorrow.”

---

Aeon Assets Depository 281, Tellestia
There were darkened vaults like this scattered all over the system; row after row after row of cryptosleep caskets, the nightmares within suspended and safe. The only sound down on the vault floor was the very faint hum of the machinery, the only illumination from the faint status lights.

Even as the Chief Minister nodded his understanding, officers of the MSS were entering commands into the control systems; the hum kicked up a notch, the lights flicked on.

Activation sequence... complete.

[Macisikan]

RK3395.01.03

Report: V'Adish, Upyr System, Gamma Quadrant
Total population: 4.2bm (approx.)
Political Status: Independent (multiple polities)

V’Adish is divided between around 200 polities ranging from city-states to continent-spanning nations. Presently there are three major powers, with most of the other polities aligned to one of the three; a state of cold war is in effect across the entire planet between these three powers. Some two dozen proxy wars are currently being fought, primarily intra-state in nature. T incidents are rife in around sixty polities, with explosive device detonation being a weekly occurrence; kidnappings, assassinations, and other more targeted incidents happen roughly once every 18 standard hours.

The cold war between the three primary powers is ostensibly ideological in nature, but has a distinct strain of nationalist realpolitik underpinning most actions; although there are arguments to be made in favour of realpolitik and imperialist ambitions being the driving force of the tensions, we have noted there is a fundamental collectivist/individualist conflict in play.

Sectarian conflict is on the rise in minor polities.

Recently the planet experienced a global economic downturn, prompting authoritarian regimes to rise to power in multiple places. Despite the indigenous inhabitants biological differences, a great deal of their psychology is similar to human psychology.

The lack of international cooperation means that several environmental problems are not being addressed; ozone depletion is approaching critical levels over both poles, rainforests and oceanic ecosystems are showing signs of severe climate-related stress, and industrial pollution is severely impacting cities and the areas around them. Reports acquired by surface agents show a five-year decline in global agricultural yields, which is accelerating. Recently several prominent scientists working to address the agricultural issue were assassinated by religious extremists.

Short-term projections include a continuation of the decline in agricultural yields, and the collapse of multiple fisheries within the next five years. Tensions are projected to increase; conflicts have been on the rise, both in severity and in number.

Medium-term projections are grim; probability of global thermonuclear war approaches 1 over a ten-year period as environmental pressures combine to destroy the agricultural base.

Long-term projections are for complete civilizational collapse; we estimate it will be another 20-30 millennia before a technological civilisation is able to emerge again.

Observation team recommends immediate overt intervention to avoid catastrophic loss of life.

---

---

Datasheets

Tem-Hu Nations	[no planetary insignia or banner]
System:	Upyr
Planet:	Upyr III
Planet Type:	EuGaian, Continental subtype
Radius:	4,385 km
Gravity:	0.82G
Day/Year:	18.9hrs/68.03 days
Axial Tilt:	18.03°
Atmosphere:	0.90 atm (N2 75%, O2 24.25%, Ar 0.21%, CO2 0.06%)
Mean Temp:	285°K
Water/Ice Index:	68.52
Population:	4.2bn (approx.)
Remarks:	Only permanently inhabited body in the system. Host to indigenous civilisation. Population is sustainable genetically, but severe environmental degradation poses a significant risk to long-term civilizational survival. Some satellites are in orbit; evidence of atomics in use on the surface. Small permanent manned presence in orbit consisting of several space stations; several polities maintain bases on the planet’s inner moon (total resident population=380). A manned mission is known to have landed on the outer moon; no permanent presence. Economically self-sufficient as a planet; individual polities vary greatly.

SAC 2 Ayi. XII 1: Resolution to Intervene

In the name of His Serene Majesty:
The Subluminal Affairs Council of the United Imperial Kingdoms of Macisikan:

Notes and Welcomes the report on the Tem-Hu Civilisation prepared by the Survey Corps and referred by them to the Council;

Concerned by the assessments contained therein for the medium-term future of the Tem-Hu civilisation;

Determined to prevent a young civilisation from committing suicide via nuclear holocaust;

1. Declares that it will employ every means at its disposal to prevent the Tem-Hu civilisation from suffering a nuclear holocaust, or from falling prey to a predatory star nation;

2. Authorises an offer to place the Tem-Hu Civilisation under the Protection of the Serene Majesty;

3. Petitions the Security Council to authorise the use of force as a last resort to effect peace among, and realise the proper protection of, the aforementioned civilisation. [PETITION GRANTED]

Adopted unanimously in the Conurbation of Saragova in the Year of the Red King 3396

Conurbation of Saragova, Agrela’s High Garden, Tichel System, the UIK

RK3396.01.04

Chambers of the Security Council

“So this is nine from Subluminal in the last six months,” Sir Guy, the Secretary to the Chair was summing up. “With another six from External, if you count Mishiki-jo as a single incident. Counting in the two in the new year, and we have seventeen in total.”

Lord Asen frowned at the numbers floating in the air. Seven months ago it had been years since another polity had crawled beneath the UIK’s skirts for protection. Since then, not one month had passed without at least one. And more significantly, half of them had done so in the last month of 3395.

“The Subluminal ones I can understand,” he said. “There’s about five forceful personalities in that room who want to stop the primitives from irradiating themselves into extinction out of some sort of misguided paternalism. Even though we’re probably just wasting time and resources with the regressed. But what about these External referrals? We have a very unlovely reputation out there in the galaxy; one we put a lot of effort into establishing and spreading around. So why in the name of the Nine do we have all these little star nations and splinters of star nations coming to us for protection?”

“We have asked that question,” Lady Taisena said. “The answers are all variations on the theme of ‘the UIK is most capable to protect us and least likely to crush us in the process’ – I don’t believe a word of it. It’s too convenient, and it’s starting to look scripted. We’ve asked the Benignity to investigate, but they haven’t uncovered anything concrete as yet.”

Lord Asen nodded, and then glanced to the woman seated on his right.

“Lady Taisena is correct,” Thakur said. “I needn’t repeat the proverb about once, twice, three times. The only recent one that goes off-script is Mishiki-jo, and the current thinking is that they only came forward because of the Suzume incident. Their initial approach also predates most of the others. Coincidence cannot explain the uptick; someone is going around telling these groups to petition us for protection,” she delivered a frown of her own. “My office expects this to increase for the foreseeable future; unless something changes, it will still be an issue at the election – the one in ‘400. Which brings me to the only real problem. Lord deSoto’s office advises that our military resources are not strained,” she nodded to the Vice-Minsiter for the Imperial Defence.

“That is correct,” he replied. “The most I can say is that this has been a good exercise to test the quadrantal forward bases; the report is in your box, but I’m happy to say that they have performed even better than expected, especially with the new harvesting mechanisms. That said, I do think it is only a matter of time before someone tries to test us over this.”

“Indeed,” Thakur took over again, “the present problem is purely an internally political one; the question of this year’s General is one for your party strategists, Lord Asen, but there is a matter of how to organise this Outer Empire of protectorates we seem to be gathering to ourselves, and where it stands in relation to the Empire and the Metropole, and it needs to be addressed in a coherent and structured way. I have some thoughts, if the Council would like me to outline them now? I would be interested in your comments...”

[Macisikan]

NewsDesk

RK3396.01.12

MAJA ENTERS TRANSITION
Martial Province officially begins changeover to civilian administration
Restoration of services underway
Transitions Council to take formal custody from 01.14

COUNCILS REFORM BILL PASSES DAIL
Streamlines rules relating to representation on Executive Councils
Determines terms of office for Kingdom representatives
Clarifies representation for single-Kingdom sectors

MISHIKI-JO AGREES GOVERNMENT
Three nations of the multiple system opt to remain independent
Agree a roundtable meeting to meet three times a year
Local populations ratify own governance structures
(related story follows)

PROTECTORATE OF V’ADISH PROCLAIMED
Imperial intervention staves off nuclear conflict; local leadership forcibly disarmed in several cases
Environmental catastrophe averted
Third intervention of 3396

MMGURRI AWARDED PARTON PRIZE
Death In Hardshell - account of the Great Famine and Fall of the Jahrid receives top literary prize of 3395
Credited with drawing attention across the Metropole to Jahrid civilisational collapse
Second work flagged for 3397
(two related stories follow)

AKER GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS CRISIS OVER
Exarchy confirms the Jahrid implosion has finished
Department of Aid and Relief
Assures other Circlet nations that ample food supplies are on hand

KING-EMPEROR TO RECEIVE JAHRID LEADERS
Elders travel to Agrela’s High Garden to meet “The Great Provider”
State Reception planned for Thursday
Elders intend to present the House of Peoples with a Petition for Entry

REFUGEES ON THE MOVE
Thousands of Kadrians intercepted by Delta Fleets
Many more expected in weeks to come
Grand Council considering options

ANDASTEN VS. IMPERIAL STATE IN HURLING CUP
Kova, Andasten Sector, to defend national title
Imperial State represented by Gift of Fervus
Championship finals this Saturday; nationwide broadcast

[Macisikan]

State of Hiolivik, Daura System, Delta Quadrant

RK3396.01.16

Successor State of the Atredivian Empire

Traffic control in the Mishiki-jo multiple was considered to be one of the dullest affairs in the three stars. In the brief period between the supernova that had consumed their capital (the light from which had still yet to reach them) and the proclamation of protection, it had been tense and nerve-wracking, as jackals prowled around the edges of the systems, sensing weakness, getting closer.

But then the UIK Residents had taken up their posts, and brought with them His Serene Majesty’s Imperial Space Service. It only took the casual reduction of three of those jackals – one for each star of the multiple – to a fine powder for them to get the message and seek easier prey.

The most contact traffic control had with the ISS was the occasional ping to alert them to an incoming wormhole from the Metropole, or one of the Imperial Anchorages in Delta. Otherwise it was just the regularly scheduled traffic – which had run like clockwork since the UIK’s blanket of protection had been thrown over the system.

Minghi, the unfortunate tech currently tasked with, well, everything on this particular traffic control station, was therefore bored out of his skull. The ISS rotations weren’t due for another two weeks, he was too far out to have a conversation with any of his friends planetside, and the newly-installed internal monitor meant that he couldn’t make use of the entertainment systems until he came off-shift. So here he was; counting stars on the graveyard shift. He was pretty sure it was a punishment detail, probably because he’d made that remark to the wrong admin. How was he to know she was that brat’s mother? It really wasn’t fair-

His mental whining was cut off by an urgent beep; a contact in an unexpected arc. He hauled himself forward to the console and tapped away; diagnostics, re-checks. Last time this had happened the computer had crashed out, hard, two minutes later. That had resulted in an ISS patrol showing up to find out why they were offline. Prompt response? Good. But the ISS people, with their flat golden eyes and the way they looked at you like you weren’t really there, gave the Atredivians the creeps.

…no, it checked out. Computer was fine. And it was reporting a second unexpected contact. And a third. Fourth.

Ok, this was worrying; he put in a call for his superior to wake up and join him, and then signalled the ISS. They certainly already knew, but they’d been fairly forceful last time – We don’t care if it turns out to be the constellation urine that you’ve picked up; if there’s an unexpected contact, you signal us. Or you will long for the days of counting stars.

The intercom chimed.

“Mmff, Minghi, this had better be important,” his boss, like a lot of people, simply didn’t function before the morning coffee.

“Sorry to wake you sir; we’ve got nine unexpected contacts, coming in from the old empire.”

“You mean the remnant?” that woke his boss up; colourfully too. “Ok, signal the ISS patrols, I’ll be up there shortly.” The intercom clicked off.
Minghi shrugged and looked back at the console; unexpected contacts were now over two dozen, and still coming. He could also see now that the ISS was responding; several of them were now closing with the new contacts, their strange drives letting them pull turns no-one had any right to be pulling.

Then the computer chimed again – Incoming broadcast transmission.

Text only, but with an Atredivian code; refugees. Thousands of them. Hundreds of thousands. Millions.

And they were coming here.

As the computer went haywire with additional contacts, a different set of alerts went unnoticed; incoming wormholes from the UIK.

---

MISHIKI-JO ISS COMMAND TO DEPARTMENT OF AID AND RELIEF:
Incoming refugee flotilla; refugees are Atredivian nationals. Estimate several million persons in first wave. Request assistance.

[Macisikan]

“One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.”

S-168-7895-9914-3, Scutum-Centaurus Arm, Alpha Quadrant

RK3396.02.01

HSM Anchorage of Nety

“Analysis from the Anchorage of Sira confirms; those are Nimatojin Rapid Response units. Coupled with their actions in the surrounding systems, we have to assume the true threat profile does not match our initial assessments.”

The Anchorage’s Force Commander steepled his fingers and considered the latest report. A few days earlier they’d picked up the Republic Defence Forces hitting scout after scout after scout; they’d brought down the hammer on these Ynij in an incredibly final and visible way. And now they’d send several Rapid Response units to hit a single scout that happened to be straying towards the Presidency of Buenos Ionas.

Which implied they had no confidence in the ability of HSMAF force stationed there to defend the system from the interloper; the conclusion was inescapable.

He looked at the delegate the Vice-Ministry of the Outer Empire had stationed here; the woman had a pensive look on her face.

“You know the people of Buenos Ionas don’t have a defence force to speak of,” she said. “A few patrols to control smuggling, a search and rescue taskforce, a force capable of supplementing emergency services; that’s it. If the Nimatojin hit one scout that hard, then it’s obvious they think the Presidency is vulnerable to it.”

The Force Commander nodded.

“Oracle?”

Yes, Force Commander?

“Do we need a Mandate for Rectification to deal with this matter?”

The Standing Mandate to protect the Presidency covers any necessary actions the Security Council deems necessary. Security Council Resolution 1 Ayivin XII 8 declares that, in the case of a clear and present danger posed to any protectorate in your zone of responsibility, you have the authority and the imperative to undertake all necessary actions to neutralise the threat.

The authority and the imperative. The Security Council’s way of saying “make this problem go away”.

“Very well. I am invoking SC.R 1 Ayivin XII 8, and declaring that in my capacity as Force Commander of the Anchorage that has the Buenos Ionas Presidency in its zone of responsibility, that the Chosen Dominion of Ynij poses a clear and president danger to life and limb of the people under the protection of the Serene Majesty. If any present should dispute this assessment, speak now,” he announced.

No objections noted within the time allotted by regulation, Force Commander.

“Thank you, Oracle,” information began to pour into his brain as his assistant matrix proffered up the most suitable names. “Communications; my compliments to Subadmiral Uthad, and could she please deploy her Escadra in the Buenos Ionas System at once, and prepare to repel a major invasion force. My compliments to Admiral Usah, and can he please prepare his Flotilla Group for a punitive action against the Chosen Dominion of Ynij. My compliments to Knight Commodore Sidu, and can he prepare the long guns for immediate action against planetary targets; please inform the Knight Commodore that he is at the disposal of Admiral Usah.”

---

Presidency of Buenos Ionas, Scutum-Centaurus Arm, Alpha Quadrant

23 Minutes Later

Flowers made of glowing sapphire spawned across the system as the Escadra poured in; a flood of hundreds of ships every moment, the finest in death-dealing hardware.

All to protect a paltry two to three billion people on a comparatively primitive world.

But the UIK had given its word.

Back at the Anchorage, the arrays were spinning up and focusing, preparing to bring the power of the star against their targets; in the darkness of the system, a fleet a couple orders of magnitude larger than the Escadra was preparing for immediate deployment.

[Macisikan]

Undisclosed location

RK 3396.02.02

The more cynical (or honest) political scientists have often referred to the UIK as an oligarchy; those among them inclined to a sense of humour say it’s oligarchies all the way down. Little groups of people meeting in back rooms to make decisions and discuss matters in secret.

This isn’t a room; it’s a simulation of one. And it’s not out the back, so much as deep in a hidden layer of substrate, heavily shielded and obscured and guarded. In deference to tradition, and because the people in the room have a sense of humour (albeit one covered in sharp edges), it’s dimly-lit and smoke-filled, and dominated by a wooden table.

“The latest long runs are in,” said one, clad in a white lab coat.

“Any different from the last sets?” the question was asked by one in formal attire.

“No,” lab coat seemed resigned. “This is the largest set we have done yet; and they fell into the typical curve. Bad news is that, again, there wasn’t a single match.”

“We’ve run so many simulations now that the number of sim-years they cover is represented in scientific notations of scientific notation of scientific notation,” said a third, her sari shimmering even in this light. She was flicking through a sheaf of papers. “We have crossing scenarios, we have heavy pop scenarios, we have light pop scenarios, we even have sterile scenarios,” she sounded irritated, dumping the papers onto the desk. “But not one match.”

“I think we can reach a conclusion here,” this one was wearing the uniform of His Serene Majesty’s Armed Forces. “There is simply no way the present state could have arisen naturally. The odds are so astronomically stacked against it, especially given the densities we have in reality and how little time to go from origin to here.”

“Indeed,” lab coat agreed. “The long runs all point to the same outcomes; we should not be here, and if we are, it should be as vermin picking our way through the ruins of a great darkness.”

“And yet,” observed a different uniform, with gold on his collar, “when I look outside, I can see stars.”

“Equally concerning is that the pattern isn’t confined to here,” a woman, with a red-handed badge at her throat.

“Should I take this to the others?” this one was wearing an old-fashioned suit.

“Not until we have something more concrete,” sari said.

“But they could offer valuable insights and assistance,” suit’s protest seemed pro-forma.

“Yes, but we only have half a thing. Let’s not go to them with half a thing; let’s wait until we have at least 60% of a thing,” that was formal.

“I’m not even sure we have half a thing,” red hand murmured. “Maybe a third?”

“Whatever the fraction, we don’t have enough,” gold collar sounded amused; that tone fled at his next words. “We know a thing is present by the absence of things that should be present and the presence of things that should be absent. That almost never bodes well. I think we need a special unit that is dedicated to finding out what this is, and if it is a threat. And then, when we know more, we can go to the others.”

Murmurs of agreement ran around the table.

[Macisikan]

Ulilat System, Occupied Qi Territory, (Alpha/Gamma border)

RK3396.02

Mef Operations Zone 12-03

They began their grim work under a slate-grey sky, under a gentle rain of hot ash. No clone troopers here, no vatgrown soldiery; no, this task had been given to the Unmanned Battalions.

From the wreckage of the city they plucked the wreckage of its people; working with a speed and efficiency no biological team could hope to match, immune to the horrors they witnessed. A grinding sound, and what had been a wall was removed, to reveal carnage.

Unnamed Male. Approximate age: 14. Injuries sustained; third-degree thermal burns to head, torso, and limbs, vitreous humour thermally evacuated. Neural tissue intact. Directive; salvage neural tissue.

Unnamed Female. Approximate age: 38. Injuries sustained; third-degree thermal burns to head, torso, and three limbs, major internal traumatic injury, broken bones in limb 2. Neural tissue intact. Directive; salvage neural tissue.

Unnamed Female. Approximate age; 6. Injuries sustained; significant bruising to limbs and torso, minor head trauma, first degree burns to top of cranium, bruised ribs, early symptoms of radiation poisoning. Neural tissue intact. Directive; salvage neural tissue.

Unnamed Male. Approximate age; 42. Injuries sustained; significant blast-force trauma, thermal burns to torso and upper limbs, lower limbs traumatically detached, thermal cautery applied. Neural tissue intact. Directive; salvage neural tissue.

Unnamed Female, (assumed) unnamed male. Unknown age. Thermally fused. Neural tissue intact in both. Directive; salvage neural tissue.

The twisted, charred, remnants of people barely had time to moan in agony before the ‘bots were upon them; razor-sharp pincers neatly and efficiently detaching heads from bodies, while articulated limbs slipped bags over them. Between one breath and another, the bags sealed, flooding their contents with the grey goo necessary to preserve life. A shadow fell over them; a collector. Resembling nothing so much as four squid clustered around a fifth, it delicately plucked each bag from the workers, placing them ever-so-gently into boxes, among boxes, among boxes.

They continued to comb forward; a menagerie of metal sweeping through the burning hellscape that had once been the planetary capital, the little tik-tik-tik of their steps lost in the moan of the wind, the crackle of flame, and the screams of the wounded and dying.

Every now and again they came across one not so wounded; but the response didn’t change. And for a very simple reason…

Unnamed male. Approximate age; 15. No outwards signs of trauma. Individual has expelled all stomach contents; intestinal tract has been completely and violently voided. Individual is showing signs of shock. Total follicle death in progress. Neural tissue remains viable and intact. Directive; salvage neural tissue.

In their block of substrate, the commanding generals sighed in disgust. The bomb had been an especially dirty one; it was as though whoever had done this had designed the dirtiest, nastiest weapon with the technology available to the Qi, and then set it off where it would do the maximum amount of damage. Power was down; water was down. Transport gone. Nine-tenths of the food was contaminated – or on fire.

It wasn’t long before an argument broke out over whether the city was even worth saving.

[Macisikan]

The Throneworld, Tichel System, the Metropole

RK3396.02

Saragova; Chamber of the Dáil, the Houses of Parliament

The chamber was filled to capacity; every single Teachtaí Dála being physically present. Neatly seated in blocks of solid colour denoting affiliation, there was presently only the occasional whisper from down in the hemicycle. All attention was focused to the front of the chamber; one did not speak while the President was speaking.

“…and so we shall proceed to a vote-” the President’s words died in her throat as someone pounded on the rearmost doors – the ones opposite her chair.

The members exchanged glances – the ones more centrally seated turning awkwardly in their chairs to watch as the doorkeepers stood solidly at their posts; everyone recognised the timbre of the sound. The Usher of the Black Rod had arrived.

When the doors were opened from the outside – an anachronism entirely by design – she wasn’t alone. Following her into the chamber was His Most Serene Majesty, Ayvin XII, and he wasn’t alone. In addition to his ever-present shadow, the party included the Mezason and several members of the High Council, all of them resplendent in court dress. Following them was one of the Dáil floor staff. Like a wave, the members present in the chamber rose to their feet as the monarch proceeded forward, stopping halfway to the speakers’ dais.

“Empowered we are by ancient decree as your Sole Sovereign of these United Imperial Kingdoms, we do employ our royal prerogative here to dissolve the Parliament at once,” as he was intoned the ritual words, the Mezason handed a note – a real note, on honest-to-goodness paper – to the floor staffer, who took it and carried it up to where the President stood.

“Your Majesty, if this is what you want; then this you can, as king command,” she said. “I have here a copy of the writ, certified as true and proper, for an election of the Dáil, and its assembly thereafter. Long live our King!”

The Closing of Parliament is just as laden with tradition as the Opening, and with its own connotations. During the Opening, the doors are closed in the face of the Usher and the Monarch, or their representative, is compelled to request admittance; once the ceremony Opening is concluded, the Parliament sets to debating and discussing bills that have nothing to do with what the Government has proposed as an agenda for the Parliamentary term, so as to demonstrate the legislature’s independence. For the same reason, during the term, the Monarch themselves cannot enter the chamber while it is in session.

But at the Closing, the Monarch simply enters the chamber, interrupting debate – or even a vote – at a random point during the day. During the Opening, the doorkeepers inside open the doors to grant admittance; during the Closing, the Usher of the Black Rod and their staff open the doors. Walking onto the floor of the chamber, looking only to the President of the Dáil, the Monarch issues the decree dissolving Parliament – the Mezason usually carries the formal paperwork. The President announces the issuing of the writs and accepts the dissolution, and then the chamber is cleared by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

The rituals of the Opening demonstrate the independence of Parliament; the rituals of Closing remind the Parliament that it is, ultimately, subject to others.

-Parliamentary Fact Sheet 3

[Macisikan]

Daunnor Presidency, Former Qi Space

RK3396.02.27

Daunnor Prime

Pre-scarcity populations, especially ones who have recently had jackboots removed from their necks and are flush with discharged military personnel, are fertile grounds for recruitment. This was especially pronounced here – the indigenous authorities found themselves undergoing a process called “de-Ynijisation”, where an awful lot of Qi found themselves cooling their heels while they waited for the oversight authority to get to them.

Unlike some other parts of the old Chosen Dominion, the Presidency was quiet – the sheer number of occupation troops saw to that. As did their apparently supernatural ability to know exactly where any resistance forces were gathering and aiming to strike.

Occasionally some of the Qi wondered what was taking so long. The vast quantity of troops and resources that the UIK had brought to bear here, coupled with their seeming omniscience, should’ve meant that the process was over by now. At least, the more corrupt or criminal elements should’ve been detained. And yes, in the majority of cases, or where the case was especially troublesome, this was true.

But the delay was deliberate; something other than the oversight authority had asked for time, and time they’d been given. Time enough.

Detention Centre CV28AA
The Qi shivered. The Macisikani stared through you with those flat golden eyes. He’d once heard an expression, about how once you reduced a person to a number on a spreadsheet it was a very small step to tap the delete key; he never thought he’d ever meet someone who would need to upgrade him to that level. That was the humans, and their pointy-eared friends – both painted and not. Callous indifference didn’t even start to cover that lot. At least the ones with the tails actually looked at him. It might be with soul-searing hatred, but it acknowledged him. Still, you could get used to them, his brother had whispered. Just think of them like the weather, or groundquake; frightening, but impersonal. Stay out of their way, and survive.

But the one in front of him, this was something else. He had, at first, thought this one to be another one of the humans, a female, but no. The skin was jet black, the canines prominent, and the eyes the colour of blood. And they watched him with interest. A predator to the core; no question.

“Please, do sit,” her voice was warm. Friendly. With just a trace of menace in it. He could feel his fur trying to stand on end.

She smiled, showing off her dental work as he warily complied.

“Allow me to introduce myself; I am Talir Cevysdottir, of the Benignity of the Compassionate Hand, and I have an offer for you…”

________________________________

[Macisikan]

David Grace

Anchorpoint University

Phoenix Domain

Dear Mr Grace,

RE: VISA REQUEST 982da91f2

We are pleased to inform you that your request for a 506 class visa (Postgraduate Research/Postgraduate Study) for a period of six standard months, as sponsored by the University of Saragova, has been approved by the Department of Immigration, Tourism, and Citizenship.

In addition, your request for a travel pass to the planet of Khemet in the Kingdom of Ra to undertake study of certain sites of significance has been approved. You are granted specific authorisation to travel to and between the following locations and their environs:

• The Palace of Stonebridge, Arn-Maciska;
• The Palace and Halls of Greenmotte, Arn-Maciska;
• The Cathedral of Our Lady of the City, Arn-Maciska;
• The Valley of the Dead;
• The States-General Complex, Arn-Arakhan;
• Queensgrange Estate;
• St. Michael’s Palace; and
• Other sites of historical significance in Arn-Maciska as are necessary.

Please note that you will be supervised when at these locations.

In addition to the above sites listed, you are cleared for travel and stay at University of Saragova campuses, residences, and associated sites.

You are advised to carry your travel papers, including this letter, with you at all times; a certified copy of all documentation will be made available to you upon your arrival in the United Imperial Kingdoms. Contact us immediately should you encounter any difficulty with local authorities.

Please note that the removal of any objects or items from the listed areas is strictly prohibited; other restrictions may apply depending on which specific locale you visit.

Please note that, although there are no restrictions on leaving and returning to Khemet in the course of your stay, your visa does not allow for re-entry to the UIK; once you leave, you will not be permitted to return under this authorisation.

We wish you a pleasant stay.

Regards,
T. Adech
Temkheny A. Adech
Department of Immigration, Tourism, and Citizenship
Vice-Ministry for External Affairs

[Macisikan]

ANCHOR-Macisikan

amt.co.mcn
News>UIK News>Saragova
24th Dáil Returned
Election Results Announced in Saragova
Deptaki Misho in Saragova
The Arn-Maciska Times
The First Newspaper: serving the Ancestral City, and through it, the Realm

The Imperial Commissioner of Elections has officially announced the conclusion of the election for the 24th Dáil of the United Imperial Kingdoms following the distribution of final preferences.

Premier Si’Anak has congratulated the Faction Leaders on their performance, and warmly praised the performance of his own Order of the Burning Star. Gaining 18 seats, the Order has performed better than any other.

The Winners
The Order of the Burning Star is the big winner in the 24th Dáil gaining 18 seats. The Friendship Society also improved its position, gaining three seats, while the Macisikani Future Movement gained an additional three seats.

The Losers
The biggest loser in the election was the Internal Strength Coalition, which has lost 11 seats, while the Democratic Reform League bled nine seats. The Peace and Order Initiative and the Conclave of Sacred Traditions each lost a single seat.

Unchanged
The Board of Studies remains the single largest faction in the Dáil, and is now the only one with more than a hundred seats to it. The National Prosperity Foundation is the only other faction to have seen its support remain steady.

Implications for HSMG
With the factions that provide the Premier with confidence and supply having gained support or remained steady, the Premier’s support is assured, and there is expected to be no change in the composition of the Cabinet.

The formal Opening of Parliament will be in one weeks' time.

Further detail to follow.

Results

Party	Seats
Order of the Burning Star	91
Internal Strength Coalition	98
Democratic Reform League	85
National Prosperity Foundation	90
Macisikani Future Movement	46
Board of Studies	129
Peace and Order Initiative	31
Conclave of Sacred Traditions	16
Friendship Society	14

---

(c) CMGN
Academic citation: Deptaki Misho, [2019 RLI] 24th Dáil Returned: Election Results Announced in Saragova, The Arn-Macisika Times, Crown Media Group Network, United Imperial Kingdoms of Macisikan; http://www.amt.co.mcn/news/UIK_News/Sar ... ilReturned

[Macisikan]

Site Quokka

RK3396.04.19

[location classified]

They were a long way from the Metropole. A long way from anywhere, really. It had taken them a surprisingly long time, for them, to find the site; a system with the right characteristics, the right location, the right contents – the right everything – to serve their purposes.

But found it they had. And now they were ready to do what they had come here to do.

The Force Commander drummed his nails on the railing in front of him; the metal felt cold. Everything here felt cold; he’d cheerfully like to throttle whichever pen-pusher had insisted on injecting that aspect into the sim.

“Power levels are nominal sir,” came the report from below. “Ten seconds to initiation.”

Red numbers – an anachronism that seemed to aid thinking – glared down at him from the wall, steadily trickling down to zero. Before him, a 3D image of the planet they were in place over span gently on its axis. A dried-up, dead thing; a black ball of carbon with nothing to recommend it to anyone, other than its Earthlike mass.

Time, and time slowed.

And the husk of a world slipped out of sight, vanishing from the universe, the veil drawn over it.

“Encasement successful,” came the confirmation.

They waited. Inside, the minutes crawled by; outside they were caught between the beats of a heart.

“Dissipation in three… two… one… dissipation.”

And the veil was drawn back. For one brief moment, there was light were there had been darkness, and then there was nothing. Not that anyone but them would ever know; the primary was a hideously active thing.

The Force Commander let out a breath.

“Inform Secretary Thakur that the test is successful.”

By your command.

[Macisikan]

Western Edge of the Memuru Nebula, Ares Super-Cluster

RK3396.04.25

HSME Akti V

The traditional embassy of the UIK was a traditional thing; a bricks-and-mortar affair on the outside, with walls and sentries standing guard and a cloth flag on a pole. Elegant gardens and the occasional fountain. Quaint echoes of an older world, wrapped around a block of substrate and duracrete hidden deep within.

This was not that. This was a purpose-built ship, crafted along the size and dimensions of the standard Imperial Space Service cruiser – what the Nimatojin knew as a “Type-103”. The standard dark grey tapered cylinder, relieved only by the flag decal of the UIK and the FTL drive rings, sleek and utilitarian; a solid core of substrate. In deference to their hosts, it had been relieved of its usual arsenal, packing only what was necessary in point-defence weaponry to deal with navigational hazards. In service to its function, tagging along after the RDF Unconquered Sun, it sported four drive rings instead of the usual one or two.

Much like the Nimatojin vessel, outside it seemed placid. Due to its diplomatic function, and lack of ship-to-ship weaponry, it had been saddled with a very good sensor suite, and thus inside it was… well, it had been a hive of activity, but now that was frozen.

“OK,” the Ambassador was the one to break the silence, her voice strangely distant. “I have a question, purely hypothetical; did anyone else see a giant purple squid roughly the size of Ma’at physically pull itself through a hole in the universe? Anyone at all?”

After a moment, there was a cough, and the military attaché indicated that he may have seen such a thing; this received a vague assent from the Benignity attaché. And then the Oracle chimed in with a A rough approximation, but yes.

“Oh. Good. That’s good,” the Ambassador’s tone indicated a lack of confidence in that judgement. After another moment, she nodded, and took refuge in formality.

“Send a message to the Secretary-General; my compliments, and thank her for alerting us. Please inform the Secretary-General that we are relaying this to Agrela’s High Garden, and that His Serene Majesty’s Government continues to stand ready to assist the Republic in this matter.”

“Yes, excellency.”

[Macisikan]

Agrela’s High Garden, Tichel System

Soon after

Conurbation of Saragova
Chambers of the Security Council; BRONZE STURGEON Working Group

“…next candidate; S-168-003-7413,” as the Neko male spoke, an projection flashed up before them. “Gamma Quadrant. Nearest inhabited system is over five hundred light-years away. B3V, four planets, none life-bearing. Encasement time on output; sixty-seven days, plus or minus four days. We can cut that down to around forty-three with assists still available. No prior owners. Match quality assessed as AA+.”

“Only AA+?” one of the humans questioned.

“Metallicity could be better, and -7414 is being gravitationally influenced by it; at this rate they’ll end up either bound or ejected. So we’ll need to consider the timing of encasement,” came the answer.

Looks were exchanged around the table.

“I think that’s an acceptable risk, but only if we’ve exhausted the AAA list first,” the questioner said; the Neko nodded.

“In that case, S-468-6421-400. Gamma Quadrant, nearest inhabited system is at plus five hundred, B2V, no planets, encasement time on output is sixty-three days plus or minus four. Assists will bring that down to a neat forty. No prior owners, unbounded, AAA rating. That’s the last on the AAA list; after this we go into the AA+, and I would recommend we kick off with -7413 if we do that.”

“How close are we to the set goal?”

“With -400 in the bag, we’re at a round 500. I would prefer that we throw -7413 in too; that will furnish plenty of contingency.”

Again, looks were passed around the table, along with nods this time.

“Can I assume that the mood of the room is a yes to both?” the Neko asked, getting back a chorus of “yes”’s.

“Good. That concludes the Viper Red list,” the Neko rubbed his eyes, mentally cursing the high-grade sim. Even the synths looked like they needed coffee. “Does anyone want a break before we move to Boa Grey? Or do we want to just get this over with so we can all go into regen for about nine years as soon as possible?”

There was a consensus for the latter option; they knew it wouldn’t take long.

“Now, the Boa Grey list only has two candidates for it; Case Yellow Flea Nashville, and Aqua Caterpillar Detroit-”

“Who comes up with these names?” muttered a voice from the end of the table.

“-and both of those, I’m afraid, are not optional,” the Neko’s voice embraced self-control like a corset; they could all hear the Oracle’s laughter. “But procedure requires we confirm the timing; either simultaneously with Viper Red, or after it. I know you’ve read the briefing packs, and we have all read the reports. And seen the remains. So I won’t bore you all by rehashing  Does anyone object to a simultaneous encasement? No? Good. Well, that concludes our work today. Let’s package this up and send it to the Council proper, and then we can all go home.”

Within the hour, across the galaxy, a select, special, group of stars began to wink out, one after another.

Including one that burned with hatred.

[Macisikan]

Atortu System, Beta Quadrant

3396.04.29

Exarchy of Aker, Sub-level 382, Segment I

One rapped his knuckles against the unbroken cream wall.

“Are we sure this just isn’t another mass-conservation void?” he asked in dubious tones.

“Not at all,” the other said with perverse cheer. “That’s why we’re down here, looking at it. And because it’s you-know-who, we’re in forms specifically made to be impervious to their infection. OK boys, open it up!”

Sticking out of the wall was a sort of T-shaped protrusion; a cable had been anchored around it, and two bots were now hauling with all their might on the cable. The machinery that would’ve opened the door had been cut off from any and all power; no-one was stupid enough to supply juice to a Krâng machine without knowing precisely what it did first. And no-one knew precisely what any of these things did. Under protest, a door swung open, and several of the more insectish bots scuttled inside. In one direction, they found the passage stretched on and on into the distance; the other terminated in short order in a piece of machinery that looked oddly familiar.

“Passage” was a misnomer; on personal scales, the thing was huge. And there were seven more just like it that they’d found so far.

After about thirty minutes of exploration, a bot capable of flight was dropped in.

After a few more hours, it was recalled, and on its return, one capable of supersonic flight was dropped in.

Several more hours of exploration revealed only blank, smooth, featureless wall, until eventually it led to an intersection with another passage at an extremely sharp angle. After that there was almost another day of further exploration – yet more blank, smooth, featureless wall – with the probe’s location signalling it was moving steadily around the circlet.

“I think I know what this is,” one said in the evening of that second day. The other looked at him curiously.

“It’s a transmuter. Like the old grand industrial ones in the Metropole.”

Four days after that, they found the proof needed to substantiate the claim.

[Macisikan]

Tichel System, the Metropole, UIK

RK3396.05.01

Agrela’s High Garden, Saragova
The Chambers of the External Affairs Council

“…which brings me to the two breach incidents that have occurred since the Recontact,” the speaker was Ambassador-General, the Baronet Celestine Alarl, the person responsible for the consular network. “Firstly, the spatial continuity event that wiped out and replaced the Eridani Imperium; if we hadn’t pulled our people out, they would have been ‘overwritten’. Second, the infestation by an EGE-pathogen of the Atredivian Empire, and the subsequent spatial intrusion there. Again, if the agent wouldn’t have killed our people, the intrusion event would have, as the Atredivians found out the hard way. Your packs contain the details of the various other incidents that would have resulted in breaches for the last five years at Attachment A,” she paused to allow the delegates to refresh their memories.

“You will note that Attachment B, which constitutes a good four-fifths of the material for this meeting, details those incidents that would have resulted in a breach had they occurred before the Recontact. Please take a moment to review this; you may need to upcycle,” several of them did so; she waited patiently until the timeframes re-synched. Most of the table looked unsettled.

“Delegates,” Alarl continued, “it is a simple fact; the hosting nations cannot guarantee the survival, let alone the integrity, of the consular premises. I would like to invite the Benignity to comment at this point on the accuracy of the assessment of my department.”

“Thank you, Ambassador-General,” the speaker was a slim individual who seemed to have had all the colour leached from him. “We have reviewed the records and materials, and conducted our own assessment; the Ambassador-General’s Department has, if anything, given the consular security service generous odds. I do not mean any disrespect to the people in that service; they are fine and upstanding defenders of His Serene Majesty’s envoys, but it is our considered opinion that even the Mobile Surface Service would not be able to defend our missions against many of the threats that have overrun capital worlds in the galaxy in the last five years without direct and active support from the Imperial Space Service.”

A disturbed shiver ran around the table.

“No offence taken, Agent,” Alarl said, her voice grim. “We had extensive simulations run to determine the likelihood of survivability under several known and anticipated afflictions, including those that are presently unconfirmed. If you would kindly summon Attachment C, you can see that only one of our missions survives in every single case; the one dispatched to the Nimatojin. It is readily apparent that our traditional form of embassy, a bricks-and-mortar affair with a block of substrate that we set up in a capital city, simply isn’t secure enough given the various threats that permeate the galaxy. It is only a matter of time before another of His Serene Majesty’s envoys is carried back to Saragova to lie in state, assuming that quarantine procedures permit the return of the remains at all.”

That last clause, thrown out casually almost as an afterthought, caused another shiver; the only reason that people hadn’t been lost in the infestation of the Atredivian homeworld was because they’d been transferred, and been able to ride the disaster out after the local government had nuked the city... in a block of substrate hidden below layers of duracrete that had then had to be destroyed by the extraction team along with the remains of any other technology. It had been messy, and the Security Council had been less than pleased. When the other embassies had been put into a dormant stage during the emergency, this had involved neutralising said technology while keeping it out away from the prying eyes of the host nations; the Security Council had been very unhappy indeed.

“What we are proposing,” the Ambassador-General continued, “is to adapt the solution we have employed with the Nimatojin. We have a specialised vessel based on the design of the older corvettes; it has only those armaments necessary to clear minor navigational hazards that would be made available to a local civilian vessel, but very good shielding – including scan detection and blocking. These ships then are our embassies; to assuage the concerns of host nations, they can be stationed on the edges of capital systems, or otherwise away from inhabited rocks, or they can circulate between major systems as needed. And, most importantly, if the security situation degrades, they can just leave.”

Unsaid, but understood, was that those diplomatic vessels would be conveyed to a quarantined location to make sure they hadn’t caught anything nasty to bring home.

“I commend the Item to the Vice-Minister,” with that comment, she indicated she was done.

“Thank you Baronet Alarl,” the Vice-Minister smiled gently. “This Item carries the support of the Vice-Ministry, and we advise the Council to adopt the motion it proposes. Does anyone wish to speak to it?”

They did.

EAC.R 2 Ayi.XII 5; Resolution relating to the manner and style of embassies and related missions

In the name of His Serene Majesty:
The External Affairs Council of the United Imperial Kingdoms of Macisikan:

Notes the threats diverse and dire that pose a clear and present danger to life and limb across the galaxy;

Commends the efforts of those nations that host embassies and missions of His Serene Majesty’s Government to keep those same embassies and missions safe from harm;

Regrets that, at times, the aforementioned threats diverse and dire do from time to time overwhelm even the most well-meaning of host nation authorities, to the detriment of those diplomats hosted within;

Determined to secure the safety and security of the aforementioned embassies and missions, while respecting the integrity of the host nations to the same;

Acknowledging the responsibility the aforementioned host nations have to the safety of their own people;

1. Endorses the proposal from the Ambassador-General regarding consular vessels as per Agenda Item 4 of the meeting of RK3396.05.1;
   
   
2. Orders that the diplomatic service make overtures to those nations hosting embassies and missions of the Serene Majesty to ensure the aforementioned proposal is fully implemented; and
   
   
3. Orders that the measures in the aforementioned proposal be implemented at once.

[Macisikan]

Sibhalash System, the Metropole, UIK

RK3396.05.02

Ata Vanak, Shenzhou

“Agent Duchandra, come in,” the meeting took place in the physical world. Not unknown, but not exactly regular either. It was rather a handsome office with its light wood tones and copious greenery. Outside, darkness reigned.

“Thank you, Director-General. I’m sorry, but the meeting invite didn’t say what this was about.”

“A special assignment; volunteer only. We’re asking for Talents of your grade to join Dr. Unnash’s team at Site Ochre Green,” the Director-General replied, indicating one of the various highly-secured research stations deep in the Metropole.

“May I ask what the assignment entails?” Duchandra’s voice was neutral. Polite, noncommittal inquiry.

“Of course. Your DNA prints indicate a high aptitude for certain psi abilities, your general skills are very high, but most of all your psychology profile indicates a very high level of emotional stability,” as the Director-General spoke, various graphs and images appeared. “Such that you are assessed as one of the people who would be most resilient in the face of losing your psionic abilities, which until now has always been a certainty of the Transference. But Dr Unnash’s team has found a way to fix that.”

“You mean they’ve replicated the structures in the substrate?” the same polite inquiry.

“Exactly. This is the final set of tests before it becomes publicly available; suitability for our employees and agents,” the Director-General allowed a small smile. “If I can offer a sweetener to the deal; you’d never have to ride in a tank again.”

“How soon can I leave?”

[Macisikan]

Node 3-182-198-912, Iarenami System

RK3396.05.14

“Systems check out. Ready to link.”

The sim was full of technicians and monitors; a lot of blue and pink neon and ominous glows. And that little flickering shimmer at the edge that indicated that everyone was experiencing something different.

“All checks are green. We are ready to proceed.”

There was a whisper of movement; Minister Sabariel, present, stalking from station to station, but somehow never in the way. He glanced to the operations director and nodded once.

“Proceed.”

The volunteer stepped up; a panel, the ghostly outline of a hand. He looked from his hand to the panel; the Minister abruptly appeared before him.

There was a whispered exchange, and then a nod, and the volunteer put his hand down firmly onto the panel.

A rushing feeling, a falling sensation.

A moment of darkness…

---

Winter Blossom, The Three Brothers System, 5LY away
Arcology of Saint Markir

Light. Sunlight. Awake.

He lurched upright.

“Easy, easy now,” the doctor had her arm around his form, helping him upright. “Ok, follow my finger…” she drew it back and forth, watching his eyes track it. “Can you tell me your name? Birthday? Who is the Premier?”

He sighed. This was going to be very tedious.

---

Site Pangolin, Canes Venatici I

RK3396.05.16

Station 3
She shuddered into wakefulness. Sensation. Awareness.

As she pushed herself up, she felt an arm around her; she blinked as the doctor swam into focus.

“Follow my finger…”

---

Agrela’s High Garden, Tichel System

RK3396.05.20

Conurbation of Saragova
Office of the Secretary to the Security Council

“So that’s it then. It works.”

You do not sound pleased, Madam Secretary.

“In some ways I am not. In some ways it was nice to be able to plead travel time. Gave you a chance to mull things over…”

You always loved being cut off like that.

Thakur laughed – most people thought the Oracle didn’t do human humour, but that just went to show what they knew about it.

“Well, Tamlen will be happy. How long before this can be scaled up to mass deployment?”

Retooling is already underway. That was the instruction.

She smiled, and reached out to scratch the hologram behind the ears.

[Macisikan]

Khemet, Ra System, UIK

RK3396.05.25

The Valley of the Dead, Maciska
Crown Tomb V, deMakra Catacombs

“So he’s dead then?”
“The answer depends on how you define ‘dead’.”
“For the sake of the succession?”
“Yes.”
“And... in other ways?”
“That's a matter for debate.”

For over a century the only sound in here had been the quiet hum of antique machinery, and the occasional clicking of a maintenance bot. But now there was conversation. The imagination suggests that in a place like this, it should be hushed whispers in reverential tones. Perhaps with an undercurrent of foreboding.

If the scene were to be accurately reproduced in a movie, the audience would be getting treated to a stream of profanity in around six languages. The corners of the casket containing the resident look artistic, but they are sharp, and they are at precisely the right height to catch people at that delightful spot just beneath the kneecap. It’s the sixth time the team leader has done it.

“…someone wrap some sodding foam around that before I draw blood again, Jesus in a handbasket,” the elvhen researcher snarled; around him, the large team of people are looking entirely too innocent.

“Yes, Dr Meherai,” his deputy hauls him to his feet, very deliberately not smirking. Everyone else has managed to avoid injury.

The two turned around at a delicate cough behind them; it’s a representative from the Palace.

“I’m sorry to ask this again, but you are both sure this will work, yes? We’ve been told there’s only one shot,” his tone is properly reverential.

Merhai lights up, the numerous bruises on his shins forgotten.

“The problem we’ve always had is that the early cryogenic techniques were crude. And then, given the way the Family tended to push itself… Put the two together; you lock a brain in the last milliseconds of its dying coma into suspended animation by freezing it, and it’s going to be very interesting trying to bring it back. If you can bring it back. This is going to be a challenge,” he rubs his hands together and smiles, “but, well, this is the best shot we have; we leave it too much longer, and the tissue will degrade beyond recovery. Not to mention the concerns we have about the others.”

“Thank you doctor,” the representative’s face is glum, and he resolutely avoided casting yet another furtive glance over his shoulder.

“I know the issues in question,” the doctor’s tone is gentle. “Which is why everything has been arranged the way it is. The real concern, aside from each brain being different, is that the records indicate they didn’t use the same process every-”

They were interrupted by a signal from the distant capital.

“We have a greenlight from Saragova…” now the representative did turn around; behind him, a man was approaching them.

“You may proceed,” he said, his voice and face betraying nothing. “Thank you, Kilare, but your presence is no longer required. I will maintain vigil.”

As the representative withdrew, the newcomer stood silently, and watched the team work; a still island in a sea of activity, his gaze fixed on the frost-encrusted casket. His eyes were the only movement; flickering from hands to panels, and then fixating on the body that was eventually revealed when they opened it, still wrapped in simple white cloth. He didn’t even flinch at the cascade of supercooled air that washed out, or at the rather disgusting sound of nanite soups being washed in and out. Or the smell.

The benefits of a synthform.

At long, long, last, many hours, the elderly figure groaned and moved; nurses surrounding him and making soothing noises, before doctors took over. Cognitive test, motion test, reflex test; the patient is grumpy, hungry, and wants to have a hot shower, but he’s all there. A detailed explanation of what would come next; the transference process finally perfected, but it must be begun soon. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time to catch up on what happened while he slept; it wasn’t as long as he thought it would be. And then, finally…

“Let’s get you out of there, sir.”

Constantinus VII watched the patient lurch upright, and then stagger to a halt, surprised for the first time.

“Good morning, grandfather.”

[Macisikan]

Agrela's High Garden, Tichel System, The Metropole of the UIK

RK3396.05.30

Arn-Saragova, Conurbation of Saragova
Chambers of the Security Council

“…which brings us to the next item on the agenda; the refit of the Imperial Space Service,” the Chair of the Council smiled; the meeting was moving nice and fast. “My Lord deSoto, I believe this is your topic?”

“Thank you Lord De’Ittaron,” the Vice-Minister for the Imperial Defence nodded. “I am pleased to inform the Council that the refit is proceeding ahead of schedule. More than seventy-five per cent of the Metropole Fleets have been processed. The boundary manufactories are operating in line with Oracle projections-”

There was a sense of smugness in the room.

“-and we estimate that the Metropole refit will be complete by the end of June. Now, as for the remaining fleets, I am also pleased to inform the Council that we are well ahead of schedule. The Empire Fleet refit is ninety-eight per cent complete; on-site boundary manufactories and the relative concentration of the Empire Fleets have made the process much easier. The missing two per cent, of course, includes the entire Maja deployment. Now, we can cycle the entire fleet in one rotation, if we don’t mind irritating or frightening the locals. I would suggest we inform the Nimatojin and Menelmacari, given the size of their settlements on the planet.”

“What about the C’tan?” that was Sir Ardri, the Vice-Minister for External Affairs.

“They’re somnolent at the best of times,” Lord De’Ittaron gave voice to the general view on the Council. “Besides, the Maja Exarchy is our sovereign territory, by treaty and agreement with the Nimatojin. You can inform them and the Menelmacari, Sir Ardri, through the usual channels, but don’t bother anyone else. Continue, my Lord deSoto.”

“The External Associated Polities. Now we prioritised them, given recent events in the Galaxy at large. I am pleased to say that the fleets in the EAP are completely refit now; and yes, that includes the Qi Presidencies,” he smiled tightly.

“That is good news, Lord deSoto,” observed the Secretary to the Council. “Tell me, when will the refit be complete?”

“No later than the end of July, this year, at the current rate,” the Vice-Minister answered. “And that does include the Shell Migration times; we are extremely lucky in that the substrate blocks only have to make one trip – and we’ve been using every chance we have to accelerate the process. Sailor comes home, the substrate is layered into a shell, and when it’s time to go back on duty they just jack into the line vessel. The First Service Lord has informed me that there is a noticeable increase in deployment times as a result of this. The full details are in your briefing packs.”

“Thank you Lord deSoto,” the Chair nodded to the Vice-Minister. “Unless anyone has any questions for Lord deSoto, we will move to the next item; the refit of the consular fleet…”

[Macisikan]

Daunnor Prime, Daunnor System, Daunnor Presidency

RK3396.05.29

Sar-Ujen, Ujen Special Administrative Zone
Office Block Green

The two Qi watched the next truck pull up to the loading dock.

“You got any idea what this is all for?” one asked as he stepped up to open the doors.

“No, Ciran, and I don’t want to guess either,” the other grumbled. “I’m tired, I’m hungry, and I’m filthy.”

“At least the pay is good,” Ciran said, opening the doors to reveal boxes stacked tight.

“Yeah, I’ll give that to the Mackies. They pay really well,” the second one said with a grunt as he began to extract the boxes, passing them down to Ciran.

“Oof, They put lead weights in these things Kaared?”

“Nah, just paper.”

“Another museum’s complete inventory and records? I thought this shit was supposed to be digitised. Can’t they get those droids they have to do this?”

“Don’t whine Ciran. Makes you sound like your brother,” the smile took the sting out of it. “Besides, you know the answer to that; employment. Getting the economy going by paying local workers to do clean-up and other non-sensitive oddjobs.”

“So do you have any idea what they want with them?”

“I know better than to ask questions like that,” Kaared’s smile was now wry.

“…what do you mean?”

“Well,” Kaared paused for a moment to wrestle with a particularly recalcitrant box. “Thing is that when you ask questions like that, sometimes they give you answers,” he turned around to hand the box to Ciran, and smiled again. “And you never know when one of them is standing right behind you.”

Ciran frowned at that; and the jumped as a pair of human hands reached past him to take the box. Liquid gold eyes regarded him for a moment with amusement.

The rest of the shift passed in silence – and much faster with the new addition.

[Macisikan]

Mars, Sol System, Solaran Reaches

RK3396.06.01

Arn-Mendes, Exarchy of Maja
Office of the Chief Minister

“The timing is awfully convenient, Nichye,” the Exarchy’s Chief Minister said. “If Saragova is as unconcerned as Georguy says, then why have they just decided to cycle the entire fleet stationed here?”

“Usually I’d agree with you,” her security advisor replied. “Georguy is far too relaxed about the central government for my tastes, but here I’m going to have to agree with him. De’Ittaron has been cycling everything; my counterparts in Aker say the same thing is happening over there. A mass upgrade of the entire ISS.”

“The entire Imperial Space Service is being upgraded in one hit?” the Chief Minister used the tone and facial expression normally reserved for being informed that it was raining frogs.

“I didn’t believe it myself, at first,” he replied sheepishly. “So I went and asked the Force Commander’s Office. Found myself talking to the man himself.”

They both shuddered. The Nazzadi was a nice person, really he was, but his species had been engineered to induce a fear response in humans, and those elongated canines and red sclera spoke to something very primal in both of them. It said they had better find a tree to scamper up as soon as possible.

“What did he say?” Eryn asked cautiously.

“Fleetwide refit. He said he was going to cycle out, a temp fleet would come in and hold the fort, and then we’d see him back here in two weeks. All very normal.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. I can’t wrap my mind around the industrial capacity they have at their fingertips if they can do this and it doesn’t seem to affect the consumer economy or our reconstruction at all,” Nichye said.

“Not to mention that their modernisation and development of Aker hasn’t even slowed down,” she murmured. “So we have nothing to worry about with the latest development from those to the South?”

“Well, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with Georguy again,” the two had a rivalry that bordered on animosity. “To get here they have to go through the Nimatojin or the C’tan, and either one is more than a match for them. And for what?”

“A massive renovator’s delight and construction site,” the Chief Minister sighed. “We’ve come a long way since the rubble, but we’ve got a long way to go before we can match the Metropole.”

“One day, Eryn. One day.”