Chapter Thirty
Message Log
: Sagacity System Benediction :
Origin: Sagacity Spiral Benediction
Destination: The Grand Archive. (Location Unknown)
Attn: Senior Archivist Trisk
I regret to inform you that our discussion with the Imperium Sage was not productive. Contrary to our expectations, she was unrepentant regarding the obvious impersonation of our Sagacity Learning System.
When I pressed Sage Bonne Chance on the importance of the matter to the Sagacity, she declined to change her position despite acknowledging the superiority of our product. I attempted to point out the futility of pursuing this matter against our will, but she became belligerent and took our rational reactions as some base threat.
As much as it pains me to say this, we might have to descend to base commercialism to redress this matter.
As an alternative, I suggested we might outlaw her products and detain and seize ships carrying them. I also pointed out that it would include detaining her crew. The Sage responded with a threat to ‘retrieve’ anything and anyone we seized. In light of the size of her vessels, I must believe her.
Regards,
Bursar Hopkins
Origin: The Grand Archive (Location Unknown)
Destination: Sagacity Spiral Benediction
Bursar Hopkins,
I am authorizing you to enact the following measures to combat the threat of this Imperium Learning System. It is imperative that we maintain control of the methods of learning. Unchecked and unverified learning can not be allowed.
All Imperium products are banned from Sagacity space. Any ship found to have even one on board will be turned away and escorted from the system immediately.
Any group found to be supporting the use of this lesser system will be blocklisted and prevented from purchasing our own products for at least fifty years. Actively supporting the sale of these products will carry a penalty of one hundred years.
Entice all gold badges to begin research into superior versions of all known Imperium technology. We will provide an extra thirty percent stipend to all who accept the challenge.
I will insist that you take no directly provocative action against the Imperium at this time. Any outward sign of aggression will clearly be met with a violent response. Unlike those fools at the Line, we will not be drawn into a war.
As such, I intend to prepare a conference soon to gather the surrounding systems in an alliance to peacefully contain the Imperium.
Trisk.
: Imperium System Imperium Home :
Source: Cheapeside Base, Planet Haven, Imperium’s Redoubt
Destination: Bly’s Rest, Imperium Home System
Queen Bonne Chance,
I am pleased to announce that Merchant Bryant's recent acquisitions have succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. The medical courses integrated perfectly with the Learning Pods and combined with the experience of the Healers and the medic courses we already had, we have our first Imperium Doctors!
I have begun the process of manufacturing medical pods and expect we will have our first hospital soon. I have informed Queen Lucy of the same, and she said I would have the honor of advising you of our success.
Yours,
Emissary Cheape.
Source: Planet Home, Imperium Home System
Destination: Planet Haven, Imperium’s Redoubt
Cheape,
It's so cute that you managed to get some of your people up to being doctors! I’m sorry to say that we already had a medical corps that I designed and trained with Edwards and Andy.
Still, it was kind of impressive.
WELL DONE YOU!
Paren
Source: Planet Haven, Imperium’s Redoubt
Destination: Planet Home, Imperium Home System
Paren,
Thank you so much for that lovely message of support. I appreciate it so much more because it is so COMPLETELY out of character. You do notice other people exist! Who knew?
It naturally comes as no surprise that you have hacked, chopped, and taped together some wondrous new creation. That is just so… Paren.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
I guess my dizzy head forgot to mention the most important part of my update. These doctors of mine are ones we can actually let near other people without giving them nightmares! Isn’t that great?
It's not as great as whatever you came up with, I’m sure, but I’m just working with whole people here. It must be lovely to just rip them apart according to whatever flight of fancy you’re currently on.
Your support means the world to me. Truly.
Emissary Cheape
Source: Planet Home, Imperium Home System
Destination: Planet Haven, Imperium’s Redoubt
Mistress Cheape,
What a charming little letter and so polite!
I did notice a little ‘tone’ in there, Cheape-sy. I hope I didn’t upset you.
And don’t you worry your limited little head; my doctors are all very presentable, even to the more ‘rustic’ people like you. In fact, meeting you and your quaint, child-like terror of anything even remotely different or new very much inspired my new approach.
Honestly, the Haven is a perfect match for you. Totally basic.
Now, when you’re older and more mature, I promise I will do my absolute best to crack that skull of yours open, and with nanites and my own level of genius, I just know I can make you almost smart enough to understand some of what I do!
Won’t that be nice?
Paren - Princess of the Nanite Imperium, Chief of Research and Development, Monarch of the Planet Home, Founder of the Imperium Medical Corps, and beloved of the one and only Carl Edwards.
Source: Planet Haven, Imperium’s Redoubt
Destination: Planet Home, Imperium Home System
Paren,
Thank you for your kind offer to upgrade me! It touched me deeply. I understand that to someone of your YOUNG years, that seemed like such a great offer. When you get a little older, you’ll come to realize that some of us don’t feel the need to hack ourselves apart and add new bits. Self-worth can be a powerful friend, Paren. I pray you find it while there is still some of you left!
You are just so right about me and Haven, a match made in heaven. I’m proving myself here every day in so many ways. It’s just so lovely to have the opportunity to do that. In the Line, all those senior positions were just given to people because they were related to someone in charge. Can you imagine?
It’s great that Planet Home is such a great fit for you as well. It is devoid of intelligent life, has wide open spaces, and no one complains about noise or screaming.
All the best!
Cheape
P.S. So many titles! Good for you! It must make you feel like a really special little flower. But don’t you worry; you deserve them all, no matter what other people say.
Source: Captain’s Cabin, N.S.S. Harbinger, Imperium Home System
Destination: Planet Home, Imperium Home System
Paren,
Guess what I noticed? A few minutes after that flurry of messages between you and Cheape, the Friend/Foe system malfunctioned, and Cheape was tagged as an enemy. Luckily, I managed to stop the error from spreading to the rest of the network.
Weird glitch, huh? I’ve put an alert on the settings just in case it happens again.
I really hope it doesn’t.
Nellie.
: Confederated Planets Space :
Messages recovered by Relay Satelite Intercept.
Source: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: Clan Council Seat
To all,
I, Headman Clark of the Ember’s Hearth, have formally recognized the formation of a new clan. It is called the Star’s Song Clan and is led by Hellena, formerly of the Falling Waters Clan.
In accordance with our traditions and laws, it is lawfully done.
Further, I announce an alliance between the Star’s Song Clan and the Ember’s Hearth. They will be based out of our system and will defend it with the full power of their ships.
Headman Clark
Source: Falling Waters HQ, High Waters System
Destination: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Clark,
You scheming coward! How dare you turn your back on your people? Do you really want to face the collected might of our fleet with nothing but Imperium bootlickers to defend you?
So be it!
Cyrus.
Source: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System.
Destination: Songbird Wing, Ember’s Hearth System.
ATTN: Commanding Officer, Birdsong
We are receiving reports of attacks at several places across the planet. We have discovered several Falling Waters Clan agents enacting attacks.
We request immediate assistance.
Ember’s Hearth Ground Security Service.
Source: Birdsong, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
EH: GSS
We are preparing to deploy troops to marked locations.
Can we expect any further aid in ground operations?
CO, Birdsong.
Source: I.P.A.S. Fair Weather, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Headman Clark
This is Chief Marshall Crush-Cha of the Nanite Imperium. We have received your reports and are on our way to deal with the problem.
Send all information you have, and we will deal with the problem.
Send details of a date and time to debrief.
Crush.
Source: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: I.P.A.S. Fair Weather, Ember’s Hearth System
Chief Marshall
Thank the stars! I am delighted to hear from you. Our full resources are at your command. All my senior staff have been briefed to consider your orders law.
With more of your people on the ground, I know we can put a stop to all this.
Clark
Source: I.P.A.S. Fair Weather, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Headman Clark,
What do you mean more of my people?
Crush
Source: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: I.P.A.S. Fair Weather, Ember’s Hearth System
Chief Marshall,
I am including the following report regarding the Marshall.
Intelligence Report On The Sandwalker Marshall:
Information began to trickle in with the survivors of the attack on an evacuation freighter inbound from Sand’s Embrace. Two independent sources were questioned.
Crash survivors arrived in an adapted hovercar featuring a mounted laser cannon that was confirmed to have been used in the attack on the freighter.
Two were wounded but walking, and one was unable to walk. Each of them described being saved by the fourth survivor, who they referred to only as ‘Marshall.’
The Marshall carried data confirming the identity and mission of the sleeper agents. When told of further reports of attacks and asked to assist, he agreed and was dispatched with all due urgency.
Saved three more survivors of attacks before hearing of a crashed I.P.A. freighter that was shot down while attempting to land.
When informed that no personnel were available to investigate the site, the man left on his own.
He returned two days later with seven crash survivors and further intelligence.
He volunteered to run patrols to distant mines to check security.
In the hours since, many more reports have come in regarding his actions.
Locals have taken to referring to the man as the Sandwalker Marshall due to his point of origin in the Sand’s Embrace.
Reported abilities are obviously exaggerated but include:
Ability to see concealed weapons
Ability to see through the sand storms
Ability to run for hours at a time
Rumored to take multiple weapon hits and keep fighting
Reported to be able to sense enemies even in the dark or through walls
Does not sleep
The list goes on, but it gets too ridiculous even to write it down.
Due to return from patrol in four hours. East Gate Three, Ember’s Hearth Capital
END OF REPORT
Whoever this guy is, we need more of him.
Clark
Source: I.P.A.S. Fair Weather, Ember’s Hearth System
Destination: Ember’s Hearth HQ, Ember’s Hearth System
Headman Clark,
We are on our way. We will be in place to meet this ‘Marshall.’
Crush.