Michael’s three major factions had seats in the national congress. Democratic Unity controlled 27.3% of the seats, The People’s Front controlled a measly 7.4%, and the technocrat faction: Astrotech Party for Progress and Innovation controlled the majority, at 65.3% of the seats. Given the faction’s popularity, Michael emphasized research and technology and ordered his scientists to start using the faster-than-light technology. There wasn’t much to see yet beyond the home solar system. Voyages would need to be made in order to explore the nearest solar systems. Michael sent his first spaceships out to the neighboring solar system.
Research ships surveyed the solar system identifying several planets, none of which seemed habitable. They did not have atmospheres, and so couldn’t be colonized for living space. Many were rich with resources, however, so Michael passed a grant through the national congress to fund development projects on the nearby system, including the extraction of unrefined alloys he intended to turn into metals. As part of the game, the first wave of exploration and claiming a solar system was essential to establish a spaceport. The large metal structure served as the central base for the newly claimed solar system, which would set up a series of expansions. Although still rusty on the mechanics he understood that expansion was necessary for growth.
“Oh yeah!” Ryan said. “I just built some new ships,”
“How many solar systems have you built a spaceport in, Michael?” Trey asked.
“So far I have 6 solar systems,” Michael said. He quickly expanded beyond his home system, exploiting the resources on the barren planets and asteroids for rare metals used to construct a larger fleet of ships. His research ship had begun surveying another solar system when a message popped up detailing a space anomaly in the solar system. Unlike the previous solar systems surveyed, this planet had an atmosphere and was predicted to sustain life. The ship continued surveying the planet and life was identified, as there appeared to be a species of grass covering a majority of the land on the planet. The research ship made its landing, and after a message popped up with the lead scientist explaining his findings. After concluding the planet was habitable the lead scientist of The Tardigrade Republic took his first step onto the new planet. Excitedly, Michael sent an order from the planet’s congress detailing plans to colonize the new planet.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“Hey guys, I just discovered a planet with life, I’m going to have a second planet soon!” Michael said, way too loudly into his headset.
Just when things were getting super exciting, Michael’s mom called through the door. “Michael?” She entered the room. “What are you doing up at this time? Playing computer games? You should be focusing on the upcoming chemistry test. I don’t care what you do on the weekends, but we’ve talked about you staying up late on school nights. Especially since you need to do good in chemistry so you get graduation credits,”
Michael gestured at his mom to be quiet. When she placed her hands on her hips and frowned back, he said, “Guys, I’m gonna have to go, one of you save it please.”
He exited the voice call and turned off his monitor and his mom left the room. Once the door had shut he turned his monitor back on and messaged his friends.
Michael: My mom interrupted, sorry about that.
Trey: It’s fine
Michael: Yeah, I was going to settle my planet but my mom must’ve heard me and she came up to my room and told me I had to get off.
Anyway, are you guys both free tomorrow?
Trey: I don’t have anything else going on.
Ryan: I’m not busy I can play more tomorrow.
Michael: Okay, so same time again?
Trey: Yep
Ryan: Yeah
Michael: Okay cool, we’ll do that then. Goodnight guys
Michael stood up from his chair, changed into his pajamas, and walked over to the bathroom to brush his teeth. After finishing brushing Michael went back to his room and saw two notifications on his computer. Both his friends wrote “Goodnight,” he turned off his computer and the lights and went to bed.