Snake People of the Mambani-History of a Galactic Civilisation (from someone who was there)

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Hi guys I am playing on v1.31 with Gigantic Map, occasional habitable planets, frequent anomalies and all races (less the rather-to me-irrelevent Archeans) set on intelligent. The general difficulty is 'Challenging'

Background: My race are the Mambani-a distant but seperated offshoot of humanity (arent there many?) who started with bonuses in economics, trade, diplomacy and loyalty. My plan is to really go for a strong economy (Galactic Stock exchanges backed up by massive trade)and see whether that will then provide a suitable power base for a diplomatic victory (always my preferred type)or failing that an influence victory. I will update the story in pretty much real time: here goes......



September 2228

I was the 3rd Mambaman to be named Senats'sos and to be given the weighty responsibility to lead our people, as many Mambamen had led over the centuries ever since the great Ruction from our ancestors. Some say the Terrans were our ancestors, others the Altarians and until recently it had not really mattered as they had been like some distant dream steeped in myth, but in the year 2175 all that had changed with the human discovery of Hyperdrive technology. The secret that was not a secret was soon scattered across the galaxies like sand and thus it was only a matter of time before the loneliness and vastness of space were diminished greatly and the fraternity of races came together.

I lead the Federalist Party upon my homeworld of Mamba-a party that is given to the pursuit of a strong economy above all else-a party until recently that was insular and wholly concerned with matters to do with only our world.

in Jan 2225 all that changed. We were ready to spread our wings at last and expand across the far reaches of space. A Colony ship packed full of half a million intrepid colonists was our lowly beginning-that and a resourceful survey ship whose mission was to go out and explore. I remember clearly the nay-sayers and the dissenters who tried to tell me this new policy of expansion at all costs backed by our carefully amassed treasury of 5000bc would be the ruin of our great race and I remember holding the line, I remember hushed talks with councillors within my party, persuasion and coercion even threats to keep them all on board.

We had quickly expanded, colonising our 5 new planets: Adder a class 9 world, Asp (4), Anaconda (12), Cobra (10) and Python (10). And whilst our economy groaned under the weight of the upkeep of these new planets and colonies I kept our taxes low to promote growth and prayed that the brilliant young Captain that I had personally picked to command our Flagship, Per Thuisi, would deliver. And deliver he did: whenever our Financiers were on the verge of calling a halt to my mad adventure he would bring in the goods-usually artefacts and old ships wrecks worth billions of credits.

We had survived and not only survived but thrived too and within 3 years our shiny new galactic stock exchanges were the powerhouses of the Mambani economy. We had established no fewer than 7 Trade routes too, 4 to the powerful but peaceable Iconian Refuge, our nearest neighbours, 2 to the war-hungry Drengin and 1 to the erstwhile Iconian Robot-slaves of the Yor Collective.

And now we had a fleet to keep hungry predators at bay- a fleet of 21 Striker snub fighters with new Corvette class Heavy Strikers just commissioned at the shipyards. With Per Thuisi commanding the Mambani Fleet I felt we were in good hands. And so on that balmy September afternoon I had every reason to be very pleased with myself as I looked out from my office Balcony at the thriving metropolis that was Mamba Prime, economic and political capitol of our race-this push for colonisation had made me a very powerful man indeed and I, or rather my party with me at its head, now held Imperial sway over all the 5 colonies. I allowed myself to wallow in my achievements as a smug smile played over my lips...

I was interrupted by my private secretary announcing that I had a visitor, none other than Councillor Fwag'had Perol of the War Party no less. My smile faded to be replaced by a frown of irritation. Now what?

I moved across my cavernous and darkeened office with hand outstretched and smile fixed

'Fwag how pleasing to see you here. You come unnanounced though-is there something wrong?'

Perol shuffled and oozed towards me, the sun's heat obviously caused him discomfort so it was as well that my office sunblinds were activated and the office cool.

'Nothing Senats'sos' he bowed low-decorum was still to be observed even though I was pretty sure that this particularly odious specimen had, many times, tried to plot my downfall. He knew and I knew that if I could ever pin anything on him his life would be cut short at the wave of my hand....

'I want to talk to you about the possibility of War sir'

'War? Indeed Fwag'had?' How predictable I thought-doubtless yet another attempt to get me to take on the rapacious and savage Drengin empire many parcecs to our 12 O'Clock on the clock face and all mixed up with land grabs by the Yor Collective and the Iconian Refuge-it had not yet come to war...but it would and we were best left well out of it was the view that I took.

'You mean with the Drengin I presume?' I motioned for cool drinks to be brought.

Perol wheezed and panted as he took his in one paw 'No no Senats'sos you misread me'-his moistened claw clamped itself around my arm and he ushered me over to the rising holographic Map table that had just been activated.

'See we are at the centre and rear of the Galaxy as we see it with the Iconian Refuge main worlds 3 to 4 parsecs to our 9 O'Clock and their colonies stretching round to our 11 O'Clock.'

'Yes I see that'

'And as we know we have an interesting land grab by the Iconians, the Drengins and the Yor 5 parsecs to our 12 O'Clock with the main Drengin Homeworlds not far beyond leading to what must become conflict-yes? Perol licked his lips at the thought. I felt the bile rising...

'Your point Perol?' I dropped the niceties-this creature was seriously ruining my good day.

'The Yor, the Yor-they are involved in the land grab to our 12 and they have their homeworld behind us at our 3-many parsecs from the land grab. Their colonies are seperate sir-do you not see....?'

Finally I was beginning to see what he was getting at-it was an opportunity: with their main worlds Iconia and Iconia V behind us the Yor were seriously disconnected from their 3 colonies to our 12-if we did nothing they would likely deem us a threat in the near future and attack or they would want to connect the 2-either way the situation was fraught with danger. Our spies on Iconia told us that their fighters and heavy fighters were mainly equipped with Beam and missile technology, counters to both of which we had been researching thanks to Perol's party's urgings (they did have their uses these warmongers I thought). We had been crafty and on my orders had been researching Mass Driver Technologies for just such eventualities.

I inclined my head and seats materialised. I would give him my time

'Tell me in detail your plan Fwag'had Perol-where do we stand versus their military?'.......

To be continued
aars
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Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks Ljubavi-any comments positive or negative appreciated   
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I hope that people are reading this...I will plough on for the moment anyway....
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I hope that people are reading this


i know i am! keep it up!

i love reading these things... makes me want to call out of work and play GC2!
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
That is very good to hear my Drewbage-bear with me-I am trying to post the next installment (since last night) but have hit some sort of a technical snag....
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Hi there-just checking to see whether the problem is word……
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
22nd September 2229

The Senats'sos Private Chambers, Mamba Prime

My manservant, Gad Citep'Merd, was an attentive, attractive lad who had become much more than a servant in the months and years that followed my being called to the post of Senats'sos. He was cast out from his nest and I took him in. It always makes me wonder how kindred souls find each other. From whatever walk of life-high aristocracy to outcast-they find each other...

I had become obsessed this last year since that 'talk' with Perol, my focus was my energy and whilst I was energised our great race continued to make strides. Under Per Thuisi, now an Admiral, our Navy was thriving: our fleet now consisting of a mix of Striker Mk 3 snub class 3-crew fighters and the heavier Corvette Class Heavy Strikers, which were equipped with 3 rail guns, deflector shields with 30 crew. Per was to submit to me further design plans later today. I perused our tiny sector of the galaxy on the holographic map: 12 Square parsecs, 6 planets and so much of my energy.....
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Gad, my manservant-or was that my confidante-interrupted my musings:

'Senats'sos you should prepare-there is the ceremony to attend in the Senate-we only have an hour to get you ready' He smiled up at me-there was devotion in there, affection and something else?

'It was a great thing that you did My Lord putting our great race onto a path to Democracy-the people love you. All of them from Tiny Asp to mighty Python and especially here-they adore you'

I scanned the young man's pretty face for signs of guile and deceit-it always made me slightly uncomfortable when people talked of the adulation that I was held in. But the discomfort was accompanied by a frisson of pleasure-someting within me was greatly stimulated by this love of the people. And Gad was right: it had been a masterstroke ordering my Political Scientists to research Interstellar Governments in order to democratise our planets. Whilst Imperial rule had its uses in the early part of our civilisation's story democracy brought with it greater economic potency and naturally greater loyalty from the people.

'Come then Gad Citep'Merd' I declared grandly, a smile playing across my lips-my arms outsretched as if I was going to address the senate itself; 'Clothe me!'

This brought out a fit of giggles from both of us, which was a good preamble to the hour it was going to take Gad to dress me in my great robes of office and adorn me with the massive snake of the Mambani-an enormous, but good natured, Black Mamba snake-a weighty reminder of the burden of leadership and a symbol of our ancient heritage.

That afternoon had been essentially a Triumph and a procession through the cheering crowds to the Senate itself and up the Great Hall towards the Dais and the Revered Shall'su who had formally declared me the winner of the election that I had called myself a few weeks ago after the declaration-we had beaten the war Party in particular into submission amassing 75 planetry senate seats in the 100 strong Senate and giving us an overall majority and license to govern as we wished-at least while the people were with us.

As the Chamber finally cleared, many hours of congratulations and back-slapping later, I called the Deputy Senats'sos, H'taeh Sinamtrab to me:

'H'taeh I want you to summon Admiral Per Thuisi to my private Office...and be discrete'

'Yes My Lord' he said, bowing low as he left to do my bidding. There was no need for all this formality any more, I thought, but old habits, it would seem, died hard in some.


Senats'sos Private Office of State, Mamba Prime

Gad ushered Admiral Per Thuisi into my spacious and elegant private office of State and left to instruct my personal bodyguard as to my movements for the rest of the evening.

'Admiral Per Thuisi' I declared

'Senats'sos Mambani the 3rd' he replied as we solemnly observed the correct and formal greetings but as Per bowed low I caught him up and gave him a bear hug-we were very close: Per and I were deeply in each others debt after all.

'Come Per let us sit' the holographic map of the galaxy was already matrialising in front of us as the lights dimmed.

'You see the map, Per, and half a parsec to our 3 O'Clock the fleet that is assembling there on my direct orders?'

'Of course Senats'sos-I have been exepecting you to provide some answers as to why in due course'

'And provide them I will. What do you know of the ancient Terran myth of the pre-emptive attack on the Pearl Harbour?'

'I believe that I have read about it in Terran Myths and Legends old friend-what of it?'

'1 year from now Per we will wage Pre-emptive war against the Yor...' I watched his face for reaction. If there was any he was good at hiding it-his face was an inscrutable mask.

'The Yor Collective, an inhuman race of sentient andriods utterly implacable to the ways of Organic races and opposed to all we stand for. If there homeworld was on the other side of the galaxy it would bother me not at all: they would be welcome to inhabit whatever hell the Drengin reside in-as it is they are right behind us like a knife pointed at our backs.

Per exhaled softly 'Our relations with them are good at present my Lord'

'They are indeed Per but for how much longer-we will soon be aligning ourselves as a race for good-'

This did bring a reaction from Per-he blinked. Our racial ethos was essentially neutral and that was certainly how we had been progressing but I was prepared to pay the 2000bc it would require to re-align ourselves once our Political Scientists had finished researching Xeno ethics in a few months time.

'It is a simple matter of expedience Per-the power brokers for the next few years are going to be the Iconian Refuge and the Torians both leaning towards good-they could become key allies and they are much closer to us than the neutral Archeans, who are too far from our sphere of influence to be of us.'

I highlighed the Yor Homeworld: 'I believe you have some designs for me: the question is Per how many ships do you need and when can you strike........?
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
B]8 March 2231, The Great Floor of the Senate, Mamba Prime[/B]

Pandemonium. I tried to clear my head and focus on what I needed to say. There was a rising clamour from the assembled Senators-some in hysterics, I noted. I observed too that many in my own party had crossed the floor to show their solidarity with the Opposition. The Revered Shall'su was trying her hardest to make herself heard and quiet the baying mob.

How had it come to this in just 18 months? My grand plans stood on the edge of the abyss, close to ruin and yesterday came the news that had sent icy tentacles of fear clutching at my heart: I became short of breath every time I replayed the Vidcom message from the Drengin Leader, Lord Kona. How had it gone?

'You are worthless scum and now you must die-we declare war!' It had appeared to come out of the blue but, in truth, I knew that there was a good chance that this would happen. I had known for some time in fact-I had just not wanted to believe the reports that told of a distinct cooling of relations ever since we initiated our dirty little planet grab against the Yor Collective. Councillors and Advisors were sent scurrying from my office in the most perfunctory manner.

All had gone exactly according to plan that Autumn and winter of 2229 and the Torians had obligingly played into my hands by, themselves, declaring war against the Yor Collective in November. It was around the time of my birthday as I remember so it had been the best present I had received in many cycles I had joked with Gad. We formally aligned ourselves as a good race on the 1st December in a spectacular ceremony that was duplicated simultaneously on all 5 Colonies. It had been a fitting reminder to all who had doubted the rectitude of that path.

It had taken Per another 9 months to assemble the requisite forces and for me to ensure that our other Naval Commanders were ready to defend our other borders particularly at 12 from Yor incursions. 12 months of fretting and worrying-I was not a pleasant person to be around I have subsequently discovered from Gad-too intent on micro-managing my Commanders and too keen on worrying and obsessing like an old man.

After a vote in the Senate that was a formality we declared war on the 22nd September 2230 on the flimsy pretext of a dispute over 1 of our freighter routes-it was not a reason for war but war it was all the same. Admiral Per had done his homework and had hid his Task Force of Rattler Missile Boats and Heavy Strikers, protected by a screen of Strikers on the edge of the galaxy-they were there for almost a year without being spotted.


Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Refuge also declared war: no lovers of their erstwhile slaves they. The Yor were now fighting on 3 fronts. Our early battles went according to plan with our Star Navy quickly overpowering the enemy fleet in orbit around their home planet-with no orbital defenses Per's fleet was able to take them piecemeal with our lighter armed craft. The only setback was the stunning loss of our planet Anaconda and the passing into the Endless sky of almost 12 billion of our brethren. Many on Mamba wailed and poured their grief to the stars-many had relatives on that Colony. I had ordered 3 days of Mokra and had donned the Black of mourning myself but all the time I was in close consort with Commodore Y'dna Eprah's the promising replacement for the cretinous Deputy Admiral of the Fleet who had allowed 1 Yor Transport and its escort to sneak around our defenses and take Anaconda. Anaconda was retaken by our fleet on the 8th December.

So where had it all gone wrong, I asked myself, as I shut out the howls and screams in the Great Chamber? The 1st was our failure to take Iconia on the 1st assault-3000 Legions had gone into action on the Class 12 planet and it had been close but we were repulsed. I was told that Per had almost assaulted the Ground Commander on hearing of the failure. I was more sanguine and calmly ordered the construction of many more Transports.

4 Months later more good news: weeks of diplomacy had revealed that the Terrans favoured us above all others on account of their belief in what we called the Great Ruction. I had ordered a Treaty of Alliance signed with their Leader Alan Bradley-the Architect of Earth's current fortunes. And besides, there was the fact that the Terran main worlds were closely mixed in with those of the Drengin-too far for our furthest ranging scouts but this might provide a useful boon if the Drengins turned on us......

How prescient these thoughts were to be. One evening, as I relaxed in my favourite Spa, I was interrupted by a white-faced and shaking Gad:

'What is it lad' I said ,concerned 'Speak up!'

'My Lord-a transmission from Admiral Thuisi-its-its not good....'Gad's voice trailed off.

I snatched the Holo-link from his trembling hand and switched it on. It was an intermittent and urgent message that detailed how the Iconian Refuge was sending a mighty Fleet to Iconia and Iconia V backed up by many warships: they fully intended to retake the worlds from which they were so unceremoniously ejected so long ago. And now the folly of not taking the Yor's worlds at the 1st time of asking hit me: it was a race between the 2nd Task force I had despatched from Mamba of 4 Transports and Rattler escorts and the Iconian Fleets....but the Iconian Fleets were much closer by both mine and Per's reckonings: it was a race we could only lose. It was the end of the transmission, however, that gave me real pause. The message became very jumbled at its close but it was some sort of warning about the Drengin-Per had extracted information from captured Yor crew by introducing clever viruses into their operating systems.

I had not had time to ponder the import of this as Lord Kona's message had been beamed into the Senate House the very next day and so here we were: pandemonium.

Reply #12 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Authors Note: the top of the above post should read:

"A few weeks later I was being praised for my prescience when the Powerful Iconian..."
Reply #13 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
'Hear me Senate!' I cried in my most stentorian voice and raised both arms to the heavens as if in supplication, holding them there. This had the desired effect and slowly but surely the chamber quieted.

I lowered my arms and composed myself,

'Yes it is a setback, and yes we are now in the fight of our lives but what do you think our forefathers would think if they could see you all wailing and crying like What'haaks?' I let the insult sink in,

'You dismay me-all of you' I continued ' Do you think for 1 second that such behaviour will not make the likes of Lord Kona vow to make the most miserable ends of all of you, your mates, your prodigy?' My strength was returning feeding on the anger that now swelled inside me,

'I dont know if any of you have the "Matok" to act as Mambani but I shall tell you what I shall do. I will firstly commend Alan Bradley of Earth for honouring the Alliance with us-it may be that Terran attacks many parsecs to our North will keep the brunt of the Drengin fleet from attacking us.' Many of the Senators had now composed themselves and looked ashamed of their recent behaviour.

'Secoondly I will recall our great Admiral Per Thuisi and his Fleet from Iconia-let the Iconian refuge have their worlds back-we act to defend our homeworld and its' 5 Colonies!' There were now murmurings of approval and nods,

'Third I will sit down with our finest ship designers and commission a fleet that is ready to take on the much-vaunted Drengin navy on their own terms-we have a mighty treasury, Senators, and a still powerful economy do we not?' Senators were now cheering and stamping their feet: how easy it was to turn them I thought wearily.

'One thing I will never do is surrender like you people have just done! My conscience will not allow it, my heritage will not allow it, The Senate will not allow it and the Mambani race will not allow it!' The Chamber erupted, the cacophony of sound was more akin to some marvellous boon being announced than the possibility of our annihilation but it was a good sound nonetheless....it was the sound of defiance.
Reply #14 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
haha, the last post makes me think of the matrix when the machines are coming for them, and morpheus gives his speech in the caves

cant wait to see how this one turns out!
Reply #15 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
thanks Drew-will post the next installment soon   
Reply #16 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
B]1st May 2231 The Imperial Situation Chamber-Mamba Prime[/B]

The grim, silent procession I led down cavernous tunnels , shuffled towards a pin-prick of light at the far end of the darkness. My Guards moved smoothly in front of me as we approached the great doors of the Situation Room and the 2 Ceremonials stationed there. They came to attention as they recognised who we were, the great snakes around their shoulders hissing and coiling as if in greeting:

'Who seeks knowledge from the Chamber of Secrets?' was the traditional shout of challenge.

I cleared my throat and roared 'It is I Mambaman, The Third of that name-Mighty Senats'sos and leader of the Snake People of the Mambani! I seek knowledge from the Chamber within!'

With a protesting groan the doors swung open to reveal a room full of dazzling light-and modern equipment-readouts, sensors, Monitors-everywhere. And all around were people scurrying around: the place was a hive of activity. All of which activity came to an immediate halt when I entered, heads craned round to stare and all, I noted with satisfaction, stiffened to attention.

'Back to your posts people.' I said as my eyes sought out our Supreme Commander Grand Admiral Per Thuisi.

'Senats'sos!' a cry from across the flashing data banks and there he was. I signalled to Gad to dispose of my entourage: I was in good hands now. I moved to the Master Console: a gigantic holographic projection that also integrated information on our fleets and planetary status.


Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It had been a grim war so far and the strain of fighting a rearguard action against the rapacious Drengin was clearly starting to show on the Admiral's features. I would have been concerned for my friend if I wasn't so exhausted myself. These days snatching 1 or 2 hours sleep between alerts and our hurried journeys down the snake tunnels to the Situation Chamber, was all that any of us could do.

On the Political front I had tried everything: we had increased our military production, bought many of our new space fighter outright : The Tiger Snake, a Heavy Corvette Class ship that may (in numbers) match the Capital Ships-mainly Frigates, that the Drengins had unleashed upon us. I had ordered our financiers to empty our once proud treasury-now was not the time for frugality-not when our survival depended on it.

The phony war that lasted a few weeks mainly concerned the Drengin battle fleets maneuvring many parsecs to our 12. They quickly took out our deep scouts and then a Battle Group shifted out to our 9 O'Clock making for the Cultural Space Stations that I had ordered built in Iconian Space. Full of tourists and artefacts taking our culture to the stars, these were no threat at all to the Drengin but they were ruthlessly despatched nonetheless. By this time we knew the nature of the forces arrayed against us. The Drengins had massed a vasty armada of 4 fleets of Frigates and Battleships and all were making for Mambani territorial space. I remember when the assembled company of the Situation Room had 1st looked upon the reality that now faced us-the reality that I had led us into-the pallor of death was everywhere.....
Reply #18 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
1st May 2231 The Imperial Situation Chamber-Mamba Prime

The grim, silent procession I led down cavernous tunnels , shuffled towards a pin-prick of light at the far end of the darkness. My Guards moved smoothly in front of me as we approached the great doors of the Situation Room and the 2 Ceremonials stationed there. They came to attention as they recognised who we were, the great snakes around their shoulders hissing and coiling as if in greeting:

'Who seeks knowledge from the Chamber of Secrets?' was the traditional shout of challenge.

I cleared my throat and roared 'It is I Mambaman, The Third of that name-Mighty Senats'sos and leader of the Snake People of the Mambani! I seek knowledge from the Chamber within!'

With a protesting groan the doors swung open to reveal a room full of dazzling light-and modern equipment-readouts, sensors, Monitors-everywhere. And all around were people scurrying around: the place was a hive of activity. All of which activity came to an immediate halt when I entered, heads craned round to stare and all, I noted with satisfaction, stiffened to attention.

'Back to your posts people.' I said as my eyes sought out our Supreme Commander Grand Admiral Per Thuisi.

'Senats'sos!' a cry from across the flashing data banks and there he was. I signalled to Gad to dispose of my entourage: I was in good hands now. I moved to the Master Console: a gigantic holographic projection that also integrated information on our fleets and planetary status.



It had been a grim war so far and the strain of fighting a rearguard action against the rapacious Drengin was clearly starting to show on the Admiral's features. I would have been concerned for my friend if I wasn't so exhausted myself. These days snatching 1 or 2 hours sleep between alerts and our hurried journeys down the snake tunnels to the Situation Chamber, was all that any of us could do.

On the Political front I had tried everything: we had increased our military production, bought many of our new space fighter outright : The Tiger Snake, a Heavy Corvette Class ship that may (in numbers) match the Capital Ships-mainly Frigates, that the Drengins had unleashed upon us. I had ordered our financiers to empty our once proud treasury-now was not the time for frugality-not when our survival depended on it.

The phony war that lasted a few weeks mainly concerned the Drengin battle fleets maneuvring many parsecs to our 12. They quickly took out our deep scouts and then a Battle Group shifted out to our 9 O'Clock making for the Cultural Space Stations that I had ordered built in Iconian Space. Full of tourists and artefacts taking our culture to the stars, these were no threat at all to the Drengin but they were ruthlessly despatched nonetheless. By this time we knew the nature of the forces arrayed against us. The Drengins had massed a vasty armada of 4 fleets of Frigates and Battleships and all were making for Mambani territorial space. I remember when the assembled company of the Situation Room had 1st looked upon the reality that now faced us-the reality that I had led us into-the pallor of death was everywhere.....
Reply #19 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
'My Lord' Per Thuisi interrupted my musings 'My Lord have you heard what I have been saying?'

I looked up and shook my head sheepishly-I smiled: a tired smile that barely reached my eyes. 'Forgive me Admiral-please continue'

Per Thuisi indicated the map with his laser pointer, 'We have no less than 3 Drengin Battle Groups operating within Mambani Space-there are 2 more lining up 3 parsecs to our 12-they have been picked up by the new scout screen that deployed last week.' Per pressed a button on his pointer. 'Ranged against them you see our forces in purple.'

We had 5 Battle Fleets made up mainly of light space craft: Rattlers, Strikers and the Corvette Class Heavy Strikers. It was taking too long to get out our Heavier Tiger Snakes but even these would be no match for their massed capitol ships though we hadnt yet seen them in action. 1 thing was for sure so far our actions to slow the inexorable drive towards our home planets of the Drengin Fleets had been met with abject failure:

Reply #20 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
'Senats'sos and Commanders we have been brought here tonight to witness the 1st battle between our new force of Medium Class Tiger Snakes and the Drengin Fleet. I have managed to assemble a force of 6 Tigers under the command of Lieutenant Commander Saaf L'okol and I am vectoring them in on the Drengin Battle Group currently menacing our planet Python here.'

We studied the map intensely-the coming battle would give us some indication of whether the Drengins could be slowed for long enough to try and drag one of our moer powerful neighbours into the war. Already we had had words of solidarity from The Iconian Refuge and the Drath Alliance many parsecs to our 10: both races had even offered fighting ships to our desperate diplomats: I needed the whole race in on our side I had raged to my returning emissaries: a couple of insignificant fighters on the other side of the galaxy was of no use to me whatsoever!

Over the main intercom a booming voice announced: 'we have contact with the Battle Commander! Greetings Commander L'okol-what is your status'

The crackle of static 'All systems are nominal-we are on intercept course for Drengin Fleet. The men are...the men are resolute Admiral.'

Resolute indeed I thought-the fleet that our Tigers were to attack had 1 heavily damaged Battleship and 2 Frigates in it. It was more likely to be an even contest but it could as easily be a suicide mission I thought grimly. Unfortunately our Terran Allies were faring no better in their war 7 parsecs to our 1 O'clock and were, themselves, now battling for survival. What a sorry pass this was Alan Bradley had said to me on our last Comlink before the phoney war had ended-the architects of Hyper-space forced to scrap for survival....

'We have them in visual-we're going in!' My heart stopped and I and all in the room offered up silent prayers to the maker for the 200 odd crew that made up our attack fleet. We gathered around the battle Holographic to watch in real time how the fight was faring through ingenious transponder devices fitted to each craft. Our craft were quicker and thus able to manoeuvre around the slower Drengin Capitol ships striking again and again at them with long bursts of their Rail guns. The translucent shields that lit up when hit by the heavy plasma weapons from the Drengin Craft lent the whole scene an air of ethereal beauty-yes it was beautiful I thought like some childhood dream. Tears rolled down my cheeks-I made no attempt to stop them. Others were as moved, I noted by this heroic stand against our enemy.

'All craft concentrate your fire on the Battleship!'

'Shields are failing Comm-!'

'Alpha 21 this is Zero-swing under the Frigate-join me at their 4 O'Clock!'

'Roger thatwatch yourself! Watch yourself!'

It was an epic but we were losing-I noted the displays that showed clearly that our shields were failing faster than their armour. And then a mighty explosion as their Battleship exploded in a lingering, dazzling blast. At last a victory-however small-to be savoured. There was cheering all around as the Chamber erupted.

'Quiet quiet!' Per was gesticulating wildly 'Look at the screens! Look-our Fleet is....done for!'

We turned to look-even I had allowed myself to get caught up in the moment but that 1 small victory had masked the grim truth: 5 minutes later with a defiant explosion Commander L'okol's craft was lost....silence.

We had our answer-all that was left was diplomacy or surrender......
Reply #21 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
December 2245 New Iconia

Festivity, gaiety and merriment so unusual for this race was nonetheless all around. I suppose that I should celebrate the destruction of the Evil Drengin Empire by our Guardians, The Iconian Refuge, but in truth all I feel is empty inside. Yes, I have Gad: we have made something of a home for ourselves here on New Iconia: cosseted by the never-ending generosity of our hosts. And yes I have some standing here but how can any of that fill the space that is left by the loss of our great worlds and assimilation into the Iconian Race. Not many of us survive-our 2 races are too different to co-exist. Maybe a few million of us remain, scattered across the stars.

I miss Per Thuisi...he went down with his Flagship in the final battle. But I am getting ahead of myself. How did it come to pass like this I hear you say? I will conclude this story and then ask you to let me alone to my thoughts and to my sorrow.

By September of 2231 we were finished; our fleets were destroyed and there were now no less than 5 Drengin Battle Fleets ranging across our systems-many of them including the nigh on invincible Battleships. And then the news that was like a hammer blow to us all: Alan Bradley and the Terran Alliance had sued for peace with Lord Kona. I recall addressing the Senate for what I thought would be the last time. Trying to get across that we were done for; there would be no rescue from either the Iconians or the Drath-our last slim hope was to also sue for peace and hope that fighting a war on 2 fronts had sufficiently weakened the Drengins that his Imperial Prince-Highness Lord Kona would accept.

Much to everyone's astonishment the Drengin Emissary had not brought back terms of surrender but acceptance-it had been our last gamble and it had paid off. We had had to empty our treasury of 2900bc and hand over many of our technologies-it had wrenched my heart to see the scientists responsible for the discovery of these same techs shipped off in chains to the Drengin homeworld-the fact is I would have sold teh Maker into slavery if I thought it would save us.



Reply #22 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
But had it lasted? Of course not. All 3 races, Terrans, Drengins and ourselves launched into frantic re-armament-it was a desperate race against time and one which I knew, with our decimated economy and scratch Fleet, we would lose. The declaration when it came in April of 2232 came to me like a blessed relief. I had been in a personal hell all of my own as I had prostituted my race to Drengin demands for further payments.

My true shame came not then but later when I had then betrayed The Terrans as the Iconian Refuge declared war on them in December 2231-no we would not honour our alliance I had patiently explained to an apoplectic Alan Bradley.

'See reason Alan, look where the Iconian are and look at the state of our race-the Drengin are massing for war again and you want me to open up a 2nd front against our nearest neighbours-I will not do it!'

'Then may you rot in hell-brother' Alan had signed off: he had not seen the tears coursing down my face as I had turned off the visual.

Our last defence was short-Per Thuisi had opted to go down fighting with his flagship-attacking the mighty Drengin battleships with a fleet of tiny Rattlers. That battle lasted no more than 10 minutes. I hadnt had the heart to watch but I had been told that he had died a hero's death.

And so it was left to me to articulate our 1 final act of defiance and offer our worlds to the Iconian refuge in the teeth of Drengin fury and thus condemn our people to wander the stars- a scattered diaspora forever. And what of me? What final heroic end for Senats'sos Manbaman III? In the end I had been smuggled out of Mamba Prime by my loyal Guard with my ever-faithful Gad, a broken, stooped figure.

And so did my story end: a cautionary tale of how 1 person's vision, a dream for a while can turn to grim nightmare. The Drengin! How could I have not seen the danger-they will haunt me forever more......

THE END

Reply #23 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Postscript:

Well it was basically those pesky Drengin: I was too close to them but had been lulled into a false sense of security in the early part of the game by my superior economy and military and also by the fact that initially they seemed as though they were in fear of me (they were even paying me an unasked for tribute at one stage for god's sake!  )

The 2nd mistake was to concentrate so fully on my economy such that I fell behind in the Arms race-not a problem but for those Drengin

I wasnt helped by Iconian opportunism but I should have guessed that the peace-loving Iconians would eventually want their homeworlds back...

And that's the enduring playability of this game: no 2 games the same and the AI.....Paragon I gotta hand it to you: they are the most human-like AI I have ever played against-bar none!
Reply #25 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
lol-thanks General-i enjoyed writing it-not as good as some of the stories on here but enjoyed it nonetheless