Chapter Twenty
Message Logs
Confederate Planets Space -
Source: Falling Waters Clan HQ
Destination: Ember Hearth Clan HQ
Clan Head Clark,
Construction of the Confederate Pride continues. We must have more materials if we want to finish the project before the Clan Assembly in three months' time.
Do not tell me there is nothing more to be had; the future of the Confederated Planets is at stake here.
Cyrus.
Source: Ember Hearth Cruiser Swansong
Destination: Falling Waters Clan HQ
Cyrus,
Do not presume to tell me what is at stake, sir. It was my people who risked it all to free you from exile and help you secure your lands again. The Ember Hearth has no more ore to give. The very air we breathe is corrupted by the speed of our work. If you need more, get it from somewhere else!
I would suggest the Sand’s Embrace homeworld, but we would need to take that from them, which would only tip our hand.
There is nothing to be done at this time,
Clark.
Source: Falling Waters Clan HQ
Destination: First Light Capital Ship Glimmer
Reston,
Clark is once more dragging his feet and bleating about his poor air. We can no longer count on the Embers to supply all we need for the great work ahead. I suggest that it is time for the First Light Clan to find a new homeworld. You have lived in the vacuum for long enough, old friend.
I suggest we combine forces to seize the Sand’s Embrace system. With the plentiful materials there, we can secure our inevitable victory.
Before you say it, I know. There will be losses, and our weaker brethren will have no choice but to commit fully.
I need you on this, Reston.
Cyrus
Source: First Light Capital Ship Glimmer
Destination: Ember Hearth Clan HQ
Clark,
Cyrus has contacted me about an attack on Sand’s Embrace. I support it and expect that the Ember Hearth Clan turn up in force to support this endeavor.
I expect no complaints unless you want to see the Light’s fleet coming to collect the debts your people owe us.
Reston
Source: Ember Hearth Cruiser Swansong
Destination: First Light Capital Ship Glimmer
Reston,
Have you lost your mind, man? We all want the same thing, but openly attacking another family will signal the start of a war! This is a step too far, and you know it. Don’t follow Cyrus down this path. Together, we can counsel patience and convince him to stick to the original Plan.
A vote of the Twelve Families is all that we need to seize control of the Confederacy. Violence is not the answer.
Clark
Source: First Light Capital Ship Glimmer
Destination: Ember Hearth Clan HQ
Clark,
It is too late for this prevarication and holding back. As of this moment, the First Light Clan has called in ALL debts and loans on the seven Clans not yet sworn to Cyrus.
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The war is already coming, and you have chosen your side already.
Reston
Source: Ember Hearth Cruiser Swansong
Destination: Falling Waters Clan HQ
Cyrus!
This can not stand, you fool. We all have families in these other houses, and you know it. Must we turn on our own to save a few months of time for your precious ship?
Come to your senses, you utter fool!
Clark
Source: Falling Waters Clan HQ
Destination: Ember Hearth Clan HQ
Clan Head Clark
Get in line, or you’re next, boy.
Cyrus
/===<<<>>>===\
Source: Orbital Refinery Platform Six
Destination: I.P.A.S Fair Weather
Captain Crush,
Recent changes to scheduling will require a change in the contracting for ore deliveries. You and your crew have done sterling work over the last month or so, and we would like to offer you formal employment as part of the True Confederated Peoples Alliance.
We would like to offer you a haulage license for our space, as well as a standing wage, in addition to the contract payments that are offered. In exchange, we would like you to assign your Express courier to our fleet’s service for a flat fee.
If that is acceptable, we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.
Captain Mark Hansel, T.C.P.A. Naval Forces.
Source: I.P.A.S Fair Weather
Destination: Orbital Refinery Platform Six
Captain Hansel,
I am pleased to accept your generous offer of employment. Consider the Fair Weather and the Banjo’s Arrow at your disposal.
Captain Crush
Source: Orbital Refinery Platform Six
Destination: I.P.A.S Fair Weather
Captain Crush,
Please dispatch the Banjo’s arrow immediately to the attached coordinates.
Hansel.
/===<<<>>>===\
Imperium Space
Source: Planet Haven, Imperium Operating Base.
Destination: Rebirth Station, Imperium’s Redoubt.
Greetings Universe!
I am happy to report that the first stage of the satellite uplink down here in the capital has been completed. The latest delivery of materials from the Sparklight was a huge help, so thank you.
I hope you won’t mind, but I am including a progress report on the progress down here, as sending a separate message seemed an inefficient use of resources.
Report as Follows:
Construction of the Capital is ongoing, with a current occupancy of 1253 people, not including my team. President Marls and Deputy Tensor have made great strides in encouraging more people to join the building efforts.
The local population's education has also significantly accelerated now that we have an even 100 training pods. I am currently running them constantly without downtime to maximize results. I have also ensured that every man, woman, and child has a copy of the goggles, and almost fifty of the full suits are being circulated to the healers.
On that note, could I have permission to contact Marshall Andy and arrange for a possible extension to the current medical training programs?
A functional medical system requires further work, I am afraid.
Infrastructure is a much less positive outcome. I have failed to make a serious attempt to connect the more distant villages. I take full responsibility for this and can only offer our lack of vehicles as an example of the problems we are facing. Things such as roads and message systems will be put on hold until we have some materials to designate for use.
On the technological side, I can report a significant uptick in both the quality and number of our improvised Boost Suits, known locally as ‘Rigs.’ We have also installed full lighting in the Capital, so no more dark nights and wasted time.
Finally, Marie’s idea to expand the local diet to include mushrooms has gone a long way toward correcting the dietary problems here. In addition, the healers have managed to create essential vitamin and mineral pills for the local population.
As soon as the capital growth rate slows, we will start to explore further afield, bringing other villages online and discovering any hidden resources on the planet Haven in the process.
Regards,
Emissary Cheape.
Source: Rebirth Station, Imperium’s Redoubt
Destination: Planet Haven, Imperium Operating Base
Emissary Cheape,
Congratulations on your progress so far; you are a credit to the Imperium. I apologize for the lack of materials delivered thus far. The construction of the Rebirth took a lot longer than I had anticipated as it expanded to include mass production facilities for the goggles.
With the system’s Jump Gates installed, the station up and running, and Vicky's other projects all either completed or nearly completed, I am happy to be able to offer much greater support.
I am tempted to come down and offer my help personally, but I hesitate to jump into a situation you clearly have under control. That said, we can divert personnel and resources to the project.
Just let me know what you need.
On a personal note, I want to thank you for your willingness to work with TRV-4. I was hoping he would find a warm welcome within the Imperium. He seems to be doing well, and his bond with you seems to have been everything I hoped for.
Queen Lucy
Source: Planet Haven, Imperium Operating Base.
Destination: Rebirth Station, Imperium’s Redoubt.
Queen Lucy,
The offer is very generous, but I would appreciate continuing the project in its current form. The locals are so involved in the process, and I believe the progress is bonding them not only to the Imperium but also to each other.
I think the thing this planet lacked the most was pride.
Pulling themselves up with our help is one thing. Doing it for them might actually create resentment.
All that being said, you asked what I needed to continue the work.
I would like permission to have several more Material Processors delivered, perhaps a couple of even larger versions. On the raw material side of things, I would like to request one thing we can’t find locally—rubber or something like it to make tires.
Regards,
Emissary Cheape
P.S. Any news on the medical courses?
Source: Mesa Base, Planet Hope, Imperium Home System.
Destination: Planet Haven, Imperium Operating Base, Imperium’s Redoubt.
Cheape,
For the love of the stars, will you stop submitting these requests for medical courses? I am dealing with a large number of sick and recovering people at the moment. The Sagacity needs to be strung up for letting these people get this sick. I’m busy.
I can’t sit down and write an entire medical course right now.
Marshall Andy
Source: Planet Haven, Imperium Operating Base, Imperium’s Redoubt.
Destination: Bly’s Rest, Imperium Home System.
Merchant Bryant,
I would like you to try to acquire more medical courses for the people here. Would you be willing to get them for us?
Emissary Cheape
Source: Bly’s Rest, Imperium Home System.
Destination: Planet Haven, Imperium Operating Base, Imperium’s Redoubt.
Emissary Cheape,
Consider it done. I have been authorized by Queen Lucy to trade for the items already, I will see what the best deal I can get is.
Expect delivery within the week,
All the best,
Marchant Bryant