->>] Warm Greetings Empress.[<<-
->>]Nervous anticipation, V’tek’clor. What news does the Forum send?[<<-
->>]Uncertain reception. The Forum has taken your advice and sanctioned Humanity to a lower tier consideration from you. They will be on tech tier 0, and aether tier 0 until your scientific community peer reviews and accepts a tier 1 technology and the infrastructure to support it. Personal ratings will remain unaffected. This was decided as your ansible chain is not robust enough to support large-scale purchase physical delivery, and should limit proliferation of goods through people rated for higher tiers.[<<-
->>] Acceptance with queries? You talk of Humanity, now is this the Humanity that I claimed the Sol-system for, or is this supposed to apply to Astoria as well? [<<-
->>] Unsettling response. The Forum intended the restrictions for the whole of your species, however, I do not have visibility on how the sanctions are applied. Your settlement controls should indicate how it affects you. [<<-
->>] Gratitude. Change of topic. Has the collective decided to establish a colony? [<<-
->>] Giddy anticipation. The Collective requests to be allowed to establish a Grove on Elysium. [<<-
->>] Hopeful cooperation. There are obviously many details to discuss, but I am also excited about the Hades system’s opportunities. You have my tentative agreement pending negotiations with Katie O’Connell. [<<-
->>] Unreserved Joy. May the Collective recommend looking into an orbital ansible station to help with large-scale Exchange distribution and Travel? [<<-
->>] Appreciative. Yes, the current measures were to get Humanity connected. I look forward to further contact between the Collective and the Empire, but I must tend to other tasks with this new information. Be well Advocate. [<<-
->>] Understanding. Be well, Empress. [<<-
I pull up my Empire management tool and take a look at what V’tek’clor was talking about.
Astorian Empire Summary Breadth and Population: 5 systems spanning 2800ly, containing 7.3 billion citizens Access: T-3 S-3 Restricted: T-0
Ahh, I see the problem. We are going to separate these into 5 separate system government bodies. Well, one is just a waypoint, so 4 then. System Astoria, led by the Empress, System Moiriax, led by Consul O’Connel; System Lemnos, led by the Empress; System Hades, led by Consul Hunsaker; and System Sol, led by Humans comprising and International Ruling council.
Excellent, now I would like to assign the sanctions to Sol, governed by Humans, and set the remaining system tiers to one below the leader of the system not to exceed the personal rating of the Exchange user. I ask Tessa to formulate the code I would enter so what I want would make sense to the Matrix. Apparently I just need to think hard while pushing buttons.
Andromeda save me from overeager bureaucrats. My intent was to sanction a mish mash of cultures without a global ruling body that would likely use the Exchange to proliferate weapons. Implying that I should be subject to the same sanctions when I currently have absolute control over the remaining systems is laughable and I simply will not abide by it. I would prefer to let my systems grow organically through advancement and trade, but I’ll make this a farce if forced. This is my Primus decree.
Yah, don’t know why I said that last part, felt good though.
Thank you Andromeda, you’re a dear.
I should be surprised that your cold arrogance is so effective, but the Matrix seems to be sending a message with you.
Maybe, but what messed up message would that be. Side note, kind of feel bad that the restrictions are set to tier zero, were the majority of 1st world nations are high tier 1. Hey, do I have to set subsistence packages like I did for the Empire?
I was under the impression that you left that to the respective nations to handle, as long as there was free subsistence.
That feels good at least. How are you doing on the parallel minds thing?
I am currently inserted into three satellite networks thanks to Melissa and Ophelia.
That’s heckin’ cool. I’m feeling better about the state of Humanity. Perhaps it’s time to help enable their purchases, especially food.
>P] Ladies, I’m thinking of buying a system ansible to help our throughput out in the sticks, what do you think? [<
>K] I would have liked the experience building one, but I see why you would rush it. On other news, since you’ve appointed us system lords, we should get some credits to manage our systems should we not?”
>M] I agree with Katie. [<
>P] Huh, good call. 10k CE for each system, 1mil AE for each system, and 30k personal bonuses for each of you and Beecham to get y’all started. [<
>K] It’s funny how a lot of this system money is hard to spend right now. If you buy an Orbital Ansible, the exchange rates will skyrocket because the System doesn’t care where you put what you bought. [<
>P] Yeah, there’s no way I’m putting an interstellar asset anywhere near these monkeys. Oh, and feel free to use my CE budget for anything we need here. Like an island defense shield if we don’t’ already have one.[<
>M] Hah, first thing I bought after you pissed off the president. 300CE omni-sheild. Tier 3, but small area. Barely covers the island we’re on, but conveniently shapeable. [<
They ask me if I have anything else that is pressing, and politely tell me to work on something because they’re busy. Copy that.
Alright, Exchange, show me a list of ansibles
Item Quality Description Price Personal Data Link Variable quality available T-1 installation (internal or external) for connecting to the Matrix when not at a terminal 40 AE Shipboard Data Link Variable quality available T-1 installation for constantly updating position and nav data while transiting empty space. No item delivery capability. 100 AE Corporate Exchange Link 1IID minimum Able receive and deliver 5 cu. Meters of material a day. Requires connection range with a city or colony installation. Prices Vary City Relay Link 1IIC minimum- Increases capacity and range of Corporate link. Prices Vary System Exchange Relay 1AAC minimum Allows for interstellar communication and delivery. 50 CE base Species Home Relay 1AAB minimum Increases delivery range and limit 75 CE base Orbital Exchange Relay 2AAB minimum increases delivery range and limit 500 CE base Orbital Exchange and Warp Relay 2EEA smallest available relay for travel. Requires receiving relay of equal capacity. 750 CE Base
There are a multitude of orbital relays that allow different sized objects to travel through, and some surface to orbital travel relays for Planetside that you’ll likely purchase at some point, however, they are all variations on the Exchange and Warp Relay.
Oh, that sounds pretty killer though, but what about . . .
Sector Exchange Host 3AAA systems relay to this unit. Able to deliver or receive objects of any practical size over a distance of three thousand light years. Communications out to ten thousand 1mil CE
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Dear Andromeda, I want it. I take it delivery and assembly arranged separately.
Yes, should you purchase something of this scale, it would require a whole construction colony a half-hex to assemble the station after delivering it, which may take months.
Pack it and ship it Tessa. Though I am split between ordering it for Moiriax or Astoria. Except, I’m prone to being head-strong and overconfident. I want this in Astoria, around my neat as fuck binary star system. Put it around the gas giant beyond the rocky belt.
Yes of course.
The remaining companies will only do one task or will join with other companies at a much higher price. I’d wager Jembit would leverage some mining opportunities while in system. Would you like me to send this to Katie and Atropos for final consideration?
Please and thank you love. I am considering putting an exchange and warp relay in the Kepler system, but to what purpose? Ugh, I don’t do logistics for a reason.
I also want to create a bulletin board or a job board or something—like adventurers have in RPG stories. Job requests, collab requests, categories for different interests, and a completely different category for Military application. We’d also need an AI of sorts to manage and police it.
Your current ansible installation cannot support such a data load in addition to it’s normal services.
Well, Tessa, I happen to be dating two very intelligent women, and one of them has been asking for a Magitech project. I punch out some quest details and assign it from the Empire as I feel this board will be essential for multi-species cooperation and collaboration in the future.
So many projects, so little time.
***
Since this controller drone gave me the skill ups, I analyze it.
Autonomous Sensory and Data Network 2AAA Using information transfer through non-dimensional space gives this system near-instantaneous response times.
I really need to break into that Expert rating. From what Tessa has told me there are limits to the power that less advance craftings can channel in high-tech applications.
“Hey Mel, should I place this in orbit, or is your and Katie’s data center module going to be finished this week?”
“We changed our design quite a lot since you included space magic.” Melissa says, deep in her HUD.
“Melissa is correct. With the magitech updates to these drones, a non-central data swarm is optimal with near zero travel time between locations.” Katie shows the proposed distribution plan via holo-display.
“That looks like one of you will need to go to space for the procedures. Which makes this a perfect time to tell you I’ve authorized 15k AE for each of you to buy your preferred EVA suit for vacuum work.”
Katie gives me a rare full-teeth smile and Melissa just looks confused. “I’ve got classes and meetings this week. The class with the admirals, and Indonesia and India governments want to speak with me. I’m booked.”
Melissa pouts and nods. “When do we get our honeymoon phase?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Lady, we’ve been doing lewd things on a beach for at least a month, and eating and creating to our heart’s content. If this is a plug to talk with your parents, they don’t want to see me since the integration. What else is there?”
Melissa mumbles something about parents. There’s no way she said what I think she said.
“Hm. I did get a message from Senator and Governor Mercers. Perhaps it is time to confront them?”
“Nooo. Not you too Katie.”
“You are more powerful and more wealthy than they can fathom. Plus, I look forward to their attempts to negotiate and to embarrassing them thoroughly.”
Oh? Now that’s an idea.
“Kay, how can you say that?” Melissa accuses.
“Yeah, Kay, how can you say that and not elaborate. I need details on this plan to embarrass them.” Melissa seems shocked at my disrespect, where Katie has her lopsided predator grin on, with that sexy canine that makes me think things.
She talked for ten minutes, I loved her ideas, so she set up a lunch with my parents. My fiancé is going to tear them apart. That conversation has me in a good mood all day. Even During the Flag officer’s picnic.
The Admirals, true to their word, kept unsavory government types from seeking my assistance. I gave a basics class on the interface, certain mods you can get to make personal integration easier, and the basics of tracks, using intent and behavior to guide development. I spend a good deal of time on Exchange basics, typical ways to earn AE and making hobbies pay for you.
After the initial “classroom” session, we wander out into the backyard and BBQ setup for the dozen families gathered. The food was above board, as such a gathering of Admirals for a pseudo professional get-together allows the on staff culinary specialists to use their skills. I tip them in AE, because I can. The next few hours is filled with good beer, a mix of System and regular conversations, and a few requests to see my facility in the Marshall Islands. I tell them, that if they can get themselves out there, they’re more than welcome to stay for a week or two.
Two days later, Katie and Melissa accompany me to a trendy Charleston Restaurant overlooking the beach. I arrive intentionally later than them, as they always show 15 minutes late and plan reservations accordingly.
“Penny, dear, we raised you better than to be late for a meeting.” My mother, Guinevere Mercer stated.
“Camila did more raising than either of you, ‘Mother’.” I spit. “You only seemed to care when I showed interest in science and women. As you can see, you never managed to break me of either habit.”
“No need to be rude dear.” My father says, in his practiced Senator Mercer voice. “This is a business meeting, not a social call.”
“Then by all means, Senator, do treat this as a business meeting.” I pull over my Empress title like a thousand pound mantle of expectation. “What interest do you have with the Empire?”
“Empire, please. You’re a nobody with two whores as your attendants.”
“Governor. You are dismissed. Any further business you may have may be conveyed through your more temperate husband.”
“How dare you speak to me this way. . . “ And I stopped listening. I grab her by the collar of her suit. Drag her to a place I can use my thrusters and throw her into the Atlantic.
I return and wall back to the table and my drink. “It seems the Governor needed to cool off. Please continue.”
Katie reached up and massaged the base of my skull. Melissa declined to look at me.
“Quite.” Father said, composing himself with aplomb. “The President has offered significant favor if we can convince you to meet with her again, and has offered that we be your intermediaries instead of the Navy Admirals.”
“The President appears to be desperate, resulting to addressing Empress Astoria’s family. I hope you brought more talking points, Senator, or this meeting will conclude shortly.”
“I do. If you’ll allow, I have a presentation, data points, and a comparative analysis.”
Katie purred, “Senator, I was hoping you could talk business.” As unnerving as that kind of attention was leveled at my father, I knew it was about the data.
Penny, an orbital satellite of US make is energizing and changing orbit.
Shit. How long to intercept?
Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes until above Bikini Atoll.
I wonder if my parents knew about this. The circumstance is too convenient to be coincidental. I focus on the conversation my fiancé is having, realizing they are packing up to reconvene at their Sullivan’s Island Estate.
It’s only a 20-minute drive to the house that I grew up in. It’s a beautiful house with all the amenities that one could imagine, except a loving family. Melissa is swept up in the decorations and the grounds, while Katie is only interested in the wine and conversation. I want to fly to space and miss the whole mess of what this is.
Just before the five-minutes remaining mark hits, I check in on my companions to find Katie pleased with the proceedings, my father looking decidedly uncomfortable; and Melissa just looks sad. I kiss Mel first, telling her I need to put my toes in the sand for a minute. I kiss Katie more provocatively, to unsettle my father. Katie bites my lip in approval.
Three minutes to station. Whatever you’re going to do, it’s time.
Copy Tessa. Maximize shields to Bikini Station. I’m going to orbit. Can our shields handle this bombardment?
It appears to be a terawatt plus laser. The tier three shield may fail unless augmented by your aether supply.
Bring my supply online and defend as necessary, I want to watch this on station. I walk to the bathroom, put on my helmet and teleport to orbit above Bikini Station where a large cylindrical satellite is coming into position. I get closer to analyze.
The orbital has a 3m terminal lens, concave in shape to stabilize the beam width for wide-band lazing. Sensible. Power sources seem unsustainable. Space walk transfer? Who knows. Won’t matter. A system scan gives me a legacy tech result that describes nothing. Unfortunately the lazing matrix is important. But I do know that I can get a significant increase in output with aether infused corundum lenses, I have a lot of exciting science to get to.
T-20
I back off above and behind the device to see its workings. The laser beam is almost as wide as the 3m lens. I can see the heat pushing clouds and atmosphere away from the beam, and the furious boil of the sea as the beam sheds over the shield installation.
I am briefly seized by the information before it is shunted through my orbital network construct. Excellent use Tessa. I shake my head and activate pain suppression as a smile creeps up my face: Game on fuckers.
I space in space, heh, for a few minutes before teleporting my butt back to South Carolina. I’ve been experimenting with using space magic while teleporting, and oddly, it’s been less hard on my psyche.
This is when it hits me: I’m going to be a weapons manufacturer as well as an attempted peacemaker. Space-sharks with freaking lasers incoming. I teleport back into the guest bathroom of my parent’s home to see that my mother finally recovered from her beach rendezvous and that Mel was having a good time talking with her. I’ve walked into a horror movie.
The reef along the shoreline of Bikini Station has been altered, but the station remains intact at the expense of 23k AE converted to aether power.
Rat fink bastards. Any news on whom the attacker is. Tessa pings the affirmative. I know I’m not in a situation to focus on it. But damn if that doesn’t piss me off.
“Sorry for the delay, to what have we agreed, my love?” I talk to Katie, pushing as much affection and partnership into it as possible.
“Your father is heavily invested in commodities and has a connection with African Titanium.”
“Oh? Now that is promising news. She must have told you of our willingness to pay credits for rare earth elements and corundum.”
“Africa is not traditionally rich in corundum, but the titanium in the Western Africa mines has been promising.”
“I need twenty tons in the next year, Senator. Make that happen and you will be first on our list of a trade agreement for the alloys we need.” I nod at Katie, she shows her sexy ass canine tooth.
He minces on the amount, but Katie assures him that if he can provide greater than a ton of post-refined ore in the next year that we’d still be interested. My father is a consummate professional. It’s hard to fault him for neglect when he was only ever interested in his business affairs. I leave Katie to her merchant machinations and see if I can derail my girlfriend from bonding with my mother.
I sigh and sit back with Mel, putting my head in her lap. “Are you getting the embarrassing childhood stories?”
Mother replies before Melissa can. “You know we don’t keep track of your many embarrassments Penelope.”
“I’m aware mother. I just hoped you’d be happy for me that I’m successful and in a loving relationship.”
“I’d hardly think making enemies of the US as a successful prospect, Dear.” She sneered.
“She literally started it Mother. And can we not fight for once? Dad and Katie are getting along, you and Melissa are getting along. Can you just keep doing that?” I plead.
“You and I would get along too if could ever bring yourself to do as we ask.” Constantly sniping that woman.
I sigh, “What’s the ask this time?”
“The President wants you to use your exchange access to help keep the US ahead of the other countries that you gave so much power.”
“I didn’t give it to them, the system did. And after she fired an orbital laser at my home, I’m not inclined to help her do anything. Besides, I asked what you wanted.”
“You have no proof she did anything of the sort.”
>P] Mel? [<
>M] She and your father were approached to keep you busy today. She doesn’t know why. [<
I pull her hand to my face and kiss it in thanks. I look up to her and see a strained smile.
My mother scoffs. “You’re clearly in a mood to be difficult. Take your friends and get out of my house.”
“Katie’s talking business with Dad. Interrupt them at your leisure.” I say with a flighty lightness, playing with the wisps of Mel’s escaped hair. Dad is . . . of a singular mind when it comes to interrupting business. Mother no longer dares to do it and she’s trying to bait me into stomping off and facing his wrath for her.
She growls something under her breath and walks down the hallway to her fancy pillow parlor.
“At first I couldn’t fathom how little you cared for your parents. I still don’t get the lack of love in this house, but your confused attitude to the importance my parents play in my life makes more sense now.”
“Then seeing her was worth something then. I also threw her in the ocean, which was nice.”