Tomas' Log

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

This is it, folks. My creativity, or lack of it, at its finest. In here i shall post my actions and thoughts on my hopeless mission of establishing a successful empire from a band of stellar refugees against a collection of planet consuming alien species. I'm here because i got nothing going on so, wether or not people read or like it, i honestly give no #####.

 With that out of the way, let's get on with the damn thing. Let the good times roll. Makin' it rain over here, makin' it rain with the good times.

(Playing on Da Rinze, 32x32, 30 worlds, on Normal. I'm not a hardcore fellow, don't mind me.
 Might get violent, might get sexual, might be perfectly acceptable entertainment for all the family. Read at your own risk. I'm a certified edgelord, so your that's a pretty high risk).

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Chapter 1: The Founding

Star Date 1.00AE

This...this is it. I honestly never expected this day to come in my lifetime. I though the fleet would have made it to the Farfallen Rim, rejoined with the Main Fleet.
Tomas, you optimistic jackass. In what ridiculous plane of reality does that mind of yours lie? These aging Colony Hives can go no further. Generation after generation of travel has turned them into floating, barely functional pieces of junk. How could you ever expect them to find the Main Fleet again? I know you didn't. 2 generations have passed since we lost contact with the Main Fleet. Your parents knew, as well as you did once your brain managed to piece together the reality of Humanity's current struggle, that we are no more than those who were lost in history. Rejoining the Main Fleet? You fool.

There is no denying it. The Great Exodus is over for us. We can go no further. As dictated by the Laws of Shalun, i am the guardian of the Hives. This is a sacred responsibility that has been held by generations by my bloodline, ever since we left the Galactic Core. Shalun himself granted such honor to my Ancestor, whose name has been lost in history. As such, i hold the right to claim the position of mediator between the Factions: i must assure that development and peace are their prime directives. We must grow our forces quickly, if we are to stand our ground against whatever Xeno inhabit this Quadrant.
For some reason, they took the time to name them. Xenox, Chalistine and Leiwin. Only to change that to "insert faction name here" Prime the second later. I don't understand this.
Anyway, as the mediator, it was my job to choose which faction was to settle which. It was a tough argument, and the 3 Colony Hives of 3 Factions quickly attempted to claim Leiwin, with what appeared to be the best quality score in the Challestine scale. Ultimately, i gave the system to Moklumnue: not out of favoritism, mind you. The Moklumnue are traders. Cadar are military in nature and Thulun have the best infrastructure of this triad. They can handle a little less quality. Besides, their worlds have some high mineral concentrations to even it out. I was surprised to see Moklumnue Prime score 29 quality after the colonization process was finished. That ought to be the best damn world in the Quadrant!
The settling in the Prime worlds was finished in 3 months, and i am writing this as Faction scholars, along with Templars, attempt to piece together the scattered knowledge we brought from the Core with us. Some Factory infrastructure will be critical to produce a defense fleet. For now, or fleet has 2 Templar cruisers: My ship, Event Horizon, the Starfleet Command, and Void Stalker, under the command of Deep Space Operations expert and my best friend, Eric Palan. We have 1 science/exploration vessel, the Beacon of Infinity, under the command of Chief Science Officer Ellia Cal. And of course, joining me in my attempt at keeping the Factions under control, is my Faction embassador and personal Advisor, Jenniqua Orwa.
This Quadrant is now our new home. I am Tomas of Moklumnue, signing off.

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 1.50 AE

You might be wondering where i got the Moklumnue name from. It's a nickname, i'll have you know, and my real name is Tomas Valerius, the name passed onto me by my parents. I was given the name Tomas of Moklumnue by my Templar brothers, who seemed...chocked towards my mostly pacifict attitude. I doubt the Moklumnue are as peaceful as they claim (the Factions are never all nice and friendly), but it's an ironic statement.
Well, keeping the Factions from tearing each other apart was much easier when they didn't have acess to planetary resources. Ever since the colonization of the Prime worlds, i've attended 4 gatherings with Faction representatives at i remember at least 12 threats of a Duel of Assassins. Cadar and Thulun are the main concerns, and Moklumnue seems at least interested in establishing some trade routes. The details are still being worked out, be they hope to make a deal with both Cadar and Thulun to maintain the fragile balance. It would be a great boost for the economy, that's for sure.
As for the research, Factions scholars have already pieced together the schematics for basic starship construction and maintenance, as well and basic factory complexes in which to employ the population. Intead of expanding our fleet just yet, i thought the best course of action would be to refit the incoming refugee support ships and sell them to Star Trader Captains. We need a steady flow of commerce between the colonies.
Each Prime world has begun construction of a Colony ship. Moklumnue has its eyes on Northpines, to the South, and Cadar is thinking about expanding North. That leaves the East to Thulun. I want to make that clear division as soon as possible, to prevent any hostilities sparking from two Factions claiming the same system.
We sent the Beacon of Infinity to explore some anomalies in nearby space, while the Event Horizon and Void Stalker spearheaded the exploration of nearby space. We departed from Cadar Prime, us heading North and Void Stalker to the East. We confirmed the location of 8 suitable star systems for Cadar to choose from. However, while we reached the North end of the Quadrant and turned East for further scanning, we encountered a Xeno ship. A Missile Attack vessel, it seemed not to notice us until we reached torpedo firing range. We fired a couple of shots and damaged it just enough to make it safe to engage alone. The starboard guns fired , while the Xeno ship turned to launch a Missile of its own. Thankfully, my training prepared me for this. I managed to avoid the torpedo and fire another round, destroying the vessel.
We recovered a couple of xeno artifacts for examinations and made sure to destroy most of the Alien biology. We tried to move on, but we came across two xeno colonies. The crew's morale plummeted. I turned back.
Back in orbit, weeks later, the Beacon of Infinity examined the xeno artifacts we recovered, and confirmed that it fits into the very rare and elusive xeno species classified as Red Zorga. They are quite uncommon and as such, our training never focused on this particular kind of Xeno (but it will now). They are known for being quite fast to spread and difficult to contain. Our twin cruiser, the Void Stalker, encountered a Mass Driver ship, far more dangerous to face alone. By the grace of Shalun, Ellia's pilot skills and his experienced crew managed to destroy the enemy vessel with minimum damage to the ship.
It is clear now that we must be fast to reinforce the fleet. With only 2 suitable defense ships, the protection of the colonies and Deep Space engagements cannot be carried out by us alone for much longer. We must expand the fleet, as fast as possible.
Tomas of Moklumnue, signing off.

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 2.00 AE

I can't believe it's been a year already. Time just passes by. It feels like just yesterday we had touched down on the new worlds and established our home in the Quadrant. We have made some progress, it seems.
Templars and Factions cholars have been focusing on Planetary Construction research, but they exlanded upon the Starship Construction. Schematics for figther construction were in place a few months ago and production got off the ground easily. The Facfions already started building their militaries, namely their FDF. I have ordered there construction of 3 fighters to join the Templar Fleet, and personally promoted the Templar Captains and crews to command them. The fighter design is much smaller than a cruiser, with a maximum crew of 10 and a total of 4 guns. The Imperator light gun is still in place, until we can refit it with better weaponry.
The Factions had begun construction of mining complexes for resource extraction around 1.55 AE, and now they are mostly complete and in operation. I have used some of our funds to invest in some of these operations in order to receive a percentage of the profits. We will need every credit we can get. Meanwhile, the Colony Ships have already established new colonies, with now 6 inhabited systems within the Quadrant.
We continued carefully the exploration of nearby dpace, and have already explored a good portion of the Quadrant. Until now, we have destroyed a total of 5 xeno ships, all of which belong to the Red Zorga. Whether other xeno species inhabit this Quadrant or not, we do not know for sure, but we have discovered a total of 20 systems, excluding the xeno worlds.
Once we the fighters are ready and join our fleet, they will be tasked with spearheading the exploration. For now, the expansion is our top priority. We must settle and hold on to every suitable system before the Xeno can expand. The Red Zorga will be hard enough to contain as it is...

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 2.10 AE

Alas, it is complete. Call it the biggest human achievement or a nice entertainment method, but you can't deny how useful it is: the colonies have finally put up some damned spice dens. And let me tell: it was about time.
Yes, i enjoy a glass every once in a while. I'm not even interested in the nearly orgasmic sensation it is provides. I actually do it for the sake of such powerful hallucinations. It's almost a feeling of prescience. I can berely describe it. It's as if you are leaving the material realm, and entering a plane of existence where all that dictates the laws of space and time is your own imagination. The best version of a lucid dream you could ever hope to get, followed by the worst hangover of your life and, in the most akward of cases, a hook up you will most likely regret in the future. Still, if you ask me, i fail to see what the big fucking deal is. I never got to a metting drunk on Spice, and the closest i ever was to doing something so utterly retarded was trying to have some with this Thulun fella when we first got to the Quadrant. Son of a whore never actually paied me the credits he owes. What a prick.
I'm actually much more relaxed now. The figthers have joined the Templar Fleet and among the captains is my "disciple", if you will. My protogé, Anna Cal, Ellia Cal's younger sister. She's a tough one, let me tell you. Not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, like her brother, but she is absurdly strong and has an iron will. Never gives up when she has decided to do something. It's something i really admire about her. While she doesn't have any authority over the other fighter captains, they look up to her, and are very likely to follow her lead in the heat of battle. With this expansion, the cruiser can rest and defend colonized space while the Quadrant continues to be explored.
The Beacon of Infinity has provided the Factions with Artifacts and data encountered during the exploration of a space anomaly, which will hopefully help the research. Interstellar trade is already in place, and the Prime worlds have already established a Palace and a Trade Exchange. In Moklumnue's case, the Northpines colony has an Exchange too.
There has been some serious civil unrest in Cadar Prime. Refugees are coming in by the thousands, and they are having trouble responding. Most of the makeshift hab units have been removed and replaced with proper habitation facilities, but it looks like Cadar will have to rely on cheap temporary structures to house these people while they built or upgrade the units they have. It will be hard to manage, but will be a plus in the long run. With some factory complexes, the new population will provide increased manufacturing and a better economy for the world.
A Trade Route has been established between House Thulun and Clan Moklumnue. The route mainly focuses on the path between Thulun and Moklumnue Prime, but it included Northpines as well. Hopefully, this cooperation will serve as an example for the Factions.
On the war front, the Xeno threat is dormant, it seems. We have discovered 4 settled systems, which don't seem to be focusing much on starship construction. Whenever one comes, the fighters can attract it into the asteroid belt surrounding Thulun Prime and fire a righteous missile salvo to blow the abomination into space dust. Water-Fuel well spent, if you ask me.
Fine, i admit it. I already got a taste of it. Couldn't help myself. How can one help himself? The Spice must flow, after all.

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 2.60 AE

Well, the last entry was sort of embarassing, wasn't it? I'm sobber now, but i don't know for how long. 6 new colonies were established, making a grand total of 12 colonized worlds. This rapid expansion is what i intended, and the colony management isn't as bad as i thought it would be. And to celebrate this, Faction Princes, Thulun's elites, cohort representatives from Cadar and Moklumnue merchant companies are gathering in the newly built Templar Command Orbital station, in orbit of Cadar Prime, for a feast. Spice, girls, vudka, you name it. Want to ingest some xeno biology and praise the Xeno gods? I bet the smugglers managed to get some in there too. Not even joking, i'm sending 2 battleforces just in case.
Those upper class folks really know how to party. Eric and Anna seem eager for a good time, and i could appreciate some as well. Ellia, on the other hand, seems more interesred in taking his crew and the Beacon off to scout some unsettled planets within Northpines' solar system. For all that it is worth, he's professional to the end.
Jenniqua and I are going together. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that's unprofessional, and that the Princes will take offense to seeing the Templar Leader of the Quadrant with his Faction embassador. First of all, you have no idea how their minds work: they are too busy thinking about politics, Spice and their consuls trying to assassinate them to even notice. Second of all, taking your secretary to a party is the most professional thing you could ever do as a Templar. I don't know how you could possibly argue otherwise.
On the technological level, Ellia and Faction scholars have decided to stop after researching level 2 Trade Exchanges and are now focusing on starship construction. Namely, some better weaponry for figthers. The spice dens will provide some extra "information" that should speed up the process.
On the war front, the Xenos tried to mass a fleet near the new colonies. There was a World Eater among the warships, and the populace rioted when Star Trader captains spread the news, but thankfully the Void Stalker and 2 fighters were in place to prevent the worst. They managed to destroy it and the enemy vessels, and repair rather quickly.
In conclusion, things are looking good in the Quadrant today. It...doesn't feel right, does it?

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 2.70 AE

Things have been difficult within the Templar Order. The Empire is prospering, but we are not. Our numbers are decreasing with every passing day, and with a fleet of 5 ships, it is hard to be everywhere at once. I have decided to order the construction of 2 new fighter vessels once the weaponry designs have been replicated by Ellia and his team. Meanwhile, i need to find a skilled pilot and a crew to operate it.
I didn't think it would have to come to this, but i am open to Star Trader captains and crews who wish to support us and enter the Order. Many of my closest officers within the Order frown st the notion of people without the Zendu bloodline serving with the Templar, but we have no choice. It is imperative that we increase our numbers and fast.
Informants within the colonies have gathered intel on Faction affairs, as is their job, and the newest reports are disturbing. Several incidents of pirate crews sneaking into the Exchanges, with goods probably stolen from legitimate merchants. The Event Horizon has already investigated several debris left behing by ships, attacked by Faction privateers. The numbers don't lie: there's a Trade War going on between Clan Moklumnue and Cadar Syndicate.
A Trade War is legal under Shalun law. Factions encourage and even fund pirates to attack merchants who contract with the enemy Faction. This is extremely damanging to colony maintenance and trade routes. As the Faction embassador of Templar Command, Jenniqua is worried that she and her diplomats cannot resolve this conflict, at least not before it has devastating effects on our funds.
This initiative must be replaced with cooperative trade and military alliances. The Xeno are enough of a threat as it is, and the last thing we need is to fall prey to petty politics and cultural splits between the stellar nations of the Empire. If we are to stand our ground, this Trade War, and any other conflict that rises, must be stopped.
I should have known it was all a hoax. The "fun" we were having at the gathering in Templar Orbital Station. Deep down, i knew it was all a clever distraction. Something the elites put together to defend their interests. A shame, really. For a moment there, i truly believed they had put aside their differences. I always fail to underestimate the corrupt, manipulative nature of mankind.
Tomas of Moklumnue, signing off...

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 2.80

The research tree into fighter weaponry is complete. The 3 fighters will be refitted with Vm Whirlwind guns as soon as possible on Cadar Prime, and i am ordering the assembly of 2 boarding vessels to assist our fight against the Xeno. They will be crucial.
Ellia also devoted time to the completion of Space Colonization technology, and allowed colony ships to be equipped with superior colony modules to deploy a higher tier Staport when settling a system. A new wave of colony ships was built, and now the Empires spreads across 15 worlds, 2 of which, settled by Cadar Syndicate, are far too close to Xeno space for my linking...
Both Jenniqua and I have workdd around the clock to put an end to the Spy War. Our efforts, so far, have been futile. However, our informants within the Factions have unearthed the reasons for this conflict.
Moklumnue Trading Core, the Clan's most prosperous colony after Moklumnue Prime, contains an ancient crash site. It was well hidden by Prince Thalmus, whose FDF were quick to establish a perimeter around it. It is...
A Narvidian Ship. We already suspected the Narvidians had been present withih the Quadrant. Their Hive Minds are incorporated into the warships. One must have crashed Shalun knows how many centuries ago. Cadar uncovered this before us, and the rumours will soon creak out across the colonies. I can already sense the mass riotings. Whatever technology is there, we must possess it or destroy it. If FTL communications equipment has been recovered by Moklumnue...

[Tomas of Moklumnue]

Star Date 2.85 AE

We had confronted Prince Thalmus with the evidence. He seemed to panic for a second, but his surprised vanished as soon as i spoke. I felt several eyes across the Palace looking at me, judging me. My battleforce and I held on to our weaponry, ready for the worst. But Thalmus allowed it to go smoothly. Tried to assure me such lies spread by Cadar Syndicate were only a vicious sabotage attempt.
After a short trip on the Spear Cutter, we left low-orbit and descended on the other hemisphere of Moklumnue Prime. The nearest population center at about 45 km west. The place was desert. I knew for a fact Thalmus commanded his troops to disperse while we reached our destination. Our sources had captured footage from high orbit that denounced Moklumnue Prime's FDF involvement. But that was a moment for another time. I had to focus.
I stood with my battleforce, total of 3 separate squads, at the edge of the massive crater. The ship's blue hull was torn in half, its Void engine visible from the outside. We descended into the crater and entered through the massive crack. The interior, exposed to centuries of erosion, was tearing itself apart, the superstructure barely holding itself together, and the subtle, yet existing, vegetation of the planet slowly conquers its interior. Our Scouts advance deeper into the vessel, investigating for salvage. Our engineer, Ellia and I lead the rest into the ship's Core.
The Hive Mind was...disturbing. I've seen such beings only through the eyes of my lineage. The giant worm-like cibernetic beast, fused with the ship's hull. It was inactive, severely damaged...but functional, apparently. The engineer advances, and we cover him. The Nuclear Reactors are just ahead, and to our great surprised, they look mostly unharmed. The vegetation didn't reach this part of the ship yet. Activating the reactors, even if possible, would be dangerous. If the Narvidian Hive Mind was still functional, the ship's remains would come alive and attack us. Instead, we continue to investigate for anything of value...nothing. Were we too late?
Could it be that Moklumnue had already retrieved something once we arrived? Could they ever be so foolish as to make use of banned technology? The Factions always look out for themselves, but they know the risks. Hopefully, there is still a chance to resolve this without blood being spilled.
Tomas of Moklumnue, signing off.