Ambrosia Software Web Board: Ares Chronicles: What Comes After - Chapter 3: Shifting Alliances - Ambrosia Software Web Board

What Comes After

Chapter 3: Shifting Alliances

"Article 19, section 1: Salrilian ships cannot enter Alliance territory without Alliance authorization."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 2: Salrilian ships cannot enter Alliance territory under stealth mode."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 3: Salrilian ships within Alliance territory must be open to inspection by Alliance authorities when we demand such an inspection for whatever reason we see fit."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 4: Salrilian ships must withdraw from Alliance territory at once if ordered to do so by Alliance authorities."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 5: Salrilian ships cannot power up their weapons in Alliance territory regardless of circumstances."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 6: Salrilian ships cannot target any other vessels within Alliance territory."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 7: All cargo carried by Salrilian ships must receive their approval from Alliance authorities before they can be transported into Alliance territory."

"Agreed."

"Article 19, section 8: Salrilian ships..."

Admiral Gray sat, dumbfounded by what he is hearing. Throughout the reading of the peace treaty, the Salrilian representative seldom made any objections at all. In a sense, the Salrilians are being dictated terms from the Alliance and they seem to be swallowing them whole.

It is not that Gray expects the Salrilians to be sincere in abiding by the terms of the treaty. However, the very fact that they made few objections suggests one of only two things: Either the Salrilians have no intention of abiding by any of the terms or that Gray misjudged them. That they decided to jump ship when they saw the sinking of the Cantharan gateship.

Earlier on, the Salrilian representative made the startling suggestion that the Salrilians will be willing to open trade ties with the UNS alone. Although the Minister of Commerce was swayed, he was overruled by the president who insisted that the opening of trade ties must be equal for all Alliance members. Astonishingly, the Salrilians agreed. However, other Alliance members, notably the Elejeetians and the Ishimans, were highly suspicious of Salrilian intentions and blocked the opening of any trade ties at all. As a result, the issue was shelved.

In addition, the Salrilians even recommended the establishment of diplomatic relations. In order to allay Alliance fears of Salrilians using their diplomatic establishments as intelligence gathering posts, they even recommended using a Salrilian station as an international embassy where the representatives of the Alliance and the Salrilians can meet. Although this idea was also rejected by the Alliance, the president of the UNS agreed to allow the Salrilians to establish an embassy with UNS directly. The embassy will be located on a small station in orbit around Jupiter to minimize the possibility of Salrilian infiltration. The embassy will be constructed by the UNS to prevent the Salrilians from installing any special equipment. In addition, the Salrilians agreed that the embassy will be staffed by human guards chosen by the UNS. In return, the Salrilians secretly promised to deliver detailed strategic information on Cantharan defenses at the border.

Not that the UNS intends to place its absolute trust in Salrilian reports. Ishiman scoutships are already on their way to survey Cantharan border star systems, trying to assess their strength and detect any weakness. Alliance frontier with the Salrilians and Audemedons remain vigilantly patrolled.

***

"Well, now that the treaty has been signed, we need to cement and celebrate our new friendship," said the Salrilian minister. "When will the ceremony be held?"

"What ceremony?" asked the Ishiman representative.

"Well, the marriage ceremony of course,"

"What marriage ceremony?" asked the Ishiman representative.

"Well, according to Salrilian traditions, to celebrate a new friendship, there must be a bond of marriage to cement the treaty. The honor typically falls on whoever represents our new allies to sign the treaty itself. In a sense, the treaty is part of their marriage contract."

The Alliance officials looked at each other, shocked into a brief silence.

"You...you never informed us of this," said the Ishiman representative.

"Of course not. It is necessary to maintain secrecy to prevent the other side from finding someone who is not worthy of such a marriage to sign the treaty."

"You can't expect us to abide by that tradition without being informed prior to the signing!" shouted the admiral.

"Are you suggesting that you won't go through the ceremony?" asked the minister.

"Absolutely not," replied the admiral.

"Very well then," said the Salrilian minister. "You can tear up the treaty and I'll go back to my ship and order the war to resume."

"What?"

"Admiral, perhaps you're not aware, but rejecting a daughter representing the Salrilian people is one of the most serious insults you can possibly deliver against us. We are not afraid to die for our honor, either."

The Alliance officials stood at their places, looking at one another. The Ishiman representative cleared his throat.

"Surely we can-"

"No," said the Salrilian minister. "There will be no compromises. You can choose between war or peace."

The Bazidanese delegate, who had been long silent, suddenly interjected:

"Perhaps you can give us an hour to consider this?"

"What is there to consider? Either you agree or you don't."

"Please, give us an hour. You will have your answer then."

The Salrilian minister considered.

"Very well. You'll have that one hour. After all, if it's peace, it will not make a difference. If it's war, it still will not make a difference."

The Bazidanese representative led the Salrilian delegation away but not before casting his fellow Alliance representatives a long and meaningful glance.

***

"Minister, I thought I was well-schooled in the customs of our people. Yet I never knew there was this custom of marriage," whispered an aide as soon as they were alone in the waiting room.

The minister smiled.

"The custom was created by the Steering Committee about 3 weeks ago. It'll be abolished after the marriage ceremony."

"And the history accompanying the custom?"

"It was created at the same time and it will be erased at the same time the custom expires."

"I see."

The aide seemed thoughtful. The minister asked:

"Was I unclear in my explanations? You seem troubled."

"I was just wondering who the bride is."

"Colonel Serith, Commander of the Division of Psychological Warfare, Military Directorate."

The aide nodded.

"I heard of her. I just never met her before."

"Well, it's your loss. A most impressive young woman. If she can complete her mission, and her chances are 97.25%, she'll be promoted to general. Maybe she'll even become the first person from the Division of Psychological Warfare to head the Military Directorate. Director Kreveth's time is coming, you know."

"You seem rather taken with her," the aide smiled.

"She's a very impressive young woman. When the Military Directorate selected her for the job, I read up on her papers and resume. Most impressive. She's one of a handful of people who specializes in 2 fields simultaneously. Her papers on 'trust' and 'division' are rather enlightening."

"Well, maybe I should read them some time."

"You should."

***

The Alliance officials sat down around the table and stared at each other, but mostly at Admiral Gray.

Gray endured everyone's attention for a brief moment before beginning:

"You can't expect me-"

"No one's expecting you to do anything," said the president.

The Alliance officials looked stunned.

"Mr. President," one began. "You can't possibly suggest-"

"I can't speak for your government," interrupted the president. "But I can issue orders to my subordinates. In this case..."

Turning to the admiral, he continued:

"I'll leave it up to you."

The admiral was about to speak but the president cut him off.

"Don't decide yet. Give yourself some time. Don't decide on behalf of other people. You deserve to think for yourself for a change. We fought the war to ensure liberty for our people. I'm not about to let one of our people to be forced into a decision. However you decide, I'm behind you fully."

The president paused for a second before continuing:

"You and I have known each other for some time. I'm not asking you to think for anyone else this time. I'd say that you earned the right to think for yourself."

The president stood up.

"We'll all leave now and let the admiral decide."

A few Alliance diplomats seemed to want to speak to the admiral. But a glance from the president silenced them. One by one, they filed out the conference room.

***

The admiral sat alone in the room for only a short while before ordering his staff to take him back home. He feels more relaxed there. He can think more clearly under a more relaxed setting.

As their shuttle flew across the capital city, the admiral looked out the window.

Everywhere heavy machinery is hard at work. The task of reconstruction is long and arduous. As the admiral's eyes scan the landscape, he frequently notices signs of ruins. Cantharan defense of the city was fierce. The Alliance was nearly compelled to use planetary bombardment. Only vigorous opposition from the president saved the city from total annihilation. Even so, not only did the recapture of the city take a long time and cost numerous lives, but many buildings were damaged or destroyed in the process.

In a few more instants, the shuttle landed softly on a small landing pad right behind the admiral's residence on the hill, one of the few places where Cantharans neglected to establish a position during the battle to retake the city. As a result, the house was completely intact.

The admiral climbed out of the shuttle, nodded to its pilot, and walked slowly across the soft green grass into his residence. On his way, he returned a salute from the guards.

The admiral entered the living room but immediately proceeded to the patio. There he began a methodical survey of the landscape that he was previously observing from the shuttle.

This time, closer to the ground, he can see more details. He can see busy black dots moving back and forth, almost as if reality is being put on fast forward.

Unknowingly, his fingers began to touch the pendant that he chose to hang around his neck.

The cloud cover suddenly broke, just a little, enabling a sharp beam of sun light to radiate from above. He raised his head and saw that glorious sphere.

But also a few other glittering dots. He knew those are Alliance warships, standing on guard. Their crews staring at their stations, waiting for a signal.

***

The Salrilians withdrew. The president made a secret signal and one by one, the guests cleared the room as if a plague had just been uncovered. Soon, the room contains only the admiral and his bride.

"What is your name?"

"Yauchnor Lubek Crimens Serith." [According to Salrilian custom, the first name is the family name, the second name is a gift from the parents, the third name is a gift from the government. The fourth name is chosen by the individual. If the individual is married, the spouse will give another name to be inserted between the third and fifth names.]

"What is your rank?"

"Colonel, commander of the Division of Psychological Warfare, Military Directorate."

Gray reflected on her rank for a while before continuing his interrogation:

"What's your current mission?"

"To provide false information to the highest levels of the Alliance."

"Namely, me."

"That's correct."

Gray can't help but feel surprised at how forthright his adversary is.

"Well, colonel, I don't know how you earned your position but from what I can see, your capacity at lying seems to need a little work."

"How so?"

"I would think that you would not be saying these things to me especially since I'm your target."

"Correct. However, I also happen to be your wife. I'm bound by tradition to relay to you whatever information you desire truthfully."

"Really?"

"That's correct."

"Well, why didn't your Oracular Network anticipate this? And why didn't your peers suspect anything?"

"The network can only predict broad movements of history, not individuals. As for my peers, Salrilians do not spy on one another. We trust each other fully. That trust is what binds our society together."

"But surely someone would've suspected..."

"They trusted me to do my task."

"But you betrayed them."

"No, I followed our tradition."

"Very well then. What is the concentration of Salrilian forces at the border?"

"I am sorry, but my division is under the direct command of Director Kreveth of the Military Directorate. I do not know of our forces at the border."

"What does your division do, exactly?"

"Our division receives the data given to us by the Oracular Network...."

At the mention of the Oracular Net, the Gray's ears pricked up.

"...Then we analyze the data and develop offensive measures toward target species."

"What can you tell me about the Oracular Network?"

"The Oracular Network is composed of numerous supercomputers-"

"How many, exactly?"

"I'm afraid I have no knowledge of that information. That information resides solely with the Oracle Committee."

"What's the Oracle Committee?"

"The Oracle Committee is composed of 9 members. Its mission is to receive the data provided to them by the Salrilian government and transfer that data into the Oracular Network. The network will then analyze such data and present probabilities analyses. Such analyses will then be presented to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will then act on the probabilities."

"What's the Steering Committee?"

"The Salrilian government is composed of 9 separate directorates: Internal Affairs, External Affairs, Intelligence, Military, Treasury, Transportation, Justice, Science, and Resources. Each directorate is headed by a director. The directors form the committee."

Gray considered the information she provided then asked:

"Can you write down everything you know about the Salrilian government, your recent missions, your people and culture in a report?"

"Yes, when would you like such a report?"

"As soon as possible."

"Very well, I will begin drafting such a report immediately. Where will I work?"

Gray smiled.

"The guards will take you to your cell. You will work from there. Understood?"

"Yes."

Gray was about to call the guards when he remembered something:

"Are there any human prisoners-of-war still held by the Salrilians?"

"Yes."

"But your minister-"

"Our minister was lying."

Gray considered for a moment before asking:

"How many?"

"I don't know. I only know that they are property of the Oracular Network and are still undergoing evaluation."

"They are not 'property'!" Gray shouted. He tried to calm down, but with only minor success.

"Remember that."

"I will."

"Where are they being held?"

"I'm afraid-"

"You don't know."

"That's correct.

Gray paused, trying to regain his composure. When he thought he managed to achieve a fair amount of self-control again, he was about to call the guards when he remembered something else:

"Was what your minister said about the marraige custom true? That it's an ancient Salrilian custom used to cement new friendship?"

"No, he was lying."

"Does your government even desire friendship with us?"

"Our government is currently divided. Some of us secretly want peace but they constitute a small portion of our government. The majority of our government want to wait till the Alliance shows some weakness. Then they will exploit that weakness."

"How can we make sure that those of you who want peace with us will gain more credibility?"

"You need to discredit those in power now."

"How do you suggest that we accomplish that?"

"Those in the majority believe that the Alliance is insidious and cannot be trusted. You must give them no cause for suspicion. A show of your strength is also advisable. Repeatedly defeating the Cantharans will definitely help. The majority is still sympathetic towards the Cantharans. However, repeated defeats of their client will weaken their position."

Gray nodded. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought.

Then he called for the guards. They came, and took her to her cell.

***

As soon as the guards departed, Gray went into his room and opened a channel to the president.

"How are you?" asked the president.

"Fine, considering."

"How did your interrogation go."

"She seemed cooperative. But I trust the Cantharans more than I trust the Salrilians."

The president nodded.

"Where is she now?"

"I had the guards escort her to her cell where she will report on everything she knows about her people. I'm not sure how much that report is worth, though, considering that we don't trust her."

"Any bit of information helps. What did she say about Salrilian intentions?"

"She said that her government is divided between the hardliners and those who want peace."

"I see," considered the president. Then the president smiled:

"So, you sent your bride to the prison for the first night?"

Gray was not amused. The president realized that he was wrong to get into such a touchy subject. He coughed to hide his embarassment.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then."

Gray simply nodded. Then the screen went blank.

***

"Progress on the human gateship?" asked one director.

"We are still trying to adapt some of the changes made to their technology that we did not anticipate. However, we estimate that all refinements will be complete within 15 days," answered another director.

"Shouldn't we deliver the Cantharans their gateship soon?" asked a third director. "That ship has been sitting there for years by now. Besides, they would need time to train a crew. The Cantharans are desperate. They are practically begging us to provide them with a gateship because they know theirs will not be complete for years to come."

"No, the schedule must be maintained," answered the first director. "The human gateship must be delivered before the Cantharan gateship. We need to keep the Cantharans weak now. It is also in their best interest."

- htjyang

Ooooohhh! Good one htjyang! Can't wait for the next chapter!

P.S. I don't trust these Salrilians...

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To Escape Velocity: Nova and Beyond!
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Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the [url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html"]EV Chronicles[/url].

Ooh, never ever trust the Salrillians. They're sneaky as a fact of nature.
htjyang, once again, my hat is off to you.

I notice that there just aren't any other stories now. We're all enthralled by the current saga.

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Ne Cede Malis Sed Contra Audientor Ito

Most impressive. Would you be interested in colaborating on further entries?

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Throughout their history these "unenlightened" beings have continually opposed and fought abuses of power wrought by their own bretheren. We, as the prophets would do well to learn from these Humans.
-Final statement of the Salrilian reformist Sirthis shortly before his execution.

Quote

Do you still have my e-mail address? If you do, e-mail me. If not, just post a reply to this thread and I'll e-mail you my e-mail address.

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Dr. Tall to htjyang; "your a communist dictator beholding only to your own prejudicies"
foo12 commented on one of my posts: "I remember watching a "there is no global warming!" documentary---funded by OPEC. Gee... talk about impartiality there."
Dian to htjyang: "You're beginning to sound a bit like Scrooge!"
Zelda to htjyang: "Ishda...you're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.

Again, I must say, you are very good. Hope to see more. You know, a little partnership would be a good idea. You know, feed off each other's ideas. Anyway, looking forward to the next part.

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Ambrosia Software: The only kind of game you really need.

Gotta feel sorry for Admiral Gray. Good work, though. I'm waiting for the next one.

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"I think I have discovered the problem with humans. It is not entirely stupidity, as I once thought. It is their pigheaded and baseless philosophy: "If it isn't me, then it's opinions, feelings, and life do not matter, and it was meant to serve me." They also have this ability for creating excuses that are pointless, but they get others to believe it. A few examples: "It's only some savages. It's only five acres of rain forest. It's only one semi-truck. It's only fifty gallons of toxic waste..." After this realization, I marvelled at how humans, and the rest of the planet, have survived for so very long."
- Me

I, too, would like your email address. In the two days I had off from school today, I created 4 missions to start off the Obish-Gaitori War, and I'd like to discuss a little with you on that.

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-Pallas Athene of Dysian Beta, Obish Consensus Representative
-Nieru Dast, {M}ilitia Aeriane
-Danae Vernius
"Cheaters don't really win, and winners don't really cheat. Unless you're talking politics." -Durandal

I cant wait for the next one. Hurry up htjyang and the moderators!!

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Grand Fleet Admiral Slathkill, Supreme Commander I.M.A. Fleet

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In my opinion, the Gatori were being really badly beat up by the Obish. The only thing that stopped Obain was the Cantharans/Salrilians/Whatever who gave the Gatori supplies, weapons, some ships, etc. If it hadn't been for the Cantharans, or whoever, the Gatori would have easily lost to the Obish.

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To Escape Velocity: Nova and Beyond!
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the [url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html"]EV Chronicles[/url].

Weren't the Gaitori once a major power in the galaxy? I think that was because of industrial strength. The Obish were outnumbered even though they had better tech.

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Ne Cede Malis Sed Contra Audientor Ito

But their better tech definitely, in my opinion, really makes the Obish better than the Gatori. If I can take out a Cantharan Carrier which has tons and tons of escorts, then taking out a Gatori Carrier in an Obish Cruiser would be a soooooo easy. The Gatori, though they may be big, are outweighed by the Obish's extremely good ships and technology IMHO.

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To Escape Velocity: Nova and Beyond!
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the [url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html"]EV Chronicles[/url].

When is Chapter 4 going to be published? It's been quite a while since this part was published....

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To Escape Velocity: Nova and Beyond!
--------------
Millennium. Its coming, prepare for it.
Coming to the [url="http://"http://www.ambrosiaSW.com/games/ev/chronicles.html"]EV Chronicles[/url].

Excellent!

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