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2024-03-29T07:07:45Z
User contributions
MediaWiki 1.23.6
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Capella_class_vessel
Capella class vessel
2024-01-09T15:45:29Z
<p>CrazySpence: left aligned ship image</p>
<hr />
<div>{{nps}}<br />
[[File:A_Valent_Robotics_Capella_2021-08-26_00-03.png|left|thumbnail|A Valent Robotics Capella]]<br />
<br />
The Capella is an enormous ship. It has 17 turrets and currently the only vessel to have a separate docking and launch bay, but both of them function as a docking bay. You can see them in NPC convoys, sometimes even 3 or more per sector. Basically nothing known about it , but it seem to be larger than the [[TPG Constellation Heavy Transport]]. However, this have to be confirmed still.<br />
<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Game Description ==<br />
<br />
== Player Construction ==<br />
As of this time you cannot build a Capella, but expected that you will be able in the future. However, some players currently seem to believe that acquiring double the resources needed for a Trident Type M will leave you close to a Capella.<br />
<br />
== Variants ==<br />
<!-- Luxen doesnt know if the variants for NPCs are different, or how to find out how many points exactly a ship has that he doesnt own --><br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! class="unsortable" width="77" | Variant<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Level<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Armor<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Shield<br />
! width="75" | Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Docking<br />
! class="unsortable" width="120" | Weapons<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Mass<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Length<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Thrust<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Max Speed<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Spin Torque<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Turbo Speed<br />
! class="unsortable" width="65" | Turbo Energy<br />
|-<br />
! Capella class vessel<br />
| Still in testing, not manufacturable or purchaseable<br />
| ? Armour<br />
| ? Unknown Sheilds<br />
| ? cu<br />
| Yes<br />
| ? Large Port, ? Turret Ports<br />
| ? KG<br />
| ? Length<br />
| ?N Thrust<br />
| ? m/s<br />
| ? Spin Torque<br />
| ? Turbo Speed<br />
| ? m/s<br />
|}<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== Additional Images ==<br />
<gallery><br />
we need pictures!<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Behemoth
Behemoth
2024-01-09T15:44:00Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated Behemoth image</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:New Behemoth.png|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Behemoth is yet another win for [[TPG|TPG corporation]]. When you need to move large amounts of cargo, the Behemoth is your ship. With 120 cargo it is double the size of the next best ship for cargo transport, the [[marauder|Marauder]]. Along with the huge cargo holds, it comes equipped with two large ports, which makes it a very good ship for mining large amounts of ore. The XC variant has been stripped down to make room for 200cu, nearly doubling the capacity of the basic variant, at the expense of weapon ports and maneuverability. The Behemoth Heavy Miner Variant allows for additional cargo space and a small port addon whilst sacrificing Armor.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
The Behemoth now also comes equipped with defensive turrets that can be occupied by players. The Behemoth XC does not have this feature to save room for cargo.<br />
<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
<br />
The Behemoth is a very widely used ship, which comes in 5 variants. The Basic Variant has the average amount of cargo space, and is heavily armored. The Aeolus Light Behemoth has the smallest cargo capacity at 80cu but boasts 175m/s turbo speed. The Behemoth Heavy Miner requires Basic Miner II, has a cargo hold of 140cu and has the smallest armor of the Behemoth Range. The Heavy Miner MkII has more cargo hold and also comes with a mineral scanner. The Behemoth TPG eXtended Cargo Edition (XC) boasts a huge 200cu cargo space but a low armor.<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
! Crystal Cost<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/8/4 <br>(-/-/-/5/2 Corvus)<br>(-/-/-/7/4 Axia & Aeolus)<br />
| 20000<br />
| 120<br />
| 2L, 3T <br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 900 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 12<br />
|-<br />
! Light<br />
| Faster<br />
| [[Aeolus Trading Prefectorate|Aeolus]]<br />
| 200<br />
| -/-/-/5/-<br />[[Image:Ribbon_trader_1000000.png|50px]]<br />
| 15000<br />
| 80<br />
| 1L, 1T<br />
| 28000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 700 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 175 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|-<br />
! XC<br />
| Extended Cargo<br />
| [[The Propeller Group|TPG]]<br />
| 575<br />
| -/-/-/9/4<br />
| 10000<br />
| 200<br />
| -<br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 350 N {{smn}}<br />
| 600 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 14.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 20<br />
|-<br />
! Heavy Miner<br />
| Mining<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| 200 {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/1/2<br />[[Image:Ribbon_miner_II.png|50px]]<br />
| 10000<br />
| 140<br />
| 1S, 2L, 1T<br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 900 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 12<br />
|-<br />
! Heavy Miner MkII<br />
| Mining<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| 200 {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/10/12<br />[[Image:Ribbon_miner_III.png|75px]]<br />
| 10000<br />
| 160<br />
| 3L, 1T <br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 900 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 15<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/File:New_Behemoth.png
File:New Behemoth.png
2024-01-09T15:43:20Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Ragnarok
Ragnarok
2024-01-09T15:38:09Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated Ragnorak Image</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:New Ragnorak.jpeg|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Ragnarok line of ships was designed to be used in battle. It is outfitted with 3 [[Weapons:Small|small]] weapon ports and 2 [[Weapons:Large|large]] weapon ports, giving it more firepower than any other single-person ship. However, the Ragnarok has a relatively small cargo hold which can carry at most 18 cu, and is only useful for picking up minor debris and dropped cargo at the end of a battle.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
! Crystal Cost<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 4/-/1/-/-<br />
| 16000<br />
| 18<br />
| 3S, 2L<br />
| 16000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 19 m {{smn}}<br />
| 380 N {{smn}}<br />
| 420 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 8.5 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|5<br />
|-<br />
! MkII<br />
| Light<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 5/1/4/-/-<br />
| 14500<br />
| 18<br />
| 3S, 2L<br />
| 16000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 19 m {{smn}}<br />
| 400 N {{smn}}<br />
| 520 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 9.5 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7<br />
|-<br />
! MkIII<br />
| Armored<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 5/1/5/-/- <br />
(3/1/3/-/- Corvus)<br />
| 19000<br />
| 16<br />
| 3S, 2L<br />
| 16000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 19 m {{smn}}<br />
| 425 N {{smn}}<br />
| 550 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 10.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 10<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/File:New_Ragnorak.jpeg
File:New Ragnorak.jpeg
2024-01-09T15:37:41Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Centaur
Centaur
2024-01-09T15:37:09Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated Centaur Image</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:New Centaur.jpeg|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Centaur is the trading vessel for the rest of us. If you don't have a high enough standing with UIT to get the [[Marauder]], then this is the next best thing for trading. While not as fast as the Marauder, it has a better weapon set up, with two large ports and one small port. The Centaur makes a good mining ship, with a small port to hold a Mineral Scanner, two large ports to hold two mining beams, and space to hold the minerals.<br />
{{br}}<br />
The Centaur is a common slight in [[PvP]] where it is considered a classic heavy ship. Commonly armed with a Gatling Cannon MkII.<br />
<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
! Crystal Cost<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 1/-/3/4/-<br />
| 15000<br />
| 48<br />
| 1S, 2L<br />
| 15000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 16 m {{smn}}<br />
| 390 N {{smn}}<br />
| 425 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 9.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7<br />
|-<br />
! MkII<br />
| Armored<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/-/4/4/-<br />
| 18000<br />
| 48<br />
| 1S, 2L<br />
| 15000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 16 m {{smn}}<br />
| 400 N {{smn}}<br />
| 450 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 11.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 8<br />
|-<br />
! MkIII<br />
| Light<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/1/4/5/-<br />
| 15000<br />
| 44<br />
| 1S, 2L<br />
| 14000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 16 m {{smn}}<br />
| 480 N {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 14.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 9<br />
|-<br />
! Aggresso<br />
| Elite<br />
| Tunguska<br />
| 960<br />
| 3/1/5/5/-<br />
| 17500<br />
| 50<br />
| 1S, 2L<br />
| 15000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 18 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 600 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 15.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 200 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 55/s {{smn}}<br />
| <br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/File:New_Centaur.jpeg
File:New Centaur.jpeg
2024-01-09T15:36:34Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated Centaur image</p>
<hr />
<div>Updated Centaur image</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Hornet
Hornet
2024-01-09T15:35:14Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated Hornet image</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:New_hornet.jpeg|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Hornet is the largest ship that is still considered to be a fighter, and is used mostly as an assault platform. With four small weapon ports, it can destroy many ships very quickly. A drawback to the large number of ports is the huge amount of power it will require when using many energy weapons at the same time. For this reason, many Hornet pilots stagger their fire. Another drawback is the Hornet's unremarkable maneuverability, which makes it easy prey when up against smaller fighters, such as the [[Vulture]] and [[Centurion]].<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
! Crystal Cost<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 3/3/-/-/-<br />
| 11000<br />
| 15<br />
| 4S<br />
| 6000 kg<br />
| 17 m<br />
| 230 N<br />
| 210 N<br />
| 65 m/s<br />
| 7.0 Nm<br />
| 200 m/s<br />
| 50/s<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
! MkII<br />
| Cargo Transport<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 4/3/-/-/-<br />
| 11500<br />
| 25<br />
| 4S<br />
| 6000 kg<br />
| 17 m<br />
| 230 N<br />
| 230 N<br />
| 65 m/s<br />
| 7.0 Nm<br />
| 220 m/s<br />
| 50/s<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
! MkIII<br />
| Assault<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 4/4/-/-/-<br />
| 12000<br />
| 18<br />
| 4S<br />
| 5800 kg<br />
| 17 m<br />
| 240 N<br />
| 230 N<br />
| 65 m/s<br />
| 7.0 Nm<br />
| 220 m/s<br />
| 55/s<br />
| 4<br />
|-<br />
! Convoy Guardian<br />
| Elite<br />
| Orion<br />
| 720<br />
| 4/5/1/-/-<br />
| 13000<br />
| 15<br />
| 4S<br />
| 5600kg<br />
| 17m<br />
| 240 N<br />
| 230 N<br />
| 65 m/s<br />
| 7.0 Nm<br />
| 220 m/s<br />
| 50/s<br />
| <br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Note:<br />
It is possible to deshield a Queen using a Hornet loaded with 4 Gemini missile launchers; all equipment available at License 3. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lU69ypEwUo]<br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/File:New_hornet.jpeg
File:New hornet.jpeg
2024-01-09T15:34:49Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Warthog
Warthog
2024-01-09T15:33:20Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated warthog image</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:New_warthog.jpeg|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Warthog is the first ship you gain access to that has a large weapon port, unless you go the trading route and gain access to the [[Revenant]]. The large port opens up many possibilities, it allows for larger weapons to be used, or it could be used for mining beams that extract ore quicker and generate less heat. There is also a small weapon port, which can be used to equip another weapon or a scanner for [[mining]]. The one small and one large weapon port make it perfect for the reconnaissance/spy line of [[missions]], with a weapon in the large port and the scanner in the small port.<br />
{{br}}<br />
The Territorial Defender is used by NPCs in Deneb war or as a convoy's escort. It can be bought only at UIT stations and by pilots with a UIT standing of 600 or above. (As 600 is the highest standing that a Serco or Itani pilot can gain within the new and current faction system, they can buy them too.)<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
The Warthog series of attack ships bridges the gap between the more maneuverable fighter craft and the heavier bomber and all-purpose assault vessels. These ships provide near-fighter-like agility, while still retaining heavier armor and the ability to equip the [[weapons:Large|Large-Port]] addons. A number of variants exist, such as the Mineral Extractor, which has been customized for [[mining]] usage in dangerous regions without fighter support and the cargo-scanning Greyhound variant, for high speed chases. The Mineral Extractor includes a mineral scanner. The Greyhound has a built in cargo scanner and draws only 45 energy so it can infiturbo and recharge a fast charge cell at the same time.<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
! Crystal Cost<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/1/-/-/-<br />
| 9400<br />
| 8<br />
| 1S, 1L<br />
| 6000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 220 N {{smn}}<br />
| 220 N {{smn}}<br />
| 55 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 180 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
! MkII<br />
| Upgraded<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/2/-/-/-<br />
| 9400<br />
| 8<br />
| 1S, 1L<br />
| 5700 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 230 N {{smn}}<br />
| 240 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.2 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
! MkIII<br />
| Cargo Transport<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/2/1/-/-<br />
| 9500<br />
| 14<br />
| 1S, 1L<br />
| 5500 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 235 N {{smn}}<br />
| 240 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.2 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 210 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 55/s {{smn}}<br />
| 5<br />
|-<br />
! MkIV<br />
| Armored<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/2/2/-/-<br />
| 10500<br />
| 6<br />
| 1S, 1L<br />
| 5600 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 235 N {{smn}}<br />
| 240 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.2 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 60/s {{smn}}<br />
| 6<br />
|-<br />
! Mineral Extractor<br />
| Mining<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/-/2<br />
| 9100<br />
| 24<br />
| 1S, 1L<br />
| 6000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 230 N {{smn}}<br />
| 260 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 190 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
| 5<br />
|-<br />
! Territorial Defender<br />
| Assault<br />
| UIT<br />
| 600<br />
| 2/2/2/-/-<br />
| 11000<br />
| 2<br />
| 1S, 1L<br />
| 5300 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 275 N {{smn}}<br />
| 300 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 8.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 60/s {{smn}}<br />
| 8<br />
|-<br />
! Greyhound<br />
| Interceptor<br />
| Corvus (Odia)<br />
| &lt;777<br />
| 5/5/5/-/-<br />
| 7500<br />
| 3<br />
| 2S<br />
| 5000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 190 N {{smn}}<br />
| 450 N {{smn}}<br />
| 60 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 5.5 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 225 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 45/s {{smn}}<br />
| 12<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Note: Odia Corvus stations sell a "Corvus Greyhound - Camo Edition" variant, instead of the default greyhound. This model has no differences from the standard Corvus Greyhound, except for a Camo-print livery. However, it is only available to pilots who are part of the [[Long Term Subscriber]] program. This variant costs 32 crystal. <br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/File:New_warthog.jpeg
File:New warthog.jpeg
2024-01-09T15:32:47Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated image of the warthog</p>
<hr />
<div>Updated image of the warthog</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Centurion
Centurion
2024-01-09T15:27:05Z
<p>CrazySpence: Updated Centurion image</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:New_Centurion.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Centurion ship class is the first fighter class ship you get access to. The basic variant has one small weapons port, sacrificing armor in favor of maneuverability and top speed. There are two variants, manufactured by [[Itani]]'s and [[Orion Heavy Manufacturing|Orion]]'s, respectively, which both have two small weapon ports, comparable to the [[Vulture]].<br />
{{br}}<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
The Centurion series of light fighter-interceptors, originally based on an [[Itani]] design, was derived from ships long used for flight training and aerobatics by the Order of Itan. Now widely copied, variants of this basic configuration can be found in almost every corner of populated space. The distinguishing factors of the Centurion series are high speed and good maneuverability, but a relatively limited number of weapons configuration ports, due to its original design as a peacetime trainer. Some adaptations, most notably the Border Guardian developed for the [[Itani]] military and the 'Rev C' version made by [[Orion Heavy Manufacturing]] (found in [[Union of Independent Territories|UIT]] and grey space) have proven very effective in modern combat usage.<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
! Mass/Thrust Ratio<br />
! Mass/Spin Torque Ratio<br />
! Crystal Cost<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 1/-/-/-/-<br />
| 6500<br />
| 8<br />
| 1S<br />
| 4200 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 210 N {{smn}}<br />
| 220 N {{smn}}<br />
| 55 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 6.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 55/s {{smn}}<br />
| 20 kg/N<br />
| 700 kg/Nm<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
! MkII<br />
| Cargo<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 1/2/-/-/-<br />
| 6500<br />
| 11<br />
| 1S<br />
| 4800 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 200 N {{smn}}<br />
| 200 N {{smn}}<br />
| 60 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 6.5 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 55/s {{smn}}<br />
| 24 kg/N<br />
| 738.45 kg/Nm<br />
| 3<br />
|- <br />
! MkIII<br />
| Assault<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| 2/3/-/-/-<br />
| 6700<br />
| 8<br />
| 1S<br />
| 4200 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 215 N {{smn}}<br />
| 220 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 60/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.53 kg/N<br />
| 600 kg/Nm<br />
| 5<br />
|-<br />
! Border Guardian<br />
| Advanced Assault<br />
| Itani<br />
| 600<br />
| 2/3/-/-/-<br />
| 7200<br />
| 4<br />
| 2S<br />
| 3000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 218 N {{smn}}<br />
| 240 N {{smn}}<br />
| 70 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 60/s {{smn}}<br />
| 13.76 kg/N<br />
| 428.57 kg/Nm<br />
| 7<br />
|-<br />
! Rev C<br />
| Advanced Assault<br />
| Orion<br />
| 720<br />
| 1/2/-/-/-<br />
| 7000<br />
| 6<br />
| 2S<br />
| 3200 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 218 N {{smn}}<br />
| 230 N {{smn}}<br />
| 70 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 220 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 60/s {{smn}}<br />
| 14.68 kg/N<br />
| 457.14 kg/Nm<br />
| 7<br />
|-<br />
! Superlight<br />
| Prototype / Advanced Assault<br />
| Corvus (tbc)<br />
| <br />
| -/-/-/-/-<br />
| 6500<br />
| 2<br />
| 1S<br />
| 3000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 10 m {{smn}}<br />
| 218 N {{smn}}<br />
| 245 N {{smn}}<br />
| 75 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 7.2 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 218 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 57/s {{smn}}<br />
| 13.76 kg/N<br />
| 416.67 kg/Nm<br />
| 0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Obtaining the Superlight==<br />
In order to obtain a Superlight, you must first obtain the blueprints to build one. These are rewarded to you after the successful completion of a few missions. All but the last mission ("High-Risk Courier Mission") can be found at any [[Corvus]] station - the Courier mission is only available in Sedina D-14.<br />
<br />
1. '''Hive Research''' - Retrieve 10 Guardian Cores. (Same mission that gives you access to the Widowmaker.)<br />
<br />
2. '''Hive Reconnaissance''' - take a "sensor pod" (automatically fitted to your ship, doesn't take any slots) through various sectors with hive activity. You will be required to kill some of the hive bots. <br />
<br />
3. '''High-Risk Courier Mission''' - take some information (disguised as Corvus Textiles) through grey space and ultimately deliver them to a location in UIT territory. You fly a Superlight in this mission, and are granted the blueprints upon completion.<br />
<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<br />
After completing the above missions, you can take the Superlight manufacturing mission at any Corvus station. In order to complete the Superlight, you'll need to deliver the following materials:<br />
<br />
*2 Instrumentation Panels<br />
*70 crates of premium Carbonic Ore<br />
*50 crates of premium Van Azek Ore<br />
*60 crates of premium Ferric Ore<br />
*19 crates of premium Silicate Ore<br />
*45 crates of premium Xithricite Ore<br />
*10 crates of Pentric Ore<br />
*4 Thrust Regulators<br />
*15 Thermal Insulator Tiles<br />
*8 Engine Mounts<br />
*6 Data Link Connectors<br />
*1 Pilot Safety Harness<br />
*2 Navigation Units<br />
*4 Propellent Actuators<br />
*6 Outer Hull Plate<br />
*15 Hull Panels<br />
*4 Guardian Proccessors<br />
*8 Artemis Proccessors<br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/File:New_Centurion.jpg
File:New Centurion.jpg
2024-01-09T15:25:59Z
<p>CrazySpence: The new Centurion</p>
<hr />
<div>The new Centurion</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User_talk:CrazySpence
User talk:CrazySpence
2024-01-02T02:00:10Z
<p>CrazySpence: removing changes</p>
<hr />
<div></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User_talk:CrazySpence
User talk:CrazySpence
2024-01-02T01:55:17Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div>testing email again</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User_talk:CrazySpence
User talk:CrazySpence
2024-01-02T01:46:12Z
<p>CrazySpence: Created page with "testing email"</p>
<hr />
<div>testing email</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User:CrazySpence
User:CrazySpence
2021-05-12T19:54:35Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* What is CrazySpence? Database update test*/</p>
<hr />
<div>==What is CrazySpence?==<br />
I am an Itani, have been since the old days when it was just plain blue. In the olden times I would get in golds way by heavily mining the flag in sector 1 to the point that it would take 30-45minutes before the flag could even begin to be touched. I used to rule the universe for a couple years as the Emperor of the Empire of Itan.<br />
<br />
These days CrazySpence mainly escorts convoys through Grey space. CrazySpence also owns the system of Pelatus and will sometimes patrol there to make sure everyone stays out. His favourite game is to tease pirates by announcing is trade routes then escaping or killing the pirate and taunting them about their failures<br />
<br />
==Should I be afraid?==<br />
No it is just a game silly. I will only attack if....<br />
* You are red on my screen<br />
* Trying to pirate me or others<br />
* Free for all battle in some sector<br />
* Guarding my system Pelatus and you do not say "Hail to the King, baby!"<br />
* Attacking my convoy<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
* I fly a hog 90% of the time. I have been for over 6 years<br />
** Warthog Mark II - This is the hog of choice, handles well, infinite turbo but lacks in manueverability vs IBG or Rev C centurion's<br />
** Warthog Territorial Defender - This is the dream fighter of the hog pilot. If you are intent on short range dogfighting this thing has the speed, the moves, and the armour to do it in. So hog pilots, do not alienate the UIT for they hold the key to make all of your glorious dreams come true!<br />
** My weakness is prom pilots 1v1, the hog is undermatched versus the standard weapons config of the prom pilot I have been able to beat proms but usually at the cost of my own ship as well so beware!<br />
* I have favourite ships that I like to engage if you are an enemy target and flying one of these be sure I'll be knocking on your six<br />
** Centurion IBG or Rev C's - While I do mention the Mark 2 is at a disadvantage with these usually in my hands it is not! most people who pilot these super cents are over confident and I can usually chew their ship to bits.<br />
** Warthogs - Nothing is more exciting to a hog pilot than to engage one of his fellow warriors in combat!<br />
** Vultures - Vulture pilots are cunning and a worthy prey<br />
* I never keep a lot of cash on hand because trading is boring<br />
* Obsessed with Wing Commander. Do not be suprised if the 3 capital ships in my future fleet start with TCS.<br />
<br />
==What I am upto Currently==<br />
* PCC Member<br />
* Creating Missions<br />
** In the pipe:<br />
*** Training day (4 missions)<br />
*** The Price of loyalty (4 missions)<br />
*** Counter Strike (1 mission)<br />
* Updating the wiki's info<br />
* Combating wiki spam<br />
<br />
==Missions==<br />
* The other side of the universe (5 missions)<br />
** Defend Jallik from a sneak Serco invasion by cutting them off in Edras!<br />
** Can be started by finding a "Need Creds? Join the Jallik defense force" mission in any barracks station in Itani space<br />
** [http://philtopia.com/~spencep/osu.m4v Video I made for those missions **actual gameplay may differ]<br />
* The Gauntlet<br />
** This mission will test the endurance of new players with 4 rounds of 3 wave attacks. Each round ending with an XP reward. Round 5 pits the new player against a heavily armed bot<br />
** Lvl 2-4 at any barracks station<br />
*Help! Rogue Queen detected<br />
**This mission requires the new player to destroy the hive bots escorting the Queen so a wave of rags can make quick work of it<br />
** Lvl 0-5 at any barracks station<br />
<br />
==Accomplishments==<br />
[[Image:Alpha_tester.png]][[image:Beta_tester.png]][[Image:Trader.png]][[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_25.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_100.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_hive_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_queen_10.png]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Manufacturing
Manufacturing
2016-04-21T15:26:41Z
<p>CrazySpence: Reverted edits by Phaserlight (talk) to last revision by Draak667</p>
<hr />
<div>Many different items can be manufactured throughout the Vendetta Online galaxy. Manufacturing is accomplished through the mission system. In a manufacturing mission, you are required to deliver a list of items or '''components''' to the station at which the mission was taken in order to receive the manufactured item. Some manufacturing missions are limited in the number of times they can be taken per day per character. Most player manufactured items hold some benefit over regularly purchased items.<br />
<br />
=Ships=<br />
<br />
==Stygian Furie==<br />
The Stygian Furie is a pet bot that will follow you around the galaxy, and will shoot at anything that does damage to your craft. The Furies follow a limited number of commands: presently they can be told to "Stay!" or to "Come!". The mission to manufacture the Furie, called "LAR Project: Robot Manufacture", may be found at the end of the "Party Errand" mission tree located at any Valent station from Trade level 2 and on. The Robot Manufacture mission is available at Verasi E-14. Each time the mission is completed, a Furie will be added to the player's Robot hangar in Verasi C-4. Up to three Furies may be launched at a time, however if one Furie dies the others will also. The pet Furies also have a flying lifespan of four hours, after which they will spontaneously self-destruct. The Furies may be recalled safely to their hangar before this time is up, to be used again at a later date.<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Aquean Ore<br />
| 40<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 30<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 20<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Apicene Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| LCD<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Gyroscopes<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guardian Processor Core<br />
| 3<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Advanced Logistics System<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There is a mission in Itani space available up to Light Weapons license 8 called "The Shadow Puppeteer" which, if completed, reduces the number of Guardian Processor Cores needed to 1. As of December 2011, Furies may also be crafted and launched at any Corvus station, by those with hated or below faction with the three major nations. These players must also have played the prerequisite missions at Valent. Furies crafted at Corvus stations require Denic rather than Lanthanic ore.<br />
<br />
==Centurion Superlight==<br />
The Centurion Superlight is the most agile fighter in the galaxy and is also a favorite among tube racers. The manufacturing mission may be found at any Corvus station after a series of requisite missions are passed, beginning at Combat license 4 with "Hive Research".<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Instrumentation Panels<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 70<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 50<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 60<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Silicate Ore<br />
| 19<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 45<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pentric Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thrust Regulators<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thermal Insulator Tiles<br />
| 15<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Engine Mounts<br />
| 8<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pilot Safety Harness<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Navigation Units<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Propellant Actuators<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Outer Hull Plate<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Hull Panels<br />
| 15<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guardian Processor Core<br />
| 4<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Artemis Processor Core<br />
| 8<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=Powercells and Addons=<br />
<br />
==Improved Mineral Scanner==<br />
<br />
The Improved Mineral Scanner has a range of 600 rather than 500 meters. It is initially obtained through a newbie manufacturing mission, and can later be manufactured in quantity provided the player has passed "More manufacturing help needed", and has his/her fifth Mining license.<br />
<br />
''Most of the bugs have been worked out of the manufacturing module here and we've been able to reliably produce these low Grid Power scanners in small quantities.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Scanner Circuit Boards<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Frequency Modulators<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thermal Imagers<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Stabilizing Systems<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Doppler Array<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Hydrocarbons<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Steel<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Precious Metals<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 3<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 4<br />
| Ore<br />
|}<br />
Completing this manufacturing mission will result in 5 Improved Mineral Scanners.<br />
<br />
==High Drain Power Cell==<br />
<br />
The High Drain Power Cell is initially obtained by passing "Advanced Combat Training II", and can later be manufactured in quantity provided the player has passed both this mission and "More manufacturing help needed".<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Corrosive Chemicals<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Simple Plastics<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 7<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 6<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 5<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 3<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Scrap Metal<br />
| 2<br />
| Bot Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 1<br />
| Bot Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Hydrogen Ion Collector<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
Completing this mission will result in 1 High Drain Power Cell<br />
<br />
==Improved High Drain Power Cell==<br />
<br />
An improved design is available to those with relevant manufacturing experience.<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Corrosive Chemicals<br />
| 7<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Simple Plastics<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 6<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 4<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 2<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 5<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Scrap Metal<br />
| 3<br />
| Bot Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 1<br />
| Bot Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Hydrogen Ion Collector<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
Completing this mission will result in 1 Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
<br />
=Weaponry=<br />
<br />
==Corvus Widowmaker==<br />
The Corvus Widowmaker requires 18 grid power, making it the only weapon that can be equipped on any given ship with current powercells. This is made up for by the fact that it is also the deadliest single blaster available. The Widowmaker is often used in conjunction with a Centurion Superlight. The manufacturing mission for the Widowmaker may be found at any Corvus station after a series of requisite missions are passed, beginning at Combat license 4 with "Hive Research". After a number of Widowmakers are produced, two new missions "Additional Hive Research" and "Mining Required" must be completed before resuming manufacture.<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Ion Core<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Silksteel<br />
| 10<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Dentek Processor Core<br />
| 2<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guardian Processor Core<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
Completing this manufacturing mission will result in 2 Corvus Widowmakers.<br />
<br />
==Concussion Railgun==<br />
This weapon may be manufactured at the conquerable stations in greyspace after a series of missions are passed in national territoy, beginning at Combat license 3 at Commercial stations. The missions vary depending on nationality, and choices made within the tree.<br />
<br />
''The Concussion Railgun improves upon current rail technology by drawing energy from a self-contained chemical reaction, completely bypassing your ship's powercell. This means it will not take any energy to fire, however safely regulating this reaction draws a fair amount of grid power. Also, this weapon is very massive and will require a powerful platform to accurately deploy.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Volatile Chemicals<br />
| 8<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 5<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guardian Processor Core<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
Completing this manufacturing mission will result in 2 Concussion Railguns.<br />
<br />
==BioCom Miniature Tellar-Ulam Mine==<br />
Also known as the "mini-nuke", each launcher comes with 1 mine and requires over 500 energy to launch. The blast is devastating and the prox radius is large, making this weapon almost as hazardous to deploy as it is to enemies. A series of missions available at BioCom stations must be passed before being able to manufacture the mine.<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 16<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 280<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 50<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 460<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Silicate Ore<br />
| 80<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pentric Ore<br />
| 40<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 60<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Solid Explosives<br />
| 22<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasteel<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Amplification Modules<br />
| 20<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasma Cores<br />
| 16<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| XiRite Alloy<br />
| 10<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Queen Processor Core<br />
| 4<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Dentek Processor Core<br />
| 4<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Outer Hull Plate<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Hull Panels<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guardian Processor Core<br />
| 16<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Artemis Processor Core<br />
| 24<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Aeolus Light Repair Turret==<br />
This is a turret weapon used to repair friendly ships, mountable on the Atlas, Behemoth, and Trident Type-M. The manufacturing mission for this item is available at the Latos conquerable station.<br />
<br />
''We've installed the tooling in our manufacturing machinery to build the Aeolus Light Repair Turret. This "unofficially" licensed repair gun design has been adapted to Turret use on any vessels that have a turret port (Behemoth, Atlas, etc).''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulator<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guided Missile Casings<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Solid Fuel Packs<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Advanced Targeting Systems<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasteel<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 4<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pentric Ore<br />
| 2<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Dentek Processor Core<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
This manufacturing mission may only be taken twice per day per character.<br />
<br />
==FireCracker Turret==<br />
The FireCracker turret is a defensive weapon that can be mounted on any ship with a turret port. The manufacturing mission for the FireCracker turret can be found at the Bractus conquerable station.<br />
<br />
''This unique defensive weapon allows any turreted ship to mount a very distracting, although not particularly dangerous, attack on any approaching vessel. The FireCracker does little damage, but thanks to its light payload, is the fastest small missile in existence. The effective distraction stems from the wide proximity fuse and heavy force detonation, which can knock an approaching pirate off course and allow a trader to escape.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulator<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Guided Missile Casings<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Solid Fuel Packs<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Advanced Targeting Systems<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasteel<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 4<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pentric Ore<br />
| 2<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Solid Explosives<br />
| 3<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Dentek Processor Core<br />
| 2<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
This manufacturing mission may only be taken twice per day per character.<br />
<br />
==Neutron MkIII Turret==<br />
The neutron mkIII Turret is an upgraded version of the weapon normally found on player-manned turrets. The manufacturing mission for this item is available at the Pelatus conquerable station.<br />
<br />
''This manufacturing program will allow you to build a Neutron Blaster MkIII Turret which will equippable to any vessel with a turret port (Atlas, Behemoth, etc).''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! colspan="1" | Component<br />
! width="80" | Quantity<br />
! width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulator<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Advanced Targeting System<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 5<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 2<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Ion Core<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Silksteel<br />
| 5<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Dentek Processor Core<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|}<br />
This manufacturing mission may only be taken twice per day per character.<br />
<br />
=Trident Types-M/''P''/''S''=<br />
A Trident is player owned capital ship.<br />
<br />
''Manufacturing a Trident is a massive undertaking, involving the manufacturing of numerous sub-components which require considerable time and effort themselves.''<br />
''These components may be manufactured at the conquerable stations in greyspace''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Type<br />
! class="unsortable" width="100" | Status<br />
! class="unsortable" width="2" | <br />
! class="unsortable" width="120" | Bot Drops<br />
! class="unsortable" width="120" | Trade Items<br />
! class="unsortable" width="120" | Ore<br />
! class="unsortable" width="2" | <br />
! class="unsortable" width="120" | Missions<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| '''Type-M'''<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|<br />
| 8540(34035cu)<br />
| TBA<br />
| TBA<br />
|<br />
| 1243<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| '''Type-P'''<br />
| Unreleased<br />
|<br />
| N/A<br />
| N/A<br />
| N/A<br />
|<br />
| N/A<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| '''Type-S'''<br />
| Unreleased<br />
|<br />
| N/A<br />
| N/A<br />
| N/A<br />
|<br />
| N/A<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy (FFSA)==<br />
''A 50cu module of a special alloy of Silksteel.''<br />
<br />
''It is commonly fluid formed to build complex support structures for the capital ships and stations.''<br />
<br />
Number Needed: 692 (Jan 26, 2014)<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 8<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Silksteel<br />
| 50<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 5<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 3<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 6<br />
| Ore<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Fused Composite Plating (FCP)==<br />
''A 120cu module of heavy plating.''<br />
<br />
''Commonly used in the construction and maintenance of stations and capital ships.''<br />
<br />
Number needed: 346 (Jan 26,2014)<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 8<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Silksteel<br />
| 8<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Hydrocarbons<br />
| 15<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Outer Hull Plate<br />
| 15<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasteel<br />
| 5<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| XiRite Alloy<br />
| 10<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 3<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pentric Ore<br />
| 2<br />
| Ore<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Merged Cybernetics Array (MCA)==<br />
''A 22cu array formed of neural nodules joined together to create a high-performance computing core.''<br />
<br />
''Many of these cores are usually linked and used to form the basis of the Master Computers of capital ships and stations. This program is designed to join only Hive nodules. One from each hive creates an array with excellent performance characteristics, as well as resilience to extended radiation and cosmic ray exposure, far beyond anything we can achieve with human-manufactured neural nodules. Although the finished array is quite small in size, it needs to be kept at very low temperature until final installation, so the resulting storage container is 22 cubic units.''<br />
<br />
Number needed: 64 (Jan 26,2014)<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Milanar Neural Nodule<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Prosus Neural Nodule<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Seipos Neural Nodule<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 20<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Superconductors<br />
| 12<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thermal Insulator Tiles<br />
| 15<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 16<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Pentric Ore<br />
| 6<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Cybernetics Grade EE<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Unassembled Cargo Crates<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Milanar Master Computing System==<br />
''Master Computing Systems are constructed by connecting a single Data Aggregator to a variety of Merged Cybernetics Arrays. The arrays handle the low-level computing functionality, while the aggregator manages their connectivity to one another, as well as to the many sensors (via a Data I/O Bus) required for input and feedback. All Nations regulate the construction of critical components for large-scale ships and stations, limiting them only to licensed contractors, making Data Aggregators a Class 1 controlled item. Therefore, this manufacturing program will only work with Hive-based Aggregators, which may be acquired without National supervision. Hive Aggregators are sometimes found after the demise of a Leviathan. The properties of a specific Aggregator will imbue the constructed Master Computing System with various strengths and weaknesses. Hive Aggregators have not been widely studied, and the relative merits of the resulting Milanar, Prosus and Siepos Master Computing Systems are not widely known. This program requires a Milanar Data Aggregator, and will only function with that type.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| 64<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Milanar Data Aggregator<br />
| 1<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 256<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Superconductors<br />
| 64<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thermal Insulator Tiles<br />
| 24<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 250<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Ishik Ore<br />
| 9<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Cybernetics Grade FF<br />
| 8<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Unassembled Cargo Crates<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Milanar Optical Sensor (M-OS)==<br />
''A 185cu hybridized sensor component.''<br />
<br />
''Widely used in the probe and ship building industries.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Milanar Observer Optics<br />
| 2<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Basic Targeting Systems<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 16<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Optics<br />
| 20<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thermal Insulator Tiles<br />
| 10<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasteel<br />
| 200<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Apicene Ore<br />
| 17<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Denic Ore<br />
| 6<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Thermal Imagers<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Scanner Circuit Boards<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Unassembled Cargo Crates<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==External Hull Assembly==<br />
''A 190cu component of hull and bulkhead materials commonly used to define part of the outer hull of a large vessel.''<br />
<br />
''These assembly materials undergo basic construction, The materials are flexible enough during final construction that they may be applied to a variety of areas on different ship designs.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| 2<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 5<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| 5<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 70<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| 19<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 7<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 9<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Denic Ore<br />
| 6<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Hull Panels<br />
| 250<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Reinforced Bulkhead==<br />
''A 160cu matrix of fluid formed silksteel alloys and other materials.''<br />
<br />
''Resolved into an extremely lightweight, organically shaped lattice of self-supporting structures. This bulkhead is then combined and fused in various configurations to form the essential building block of large spacecraft construction.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Bractus Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Nyrus Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 5<br />
| 5<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Silksteel<br />
| 6<br />
| 6<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| 5<br />
| 2<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 8<br />
| 8<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 2<br />
| 2<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 4<br />
| 4<br />
| Ore<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Internal Bulkhead Assembly==<br />
''A 140cu Bulkhead material for the construction of internal walls, decks, cabins and reinforcing structures.''<br />
<br />
''Commonly used in the assembly of large vessels and stations.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Reinforced Bulkheads<br />
| 3<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 1<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 90<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 40<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 7<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 9<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 20<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fire Suppression System<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Engine Pylon Assembly==<br />
''A 170cu of Components needed for construction, reinforcement, and cooling of a single, external, pylon-located gravitic pulse engine.''<br />
<br />
''After base material definition, components are placed in a transferable storage container. The assembly may then be applied to large vessel construction and reinforced according to engine thrust specifications.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| 1<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 5<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Outer Hull Plate<br />
| 60<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 260<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 11<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 14<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| 10<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 10<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Engine Mounts<br />
| 32<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Radiation Containment Kits<br />
| 16<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Docking Bay Hangar Assembly==<br />
''A 180cu container of commonly associated assemblies of internal docking bays and hangers for large vessels and stations.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| 2<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 2<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Outer Hull Plate<br />
| 10<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 131<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 4<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| 5<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 2<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine==<br />
''An 178cu, inexpensive, low-efficiency design with good reliability for relatively small levels of thrust.''<br />
<br />
''Commonly seen on small-scale capital vessels, or occasionally clustered on mid-size bulk scows and freighters.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| 8<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 25<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Hydraulic Tappets<br />
| 16<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 16<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 8<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 22<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 16<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Coolant<br />
| 250<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Energy Conversion Modules<br />
| 4<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 90<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Hydrocarbons<br />
| 22<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 50<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 180<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 8<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 240<br />
| Ore<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor==<br />
''The smallest available version of the toroidal hyper-plasma reactor that revolutionized large scale ship power. Although it provides good reliability, miniaturization has resulted in a relative increase in shielding and associated mass. 195CU shipping size, but very massive. Care should be exercised in shipping.''<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
! colspan="1" class="unsortable"|<br />
! class="unsortable" colspan="1" | Component<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Quantity<br />
! class="unsortable" width="80" | Type<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| 16<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| 20<br />
| Manufacturable<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Radiation Containment Kits<br />
| 30<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| 19<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Heliocene Ore<br />
| 10<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Lanthanic Ore<br />
| 15<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Data Link Connectors<br />
| 64<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Coolant<br />
| 500<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Energy Conversion Modules<br />
| 128<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Power Regulators<br />
| 256<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Plasteel<br />
| 60<br />
| Trade Item<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| 50<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| 220<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| 16<br />
| Hive Drop<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| 180<br />
| Ore<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
| Samoflange<br />
| 1<br />
| Trade Item<ref>The game classifies Samoflange as a trade good but no station sells it and new quantities are only obtainable as a rare Leviathan drop.</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
=Table of all components=<br />
Here is an alphabetized list of all known components, and what they can be used to create. For the interested collector.<br />
<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable"<br />
! width="300" | Component<br />
! width="300" | Used to Manufacture<br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
! width="300" | <br />
|-<br />
! Advanced Logistics System<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
|-<br />
! Advanced Targeting Systems<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Amplification Modules<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
|-<br />
! Apicene Ore<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Artemis Processor Core<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
|-<br />
! Basic Targeting Systems<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Coolant<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Corrosive Chemicals<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
|-<br />
! Cybernetics Grade EE<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
|-<br />
! Cybernetics Grade FF<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
|-<br />
! Data Link Connectors<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Denic Ore<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
|-<br />
! Dentek Processor Core<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Doppler Array<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
|-<br />
! Energy Conversion Modules<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Engine Mounts<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
|-<br />
! Fire Suppression System<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
|-<br />
! Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Reinforced Bulkhead<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Frequency Modulators<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
|-<br />
! Fused Composite Plating<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| Reinforced Bulkhead<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Guardian Processor Core<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
|-<br />
! Guided Missile Casings<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Gyroscopes<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
|-<br />
! Heliocene Ore<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
| Reinforced Bulkhead<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Hull Panels<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
|-<br />
! Hydraulic Tappets<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Hydrogen Ion Collector<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
|-<br />
! Instrumentation Panels<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
|-<br />
! Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
|-<br />
! Ion Core<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Ishik Ore<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
|-<br />
! Lanthanic Ore<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
| Reinforced Bulkhead<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! LCD<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
|-<br />
! Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
|-<br />
! Milanar Data Aggregator<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
|-<br />
! Milanar Neural Nodule<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
|-<br />
! Milanar Observer Optics<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Navigation Units<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
|-<br />
! Optics<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Outer Hull Plate<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
|-<br />
! Pentric Ore<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
|-<br />
! Plasma Cores<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
|-<br />
! Plasteel<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
|-<br />
! Pilot Safety Harness<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
|-<br />
! Power Regulators<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Precious Metals<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
|-<br />
! Premium Aquean Ore<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
|-<br />
! Premium Carbonic Ore<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Premium Ferric Ore<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
| Docking Bay Hangar Assembly<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Premium Ishik Ore<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
| Reinforced Bulkhead<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Premium Silicate Ore<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
|-<br />
! Premium VanAzek Ore<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| External Hull Assembly<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Premium Xithricite Ore<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
| Stygian Furie<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Propellant Actuators<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
|-<br />
! Prosus Neural Nodule<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
|-<br />
! Queen Processor Core<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
|-<br />
! Radiation Containment Kits<br />
| Engine Pylon Assembly<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
|-<br />
! Reinforced Bulkheads<br />
| Internal Bulkhead Assembly<br />
|-<br />
! Samoflange<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
|-<br />
! Scanner Circuit Boards<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Scrap Metal<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
|-<br />
! Seipos Neural Nodule<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
|-<br />
! Silksteel<br />
| Corvus Widowmaker<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| Neutron MkIII Turret<br />
| Reinforced Bulkhead<br />
|-<br />
! Simple Plastics<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
|-<br />
! Solid Explosives<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Solid Fuel Packs<br />
| Aeolus Light Repair Turret<br />
| FireCracker Turret<br />
|-<br />
! Stabilizing Systems<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
|-<br />
! Steel<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
|-<br />
! Superconductors<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
|-<br />
! Synthetic Hydrocarbons<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Synthetic Silksteel<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
| Fluid Formable Silksteel Alloy<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
| High Drain Power Cell<br />
| Improved High Drain Power Cell<br />
| 200MW Toroidal Hyper-Plasma Reactor<br />
| 80MW Inverted Pulse Displacement Engine<br />
|-<br />
! Thermal Imagers<br />
| Improved Mineral Scanner<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Thermal Insulator Tiles<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Thrust Regulators<br />
| Centurion Superlight<br />
|-<br />
! Unassembled Cargo Crates<br />
| Merged Cybernetics Array<br />
| Milanar Master Computing System<br />
| Milanar Optical Sensor<br />
|-<br />
! Volatile Chemicals<br />
| Concussion Railgun<br />
|-<br />
! XiRite Alloy<br />
| BioCom Miniature Teller-Ulam Mine<br />
| Fused Composite Plating<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=Notes=<br />
<references /></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Badges
Badges
2016-03-22T15:26:35Z
<p>CrazySpence: Reverted edits by Michael. (talk) to last revision by Chocolateer</p>
<hr />
<div>When a player has passed specific milestones, completed particular missions, or just been around for long enough, he will sometimes receive a badge which will be visible in his character info window. Some badges also entitle their owner to special equipment or treatment. This page lists all of the known badges currently available in Vendetta Online.<br />
<br />
This page is currently undergoing updating.<br />
<br />
== Special ==<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! width="125" align="center"|Name<br />
! width="80" align="center"|Ribbon/Medal<br />
! width="100" align="center"|Type<br />
! width="190" align="center"|Requirement<br />
! width="140" align="center"|Overrides<br />
! width="150" align="center"|Unlocks<br />
! width="180" align="center"|Notes<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Alpha Tester<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_alpha.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Alpha_tester.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Tester<br />
| align="center"|Account created between<br>2002 and early 2004.<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Provides +10 to Ego, +7 to Alpha Envy attack.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Beta Tester<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_beta.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Beta_tester.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Tester<br />
| align="center"|Account created between<br>early 2004 and November 2004.<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Provides +7 to Ego, +4 to Beta Envy attack.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Mentor Level 1<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Mentor(bronze).png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Mentor<br />
| align="center"|5 "good" mentor ratings.<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|5% discount on goods at your nation's stations.<br />
| align="center"|Truthfully, this is the only mentor badge that one needs.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Mentor Level 2<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Mentor(silver).png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Mentor<br />
| align="center"|15 "good" mentor ratings.<br />
| align="center"|Mentor Level 1<br />
| align="center"|[[Equipment#Repair_Modules|Repair Module MkII]]<br />
| align="center"|The Repair Module MkII is not worth the time and effort. See previous note.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Mentor Level 3<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Mentor(gold).png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Mentor<br />
| align="center"|40 "good" mentor ratings.<br />
| align="center"|Mentor Level 2<br />
| align="center"|[[Equipment#Powercells|Ultra Charge Powercell]]<br />
| align="center"|More efficient to buy the Ultra Charge off of someone who already has access to it.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Race Winner<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Race_Winner.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Race Track<br />
| align="center"|Holding a Race Track top spot for the Month<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Fast Guy!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Super Race Winner<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Super_race_winner.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Race Track<br />
| align="center"|Getting 10 Monthly top spots over time<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Faster Guy!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Combat ==<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! width="125" align="center"|Name<br />
! width="80" align="center"|Ribbon/Medal<br />
! width="100" align="center"|Type<br />
! width="190" align="center"|Requirement<br />
! width="140" align="center"|Overrides<br />
! width="150" align="center"|Unlocks<br />
! width="180" align="center"|Notes<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Veteran - 25 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_pk_25.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk25.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|25 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[Weapons:Small#Rail_Gun|Railgun MkII]]<br />
| align="center"|Killing spree!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Veteran - 100 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_pk_100.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk100.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|100 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[Weapons:Small#Rail_Gun|Railgun MkIII]]<br />
| align="center"|Rampage!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Veteran - 500 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_pk_500.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk500.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|500 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[Weapons:Small#Rail_Gun|Rail Gun Advanced]]<br />
| align="center"|Unstoppable!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Specialist I - 1000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_pk_1000.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk500.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|1000 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Crazy!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Specialist II - 2000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_pk_2000.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk500.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|2000 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|Specialist I - 1000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Seek Help!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Specialist III - 5000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:PvP_Specialist_5000pks.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk500.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|5000 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|Specialist II - 2000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Easy Tex!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Expert I - 10000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_pk_10000.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Pk500.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|10000 Player-kills<br />
| align="center"|Specialist III - 5000 Kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Rage!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Bus Hunter<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_bushunter_50.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Buskill.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|50 Player-kills<br>while flying an<br>[[EC|EC-88]] or [[EC|EC-89]]<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[EC|EC-107]]<br />
| align="center"|Kills from official duels do not count towards this badge.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Duelist<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Duelist.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|1600 Duel Rating<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|On Guard!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Duelist<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Master_Duelist.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|2000 Duel Rating<br />
| align="center"|Duelist<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Touché!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Grandmaster Duelist<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Grandmaster_duelist.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Player vs. Player<br />
| align="center"|2400 Duel Rating<br />
| align="center"|Master Duelist<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Nicely Done!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Queen Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_queen_10.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Queen10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|10 Hive Queen kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[Weapons:Large#Mega_Positron_Blaster|Mega Positron Blaster]]<br />
| align="center"|Yay! Megaposi!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Queen Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_queen_25.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Queen10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|25 Hive Queen kills<br />
| align="center"|Hive Queen Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|[[Weapons:Large#Plasma_Weapons|Plasma Annihilator]]<br />
| align="center"|Dominating!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Queen Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_queen_100.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Queen10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|100 Hive Queen kills<br />
| align="center"|Hive Queen Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Godlike!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Hive Queen Hunter<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_queen_500.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Queen10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|500 Hive Queen kills<br />
| align="center"|Hive Queen Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Wicked sick!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Leviathan Hunter<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_levi_1.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Medal_leviathan_10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|1 Leviathan kill<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Nutcase.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Leviathan Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_levi_5.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Medal_leviathan_10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|5 Leviathan kills<br />
| align="center"|Leviathan Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Crazy.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Leviathan Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_levi_50.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Medal_leviathan_10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|50 Leviathan kills<br />
| align="center"|Leviathan Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Insane.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Leviathan Hunter<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_levi_200.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Medal_leviathan_10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|200 Leviathan kills<br />
| align="center"|Leviathan Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Raving Lunatic.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_10.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|10 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Newb.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_50.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|50 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Hive Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Double kill.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_100.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|100 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Hive Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Multi kill.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Veteran Hive Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_500.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|500 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Hive Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Mega kill.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Veteran Hive Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_1000.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|1,000 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Veteran Hive Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Ultra kill!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Veteran Hive Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_5000.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|5,000 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Veteran Hive Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Monster kill!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Hive Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_10000.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|10,000 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Veteran Hive Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Ludicrous!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Hive Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_hive_20000.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|20,000 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Master Hive Hunter I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Holy SHIT!<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Hive Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Master_Hive_3.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|50,000 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Master Hive Hunter II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Really?<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Hive Dominator<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_Hive_Dominator.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Anti-Hive<br />
| align="center"|100,000 Hive drone kills<br />
| align="center"|Master Hive Hunter III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|You Dominator You!!!<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Trading ==<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! width="125" align="center"|Name<br />
! width="80" align="center"|Ribbon/Medal<br />
! width="100" align="center"|Type<br />
! width="190" align="center"|Requirement<br />
! width="140" align="center"|Overrides<br />
! width="150" align="center"|Unlocks<br />
! width="180" align="center"|Notes<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Trader<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Trader.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Completion of 1 Trade Guild mission<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|There is no known benefit to this badge; however, it is the first that players will normally acquire.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Trader I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 10,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[EC|EC-104]]<br />
| align="center"|You do not have to make that many credits all in one go; it is a cumulative profit counter. Credits earned from missions do not count toward this ribbon.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Trader II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_trader_100000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 100,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Basic Trader I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Trader III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_trader_1000000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 1,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Basic Trader II<br />
| align="center"|[[Behemoth|Aeolus Light Behemoth]]<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Trader IV<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 10,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Basic Trader III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Intermediate Trader I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Intermediate_Trader_1.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 20,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Basic Trader IV<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Intermediate Trader II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Intermediate_Trader_2.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 50,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Intermediate Trader I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Intermediate Trader III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Intermediate_Trader_3.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 100,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Intermediate Trader II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Intermediate Trader IV<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Intermediate_Trader_4.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 200,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Intermediate Trader III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Trade Master I<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Trade_Master_1.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 500,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Intermediate Trader IV<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Trade Master II<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Trade_Master_2.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 1,000,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Trade Master I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Trade Master III<br />
| align="center"|[[Image:Trade_Master_3.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 2,000,000,000 credits in profit.<br />
| align="center"|Trade Master II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Trade Master IV<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Trading<br />
| align="center"|Earn 5,000,000,000 credits in profit<br />
| align="center"|Trade Master III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Highest level of this award<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Mining ==<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! width="125" align="center"|Name<br />
! width="80" align="center"|Ribbon/Medal<br />
! width="100" align="center"|Type<br />
! width="190" align="center"|Requirement<br />
! width="140" align="center"|Overrides<br />
! width="150" align="center"|Unlocks<br />
! width="180" align="center"|Notes<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Master Prospector<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_prospector.png|75px]]<br>[[Image:Prospect.png|75px]]<br />
| align="center"|Prospecting<br />
| align="center"|Completion of all 120 Prospecting missions<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[Equipment#Mineral_Scanners|Advanced Mineral Scanner]]<br>[[Equipment#Mining_Beams|High-Density Mining Beam]]<br />
| align="center"|There are an average of 4 Prospecting missions in each system. You must complete every one of them for this badge.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Miner I<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_miner_I.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|500cu<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|[[Equipment#Mining_Beams|Improved Mining Beam]]<br />
| align="center"|Mine ore '''and''' sell/use in a station or mission.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Miner II<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_miner_II.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|15,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Basic Miner I<br />
| align="center"|[[Behemoth#Ship_Variants|Behemoth Heavy Miner]]<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Miner III<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_miner_III.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|100,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Basic Miner II<br />
| align="center"|[[Behemoth#Ship_Variants|Behemoth Heavy Miner MkII]]<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Basic Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_miner_IV.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|1,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Basic Miner III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Advanced Miner I<br />
| align="center"|[[image:Advanced_Miner_1.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|2,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Basic Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Adv. Miner II<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|5,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Advanced Miner I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Adv. Miner III<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|10,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Advanced Miner II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Adv. Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|20,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Advanced Miner III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Industrial Miner I<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Advanced Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Ind. Miner II<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|100,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Industrial Miner I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Ind. Miner III<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|200,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Industrial Miner II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Ind. Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|500,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Industrial Miner III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Planet Cracker<br />
| align="center"|<br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|1,000,000,000cu<br />
| align="center"|Industrial Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Highest level of this award<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Pentric Miner I<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_pentric_50.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50cu of mined Pentric Ore<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Ore for these ribbons only counts if it is mined by the player.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Pentric Miner II<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_pentric_500.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|500cu of mined Pentric Ore<br />
| align="center"|Pentric Miner I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Pentric Miner III<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_pentric_5000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|5,000cu of mined Pentric Ore<br />
| align="center"|Pentric Miner II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Pentric Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_pentric_50000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50,000cu of mined Pentric Ore<br />
| align="center"|Pentric Miner III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Denic Miner I<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_denic_50.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50cu of mined Denic Ore<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Ore for these ribbons only counts if it is mined by the player.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Denic Miner II<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_denic_500.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|500cu of mined Denic Ore<br />
| align="center"|Denic Miner I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Denic Miner III<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_denic_5000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|5,000cu of mined Denic Ore<br />
| align="center"|Denic Miner II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Denic Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_denic_50000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50,000cu of mined Denic Ore<br />
| align="center"|Denic Miner III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Heliocene Miner I<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_helio_50.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50cu of mined Heliocene Ore<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|Ore for these ribbons only counts if it is mined by the player.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Heliocene Miner II<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_helio_500.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|500cu of mined Heliocene Ore<br />
| align="center"|Heliocene Miner I<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Heliocene Miner III<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_helio_5000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|5,000cu of mined Heliocene Ore<br />
| align="center"|Heliocene Miner II<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|-<br />
! align="center"|Heliocene Miner IV<br />
| align="center"|[[image:ribbon_helio_50000.png|75px]]<br><br />
| align="center"|Mining<br />
| align="center"|50,000cu of mined Heliocene Ore<br />
| align="center"|Heliocene Miner III<br />
| align="center"|N/A<br />
| align="center"|See above.<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The Basic Miner series of badges requires you to mine AND sell ore to get credit for the badge (ores collected by a mission count as sold). The way this works is each type of ore has separate ore mined and ore sold counters, and the lower of each set of numbers counts toward the total.<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|+ style="text-align:left" |For Example:<br />
|<br />
|style="color:deepskyblue" | Ishik Ore<br />
|style="color:green" | Xithricite Ore<br />
|style="color:purple" | Lanthanic Ore<br />
|style="color:red" | Heliocene Ore<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
|style="color:deepskyblue" | 150 cu Mined<br />
|style="color:green" | 200 cu Mined<br />
|style="color:purple" | 0 cu Mined<br />
|style="color:red" | 20 cu Mined<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
|style="color:deepskyblue" | 100 cu Sold<br />
|style="color:green" | 400 cu Sold<br />
|style="color:purple" | 50 cu Sold<br />
|style="color:red" | 0 cu Sold<br />
|-<br />
|Credit for badge =<br />
|style="color:deepskyblue" | MINIMUM(150, 100) +<br />
|style="color:green" | MINIMUM(200,400) +<br />
|style="color:purple" | MINIMUM(0,50) +<br />
|style="color:red" | MINIMUM(20,0)<br />
|-<br />
|Credit for badge =<br />
|style="text-align:center; color:deepskyblue" | 100 +<br />
|style="text-align:center; color:green" | 200 +<br />
|style="text-align:center; color:purple" | 0 +<br />
|style="text-align:center; color:red" | 0<br />
|-<br />
|Credit for badge =<br />
|300<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Game Information]]<br />
[[Category:Badges]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Plug-ins
Plug-ins
2014-12-31T20:19:22Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Creating your own Plugins */ updating link</p>
<hr />
<div>Ever since the underlying Lua interface code was opened up to VO's player base, Vendetta Online features the possibility for users to write their own plug-ins, affecting everything from the game's interface to in-game communication to game mechanics.<br />
<br />
= Installing Plugins =<br />
<br />
For instructions on how to install plugins, as well as another list, go to [http://vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439].<br />
<br />
= Creating your own Plugins =<br />
<br />
VO Lua API that can be used for creating plugins can be found at [http://www.vo-wiki.com/racecar2].<br />
<br />
= Available Plugins =<br />
<br />
The list below has been culled from various sources, doesn't list all publically available plugins, and includes plugins which are no longer available and have been superceded by in-game functionality. The list is slowly being cleaned up, but until then, you may be slightly frustrated by some breakage. If you <em>do</em> find broken plugins, please move them to the "Broken Plugins" section down the bottom, and note why they're broken so they can be fixed or removed.<br />
<br />
The [http://www.voupr.com Vendetta Online Unofficial Plugin Repository (VOUPR)] is also a growing source for plugin hosting and information.<br />
<br />
==AFK==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Set yourself AFK with an optional away message. Incoming /msg's are logged for your later viewing.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' draugath<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/24396]<br />
<br />
<br />
==alphsortaddons==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Changes the sorting order of addons to sort alphabetically only <br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#alphsortaddons]<br />
<br />
<br />
==animatedload==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' a fancy animated loading screen<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#animatedload] [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#animatedload-fancytext]<br />
<br />
<br />
==apcontrol==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' a control interface for varioius media players. xmms, mpd and vlc (somewhat) are supported<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#apcontrol]<br />
<br />
==AutoJett==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Originally created by slime73. Alternate versions by Iry and igrok. Has been superseded by [http://www.vo-wiki.com/wiki/Plug-ins#M.A.I.D. M.A.I.D.]<br />
<br />
==AutoLogin==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Automatically logs you in. Edit the main.lua file with a text editor to configure it.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25167]<br />
<br />
==AutoRR==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Automatic ship repair and weapon refill.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' raybondo; improved by igrok<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [[user:igrok#Plug-Ins|AutoRR v1.1]]<br />
<br />
==Background Toggler==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Toggles whether the background should be displayed. Turning it off can be useful when trying to locate objects that are beyond radar range.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /gfx<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/24547]<br />
<br />
==BotScan==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Aids players who are looking for Hive Queens or Leviathans by scanning the toplist for any ships that start with "*Hive Queen" or "*Leviathan", and then displaying any matches to the chatlog. Also scans the missionlist upon docking for any Hive Skirmish missions, and prints sectors that are likely to have Hive Queens or Leviathans to the chatlog.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' MSKanaka<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/botscan [on|off] -- Master switch. If this is off, the plugin doesn't run.<br />
<br />
/botscan queen [on|off] -- Enables or disables checks for Hive Queens on sector entry.<br />
<br />
/botscan levi [on|off] -- Enables or disables checks for Leviathans on sector entry.<br />
<br />
/botscan mission [on|off] -- Enables or disables missionlist scanning. Turned off by default. Only turn this on if you don't mind your chatlog being spammed; if there are a lot of skirmish missions available at the station, it will print a line for every 'critical' and 'central' mission it sees. Independent of the queen and levi settings.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219482 BotScan plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''In the pipe:''' <br />
<br />
- Bugfixes (if any).<br />
<br />
- Less spammy missionlist checking. Fixed. Thanks Naut!<br />
<br />
==Calc==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' basic calculator, allows sci functions, memory, basic stuff.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mad Miner Moda<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /calc<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/17979 plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==CargoFind==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Find a specific cargo widget with a command.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Smittens<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /cargofind "WHATEVER" --> Finds the first widget within range that has "WHATEVER" in its name<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' <br />
[http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/17646 Primary thread for CargoFind with working download link] [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#221455 CargoFind plug-in thread entry (zip file is missing)]<br />
<br />
==cargolist==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Displays list of all cargo in range. Clicking on the list targets stuff.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /cargolist<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/20497 plug-in thread]<br />
<br />
==cargolist redux (remake)==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' rewritten version (by Keller) of the original cargolist plugin (from Mick)<br><br />
lists and selects cargo in radar range; GUI configuration, listing in HUD ([[#TargetLess_1.7.15|TargetLess]] compatible) or as dialog window<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Keller<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' <br><br />
/cargolist options (GUI configuration, see tab "help"<br><br />
/cargolist help (displays help in chat window)<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/27009 Forum and Download]<br />
<br />
==cargopreset==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Allows to save a list of currently loaded cargo as a preset and later load it.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/cpreset save "name" - save current cargo loadout<br />
<br />
/cpreset load "name" - load cargo<br />
<br />
'''Additional information and download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/20497 plug-in thread]<br />
<br />
==Catalog==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Catalogs information on items (prices, stats, etc.). When you target a stack of items, it displays the estimated value.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /cat<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25708]<br />
<br />
==ChanColors==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Allows you to assign colors to individual channels.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /ChanColors set 11 AA0000 - this sets [11] to be dark red<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25940]<br />
<br />
==Channels==<br />
'''Description:''' shows all the channels you are in broken down by one channel per tab in the UI. unique tab for guild and private.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mad Miner Moda<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/19121 plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
<br />
==ChangeBackground==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Allows you to set the current sector's background to any background you wish (by inputting a sectorid), or a random background. Recommended: bind rdmbackground and changebg to keys. (clientside only)<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 ChangeBackground plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''Download for people not in ITAN:''' [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4214717/VO%20Plugs/changebackground.zip]<br />
<br />
==ChSound v1.0==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Plays a sound whenever someone chats to the designated channel while it is not your active channel.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
<br />
==clabel==<br />
'''Description:''' A replacement for the label widget in vendetta that can use custom fonts. Makes HUD notifications use Comic Sans!<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#clabel]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Collectorwatch==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Hunting hive queens is fun, but watching the collectors mine is boring. This plugin allows you to do something else while the collectors do their mining, with an audible alert as soon as they move off to go back to the queen.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' [[User:Womble|Womble]]<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' [http://www.hezmatt.org/~mpalmer/vo/collectorwatch/]<br />
<br />
'''Forum Thread:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/21113]<br />
<br />
'''Documentation/additional info:''' README in the zip file<br />
<br />
==CombatAssist==<br />
'''Description:''' Allows you to easily adjust constant thrusters outside of Flight Assist mode. In plain English, it prevents you from having to hold down the forward and reverse keys by allowing you to just tap either, (or the break) to control your ship's acceleration. To change keys or verbosity level, edit the file 'options.lua'.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' [[User:Person|Calder]]<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' See VOUPR page: [http://voupr.byethost8.com/plugin.php?name=combatassist]<br />
<br />
==customHUD==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Adds movable hud displays with target, weapon and self info. Can also be used to toggle elements of the normal HUD, optionally at the press of bound keys.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
[[image:customHUD.jpg|left|thumb|customHUD]]{{br}}<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' <br />
<br />
/customhud - toggles it on/off<br />
<br />
/customhud config - shows config window (duh)<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18790 Mick's plug-in thread]<br />
<br />
'''User comments:''' '' 'A small but drastic change. With my penchant for keeping only relevant combat information around my central HUD elements, customHUD is essential. Together with DistanceMeter, you've got yourself a HUD that actually aids you in combat, not hinders you.' '' - [[User:Ion|Ion]]<br />
<br />
==deboop==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' replaces hit beep with machine gun sounds from OpenArena<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#deboop]<br />
<br />
<br />
==dedebug==<br />
'''Description:''' Suppresses debug messages when taking missions on the test server<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#dedebug]<br />
<br />
<br />
==DevKit==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Tools to aid in the development of plugins.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' draugath<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/24284]<br />
<br />
==DKAutofill==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Key name auto-fill for the delete key dialog.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' draugath<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25240]<br />
<br />
==DistanceMeter==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Another very simple plugin, this one moves the Distance meter (and the sector alignment info) to the bottom of the HUD, like it was with the old Vendetta client. *** Broken slightly if used with the latest version of TargetLess ***<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 DistanceMeter plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''User comments:''' '' 'A welcome change back to the old style. To my mind, the only information that should be near to the central crosshair is information that pertains to the battle between yourself and your current target, and DistanceMeter remedies one annoyance in this respect.' '' - [[User:Ion|Ion]]<br />
<br />
==DroidButtons==<br />
'''Description:''' This plugin will allow an Android user to dynamically create, place, and size additional buttons on their HUD. These buttons can be assigned up to two commands. One for a short-press and one for a long-press (if the short-press command is not a +command).<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' draugath<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' <br><br />
[http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/27594 Discussion thread at vendetta-online.com]<br><br />
[http://www.voupr.com/plugin.php?name=droidbuttons Download at voupr.com]<br><br />
[https://bitbucket.org/draugath/droidbuttons bitbucket.com] (git repository)<br><br />
<br />
==dullbot==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' a travel, mining and trading bot that sometimes even works. Most of the code is in the dullbot module which might be useful for other bots<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#dullbot]<br />
<br />
==enterleave==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' print a notification or play a sound effect when a player, bot or character matching a pattern enters or leaves the sector<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#enterleave]<br />
<br />
==ezGroup==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Displays a notification at the bottom of the screen, when invited to a group. <br />
<br />
[[image:EzGroup.png]]<br />
<br />
Also, provides shorthand commands: /inv /kick /gleave /w<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Protolif<br />
<br />
'''Current Version:''' 0.1b<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/21423 Official Vendetta Forum Thread]<br />
<br />
==FactionColor==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Factions whose names are checked in the /factioncolor dialog will have their ship names coloured based on their default ship colour. For example, Xang Xi will be teal in the sectorlist and the TargetLess HUD list.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
[[image:Factioncolor.jpg|left|thumb|FactionColor target list]]{{br}}<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489FactionColor plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==FlashChange==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A very simple plugin that changes the red flash when you get hit to be less intense. It gets slightly brighter as your hull weakens.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 FlashChange plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==GroupStat==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Broadcasts when you die and who killed you to your group.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Drazed and Moda Messolus.<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /groupstat - Yields a sortable matrix of the information. <br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/17818 GroupStat forum thread]<br />
<br />
==Guild Notify==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Prints the names of players in your guild when they log on or off.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 Guild Notify plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==Honk==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Allows you to honk at other ships in the sector. Other users of the plugin (as well as you) will hear a honking sound, which differs based on ship.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /honk <br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/23686]<br />
<br />
==HUD Messages==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Displays messages for toggling F/A, A/A, mouselook, as well as the mining beam warnings on the HUD for 2 seconds instead of displaying them in the chatbox.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==Humaniform==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Act like a human!<br />
<br />
The Humaniform plugin will make your character act like a human by sending /me messages with human-like activity to sector chat. Every 5 - 20 minutes, your character will do one of the following:<br />
<br />
* burp<br />
* fart<br />
* scratch its head<br />
* pick its nose<br />
* sigh<br />
* scratch its butt<br />
* stroke its chin in thought<br />
* rub its eyes<br />
* twitch<br />
* take a sip of its drink<br />
<br />
You can configure your characters gender: male, female or neuter (default). Here are all the commands you can run:<br />
<br />
* /humaniform on<br />
* /humaniform off<br />
* /humaniform male<br />
* /humaniform female<br />
* /humaniform neuter<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' INKling<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [https://github.com/mqsoh/vendetta-plugins on github], [https://github.com/mqsoh/vendetta-plugins/tarball/master .tar.gz], [https://github.com/mqsoh/vendetta-plugins/zipball/master .zip]<br />
<br />
==ignoreextras==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' some extra ignore features. ignore players temporary (ok, the game can do that too now.. ) and whole factions<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#ignoreextras]<br />
<br />
==IgnoreIRC==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Messages from players over the IRC bot are not displayed if that player is on your ignore list. Now compatible with the IRC_ bot as well.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==ignoreturret==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Ignores turrets when using target in front command. Effectively turns off targeting of turrets.<br />
<br />
'''Usage:''' <br />
Bind it instead of target in front.<br />
<br />
eg. /bind b ignoreturret<br />
<br />
There's also /ignoreturret command<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' [http://mick.neostrada.pl/VO/ignoreturret.zip ignoreturret.zip]<br />
<br />
==InfiniTurbo==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Turbo infinitely with any kind of ship/power cell. Switch between missile stacking, speed & energy modes.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' igrok<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [[user:igrok#Plug-Ins|InfiniTurbo v1.1]]<br />
<br />
==InfiniteTurbo==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Let's you turbo infinitely with any kind of ship/power cell.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' firsm<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18931]<br />
<br />
==Jett==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Jettisons items in your cargo hold in 1cu increments. <br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' To use it, type '/Jett' ingame. It's set by default to jettison only a single crate of cargo when you do that, but you can configure it to jettison everything in your cargo hold (with a .5 second delay between every cargo crate jettisoned) by typing '/Jett toggle'. If you need help using the script ingame, type /jett help.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 Jett plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==JumpSFX==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Enables the built-in (but normally unused) wormhole and sector jump sound effects.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' MSKanaka<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /jumpsfx [on|off] -- Turns the jump effects on or off.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219482 JumpSFX plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''Known Bugs:'''<br />
<br />
- VO soundtrack will not play due to the script's use of playmusic(); the function required for this does not work with these particular sound effects. Fixed.<br />
<br />
'''In the pipe:'''<br />
<br />
- Bugfixes (if any)<br />
- Option to allow the VO soundtrack to continue playing by auto-detecting which music file should be playing based on the player's location. Implemented via gksound.GKPlaySound().<br />
<br />
==killshot==<br />
'''Description:''' Will take screenshots when a player dies or kills someone.<br><br />
In case of a kill two screenshots will be taken, one just before death and another just after.<br><br />
There are configuration options for most situations:<br><br />
when player dies, whether it was suicide, when he kills someone, whether bots were involved<br><br />
also allows to save screenshots to a specified folder, using specified naming scheme.<br><br />
Taking first or second screenshot is optional.<br />
<br />
'''Usage:'''<br><br />
Type /killshot in-game to see extensive help.<br />
<br />
'''Download:'''<br />
[http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/21818]<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
==KombatTunes==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Plays a song at random (or determined by pattern matching). Intended to be used mainly by other plugins, e.g. LegionHail, but can also be used by hand.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/kombattunes<br />
<br />
/kombattunes pattern <br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25132]<br />
<br />
==LaunchButton==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' This hack allows you to bind a key for launching from a station or capital ship.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' draugath<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/24829]<br />
<br />
==LegionHail==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Provides ability to have multiple "modes" (e.g. pirate, trader, pvp), each of which can have any number of hails associated with it. When you run /legionhail, it will choose a hail at random from the current mode and send it to your target. <br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/legionhail gui<br />
<br />
/legionhail<br />
<br />
/legionhail cycle<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25152]<br />
<br />
==locknearbylist==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Adds a toggle to the nearby ships list that temporarily locks it.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#locknearbylist]<br />
<br />
==M.A.I.D.==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' M.A.I.D. (Mining And Inventory Daemon) Automatically jettison items of your choosing (ores, cargo, scrap, etc). Jettison items immediately (combat mode) or just before ship is full. Time cargo drops to make sure they don't disappear. Monitor asteroid temperatures to prevent overheating. Review mining and cargo statistics.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' igrok<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [[user:igrok#Plug-Ins|M.A.I.D. v1.3]]<br />
<br />
<br />
==manu==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A plugin for keeping track of the inventory for manufactoring missions.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#manu]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Max Profit==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Adds a button to the sell dialog accessed from Commerce->Commodities->Sell that finds the sell qty resulting in maximum total profit.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==MfgAide==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Loads items needed for the active manufacturing mission onto your active ship. For more info do /mfg help<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==missiontimestamp==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' adds a timestamp to the end of the mission log of completed missions<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#missiontimestamp]<br />
<br />
==Msg Beep==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' With this plugin, whenever you receive a /msg you will hear the proximity warning sound.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 Msg Beep plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==movesectorinfo==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' move sector info to the bottom of the hud<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#movesectorinfo]<br />
<br />
==mouselookincaps==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' automatically switch to mouselook mode when entering a capship and back off on undocking<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#mouselookincaps]<br />
<br />
==multiaim==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' adds separate targetting leadoffs for each weapon you have<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Scuba Steve 9.0<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' (original seems missing) [http://mick.neostrada.pl/VO/MultiAim.zip]<br />
<br />
==multiclick==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Double-click (or more) functionality for any button.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18790 Mick's plug-in thread]<br />
<br />
==Mute Music==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Toggles whether the game plays music or not. It will still play sound. You can optionally modify the sound and music volumes as well. It's mainly useful if you want to quickly disable the in-game music so you can listen to external music, and to quickly enable it again when finished.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/24547]<br />
<br />
==NationWar Announcer==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' This is just a simple plugin I put together to help me with running Nation War. It lets me easily give the "20 minutes to nation war, yadda yadda" announcement, has a rule-spamming function, and can provide a countdown as well.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25131]<br />
<br />
==Navadd==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''': Allows the player to add sectors to their navroute by using sectorIDs instead of coordinates.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' MSKanaka<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /navadd [sID] -- adds the sector with the ID number of sID to your navroute.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219482 Navadd plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''In the pipe:''' Bugfixes (if any).<br />
<br />
==NavComp==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Avoid Ion Storms, Hive Bots and other hazards automatically when creating a Navroute. Have complete authority when saving or loading previous Navroutes with name and notes. Includes escape mode and fully integrated HUD and PDA controls<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' J.A.Keller<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/27008 NavComp Plugin]<br />
<br />
==NavHome==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Adds button to nav screen that plots a course back to your home station.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick, Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==navmapui==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' nav route interface<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#navmapui]<br />
<br />
==newsticker==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' a newsticker in the welcome screen that cycles through the most recent news items<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#newsticker]<br />
<br />
<br />
==oldhud==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Replaces the HUD with one that mimics the pre Vendetta 1.6 one.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#oldhud]<br />
<br />
<br />
==paydialog==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' a graphical interface for the /givemoney command<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#paydialog]<br />
<br />
==PI HUD==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Displays faction standings and required XP to reach next level for all licenses. Optionally shows player combat stats such as kills, deaths, and PKs.<br />
<br />
'''Created By:''' Micalan<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.kantia.net/plugins/]<br />
<br />
==Plod==<br />
'''Description:'''<br />
<pre><br />
Plod can be used to plot courses between two sectors (automatic rerouting). It will also buy and unload cargo between two stations, if you provide a third argument. For trading it will do everything but the flying.<br />
<br />
The trade item is case sensitive.<br />
<br />
Usage.<br />
------<br />
/plod [start sector or 'current'] [end sector or 'current'] [optional trade item]<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
---------<br />
/plod 'sol e15' 'geira i5' 'XiRite Alloy'<br />
/plod current 'geira o4' 'Basic Targeting Systems'<br />
/plod a12 j6<br />
</pre><br />
<br />
'''Created By:''' INKling<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [https://github.com/mqsoh/vendetta-plugins on github], [https://github.com/mqsoh/vendetta-plugins/tarball/master .tar.gz], [https://github.com/mqsoh/vendetta-plugins/zipball/master .zip]<br />
<br />
==PMsound v1.0==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Plays a sound when you receive a PM.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==proxyhack==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' prevents the proxy distance entry from eating the tab key while the nearby ships list is open<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#proxyhack]<br />
<br />
==pview==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' makes 3rd person view persistent by toggling camera to external view after jumps, etc.<br />
Commands:<br />
/pview - toggles<br />
/pview on/off - obvious<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''Download:''' [http://mick.neostrada.pl/VO/pview.zip pview.zip]<br />
<br />
==QuickHail==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' <br />
When you type /qhlist, it rebinds the number keys up the top, from 1, on the left, all the way to 0 on the right. Press the number corresponding to the hail you want to send, it sends the message, gets rid of the li'l dialog, and binds your keys back to whatever they were previous!<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Jas-Atamos<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''': <br />
/qh : Opens the UI to set your hails<br />
/qhlist: to list which hail you want to send to your target.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/19683 thread entry]<br />
<br />
==QuickPlot==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Plots a quick course to a specific sector.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''': <br />
<br />
/Jump ''sector'' -- sector can be a sector such as Sedina L2 or just the sector coordinates if you want to jump in-system, e.g. arta a1 and a1 will both go to Arta Caelestis A-1 if you are already in Arta.<br />
<br />
Bind jump_prompt to a key if you want it to prompt you for a sector when you press a key.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 QuickPlot plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==QuickReply v1.1==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Several binds to make it easier to send PMs<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==racecartool==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' finds lua definitions in the racecar wiki. it's meant to do some more maintaince related things eventually<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#racecartool]<br />
<br />
==racestats==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' In-game viewer for Sedina Racetracks' times.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18790 Mick's plug-in thread]<br />
<br />
<br />
==radarscale==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Scale radar and crosshair seperately from the rest of the HUD.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#radarscale]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Really simple Navroute-reversing Lua Plugin==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Reverses navroutes.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' Type "/ReverseNav" ingame.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 ReverseNav plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==ReplyToLastMessageButton==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Press a single button to open a chat line to reply to the last private message you received.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Yevoc<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439?page=3#251169 ReplyToLastMsg plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==SetShipColor==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Lets the player set the color of ships that they purchase to match that of one of the ingame factions or guilds.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' MSKanaka<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/setshipcolor faction [factionname] -- Sets ship purchase color to match the given faction.<br />
<br />
/setshipcolor guild [guildacronym] -- Sets ship purchase color to match the given guild's color.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219482 SetShipColor plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''In the pipe:'''<br />
<br />
- Bugfixes (if any).<br />
<br />
- Adding/removing/fixing guild colors as requested.<br />
<br />
==ShipLoadoutsManager==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Save ship loadouts on a per-station basis<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/23735]<br />
<br />
==shortgivemoney==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A variant of givemoney that allows to abbreviate the amount<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#shortgivemoney]<br />
<br />
<br />
==skirmishcolors==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Increases the brightness of the hud skirmish info for corvus and the hive to improve readability<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#skirmishcolors]<br />
<br />
<br />
==SoundAlertSuite==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Plays a sound for various actions and events. For GUI use /soundalertsuite or /SAS<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
<br />
== spaceScan ==<br />
<br />
'''Description''' Asynchronously scans near space (in radar range) for specific cargo crates. Search conditions are the sub-strings of the objects which you are looking for stored in prioritized list. First list element has a highest priority, the last on lowest. <br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' KepocuH<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/25112]<br />
<br />
==SpeedWarp==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Increases the FOV as you exceed your ship's standard velocity. Looks particularly nice in the 3rd person view.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /speedwarp<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/26009]<br />
<br />
<br />
==stackorator==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Helper for stacking multiple sets of rockets/missles or for stacking weapons with very different speeds<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#stackorator]<br />
<br />
<br />
==StationFind==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Allows you to search your station inventory for specific items, stations, ships, items on ships, everything at specific stations, by nation, by faction or all stations.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mad Miner Moda<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /sfind<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18286 plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==StationSpin==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Causes the station the player is docked at to spin in the background. If the player is in a capship, nothing happens.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' MSKanaka<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /stationspin [on|off] -- Turns the spinning on or off.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219482 StationSpin plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
'''In the pipe:''' Bugfixes (if any).<br />
<br />
==SwitchTarget v1.3==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Allows you to change the target of anyone in your group who has the plugin enabled to your target.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' diqrtvpe<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/switchtarget -- turns it on and off<br />
<br />
/target -- activates the switch<br />
<br />
/leader -- toggles between multi-target (default) and leader mode (group target leader sets targets, all others only follow; default leader is group leader)<br />
<br />
/leaderswitch "name" (or /stls "name")-- if you are group target leader you can set "name" as new target leader, if they have leader mode on<br />
<br />
/leaderall (or /stla) -- if you are group target leader you can set all groupmembers to leader mode<br />
<br />
/targetroid (or /rtarget) -- switches target to a roid or cargo crate<br />
<br />
/subgroup # (or /stsg #) -- joins a subgroup (1-9) (when in a subgroup only targets called from your subgroup will work)<br />
<br />
/subgroup -- join subgroup 1 or leave a subgroup<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/19232 SwitchTarget thread]<br />
<br />
==TargetBinds==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A simple plugin which allows you to send your current target's information to either Guild or Group chat.<br />
<br />
Example:<br />
(guild) [Deneb B-12] <Omega 0> Current target: Hokanes Harolus, piloting a Serco SkyCommand Prometheus with 38% armour.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' slime73<br />
<br />
'''CLI:'''<br />
<br />
/grouptarget -- Sends your target's info to Group chat.<br />
<br />
/guildtarget -- Sends your target's info to Guild chat.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439#219489 TargetBinds plug-in thread entry]<br />
<br />
==TargetLess 1.7.15==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Advanced targetting plugin for Vendetta-Online. Provides a HUD display with multi-target details, and lets you quickselect targets (player/npc/asteroids) with key binds. <br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' drazed<br />
<br />
[[image:tlsbomber.jpg|left|thumb|TargetLess HUD]]{{br}}<br />
*image outdated*<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' <br />
<br />
/importconfigroids --> import roids from versions before 1.7<br />
<br />
/targetless --> Manage targetless (controls/settings/etc).<br />
<br />
On android tablets, swipe list down/up to select next/prev target, swipe list right/left to switch lists, and tap list to pin/unpin target.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://targetless.com/ TargetLess].<br />
<br />
'''User comments:''' '' 'I longed for this functionality for a year (but was apparently never smart enough to actually request it). Suddenly, as if by magic (or possibly industrial espionage) there was a plug-in which did all I had dreamt of, and today, I consider it the single most important addition available to VO's HUD. An enormous aid in large battles.' '' - [[User:Ion|Ion]]<br />
<br />
==tapehud==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' ultra realistic cockpit simulation<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#tapehud]<br />
<br />
==TargetButton==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Performs "Target Nearest", ignoring hostility. Ignores group members by default (this is optional). Can optionally ignore guild members as well.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' pizzasgood<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' /targetbutton<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/26039]<br />
<br />
==telnetterm==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' a more or less vt100 capable telnet client. it's quite incmplete and slow but enough to use a shell<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#telnetterm]<br />
<br />
==tempsafety==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Will automatically turn off mining beams if temperature exceeds preset value<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18790 Mick's plug-in thread]<br />
<br />
==Timer v1.2==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' In-game timer to set your own countdown.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==Tithe==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' <br />
Allows you to tithe a user set % of your profit to the guild bank.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mad Miner Moda<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''': <br />
/tithe <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/17863 thread entry]<br />
<br />
==ToasterCrush Plugin Suite==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A collection of mostly-combat use plugins, configurable through a GUI panel accessible from the options menu, as well as a modular framework for future plug-in development.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Scuba Steve 9.0<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/19129 TCS forum thread]<br />
<br />
'''User comments:''' '' 'One of the absolute essential plug-in packages for any kind of plugged-in and modular VO fun. Download it, and go Make Friends�c' '' - [[User:Ion|Ion]]<br />
<br />
<br />
==toplistafterjump==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Briefly pops up the nearby ship list when jumping into a sector <br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#toplistafterjump]<br />
<br />
<br />
==TradeAssistant (TGFT version)==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' <br />
Trade routes: for the buy/sell to work you need items from the buy station at the sell station and it will show only profit.<br />
<br />
Item lookup: all stations you dock at, buy and sell prices. each time you dock it will update the cached copy so you get current rates.<br />
<br />
No data is wrote or saved between sessions, no config settings and the like. This is due to volatility of the data.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mad Miner Moda<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''': <br />
/TA : Opens the UI<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/19302 thread entry]<br />
<br />
==TradeAssistant v.03==<br />
<br />
Descriptions: Keeps up with stations you visit and can show you the most profitable items between them.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Vorgas<br />
<br />
'''CLI:''' Get help with /help or /ta.help.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/17439?page=2#231716 TradeAssistant plug-in thread entry]<br />
''File location broken!''<br />
<br />
==Transaction Ledger==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A ledger for tracking monetary transactions.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' draugath<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/24174]<br />
<br />
==treemissionlist==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' tree like version of the mission board.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#treemissionlist]<br />
<br />
==TriggerColors==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Colorizes the highlights displayed around addons on the HUD to distinguish which trigger it is set to<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Chocolateer<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/22074]<br />
<br />
==umlautbind==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' bind umlaut keys to commands<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#umlautbind]<br />
<br />
==weapon group (wg)==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' A very simple interface to modify weapon groups while in space. Open it with /wg<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Mick<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://mick.neostrada.pl/VO/wg%20v0.1.zip wg v0.1.zip]<br />
<br />
<br />
==visualproxyalert2==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Shows a message on the HUD whenever a proxy alert is triggered.<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' mr_spuck<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://kitchen.nfshost.com/ven/plugins/#visualproxyalert2]<br />
<br />
<br />
==vzoom==<br />
<br />
'''Description:''' Eldrad's [[Variable_zoom_bind|Variable Zoom]] alias made into a plug-in (mostly for ease of installation, there's no new functionality).<br />
<br />
'''Created by:''' Script by Eldrad, enhanced by Roguelazer, turned into a plug-in by Mick.<br />
<br />
'''Additional information & download:''' [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/16/18790 Mick's plug-in thread]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Main_Page
Main Page
2013-03-24T05:09:16Z
<p>CrazySpence: removed poor ol kickstarter banner</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
<extimg>"../w/extensions/rotating/rotator.php" style="width:180px; float: left; border: 1px solid #8cacbb; padding: 2px; margin: 2px; margin-right: 15px;" alt="Oui! A random image!"</extimg><br />
This site is a growing source of information for the players of Vendetta Online. Here you will find guides, a FAQ, and other information that will be updated as the game is. Check out the [[wikipedia:Vendetta Online|Wikipedia Vendetta Online entry]].<br /><br />
If you want to edit pages all you have to do is [[special:userlogin|create an account]]. The syntax can be found [[Help:Editing|here]]. Please feel free to fix grammar, spelling, and incorrect information. Also, check out the "[[What can I do]]" page to see what is going on that needs to be done.<br />
<br style="clear:both;" /><br />
== Documentation On Vendetta Online ==<br />
<!-- Ugly but it works --><br />
<div style="text-align: left; font-size:94%; width:100%;"> <!-- Contains everything --><br />
<div style="float:left; width:49%;"> <!-- Left side --><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">General</div><br />
[[FAQ]] - Frequently asked questions and answers on the game.<br /><br />
[[Glossary]] - Common Words, used by Vendetta players.<br / ><br />
[[Rules]] - The rules of Vendetta.<br /><br />
[[IRC]] - Where we are in IRC, and how to use the Vendetta relay bot.<br /><br />
[[Factions]] - Information about the different factions and nations.<br /><br />
[[VO_Backstory|Backstory]] - Vendetta Online's story on how we got here.<br /><br />
[[Easter Eggs]] - Easter eggs that exist in Vendetta Online.<br /><br />
[[ChangeLog]] - Changes made in the different versions of Vendetta Online.<br /><br />
[[Plug-ins]] - player-made addons for Vendetta Online<br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Combat Activities</div><br />
[[Pirating]] - So, you want to know about pirates? Yarrr!<br /><br />
[[CtC]] - Information on the Capture the Cargo competition.<br /><br />
[[Dueling]] - A quick guide to Duels and Dueling Etiquette.<br /><br />
[[Border Combat]] - The front line of the war between the [[Serco]] and the [[Itani]]<br /><br />
[[Player_VS._Player | Player VS. Player]] - A quick guide to PvP in Vendetta.<br /><br />
[[Hunting_the_Hive | Hunting the Hive]] - How to do your part in the war against the Hive.<br /><br />
[[Station_Conquest | Station Conquest]] - Several stations in the game can be captured by players<br /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Peaceful Activities</div><br />
[[Racing]] - The race tracks & large sponsored races such as the Deneb Run&trade;.<br /><br />
[[Mining]] - Guide to mining, along with equipment and ore info.<br /><br />
[[Trading]] - How to trade and tips.<br /><br />
[[Roleplaying]] - Get started with the role-playing aspect.<br /><br />
[[Manufacturing]] - Some items can be created by players.<br /><br />
</div><br />
</div> <!-- End of left side --><br />
<div style="float:right; width:49%;"> <!-- Right Side --><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Game Info</div><br />
[[Ships]] - A handy list of the types of ships in the game.<br /><br />
[[Equipment]] - A handy list of the add-ons available in-game.<br /><br />
[[Bots]] - The types of bots such as the hive and NPCs.<br /><br />
[[Badges]] - A list of the discovered badges.<br /><br />
[[Missions]] - The different missions and explanations.<br /><br />
[[Station Locations|Stations]] - A list of stations by Faction.<br /><br />
[[Systems]] - A list of Systems with information on special sectors.<br /><br />
[[Guilds]] - Information on the guild system.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Game's User Interface</div><br />
[[HUD]] - What each part of the HUD does.<br /><br />
[[Station Interface]] - How to interact with stations<br /><br />
[[PDA]] - Your omnipresent personal digital assistant<br /><br />
[[Skins]] - User created skins.<br /><br />
[[GTS]] - Galactic Trade Standard. The language of tomorrow.<br /><br />
[[Binds]] - Aliases and Binds for the game.<br /><br />
[[Navroutes]] - Useful navigation routes.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Miscellaneous</div><br />
[[Player Contribution Corps]] - User created game content.<br /><br />
[http://design.vendetta-online.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Design Wiki] - Devs' plans for the future (of vendetta).<br /><br />
[http://www.viperguild.com/wiki/ VPRpedia] - A wiki on pirate activity, maintained by the Vipers. <br /><br />
[http://www.ratelis.com/guide/ Strategy Guide] - An Unofficial Online Guide.<br /><br />
[http://sercodominion.org Serco Dominion] - The Unofficial wiki of the Serco Dominion <br /><br />
[[User Creations]] - User created fiction and artwork (not including ships)<br /><br />
[[Player designed ships|Player Designed Ships]] - Link to the images of player created ship concepts.<br /><br />
[[日本の裏話|Backstory in Japanese]] - Work in progress, Japanese translation of the backstory (日本語の裏話)<br /><br />
[[Credits]] - You know, who did what around here.<br />
</div><br />
</div> <!-- End of right side --><br />
</div> <!-- Done --></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User:CrazySpence
User:CrazySpence
2012-08-22T20:23:04Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* What I am upto Currently */ marking place holder in changelog to monitor bot accounts</p>
<hr />
<div>==What is CrazySpence?==<br />
I am an Itani, have been since the old days when it was just plain blue. In the olden times I would get in golds way by heavily mining the flag in sector 1 to the point that it would take 30-45minutes before the flag could even begin to be touched.<br />
<br />
These days CrazySpence mainly escorts convoys through Grey space. CrazySpence also owns the system of Pelatus and will sometimes patrol there to make sure everyone stays out. His favourite game is to tease pirates by announcing is trade routes then escaping or killing the pirate and taunting them about their failures<br />
<br />
==Should I be afraid?==<br />
No it is just a game silly. I will only attack if....<br />
* You are red on my screen<br />
* Trying to pirate me or others<br />
* Free for all battle in some sector<br />
* Guarding my system Pelatus and you do not say "Hail to the King, baby!"<br />
* Attacking my convoy<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
* I fly a hog 90% of the time. I have been for over 6 years<br />
** Warthog Mark II - This is the hog of choice, handles well, infinite turbo but lacks in manueverability vs IBG or Rev C centurion's<br />
** Warthog Territorial Defender - This is the dream fighter of the hog pilot. If you are intent on short range dogfighting this thing has the speed, the moves, and the armour to do it in. So hog pilots, do not alienate the UIT for they hold the key to make all of your glorious dreams come true!<br />
** My weakness is prom pilots 1v1, the hog is undermatched versus the standard weapons config of the prom pilot I have been able to beat proms but usually at the cost of my own ship as well so beware!<br />
* I have favourite ships that I like to engage if you are an enemy target and flying one of these be sure I'll be knocking on your six<br />
** Centurion IBG or Rev C's - While I do mention the Mark 2 is at a disadvantage with these usually in my hands it is not! most people who pilot these super cents are over confident and I can usually chew their ship to bits.<br />
** Warthogs - Nothing is more exciting to a hog pilot than to engage one of his fellow warriors in combat!<br />
** Vultures - Vulture pilots are cunning and a worthy prey<br />
* I never keep a lot of cash on hand because trading is boring<br />
* Obsessed with Wing Commander. Do not be suprised if the 3 capital ships in my future fleet start with TCS.<br />
<br />
==What I am upto Currently==<br />
* PCC Member<br />
* Creating Missions<br />
** In the pipe:<br />
*** Training day (4 missions)<br />
*** The Price of loyalty (4 missions)<br />
*** Counter Strike (1 mission)<br />
* Updating the wiki's info<br />
* Combating wiki spam<br />
<br />
==Missions==<br />
* The other side of the universe (5 missions)<br />
** Defend Jallik from a sneak Serco invasion by cutting them off in Edras!<br />
** Can be started by finding a "Need Creds? Join the Jallik defense force" mission in any barracks station in Itani space<br />
** [http://philtopia.com/~spencep/osu.m4v Video I made for those missions **actual gameplay may differ]<br />
* The Gauntlet<br />
** This mission will test the endurance of new players with 4 rounds of 3 wave attacks. Each round ending with an XP reward. Round 5 pits the new player against a heavily armed bot<br />
** Lvl 2-4 at any barracks station<br />
*Help! Rogue Queen detected<br />
**This mission requires the new player to destroy the hive bots escorting the Queen so a wave of rags can make quick work of it<br />
** Lvl 0-5 at any barracks station<br />
<br />
==Accomplishments==<br />
[[Image:Alpha_tester.png]][[image:Beta_tester.png]][[Image:Trader.png]][[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_25.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_100.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_hive_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_queen_10.png]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Weapons:Turret
Weapons:Turret
2011-04-07T16:52:01Z
<p>CrazySpence: Created page with "Thanks to crappy attempts to prevent spam I must now create this page for someone else so they are able to edit it later"</p>
<hr />
<div>Thanks to crappy attempts to prevent spam I must now create this page for someone else so they are able to edit it later</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Talk:Missions
Talk:Missions
2011-03-04T16:12:10Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div>Should we put in the new missions from the test server, or leave them out? I mean, they're only temporary, but they ''are'' missions... --[[User:Roguelazer|Roguelazer]] 2005-08-09 01:36:58 (CST)<br />
<br />
I would only put in info to the wiki that pertains to the public server. Unless you want to make a section of the wiki that is totally dedicated to all the differences of the test server vs. the public one. My vote is no. --[[User:MarkMcDoogle|Mark McDoogle]] 9 August 2005 14:50 (CST)<br />
<br />
I agree with mark, the wiki should be used for items that are currently on the production server. --[[User:Lemming|Lemming]] 10 August 2005 02:10 (CST)<br />
<br />
Who wants to add the escort and pirate missions? Sorry, I'm a bit to lazy to... -[[User:Person|Calder]] 2/21/06<br />
<br />
This page REALLY needs work. First off, half of the missions don't even have anything filled in for them. Second, we don't have the Border Skirmish, and who knows what else we're missing. -[[User:Person|Calder]] 4/30/06<br />
<br />
So quit gripping and fill it in yourself! It's a wiki afterall >_><br />
<br />
ima gunna put tips and mission interfaces on separate pages. --[[User:Pointsman|Pointsman]] 15:56, 7 July 2007 (EDT)<br />
<br />
Soo -- I hope no one is annoyed with my reworking of this page... feedback would be nice. --[[User:Pointsman|Pointsman]] 02:45, 10 July 2007 (EDT)<br />
<br />
As of a week ago you do get access to the TPG Raptor for completing the three test pilot missions. -Phaserlight 10/20/07<br />
<br />
This page really does need a clean up... especially in the general missions section. Some of these missions don't even exist anymore to my knowledge. It would be nice to get some kind of table going with the major repeatable missions that showing where they are available, what rewards they give out, what the license requirements are... -[[User:Phaserlight|Phaserlight]] 3/3/11<br />
<br />
We should also stop the PCC missions heading, missions are missions to the players it doesn't matter if they are pcc or not 3/4/11</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Manual/de
Manual/de
2011-02-28T15:22:57Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{languages|Manual}}<br />
<br />
=Dein Charakter=<br />
<br />
In Vendetta Online nimmst du die Rolle eines Raumschiffpiloten an. Es gibt viele Wege die du wärend deiner Karriere gehen kannst. In diesem Abschnitt werden einige der Mechnismen beschrieben die deinen Charakterfortschritt beinflussen.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Charakter Erstellung==<br />
<br />
Bevor du anfangen kannst Vendetta Online zu spielen musst du einen Charakter erstellen. Der Charaktererzeugungsdialog ist recht unkompliziert, aber wir wollen hier trotzdem einen kurzen Überblick geben.<br />
<br />
Drei Faktionen kontrollieren den Großteil des Territoriums im Vendetta Online Universum, und als frischgebackener Pilot, schließt du dich einer dieser Nationen an. Deine Nation bestimmt deine Anfangsstation, das Verhältnis zu anderen Faktionen und indirekt das Equipment das dir zu Beginn des Spiels zur Verfügung steht.<br />
<br />
Auf der Vendetta Online Webseite befindet sicht eine detailierte Chronik der Geschichte des Vendetta Universums. Lies weiter für ein kurzes Profil.<br />
<br />
====Die Itani Nation====<br />
<br />
Die Itani sind ein fortschrittliches Volk, von allen drei Faktionen haben sie die meiste Weltraumerfahrung. Ihre Zivilisation, die für tausend Jahre in Isolation und Frieden lebte, hat große Fortschritte in Wissenschaft, Künsten, sowie spirituellen und mentalen Fähigkeiten gemacht. Jedoch verbirgt sich ein dunkler Schatten in ihrer Vergangenheit. Die Serco, einstige mitkolonisten auf Terra II, mussten unermässliches gräuel unter den puristischen Führern der Itani erleiden. Die Entscheidende Schalcht dieses Krieges trieb die itani Faktion fast zur Ausrottung, und so entflohen sie dem Planeten auf der Suche nach einem neuen Leben. Obwohl die Bevölkerung im großem und ganzen ihre blutige Vergangenheit hinter sich gelassen hat, scheinen die Serco darauf bedacht zu sein alte Feindschaften wiederaufleben zu lassen, und so lassen sie den Itani keine andere Wahl als zurückzuschlagen.<br />
<br />
====Das Serco Dominion====<br />
<br />
Das Serco Dominion ist eine stolze Nation, die körperliche Stärke und Ehre im Kampf über alles wertschätzt. Sie waren einst friedliche Menschen, Wissenschaftler und Denker, deren fortschrittliche Forschungsmethoden für das Überleben der Exilanten ausschlaggebend war. Trotzdem sorgten philosophische und kulturelle Differenzen dafür das sich die Serco von den anderen Kolonisten auf Terra II entfremdeten, was schlussendlich in offenem Krieg ausartete. Ihre Gegner, die Itani, wurden von dem Planeten vertrieben, woraufhin die Serco Militärführer eine provisorische Regierung einrichteten, die ihr Volk vor Zukünftigen Angriffen schützen sollte. Diese Regierung, und deren Kultur des Krieges die sie hegte, hat eintausend Jahre bestand gehalten, was den Serco das größte Militär im bekannten Weltall verliehen hat.<br />
<br />
====Die Union der unabhängigen Territorien====<br />
<br />
Die Union der unabhängigen Territorien ist ein loser zusammenschluss von Kooperationen, Händlern und Entdeckern die das Leben im tiefen All bevorzugen. Ihr Lebensraum machte wahrlich einzigartige Fortschritte im Bereich des Schiffsdesigns und der Konstruktion von Stationen nötig, wodurch sie weithin für ihren Erfindungsreichtum bekannt geworden sind. Allerdings hat dessen lose Struktur den UIT Raum auch zu einem Hafen für Piraten, skrupelose Händler und die Produkte schiefgelaufener autonomtechnologischer Experimente[?!] machte. Wie die Itani sind die UIT gelegentlich ins Fadenkreuz der Serco geraten. Trotzdem haben viele UIT Händler vorteilhafte Handlsabkommen mit der Serco Regierung vereinbart, wodurch gern über vergangene Untaten hinweg gesehen wird.<br />
<br />
==Charakterentwicklung==<br />
<br />
====Lizenzlevel====<br />
<br />
Mit dem Teilnehmen an der Welt von Vendetta Online wirst du Skillpunkte in fünf Kategorien erwerben: Kampf, leichte Waffen, schwere Waffen, Handel und Bergbau. Deine Regierung beobachtet deine Fortschritte, und sobald du eine gewisse Anzahl an Skillpunkten erreicht hast erhöht sie deinen Lizenzlevel. Höhere Lizenzlevel erlauben den Zugriff auf besseres Equipment und fortgeschrittenere Missionen.<br />
<br />
Sobald du einen Lizenzlevel erreicht hast kannst du ihn nie wieder verlieren. Greifst du allerdings viel schwächere Spieler an kann es dazu kommen das dir Skillpunkte abgezogen werden, in solchen fällen wirst du vorher gewarnt. Ausser den finanziellen Kosten für den Ersatz hat die Zerstörung deines Schiffes keinerlei Folgen.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Ruf mit Faktionen====<br />
<br />
Es exsitieren dreizehn Faktionen im Vendetta Online Universum. Neben den drei Nationen gibt es noch neun Kooperationen die Teil der UIT bilden und eine Piratenfaktion, Corvus Prime. Die Nation mit der du beginnst bestimmt deinen Ruf mit den anderen Faktionen. Itani und Sercopiloten ist der Zugang zum gegnerische Territorium verwehrt, jedoch dürfen beide durch den UIT Raum reisen. Du kannst deinen Ruf mit jeder Faktion verbessern in dem du Jobs (z.B Missionen) für sie erledigst.<br />
<br />
Im Gegensatz zu Lizenzleveln kann sich dein Ruf mit Faktionen verschlechtern. Die meisten Faktionen tolerieren keinerlei Ausseinandersetzungen in der Nähe ihrer Stationen, d.h. dein Ruf wird sich verschlechtern wenn du andere, auch Feinde der Faktion, dort angreifst. Dein Ruf leidet auch wenn bei bestimmten Missionen scheiterst (oder sie abbrichst), aber diese Strafen sind normalerweise geringer als die für Angriffe auf Schiffe.<br />
<br />
====Ehrrungen====<br />
<br />
Medaillien werden für herrausragende Leistungen vergeben. Statistiken über die Anzahl der abgeschossenen Spieler und die Spieler deren Mentor du warst werden beispielsweise gesammelt und können eine Medaille wert sein.<br />
<br />
====Andere Statistiken====<br />
<br />
Viele andere Statistiken über deinen Charakter werden gesammelt und sind im Spiel unter "Character Information" oder auf der Vendetta Online Webseite einsehbar.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Equipment==<br />
<br />
Eine große Auswahl an Equipment steht Vendetta Online Spielern zur Verfügung. Jeder Pilot braucht natürlich eine Raumschiff, es ist jedoch auch wichtig die richtigen Waffen, Energiezelle und andere Sonderausrüstung für die gegebene Situation auszuwählen.<br />
<br />
Mehrere Faktoren bestimmen welches Equipment du erwerben kannst. Verschiedene Stationentypen haben ein unterschiedliches Angebot. Eine Station vom Typ "Baracke" wird beispielsweise mehr Waffen als eine Bergbausstation anbieten. Die Größe einer Station kann auch einen Einfluss auf das Angebot haben.<br />
<br />
Dein Ruf mit der lokalen Faktion, Charakterstatistiken und dein Lizenzlevel bestimmen schlussendlich was Stationen dir verkaufen werden. Mit einem schlechten Ruf steht dir nur Standardequipment zur Verfügung und dies auch zu erhöhten Preisen. Wenn du einen guten Ruf beim Stationseigentümer hast wird dir unter umständen sogar der Zugriff auf seltenes Equipment gestattet.<br />
<br />
Natürlich musst du auch genügend Credits in deiner Geldbörse haben.<br />
<br />
Es liegt an dir zu Erforschen wo, was angeboten wird.<br />
<br />
===Ausrüstung===<br />
<br />
====Energiezelle====<br />
Jedes Schiff braucht eine Energiezelle um das Triebwerk und die Waffen zu versorgen, verschiedene Modelle mit unterschiedlicher Kapazität und Ladegeschwindigkeit sind verfügbar.<br />
<br />
====Waffen====<br />
Schiffe sind mit einer unterschiedlichen an Anzahl von Waffenschächten ausgestattet. Kleine Waffenschächte erlauben dir leichtere Waffen (Energiewaffen und leichte Raketen) in das Schiff einzubauen. Große Waffenschächte erlauben die Montage von schweren Waffen wie Gattlinggeschütze und Minenwerfer. Ausser Waffen können auch Scanner und Reperaturmodule in diese Schächte montiert werden.<br />
<br />
===Schiffsauswahl===<br />
Dies sind die zwölf Basisschiffstypen, die in verschiedenen Varianten verfügbar sind.<br />
<br />
====Nationsspezififische Schiffe:====<br />
<br />
*Itani Valkyrie<br />
**Fortgeschrittener Jäger. klein und extrem agil<br />
**Länge: 12m<br />
<br />
*Serco Prometheus<br />
**Fortgeschrittener Bomber/Frachter. Schwer gepanzerter Behemoth<br />
**Länge: 21m<br />
<br />
*UIT Marauder<br />
**Fortschrittener Frachter. Agil mit ausgezeichneter Kapazität<br />
**Lönge: 12m<br />
<br />
====Standard Schiffe:====<br />
<br />
*EC-88<br />
**Kleiner Jäger/Frachter. Standardvariante wird kostenlos an alle Piloten der Nation vergeben<br />
**Länge: 10m<br />
<br />
*Centurion<br />
**Leichter Jäger. Sehr agil mit beschrängter Waffenbestückung<br />
**Länge:10m<br />
<br />
*Warthog<br />
**Kleiner Angriffsjäger. Gemischte Waffenschächte und gute Panzerung<br />
**Länge: 15m<br />
<br />
*Wraith<br />
**Angriffjäger/Frachter. Gute Mischung aus Frachtkapazität und Waffenbestückung<br />
**Lönge: 13m<br />
<br />
*Vulture<br />
**Leichter Jäger. Leicht und agil mit einem kleinem Frontprofil<br />
**Länge: 12m<br />
<br />
*Atlas<br />
**Mittlerer Frachter. Guter mix aus Beweglichkeit und Frachtkapazität<br />
**Lönge: 14m<br />
<br />
*Hornet<br />
**Schweres Angriffsschiff. Leistungsstark und gut ausgestattet für Waffenunterstützung<br />
**Länge 17m<br />
<br />
*Ragnarok<br />
**Schwerer Bomber. starke Panzerung und exzellente Waffenbestückung<br />
**Länge: 19m<br />
<br />
*Centaur<br />
**Schwerer Transport. Beste Frachtkapazität unter den massengefertigten Schiffen<br />
**Länge: 18m</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Manual/de
Manual/de
2011-02-28T15:15:34Z
<p>CrazySpence: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{languages|Manual}}<br />
<br />
All Hail english!!!<br />
<br />
=Dein Charakter=<br />
<br />
In Vendetta Online nimmst du die Rolle eines Raumschiffpiloten an. Es gibt viele Wege die du wärend deiner Karriere gehen kannst. In diesem Abschnitt werden einige der Mechnismen beschrieben die deinen Charakterfortschritt beinflussen.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Charakter Erstellung==<br />
<br />
Bevor du anfangen kannst Vendetta Online zu spielen musst du einen Charakter erstellen. Der Charaktererzeugungsdialog ist recht unkompliziert, aber wir wollen hier trotzdem einen kurzen Überblick geben.<br />
<br />
Drei Faktionen kontrollieren den Großteil des Territoriums im Vendetta Online Universum, und als frischgebackener Pilot, schließt du dich einer dieser Nationen an. Deine Nation bestimmt deine Anfangsstation, das Verhältnis zu anderen Faktionen und indirekt das Equipment das dir zu Beginn des Spiels zur Verfügung steht.<br />
<br />
Auf der Vendetta Online Webseite befindet sicht eine detailierte Chronik der Geschichte des Vendetta Universums. Lies weiter für ein kurzes Profil.<br />
<br />
====Die Itani Nation====<br />
<br />
Die Itani sind ein fortschrittliches Volk, von allen drei Faktionen haben sie die meiste Weltraumerfahrung. Ihre Zivilisation, die für tausend Jahre in Isolation und Frieden lebte, hat große Fortschritte in Wissenschaft, Künsten, sowie spirituellen und mentalen Fähigkeiten gemacht. Jedoch verbirgt sich ein dunkler Schatten in ihrer Vergangenheit. Die Serco, einstige mitkolonisten auf Terra II, mussten unermässliches gräuel unter den puristischen Führern der Itani erleiden. Die Entscheidende Schalcht dieses Krieges trieb die itani Faktion fast zur Ausrottung, und so entflohen sie dem Planeten auf der Suche nach einem neuen Leben. Obwohl die Bevölkerung im großem und ganzen ihre blutige Vergangenheit hinter sich gelassen hat, scheinen die Serco darauf bedacht zu sein alte Feindschaften wiederaufleben zu lassen, und so lassen sie den Itani keine andere Wahl als zurückzuschlagen.<br />
<br />
====Das Serco Dominion====<br />
<br />
Das Serco Dominion ist eine stolze Nation, die körperliche Stärke und Ehre im Kampf über alles wertschätzt. Sie waren einst friedliche Menschen, Wissenschaftler und Denker, deren fortschrittliche Forschungsmethoden für das Überleben der Exilanten ausschlaggebend war. Trotzdem sorgten philosophische und kulturelle Differenzen dafür das sich die Serco von den anderen Kolonisten auf Terra II entfremdeten, was schlussendlich in offenem Krieg ausartete. Ihre Gegner, die Itani, wurden von dem Planeten vertrieben, woraufhin die Serco Militärführer eine provisorische Regierung einrichteten, die ihr Volk vor Zukünftigen Angriffen schützen sollte. Diese Regierung, und deren Kultur des Krieges die sie hegte, hat eintausend Jahre bestand gehalten, was den Serco das größte Militär im bekannten Weltall verliehen hat.<br />
<br />
====Die Union der unabhängigen Territorien====<br />
<br />
Die Union der unabhängigen Territorien ist ein loser zusammenschluss von Kooperationen, Händlern und Entdeckern die das Leben im tiefen All bevorzugen. Ihr Lebensraum machte wahrlich einzigartige Fortschritte im Bereich des Schiffsdesigns und der Konstruktion von Stationen nötig, wodurch sie weithin für ihren Erfindungsreichtum bekannt geworden sind. Allerdings hat dessen lose Struktur den UIT Raum auch zu einem Hafen für Piraten, skrupelose Händler und die Produkte schiefgelaufener autonomtechnologischer Experimente[?!] machte. Wie die Itani sind die UIT gelegentlich ins Fadenkreuz der Serco geraten. Trotzdem haben viele UIT Händler vorteilhafte Handlsabkommen mit der Serco Regierung vereinbart, wodurch gern über vergangene Untaten hinweg gesehen wird.<br />
<br />
==Charakterentwicklung==<br />
<br />
====Lizenzlevel====<br />
<br />
Mit dem Teilnehmen an der Welt von Vendetta Online wirst du Skillpunkte in fünf Kategorien erwerben: Kampf, leichte Waffen, schwere Waffen, Handel und Bergbau. Deine Regierung beobachtet deine Fortschritte, und sobald du eine gewisse Anzahl an Skillpunkten erreicht hast erhöht sie deinen Lizenzlevel. Höhere Lizenzlevel erlauben den Zugriff auf besseres Equipment und fortgeschrittenere Missionen.<br />
<br />
Sobald du einen Lizenzlevel erreicht hast kannst du ihn nie wieder verlieren. Greifst du allerdings viel schwächere Spieler an kann es dazu kommen das dir Skillpunkte abgezogen werden, in solchen fällen wirst du vorher gewarnt. Ausser den finanziellen Kosten für den Ersatz hat die Zerstörung deines Schiffes keinerlei Folgen.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Ruf mit Faktionen====<br />
<br />
Es exsitieren dreizehn Faktionen im Vendetta Online Universum. Neben den drei Nationen gibt es noch neun Kooperationen die Teil der UIT bilden und eine Piratenfaktion, Corvus Prime. Die Nation mit der du beginnst bestimmt deinen Ruf mit den anderen Faktionen. Itani und Sercopiloten ist der Zugang zum gegnerische Territorium verwehrt, jedoch dürfen beide durch den UIT Raum reisen. Du kannst deinen Ruf mit jeder Faktion verbessern in dem du Jobs (z.B Missionen) für sie erledigst.<br />
<br />
Im Gegensatz zu Lizenzleveln kann sich dein Ruf mit Faktionen verschlechtern. Die meisten Faktionen tolerieren keinerlei Ausseinandersetzungen in der Nähe ihrer Stationen, d.h. dein Ruf wird sich verschlechtern wenn du andere, auch Feinde der Faktion, dort angreifst. Dein Ruf leidet auch wenn bei bestimmten Missionen scheiterst (oder sie abbrichst), aber diese Strafen sind normalerweise geringer als die für Angriffe auf Schiffe.<br />
<br />
====Ehrrungen====<br />
<br />
Medaillien werden für herrausragende Leistungen vergeben. Statistiken über die Anzahl der abgeschossenen Spieler und die Spieler deren Mentor du warst werden beispielsweise gesammelt und können eine Medaille wert sein.<br />
<br />
====Andere Statistiken====<br />
<br />
Viele andere Statistiken über deinen Charakter werden gesammelt und sind im Spiel unter "Character Information" oder auf der Vendetta Online Webseite einsehbar.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Equipment==<br />
<br />
Eine große Auswahl an Equipment steht Vendetta Online Spielern zur Verfügung. Jeder Pilot braucht natürlich eine Raumschiff, es ist jedoch auch wichtig die richtigen Waffen, Energiezelle und andere Sonderausrüstung für die gegebene Situation auszuwählen.<br />
<br />
Mehrere Faktoren bestimmen welches Equipment du erwerben kannst. Verschiedene Stationentypen haben ein unterschiedliches Angebot. Eine Station vom Typ "Baracke" wird beispielsweise mehr Waffen als eine Bergbausstation anbieten. Die Größe einer Station kann auch einen Einfluss auf das Angebot haben.<br />
<br />
Dein Ruf mit der lokalen Faktion, Charakterstatistiken und dein Lizenzlevel bestimmen schlussendlich was Stationen dir verkaufen werden. Mit einem schlechten Ruf steht dir nur Standardequipment zur Verfügung und dies auch zu erhöhten Preisen. Wenn du einen guten Ruf beim Stationseigentümer hast wird dir unter umständen sogar der Zugriff auf seltenes Equipment gestattet.<br />
<br />
Natürlich musst du auch genügend Credits in deiner Geldbörse haben.<br />
<br />
Es liegt an dir zu Erforschen wo, was angeboten wird.<br />
<br />
===Ausrüstung===<br />
<br />
====Energiezelle====<br />
Jedes Schiff braucht eine Energiezelle um das Triebwerk und die Waffen zu versorgen, verschiedene Modelle mit unterschiedlicher Kapazität und Ladegeschwindigkeit sind verfügbar.<br />
<br />
====Waffen====<br />
Schiffe sind mit einer unterschiedlichen an Anzahl von Waffenschächten ausgestattet. Kleine Waffenschächte erlauben dir leichtere Waffen (Energiewaffen und leichte Raketen) in das Schiff einzubauen. Große Waffenschächte erlauben die Montage von schweren Waffen wie Gattlinggeschütze und Minenwerfer. Ausser Waffen können auch Scanner und Reperaturmodule in diese Schächte montiert werden.<br />
<br />
===Schiffsauswahl===<br />
Dies sind die zwölf Basisschiffstypen, die in verschiedenen Varianten verfügbar sind.<br />
<br />
====Nationsspezififische Schiffe:====<br />
<br />
*Itani Valkyrie<br />
**Fortgeschrittener Jäger. klein und extrem agil<br />
**Länge: 12m<br />
<br />
*Serco Prometheus<br />
**Fortgeschrittener Bomber/Frachter. Schwer gepanzerter Behemoth<br />
**Länge: 21m<br />
<br />
*UIT Marauder<br />
**Fortschrittener Frachter. Agil mit ausgezeichneter Kapazität<br />
**Lönge: 12m<br />
<br />
====Standard Schiffe:====<br />
<br />
*EC-88<br />
**Kleiner Jäger/Frachter. Standardvariante wird kostenlos an alle Piloten der Nation vergeben<br />
**Länge: 10m<br />
<br />
*Centurion<br />
**Leichter Jäger. Sehr agil mit beschrängter Waffenbestückung<br />
**Länge:10m<br />
<br />
*Warthog<br />
**Kleiner Angriffsjäger. Gemischte Waffenschächte und gute Panzerung<br />
**Länge: 15m<br />
<br />
*Wraith<br />
**Angriffjäger/Frachter. Gute Mischung aus Frachtkapazität und Waffenbestückung<br />
**Lönge: 13m<br />
<br />
*Vulture<br />
**Leichter Jäger. Leicht und agil mit einem kleinem Frontprofil<br />
**Länge: 12m<br />
<br />
*Atlas<br />
**Mittlerer Frachter. Guter mix aus Beweglichkeit und Frachtkapazität<br />
**Lönge: 14m<br />
<br />
*Hornet<br />
**Schweres Angriffsschiff. Leistungsstark und gut ausgestattet für Waffenunterstützung<br />
**Länge 17m<br />
<br />
*Ragnarok<br />
**Schwerer Bomber. starke Panzerung und exzellente Waffenbestückung<br />
**Länge: 19m<br />
<br />
*Centaur<br />
**Schwerer Transport. Beste Frachtkapazität unter den massengefertigten Schiffen<br />
**Länge: 18m</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User:CrazySpence
User:CrazySpence
2011-02-21T18:29:01Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Missions */</p>
<hr />
<div>==What is CrazySpence?==<br />
I am an Itani, have been since the old days when it was just plain blue. In the olden times I would get in golds way by heavily mining the flag in sector 1 to the point that it would take 30-45minutes before the flag could even begin to be touched.<br />
<br />
These days CrazySpence mainly escorts convoys through Grey space. CrazySpence also owns the system of Pelatus and will sometimes patrol there to make sure everyone stays out. His favourite game is to tease pirates by announcing is trade routes then escaping or killing the pirate and taunting them about their failures<br />
<br />
==Should I be afraid?==<br />
No it is just a game silly. I will only attack if....<br />
* You are red on my screen<br />
* Trying to pirate me or others<br />
* Free for all battle in some sector<br />
* Guarding my system Pelatus and you do not say "Hail to the King, baby!"<br />
* Attacking my convoy<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
* I fly a hog 90% of the time. I have been for over 6 years<br />
** Warthog Mark II - This is the hog of choice, handles well, infinite turbo but lacks in manueverability vs IBG or Rev C centurion's<br />
** Warthog Territorial Defender - This is the dream fighter of the hog pilot. If you are intent on short range dogfighting this thing has the speed, the moves, and the armour to do it in. So hog pilots, do not alienate the UIT for they hold the key to make all of your glorious dreams come true!<br />
** My weakness is prom pilots 1v1, the hog is undermatched versus the standard weapons config of the prom pilot I have been able to beat proms but usually at the cost of my own ship as well so beware!<br />
* I have favourite ships that I like to engage if you are an enemy target and flying one of these be sure I'll be knocking on your six<br />
** Centurion IBG or Rev C's - While I do mention the Mark 2 is at a disadvantage with these usually in my hands it is not! most people who pilot these super cents are over confident and I can usually chew their ship to bits.<br />
** Warthogs - Nothing is more exciting to a hog pilot than to engage one of his fellow warriors in combat!<br />
** Vultures - Vulture pilots are cunning and a worthy prey<br />
* I never keep a lot of cash on hand because trading is boring<br />
* Obsessed with Wing Commander. Do not be suprised if the 3 capital ships in my future fleet start with TCS.<br />
<br />
==What I am upto Currently==<br />
* PCC Member<br />
* Creating Missions<br />
** In the pipe:<br />
*** Training day (4 missions)<br />
*** The Price of loyalty (4 missions)<br />
*** Counter Strike (1 mission)<br />
* Updating the wiki's info<br />
<br />
==Missions==<br />
* The other side of the universe (5 missions)<br />
** Defend Jallik from a sneak Serco invasion by cutting them off in Edras!<br />
** Can be started by finding a "Need Creds? Join the Jallik defense force" mission in any barracks station in Itani space<br />
** [http://philtopia.com/~spencep/osu.m4v Video I made for those missions **actual gameplay may differ]<br />
* The Gauntlet<br />
** This mission will test the endurance of new players with 4 rounds of 3 wave attacks. Each round ending with an XP reward. Round 5 pits the new player against a heavily armed bot<br />
** Lvl 2-4 at any barracks station<br />
*Help! Rogue Queen detected<br />
**This mission requires the new player to destroy the hive bots escorting the Queen so a wave of rags can make quick work of it<br />
** Lvl 0-5 at any barracks station<br />
<br />
==Accomplishments==<br />
[[Image:Alpha_tester.png]][[image:Beta_tester.png]][[Image:Trader.png]][[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_25.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_100.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_hive_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_queen_10.png]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User:CrazySpence
User:CrazySpence
2011-02-21T18:28:39Z
<p>CrazySpence: test</p>
<hr />
<div>==What is CrazySpence?==<br />
I am an Itani, have been since the old days when it was just plain blue. In the olden times I would get in golds way by heavily mining the flag in sector 1 to the point that it would take 30-45minutes before the flag could even begin to be touched.<br />
<br />
These days CrazySpence mainly escorts convoys through Grey space. CrazySpence also owns the system of Pelatus and will sometimes patrol there to make sure everyone stays out. His favourite game is to tease pirates by announcing is trade routes then escaping or killing the pirate and taunting them about their failures<br />
<br />
==Should I be afraid?==<br />
No it is just a game silly. I will only attack if....<br />
* You are red on my screen<br />
* Trying to pirate me or others<br />
* Free for all battle in some sector<br />
* Guarding my system Pelatus and you do not say "Hail to the King, baby!"<br />
* Attacking my convoy<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
* I fly a hog 90% of the time. I have been for over 6 years<br />
** Warthog Mark II - This is the hog of choice, handles well, infinite turbo but lacks in manueverability vs IBG or Rev C centurion's<br />
** Warthog Territorial Defender - This is the dream fighter of the hog pilot. If you are intent on short range dogfighting this thing has the speed, the moves, and the armour to do it in. So hog pilots, do not alienate the UIT for they hold the key to make all of your glorious dreams come true!<br />
** My weakness is prom pilots 1v1, the hog is undermatched versus the standard weapons config of the prom pilot I have been able to beat proms but usually at the cost of my own ship as well so beware!<br />
* I have favourite ships that I like to engage if you are an enemy target and flying one of these be sure I'll be knocking on your six<br />
** Centurion IBG or Rev C's - While I do mention the Mark 2 is at a disadvantage with these usually in my hands it is not! most people who pilot these super cents are over confident and I can usually chew their ship to bits.<br />
** Warthogs - Nothing is more exciting to a hog pilot than to engage one of his fellow warriors in combat!<br />
** Vultures - Vulture pilots are cunning and a worthy prey<br />
* I never keep a lot of cash on hand because trading is boring<br />
* Obsessed with Wing Commander. Do not be suprised if the 3 capital ships in my future fleet start with TCS.<br />
<br />
==What I am upto Currently==<br />
* PCC Member<br />
* Creating Missions<br />
** In the pipe:<br />
*** Training day (4 missions)<br />
*** The Price of loyalty (4 missions)<br />
*** Counter Strike (1 mission)<br />
* Updating the wiki's info<br />
<br />
==Missions==<br />
* The other side of the universe (5 missions)<br />
** Defend Jallik from a sneak Serco invasion by cutting them off in Edras!<br />
** Can be started by finding a "Need Creds? Join the Jallik defense force" mission in any barracks station in Itani space<br />
** [http://philtopia.com/~spencep/osu.m4v Video I made for those missions **actual gameplay may differ]<br />
* The Gauntlet<br />
** This mission will test the endurance of new players with 4 rounds of 3 wave attacks. Each round ending with an XP reward. Round 5 pits the new player against a heavily armed bot<br />
** Lvl 2-4 at any barracks station<br />
*Help! Rogue Queen detected<br />
**This mission requires the new player to destroy the hive bots escorting the Queen so a wave of rags can make quick work of it<br />
** Lvl 0-5 at any barracks station<br />
<br />
test<br />
<br />
==Accomplishments==<br />
[[Image:Alpha_tester.png]][[image:Beta_tester.png]][[Image:Trader.png]][[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_25.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_100.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_hive_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_queen_10.png]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Station_Conquest
Station Conquest
2010-12-29T18:58:15Z
<p>CrazySpence: Station conquest added. 1st draft</p>
<hr />
<div>The game currently contains 3 conquerable stations within grey space. These stations have 8 turrets and 2 station guards which must be destroyed before player(s) can claim the station and set up an access key. They are currently hotly contested as planned capital ship parts are manufactured at these locations.<br />
<br />
= Locations =<br />
* Pelatus C-12 (this station is in a fogged sector)<br />
* Bractus M-14<br />
* Latos I-8<br />
<br />
= Attacking =<br />
To attack a station you generally need a ship that can carry heavy guided weapons like a Swarm/Gem ragnorak however quad gemini hornets can be useful as their top speed can outrun the the stations missile turrets with ease. The goal is to destroy all 8 turrets to disable the stations defenses which causes a 2 minute timer to start. Whichever player docks first at the end of the timer gains control of the station.<br />
<br />
= Defense =<br />
Repair modules play a vital role in station defense as generally 1 repper in a centaur can hold off 2 players alone if they are not being killed off. If you have a large enough force to have reppers and fighters then the defense can become more dynamic and hold off massive assaults.<br />
<br />
= Access keys =<br />
Access keys grant users access to a station there are 2 types: Owner and user. Anyone with an Owner key can add more Owner and users to the station while user keys are restricted to station access only and cannot add more keys. The keys have 2 check boxes IFF and Can dock. IFF controls whether the turrets fire at the player or not while the other option allows docking. A key can also be named before handing it out. The default is <players name> owner key. Renaming the key makes it easier to reselect the right key if your station is lost and you need to retake it.<br />
<br />
= Benefits =<br />
* Players can repair and reload ammo for free<br />
* Guilds can use them as a central base and a show of their power<br />
* Several manufacturing missions are ONLY available at these stations</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Main_Page
Main Page
2010-12-29T18:45:43Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Documentation On Vendetta Online */ 2 very important items added to the list</p>
<hr />
<div>__NOTOC__<br />
<extimg>"../w/extensions/rotating/rotator.php" style="width:180px; float: left; border: 1px solid #8cacbb; padding: 2px; margin: 2px; margin-right: 15px;" alt="Oui! A random image!"</extimg><br />
This site is a growing source of information for the players of Vendetta Online. Here you will find guides, a FAQ, and other information that will be updated as the game is. Check out the [[wikipedia:Vendetta Online|Wikipedia Vendetta Online entry]].<br /><br />
If you want to edit pages all you have to do is [[special:userlogin|create an account]]. The syntax can be found [[Help:Editing|here]]. Please feel free to fix grammar, spelling, and incorrect information. Also, check out the "[[What can I do]]" page to see what is going on that needs to be done.<br />
<br style="clear:both;" /><br />
<br />
== Documentation On Vendetta Online ==<br />
<!-- Ugly but it works --><br />
<div style="text-align: left; font-size:94%; width:100%;"> <!-- Contains everything --><br />
<div style="float:left; width:49%;"> <!-- Left side --><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">General</div><br />
[[FAQ]] - Frequently asked questions and answers on the game.<br /><br />
[[Glossary]] - Common Words, used by Vendetta players.<br / ><br />
[[Rules]] - The rules of Vendetta.<br /><br />
[[IRC]] - Where we are in IRC, and how to use the Vendetta relay bot.<br /><br />
[[Factions]] - Information about the different factions and nations.<br /><br />
[[VO_Backstory|Backstory]] - Vendetta Online's story on how we got here.<br /><br />
[[Easter Eggs]] - Easter eggs that exist in Vendetta Online.<br /><br />
[[ChangeLog]] - Changes made in the different versions of Vendetta Online.<br /><br />
[[Plug-ins]] - player-made addons for Vendetta Online<br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Combat Activities</div><br />
[[Pirating]] - So, you want to know about pirates? Yarrr!<br /><br />
[[CtC]] - Information on the Capture the Cargo competition.<br /><br />
[[Dueling]] - A quick guide to Duels and Dueling Etiquette.<br /><br />
[[Border Combat]] - The front line of the war between the [[Serco]] and the [[Itani]]<br /><br />
[[Player_VS._Player | Player VS. Player]] - A quick guide to PvP in Vendetta.<br /><br />
[[Hunting_the_Hive | Hunting the Hive]] - How to do your part in the war against the Hive.<br /><br />
[[Station_Conquest | Station Conquest]] - Several stations in the game can be captured by players<br /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Peaceful Activities</div><br />
[[Racing]] - The race tracks & large sponsored races such as the Deneb Run&trade;.<br /><br />
[[Mining]] - Guide to mining, along with equipment and ore info.<br /><br />
[[Trading]] - How to trade and tips.<br /><br />
[[Roleplaying]] - Get started with the role-playing aspect.<br /><br />
[[Manufacturing]] - Some items can be created by players.<br /><br />
</div><br />
</div> <!-- End of left side --><br />
<div style="float:right; width:49%;"> <!-- Right Side --><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Game Info</div><br />
[[Ships]] - A handy list of the types of ships in the game.<br /><br />
[[Equipment]] - A handy list of the add-ons available in-game.<br /><br />
[[Bots]] - The types of bots such as the hive and NPCs.<br /><br />
[[Badges]] - A list of the discovered badges.<br /><br />
[[Missions]] - The different missions and explanations.<br /><br />
[[Station Locations|Stations]] - A list of stations by Faction.<br /><br />
[[Systems]] - A list of Systems with information on special sectors.<br /><br />
[[Guilds]] - Information on the guild system.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Game's User Interface</div><br />
[[HUD]] - What each part of the HUD does.<br /><br />
[[Station Interface]] - How to interact with stations<br /><br />
[[PDA]] - Your omnipresent personal digital assistant<br /><br />
[[Skins]] - User created skins.<br /><br />
[[GTS]] - Galactic Trade Standard. The language of tomorrow.<br /><br />
[[Binds]] - Aliases and Binds for the game.<br /><br />
[[Navroutes]] - Useful navigation routes.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="border: solid #aaa 1px; margin-bottom:1em; background: #EDFEFE; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px;"><br />
<div style="font-size:115%;border-bottom:1px dotted gray;">Miscellaneous</div><br />
[[Player Contribution Corps]] - User created game content.<br /><br />
[http://design.vendetta-online.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Design Wiki] - Devs' plans for the future (of vendetta).<br /><br />
[http://www.viperguild.com/wiki/ VPRpedia] - A wiki on pirate activity, maintained by the Vipers. <br /><br />
[http://www.ratelis.com/guide/ Strategy Guide] - An Unofficial Online Guide.<br /><br />
[[User Creations]] - User created fiction and artwork (not including ships)<br /><br />
[[Player designed ships|Player Designed Ships]] - Link to the images of player created ship concepts.<br /><br />
[[Credits]] - You know, who did what around here.<br />
</div><br />
</div> <!-- End of right side --><br />
</div> <!-- Done --></div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Behemoth
Behemoth
2010-11-15T14:39:06Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Ship Variants */ small image of 50px doesnt show up, dont know why if you do feel freeto fix but the regular sized one which looks out of place is showing instead now so n00bs stop being confused</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Behemoth.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]<br />
The Behemoth is yet another win for [[TPG|TPG corporation]]. When you need to move large amounts of cargo, the Behemoth is your ship. With 120 cargo it is double the size of the next best ship for cargo transport, the [[marauder|Marauder]]. Along with the huge cargo holds, it comes equipped with two large ports, which makes it a very good ship for mining large amounts of ore. The XC variant has been stripped down to make room for 200cu, nearly doubling the capacity of the basic variant, at the expense of weapon ports and maneuverability. The Behemoth Heavy Miner Variant allows for 1 more small port weapon whilst sacrificing Thrust and Armor.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
The Behmoth now also comes equipped with 3 defensive turrets that can be occupied by players. The Behemoth XC does not have this feature to save room for cargo.<br />
<br />
== Game's Description ==<br />
<br />
The Behemoth is a very widely used ship, which comes in 4 variants. The Basic Variant has the average amount of cargo space, and is heavily armored. The Aeolus Light Behemoth has the smallest cargo capacity at 80cu but boasts 175m/s turbo speed. The Behemoth Heavy Miner requires Basic Miner II, has a cargo hold of 140cu and has the smallest armor of the Behemoth Range. The Heavy Miner MkII has more cargo hold and also comes with a mineral scanner. The Behemoth TPG eXtended Cargo Edition (XC) boasts a huge 200cu cargo space but a low armor.<br />
<br />
==Ship Variants==<br />
{| border=1 class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Name<br />
! Variant<br />
! Faction<br />
! Faction<br/>Level<br />
! class="unsortable" | Level<br />
! Armor<br />
! Cargo<br />
! class="unsortable" | Weapons<br />
! Mass<br />
! Length<br />
! Thrust<br />
! Turbo Thrust<br />
! Max Speed<br />
! Spin Torque<br />
! Turbo Speed<br />
! Turbo Energy<br />
|-<br />
! MkI<br />
| Basic<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/8/4 (-/-/-/5/2 at Corvus)<br />
| 20000<br />
| 120<br />
| 2L<br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 900 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|-<br />
! Light<br />
| Faster<br />
| [[Aeolus Trading Prefectorate|Aeolus]]<br />
| ?<br />
| -/-/-/5/-<br />[[Image:Ribbon_trader_1000000.png|50px]]<br />
| 15000<br />
| 80<br />
| 1L<br />
| 28000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 700 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 175 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|-<br />
! XC<br />
| Extended Cargo<br />
| [[The Propeller Group|TPG]]<br />
| 575<br />
| -/-/-/9/4<br />
| 10000<br />
| 200<br />
| -<br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 350 N {{smn}}<br />
| 600 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 14.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|-<br />
! Heavy Miner<br />
| Mining<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/1/2<br />[[Image:Ribbon_miner_II.png|50px]]<br />
| 10000<br />
| 140<br />
| 1S, 2L<br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 900 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|-<br />
! Heavy Miner MkII<br />
| Mining<br />
| - {{sma}}<br />
| - {{smn}}<br />
| -/-/-/10/12<br />[[Image:Ribbon_miner_III.png]]<br />
| 10000<br />
| 160<br />
| 3L<br />
| 30000 kg {{smn}}<br />
| 34 m {{smn}}<br />
| 500 N {{smn}}<br />
| 900 N {{smn}}<br />
| 65 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 19.0 Nm {{smn}}<br />
| 160 m/s {{smn}}<br />
| 50/s {{smn}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Ship Navbox}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ships]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Missions
Missions
2010-08-01T13:45:26Z
<p>CrazySpence: Removed the recon/spy missions Added Special Delivery and Difficult choices, Moved rogue queen and the gauntlet to the pcc section</p>
<hr />
<div>{{needsinfo|date=September 2009}}<br />
== Training Missions ==<br />
These are a set of five missions that explain the rudiments of the game. New players are strongly encouraged to take them before asking for help. They stop appearing in your mission tab once you have attained a few levels.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Combat Missions ==<br />
These missions are available to raise your Combat and Light/Heavy weapon license levels through observed combat situations by your respective nations.<br />
<br />
=== Beginner Combat Practice ===<br />
* An officially-sanctioned training mission by your nation's government; go out and kill low-level bots ([[Bots:Collectors|Collectors]] to be specific) for combat and weapons xp. This mission is replaced by Advanced Combat Practice once you reach combat level 3.<br />
<br />
=== Advanced Combat Practice ===<br />
* An officially-sanctioned training mission by your nation's government; hunt [[bots]] from a list for combat and weapons xp.<br />
<br />
=== Border Patrol ===<br />
* Border Patrol (BP) is a formal stage for group combat between [[Serco]] and [[Itani]]. Pilots who take this mission meet in Deneb C'10 to attempt to boom enemy pilots. Numbers between sides are evened with NPC [[Centurion|Centurion Mk II's]]. When you have destroyed the requisite number of ships you are given xp and the mission ends. You can take this mission by yourself or group with others. For every person in your group the group will have to down 15 ships and will be given +1500/+1500/+1500/0/0 xp. (By yourself you are a group of one.)<br />
<br />
* Generally this is a [[Serco]]/[[Itani]] only mission for those who have at least combat four. UIT pilots can take this mission, however, if they are liked by one and only one of the two waring nations. These UITs and those with insufficient combat levels will need to be invited into a BP group to participate. Any pilot who is liked by both Serco and Itan with be unable to take this mission.<br />
<br />
=== Assassination ===<br />
* You are asked liquidate two 'high priority targets,' one from each enemy nation.<br />
<br />
=== Killing Spree ===<br />
* Kill any 10 Bots and get 1000 credits. Not really worth it, unless you need money, but there are other ways to get it.<br />
<br />
=== Hive Skirmish ===<br />
* In most systems bots re-spawn quickly after they are destroyed. Hive presence can be temporarily eradicated in certain sectors, however, by taking this mission from [[Xang Xi]] Stations. After signing up for the mission you are asked to boom bots in a specific sector. For each bot you kill you are given, in addition to the normal weapons xp, combat xp and credits determined by its 'difficulty.'<br />
<br />
* This mission can also be used to locate queens and a [[leviathan]] by identifying the sector in which the most hive bots are reported. This isn't completely reliable, however.<br />
<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Escort ==<br />
You accompany an NPC convoy, fending off potential threats. Rewards include modest trade and combat XP, credits determined by the sale of the goods you accompanied, and a small boost of your standing with the destination's Faction.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Trade Guild ==<br />
These missions ask you to trade on behalf of a faction. It is not as profitable as trading for yourself but it is a much quicker way to acquire trade xp. Faction standing will also be increased with trade missions. Generally the higher the completion payment for a mission the higher the faction standing and xp increase you will get.<br />
<br />
Some cargo moving missions are labeled '(bulk.)' This means that there are likely more widgets to move than you can ship in a single trip.<br />
<br />
=== Delivery ===<br />
* One-way cargo run.<br />
<br />
=== Special Delivery ===<br />
* Deliver a unique (non purchasable) item to its destination.<br />
<br />
=== Procurement ===<br />
* Buy widgets from another station and bring them back. You will be reimbursed. This, especially when 'bulk', is regarded as the most efficient way to raise faction standing.<br />
<br />
=== Retrieval ===<br />
* Retrieve widgets from another station and bring them back.<br />
<br />
=== Minerals ===<br />
* [[Mining|Mine]] or plunder some premium ore of the stations asking and deliver it to the station.<br />
<br />
== Prospecting Missions ==<br />
There are 120 Prospecting missions scattered around the universe, with an average of four missions per system. For each mission, you need to identify (with a mineral scanner) 30 asteroids containing a mineral the station chooses. Doing all 120 missions unlocks the best mining [[Mining#Equipment|equipment]].<br />
<br />
== Scrap Yard ==<br />
Collect scrap metal and return it to the station so they can begin a construction project.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Mining Tutorial ==<br />
This mission is available at mining stations. It explains the mining system in Vendetta Online, and gives mining xp sufficient to gain mining level 1.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Test Pilot Missions ==<br />
=== TPG Test Pilot ===<br />
* Qualifies player to fly ships that TPG places into its test-pilot program. There are three missions of increasing difficulty, the first two involve destroying waves of progressively more difficult collector bots. The third mission sends you to two sectors, in the first sector you are given three allies and must destroy ~8 artemis collectors. In the second sector a large number of dentek collectors, artemis collectors, and dentek assaults are sent after you which must be completely annihilated, however you are allowed to leave the sector to re-arm.<br />
** Currently, there are no ships in the TPG Test Pilot program. Previous ships include the [[TPG Raptor]].<br />
<br />
=== Itani Test Pilot ===<br />
* Completion of this mission unlocks the [[Valkyrie|Valkyrie X-1]]. You will have to destroy, without assistance, ten ships that will come in two waves. It can be taken from Itani research stations.<br />
<br />
<br />
== PCC Missions ==<br />
Player Contributed missions using the Mission Editor. <br><br />
Phaserlight has made a map with more details to his mission trees [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/20448 here].<br><br />
=== Party Errand ===<br />
Discreetly gather a short list of specialty items for a Celebrity party being held at this Valent station. Available at Valent stations. This is a mission tree with several potential sub-missions. (one of which requires serco docking rights). Aborting this mission will create a side mission which gives you one more chance, but that's it. If you fail twice, the tree is lost.<br />
<br />
Requirements are trade level 2 and dockable faction with Valent and Xang Xi. (<i>made by phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Search and Rescue ===<br />
A trade ship has been separated from its convoy in an ion storm and lost somewhere in the system, you have 45 minutes to find them. Available at Itani commercial stations. After you successfully lead the Behemoth trader back to the station you have the option of delivering a special report to an Itani monk in Divinia which initiates a further set of missions. All missions in this tree can be re-taken as many times as necessary, however your Itani standing will be affected on the level of your success or failure.<br />
<br />
Requirements are light weapons level 2 and dockable Itani faction. (<i>made by phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== The Refinery Missions ===<br />
Gather combinations of ore to manufacture basic trade goods at mining stations, which are then delivered to either research or commercial stations. Each mission grants 400 Trade and Mining xp. After four of these missions have been completed a sixth mission, "Transparent Metal", becomes available. The following is a list of ores used in the mission tree:<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Mission Name<br />
! First Ore<br />
! Second Ore<br />
! Product<br />
! Destination<br />
! Credit Wage<br />
|-<br />
! Water Distiller Needed<br />
| 26x Premium Aquean<br />
| -<br />
| 26x Purified Water<br />
| Commercial<br />
| 4000<br />
|-<br />
! Steel Forge<br />
| 13x Premium Carbonic<br />
| 13x Premium Ferric<br />
| 18x Steel<br />
| Research<br />
| 5000<br />
|-<br />
! Hydrocarbon Synthesis <br />
| 18x Premium Carbonic<br />
| 18x Premium Aquean<br />
| 12x Synthetic Hydrocarbons<br />
| Commercial<br />
| 6000<br />
|-<br />
! Manufacturing Simple Plastics <br />
| 22x Premium Carbonic<br />
| 22x Premium Silicate<br />
| 22x Simple Plastics<br />
| Commercial<br />
| 7000<br />
|-<br />
! Growing Nanites <br />
| 26x Premium Aquean<br />
| 26x Premium Silicate<br />
| 26x NanoFeed<br />
| Research<br />
| 8000<br />
|-<br />
! Transparent Metal <br />
| 24x Premium Ferric<br />
| 24x Ishik<br />
| 24x Vismetal<br />
| Research<br />
| 12000<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Once "Transparent Metal" is completed the player is pointed toward a further series of missions available in the Verasi star system that eventually grant access to the Extreme Drain Power Cell.<br />
<br />
Requirements are level 1 Combat, Light Weapons, and Mining licenses. (<i>made by phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== The Other side of the Universe ===<br />
After joining the Jallik defense force to make a few extra creds you discover that a Serco force is building in Edras and it is upto you to help hold them off.<br />
The initial mission can be found at any Itani barracks station labeled "Need creds? Join the Jallik defense force!" which will lead you to the correct mission area.<br />
<br />
Requirements are level 4 Combat, neutral Itani standing and hated by Serco . <br />
<br />
(<i>made by CrazySpence</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Rogue Drones ===<br />
This is the first tree to be written collaboratively between the devs and a player. The original three missions were implemented by the devs, then Phaserlight contacted them with a request to build onto what was already in place and received the necessary information to do so. The story involves research surrounding the corruption of the Hive and possible influences causing the drones to turn against their creators. At the end of this tree the player gains access to the EC-88, the original "bus". There are multiple paths through this tree, the following is suggested as the most dynamic (no mission is consecutively repeated):<br />
<br />
<i>Rogue Drones => More Orun Processors Needed => Dentek Processors Needed => More Dentek Processors Needed => Alternate Avenue of Inquiry => Artemis Core Sweep => Aurum Potestas Est => More Orun Processors Needed => Rogue Drone Surveillance => More Dentek Processors Needed => Research Vessel Defense => The Hive Hunters</i><br />
<br />
(<i>made by Phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== The Gauntlet ===<br />
* Fight your way through 5 rounds of enemies each round with multiple waves of attack. Combat, light and heavy XP are rewarded after each round with increasing values until round 5 where you face a heavily armed Overseer. Available at level 2 through 4 at barracks stations<br />
<br />
(<i>made by CrazySpence</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Help! Rogue Queen detected ===<br />
* The station needs you to eliminate the escorts of a rogue Queen in their system so that their bomber wing can attack. Available up to Combat level 5 at barracks stations. <br />
* Something....interesting happens if you take this in the Deneb system<br />
<br />
(<i>made by CrazySpence</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Special Delivery ===<br />
You are asked to delivery a datapad to Gray space when you are intercepted by a mysterious NPC who requests you detour your delivery. Available at nation stations at Combat 4.<br />
<br />
(<i>made by CrazySpence</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Difficult Choices ===<br />
You took the first step towards the darker side of space and these missions are your tests to see if you got the guts to be a rat. Will you stay the course or will your conscience get the better of you in the end and turn you against your new brothers. Available at Corvus stations after taking a detour in Special Delivery.<br />
<br />
(<i>made by CrazySpence</i>)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Game Information]]<br />
[[Category:Missions]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Missions
Missions
2010-07-07T15:01:02Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Combat Missions */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{needsinfo|date=September 2009}}<br />
== Training Missions ==<br />
These are a set of five missions that explain the rudiments of the game. New players are strongly encouraged to take them before asking for help. They stop appearing in your mission tab once you have attained a few levels.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Combat Missions ==<br />
These missions are available to raise your Combat and Light/Heavy weapon license levels through observed combat situations by your respective nations.<br />
<br />
=== Beginner Combat Practice ===<br />
* An officially-sanctioned training mission by your nation's government; go out and kill low-level bots ([[Bots:Collectors|Collectors]] to be specific) for combat and weapons xp. This mission is replaced by Advanced Combat Practice once you reach combat level 3.<br />
<br />
=== Advanced Combat Practice ===<br />
* An officially-sanctioned training mission by your nation's government; hunt [[bots]] from a list for combat and weapons xp.<br />
<br />
=== Border Patrol ===<br />
* Border Patrol (BP) is a formal stage for group combat between [[Serco]] and [[Itani]]. Pilots who take this mission meet in Deneb C'10 to attempt to boom enemy pilots. Numbers between sides are evened with NPC [[Centurion|Centurion Mk II's]]. When you have destroyed the requisite number of ships you are given xp and the mission ends. You can take this mission by yourself or group with others. For every person in your group the group will have to down 15 ships and will be given +1500/+1500/+1500/0/0 xp. (By yourself you are a group of one.)<br />
<br />
* Generally this is a [[Serco]]/[[Itani]] only mission for those who have at least combat four. UIT pilots can take this mission, however, if they are liked by one and only one of the two waring nations. These UITs and those with insufficient combat levels will need to be invited into a BP group to participate. Any pilot who is liked by both Serco and Itan with be unable to take this mission.<br />
<br />
=== Assassination ===<br />
* You are asked liquidate two 'high priority targets,' one from each enemy nation.<br />
<br />
=== Killing Spree ===<br />
* Kill any 10 Bots and get 1000 credits. Not really worth it, unless you need money, but there are other ways to get it.<br />
<br />
=== Hive Skirmish ===<br />
* In most systems bots re-spawn quickly after they are destroyed. Hive presence can be temporarily eradicated in certain sectors, however, by taking this mission from [[Xang Xi]] Stations. After signing up for the mission you are asked to boom bots in a specific sector. For each bot you kill you are given, in addition to the normal weapons xp, combat xp and credits determined by its 'difficulty.'<br />
<br />
* This mission can also be used to locate queens and a [[leviathan]] by identifying the sector in which the most hive bots are reported. This isn't completely reliable, however.<br />
<br />
=== The Gauntlet ===<br />
* Fight your way through 5 rounds of enemies each round with multiple waves of attack. Combat, light and heavy XP are rewarded after each round with increasing values until round 5 where you face a heavily armed Overseer. Available at level 2 through 4 at barracks stations<br />
<br />
=== Help! Rogue Queen detected ===<br />
* The station needs you to eliminate the escorts of a rogue Queen in their system so that their bomber wing can attack. Available up to Combat level 5 at barracks stations. <br />
* Something....interesting happens if you take this in the Deneb system<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Escort ==<br />
You accompany an NPC convoy, fending off potential threats. Rewards include modest trade and combat XP, credits determined by the sale of the goods you accompanied, and a small boost of your standing with the destination's Faction.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Trade Guild ==<br />
These missions ask you to trade on behalf of a faction. It is not as profitable as trading for yourself but it is a much quicker way to acquire trade xp. Faction standing will also be increased with trade missions. Generally the higher the completion payment for a mission the higher the faction standing and xp increase you will get.<br />
<br />
Some cargo moving missions are labeled '(bulk.)' This means that there are likely more widgets to move than you can ship in a single trip.<br />
<br />
=== Delivery ===<br />
* One-way cargo run.<br />
<br />
=== Special Delivery ===<br />
* Deliver a unique (non purchasable) item to its destination.<br />
<br />
=== Procurement ===<br />
* Buy widgets from another station and bring them back. You will be reimbursed. This, especially when 'bulk', is regarded as the most efficient way to raise faction standing.<br />
<br />
=== Retrieval ===<br />
* Retrieve widgets from another station and bring them back.<br />
<br />
=== Minerals ===<br />
* [[Mining|Mine]] or plunder some premium ore of the stations asking and deliver it to the station.<br />
<br />
== Prospecting Missions ==<br />
There are 120 Prospecting missions scattered around the universe, with an average of four missions per system. For each mission, you need to identify (with a mineral scanner) 30 asteroids containing a mineral the station chooses. Doing all 120 missions unlocks the best mining [[Mining#Equipment|equipment]].<br />
<br />
== Scrap Yard ==<br />
Collect scrap metal and return it to the station so they can begin a construction project.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Recon/Spy ==<br />
There are four missions in this set. They ask you to perform certain actions on particular bots. A scanner (given to you) informs of the requisite behavior towards any individual bots. All of these missions are finicky.<br />
<br />
=== Secret Meeting ===<br />
* You are hired to confirm the presence of some CEO at a secret inter-corporation meeting (which is held, strangely, in a bot infested sector). The CEO must be found quickly as his party will be 'ambushed' shortly after the mission starts.<br />
<br />
=== Anomalous Materials ===<br />
* Some bots involved with toxic materials are malfunctioning. Evade calamity by destroying some of these DenTek [[Bots:Collectors|collectors]] without letting others of them get damaged.<br />
<br />
=== Hostage Situation ===<br />
* Hostages have been taken. Liberate them by finding the ship in which they are imprisoned and then lowering its armor to somewhere between 25 and 50 percent.<br />
<br />
=== Unforeseen Consequences ===<br />
* A 'weirdo' is malevolently controlling the minds of innocent people. Free them by destroying his ship while not damaging theirs.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Mining Tutorial ==<br />
This mission is available at mining stations. It explains the mining system in Vendetta Online, and gives mining xp sufficient to gain mining level 1.<br />
{{br}}<br />
<br />
== Test Pilot Missions ==<br />
=== TPG Test Pilot ===<br />
* Qualifies player to fly ships that TPG places into its test-pilot program. There are three missions of increasing difficulty, the first two involve destroying waves of progressively more difficult collector bots. The third mission sends you to two sectors, in the first sector you are given three allies and must destroy ~8 artemis collectors. In the second sector a large number of dentek collectors, artemis collectors, and dentek assaults are sent after you which must be completely annihilated, however you are allowed to leave the sector to re-arm.<br />
** Currently, there are no ships in the TPG Test Pilot program. Previous ships include the [[TPG Raptor]].<br />
<br />
=== Itani Test Pilot ===<br />
* Completion of this mission unlocks the [[Valkyrie|Valkyrie X-1]]. You will have to destroy, without assistance, ten ships that will come in two waves. It can be taken from Itani research stations.<br />
<br />
<br />
== PCC Missions ==<br />
Player Contributed missions using the Mission Editor. <br><br />
Phaserlight has made a map with more details to his mission trees [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/20448 here].<br><br />
=== Party Errand ===<br />
Discreetly gather a short list of specialty items for a Celebrity party being held at this Valent station. Available at Valent stations. This is a mission tree with several potential sub-missions. (one of which requires serco docking rights). Aborting this mission will create a side mission which gives you one more chance, but that's it. If you fail twice, the tree is lost.<br />
<br />
Requirements are trade level 2 and dockable faction with Valent and Xang Xi. (<i>made by phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Search and Rescue ===<br />
A trade ship has been separated from its convoy in an ion storm and lost somewhere in the system, you have 45 minutes to find them. Available at Itani commercial stations. After you successfully lead the Behemoth trader back to the station you have the option of delivering a special report to an Itani monk in Divinia which initiates a further set of missions. All missions in this tree can be re-taken as many times as necessary, however your Itani standing will be affected on the level of your success or failure.<br />
<br />
Requirements are light weapons level 2 and dockable Itani faction. (<i>made by phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== The Refinery Missions ===<br />
Gather combinations of ore to manufacture basic trade goods at mining stations, which are then delivered to either research or commercial stations. Each mission grants 400 Trade and Mining xp. After four of these missions have been completed a sixth mission, "Transparent Metal", becomes available. The following is a list of ores used in the mission tree:<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Mission Name<br />
! First Ore<br />
! Second Ore<br />
! Product<br />
! Destination<br />
! Credit Wage<br />
|-<br />
! Water Distiller Needed<br />
| 26x Premium Aquean<br />
| -<br />
| 26x Purified Water<br />
| Commercial<br />
| 4000<br />
|-<br />
! Steel Forge<br />
| 13x Premium Carbonic<br />
| 13x Premium Ferric<br />
| 18x Steel<br />
| Research<br />
| 5000<br />
|-<br />
! Hydrocarbon Synthesis <br />
| 18x Premium Carbonic<br />
| 18x Premium Aquean<br />
| 12x Synthetic Hydrocarbons<br />
| Commercial<br />
| 6000<br />
|-<br />
! Manufacturing Simple Plastics <br />
| 22x Premium Carbonic<br />
| 22x Premium Silicate<br />
| 22x Simple Plastics<br />
| Commercial<br />
| 7000<br />
|-<br />
! Growing Nanites <br />
| 26x Premium Aquean<br />
| 26x Premium Silicate<br />
| 26x NanoFeed<br />
| Research<br />
| 8000<br />
|-<br />
! Transparent Metal <br />
| 24x Premium Ferric<br />
| 24x Ishik<br />
| 24x Vismetal<br />
| Research<br />
| 12000<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Once "Transparent Metal" is completed the player is pointed toward a further series of missions available in the Verasi star system that eventually grant access to the Extreme Drain Power Cell.<br />
<br />
Requirements are level 1 Combat, Light Weapons, and Mining licenses. (<i>made by phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
=== The Other side of the Universe ===<br />
After joining the Jallik defense force to make a few extra creds you discover that a Serco force is building in Edras and it is upto you to help hold them off.<br />
The initial mission can be found at any Itani barracks station labeled "Need creds? Join the Jallik defense force!" which will lead you to the correct mission area.<br />
<br />
Requirements are level 4 Combat, neutral Itani standing and hated by Serco . (<i>made by CrazySpence</i>)<br />
<br />
=== Rogue Drones ===<br />
This is the first tree to be written collaboratively between the devs and a player. The original three missions were implemented by the devs, then Phaserlight contacted them with a request to build onto what was already in place and received the necessary information to do so. The story involves research surrounding the corruption of the Hive and possible influences causing the drones to turn against their creators. At the end of this tree the player gains access to the EC-88, the original "bus". There are multiple paths through this tree, the following is suggested as the most dynamic (no mission is consecutively repeated):<br />
<br />
<i>Rogue Drones => More Orun Processors Needed => Dentek Processors Needed => More Dentek Processors Needed => Alternate Avenue of Inquiry => Artemis Core Sweep => Aurum Potestas Est => More Orun Processors Needed => Rogue Drone Surveillance => More Dentek Processors Needed => Research Vessel Defense => The Hive Hunters</i><br />
<br />
(<i>made by Phaserlight</i>)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Game Information]]<br />
[[Category:Missions]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/User:CrazySpence
User:CrazySpence
2010-07-07T14:51:26Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Missions */</p>
<hr />
<div>==What is CrazySpence?==<br />
I am an Itani, have been since the old days when it was just plain blue. In the olden times I would get in golds way by heavily mining the flag in sector 1 to the point that it would take 30-45minutes before the flag could even begin to be touched.<br />
<br />
These days CrazySpence mainly escorts convoys through Grey space. CrazySpence also owns the system of Pelatus and will sometimes patrol there to make sure everyone stays out. His favourite game is to tease pirates by announcing is trade routes then escaping or killing the pirate and taunting them about their failures<br />
<br />
==Should I be afraid?==<br />
No it is just a game silly. I will only attack if....<br />
* You are red on my screen<br />
* Trying to pirate me or others<br />
* Free for all battle in some sector<br />
* Guarding my system Pelatus and you do not say "Hail to the King, baby!"<br />
* Attacking my convoy<br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
* I fly a hog 90% of the time. I have been for over 6 years<br />
** Warthog Mark II - This is the hog of choice, handles well, infinite turbo but lacks in manueverability vs IBG or Rev C centurion's<br />
** Warthog Territorial Defender - This is the dream fighter of the hog pilot. If you are intent on short range dogfighting this thing has the speed, the moves, and the armour to do it in. So hog pilots, do not alienate the UIT for they hold the key to make all of your glorious dreams come true!<br />
** My weakness is prom pilots 1v1, the hog is undermatched versus the standard weapons config of the prom pilot I have been able to beat proms but usually at the cost of my own ship as well so beware!<br />
* I have favourite ships that I like to engage if you are an enemy target and flying one of these be sure I'll be knocking on your six<br />
** Centurion IBG or Rev C's - While I do mention the Mark 2 is at a disadvantage with these usually in my hands it is not! most people who pilot these super cents are over confident and I can usually chew their ship to bits.<br />
** Warthogs - Nothing is more exciting to a hog pilot than to engage one of his fellow warriors in combat!<br />
** Vultures - Vulture pilots are cunning and a worthy prey<br />
* I never keep a lot of cash on hand because trading is boring<br />
* Obsessed with Wing Commander. Do not be suprised if the 3 capital ships in my future fleet start with TCS.<br />
<br />
==What I am upto Currently==<br />
* PCC Member<br />
* Creating Missions<br />
** In the pipe:<br />
*** Training day (4 missions)<br />
*** The Price of loyalty (4 missions)<br />
*** Counter Strike (1 mission)<br />
* Updating the wiki's info<br />
<br />
==Missions==<br />
* The other side of the universe (5 missions)<br />
** Defend Jallik from a sneak Serco invasion by cutting them off in Edras!<br />
** Can be started by finding a "Need Creds? Join the Jallik defense force" mission in any barracks station in Itani space<br />
** [http://philtopia.com/~spencep/osu.m4v Video I made for those missions **actual gameplay may differ]<br />
* The Gauntlet<br />
** This mission will test the endurance of new players with 4 rounds of 3 wave attacks. Each round ending with an XP reward. Round 5 pits the new player against a heavily armed bot<br />
** Lvl 2-4 at any barracks station<br />
*Help! Rogue Queen detected<br />
**This mission requires the new player to destroy the hive bots escorting the Queen so a wave of rags can make quick work of it<br />
** Lvl 0-5 at any barracks station<br />
<br />
==Accomplishments==<br />
[[Image:Alpha_tester.png]][[image:Beta_tester.png]][[Image:Trader.png]][[Image:Ribbon_trader_10000.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_25.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_100.png]][[Image:Ribbon_pk_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_hive_500.png]][[Image:Ribbon_queen_10.png]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Pirating
Pirating
2010-04-26T18:53:56Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Ships to Pirate With */ gbc</p>
<hr />
<div>One of the activities you can enjoy while playing Vendetta is '''pirating'''. Pirating is an accepted aspect of Vendetta. Pirating people in a nations space is not wise, as this will cause your standing to plummet. Pirating happens most often in sectors that have a wormhole but don't have a station. When you partake in pirating, you need to consider what ships to pirate, and what ship to pirate in.<br />
<br />
==Going on Account==<br />
First off, pirating is far from easy in Vendetta. However, it has to be one of the most fun occupations in VO. Here are some tips to getting started that should help out you young land lubbers wantin' to test yer mettle. So without any further ado... Arr!<br />
<br />
First off, you need to decide what you want to do.<br />
* Do you want to be a purist pirate, who only takes cargo and kills unarmed traders?<br />
* Do you want to be more of a modern pirate, who takes bribes to let traders pass with their cargo intact?<br />
* Or, will you be a hybrid of both?<br />
<br />
Many of the pirates in VO are a mix of both. We make our money mostly from taking money from traders and offering them safe passage. For those that don't pay, we kill them and take their cargo. Keep in mind that it is very hard to make any money as a pirate, so it helps to have something of a plan. Mine is something like this.<br />
<br />
* '''Never pirate a trader more than once in one log in'''. This keeps those greedy traders from feeling like you are taking all their money and helps make sure they pay you next time.<br />
* '''Make a funny hail message'''. This just helps make you stand out from the n00b in a bus with an eye patch and a bird who has a funny dye job.<br />
* '''Never charge more than the ship and/or cargo is worth'''. I used to have multiple hail messages for different ships. My policy was to make my price around 5k less than what the ship was worth. So, for a Centaur, I would charge around 25k, whereas a Warthog would be around 15k. Just get a feel for it. If more then 1 out of every 10 people you see are running rather than paying, you may want to think about lowering your price.<br />
* '''Never go back on a deal'''. You're telling people who already think you are scum that if they give you money you will let them live. They have no guarantee you will, so you need to build up a rep. So if they ask all their little trader buddies (traders are cliquey, and due to them being so rich they have many "friends") if you are good for your word, they will get a yes back and then they'll pay instead of run.<br />
* '''Find a way to make your name stand out'''. You have some pirates who do this by killing everything, kicking dogs, and biting flowers. These guys are often hated and almost never make any money. (Though there is something to be said for being able to log in and kill anything you want and then make the people you killed cry by peeing on their cats.) Then you have pirates that are kinda nice; these guys are often thought of with a warm fuzzy feeling, and people like to thank them for making the game fun. Then, you got guys like me who are known for doing anything for money. Which ends up leading me away from piracy and into other fields of work.<br />
<br />
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have fun with it and remember it's just a game. Don't you ever forget: without pirates, there will never be a need for human traders, as any robotics man can make a bot who will haul cargo from point A to point B. But only a human will dare try to take on a pirate. So remember: you're doing it to help humans keep their jobs.<br />
-Borb, Pirate, Merc, and BLAK council member.<br />
<br />
==Ships to Pirate==<br />
There are many ships in the world of Vendetta. Some are multi-purposed, some made for fighting, and some made to transport cargo. The ships you want to pirate are, of course, the transport classes. There are several transport ships out there and aspects of them that need to be kept in mind when pirating. But beware, when a transport vessel has at least one large port, there is the possibility of a gatling turret or mines. There are several types of mines out there that can, and most likely will come your way eventually.<br />
*A proximity mine is your basic mine. It will sit in space happily until its short range sensors detect something, at which point it will detonate itself, causing your ship to be damaged and pushed off course. The range of its sensors is quite short, about 80 meters.<br />
*A concussion mine is never used for damaging a player, as it causes 0 damage. Instead, the concussion mine will, when detonated, exert a very large amount of force on all ships within the blast radius, causing the ships to be thrown off course. The force exerted is the same on all ships, except ships with more mass will take longer to recover from it.<br />
*A lightning mine is very dangerous and can kill ships who decide to hang around it. The lightning mine is equipped with a large battery and much more sophisticated sensors than the other mines. The sensors are able to determine whether or not ships within range are hostile. The lightning mine utilizes a weapon that causes pure energy to arc from itself to an enemy ship at a rate of 1000 damage per second and will keep firing until the ship is out of range, the mine is destroyed, or the mine's energy is depleted and self-destructs. The lightning mine is somewhat easier to spot than proximity and concussion mines due to the electrical arcs that surround it.<br />
<br />
===Atlas===<br />
First, we have the [[Atlas]], this is the first transport class ship that players get access to. The main variant can contain 32 cargo and other variants can hold up to 38. The Atlas is outfitted with one small weapon port and one large weapon port. There really is not much to say about the Atlas except that it is a low level trading vessel and fairly easy prey, there are much bigger space fish to fry.<br />
<br />
===Centaur===<br />
The next ship is the [[Centaur]], this transport vessel can hold 48 units of cargo and the other variants can hold up to 50 units of cargo. The Centaur is constructed with one small port and two large ports, allowing it to launch two mines at once. A popular configuration with transport vessels that have two or more large weapon ports is to launch a [[Weapons:Large#Mine_Launchers|concussion mine]] to get you disorientated and then to launch chaos or locust [[Weapons:Large#Missile_Launchers|Swarms]].<br />
<br />
===Marauder===<br />
The third transport ship is the [[Marauder]], one of the best transport ships that retain agility. The standard Marauder is no better than the Centaur, except for its superior agility. Of course, there are other variants of the Marauder that increase its cargo space up to 60. Most variants are outfitted with three small ports, but there is one variant, the [[Template:Factions:Tunguska|Tunguska]] Mineral Marauder, that is outfitted with one small port and two large ports and is designed for mining. This variant is also the one with the largest cargo capacity of the Marauder class transports. The Marauder can hold its own in battle when piloted by the right people, so be sure you aren't attacking a person who is known for their superior skill in fighting with a heavy ship.<br />
<br />
===Behemoth===<br />
[[Image:(s)behemoth.jpg |frame|caption|Pirate's Piñata]]<br />
The last transport ship is the appropriately named [[Behemoth]]. This ship is indeed a huge transport with space for 120 cargo units - it can barely fit into a dock. This transport class is an easy-to-hit target, but it has a very thick hull which can take large amounts of damage. The Behemoth does not come with superior weapons capacity, as all of its space has been dedicated to its massive cargo holds, thick armor, and very powerful engines. In fact, its capacity for weaponry is lower than the Centaur, as it comes with only two large ports. Destroying this ship without a partner has proven quite difficult, as its huge amounts of armor allow it to take considerable amounts of damage while its very efficient engines can be powered indefinitely by a Fast Charge Battery as it reaches top speed and flees the sector.<br />
<br />
It is possible to take out the Behemoth by yourself though; one tactic has proven fairly effective. This tactic uses a Warthog class attack ship, in the large port goes a jackhammer (or screamer) class rocket launcher and the small port has a Neutron MkII (preferably MkIII). You use the rocket launcher to knock the Behemoth off course. It will need to drop out of turbo in order to readjust, and this is when you use your Neutron blaster to attack it. When it is about ready to turbo again, fire another rocket, rinse and repeat until desired effect is obtained.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=Another suggestion in taking out Behemoths (also known as "Moths", "Teh Beh", or just "I-knew-I-should-have-been-a-farmer"), Try a Warthog mk II or mk III, equip it with a Neutron Blaster mk II and a Megapositron Blaster. This ship has the highest damage potential of any chase ship, capable of dealing 40000+ damage with a single heavy battery charge. If you're VERY VERY lucky, this ship may do the trick.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Calder|background=#cef1cf|info=Ah, don't ye' be listenin to Shape mateys. Use teh [[Pirating#Prometheus|prom]] equiped like I been tellin ye!}}<br />
<br />
==Ships to Pirate With==<br />
<br />
While we have covered what ships to beat up like a piñata, we have yet to cover which ships to beat them up with. You can pirate in any ship, as long as it has a weapon port. Instead of going over every ship, we will go over the highlights of the ships.<br />
<br />
===Vulture===<br />
The [[Vulture]] is one of the most popular fighter class ships used. Due to its thin design, it makes for a very good dodger. There are many variants that are far superior to the basic one. Most notable of the variants is the [[Corvus Prime|Corvus]] [[Vulture#Faction_Variants|Vulturius]]. This ship is one of the fastest fighters when in turbo, up to 220m/s, and 75m/s without turbo. The Vulturius makes a great ship for chasing down ships that are running. Of course this high speed comes at a cost. While in turbo, the Vulturius will deplete the battery very quickly. All variants of the Vulture come equipped with two small weapon ports, which are usually equipped with Neutron or Gauss cannons, depending on whether you want quantity over accuracy, or accuracy over quantity.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=The [[Vulture]] is a great ship to use due to it's very slim profile and high armor. However, this comes at a cost of added mass. It helps greatly to pick weapons that reflect this fact. Some people like to stick with rather good results such as TPG Sparrows on Vults. Another idea is to have a mix of a powerful gun like a Neutron and a gun with low mass like the TPG Sparrows. Also due to the good auto aim of Gauss, many have found dual Gauss to be very effective on Vults. Experiment heavily with this ship as you can get it anywhere and will most likely be flying it a lot in your career as a Pirate.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|background=#cee1f1|pirate=Shape|info=For single sector chases, try the [[Vulture]] mk III with a Heavy Battery, it can run all day long, has a decent top speed (220 m/s) and with a pair of Neutron Blasters, is fully capable of making a dent in even the most armored of ships.<br />
<br />
If you're looking to chase, there's really only one other variant whose speed/drain can make it a good chaser. The Serco Guardian Vulture is this baby. With some of the nicest thrust on a light fighter, this is a beauty to chase and fight with. Take it for a test drive and leave all those silly Centurion pilots in your jetwash.}}<br />
<br />
===Centurion===<br />
The lower level variants of the [[Centurion]] are not very good for pirating. Fortunately, there are some special variants, most notably the Rev C from Orion Heavy Manufacturing and the IBG from the Itani. These ships are very light and very agile making them perfect fighters. I recommend using one in conjunction with a Hog or even another Cent for maximum effect. Good Cent pilots have been known to take on groups of up to 5 people at once and come out alive. Common configurations are dual neutron mkIII, or Axia positrons. Although some will swear by dual gauss, find out what works for you as this is a very useful ship in the right hands.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=These ships are really not made for runnning down fleeing traders due to the high drain on their battery, so don't be surprised when Centaurs blow past you. Try to use these as as support ships for the faster ships in your fleet, or as support for your heavy bombers.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=The Orion Rev C and Itani Border Guardian Variants are indeed the deadliest light fighters, in a fight. As previously mentioned, they are fairly weaker chasers.<br />
However, they can do some single-sector damage if equipped properly. Heavy Batteries are a must. With Neutron Blasters you can usually economize your energy to take out players entering the wormhole. Players exiting the wormhole can be signifigantly harder, since you won't know exactly where they come out, and when they do you'll have to use that drain to get to them. Flares can also make up for some of this ship's chasing weaknesses.}}<br />
<br />
===Warthog===<br />
The [[Warthog]] is very good for destroying the heavier transport ships. Simply place a rocket launcher into either the small weapon port or the large weapon port and your energy weapon of choice in the other weapon port. You should, of course, never use the basic variant and explore the other options the universe has to offer. If you can fight quite well, then you should use the cargo transport or mining variants, as these will let you take back more of your goods from the remains of the ship. Also keep in mind, turbo speed and the turbo's energy consumption, you want to be able to catch your prey, but you also want to be able to attack it.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Mmm, I got my start in Hogs. I find it's a good idea to either go very light in Hogs (i.e. one AGT) and use it to take out traders that stop to give you a fight. Or go heavy (Suns and Jacks) and use it to take out traders that try to run. Keep in mind though that the Hog is more of a support ship, so it helps to have a friend with a fighter.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|background=#cee1f1|pirate=Shape|info=I said it before, and I'll say it again, the hog has potential. Serious damage potential. Ignore the Gatling Turret, and equip this baby with Megapositron and Neutron blasters. Light fighters and rockets are a bit of a chore for this setup (although a lucky stream of fire is the makings of a serious comeback), Traders, on the other hand, are mincemeat. Would you like 40000 damage with that burger? yes please!}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Trakus Shar|info=With its new 45/s drain and integrated 1000m cargo scanner, the Corvus Greyhound is a truly terrifying energy chaser 'Hog. Put a Megaposi into the Large Port and either a Law Enforcement Neutron Blaster, a Hive Positron Blaster, or an Xang Xi Radar Extender into the Small Port. You can either equip a Hive fast charge (300 capacity) or a heavy (550 capacity) battery for infiniboost, or an ultra charge (300 capacity) or fast charge (250 capacity) battery for infiniboost plus 5 units per second of on the fly recharge rate. If it runs, it dies.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Admiral Stan|info=Although I ain't much of a pirate, I know a thing or two about PvP/combat. Don't use gattling turrets/cannons because they really aren't that great and deal little damgae. Try using a positron or megapositron and a missile (I prefer Screamer). Avoid flares beacause they are slow and they can't maneuver too well.}}<br />
<br />
===Behemoth===<br />
Surprise! The [[Behemoth]] is good for pirating. When hunting down a Behemoth, having a partner along in a Behemoth is quite useful. He can add support fire and, when the enemy Behemoth explodes, he can pick up all the cargo and split the profit.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=It's a good idea any time you have a big ship with tons of cargo to have plotted a few jumps into empty sectors, just in case you have to lose an angry mob of rich traders who got mad at you for cutting off their old grandma and her little bus.}}<br />
<br />
===Valkyrie===<br />
With the newer addition of drain to many lighter ships, the [[Valkyrie]] (Valk) is fast becoming the mark of pro pirates. Known for a long time as more of a status symbol than anything else (due to the fact that it took such high levels to get it), it was long overlooked as a good fighter ship due to its shape which can make it easy to hit.<br />
<br />
That was all changed when an unknown pirate started using it to chase down Behemoths (Moths). It was then discovered that its low drain coupled with its three small ports made it ideal for running down traders who just wanted to get to the next port alive.<br />
<br />
Common configurations are:<br><br />
Three sunflares - due to the flares not using any energy this ship is made for running down infi-boost ships and stopping them. <br />
<br />
One Sunflare and two gauss (or two flare one gauss) - this ship is more of a fighter used to run down and then pummel fleeing ships. Its rockets are used to cause the fleeing ship to tumble around then it closes in and uses its gauss(es) to inflict heavy damage before the trader can recover.<br />
<br />
Two ion or phase and one gauss (or one ion or phase and two neutrons 1-3) - this ship is often used in conjunction with the first tri-sun valk to great effect. The tri-sun will hit the target and this ship will then fly in close and inflict damage before the trader can regain his bearings. Or this ship will engage the trader and the tri-sun will fly around behind the trader filling him full of rockets.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=It often helps if you are using any kind of rockets with a buddy to make sure you are of the same nation and both have good faction. Rockets tend to not care if you are friend or foe.}}<br />
<br />
===Prometheus===<br />
The [[Prometheus]] is a great ship for committing acts of piracy. The best version for this act is the MKII. It is slower then the SCP, but it's large cargo hold allows you to pick up any extra goodies you find laying in the wake of your destruction. The common outfitting of this ship is to have 2 Sunflares and one Gatling Turret. Used right, this ship can cause massive damage to trade lanes.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Add this ship and a Valk together and you can cripple the trade lanes of any nation. This ship is like a meat grinder, how ever you must first get the meat to the grinder for it to grind, so use a Valk or some other fighter to slow up the target then come in with your Prom and grind them up. Small note on Proms: the pansies of the space lanes do not really think Prom users are very good pilots, so if you are trying to build up a rep as an uber pilot, a Prom is probably a bad idea.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=If you want to use this ship for piracy, then you need to be ready to do all your piracy in a 3 second window, AKA when they are entering or emerging from the wormhole. I recommend the layout of an old friend, Amarus. Amarus used the [[Prometheus]] back BEFORE it was cool. His particular favorite layout for piracy/bounty-hunting was the tri-rocket. This tended to involve a pair of Sunflare and Jackhammer/Screamer Rockets. If it gets the drop on you, its over. 1 million creds to the person that can reproduce his death spiral (5 light fighters dead in a manner of seconds).<br />
<br />
Key to making this work is vigilance. So make sure to use verbose! What's that you say? Never heard of it?<br />
Well, try /verbose 2, when you want to turn it off, /verbose 0. It will let you know when players enter the sector without having to use the sector list. In fact, it will give you around 2 seconds prior knowledge. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SECTORS WITH LARGE CONVOYS OR STATIONS.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Calder|background=#cef1cf|subject=Prom|info=I can't call 'em pirating tips since I know nothing what-so-ever about pirating in any other ship, but when it comes to the [[Prometheus]], I'm proud to say I know my stuff. Using two sunflares, (preferably chain-linked,) for stunning and damage along with a [[Weapons:Table|Mega-Positron Blaster]] is a much better combination than the gatling turret. A gatling turret cannot even begin to hurt a [[Behemoth|moth]] before it begins running, but hammering 4800 damage a second into a ship while stunning it with rockets HURTS! AND, if need be, you can keep up for more than 11 seconds.}}<br />
<br />
===Marauder===<br />
<br />
Often used as a poor man's Valk, the [[Marauder]] is a great Pirate ship. Its speed and large cargo hold allow for many great options. The fact that it can be bought almost anywhere makes it almost as available as the Vult, meaning you will most likely fly it at least once in your career. Common configurations are similar to the ones used with the Valk.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Keep in mind that the Maurauder loses almost all maneuverability once it gets any cargo in its hold so make sure you are reasonably safe before you load it up.}}<br />
<br />
===Atlas===<br />
<br />
No, we're not crazy! The [[Atlas]], when used right, makes a very good pirate ship - most notably the [[Atlas]] TPG X. Due to the large cargo space, this is a very good looting ship for use against traders or miners. The fact that it can hold a Large port weapon is a very nice plus. Common configurations are a Mega Positron Blaster and a Neutron 1-3. Or in the configuration known as the Atlas Of Doom, a Gatling Turret and a Sunflare.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=This is a great and very flexible little ship that can be likened to a Hog. Use it as a support ship in conjunction with a fighter or even a heavy ship and you will be on your way to hoarding up massive amounts of cargo.}}<br />
<br />
===Hornet===<br />
<br />
The [[Hornet]], one of the oldest ships, can be a a very powerful pirate ship. Due to the high amount of weaponary this ship can carry, the trading enemy can be destroyed in no time. Especially the Orion Hornet Convoy Guardian (produced by Orion Heavy Manufacturing) is a great and fast platform for the act of pirating. Equipped with four Advanced Railguns and a Heavy Powercell, the trader can be destroyed by only two hits.<br />
<br />
==Pirate Terms==<br />
This is a growing list of terms used both historically and internally to Vendetta Online. Feel free to add your favorite Pirate terminology so that others may use, or at the least, understand what you are saying as you take there goods. <br />
<br />
{| border=1 width=100%<br />
|-<br />
! width=80 | Term<br />
! Description<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Pirate<br />
| A robber. Any act of theft while in space is piracy in the most general sense.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Privateer<br />
| A privateer is a pilot with a "letter of marque" (see below) from a governement. This letter "allows" the sailor to plunder any ship of a given enemy nation. Technically, a privateer was a self employed soldier paid only by what he plundered from an enemy. In this, a privateer was supposed to be above being tried for piracy. Tell that to Cap'n Kidd. Most often, privateers were a higher class of criminal, though many turned plain pirate before all was said and done.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | To Go on Account<br />
| A pleasant term used by pirates to describe the act of turning pirate. The basic idea was that a pirate was more "freelance" and thus was, more or less, going into business for himself.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | "Avast Ye!"<br />
| A hailing phrase to indicate that the hailed must "stop" and give attention.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Landlubber<br />
| A term given to one fond of planets as opposed to space. The term doesn't derive from "land lover" but rather from the root of "lubber" which means clumsy or uncoordinated. Thus, a landlubber is one who is awkward in space due to familiarity with the land. Of course, this terms was used to insult the abilities of any pilot in space.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Jones%27_Locker Davy Jones's Locker]<br />
| A fictional place at the bottom of the ocean. In short, a term meaning death. Davey Jones was said to sink every ship he ever over took, and thus, the watery grave that awaited all who were sunk by him was given his name. To die at sea is to go to "Davey Jones's Locker".<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Walk the Plank<br />
| Perhaps more famous in story than historically practiced, walking the plank was the act of being forced off a ship by pirates (as punishment or torture) into the watery grave below. History suggests that this might have happened once that can be vaguely documented, but it is etched in the image of the pirates for its clearly dastardly content.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Swing the Lead<br />
| The Lead was a weight at the bottom of a line that gave pilots a way to measure depth when near land. To Swing the Lead was considered a simple job, and thus came to represent one who is avoiding work or taking the easy work over the hard. In today's terms, one who swings the lead is a slacker.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Keelhaul<br />
| Another term made famous by pirates. This is the act of throwing a man overboard, tied to a rope that goes beneath the ship, and then dragging him from one side to the other and hauling him out. Besides the torment of being dragged under water, this would drag the victim across the barnacle-studded ship's hull and cause great pain and injury. This was a serious punishment and not administered lightly.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Yellow Jack<br />
| Like any "jack" or flag, the yellow jack was used to indicate a particular disposition of a ship. In this case the yellow was to signify the yellow fever. A yellow flag flying meant that there was illness aboard. Often this was used to trick pirates away from potential targets.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Take a Caulk<br />
| On deck of a ship, between planks, was a thick caulk of black tar and rope to keep water from between decks. This term came to mean to "take a nap" either because pilots who slept on deck ended up with black lines across their backs or simply because pilots laying down on deck were as horizontal as the caulk of the deck itself.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Shiver me Timbers<br />
| This term was used to express shock or surprise. The idea of timbers shivering comes from the vibration set up in the mast (timbers) by either running aground or a solid hit from a larger gun. The suggestion is that something has shaken the speaker from a state of less awareness.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Black Spot<br />
| Tipping the black spot was a way pirates gave a death threat. As in the novel, Treasure Island, a paper was marked with a black smudge on one side and often a message on the other to make the threat specific.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Jolly Boat<br />
| A light boat carried at the stern of a larger sailing ship. This (probably) Danish Yawl (jol), proved better at high sea when a larger ship could harldy carry any sail.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Long Boat<br />
| The largest boat carried by another ship. This was used to move larger loads, often anchors, chains, or ropes. In the case of pirates, the longboats were used to transport the bulk of heavier treasures.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Quarter<br />
| Deriving from the idea of "shelter", quarter was given when mercy was offered by the pirates. To give no quarter was to indicate that none would be spared. Quarter was often the prize given to an honourable loser in a pirate fight. If enraged, however, a pirate would deprive the loser any such luxury.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Letter of Marque<br />
| A document given to a pilot (privateer) giving him amnesty from piracy laws as long as the ships plundered were of an enemy nation. A large portion of the pirates began as privateers, with this symbol of legitimacy. Still, the earnings of a privateer were significantly better than any given soldier at sea in any Navy.<br />
|-<br />
! colspan=2 | [http://www.inkyfingers.com/pirates/terms/index.html Source of some of these terms] <font color=white>|</font> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate#Stereotypical_piratical_expressions Other good sources.]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{br}}<br />
==Avoiding and Escaping Pirates==<br />
For information on avoiding and escaping pirates, visit the [VPR]pedia, which can be found [http://www.viperguild.com/wiki here].<br />
<br />
[[Category:Aggressive Activities]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Pirating
Pirating
2010-04-26T18:53:23Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Behemoth */ gbc</p>
<hr />
<div>One of the activities you can enjoy while playing Vendetta is '''pirating'''. Pirating is an accepted aspect of Vendetta. Pirating people in a nations space is not wise, as this will cause your standing to plummet. Pirating happens most often in sectors that have a wormhole but don't have a station. When you partake in pirating, you need to consider what ships to pirate, and what ship to pirate in.<br />
<br />
==Going on Account==<br />
First off, pirating is far from easy in Vendetta. However, it has to be one of the most fun occupations in VO. Here are some tips to getting started that should help out you young land lubbers wantin' to test yer mettle. So without any further ado... Arr!<br />
<br />
First off, you need to decide what you want to do.<br />
* Do you want to be a purist pirate, who only takes cargo and kills unarmed traders?<br />
* Do you want to be more of a modern pirate, who takes bribes to let traders pass with their cargo intact?<br />
* Or, will you be a hybrid of both?<br />
<br />
Many of the pirates in VO are a mix of both. We make our money mostly from taking money from traders and offering them safe passage. For those that don't pay, we kill them and take their cargo. Keep in mind that it is very hard to make any money as a pirate, so it helps to have something of a plan. Mine is something like this.<br />
<br />
* '''Never pirate a trader more than once in one log in'''. This keeps those greedy traders from feeling like you are taking all their money and helps make sure they pay you next time.<br />
* '''Make a funny hail message'''. This just helps make you stand out from the n00b in a bus with an eye patch and a bird who has a funny dye job.<br />
* '''Never charge more than the ship and/or cargo is worth'''. I used to have multiple hail messages for different ships. My policy was to make my price around 5k less than what the ship was worth. So, for a Centaur, I would charge around 25k, whereas a Warthog would be around 15k. Just get a feel for it. If more then 1 out of every 10 people you see are running rather than paying, you may want to think about lowering your price.<br />
* '''Never go back on a deal'''. You're telling people who already think you are scum that if they give you money you will let them live. They have no guarantee you will, so you need to build up a rep. So if they ask all their little trader buddies (traders are cliquey, and due to them being so rich they have many "friends") if you are good for your word, they will get a yes back and then they'll pay instead of run.<br />
* '''Find a way to make your name stand out'''. You have some pirates who do this by killing everything, kicking dogs, and biting flowers. These guys are often hated and almost never make any money. (Though there is something to be said for being able to log in and kill anything you want and then make the people you killed cry by peeing on their cats.) Then you have pirates that are kinda nice; these guys are often thought of with a warm fuzzy feeling, and people like to thank them for making the game fun. Then, you got guys like me who are known for doing anything for money. Which ends up leading me away from piracy and into other fields of work.<br />
<br />
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have fun with it and remember it's just a game. Don't you ever forget: without pirates, there will never be a need for human traders, as any robotics man can make a bot who will haul cargo from point A to point B. But only a human will dare try to take on a pirate. So remember: you're doing it to help humans keep their jobs.<br />
-Borb, Pirate, Merc, and BLAK council member.<br />
<br />
==Ships to Pirate==<br />
There are many ships in the world of Vendetta. Some are multi-purposed, some made for fighting, and some made to transport cargo. The ships you want to pirate are, of course, the transport classes. There are several transport ships out there and aspects of them that need to be kept in mind when pirating. But beware, when a transport vessel has at least one large port, there is the possibility of a gatling turret or mines. There are several types of mines out there that can, and most likely will come your way eventually.<br />
*A proximity mine is your basic mine. It will sit in space happily until its short range sensors detect something, at which point it will detonate itself, causing your ship to be damaged and pushed off course. The range of its sensors is quite short, about 80 meters.<br />
*A concussion mine is never used for damaging a player, as it causes 0 damage. Instead, the concussion mine will, when detonated, exert a very large amount of force on all ships within the blast radius, causing the ships to be thrown off course. The force exerted is the same on all ships, except ships with more mass will take longer to recover from it.<br />
*A lightning mine is very dangerous and can kill ships who decide to hang around it. The lightning mine is equipped with a large battery and much more sophisticated sensors than the other mines. The sensors are able to determine whether or not ships within range are hostile. The lightning mine utilizes a weapon that causes pure energy to arc from itself to an enemy ship at a rate of 1000 damage per second and will keep firing until the ship is out of range, the mine is destroyed, or the mine's energy is depleted and self-destructs. The lightning mine is somewhat easier to spot than proximity and concussion mines due to the electrical arcs that surround it.<br />
<br />
===Atlas===<br />
First, we have the [[Atlas]], this is the first transport class ship that players get access to. The main variant can contain 32 cargo and other variants can hold up to 38. The Atlas is outfitted with one small weapon port and one large weapon port. There really is not much to say about the Atlas except that it is a low level trading vessel and fairly easy prey, there are much bigger space fish to fry.<br />
<br />
===Centaur===<br />
The next ship is the [[Centaur]], this transport vessel can hold 48 units of cargo and the other variants can hold up to 50 units of cargo. The Centaur is constructed with one small port and two large ports, allowing it to launch two mines at once. A popular configuration with transport vessels that have two or more large weapon ports is to launch a [[Weapons:Large#Mine_Launchers|concussion mine]] to get you disorientated and then to launch chaos or locust [[Weapons:Large#Missile_Launchers|Swarms]].<br />
<br />
===Marauder===<br />
The third transport ship is the [[Marauder]], one of the best transport ships that retain agility. The standard Marauder is no better than the Centaur, except for its superior agility. Of course, there are other variants of the Marauder that increase its cargo space up to 60. Most variants are outfitted with three small ports, but there is one variant, the [[Template:Factions:Tunguska|Tunguska]] Mineral Marauder, that is outfitted with one small port and two large ports and is designed for mining. This variant is also the one with the largest cargo capacity of the Marauder class transports. The Marauder can hold its own in battle when piloted by the right people, so be sure you aren't attacking a person who is known for their superior skill in fighting with a heavy ship.<br />
<br />
===Behemoth===<br />
[[Image:(s)behemoth.jpg |frame|caption|Pirate's Piñata]]<br />
The last transport ship is the appropriately named [[Behemoth]]. This ship is indeed a huge transport with space for 120 cargo units - it can barely fit into a dock. This transport class is an easy-to-hit target, but it has a very thick hull which can take large amounts of damage. The Behemoth does not come with superior weapons capacity, as all of its space has been dedicated to its massive cargo holds, thick armor, and very powerful engines. In fact, its capacity for weaponry is lower than the Centaur, as it comes with only two large ports. Destroying this ship without a partner has proven quite difficult, as its huge amounts of armor allow it to take considerable amounts of damage while its very efficient engines can be powered indefinitely by a Fast Charge Battery as it reaches top speed and flees the sector.<br />
<br />
It is possible to take out the Behemoth by yourself though; one tactic has proven fairly effective. This tactic uses a Warthog class attack ship, in the large port goes a jackhammer (or screamer) class rocket launcher and the small port has a Neutron MkII (preferably MkIII). You use the rocket launcher to knock the Behemoth off course. It will need to drop out of turbo in order to readjust, and this is when you use your Neutron blaster to attack it. When it is about ready to turbo again, fire another rocket, rinse and repeat until desired effect is obtained.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=Another suggestion in taking out Behemoths (also known as "Moths", "Teh Beh", or just "I-knew-I-should-have-been-a-farmer"), Try a Warthog mk II or mk III, equip it with a Neutron Blaster mk II and a Megapositron Blaster. This ship has the highest damage potential of any chase ship, capable of dealing 40000+ damage with a single heavy battery charge. If you're VERY VERY lucky, this ship may do the trick.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Calder|background=#cef1cf|info=Ah, don't ye' be listenin to Shape mateys. Use teh [[Pirating#Prometheus|prom]] equiped like I been tellin ye!}}<br />
<br />
==Ships to Pirate With==<br />
<br />
While we have covered what ships to beat up like a piñata, we have yet to cover which ships to beat them up with. You can pirate in any ship, as long as it has a weapon port. Instead of going over every ship, we will go over the highlights of the ships.<br />
<br />
===Vulture===<br />
The [[Vulture]] is one of the most popular fighter class ships used. Due to its thin design, it makes for a very good dodger. There are many variants that are far superior to the basic one. Most notable of the variants is the [[Corvus Prime|Corvus]] [[Vulture#Faction_Variants|Vulturius]]. This ship is one of the fastest fighters when in turbo, up to 220m/s, and 75m/s without turbo. The Vulturius makes a great ship for chasing down ships that are running. Of course this high speed comes at a cost. While in turbo, the Vulturius will deplete the battery very quickly. All variants of the Vulture come equipped with two small weapon ports, which are usually equipped with Neutron or Gauss cannons, depending on whether you want quantity over accuracy, or accuracy over quantity.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=The [[Vulture]] is a great ship to use due to it's very slim profile and high armor. However, this comes at a cost of added mass. It helps greatly to pick weapons that reflect this fact. Some people like to stick with rather good results such as TPG Sparrows on Vults. Another idea is to have a mix of a powerful gun like a Neutron and a gun with low mass like the TPG Sparrows. Also due to the good auto aim of Gauss, many have found dual Gauss to be very effective on Vults. Experiment heavily with this ship as you can get it anywhere and will most likely be flying it a lot in your career as a Pirate.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|background=#cee1f1|pirate=Shape|info=For single sector chases, try the [[Vulture]] mk III with a Heavy Battery, it can run all day long, has a decent top speed (220 m/s) and with a pair of Neutron Blasters, is fully capable of making a dent in even the most armored of ships.<br />
<br />
If you're looking to chase, there's really only one other variant whose speed/drain can make it a good chaser. The Serco Guardian Vulture is this baby. With some of the nicest thrust on a light fighter, this is a beauty to chase and fight with. Take it for a test drive and leave all those silly Centurion pilots in your jetwash.}}<br />
<br />
===Centurion===<br />
The lower level variants of the [[Centurion]] are not very good for pirating. Fortunately, there are some special variants, most notably the Rev C from Orion Heavy Manufacturing and the IBG from the Itani. These ships are very light and very agile making them perfect fighters. I recommend using one in conjunction with a Hog or even another Cent for maximum effect. Good Cent pilots have been known to take on groups of up to 5 people at once and come out alive. Common configurations are dual neutron mkIII, or Axia positrons. Although some will swear by dual gauss, find out what works for you as this is a very useful ship in the right hands.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=These ships are really not made for runnning down fleeing traders due to the high drain on their battery, so don't be surprised when Centaurs blow past you. Try to use these as as support ships for the faster ships in your fleet, or as support for your heavy bombers.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=The Orion Rev C and Itani Border Guardian Variants are indeed the deadliest light fighters, in a fight. As previously mentioned, they are fairly weaker chasers.<br />
However, they can do some single-sector damage if equipped properly. Heavy Batteries are a must. With Neutron Blasters you can usually economize your energy to take out players entering the wormhole. Players exiting the wormhole can be signifigantly harder, since you won't know exactly where they come out, and when they do you'll have to use that drain to get to them. Flares can also make up for some of this ship's chasing weaknesses.}}<br />
<br />
===Warthog===<br />
The [[Warthog]] is very good for destroying the heavier transport ships. Simply place a rocket launcher into either the small weapon port or the large weapon port and your energy weapon of choice in the other weapon port. You should, of course, never use the basic variant and explore the other options the universe has to offer. If you can fight quite well, then you should use the cargo transport or mining variants, as these will let you take back more of your goods from the remains of the ship. Also keep in mind, turbo speed and the turbo's energy consumption, you want to be able to catch your prey, but you also want to be able to attack it.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Mmm, I got my start in Hogs. I find it's a good idea to either go very light in Hogs (i.e. one AGT) and use it to take out traders that stop to give you a fight. Or go heavy (Suns and Jacks) and use it to take out traders that try to run. Keep in mind though that the Hog is more of a support ship, so it helps to have a friend with a fighter.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|background=#cee1f1|pirate=Shape|info=I said it before, and I'll say it again, the hog has potential. Serious damage potential. Ignore the Gatling Turret, and equip this baby with Megapositron and Neutron blasters. Light fighters and rockets are a bit of a chore for this setup (although a lucky stream of fire is the makings of a serious comeback), Traders, on the other hand, are mincemeat. Would you like 40000 damage with that burger? yes please!}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Trakus Shar|info=With its new 45/s drain and integrated 1000m cargo scanner, the Corvus Greyhound is a truly terrifying energy chaser 'Hog. Put a Megaposi into the Large Port and either a Law Enforcement Neutron Blaster, a Hive Positron Blaster, or an Xang Xi Radar Extender into the Small Port. You can either equip a Hive fast charge (300 capacity) or a heavy (550 capacity) battery for infiniboost, or an ultra charge (300 capacity) or fast charge (250 capacity) battery for infiniboost plus 5 units per second of on the fly recharge rate. If it runs, it dies.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Admiral Stan|info=Although I ain't much of a pirate, I know a thing or two about PvP/combat. Don't use gattling turrets/cannons because they really aren't that great and deal little damgae. Try using a positron or megapositron and a missile (I prefer Screamer). Avoid flares beacause they are slow and they can't maneuver too well.}}<br />
<br />
===Behemoth===<br />
Surprise! The [[Behemoth]] is good for pirating. When hunting down a Behemoth, having a partner along in a Behemoth is quite useful. He can add support fire and, when the enemy Behemoth explodes, he can pick up all the cargo and split the profit.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=It's a good idea any time you have a big ship with tons of cargo to have plotted a few jumps into empty sectors, just in case you have to lose an angry mob of rich traders who got mad at you for cutting off their old grandma and her little bus.}}<br />
<br />
===Valkyrie===<br />
With the newer addition of drain to many lighter ships, the [[Valkyrie]] (Valk) is fast becoming the mark of pro pirates. Known for a long time as more of a status symbol than anything else (due to the fact that it took such high levels to get it), it was long overlooked as a good fighter ship due to its shape which can make it easy to hit.<br />
<br />
That was all changed when an unknown pirate started using it to chase down Behemoths (Moths). It was then discovered that its low drain coupled with its three small ports made it ideal for running down traders who just wanted to get to the next port alive.<br />
<br />
Common configurations are:<br><br />
Three sunflares - due to the flares not using any energy this ship is made for running down infi-boost ships and stopping them. <br />
<br />
One Sunflare and two gauss (or two flare one gauss) - this ship is more of a fighter used to run down and then pummel fleeing ships. Its rockets are used to cause the fleeing ship to tumble around then it closes in and uses its gauss(es) to inflict heavy damage before the trader can recover.<br />
<br />
Two ion or phase and one gauss (or one ion or phase and two neutrons 1-3) - this ship is often used in conjunction with the first tri-sun valk to great effect. The tri-sun will hit the target and this ship will then fly in close and inflict damage before the trader can regain his bearings. Or this ship will engage the trader and the tri-sun will fly around behind the trader filling him full of rockets.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=It often helps if you are using any kind of rockets with a buddy to make sure you are of the same nation and both have good faction. Rockets tend to not care if you are friend or foe.}}<br />
<br />
===Prometheus===<br />
The [[Prometheus]] is a great ship for committing acts of piracy. The best version for this act is the MKII. It is slower then the SCP, but it's large cargo hold allows you to pick up any extra goodies you find laying in the wake of your destruction. The common outfitting of this ship is to have 2 Sunflares and one Gatling Turret. Used right, this ship can cause massive damage to trade lanes.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Add this ship and a Valk together and you can cripple the trade lanes of any nation. This ship is like a meat grinder, how ever you must first get the meat to the grinder for it to grind, so use a Valk or some other fighter to slow up the target then come in with your Prom and grind them up. Small note on Proms: the pansies of the space lanes do not really think Prom users are very good pilots, so if you are trying to build up a rep as an uber pilot, a Prom is probably a bad idea.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=If you want to use this ship for piracy, then you need to be ready to do all your piracy in a 3 second window, AKA when they are entering or emerging from the wormhole. I recommend the layout of an old friend, Amarus. Amarus used the [[Prometheus]] back BEFORE it was cool. His particular favorite layout for piracy/bounty-hunting was the tri-rocket. This tended to involve a pair of Sunflare and Jackhammer/Screamer Rockets. If it gets the drop on you, its over. 1 million creds to the person that can reproduce his death spiral (5 light fighters dead in a manner of seconds).<br />
<br />
Key to making this work is vigilance. So make sure to use verbose! What's that you say? Never heard of it?<br />
Well, try /verbose 2, when you want to turn it off, /verbose 0. It will let you know when players enter the sector without having to use the sector list. In fact, it will give you around 2 seconds prior knowledge. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SECTORS WITH LARGE CONVOYS OR STATIONS.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Calder|background=#cef1cf|subject=Prom|info=I can't call 'em pirating tips since I know nothing what-so-ever about pirating in any other ship, but when it comes to the [[Prometheus]], I'm proud to say I know my stuff. Using two sunflares, (preferably chain-linked,) for stunning and damage along with a [[Weapons:Table|Mega-Positron Blaster]] is a much better combination than the gatling turret. A gatling turret cannot even begin to hurt a [[Behemoth|moth]] before it begins running, but hammering 4800 damage a second into a ship while stunning it with rockets HURTS! AND, if need be, you can keep up for more than 11 seconds.}}<br />
<br />
===Marauder===<br />
<br />
Often used as a poor man's Valk, the [[Marauder]] is a great Pirate ship. Its speed and large cargo hold allow for many great options. The fact that it can be bought almost anywhere makes it almost as available as the Vult, meaning you will most likely fly it at least once in your career. Common configurations are similar to the ones used with the Valk.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Keep in mind that the Maurauder loses almost all maneuverability once it gets any cargo in its hold so make sure you are reasonably safe before you load it up.}}<br />
<br />
===Atlas===<br />
<br />
No, we're not crazy! The [[Atlas]], when used right, makes a very good pirate ship - most notably the [[Atlas]] TPG X. Due to the large cargo space, this is a very good looting ship for use against traders or miners. The fact that it can hold a Large port weapon is a very nice plus. Common configurations are a Mega Positron Blaster and a Neutron 1-3. Or in the configuration known as the Atlas Of Doom, a Gatling Turret and a Sunflare.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=This is a great and very flexible little ship that can be likened to a Hog. Use it as a support ship in conjunction with a fighter or even a heavy ship and you will be on your way to hoarding up massive amounts of cargo.}}<br />
<br />
===Hornet===<br />
<br />
The [[Hornet]], one of the oldest ships, can be a a very powerful pirate ship. Due to the high amount of weaponary this ship can carry, the trading enemy can be destroyed in no time. Especially the Orion Hornet Convoy Guardian (produced by Orion Heavy Manufacturing) is a great and fast platform for the act of pirating. Equipped with four Advanced Railguns and a Heavy Powercell, the trader can be destroyed by only two hits.<br />
<br />
==Pirate Terms==<br />
This is a growing list of terms used both historically and internally to Vendetta Online. Feel free to add your favorite Pirate terminology so that others may use, or at the least, understand what you are saying as you take there goods. <br />
<br />
{| border=1 width=100%<br />
|-<br />
! width=80 | Term<br />
! Description<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Pirate<br />
| A robber. Any act of theft while in space is piracy in the most general sense.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Privateer<br />
| A privateer is a pilot with a "letter of marque" (see below) from a governement. This letter "allows" the sailor to plunder any ship of a given enemy nation. Technically, a privateer was a self employed soldier paid only by what he plundered from an enemy. In this, a privateer was supposed to be above being tried for piracy. Tell that to Cap'n Kidd. Most often, privateers were a higher class of criminal, though many turned plain pirate before all was said and done.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | To Go on Account<br />
| A pleasant term used by pirates to describe the act of turning pirate. The basic idea was that a pirate was more "freelance" and thus was, more or less, going into business for himself.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | "Avast Ye!"<br />
| A hailing phrase to indicate that the hailed must "stop" and give attention.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Landlubber<br />
| A term given to one fond of planets as opposed to space. The term doesn't derive from "land lover" but rather from the root of "lubber" which means clumsy or uncoordinated. Thus, a landlubber is one who is awkward in space due to familiarity with the land. Of course, this terms was used to insult the abilities of any pilot in space.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Jones%27_Locker Davy Jones's Locker]<br />
| A fictional place at the bottom of the ocean. In short, a term meaning death. Davey Jones was said to sink every ship he ever over took, and thus, the watery grave that awaited all who were sunk by him was given his name. To die at sea is to go to "Davey Jones's Locker".<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Walk the Plank<br />
| Perhaps more famous in story than historically practiced, walking the plank was the act of being forced off a ship by pirates (as punishment or torture) into the watery grave below. History suggests that this might have happened once that can be vaguely documented, but it is etched in the image of the pirates for its clearly dastardly content.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Swing the Lead<br />
| The Lead was a weight at the bottom of a line that gave pilots a way to measure depth when near land. To Swing the Lead was considered a simple job, and thus came to represent one who is avoiding work or taking the easy work over the hard. In today's terms, one who swings the lead is a slacker.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Keelhaul<br />
| Another term made famous by pirates. This is the act of throwing a man overboard, tied to a rope that goes beneath the ship, and then dragging him from one side to the other and hauling him out. Besides the torment of being dragged under water, this would drag the victim across the barnacle-studded ship's hull and cause great pain and injury. This was a serious punishment and not administered lightly.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Yellow Jack<br />
| Like any "jack" or flag, the yellow jack was used to indicate a particular disposition of a ship. In this case the yellow was to signify the yellow fever. A yellow flag flying meant that there was illness aboard. Often this was used to trick pirates away from potential targets.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Take a Caulk<br />
| On deck of a ship, between planks, was a thick caulk of black tar and rope to keep water from between decks. This term came to mean to "take a nap" either because pilots who slept on deck ended up with black lines across their backs or simply because pilots laying down on deck were as horizontal as the caulk of the deck itself.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Shiver me Timbers<br />
| This term was used to express shock or surprise. The idea of timbers shivering comes from the vibration set up in the mast (timbers) by either running aground or a solid hit from a larger gun. The suggestion is that something has shaken the speaker from a state of less awareness.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Black Spot<br />
| Tipping the black spot was a way pirates gave a death threat. As in the novel, Treasure Island, a paper was marked with a black smudge on one side and often a message on the other to make the threat specific.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Jolly Boat<br />
| A light boat carried at the stern of a larger sailing ship. This (probably) Danish Yawl (jol), proved better at high sea when a larger ship could harldy carry any sail.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Long Boat<br />
| The largest boat carried by another ship. This was used to move larger loads, often anchors, chains, or ropes. In the case of pirates, the longboats were used to transport the bulk of heavier treasures.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Quarter<br />
| Deriving from the idea of "shelter", quarter was given when mercy was offered by the pirates. To give no quarter was to indicate that none would be spared. Quarter was often the prize given to an honourable loser in a pirate fight. If enraged, however, a pirate would deprive the loser any such luxury.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Letter of Marque<br />
| A document given to a pilot (privateer) giving him amnesty from piracy laws as long as the ships plundered were of an enemy nation. A large portion of the pirates began as privateers, with this symbol of legitimacy. Still, the earnings of a privateer were significantly better than any given soldier at sea in any Navy.<br />
|-<br />
! colspan=2 | [http://www.inkyfingers.com/pirates/terms/index.html Source of some of these terms] <font color=white>|</font> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate#Stereotypical_piratical_expressions Other good sources.]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{br}}<br />
==Avoiding and Escaping Pirates==<br />
For information on avoiding and escaping pirates, visit the [VPR]pedia, which can be found [http://www.viperguild.com/wiki here].<br />
<br />
[[Category:Aggressive Activities]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Pirating
Pirating
2010-04-26T18:40:34Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Going on Account */ gbc</p>
<hr />
<div>One of the activities you can enjoy while playing Vendetta is '''pirating'''. Pirating is an accepted aspect of Vendetta. Pirating people in a nations space is not wise, as this will cause your standing to plummet. Pirating happens most often in sectors that have a wormhole but don't have a station. When you partake in pirating, you need to consider what ships to pirate, and what ship to pirate in.<br />
<br />
==Going on Account==<br />
First off, pirating is far from easy in Vendetta. However, it has to be one of the most fun occupations in VO. Here are some tips to getting started that should help out you young land lubbers wantin' to test yer mettle. So without any further ado... Arr!<br />
<br />
First off, you need to decide what you want to do.<br />
* Do you want to be a purist pirate, who only takes cargo and kills unarmed traders?<br />
* Do you want to be more of a modern pirate, who takes bribes to let traders pass with their cargo intact?<br />
* Or, will you be a hybrid of both?<br />
<br />
Many of the pirates in VO are a mix of both. We make our money mostly from taking money from traders and offering them safe passage. For those that don't pay, we kill them and take their cargo. Keep in mind that it is very hard to make any money as a pirate, so it helps to have something of a plan. Mine is something like this.<br />
<br />
* '''Never pirate a trader more than once in one log in'''. This keeps those greedy traders from feeling like you are taking all their money and helps make sure they pay you next time.<br />
* '''Make a funny hail message'''. This just helps make you stand out from the n00b in a bus with an eye patch and a bird who has a funny dye job.<br />
* '''Never charge more than the ship and/or cargo is worth'''. I used to have multiple hail messages for different ships. My policy was to make my price around 5k less than what the ship was worth. So, for a Centaur, I would charge around 25k, whereas a Warthog would be around 15k. Just get a feel for it. If more then 1 out of every 10 people you see are running rather than paying, you may want to think about lowering your price.<br />
* '''Never go back on a deal'''. You're telling people who already think you are scum that if they give you money you will let them live. They have no guarantee you will, so you need to build up a rep. So if they ask all their little trader buddies (traders are cliquey, and due to them being so rich they have many "friends") if you are good for your word, they will get a yes back and then they'll pay instead of run.<br />
* '''Find a way to make your name stand out'''. You have some pirates who do this by killing everything, kicking dogs, and biting flowers. These guys are often hated and almost never make any money. (Though there is something to be said for being able to log in and kill anything you want and then make the people you killed cry by peeing on their cats.) Then you have pirates that are kinda nice; these guys are often thought of with a warm fuzzy feeling, and people like to thank them for making the game fun. Then, you got guys like me who are known for doing anything for money. Which ends up leading me away from piracy and into other fields of work.<br />
<br />
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have fun with it and remember it's just a game. Don't you ever forget: without pirates, there will never be a need for human traders, as any robotics man can make a bot who will haul cargo from point A to point B. But only a human will dare try to take on a pirate. So remember: you're doing it to help humans keep their jobs.<br />
-Borb, Pirate, Merc, and BLAK council member.<br />
<br />
==Ships to Pirate==<br />
There are many ships in the world of Vendetta. Some are multi-purposed, some made for fighting, and some made to transport cargo. The ships you want to pirate are, of course, the transport classes. There are several transport ships out there and aspects of them that need to be kept in mind when pirating. But beware, when a transport vessel has at least one large port, there is the possibility of a gatling turret or mines. There are several types of mines out there that can, and most likely will come your way eventually.<br />
*A proximity mine is your basic mine. It will sit in space happily until its short range sensors detect something, at which point it will detonate itself, causing your ship to be damaged and pushed off course. The range of its sensors is quite short, about 80 meters.<br />
*A concussion mine is never used for damaging a player, as it causes 0 damage. Instead, the concussion mine will, when detonated, exert a very large amount of force on all ships within the blast radius, causing the ships to be thrown off course. The force exerted is the same on all ships, except ships with more mass will take longer to recover from it.<br />
*A lightning mine is very dangerous and can kill ships who decide to hang around it. The lightning mine is equipped with a large battery and much more sophisticated sensors than the other mines. The sensors are able to determine whether or not ships within range are hostile. The lightning mine utilizes a weapon that causes pure energy to arc from itself to an enemy ship at a rate of 1000 damage per second and will keep firing until the ship is out of range, the mine is destroyed, or the mine's energy is depleted and self-destructs. The lightning mine is somewhat easier to spot than proximity and concussion mines due to the electrical arcs that surround it.<br />
<br />
===Atlas===<br />
First, we have the [[Atlas]], this is the first transport class ship that players get access to. The main variant can contain 32 cargo and other variants can hold up to 38. The Atlas is outfitted with one small weapon port and one large weapon port. There really is not much to say about the Atlas except that it is a low level trading vessel and fairly easy prey, there are much bigger space fish to fry.<br />
<br />
===Centaur===<br />
The next ship is the [[Centaur]], this transport vessel can hold 48 units of cargo and the other variants can hold up to 50 units of cargo. The Centaur is constructed with one small port and two large ports, allowing it to launch two mines at once. A popular configuration with transport vessels that have two or more large weapon ports is to launch a [[Weapons:Large#Mine_Launchers|concussion mine]] to get you disorientated and then to launch chaos or locust [[Weapons:Large#Missile_Launchers|Swarms]].<br />
<br />
===Marauder===<br />
The third transport ship is the [[Marauder]], one of the best transport ships that retain agility. The standard Marauder is no better than the Centaur, except for its superior agility. Of course, there are other variants of the Marauder that increase its cargo space up to 60. Most variants are outfitted with three small ports, but there is one variant, the [[Template:Factions:Tunguska|Tunguska]] Mineral Marauder, that is outfitted with one small port and two large ports and is designed for mining. This variant is also the one with the largest cargo capacity of the Marauder class transports. The Marauder can hold its own in battle when piloted by the right people, so be sure you aren't attacking a person who is known for their superior skill in fighting with a heavy ship.<br />
<br />
===Behemoth===<br />
[[Image:(s)behemoth.jpg |frame|caption|Pirate's Piñata]]<br />
The last transport ship is the appropriately named [[Behemoth]]. This ship is indeed a huge transport with space for 120 cargo units - it can barely fit into a dock. This transport class is an easy-to-hit target, but it has a very thick hull which can take large amounts of damage. The Behemoth does not come with superior weapons capacity, as all of its space has been dedicated to its massive cargo holds, thick armor, and very powerful engines. In fact, its capacity for weaponry is lower than the Centaur, as it comes with only two large ports. Destroying this ship without a partner has proven quite difficult, as its huge amounts of armor allow it to take considerable amounts of damage while its very efficient engines can be powered indefinitely by a Fast Charge Battery as it reaches top speed and flees the sector.<br />
<br />
It is possible to take out the Behemoth by yourself though; one tactic has proven fairly effective. This tactic uses a Warthog class attack ship, in the large port goes a jackhammer (or screamer) class rocket launcher and the small port has a Neutron MkII (preferably MkIII). You use the rocket launcher to knock the Behemoth off course. It will need to drop out of turbo in order to readjust, and this is when you use your Neutron blaster to attack it. When it is about ready to turbo again, fire another rocket, rinse and repeat until desired effect is obtained.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=Another suggestion in taking out Behemoths (also known as "Moths", "Teh Beh", or just "I-knew-I-should-have-been-a-farmer"), Try a Warthog mk II or mk III, equip it with a Neutron Blaster mk II and a Megapositron Blaster. This ship has the highest damage potential of any chase ship, capable of dealing 40000+ damage with a single heavy battery charge. If you're VERY VERY lucky, this ship may do the trick.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Calder|background=#cef1cf|info=Ah, don't ye' be listenin to Shape mateys. Use teh [[Pirating#Prometheus|prom]] equiped like I been tellin ye!}}<br />
<br />
==Ships to Pirate With==<br />
<br />
While we have covered what ships to beat up like a piñata, we have yet to cover which ships to beat them up with. You can pirate in any ship, as long as it has a weapon port. Instead of going over every ship, we will go over the highlights of the ships.<br />
<br />
===Vulture===<br />
The [[Vulture]] is one of the most popular fighter class ships used. Due to its thin design, it makes for a very good dodger. There are many variants that are far superior to the basic one. Most notable of the variants is the [[Corvus Prime|Corvus]] [[Vulture#Faction_Variants|Vulturius]]. This ship is one of the fastest fighters when in turbo, up to 220m/s, and 75m/s without turbo. The Vulturius makes a great ship for chasing down ships that are running. Of course this high speed comes at a cost. While in turbo, the Vulturius will deplete the battery very quickly. All variants of the Vulture come equipped with two small weapon ports, which are usually equipped with Neutron or Gauss cannons, depending on whether you want quantity over accuracy, or accuracy over quantity.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=The [[Vulture]] is a great ship to use due to it's very slim profile and high armor. However, this comes at a cost of added mass. It helps greatly to pick weapons that reflect this fact. Some people like to stick with rather good results such as TPG Sparrows on Vults. Another idea is to have a mix of a powerful gun like a Neutron and a gun with low mass like the TPG Sparrows. Also due to the good auto aim of Gauss, many have found dual Gauss to be very effective on Vults. Experiment heavily with this ship as you can get it anywhere and will most likely be flying it a lot in your career as a Pirate.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|background=#cee1f1|pirate=Shape|info=For single sector chases, try the [[Vulture]] mk III with a Heavy Battery, it can run all day long, has a decent top speed (220 m/s) and with a pair of Neutron Blasters, is fully capable of making a dent in even the most armored of ships.<br />
<br />
If you're looking to chase, there's really only one other variant whose speed/drain can make it a good chaser. The Serco Guardian Vulture is this baby. With some of the nicest thrust on a light fighter, this is a beauty to chase and fight with. Take it for a test drive and leave all those silly Centurion pilots in your jetwash.}}<br />
<br />
===Centurion===<br />
The lower level variants of the [[Centurion]] are not very good for pirating. Fortunately, there are some special variants, most notably the Rev C from Orion Heavy Manufacturing and the IBG from the Itani. These ships are very light and very agile making them perfect fighters. I recommend using one in conjunction with a Hog or even another Cent for maximum effect. Good Cent pilots have been known to take on groups of up to 5 people at once and come out alive. Common configurations are dual neutron mkIII, or Axia positrons. Although some will swear by dual gauss, find out what works for you as this is a very useful ship in the right hands.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=These ships are really not made for runnning down fleeing traders due to the high drain on their battery, so don't be surprised when Centaurs blow past you. Try to use these as as support ships for the faster ships in your fleet, or as support for your heavy bombers.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=The Orion Rev C and Itani Border Guardian Variants are indeed the deadliest light fighters, in a fight. As previously mentioned, they are fairly weaker chasers.<br />
However, they can do some single-sector damage if equipped properly. Heavy Batteries are a must. With Neutron Blasters you can usually economize your energy to take out players entering the wormhole. Players exiting the wormhole can be signifigantly harder, since you won't know exactly where they come out, and when they do you'll have to use that drain to get to them. Flares can also make up for some of this ship's chasing weaknesses.}}<br />
<br />
===Warthog===<br />
The [[Warthog]] is very good for destroying the heavier transport ships. Simply place a rocket launcher into either the small weapon port or the large weapon port and your energy weapon of choice in the other weapon port. You should, of course, never use the basic variant and explore the other options the universe has to offer. If you can fight quite well, then you should use the cargo transport or mining variants, as these will let you take back more of your goods from the remains of the ship. Also keep in mind, turbo speed and the turbo's energy consumption, you want to be able to catch your prey, but you also want to be able to attack it.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Mmm, I got my start in Hogs. I find it's a good idea to either go very light in Hogs (i.e. one AGT) and use it to take out traders that stop to give you a fight. Or go heavy (Suns and Jacks) and use it to take out traders that try to run. Keep in mind though that the Hog is more of a support ship, so it helps to have a friend with a fighter.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|background=#cee1f1|pirate=Shape|info=I said it before, and I'll say it again, the hog has potential. Serious damage potential. Ignore the Gatling Turret, and equip this baby with Megapositron and Neutron blasters. Light fighters and rockets are a bit of a chore for this setup (although a lucky stream of fire is the makings of a serious comeback), Traders, on the other hand, are mincemeat. Would you like 40000 damage with that burger? yes please!}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Trakus Shar|info=With its new 45/s drain and integrated 1000m cargo scanner, the Corvus Greyhound is a truly terrifying energy chaser 'Hog. Put a Megaposi into the Large Port and either a Law Enforcement Neutron Blaster, a Hive Positron Blaster, or an Xang Xi Radar Extender into the Small Port. You can either equip a Hive fast charge (300 capacity) or a heavy (550 capacity) battery for infiniboost, or an ultra charge (300 capacity) or fast charge (250 capacity) battery for infiniboost plus 5 units per second of on the fly recharge rate. If it runs, it dies.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Admiral Stan|info=Although I ain't much of a pirate, I know a thing or two about PvP/combat. Don't use gattling turrets/cannons because they really aren't that great and deal little damgae. Try using a positron or megapositron and a missile (I prefer Screamer). Avoid flares beacause they are slow and they can't maneuver too well.}}<br />
<br />
===Behemoth===<br />
Surprise! The [[Behemoth]] is good for pirating. When hunting down a Behemoth, having a partner along in a Behemoth is quite useful. He can add support fire and, when the enemy Behemoth explodes, he can pick up all the cargo and split the profit.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=It's a good idea any time you have a big ship with tons of cargo to have plotted a few jumps into empty sectors, just in case you have to lose an angry mob of rich traders who got mad at you for cutting off their old grandma and her little bus.}}<br />
<br />
===Valkyrie===<br />
With the newer addition of drain to many lighter ships, the [[Valkyrie]] (Valk) is fast becoming the mark of pro pirates. Known for a long time as more of a status symbol than anything else (due to the fact that it took such high levels to get it), it was long overlooked as a good fighter ship due to its shape which can make it easy to hit.<br />
<br />
That was all changed when an unknown pirate started using it to chase down Behemoths (Moths). It was then discovered that its low drain coupled with its three small ports made it ideal for running down traders who just wanted to get to the next port alive.<br />
<br />
Common configurations are:<br><br />
Three sunflares - due to the flares not using any energy this ship is made for running down infi-boost ships and stopping them. <br />
<br />
One Sunflare and two gauss (or two flare one gauss) - this ship is more of a fighter used to run down and then pummel fleeing ships. Its rockets are used to cause the fleeing ship to tumble around then it closes in and uses its gauss(es) to inflict heavy damage before the trader can recover.<br />
<br />
Two ion or phase and one gauss (or one ion or phase and two neutrons 1-3) - this ship is often used in conjunction with the first tri-sun valk to great effect. The tri-sun will hit the target and this ship will then fly in close and inflict damage before the trader can regain his bearings. Or this ship will engage the trader and the tri-sun will fly around behind the trader filling him full of rockets.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=It often helps if you are using any kind of rockets with a buddy to make sure you are of the same nation and both have good faction. Rockets tend to not care if you are friend or foe.}}<br />
<br />
===Prometheus===<br />
The [[Prometheus]] is a great ship for committing acts of piracy. The best version for this act is the MKII. It is slower then the SCP, but it's large cargo hold allows you to pick up any extra goodies you find laying in the wake of your destruction. The common outfitting of this ship is to have 2 Sunflares and one Gatling Turret. Used right, this ship can cause massive damage to trade lanes.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Add this ship and a Valk together and you can cripple the trade lanes of any nation. This ship is like a meat grinder, how ever you must first get the meat to the grinder for it to grind, so use a Valk or some other fighter to slow up the target then come in with your Prom and grind them up. Small note on Proms: the pansies of the space lanes do not really think Prom users are very good pilots, so if you are trying to build up a rep as an uber pilot, a Prom is probably a bad idea.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Shape|background=#cee1f1|info=If you want to use this ship for piracy, then you need to be ready to do all your piracy in a 3 second window, AKA when they are entering or emerging from the wormhole. I recommend the layout of an old friend, Amarus. Amarus used the [[Prometheus]] back BEFORE it was cool. His particular favorite layout for piracy/bounty-hunting was the tri-rocket. This tended to involve a pair of Sunflare and Jackhammer/Screamer Rockets. If it gets the drop on you, its over. 1 million creds to the person that can reproduce his death spiral (5 light fighters dead in a manner of seconds).<br />
<br />
Key to making this work is vigilance. So make sure to use verbose! What's that you say? Never heard of it?<br />
Well, try /verbose 2, when you want to turn it off, /verbose 0. It will let you know when players enter the sector without having to use the sector list. In fact, it will give you around 2 seconds prior knowledge. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SECTORS WITH LARGE CONVOYS OR STATIONS.}}<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Calder|background=#cef1cf|subject=Prom|info=I can't call 'em pirating tips since I know nothing what-so-ever about pirating in any other ship, but when it comes to the [[Prometheus]], I'm proud to say I know my stuff. Using two sunflares, (preferably chain-linked,) for stunning and damage along with a [[Weapons:Table|Mega-Positron Blaster]] is a much better combination than the gatling turret. A gatling turret cannot even begin to hurt a [[Behemoth|moth]] before it begins running, but hammering 4800 damage a second into a ship while stunning it with rockets HURTS! AND, if need be, you can keep up for more than 11 seconds.}}<br />
<br />
===Marauder===<br />
<br />
Often used as a poor man's Valk, the [[Marauder]] is a great Pirate ship. Its speed and large cargo hold allow for many great options. The fact that it can be bought almost anywhere makes it almost as available as the Vult, meaning you will most likely fly it at least once in your career. Common configurations are similar to the ones used with the Valk.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=Keep in mind that the Maurauder loses almost all maneuverability once it gets any cargo in its hold so make sure you are reasonably safe before you load it up.}}<br />
<br />
===Atlas===<br />
<br />
No, we're not crazy! The [[Atlas]], when used right, makes a very good pirate ship - most notably the [[Atlas]] TPG X. Due to the large cargo space, this is a very good looting ship for use against traders or miners. The fact that it can hold a Large port weapon is a very nice plus. Common configurations are a Mega Positron Blaster and a Neutron 1-3. Or in the configuration known as the Atlas Of Doom, a Gatling Turret and a Sunflare.<br />
<br />
{{ph|pirate=Borb|info=This is a great and very flexible little ship that can be likened to a Hog. Use it as a support ship in conjunction with a fighter or even a heavy ship and you will be on your way to hoarding up massive amounts of cargo.}}<br />
<br />
===Hornet===<br />
<br />
The [[Hornet]], one of the oldest ships, can be a a very powerful pirate ship. Due to the high amount of weaponary this ship can carry, the trading enemy can be destroyed in no time. Especially the Orion Hornet Convoy Guardian (produced by Orion Heavy Manufacturing) is a great and fast platform for the act of pirating. Equipped with four Advanced Railguns and a Heavy Powercell, the trader can be destroyed by only two hits.<br />
<br />
==Pirate Terms==<br />
This is a growing list of terms used both historically and internally to Vendetta Online. Feel free to add your favorite Pirate terminology so that others may use, or at the least, understand what you are saying as you take there goods. <br />
<br />
{| border=1 width=100%<br />
|-<br />
! width=80 | Term<br />
! Description<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Pirate<br />
| A robber. Any act of theft while in space is piracy in the most general sense.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Privateer<br />
| A privateer is a pilot with a "letter of marque" (see below) from a governement. This letter "allows" the sailor to plunder any ship of a given enemy nation. Technically, a privateer was a self employed soldier paid only by what he plundered from an enemy. In this, a privateer was supposed to be above being tried for piracy. Tell that to Cap'n Kidd. Most often, privateers were a higher class of criminal, though many turned plain pirate before all was said and done.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | To Go on Account<br />
| A pleasant term used by pirates to describe the act of turning pirate. The basic idea was that a pirate was more "freelance" and thus was, more or less, going into business for himself.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | "Avast Ye!"<br />
| A hailing phrase to indicate that the hailed must "stop" and give attention.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Landlubber<br />
| A term given to one fond of planets as opposed to space. The term doesn't derive from "land lover" but rather from the root of "lubber" which means clumsy or uncoordinated. Thus, a landlubber is one who is awkward in space due to familiarity with the land. Of course, this terms was used to insult the abilities of any pilot in space.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Jones%27_Locker Davy Jones's Locker]<br />
| A fictional place at the bottom of the ocean. In short, a term meaning death. Davey Jones was said to sink every ship he ever over took, and thus, the watery grave that awaited all who were sunk by him was given his name. To die at sea is to go to "Davey Jones's Locker".<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Walk the Plank<br />
| Perhaps more famous in story than historically practiced, walking the plank was the act of being forced off a ship by pirates (as punishment or torture) into the watery grave below. History suggests that this might have happened once that can be vaguely documented, but it is etched in the image of the pirates for its clearly dastardly content.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Swing the Lead<br />
| The Lead was a weight at the bottom of a line that gave pilots a way to measure depth when near land. To Swing the Lead was considered a simple job, and thus came to represent one who is avoiding work or taking the easy work over the hard. In today's terms, one who swings the lead is a slacker.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Keelhaul<br />
| Another term made famous by pirates. This is the act of throwing a man overboard, tied to a rope that goes beneath the ship, and then dragging him from one side to the other and hauling him out. Besides the torment of being dragged under water, this would drag the victim across the barnacle-studded ship's hull and cause great pain and injury. This was a serious punishment and not administered lightly.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Yellow Jack<br />
| Like any "jack" or flag, the yellow jack was used to indicate a particular disposition of a ship. In this case the yellow was to signify the yellow fever. A yellow flag flying meant that there was illness aboard. Often this was used to trick pirates away from potential targets.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Take a Caulk<br />
| On deck of a ship, between planks, was a thick caulk of black tar and rope to keep water from between decks. This term came to mean to "take a nap" either because pilots who slept on deck ended up with black lines across their backs or simply because pilots laying down on deck were as horizontal as the caulk of the deck itself.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Shiver me Timbers<br />
| This term was used to express shock or surprise. The idea of timbers shivering comes from the vibration set up in the mast (timbers) by either running aground or a solid hit from a larger gun. The suggestion is that something has shaken the speaker from a state of less awareness.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Black Spot<br />
| Tipping the black spot was a way pirates gave a death threat. As in the novel, Treasure Island, a paper was marked with a black smudge on one side and often a message on the other to make the threat specific.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Jolly Boat<br />
| A light boat carried at the stern of a larger sailing ship. This (probably) Danish Yawl (jol), proved better at high sea when a larger ship could harldy carry any sail.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Long Boat<br />
| The largest boat carried by another ship. This was used to move larger loads, often anchors, chains, or ropes. In the case of pirates, the longboats were used to transport the bulk of heavier treasures.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Quarter<br />
| Deriving from the idea of "shelter", quarter was given when mercy was offered by the pirates. To give no quarter was to indicate that none would be spared. Quarter was often the prize given to an honourable loser in a pirate fight. If enraged, however, a pirate would deprive the loser any such luxury.<br />
|-<br />
| align=center | Letter of Marque<br />
| A document given to a pilot (privateer) giving him amnesty from piracy laws as long as the ships plundered were of an enemy nation. A large portion of the pirates began as privateers, with this symbol of legitimacy. Still, the earnings of a privateer were significantly better than any given soldier at sea in any Navy.<br />
|-<br />
! colspan=2 | [http://www.inkyfingers.com/pirates/terms/index.html Source of some of these terms] <font color=white>|</font> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate#Stereotypical_piratical_expressions Other good sources.]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{br}}<br />
==Avoiding and Escaping Pirates==<br />
For information on avoiding and escaping pirates, visit the [VPR]pedia, which can be found [http://www.viperguild.com/wiki here].<br />
<br />
[[Category:Aggressive Activities]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T17:30:28Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Bibliography */ gbc</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="clear: right; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; width:500px;font-size: 90%; background: #FEF1F1; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; float: right;"><br />
This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while "feeling" the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d'etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet "Serco Prime" in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks' launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo's system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, "Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presence". Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet "on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgotten". A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T17:25:26Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* AD 3844, Eo */ gbc</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="clear: right; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; width:500px;font-size: 90%; background: #FEF1F1; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; float: right;"><br />
This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while "feeling" the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d'etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet "Serco Prime" in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks' launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo's system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, "Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presence". Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet "on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgotten". A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Onlineâ„¢ Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T17:20:26Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* AD 3827 */ gbc</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="clear: right; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; width:500px;font-size: 90%; background: #FEF1F1; padding: 4px; spacing: 0px; text-align: justify; float: right;"><br />
This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while "feeling" the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d'etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet "Serco Prime" in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks' launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo’s system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, “Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presenceâ€. Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet “on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgottenâ€. A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Onlineâ„¢ Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T17:07:48Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* AD 3692, Terra II */ gbc</p>
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This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while "feeling" the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d'etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet "Serco Prime" in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks’ launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo’s system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, “Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presenceâ€. Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet “on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgottenâ€. A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Onlineâ„¢ Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T17:04:33Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* AD 2661-3827, Terra II */ gbc</p>
<hr />
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This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while "feeling" the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d'etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet “Serco Prime†in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks’ launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo’s system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, “Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presenceâ€. Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet “on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgottenâ€. A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Onlineâ„¢ Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T17:01:13Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* AD 3624 */ gbc</p>
<hr />
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This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while "feeling" the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d’etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet “Serco Prime†in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks’ launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo’s system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, “Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presenceâ€. Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet “on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgottenâ€. A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Onlineâ„¢ Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/VO_Backstory
VO Backstory
2010-04-21T16:58:06Z
<p>CrazySpence: gbc</p>
<hr />
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This page is a copy of [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html this page] and is here for convenience. It is <b>not</b> open for editing, it does <b>not</b> fall under the wiki's creative commons license, all content below this line and above the bottom of the page belongs to their respective owners.<br />
<div align="center" style="background:white; border:1px dotted gray;margin: 2em 2em 2em 2em;"><br />
Vendetta Online Background Storyline - Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc.<br />
<br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
=The Chronicles of Exile=<br />
<br />
==Prelude==<br />
The following presents a condensed history of the known Galaxy, as pieced together by the monks of Itan. Begun in AD3492 as an educational effort by Erum the Blind, this document continues to be maintained by the Order to this day. It is said that Erum bade all his students read it, that they might understand the frailties and sadness that wrought the universe in which we live.<br />
<br />
''Jerean Tol, 19th keeper of the Record''<br><br />
''Order of Eo, Itan, AD 4430''<br />
<br />
==Section I==<br />
<br />
===AD 2140===<br />
<br />
The human race is still limited largely to the planet Earth. Sparsely-manned scientific colonies exist on Mars and Luna. After sporadic conflicts and bloodshed in the previous hundred years, Earth now exists mostly in a state of peace. Considerable scientific achievements have been made, especially in the areas of cybernetic implantation and genetic manipulation. Children are born free of birth defects, accident victims often have body parts replaced with newly "grown" parts, derived from their own DNA. People with nerve and brain damage commonly undergo cybernetic augmentation to restore their senses, cure paralysis, and solve many common debilitating brain disorders. A jubilant scientific community celebrates the many contributions their technology has made, allowing humanity to live happier, healthier, longer lives.<br />
<br />
At about the same time, various military organizations are secretly researching the possibilities that these technologies may offer them. Among other things, great strides are made in human dermal reinforcement, muscle enhancement, reaction speed and perception enhancement. Test subjects are able to endure harsh environments for long periods of time and perform superhuman feats of strength and speed. Some governments begin testing and producing cloned "drone soldiers", human bodies with no brain, controlled by a small computer implanted in the skull. These soldiers have limited effectiveness when run autonomously, instead being wirelessly linked and controlled via a central computer. Other, more ghastly creations are engineered, strange creatures intended for a multitude of uses, both on and off the battlefield.<br />
<br />
===AD 2204===<br />
<br />
Drones begin to be used in terrorist acts and assassinations. Terrorists and unfriendly governments are able to bypass all biometric security protocols using drones developed from the stolen DNA (a hair, a flake of skin) of their intended targets or from other people with high security clearance. The existence of drones and other military experiments are eventually made public. The United Nations and various governments condemn the development and use of such creatures. A popular western politician calls the drones "Terror in the guise of humanity". Further discussion in the mass media eventually causes the term "Guise" to become the general term for the drones. All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations, with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population. In some areas, entire battlefield control is lost, with creatures running rampant and Guises autonomously targeting anything that moves.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Guise.jpg<br><br />
<small>''All-out war is eventually sparked between rival nations,<br>with many unorthodox technological creations seeing action against a horrified civilian population.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Space combat becomes an important part of the war. Large vessels are built and launched for the purpose of orbital assault, along with small fighters to escort and defend them. The previously scientific bases on Luna and Mars become military outposts of considerable strategic value. Space tactics and warfare evolve from conflicts over these outposts and the orbiting assault stations. The outposts themselves become storage areas for genetic material and data, in the event of the Earthside war rendering the planet uninhabitable.<br />
<br />
===AD 2220===<br />
<br />
After 16 years of constant Earthside and space combat, and with much of the economically and technologically superior areas of the world now in ruin, the war is finally brought to an end. The Guises are destroyed and a frightened population demands a ban on all research and practice of genetic and cybernetic engineering. The scientists formerly responsible for much of the good brought about with those technologies find themselves cast out of society. In some countries they are merely pariahs, in others they are imprisoned or even killed. A formerly fringe movement for a "pure humanity, unsullied by technology" gains strength in the wake of the war's disaster and the economic collapse that follows. Eventually a world government is formed, populated by many of the now-powerful "pure humanists". Peace is maintained and the world economy slowly recovers.<br />
<br />
===AD 2231===<br />
<br />
With much of the economy now restored and the world at peace, scientific thought is now bent on exploration of space and finding better peacetime uses for the advances in space travel made during the war. Theories of long-distance travel are postulated and studied. Many now begin favoring the colonization and terraforming of other worlds, such that the human race might survive if another war or equivalent planetary disaster struck the earth. Terraforming experiments begin on Mars, while Luna begins to see civilian colonization. The former sciences of cybernetics and genetic engineering are banned, their technologies no longer taught. The overall population is filled with a nearly religious fear and hatred of those technologies and those who practiced them. Other, related sciences of medicine and computer engineering are quick to publicly distance themselves from the stigma, while the mass media continues to play on the populace's fears in the interest of higher ratings. The former cybernetics and genetic engineers are embittered by the rabid and misdirected fear of the public. Most attempt to keep as low a profile as possible, all the while finding themselves demonized for their former peacetime (and well-intentioned) occupations. Often they secretly instruct their children and family members in their sciences, that the knowledge which wrought so much good (as well as bad) not vanish entirely from human memory.<br />
<br />
===AD 2235===<br />
<br />
During scientific exploration of the solar system, an unusual gravitational anomaly is found near the orbital path of Saturn. After some study, it is theorized that within this area it might be possible to open a gateway, or "wormhole" (the existence of which had been postulated some 200 years earlier) to another point in space. Popular interest in exploration brings the wormhole project considerable funding, and experiments begin.<br />
<br />
===AD 2239===<br />
<br />
The wormhole consortium achieves the successful opening of a gateway to an unknown destination. Within a month an unmanned probe is sent through and returns successfully, carrying data of an emergence into a solar system almost on the other side of the galaxy. Many additional probes follow, all of which return with newer and more interesting data. Soon, probes containing live animal test subjects traverse the wormhole and return with no ill effects. Studies of the remote system indicate a sun similar to our own, with several planets.<br />
<br />
===AD 2241===<br />
<br />
The first human pilot is sent through the wormhole and returns successfully. Further flights follow and the remote system is explored. One of the planets is found to be of similar size and mass to the earth, with a thin atmosphere and a large polar ice cap, ripe for terraforming. The wormhole is considered stable, and scientists theorize that it will continue to be a viable method of transportation to the remote system for the lifetime of our solar system.<br />
<br />
===AD 2261===<br />
<br />
The Sol II system colonization project begins in earnest, after 20 years of studies and safety tests by the united earth government. Several thousand colonists volunteer, filled with yearning for exploration and hope for a better life on a distant world. Among those colonists are many of the former geneticists and cybernetic engineers, who, with their families, hope to start a new life far from Earth and the bitterness it holds for them.<br />
<br />
===AD 2270===<br />
<br />
Colonization of Terra II proceeds apace. The terraforming processes learned on Mars are applied to considerable, albeit slow, success. A lush, green world with a self-sustaining ecosystem is hoped for within a hundred years. Colonists live out the meantime in self-sufficient domed towns, the use of which had been perfected in the past colonization of Luna and Mars. The population of the world remains peaceful and democratic, a hardworking people who take great joy in seeing the planet slowly come to life around them. Soon, other colonists from Earth join them, until the overall population numbers in the hundreds of thousands.<br />
<br />
===AD 2277===<br />
<br />
After considerable exploration of the Sol II system, three other possible wormhole areas are discovered. Exploration and study of these wormholes are begun. All are found to emerge in other solar systems, however none feature planets or moons where terraforming would be possible. The ship-mounted gravitational displacement device is perfected, allowing craft to pass freely between Sol and Sol II without the need of a third party to open a wormhole. Even simultaneous wormholes are now possible, allowing many ships to move back and forth between the respective anomaly areas at once. Collision fears are abated when it's discovered that the wormhole exit points have a natural tendency to be as far from one another as possible, within the limits of the gravitational anomaly area.<br />
<br />
===AD 2288===<br />
<br />
A young, little-known scientist publishes a paper after extensive research of the Sol and Sol II wormholes. His paper postulates that the gravitational anomaly areas may cease to become useful for wormhole travel on a regular and periodic basis. The paper goes on to state that the usable lifetime of the area may be determined from a modulation of its gravitational field. His measurements further assert that while the periodic lifetime of all the known wormholes appears to be several million years, the wormhole area between Sol and Sol II may be nearing the end of its usable period. This paper goes against the long standing theory, held in the scientific community and population in general, that wormhole areas will continue to be stable as long as the nearby gravitational body (the Sun) remains. Because of his youth and lack of other published works, the scientific community dismisses his findings and theory. Chastised, he abandons that field of research.<br />
<br />
===AD 2295===<br />
<br />
Traffic between Sol and Sol II increases as the terraforming advances on Terra II. The population of the planet remain entirely self-sufficient within their domes, but most of the supplies needed for the terraformation process are shipped in from Sol. The flashing of colorful wormhole activations for the great cargo ships can be seen by telescope from the surface of Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2310===<br />
<br />
The wormhole area linking Sol and Sol II suddenly and abruptly ceases to function. Further measurement and study of the wormhole demonstrates a modulation change much like what had been predicted by the young scientist from earth, twenty-two years earlier. All contact and traffic between the systems is cut off. Being millions of light years apart in real space, any communication or travel is impossible. The scientists of Terra II determine that the wormhole area will not become usable again for another two million years. Earth is never heard from again. On Terra II, panic reigns. With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion (had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns. While they are self sufficient as far as producing food and other necessities, many of the consumable items which they had taken for granted (medicine, parts for machinery, etc) were shipped in from factories on earth. Analysis concludes that while the terraforming process can continue, without the supplies from earth it will take much longer, and many hundreds of years will be required before the planet is truly habitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Domes.jpg<br><br />
<small>''With the terraforming process at least fifty years from completion<br>(had the schedule with Earth continued), the residents are left in their domed cities and towns.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2330===<br />
<br />
Life on Terra II has become difficult. While food and water remain available, much large machinery and equipment begins to break down. Without the necessary parts to properly maintain them, the colonists are forced to inventively adapt parts out of available scrap material. Functional environment suits, for work in the still-hostile atmosphere outside the domes, become scarce. A new black market crops up around the distribution of spare parts. Some attempt is made to manufacture new parts, but with very limited success. Many of the alloys required are difficult to make or work with, while even the simpler materials can be made only from existing (broken) parts. Prospecting and mining for new ore is nearly impossible while environment suits and transportation remain so scarce.<br />
<br />
The people are despondent. Their civilization, although made up of settlers who had not expected an easy life, they have nonetheless never been entirely cut off before. Many wonder of their family and friends left behind on Earth. In some areas government and societal structure begin to break down, and crime and dissent increase. About this time, several of the descendents of former genetic and cybernetic engineers come forward, and suggest that they be allowed to use their knowledge to try and revive their society. They tell how, with time and adaptation of some facilities, they could harden themselves against the harsh environment, strengthen their bodies to ease the toil of the hard times ahead, and even create beasts of burden who could exist in the world outside the domes. The response to their proposal is sharply divided. There are those who favor survival at any cost, and see these possibilities merely as a means to that end. Others are reminded of the last war on earth, and how the same technology had run amok to wreak havoc among the people who had created it. They ask if things are really so bad that it is necessary to resort to such means. Eventually these debates became grim and heated.<br />
<br />
===AD 2331===<br />
<br />
The genetics and cybernetics debates have reached a stalemate. Most colonists still remain sharply divided, while some are apathetic. Eventually, the scientists and their supporters begin adapting existing labs and computer fabrication facilities to fit their needs, despite political opposition. Relations between the two sides remain strained, but peace is maintained out of shared desire for survival on their new hostile home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2405===<br />
<br />
The scientists have made great strides in their work. A new generation of genetically enhanced and cybernetically augmented people are able to do maintenance work in the hostile atmosphere with minimal life support systems or robotic machinery. The pro augmentation group, now calling themselves the Serco (SIR-ko), hails the successes of science. The opposing group, now referred to as the Itani (It-ah-nee), has grown even more suspicious of such technology over the past 76 years of trial and error. There have been enough (albeit few) incidents of humans going berserk from cybernetics bugs, genetic enhancements with outcomes far different from what was intended, and other issues that the Itani believe lend further weight to their concerns. The societies of the two opposing groups begin to drift apart, neighborhoods becoming either all-Serco or all-Itani, while a few populations remain neutral. An uneasy friendship remains between the two factions, but floats on a deep well of disagreement.<br />
<br />
===AD 2511===<br />
<br />
The quality of life on Terra II has improved considerably. The Itani have succeeded in repairing and even advancing the machinery they use for maintenance. The Serco have continued to make achievements in their specialized scientific fields, and have even managed to build farms in the still-hostile environment. They have begun to grow special genetically-engineered plants tailored to the new world, which hasten the terraforming process while providing an additional source of food and raw materials. New beasts of burden are developed to help maintain these farms, giant creatures with native armor against the fierce outside world, kept in line with cybernetic brain control systems. The two factions remain separated, often by neighborhood within the same dome, but many of the Itani concerns have been calmed by the last hundred incident-free years. The two groups coexist in friendship, although there are those within each who remain wary of the other. Both view themselves as opposing political parties within a single nation.<br />
<br />
===AD 2542===<br />
<br />
An incident occurs on a Serco farm. A cybernetic implant bug, combined with a genetic mutation brought about by extended exposure to the outside environment and radiation, causes the Serco to lose control of a farm creature. The 125-meter-long goliath, standing several stories tall at the shoulder, wanders off the farm in a random direction trailing its Serco masters, who futilely attempt to regain control. While largely docile, the great creature is very dumb and far too large to physically control. After some minutes of aimless wandering, the animal crashes through a small domed town, almost entirely populated by Itani. While the town had a few minutes warning by radio, the time was insufficient to completely evacuate. A number of injuries and a few deaths result from the sudden exposure of the unprotected people to the harsh outside atmosphere. While the incident does not cause great damage or casualties, it rekindles the Itani mistrust of cybernetics and bio-engineering. Anti-Serco hardliners resurface, and call for an end to the abominations created by these technologies. The Serco, who by now are mostly genetically and cybernetically enhanced themselves, take a dim view of the Itani protestors. They also point out that they are now dependent on the food and resources provided by the surface farms, and thus the beasts who help maintain them. The Serco are nonetheless repentant and remorseful over the destruction their creature has caused, and promise to develop safeguards to prevent such things from occurring again. The Itani populace are mollified, but the hardliners within begin to gain followers who murmur against the dangers of Serco science.<br />
<br />
===AD 2568===<br />
<br />
Some years have passed since the last incident, without mishap. However, a new "drug" begins to circulate among the Serco youth. Entirely software based, this drug uses loopholes in the most recent series of cybernetic implants to provide feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Highly addictive, the drug has massive demand in the Serco market. Many outspoken opponents to the drug exist within the Serco hierarchy, but since no significant side-effects are seen, most users consider any concerns about the drug to be baseless. However, after about a year of the drug's spread, psychotic episodes begin occurring among users. Drug frenzied Serco begin murdering helpless Itani. Not because of any dislike of the Itani, but mostly because the augmented Serco are comparable to only one another in strength and stamina. Thus, while a random assault by a frenzied Serco on another Serco will end with some injuries to both parties, the same assault on an Itani will often result in the Itani's limbs or head ripped off by the physically powerful Serco. Both the Serco and Itani leaders work diligently to bring an end to the drug, however a frightened Itani populace begins to relocate itself farther from the Serco and the threat of their technology. Anti-Serco hardliners again give voice, and gain still more followers. Domes become entirely Serco or entirely Itani, with a few remaining neutral.<br />
<br />
===AD 2625===<br />
<br />
The Itani and Serco now view themselves as separate peoples and nations. While trade continues between the two, relations are strained from fear. The Itani worry that they will bear the brunt of future Serco technological "bugs", while the Serco keep a worried eye on the Itani hardliners who preach Serco destruction. Aside from the tense relations between the two nations, all else goes well. The planet will be fully terraformed within another hundred years, and the outside atmosphere has become much less hostile. The Serco have completely stamped out the drug that plagued them, and patched all future cybernetics against such uses. Alas, this is too little too late for their relations with the Itani. Both sides have advanced technologically. The Serco have made considerable advances in their bioengineered plantlife and in their own augmentations. The Itani have achievements along more "traditional" lines, creating superior mechanized suits for heavy labor outside the domes. Both sides have multiplied and now number several million. Domes have been expanded geographically, with some areas Serco-controlled, and others under the will of the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 2634===<br />
<br />
A young man named Akan (ah-KAHN), well-spoken, charismatic and educated, begins to gain power in the Itani Senate. Although a known protégé of the anti-Serco hardliners, he keeps his tone moderate and slowly gathers a large following within the Itani populace. His focus on education and social programs are widely respected. While public esteem for him seems only to grow, a few within the Senate remain mistrustful of his blandly unclear agenda, while keeping in mind his hardliner background. However, those doubting few remain silent, not wanting to destroy their own political careers by openly attacking the new golden boy of public opinion.<br />
<br />
===AD 2645===<br />
<br />
Several explosions simultaneously occur at outlying Itani domes closest to the Serco. A number of people are killed and injured. Akan, now the most powerful senator and de-facto leader of the Itani, sends hand-picked teams to investigate the explosions and determine their source. After several days of "investigations", the teams report their belief that the explosions were in fact terrorist attacks by the Serco against the Itani people. Several in the Senate voice doubts about these findings, considering the historically peaceful (albeit accident-prone) nature of the Serco. However, these voices are swept away by Akan in a "resolute, yet saddened" speech against the Serco people and their "technology of terror". His speech plays on over 100 years of pent-up fear in the population, and easily sways the Itani to follow his recommendations.<br />
<br />
The overall lack of communication and mingling between the Itani and Serco further catalyzes these events. The Itani believe what their leaders (Akan) tell them, and since there is little contact with any Serco, there's no one to tell them otherwise. It has been since theorized that Akan, or an organization under his control, planted the bombs in the interest of polarizing the Itani people against the Serco while furthering their own control of the Itani government. However, little is known one way or the other. The political and cultural climate of the time would certainly not have allowed such possibilities to be mentioned.<br />
<br />
Within a month of the "attacks", Akan has closed the "borders" to Serco territory, populating it with many of his more ferverent followers and preventing any contact between the two nations. He also begins construction of an "Itani defense force", adapting mechanized environment suit technology to potential combat applications. Many of these changes are fought by a shrinking minority of the Itani senate, proposals of moderation and at least diplomatic communication with the Serco are ignored. Two of the most powerful senators to openly attack Akan's plans die mysteriously within a week of one another. Public opposition to Akan within the government crumbles. The Serco watch these developments with growing alarm. Their attempts at diplomacy go ignored, and eventually their emissaries begin to vanish entirely. As the creation of the Itani military becomes evident, the Serco begin to think of their own defenses. The Serco populace reacts to the news of the changing Itani with bewilderment.<br />
<br />
===AD 2648===<br />
<br />
Akan has consolidated his control of the Itani nation. Strong anti-Serco members of the Itani government are given high ranking positions within the new Itani military. There has been a great public resurgence of interest in the hardliner anti-Serco party and their teachings, especially among the youth. Some Itani begin speaking openly of themselves as the "pure" race, their bodies and minds unsullied by the corruption of biotechnology and cybernetics. Anti-Serco graffiti becomes common, some calling for the Itani to "rise up and cleanse Terra II of the impure".<br />
<br />
===AD 2650===<br />
<br />
A new wave of "attacks" strike the Itani. Akan himself appears to be "targeted", however, he manages to escape unharmed. Akan condemns this latest wave of "brutal, cowardly attacks by the Serco against the pure Itani way of life". Additionally, he blames the small size of the Itani Defense Force, and calls for more volunteers to help defend their homeland. Many youthful Itani are willing to follow his lead, their anger simmering against the apparent injustices of the Serco. The ranks of the IDF swell in size, while factories churn out terrifyingly beweaponed mechanized suits. The Itani/Serco border becomes heavily populated by patrols of Itani in mechanized armor.<br />
<br />
The Serco, however, have not been idle. News of the buildup and changes within the Itani culture is brought to them by neutral traders. Support for military development gains ground in their government after the failure of diplomacy. Guises are developed again, along with other creatures designed to destroy the armored mechanized infantry that the Serco now find patrolling the edges of their territory. Giant Serco creatures are now seen near the border from time to time.<br />
<br />
The few towns which remained neutral during the past Serco/Itani issues now begin to look at relocating further from Serco or Itani territory. Some traders remain in the area, however, taking advantage of the lucrative black-market trade between the two nations.<br />
<br />
===AD 2651===<br />
<br />
So began the Colony War, a long, sad war which lasted over ten years. Terra II had been created in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, the first interstellar colony of mankind. Now, within a few hundred years, a war arose which set the stage for the future interactions of the human Dispossessed (as they came to refer to themselves after the Terra II wormhole phase transition of 2310).<br />
<br />
At first the war appeared to favor the Itani. Their advanced mechanized infantry proved quite formidable, and within the first year they held many of the former Serco border towns. Originally, much of the Itani military command had intended to destroy any captured domes and the "unclean" augmented civilians within. However, the Itani infantry, which had largely joined to defend their own people, was unwilling to participate in the murder of thousands of Serco civilians. When this became apparent, the military command then changed tacks and decided instead to occupy the captured cities and prevent their populations from escaping and enlarging the Serco military. Unfortunately for the Itani, the task of maintaining a captive dome full of Serco civilians proved to be far more difficult than merely capturing it. Rebel uprisings required considerable response in terms of troops and firepower to quell the technologically augmented Serco populace. The application of this force usually made the occupied inhabitants that much more resentful, bringing about more rebellions.<br />
<br />
While the Itani dealt with the complexities of ruling a rebellious people, the Serco continued to build up their forces. The initial flash of the conflict had resulted in sporadic battles up and down the border. Some Serco heavy antipersonnel creatures had seen action, as had limited numbers of Guises, but both had been relatively few and far between. Within a few days of the initial battle, the Serco retreated to more defensible positions, thereby giving up many of their domes and the towns along the border. Heavy fortifications were constructed, allowing the Serco to repel all further Itani attacks. Analysis of the Serco strategic patterns indicated that they were testing the strength of the Itani invaders, immediately retreating to a secondary position once the Itani forces were found to be too great for their limited defenses.<br />
<br />
At the time of the first conflict, it was believed that the Serco, while possessing some devastating weaponry and creatures, did not have a sufficiently sized military to fully repel the Itani invasion. Thus they retreated, fortified, and began their military buildup. Held up by rebellions and unable to pierce the Serco defensive network, the frustrated Itani had little choice but to fortify their own positions within Serco territory. Just over a year after the war had begun, the Serco began to attack the Itani invaders. For the first few months, little occurred other than short-term hit and run attacks. Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving, bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units. The creatures would usually attack in silence, but sometimes were heard to emit long high-pitched wails before and during large engagements. These attacks, which occurred with increasing frequency, had a demoralizing and psychologically destructive effect on the Itani defenders.<br />
<br />
A year and a half into the war, under cover of a cloudy night, the first major Serco offensive was launched. Several hundred thousand troops issued from the Serco defensive line, heralded by the wailing cries of countless interspersed antipersonnel creatures. When the wailing screams were heard, some fearful Itani defenders began deserting their posts, even before the ground began to shake under the footfalls of massive unseen Serco heavy assault creatures. Thousands of semi-autonomous Guises took point in front of the main human Serco infantry, flanked by a menagerie of creatures and their operators. Overall, the Itani defense put up a good fight, but was completely overrun and pushed far back into their own territory. After two days of fierce fighting and giving ground, the Itani managed to rally together after being pushed back to the first Itani border dome. 18 hours of intense fighting finally broke with a Serco retreat, with thousands left dead on both sides, bodies and creature carcasses scattered across the landscape. This was considered the first serious battle of the war, and both sides used data gathered during the conflict to adapt their ground combat strategies and future military development.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Screech.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Usually happening at night, the attacks often featured small, fast-moving,<br>bipedal creatures which did gruesome damage to unprepared infantry units.''</small></div><br />
<br />
===AD 2654===<br />
<br />
Sporadic battles moved back and forth between the Serco and Itani. Both nations largely maintained the integrity of their borders, but with some difficulty. As the Serco began generating large numbers of semiautonomous Guise infantry, the Itani found themselves losing ground once again. The Itani infantry used actual human beings equipped with mechanized suits and weaponry, and while they were often far more battle-effective than the computer-controlled Serco Guise armored infantry, the Guises could be manufactured on demand. Thus a loss of 5 Guise infantry to 1 Itani became a net loss to the Itani.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, however, Itani military technology was still in development. Up until this point the war had remained entirely land-based. Most mechanized equipment and creatures were adaptations of equipment that had been used in the terraforming and survival process of the past few hundred years. However, neither side had forgotten the historical importance of air and space superiority. The Itani were the first to produce usable aircraft, and later short-range spacecraft. High-altitude precision bombing became the standard Itani attack, decimating the invading Serco forces and pushing them back into Serco territory. Serco military establishments soon had to be moved deep underground into hardened bunkers, safe from Itani attack.<br />
<br />
===AD 2661===<br />
<br />
Little changed in the war during the next few years. The Itani retained air and space superiority, despite some advanced Serco surface-to-air missile designs. Both sides maintained nearly their original borders. The Itani were unable to crack the Serco defensive bunkers, while the Serco still maintained their advantage on the ground. Thus, aside from continuous sporadic conflicts, the nations remained in stalemate.<br />
<br />
During this time, the civilian political climate had changed somewhat. People on both sides were sick of war and strife. Akan, on the other hand, had slowly become more and more publicly outspoken in favor of complete destruction of the Serco and all their people. As he saw his war efforts frustrated and public opinion beginning to turn against him, he became even more rabid in his hatred of the Serco. Finally, early in 2661, he ordered the high altitude saturation bombing of the largest Serco cities. Many in the military were against this, these being wholly civilian targets, but with the help of his close-knit group of followers, Akan managed to wrest enough control to get the bombs to two of their targets. The Serco city of New Shanghai, populated with nearly a million civilians, was reduced to rubble within a few hours. Pacifica, a coastal Serco city and one of the first domes constructed on Terra II, was also heavily damaged, leaving tens of thousands dead or missing. When the news of New Shanghai's destruction reached the Itani military command, a split within the military occurred, with several high-ranking generals rebelling against Akan's authority and the supposed will of the Itani Senate. Pacifica would likely have been destroyed as well, had not the second bomber been forced down by rebel Itani short-range fighters. Chaos reigned within the Itani military in the hours following the attack. Once news broke within the Itani public, the population was aghast. Akan maintained a semblance of control through his loyal military police, but he knew his days were numbered.<br />
<br />
Over the past few years, the Serco had been developing their own short-range space combat fighters. With most of their technological base dedicated to more terrestrial (biological and somewhat cybernetic) interests, they found it slower going than the Itani. However, with the capture and reverse-engineering of a few downed Itani air/spacecraft, they soon made good progress. The Serco implemented a completely cybernetic system, as opposed to a manual Itani pilot interface, allowing their test pilots to jack directly into the ship control systems. With this virtually thought-based piloting system, they could perform incredible maneuvers with very fast reaction times. Ten of the craft had been designed and constructed under the utmost secrecy, but had not yet been flight tested due to constant Itani over-flights.<br />
<br />
As word of the destruction of New Shanghai and Pacifica spread through the Serco population and government, the people recoiled in shock. Then, as with a single voice, they screamed for bloody vengeance. On the morning of the Day of Death, as both sides came to refer to it, the 10 Serco nightwing fighters launched from their hidden silos. The Serco infantry, which had been largely trapped in hardened bunkers due to Itani air assault, began to mobilize for a massive offensive.<br />
<br />
At this point, a number of events happened in rapid succession. The first was the sudden, unforeseen use of five assassination Guises within the Itani government. It has been since theorized that these Guises had been put in position some months previously for use during the eventual Serco invasion. After their activation, they proceeded past all security checkpoints and succeeded in murdering Akan, his senior aide, and two puppet senators with whom he had consolidated control of the Itani senate. They failed to assassinate their fifth target: Markus Vim, head of Akan's secret police and alleged spymaster. After the attempt on his life and the subsequent upheaval, Markus vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Immediately following the pre-dawn assassinations, Itani air/space recon reported combat contact with a number of craft of unknown origin. Not long after, border sentries began to report a massive mobilization of Serco ground troops. With Akan and most of his senior staff dead or missing, the previously "rebel" half of the military command retained control of the Itani state. After securing their position internally, they began broadcasting messages to the Serco, announcing the coup and asking for peace. Sadly, they received no response. The Itani began to array their defenses for an onslaught. By daybreak, the Itani generals were faced with an unknown aerial assault force, and a border now seething with an enemy more numerous than their most pessimistic estimates had predicted.<br />
<br />
As the giant Serco army began crossing the border, the Itani launched eight of their high altitude bombers, with over a hundred fighters flying cover against the unknown threat awaiting them in the skies. The Itani bombers were the pinnacle of their aerospace engineering, a testament to the innovation of the Itani engineers. Huge craft, powered by reactor driven gravitic pulse engines, their range was practically unlimited. However, due to their extraordinary expense and difficulties in manufacturing, the Itani military only possessed ten working spacecraft. When faced with the opposition of a ground force they could not possibly repel, it is understandable that they dedicated 80% of their flightworthy bombers to immediate defense.<br />
<br />
And so began the final battle for dominion of Terra II. The Serco crossed the border en masse, and easily overran the Itani defensive positions. Over their heads, a battle for space superiority had begun. Not long after their launch, word began to reach Itani commanders of the sporadic conflicts between the fighter groups and the unknown spacecraft. Within an hour, fully forty of the Itani fighters had been lost, and one bomber had been heavily damaged, with no reports of enemy casualties. The rest of the bombers began what assault they could under the harried conditions, and managed to at least halt the Serco ground forces for a short time. However, the accuracy of their bombing was greatly diminished by the constant attacks from the Serco nightwing fighters.<br />
<br />
By midday the remaining Itani fighters had adapted, to some degree, to the tactics of the Serco spacecraft, but the disparity between piloting ability had become painfully evident. The Serco cybernetic interface system had proven to be an unmitigated success. Some mechanical issues related to their flight control systems had become apparent, and two of their fighters had been lost over the course of the battle to such technical difficulties. However, none had been shot down by the Itani. It was all the Itani could do to draw them off and hope to distract them from the bombers, even as they gave their lives doing so. Toward the end of the day it had become apparent to the Itani command that their bid for defense was a lost cause. Only fifteen of their fighters remained, and only two bombers. The main bulk of the Serco ground forces, while they had lost over 30% of their battle-ready forces to Itani bombs, was still so numerous and strong that any significant Itani ground resistance was improbable.<br />
<br />
While the Itani ground forces braced for the inevitable, the bombers and fighters over their heads attempted to do what damage they could. The crews of the remaining two bombers, heavily damaged and realizing they had no hope of making it back to base under the intense attacks of the Serco fighters, resolved to ditch their bombers in the most potentially devastating manor possible. Rigging their reactors to reach critical mass, they plunged the giant craft in a headlong dive at the main battlegroup of Serco heavy assault creatures. Seen from the nearest Itani dome, the double airbursts of the massive ships changed the evening sky to the sudden brilliance of noonday. The blasts destroyed every Serco within 20km, and cut huge swaths in the van of the approaching army. While a great victory for the spirits of the defenders, and damaging to the Serco heavy infantry, it did not even slow the Serco assault. They knew they had won. They commanded the skies, and the bombing threat had now been eliminated. It is said that as the massive armies roared towards the first of the Itani border domes, a great dust cloud rose from their passage to obscure the setting sun. Amid the final rays of a dusty twilight, the Serco and Itani armies met for the last time.<br />
<br />
A sickly sun dawned over the shattered remnants of the Itani nation. Filled with a self-righteous rage and lust for vengeance, the Serco forces had not simply overrun the Itani domes, they had flattened them. The Itani fought fiercely and bitterly to the end, but they stood no real chance. Whenever the Serco reached a dome, they would stand off at a distance and shell it with heavy artillery, eventually sending in a few thousand of their shrieking antipersonnel creatures for cleanup. Survivors, military or civilian, were few and far between. Pockets of resistance would remain for a time, until the thousands of heavily armed Guises arrived. Soon the broken domes would be eerily silent, as the dust cloud of the Serco infantry faded into the distance, headed for the next Itani town. As it became apparent that the Serco military would settle for nothing less than the complete extinction of the Itani, domes began evacuating their civilians as swiftly as possible. Many civilians took up arms and joined the defenders. Some fled the Itani territory in the hopes of reaching the neutral domes, though few succeeded. Most attempted to reach domes further from the borders. At midnight, the last of the Itani senate, now holed up in the heavily fortified capital of New Panaji, gave the Itani military command a new mandate: provide for the survival of the Itani people, whatever the means. The generals, sadly watching the distant fires of their burning cities, pondered how they might deliver their people from the vengeance of the Serco.<br />
<br />
By early morning, two imaginative generals and a top aerospace engineer had come up with a plan. Ten thousand randomly chosen civilians were evacuated to a secret underground base in the southern mountainous region of Itani territory. Designed primarily for the development, construction, and testing of the heavy bombers, the space provided a place where the survivors might last a little longer. Every effort was made to conceal the transportation of the civilians to the base, and somehow, through the chaos of war and poor reconnaissance on the part of the Serco, they succeeded. Every person aware of the project was relocated to the base. The rest of the surviving Itani holed up in the few remaining fortified domes, or fled to the neutral territories.<br />
<br />
One week after the bombs had fallen on the Serco cities, the Serco held all that had once been the home of the Itani. Shattered domes, the remains of soldiers, creatures, and battle-armor littered the wasteland. Now recovered from their initial bloodlust, the Serco people began to absorb what had been done. Far to the south, however, the last vestiges of the Itani people still clung to life, veiled within their deeply hidden base. There, construction had begun on a great ship, built from the parts of the two remaining bombers. It had been decided that the Itani would attempt to flee Terra II and try to build a new home beyond one of the unexplored wormholes. The logistics of moving so many civilians were inherently daunting, but were made even more so by the required timeframe. The military command believed it unlikely that their base could remain undiscovered for long, a few months at best. No one knew how the Serco would react if they learned of the base, but the still-smoking remains of the Itani capital cities gave little hope for a peaceful solution. Thus, all the resources of the remaining Itani people were focused on the construction and launch of their ship.<br />
<br />
The Ark, as they named it, was most definitely the pinnacle achievement of the early Itani people. Designed and constructed in only fifty three days, it represented every major technological advance and every drop of knowledge the Itani could bring to bear on the project. Most of the population would be cryogenically stored, since no one was certain of how long it would take to find a planet suitable for colonization. The ship would need to not only sustain its passengers during the voyage, but eventually land and provide a usable base at their destination. All the tools and technologies necessary to build a new self-sustaining dome would have to be stored onboard. No one had any illusions of ever returning, or of the greeting they were likely to receive if they tried.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, 2661 (date and month reckoned according to the original Earth date system) the Ark launched from Terra II. Nearly half the mountainside was detonated immediately before launch, exposing the Ark to the morning sky. A few minutes later, all twelve gravitic pulse engines engaged at full power, creating minor earthquakes for a hundred miles and affecting the tides even on the far side of the planet. As the Ark left the atmosphere, the remaining Serco fighters pursued, perhaps believing the ship to be a last-ditch final attack. The Ark had been armored against this eventuality, and the massive reactor driven ship soon passed beyond range of the more conventional Serco short-range fighters. The Ark's course quickly took them beyond the orbital path of Terra II, towards the outer regions of the system, where the two active (and one inactive) wormhole areas resided. Choosing the further of the two, the ten thousand, four hundred, and ninety two heirs of the Itani nation vanished into the unknown, and passed out of all knowledge of the Serco for more than a millennium.<br><br />
<br><br />
It is important to note that not all the Itani were slaughtered by the Serco armies, or were among those Exiles who left in search of a new home. Some found shelter among the sparse neutral settlements (neither Serco nor Itani) on Terra II. These people survived and prospered and lived largely in peace. The Serco left them alone, and the neutrals developed a strong antiwar sentiment. The Itani among them did remember their roots for many generations, but years of peace with the Serco eventually made them a single, albeit loosely knit, homogenous people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2670===<br />
<br />
For many long years the Itani Ark would ply starlit fields of space. After their first jump, they found no usable planets in the nearby system. However, after scanning the system heavily, they detected what appeared to be an additional wormhole area. Probes were launched and successfully returned, telling of another system containing several planets. The crew then took the ship through and spent time investigating the new system. Their search was a disappointment, and no suitable planets were found. Once again, however, another wormhole area was discovered. This continued for many years, systems would be found, some with planets, some without. A few of the planets could have been made habitable, but doing so would have been beyond the means of the people and technology onboard the Ark. Thus, they wandered the stars, most of the Itani still in cryogenic sleep, while the crew began to slowly lose hope of ever finding a new home.<br />
<br />
===AD 2689===<br />
<br />
After nineteen years of aimless wandering, hope became a bitter thing to bear among the crew. They had passed through many wormholes and many systems, crisscrossing all over the galaxy. No suitable planet had been found. Some began speaking of returning to Terra II and abandoning their search, arguing that perhaps in the last twenty years the tempers of the Serco might have cooled. All the wormholes through which they had passed would remain stable for millions of years, so the return path was yet open. The Ark's captain, former high command general of the Itani forces and now growing quite old at eighty two, refused to allow them to relinquish their quest. The crew muttered that they would not have to wait long, for the captain was ailing and knew his end was near. His last hope, that he might see a new home for his people before he died.<br />
<br />
===AD 2691===<br />
<br />
On February the 11th, 2691, the Ark entered a new system, and proceeded to scan its planets. To their joy, the fourth planet looked perfectly suited to establishing a new colony. Indeed, it was estimated that within a few hundred million years, the planet might begin life on its own. It already had a thin, but stable nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, as well as liquid water in some places. The crew carefully surveyed the surface, and selected an area of a continent near the equator. With a ponderous groan, the Ark pierced the light clouds and landed without incident. Within a few days, the process of reviving the frozen Itani population had begun. Construction began on the first dome of the new world. Sadly, about a week after the landing, James Armand, Captain of the Ark, passed away. The Itani people pledged to remember that his diligence and faith brought them to their home, naming their new domed city Armand in his honor. The planet would be called Itan, a new world for a hopeful people, forever cut off from their ancient home of Earth, and far from the anguish they had caused and borne on Terra II.<br />
<br />
===AD 2693===<br />
<br />
There was a child on board the Ark, an orphan of the war, discovered in a bombed-out Itani settlement by a fleeing family and brought along with them to the underground launch site of the Ark. Barely two at the time, his background was unknown, his parents presumed dead. Raised by the family that found him, he was tested for deafness and speech impediments due to his unwillingness to speak. Although he was named by his foster family, his nickname became "Eo" (AY-oh), as that was the only sound he would make. Marked by his teachers for his apparent intelligence and (silent) enthusiasm, he studied diligently in a school for the disabled. Many of his classmates there were children injured physically or psychologically by the war with the Serco, and this seemed to have a profound affect on his formative years. He learned to read at age four, and thereafter spent many long hours pouring over the computer databases, learning of history and fiction, mathematics and philosophy. The recent history of the Itani was a particular point of study for him, specifically the events which lead to the horrible destruction of the war and eventual exile of the Itani people.<br />
<br />
===AD 2701===<br />
<br />
Abruptly, at age twelve, Eo began speaking. His use of language and demeanor were far beyond his years, and he caused quite a stir within his school and community. When asked why he had suddenly began to speak, he responded that he simply hadn't had anything to say before. Now that he had availed himself of the powers of speech, he used it to ply his elders with questions, many of which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He asked why the war had occurred. Why had the Itani people allowed themselves to be ruled by such an evil and misguided man as Akan. Why, above all, they persisted in such hatred of the Serco, who had never truly intended them any harm, and had wished only to share the planet in peace. His teachers and foster family, still fresh from the war and weary with the grief it had brought them, had little to offer him but sadness and regret. Eo pondered, and continued to read.<br />
<br />
===AD 2706===<br />
<br />
Fifteen years of labor made quite a difference in the world of the Itani. Their capital city of Armand was now large and stable. Once again completely self-sustaining, they had taken the time to carefully lay out and build their new city, planting tree-lined walkways and creating numerous parks. The idea was to create a new world that recalled the beauty of Earth, now known only from pictures and stories passed down from their ancestors. Terra II, while it had been home, had been largely a place of steel and harsh windswept terrain, a land occasionally broken by a dome or strange Serco-engineered wildlife. Thus, the city of Armand flourished and grew, and the people took solace in the haven they had created. Plans were made to accelerate the terraformation of the rest of the planet. Many advances had been made in this process during the formation of Terra II, and these were put to work on Itan. Large atmospheric processing machinery was constructed in the mountains near Armand. Underground, huge artificially-lit greenhouses were excavated, growing plants and trees for eventual use on the surface. The planet took well to the terraforming process, and change became apparent.<br />
<br />
===AD 2707===<br />
<br />
At the age of eighteen, Eo left his foster parents and school to search for answers in the wider world. Taking a job as a surveyor for the terraforming process, he learned to pilot a spaceship and flew around the planet, studying its geology and makeup. This information was then used to make decisions for different steps in the terraforming process, including climatic predictions, where flora and fauna should be distributed, and other tasks related to making their world the growing, green place they desired. Spending much of his time alone aboard his spacecraft, Eo watched the evolution of the planet unfold beneath him, pondering still the fate that had brought them to this place.<br />
<br />
===AD 2734===<br />
<br />
The terraforming process on Itan had succeeded beyond all expectations. Although far from completed, the planet had begun to show large sections of green, with even greater success in the introduction of simple undersea life. The atmospheric processors, now scattered across the planet, kept the weather mildly in check while maintaining the balance of the air. It was estimated that sufficient plant life would exist to make the planet wholly self-sustaining within a hundred years. Eo, during this time, had risen to a position of considerable respect among the terraformers, and within the Itani community as a whole. He took to writing long papers lamenting the sad, recent history of the Itani, and suggesting that people learn from their experiences and look positively towards the future. Much of what he wrote struck a chord with the people, allowing them to rest easier with their past, and enjoy more of the time at hand. Among other things, Eo wrote that the pursuit of war and hatred could come to no good, and that only listening clearly to the voice of one's own soul, not one's ego, could provide true guidance. Not long after this, it is believed that Eo began studying ancient literature, stored in the vast computer databases, which discussed meditation and martial training. Combined with his studies of many ancient philosophies, religions, and cultures, he began to create a new philosophy of life and existence.<br />
<br />
===AD 2751===<br />
<br />
Itan has begun to flourish in greenery and life. Farms have popped up in many places around Armand. The Ark, resting in its permanent position on the far side of a small river from the city, has had a beautiful park built around it. Small villages have sprouted up here and there as people venture out from beneath the protection of the dome of Armand. Forests have sprouted up in a number of places, and fish and insects begin to appear. Each species is rolled out according to the overall plan of the terraformers, when the world and current balance of life is believed able to sustain the addition of something new. Eo has built a school in the mountains just north of Armand. Here he offers a rigorous monastic life, coupled with study of martial arts, philosophy and meditation, as well as more "standard" arts and sciences. Many men and women come to study and converse with him, now an elder statesman and well-loved thinker of the Itani people. His school produces impressive students, both for their well balanced and good nature as for their keen intellects and imaginations. Eo teaches that martial arts, far from the seeming outwardly combative nature, are merely a path to better understanding of one's self and better functioning as a human being. The common thread of peace and harmony runs through all that is taught within his school.<br />
<br />
===AD 2793===<br />
<br />
At age one hundred and four, Eo passes away. On the evening of his death, still fit and of very sound mind, he informs his students that he will no longer be available to teach them. However, he states his belief that they have understood the meaning and spirit of his ideas, and he hopes they will cling to that spirit rather than to the pedantic specifics of his words. With that he thanks them and goes to his meditation chamber. His body was discovered the next morning.<br />
<br />
The planet of Itan mourns its gentle hero. His body is interred in a memorial near the Ark, not far from the statue of James Armand. Nine of Eo's ten foremost students leave his mountain school to start new schools in the open-air towns around Armand. The Schools of Eo become the standard by which education is judged, and produce a new generation of fit, happy, wise, and well-adjusted individuals. The people of Itan strive to live in balance with their natural surroundings, which have taken so long to grow.<br />
<br />
===AD 3173===<br />
<br />
Itan and its people have flourished in the past few hundred years. The planet is beautiful and green, with much wildlife on the land and in the sea. The people continue to advance technologically, constructing new types of spaceships and exploring the nearby wormhole areas. The schools of Eo have become integrated into the overall social and cultural structure of the people. Everyone participates in them to some extent, most leaving after several years to pursue jobs or technological research elsewhere. Some men and women, however, dedicate their lives to the schools and to the monastic life. These people research and practice internal energy, meditation, and ponder the meaning of life and death. Ancient martial forms, inspired by the animals of Earth, are researched and studied. New martial forms, inspired by the movements of wind and water, are discussed and refined. Much thought is given to the ideal of becoming one with one’s actions, mind and body. Whether applied to ancient swordsmanship forms or modern spaceship piloting, the results are impressive. Prospective pilots that have been taught the advanced meditation techniques are shown to have unusual reflexes and timing. The monastic upper levels of the school see these intriguing results and resolve to further their meditative research.<br />
<br />
===AD 3461===<br />
<br />
The culture of Itan progresses apace. The teachers and luminaries of the Schools of Eo become known as brothers or sisters of the Order of Eo. The Order is led by an abbot and a loose democratic organization of the rest of the Order. By this point, the Itani Senate has mostly ceased to exist, and the Itani people are largely guided by the Order. There is no strict governmental hierarchy so much as a group of elected officials from various towns, all of whom look to the Order for overall direction and guidance. Much emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, both to one’s own actions and to one's community. Most community tasks are distributed on a volunteer basis, and the various duties periodically migrate around the community.<br />
<br />
Technologically, the Itani continue to advance, mostly perfecting and honing that which they already know, rather than making great leaps forward in knowledge. The efficiency and safety of the fusion power systems and grivitic pulse propulsion are greatly increased, and the Itani begin to explore further into the wormhole areas near them. As the population increases, there is an overall desire to spread out rather than condense in cities. Short-range planetary transportation is not a serious issue, as both energy for transport ships and some short-range matter transference are available. The Order maintains that a certain balance of human population should not be exceeded, lest it begin to damage their delicate and hard-wrought world. Thus, a search begins for new homes of future generations.<br />
<br />
The Order themselves continue to delve into the mysteries of the mind, body, and soul. New theories and advances in meditation occur frequently. A certain number of standard practices are common throughout the Order and emulated by much of the rest of the Itani population. These practices of diet, exercise, meditation, and martial study have begun to result in considerably extended lifetimes for the practitioners. It is not uncommon for members of the order, along with other studious and motivated individuals, to reach an age of 150 years or more still in able-bodied health. Additionally, the medical needs of these practitioners are often markedly less than that of those who chose not to practice with regularity. Sickness and disease have become very rare within the Order.<br />
<br />
===AD 3537===<br />
<br />
A well-respected member of the Order, Erum the Blind, is given to moments of prophecy and clarity during deep meditation. The accuracy of these prophecies, or at least their common interpretations, is largely uncontested, as he has foretold major unusual events within his lifetime. Towards the end of his span, at age one hundred and thirty nine, he suddenly lapses into a prophetic state while in the midst of a martial demonstration for several upper-level students. He speaks of a hidden evil within the Itani people, of a thread of hatred long held in secret, which could spell the doom of the Itani. So saying, he abruptly expires, to the anguish of his students. His words disturb the Order to its foundations, as Itan has experienced little conflict and few problems in the last five hundred years. The elders ponder the meaning of this new threat, and how (and when) it may affect them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3624===<br />
<br />
The Itani begin to investigate a new branch of technology. It is found that sensors can be constructed which can react to the will and energies of a meditatively trained individual. It is even theorized that the technology could be crafted to amplify the energies of a monk, with many possible applications. The Order has long studied the link between thought and action, and many test pilots have been martially trained towards this end. When combined with the new technology, even more impressive results are realized. Sufficiently trained pilots can now fly with mere thought, while “feeling†the response of their ship in great detail. All data recorded by the shipboard computer can be filtered into their consciousness, understood, and acted upon, while in the required meditative state. Training to achieve this state, however, is a long and difficult process. Additionally, in a world of transports which can autopilot from place to place without incident, there is little need for this technology. For now, it is mainly used by the Order to provide displays of aerobatic skill during large festivals.<br />
<br />
===AD 3718===<br />
<br />
The Itani have had much success in their colonization projects. A number of planets suitable for colonization and terraforming (now greatly advanced) are found within a few wormhole-jumps of Itan. The planets of Eo and Divinia are founded, and by AD3600 are well terraformed and populated. Temples, seats of the Order of Eo, are constructed on all the new planets, with planet-wide Abbots elected to direct the local affairs of the Order. All temples frequently consult with the home temple for guidance.<br />
<br />
===AD 3804===<br />
<br />
A proposal is made to expand exploration in the direction of the wormholes through which the Ark had passed on its fateful journey to Itan. Some are curious to see what has become of their ancient brethren and learn more of their history. Others even dream of perhaps rediscovering a route to that aboriginal home of humankind, Earth. Four hundred years earlier, when the Itani began to explore their spatial surroundings in earnest, the Order had placed a ban on passing beyond the furthest of the known wormhole areas in the direction of Terra II. Past Abbots had asked that explorers remember why their forefathers had fled, risking life to found a new home where their children might live in peace. The Itani have no illusions about their past, or the horrible deeds perpetrated by their ancestors that caused the war and eventually led to the Exile of the Ark. However, the Itani people believe that much has changed in the last thousand years since the Exile, and in many respects they are correct. Itan gives all signs of an ideal human society, where concern for survival is a thing only dimly remembered. The populace instead strives to create works of beauty and thought, only for the delight of creation. Exploring the fringes of their universe and their minds, while cradled in the lush beauty of their planets, the Itani people have forgotten their ancient hatreds. Much historical study is given to the Serco and their ways. Although the idea of melding man with machine, or diverging from the blueprint of nature, holds little personal appeal to the Itani people, it is now considered to be the ways of a different culture, no doubt as unique, beautiful, and interesting as their own.<br />
<br />
The exploration proposal meets some resistance in the upper levels of the Order, with those who believe it was unwise to seek the ancient enemy. However, the idea quickly gains ground with many of the more curious and scientifically minded, and is much debated throughout the Itani planets. After several years of discussions, enough pressure has built to cause the Abbot of Itan, with some misgivings, to lift the Ban.<br />
<br />
===AD 3816===<br />
<br />
The technology of monitoring and focusing the energy of a meditative monk has been further refined to produce an intriguing device. The so-called "Energy Focus" can be used by a highly trained monk to produce a seemingly impenetrable field, formed from a variety of spiritual life energies. The form of this field is adaptable by the thoughts of the monk, depending on the skill and abilities of the individual. The discovery is hailed as opening a new field of science, but few immediate applications are found. Many of the upper level members of the Order acquire Energy Focus devices for experimentation and as teaching tools, to give form to thought and aid in conceptual description.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
Although exploration through the wormholes near Terra II commences immediately after the lifting of the Ban, it is done as discreetly as possible. Reconnaissance information is gathered on the Serco and Terra II in order to develop a cautious plan to make contact with their historical foe. So, for some years, observations of the Serco are made at long range. In the seventh month of 3827, an Itani exploration ship and its crew are captured by the Serco.<br />
<br />
==Section II==<br />
<br />
===AD 2661-3827, Terra II===<br />
<br />
From what can be pieced together from various sources, life did not go well for the Serco after the Exile of the Ark. Following the destruction of the Itani domes, the Serco military came to a halt and considered its next move. News was beginning to sift into public knowledge of the utter decimation of the Itani, civilian or otherwise. Some heralded this as no less than the Itani had deserved, but most considered it a horrible over-reaction on the part of the Serco military leaders. When images of the full extent of the desolation, the shattered domes piled with broken bodies, reached the Serco public, there was an outcry and lament for having utterly destroyed the only other human beings on this side of galaxy. Still, many also recalled the recent images of their own cities, laid waste by Itani bombs. Thus, by the time immediately before the launch of the Ark, the Serco military leaders stood in a very tenuous and politically unstable position. Had the population of the Ark made themselves known to the Serco civilian population at that time, there likely would have been a spontaneous outpouring of mutual regret that might have healed all wounds between the peoples. However, the Itani did not know the Serco political situation, and the Serco were unaware of any Itani who had survived the blood thirst of their military commanders.<br />
<br />
The Serco military leaders, on the other hand, had no regret of their actions and considered the war to be a job well done. Their military structure was a rather small, close-knit group of officers, all of whom knew one another well and who shared a similar view when it came to matters of combat. For the Serco, there was no need for a large command structure, as a large percentage of their combat forces were computer controlled beasts and automatons, such as the Guises. Thus, this group of like-minded officers perceived that it was not they who had wronged, indeed, they had justly defended their nation from a great threat; so great that it had extinguished the lives of a sizable percentage of their population. It was their belief that any true soldier, when faced with the defense of one's people, would respond with all possible force, that such a threat might never be marshaled against them again. They presented their people with this view, and were largely rebuffed, to their disgust. Finally, the military leaders conceived a plan to guarantee that their nation would not persist in this weak and divided state, and would become a nation strong enough to withstand the onslaught of any attacker.<br />
<br />
On the dawn of the same day that the Ark planned to launch, they prepared their coup d’etat. Ironically, the launch of the Ark, utterly unexpected by the Serco and not fully understood until second contact with the Itani in 3827, played well into the hands of the military commanders. The launch caused shockwaves to rumble across the Serco nation, triggering volcanic activity, quakes, fire and great dust clouds. The cities were left in confusion and chaos, allowing the military to move in and assert their power and control.<br />
<br />
===AD 2672, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco military coup was swift and well organized. Given their complete control of the army, arguably the most devastating ground assault force ever created by humankind, the civilian government had little choice but to give up control. Very little blood was shed in the coup, and for a short time, little changed in the Serco culture. However, it was not long before the new government began to impose strict parameters on education, mass media, and other societal communications mediums. No discussions of the Itani demise were permitted. All references to the war had to fit the military commanders' vision of their "glorious victory over the bloodthirsty Itani aggressors," a version of the facts which had enough basis in truth to be convincing to subsequent generations. References to the launch of the Ark were considered a matter of Serco Security and were listed as a "seismic event" in all public databases. At the same time the new government began funding propaganda programs designed to promote nationalism and pride in the Serco culture. Much funding was given to technological research of all kinds, although most was given to those projects with foreseeable wartime applications. Enlistment in the military was encouraged, and military service became a common mark of pride among the youth. Although the Serco were masters of their planet, the memory of the strange giant ship launching from its shattered mountain left a nagging doubt in the minds of the Serco high command. Therefore, military research and presence were maintained, outwardly to "combat any insurgence from terrestrial Neutrals" and to "maintain a strong defense in the event of unforeseen contact from the skies." While the threat of attacks from local pacifists or vague unknown aliens may have seemed improbable to some, the continued military development was favored by most of the population.<br />
<br />
Economically and politically the new government was very efficient. Overseen by a triumvirate of three former generals, waste and excess within the government were greatly decreased and the savings funneled into education and social programs. Because of this, within a few years of the takeover, much of the population had come out in favor of the would-be military dictatorship. Changes and curtailments in civil liberties were subtle, as the generals were intelligent enough to avoid imposing any restrictions which would widely affect Serco culture. Thus, for most of the Serco nation, despite the considerable alteration in governmental philosophy, life continued more or less as normal.<br />
<br />
===AD 2714, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral towns of Terra II had done their best to keep their heads down during the Itani/Serco war, and since that time had attempted to return to normal. They had always been on reasonable terms with both cultures, and had made every attempt to maintain that, during and after the war. Neutral towns absorbed thousands of Itani refugees, fleeing the merciless advance of the Serco armies. These citizens, unaware of the construction of the Ark, became part of the Neutral Society and brought new skills and technologies with them. The Serco more or less ignored the Neutral towns, although they traded with them from time to time and maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Neutral areas did not consider themselves a nation in any sense. More a loosely knit cluster of small towns and villages spread out across the less desirable real-estate of Terra II. They had no central government. Each town was governed by an elected mayor, usually with a small committee of elected advisors. However, some towns were run very differently from others, and political corruption was not uncommon. Official communication between towns was usually limited to topics likely to impact many of them, such as the breakdown of Itani/Serco relations, wandering bandits, and the like.<br />
<br />
While the neutral territories were a patchwork quilt of small groups of people, they did have a few unifying threads. The most notable was their mutual love of peace. Children were taught from an early age of the various wars of humankind, and invited to look upon the desolation and destruction they had left behind. Largely an agrarian culture, the neutrals had little understanding of the power-mongering ways of the two mighty nations with which they shared their planet. The conflicts and the consequent apparent extinction of the Itani left the neutral people only with a memory of the horrible useless waste of war. Because of this, all Itani refugees who were accepted into Neutral society were required to swear that neither they nor their children would cause, organize, or take part in any hostilities on Terra II. Even after so swearing, the rest of the town usually kept an eye on the refugees, so great was the concern that the Serco might be given an excuse to roll their juggernaut of war over their towns. These measures were understandable, as many of the Itani refugees were enraged at the destruction of their nation and could conceivably have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Serco. As it was, however, those who wished to fight were turned away, and those who remained had to strictly maintain the pacifist principles or risk ejection from neutral society.<br />
<br />
The military's takeover of the Serco government had little initial impact on the neutrals. Although it was somewhat disturbing that their incredibly powerful militaristic neighbor was now controlled by those same generals responsible for the Itani civilian massacres, the Serco made no changes in their friendly stance towards neutral towns, and life continued apace. The neutral traders did begin to notice a recurrent theme of pro-Serco nationalism in the younger Serco with whom they interacted. This worried some, but no ill effects had yet surfaced.<br />
<br />
Of the three peoples of Terra II, the neutrals had by far the most evenhanded perspective on the use of technology. They saw little that was inherently evil in the science itself, evil sprang entirely from its misuse and was therefore a flaw of humankind. Thus, the neutrals adapted whatever technological advantages they could find to better their lives. For tending their crops, Itani mechanization was generally favored over Serco bioengineered creatures, due to fears of the creatures becoming uncontrollable. However, Serco brain and body implants were not uncommon, although their expense made them much more rare than among the Serco population. Technology was adapted to whatever needs arose, and the Neutral scientific base was made up of hands-on tinkerers and engineers rather than heavy researchers. Lacking a single governmental base or adequate funding, the neutrals had no centers of scientific study or long-term research goals. They simply adapted what they had to solve their problems, often with very imaginative and ingenious results.<br />
<br />
===AD 2853, Terra II===<br />
<br />
On the surface, the Serco culture has not changed significantly since the military coup nearly two hundred years earlier. Upon closer examination, however, subtle but important differences become clear. The sense of national pride fostered by the Triumvirate after the takeover has now evolved into a strong belief in Serco "ethnic superiority." This perspective is supported in the schools and preached from the military-controlled mass media. May 20th is mandated a national holiday by the government, in celebration of the "Righteous Serco victory over the evil that was the Itani Nation". Military training is highly prized even in peacetime. The military media sponsors yearly contests of strength, agility, hand to hand combat, and tactical/strategic ability, all of which are broadcast to the public. These contests become very popular, encouraging each new generation of youthful Serco men and women to vie for yearly titles and the honor of being considered part of the "betterment of their nation".<br />
<br />
===AD 3004, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The neutral territories have prospered in the last few hundred years, thanks to the final completion of the terraforming process and a good relationship with their Serco neighbors. The system of mechanized farming is now predominately automated, resulting in more free time and a higher standard of living for Neutral people. The advanced technology once required to survive on a harsh planet, now serves to make life easier on the tamed and mild place that their world has become. A small group of restless thinkers forms in one of the larger cities, for the purpose of reviving space travel and exploration. Mostly a haphazard mix of young skyward dreamers and farm-equipment mechanics, they spend much time in study and discourse of old Itani spacecraft plans and papers. Spaceships were never a priority for the Neutral society of farmers, as they had little apparent use to their culture. The few rusted hulks that remain in Neutral territory, dating from the original colonization of Terra II, have mostly been cannibalized and re-used for parts on other, more mundane equipment. Nevertheless, The Propeller Group (taking their name from an archaic Terran method of flight propulsion) begins work on a crude spaceship.<br />
<br />
===AD 3016, Terra II===<br />
<br />
After a decade of trial and error, mistakes and education, The Propeller Group (TPG) manages to launch an unmanned, remote-controlled probe into orbit. The successful launch results in celebrations in the neutral territories, and greatly startles the personnel of Serco SkyCommand. After some communications with TPG and internal discussions, the Serco officially congratulate the Group on their accomplishment, much to the Group's collective relief. The probe itself proves quite serviceable, its tiny gravitic pulse engine (a diminutive homage to the great Itani designs on which it was based) propels it out of orbit and even as far as the next planet. Successfully recovered after impact in the ocean, the probe is hailed as bringing in a new era of Neutral space exploration. After recovering their probe, TPG goes on tour, passing through the Neutral towns and cities in search of additional funding for a manned mission.<br />
<br />
===AD 3252, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The last two hundred years have been marked with considerable technological advancements in the Neutral Territories. Since their first faltering steps into space, TPG has grown and expanded into a respected spacecraft manufacturing corporation. Their light, relatively inexpensive craft allow the Neutrals to experiment with a space station in orbit of a planet near Terra II. Experiments are conducted in long-term space habitats, yielding discoveries in artificial gravity and other areas. A self-contained biosphere is built on the station, allowing experiments in space-based farming. Best known of all, TPG holds yearly exploration contests among its ship customers. Contestants strive to return with the most useful and interesting data from distant locales, all of which is assembled and judged at the end of the year. Although there are not many individuals who choose to become professional explorers, the few that do are awarded fame, fortune, and corporate sponsorship. The lives of explorers are difficult, however. They often vanish alone into the stars for years at time, perhaps never to return at all. Despite the perils, these "single hander" explorers capture the imagination of their people, and expand the Neutral consciousness of the universe around them.<br />
<br />
===AD 3419, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Life has gone relatively well for the Neutrals. The Serco are no longer communicative, and have made it clear that they consider the neutrals’ culture to be inferior. Serco borders have effectively closed, but there is no open hostility. The behavior of the Serco is worrisome to a few Neutral leaders, but the gaze of the population is ever skyward. Exploration has broadened the knowledge of their people to a great extent. A new mineral is discovered in the depths of an asteroid belt, many jumps from Terra II. Named Xithricite, it allows the Neutrals to develop metal alloys with incredible physical characteristics. A mining station is constructed in the center the asteroid field, in order to efficiently harvest the green Xi veins. Over time, this station is added to in a haphazard fashion, eventually resulting a vast complex of interwoven stations, each constructed by a different group for varying purposes. This patchwork quilt of xi-rite steel provides a living shelter for thousands of miners and their families, and becomes the home base of the neutrals in space.<br />
<br />
The exploration project also fares well, with much that is strange and new coming to the attention of the neutral peoples. Around this period, a navigational error is made by a neutral explorer charged with mapping systems. This minor error leaves a wormhole area off of neutral charts for nearly a millennia, and likely leads to the long-standing lack of contact between the neutrals and Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 3543, Terra II===<br />
<br />
The Serco have advanced, but many of the tenets of their culture have remained unchanged over the last few hundred years. The military still retains control, and this fact is considered a great source of national pride. The original military coup is considered a great moment in Serco history. The current Triumvirate determines rulings based on interpretation of the recorded long-term wishes of the first Triumvirate. The power, structure, and authority of the Serco people is considered, by them, to be their greatest legacy. It is a nationally held belief that their nation will survive for a thousand generations. Nationalism to the point of arrogance is taught in the schools and upheld by the leaders.<br />
<br />
Technologically, while some breakthroughs have been made in computer structure and organic computer design, the Serco have not progressed as swiftly as one might have expected. Given their efficient government and allocation of funding and brilliant researchers, great things might have been achieved. Alas, their culture became so militarily indoctrinated that the more creative and imaginative aspects of their children were often discouraged. Obedience, honor, and skill were the valued assets of the day. All major celebrities within Serco culture were either their leaders or skilled soldiers who gained fame from prowess in the National Games. These Games had grown from the contests and demonstrations of skill of prior generations into the grand-scale events which now entirely occupied the public's attention. Winners of these games were held up as role models for the next generation, and children were encouraged to compete and find their place within the Hall of Warriors.<br />
<br />
A number of areas of Serco research basically stagnated within the last few hundred years, most notably their space research division. The Serco have grown to believe themselves unassailable, and this sense of pervasive military arrogance has infused most of their research programs. Their spacecraft have seen many enhancements and design modifications since the original Nighthawks were launched against the Itani, however their basic premise is unchanged. The small fighter remains practically the only ship in service with the Serco. Little need is seen for larger or longer range craft, since the only practical purpose of the Serco Sky Command is to monitor the now-frequent comings and goings of the Neutral Territories ships. The Serco do not gaze skyward. They have little interest in expansion or exploration; their culture only looks inward to their Games and competitions.<br />
<br />
The youth of the Serco of this period are clearly products of their culture. Overly proud and arrogant, they begin to go out of their way to taunt the "lower" people of the Neutral Territories. Scions of a militaristic society, they do not comprehend the Neutrals precepts of pacifism. To them the Neutrals seemed merely weak and foolish, a reminder of the original frailty of their species. Filled with a mixture of disgust and boredom, the young Serco harass outlying Neutral homes and peoples, often going so far as to burn fields or assault those unlucky enough to be wandering alone. These events do not escape the attention of the worried Neutral leaders, who have little luck in getting the Serco government to discipline their errant youth.<br />
<br />
===AD 3609, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Serco-Neutral relations have gone only downhill. Since the original harassment issues sprang up, the youth have grown to adulthood and brought about full-fledged persecution. Indeed, now new generations carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents, torturing Neutral people for their amusement. Whole villages are destroyed by laughing Serco and their fearsome "pet" creatures. Most of the Neutrals put up little resistance, fleeing before their oppressors. However, even had they fought, they would have stood little chance against the heavily augmented, militarily enhanced Serco and their frightening creatures. An all-cities meeting is called, including every mayor of every town, to discuss the problem. Refugees of Serco entertainment wait outside the meeting building, hoping that some solution will be forthcoming to alleviate their misery. Within, many options are debated and much information is shared. There has been no luck in contacting the Serco government for help; many of the better-known persecutors are even members of the government. Officially, the Serco Nation chooses to believe that the Neutral Territories do not exist, therefore how can they be oppressed? A few among the Neutrals even propose fighting back, but cooler heads remind them of the immensely powerful war machine with which they share the planet. Eventually, it is concluded that they have little option but to leave Terra II and search for a new home, perhaps surviving in space in the meantime. Their deep space mining and farming stations have proven the idea feasible, but it will take a great deal of time to prepare, time that their people will spend suffering under the heel of the Serco.<br />
<br />
===AD 3692, Terra II===<br />
<br />
Preparations have been made, and the Neutrals begin to leave Terra II en masse. Their population is not large, not nearly the scale of the Serco Nation or the Itani at their height, but the undertaking is still quite massive. Its execution requires the Neutrals to form a somewhat more cohesive government, mostly composed of a Senate populated with the former town mayors, along with representatives of the major corporations. Most important of these corporations is TPG Corp, now the large and powerful manufacturer of spacecraft. This new, more organized conglomeration of settlers and corporations is named the Union of Independent Territories. The UIT is born.<br />
<br />
The people are understandably bitter about abandoning their towns, homes, and lives. While their imaginations may be captivated by the ever-present unknowns of space, most of them were happy living in their small towns and villages, with little desire to brave the starlit voids themselves. Generations upon generations have lived in those towns, dating back to the early domes of earth colonization. However, the people are happy to be free of the ever-present fright of the marauding Serco, and many look forward to the prospect of starting a new home on a distant planet of their own. It is not widely publicized that no such suitable planet has been found, even after the considerable exploration of the last few hundred years. For the moment, the UIT government and corporations concentrate on expanding their network of stations and rocky outposts to meet the needs of their population.<br />
<br />
As a final commentary on the perspective of the Serco as the only inhabitants of Terra II, they decide to rename the planet “Serco Prime†in honor of their nation. The UIT sees this as added reason to vacate the planet as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
===AD 3827, Serco Prime and Independent Territories===<br />
<br />
The Neutrals and their newly formed Union have abandoned Serco Prime (Terra II) and the Sol II system entirely, the last of their ships vanishing through the nearer of the two wormholes about fifty years earlier. The Serco let them go with little trouble and a feeling of "good riddance". The UIT have adapted well to life entirely in space, both logistically and culturally. The elders still lament for skies and seas, but the space-born generations consider such things unnecessary markers of a bygone era. Mechanized environment suits, adapted from the ancient farming and war technology of the Itani, are widely employed to allow the frail humans to easily repair and expand their stations. The Serco remain unchanged. Ever focused inward, their culture stagnates even further. That is, until they detect unknown ships entering from the more distant of the two wormhole areas.<br />
<br />
==Section III==<br />
<br />
===AD 3827===<br />
<br />
The capture of the Itani research vessel sends shockwaves through Serco High Command. While a few ancient Serco records did mention the possibility that some Itani might have escaped the massacre of 2661, this theory had long since been given up as folly. Indeed, the captured Itani had a hard time convincing their Serco inquisitors that they were speaking the truth. The Triumvirate called a war council to discuss the matter. Three major possibilities were put forth. The first, that their enemy of old had indeed escaped to some distant world and were now beginning their return. The strange configuration of the Itani ship, with no visible controls or connection to the pilot, lent credence to this theory. The second possibility was that this was some strange plot of the Neutrals, perhaps to take revenge for being driven from their homes. The Neutrals were not perceived as a threat, but their many advances in space technology had not escaped Serco notice. Thirdly, that perhaps this was an encounter of a wholly separate nature, a completely new race or species. Perhaps this species sought to lull the Serco into merely viewing this as a minor infraction by a vanquished enemy.<br />
<br />
The Itani prisoners, in the meantime, did their best to convince the Serco of the good intentions of the Itani people. Viewed largely with suspicion by the Serco, they made little headway. At best they were seen as the spies of an unknown power, at worst, the van of an approaching armada. Either way, the new potential threat worried the Serco military commanders, prompting them to generate short-term plans for the possibility of interstellar war. A massive propaganda campaign was launched in the Serco cities, painting frightening visions of alien invaders from the skies, and calling for all Serco peoples to help ready their world for battle. A call was put out for volunteers for the newly revitalized SkyCommand and Pilot programs. Work began on modifying the venerable Nighthawk fighters for much longer range, so that a heavily armed reconnaissance group might investigate the closest of the purportedly Itani planets. A watch was set on the further wormhole area and the Itani explorers continued to be detained and closely monitored. For their message of peace to be best understood, the Itani remained docile and made no attempt to escape, hoping that diplomacy might win through after further contact between the governments.<br />
<br />
Noting the disappearance of their exploration team, the Itani became concerned. Further missions to monitor the Serco system were suspended, pending the return of the missing team. Within the monastic hierarchy, the next course of action was widely debated. Should a rescue team be sent to discover what happened? If the Serco had indeed captured the explorers, how would they be perceived? Although information on the Serco was incomplete, a picture had begun to emerge of an arrogant, warlike nation, with few interests outside of its own cultural pursuits. If the explorers were perceived as a threat, an additional rescue team might only compound that flawed perspective. If the Serco were alerted and suspicious, it would be impossible to make the wormhole jump into their system unnoticed. Thus it was decided, with some misgivings and concern for their missing comrades, that no rescue team would be sent. A watch would be placed on the near side of the wormhole area, the Itani prepared to wait and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a week of frantic work, thirty Nighthawk fighters, newly adapted for long range and loaded out to full combat capacity, went into operational readiness. The Itani prisoners gave detailed information on how to reach Eo, the nearest Itani planet. The explorers were hopeful that they might be escorted home by this small Serco fleet, but were rebuffed and placed back under lock and key. As the sun set over the ancient remnants of the Itani home on Terra II, the Nighthawks launched from their bays and sped towards the second wormhole area.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco fighters flocked through the wormholes, their multitude of jump signatures noted from a distance by the alert Itani recon ship. The Itani waited for them to do their post-jump regroup, to get a thorough count and inspection of the approaching force, then fled before them towards Eo. Easily outdistancing the antiquated Nighthawks, the recon vessel reported the news to the Itani networks several hours before the Serco would arrive. The monastic order wrestled with the problem. There were too many ships approaching for a simple diplomatic contact, but too few for a serious planetary attack. Scans of the ships had not noted any high-yield or organic warheads. By their antiquated reactor design, it was unlikely that the ships even had enough fuel for more than a brief trip to Eo and back, with no excess for the burns required of space combat. Thus, they concluded, this was probably just an investigative and diplomatic mission with considerable defensive capabilities. Despite this conclusion, many worried over the lack of an Itani defensive network. There were a number of monks who trained in the energy-based flight system, but the Itani had no warships and few weapons of any kind. During the last thousand years of peace, there had been little need for such things. Eventually Eilon, the Abbot of the temple on Eo, put forth his thoughts. "I will go", he said, "and meet the Serco in my own transport, that we might confer and deliver our message of peace, without bringing them too close to our planet". Much dissent sprang up against this proposal, no Itani wished to risk such a beloved and well-respected leader in an endeavor with so questionable an outcome. The old monk would not be gainsaid, however, and the Abbot of Itan remained silent. They knew that their representative must be sufficient to honor and hopefully placate the fast-approaching Serco, and few could match Eilon in matters of negotiation or diplomacy. The abbot boarded his transport, accompanied by a small crew, and lifted off, destined for the wormhole region from which the Serco would soon emerge.<br />
<br />
The Serco fighters made the final jump into the Eo system, and found the Abbot waiting for them. At over three hundred meters long, the Abbot's personal transport vessel was not a small ship. Sculpted with a flowing natural design and decorated with the black and gold patterns native to Eo, it visually projected the power and authority of the planet's leader. Maintaining position only a few hundred meters from the Serco's wormhole exit points, the Nighthawks were quite startled to be met by the large ship. The Serco had never encountered a ship of that scale, even the largest Neutral transports were still relatively small. As the flustered Serco broke formation and eventually regrouped around the Abbot's ship, the Abbot transmitted his welcome message to his "long lost brethren".<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The communications systems of both the Serco and Itani had advanced in different directions over the past millennium. Both had elected to resort to an ancient analog radio method, that they might be sure of reaching the other side. This also allowed the people of the planet Eo to tune in to the discussions, albeit somewhat delayed by the distance to the wormhole area. The language of both sides had also changed, although not so dramatically that communication was difficult. The Itani had adopted a terse, clipped, precise mode of speech, with a large number of new words that referred to concepts specific to their studious and martial culture. Usually moderate in tone, they enjoyed discussion, but preferred to reach a conclusion (or agreement to disagree) swiftly and succinctly. Negotiation ability was highly prized, and measured by the speed with which one might cut through peripheral matters to reach the core issue that effected both parties. The competitive nature of the Serco showed in their aggressive mode of speech. Filled with confidence, their overriding interest in bending the conversation to their will. Every discussion among the Serco was a battle, with face and caste won or lost depending on the perceived outcome.<br />
<br />
And so the discussions began. Eilon welcomed the Serco as guests and ancient family. "Too long has it been since our societies have met, I greet you on behalf of the Itani people", he said. "We are a peaceful folk, and desire only to communicate and share with other cultures to the benefit of all". It was some minutes before a response was forthcoming from the Serco, their matte black ships silently holding position around the transport vessel. Eventually a voice responded, "You have invaded the sovereign dominion of the Serco. Your spies have been captured and your invasion plot exposed. Now you sue for peace? Be thankful we permit you to speak at all". This first exchange set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The Abbot tried time and again to convince the Serco of the Itani's peaceful intentions. The Serco interpreted the lack of aggressive negotiating technique as cowardice, and became even more belligerent and openly contemptuous of the Itani diplomat. After several hours of fruitless argument, the exasperated Abbot informed the Serco that, if they wished it, no further attempts at contact or exploration would be made by the Itani. However, they would appreciate the return of the pilots from the captured exploratory mission. The Serco representative then made a haughty retort, stating that not only would the Itani never see their pilots again ("Enemy spies"), but that they had "begun an event that the Serco would surely finish". At this veiled threat the Abbot simply sighed, thanked the Serco for their time, and disclosed that he would be unable to continue negotiation, but that he hoped they might resume discussion at some point in the future. The transport ship turned about and began its trip back to Eo. Many now believe that this was a calculated attempt by Eilon to shake up the Serco and alleviate the deadlock in negotiations. Others simply believe that the Abbot's impatience and irritation with the belligerent Serco got the better of him. Either way, the outcome was likely not what he desired. The Serco became infuriated by his attempt to leave, calling it an insult that he should attempt to leave the company of his betters without asking permission. When he failed to respond, the Serco perused, firing warning shots across the bow of the transport vessel. It is unclear whether a few of the shots were too close, or if the Serco deliberately fired upon the Abbot's ship, but within a few moments the transport had sustained heavy damage and was calling Eo for help.<br />
<br />
The population of Eo listened in stunned silence to the first shots striking the hull of their leader's spacecraft. Even as the echoes of the transport's mayday call faded in the temple, several monks were boarding recreational craft, determined to aid their embattled brother. The light ships were only intended for space-acrobatics demonstrations, and had no offensive weapons of any kind, but the monks hoped they might at least draw off some of the attackers, perhaps even driving off the Serco by physically ramming them. The news of the monks’ launch was added to the news broadcast, prompting many of Eo's citizens and spacecraft owners to decide that they too should help their much-beloved leader. Within a few minutes, hundreds of craft were lifting off of pads around Eo and following the monks into space.<br />
<br />
The Abbot himself had not been idle. He, like many academics, possessed an energy focus, largely as a teaching aid for rendering geometric concepts. Now, however, he employed it as a shield for his transport. The Serco noticed this unusual field surrounding the ship when one of their fighters collided with it, destroying the Nighthawk and killing the pilot. The angry Serco leader then ordered his squadron to destroy the transport as an example to those who would attack the Serco nation. Concentrating all fire on the large ship, the Serco were baffled by their inability to injure the ship or penetrate its surrounding field. For several minutes this went on, the fighters bombarding the transport with the full extent of their arsenal, to no avail. However, this defense did come at a cost. Very few Itani monks could have even formed a field large enough to encompass the entire transport ship, let alone hold it up under constant attack. The Abbot of Eo, first of his order, and still sprightly at age three hundred and eighty seven, was no mere monk. Even the Abbot of Itan might have been hard pressed to match Eilon's mastery of internal power. Despite his strength, maintaining the field was an incredible drain, and one that could last but a short time. Although his crew and entourage begged him to board one of the small escape pods, he refused. He knew that the Serco might be likely to fire upon any jettisoning pods, and he was unable to break connection with the energy focus without risking their destruction. So it was that with a series of terse commands he ordered everyone to the transport's forward cargo hold, one of the strongest areas of the ship, where they would close all the emergency pressure hatches and hope for rescue. He himself maintained contact with the Focus on the bridge, straining under the load of the shield, now beginning to buckle, giving hope to the Serco that perhaps their quarry was not so indestructible.<br />
<br />
Even at top speed the monks couldn't hope to reach the transport in less than fifteen minutes. When the final transmission was received from Eilon's ship, detailing how he was single-handedly holding off twenty nine Serco warships with his energy focus, a great cheer went up from the makeshift rescue fleet. Spacecraft of all shapes and sizes had joined in, from pleasure craft to hundred-year-old battered mining vessels. All converged on the distant transport at maximum speed, still unnoticed by the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Serco were intent on their perceived enemy. Volley after volley of pulse weaponry slammed into the faint, translucent field. After five minutes the shield had begun to oscillate and distort, sometimes uncovering areas of the transport. Within ten minutes of the initial attack, it was evident that the field would not last much longer. At eleven minutes, thirty-seven seconds, the Abbot of Eo expired, his last effort an explosion of energy that briefly expanded the shield to twice its size, damaging and destroying several of the harrying Nighthawks. With the final defense now fallen, the Serco wasted little time in eviscerating the remains of the noble vessel, leaving a cloud of burning debris expanding from the few intact sections of the ship. Congratulating themselves on a battle well fought, the Serco began to take stock of their situation, picking up their casualties and preparing to salvage parts of the transport for further study. It was then that they noticed the approaching armada.<br />
<br />
During this period, due to the relatively stagnated Serco space program and antiquated ship design, it is believed that the Nighthawks had little in the way of long-range scanning devices. The Serco had never explored, nor had they given a great deal of thought to space combat beyond defense of their own atmosphere. During the first Serco-Itani war, the Nighthawks were guided by land-based scanning arrays, relieving the ships from the necessary complexities of onboard long-range scanners. Thus, it is believed that the Serco first became aware of the makeshift Itani armada when it was close enough to be visible to the naked eye. The monks were the closest, in their small, light aerobatic ships. But it was the inimitable mass of ships behind the monks that would truly have drawn the eye. Finally numbering over four thousand individual spacecraft, the vast cloud would truly have made an impressive sight. Among them, a pair of Divinian heavy transports, each over six thousand meters in length, which had left their positions orbiting Eo's moon to join the rescue effort. Together, their mass alone likely blotted out the sun, a pair of menacing goliaths of a scale never imagined by the Serco, surrounded by a cloud of ships so numerous that they filled half the sky. This vision proved too much for the Serco, who turned and fled for the wormhole.<br />
<br />
The Itani did not pursue. They knew how fortunate they were that the Serco had retreated before their toothless wolfpack. The bow section of the Abbot's transport was recovered largely intact, with all members of the Abbot's crew still alive. Eilon's body was also recovered and brought back to Eo for memorial. The Abbot of Itan, deeply shaken by the turn of events, declared a day of mourning and remembrance. A rumble of anger was brewing in the Order. The Itani would never be the same.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The Serco returned home, informing their commanders of the strange altercation with the Itani. The Triumvirate was understanding of their representative's actions. Some in the high command were not pleased to discover they had gained a new and unknown enemy. The Triumvirate, however, maintained the hard line of "Itani Spies" and "Invasion", and considered their actions justified. Serco Prime buzzed with activity. Rumor of war brought great excitement to the militarily-driven culture. The reports of the Itani spacecraft were disquieting to the high command, however, and they had their engineers embark on the design of a fully modern interstellar armada. After the strange battle near the Itani planet, they expected some sort of retaliation, and began to defensively arrange what forces they had.<br />
<br />
The communications networks crackled between Itan, Eo, and Divinia. The monks of Eo were distraught over the loss of Eilon and the aggression of the Serco. Within the monastic order on all three planets there began a loud clamor for vengeance. This highly vocal minority was sudden in its appearance and distressing to the monastic leaders. The Abbot of Itan reminded the monks of the pacifistic teachings of their founder, asking that they recall the horrible folly of war that their ancestors had brought upon themselves, leading to the exodus from Terra II. At this gentle chiding, however, the clamor only became louder. Suddenly there was a scattered lot of respected monks, all over the Itani nation, calling for a fleet to be outfitted with weaponry, that the Itani might rescue forcibly their imprisoned pilots. This suggestion was not abhorrent to many, but it went against the wishes of the monastic elders, who at all costs clung to their peaceful beliefs. After a week of unusually heated argument within the Order, several hundred monks abruptly announced their secession from the Monastic Order of Eo. Such an event was unheard of, and shook the Order to its core. In a thousand years of peaceful study, no monk had ever abandoned the Order. Now, suddenly, over three hundred did exactly that and vanished from all knowledge.<br />
<br />
Days of turmoil followed for the Itani. The Abbots of Divinia and Itan, along with the newly accepted Abbot of Eo, met together to discuss the upheaval. There was no question that the secession had been well organized and executed. Upon further study of the profiles of the monks who had left, a pattern slowly began to emerge. The monks had all known one another, had often worked closely together, and came from families who usually lived in the same communities. Brothers and sisters were sent out to question these families, but they returned only with word of abandoned villages. The secessionists and their families, perhaps over a thousand individuals, had disappeared without a trace. The scale of this mysterious conspiracy amazed the Itani. But where had they all gone? And why?<br />
<br />
Twenty days after the Serco had destroyed Eilon's cruiser, shipping traffic began to report sightings of unusual craft making jumps from the direction of Divinia. Flat black and free of insignia or planetary color scheme, the ships were clearly Itani, but outfitted strangely and heading at high speed through the systems towards Eo. As they passed Itan they were scanned and shown to be carrying pulse and warhead-based weaponry. This news stunned the Itani leaders, but by the time vessels were scrambled to follow the unusual ships, they had left the sector and proved difficult to locate. In the thousand-year history since the settling of Itan, no serious outbreaks of violence or civic disruption had ever occurred. The Monastic leaders did not seriously believe they might attack an Itani world, but made nervous by recent events, several ships were launched from Eo to watch the wormhole area that led to Itan.<br />
<br />
Seventeen matte black ships jumped into the Eo system. Clearly a group of small freighters and performance-built pleasure craft, all retrofitted from combat, the group quickly blew past the waiting sentries and headed for the other wormhole area at maximum speed. As they passed Eo, they broadcast this message: "We are the Order of Akan, descendents of those who remember that evil twisting of technology and nature that yielded the abomination who are the Serco. Mellowed by our years of peace, we have been recently reminded of the cost of our freedom. We will not stand by and allow the arrogant demons of mechanization to destroy that which we hold dear. We will return your pilots to you, though it may cost us our lives". Without a word more, the ships vanished from the sector, speeding to their inevitable collision with the Serco.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The obsidian fleet flashed into the Sol II system, only to find a pair of Nighthawk sentries lying in wait. The retrofitted Itani fighters made short work of the beleaguered, outclassed Serco, a thousand years of ship development proving its worth in a few minutes. While the Itani had ceased all weapon development after the first Serco-Itani war, the Order of Akan had apparently at least maintained some database of information on weapons design and manufacturing. Overall, the weaponry of the Serco was more advanced, but their ships were slow and far less maneuverable than the state-of-the-art Itani craft. Additionally, the Itani fighters contained two people, one responsible for piloting the ships, while another worked an Energy Focus to defend them. Although the abilities of the focus depended entirely on the abilities of the monk, the spacecraft were small and the shield made a big difference in the unlikely event of a Serco successfully hitting them.<br />
<br />
After several short skirmishes, the Order of Akan closed on Serco Prime, heading for the orbiting Serco station, the extraterrestrial wing of Serco SkyCommand. As they approached, they scanned the station and noted three life forms who did not possess any of the standard Serco implants. The defending Serco threw their worst, launching all their remaining space craft and bringing a pair of newly constructed turrets to bear on their enemy. A battle blazed in the skies of Serco Prime for the next two hours, the first large interstellar conflict in the known history of mankind. Both sides took considerable casualties, but the Serco fared the worst by far. Finally, their weapons depleted and their pilots dead, they prepared for the inevitable boarding by the seven remaining Itani vessels. Aware of the location of their pilots, the Itani brought their freighter alongside the station, choosing to burn directly through the hull of the prison section. With the trio of bewildered but thankful pilots safely on the freighter, the Itani retreated to an orbit a few hundred miles higher than the station, and launched two final parting gifts. A brace of small, 20-kiloton nuclear weapons raced to meet the Serco. The first struck the station, disintegrating the light orbital platform and the four hundred people onboard. The second penetrated the atmosphere and detonated a few hundred meters above SkyCommand, reducing it to shattered rubble and making a radioactive wasteland of the immediate area. Approximately ten thousand people were employed by SkyCommand at that time.<br />
<br />
Without a word of transmission, the tiny armada vanished into the space from whence they came.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
The three Itani pilots returned home to Eo with burdensome tidings. Arriving in a small shuttle given them by the Order of Akan, they had little to tell of their rescuers, but much to report on their captors. The midnight fleet had vanished immediately after launching their shuttle, and had not returned through the wormholes to Divinia (which were now closely monitored). News of Itani victory over the Serco was met with both horror and jubilation. Everyone was delighted with the return of the pilots. Many were happy to have decidedly defeated the Serco in an interstellar battle, and in some measure believed that justice had been served for the murder of Eilon. Most were aghast at the use of nuclear weaponry and the estimated casualties from the SkyCommand attack. Few, however, grimly recognized the ultimate truth of the attack. The most arrogant of peoples had received a bloody nose and a bruised ego. A nation so militaristically centered, even if technologically stagnant, would never forgive such a transgression. They would be coming. War with the Serco had begun.<br />
<br />
For the moment, however, the attention of the Monastic Order of Eo was focused inward. Studies of the mysterious "Order of Akan" had begun to bear fruit. Among the more incredible aspects of the Order's appearance was it's sudden and impressive use of weaponry. No weapons of those types had been manufactured in a millennium, there were few records of their construction even known to exist. It was doubtful that the splinter group had created all their weapons, including at least two thermonuclear devices, in only a week’s time. Not impossible, but still improbable. The footage of the black fleet revealed considerable thought put into their design and modification; this had been no one-week retrofit. If the ships had been in development for longer, what did this imply? Perhaps the Order of Akan had been preparing for war for some time? War with whom? They had shown no signs of aggression towards the Itani.<br />
<br />
Then another subtle fact appeared. Of the initial groundswell of support for exploration of the Sol II sector and subsequent possible contact with the Serco, ninety percent of the supportive messages had come from now-defected members of the splinter group. Even their selection of the name "The Order of Akan" was itself unusual. Why name yourselves after a character so vilified in modern Itani history that his very name is spoken with distaste? Eventually a theory emerged. A small core of people onboard the original Ark had sworn vengeance against the Serco, even as they prepared to abandon their planet. Perhaps a few among them were former henchmen of the fallen Akan, and wished that his legacy continue. After the settling of Itan, this group lived on in secret, teaching separate histories and building exclusive communities. Hundreds of years of peace no doubt calmed their desire for vengeance, and for a time their oaths slept. Until, a catalyzing event occurred that spurred the group to suddenly reassert itself and push for new Itani-Serco contact. The nature of this event, as well as many aspects of this theory, were pure conjecture. Still, enough of the conjecture rang true to cause widespread discussion. What motivated the strange Order of Akan, where had they gone, and when would they return?<br />
<br />
After the news of the nuclear attack on Serco SkyCommand, a small number of respected Itani monks began recommending the development of defensive weaponry. This did not sit well with many officials of the Order of Eo, calling it an abandonment of the pacifistic teachings for which they stand. "Would you have us become destructive monsters, like the so-called Order of Akan?" they asked. After a heated discussion that followed, it was eventually decided that time would be put into the necessary research, but that no such weaponry would be constructed until "the need is demonstrated." A few muttered that the need would not be fully demonstrated until the Serco rained death upon their heads, and cast worried looks at the sky.<br />
<br />
===AD 3830, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
If the Serco had been a culturally and technologically stagnant people before, they are now a raging torrent of innovation. The Order of Akan's attacks utterly polarized the population into a common thirst for conquest and revenge. Massive resources are directed towards the design and construction of a new high-tech armada, built for no other purpose than to destroy the Itani. Nighthawks are greatly improved with better maneuverability and weapons. Their range can not be significantly enhanced with the limitations of existing technology, so instead the Serco build massive Carrier ships to take them to battle. Planetary bombardment ships, fleet-protection Destroyers, and troop carriers all make the way from the drawing board to the orbit of Serco Prime. The military as a whole undergoes a great reassessment of strategy, rethinking their ancient land-war tactics. Favor is found with small teams of enhanced, smarter Guises, compact enough for interstellar transport and numerous enough to provide a substantial ground force. The new Guises are controlled by an orbiting capital ship. Guise-like artificially controlled fighters are researched, but prove too unstable for short-term combat use. Initial testing of the ground forces goes well, and the Serco people remain stalwart in their call for vengeance.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the Itani continue to argue about the philosophical ramifications of building a military. Thus, little actual building takes place. They do manage to revive their aged weapons technology, and improve on it to some degree, bringing it up to date. Advancements are made in energy studies, monks can now easily fly a ship and control an Energy Focus at the same time. Designers conceptualize next-generation ships featuring modular weapons attachments, but no actual weapons are constructed.<br />
<br />
===AD 3844, Eo===<br />
<br />
On the day of the eighteenth anniversary of the attack on Serco Prime, a fleet of forty-four Serco capital ships make the jump to the adjacent system, on their way to Itani territory. The Itani sentries see them and provide a few hours warning to Eo. The Order is shaken by this news, many lamenting their foolish choice to avoid weapons construction. An evacuation of Eo’s population begins. The planet being the most recently settled of the Itani worlds, and the most lightly populated, the evacuation is managed with time to spare. A diplomatic envoy is dispatched to the wormhole area, in a last hope of negotiating with the incoming Serco armada. Negotiation is not considered likely, however, so the envoy also carries a number of highly trained monks to power the energy focus, along with a high yield thermonuclear device as a final option.<br />
<br />
As the massive Serco invasion force begins its final jump into Eo’s system, the envoy begins broadcasting requests for negotiation. The Serco fleet silently forms in front of the envoy, unresponsive to communications. Eventually, the envoy states that the attack on the Serco people was perpetrated by little-known Itani splinter group, and that the Itani people have no interest in war with the Serco. The sneering Serco commander finally responds, “Of course you have no interest in war, now that you read your demise in our presenceâ€. Immediately after, the Serco open fire on the envoy. The Itani diplomatic vessel flees before the pursuing armada, the monks on board hard-pressed to maintain the shield against so great an onslaught. The Itani decide to release their bomb, dropping it behind them in the path of the fleet. It detonates with the sudden brilliance of a new star, taking out several capital ships, including the flagship of the Serco commander. However, the rest of the fleet was spread over too great an area to have received much collective damage. The diplomatic vessel manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, but the loss of their commander has only strengthened the will of the invaders.<br />
<br />
In relatively short order the Serco arrive at Eo and begin bombardment. The Guises are landed and start their assaults on the cities, which seem oddly silent and lightly defended. Most of the major cities are destroyed during this rampage, but few living Itani are found, let alone killed. The Serco are perplexed, but soon begin to make pronouncements of occupying the planet “on behalf of the Serco People, whose vengeance will not be soon forgottenâ€. A few thousand Itani are found and killed, on various parts of the planet, those who were unable to evacuate or chose to stay behind. The sparseness of the population only further angers the Serco, who now perceive that the Itani have retreated before them. They have just begun scanning for additional wormhole areas in the sector, to track down the remaining Itani planets, when the Order of Akan abruptly arrives on the scene.<br />
<br />
A massive battle rages above the skies of Eo for the next six hours. The Order has made considerable achievements in their defensive shielding, which proves more than a match for the improved Serco weaponry. Despite this fact, the Akanese are severely outnumbered. The day might still have gone badly, if not for the sudden appearance of a large number of fighters from Itan, hurriedly retrofitted with prototype weaponry. Both sides take heavy casualties, until the tide is finally turned with the destruction of the Guise control ship. Perceiving that their hopes for occupation have been dashed, the Serco retreat, taking their twelve remaining capital ships and vanishing through the wormhole towards their home.<br />
<br />
The Itani celebrate their hard-won victory. Praised for their prompt arrival, the Order of Akan tersely states that they were simply doing their duty. Not long after, the black fleet vanishes once more.<br />
<br />
===AD 3845, Eo===<br />
<br />
The Itani success in the battle of Eo came at great cost. Although the casualties were far fewer than they might have been, a great many had still died, and the surface of the planet was in ruins. With little left of their cities, the refugees returned to the sad task of rebuilding. This put a considerable economic burden on the planets of Divinia and Itan, but they were up to the task. "Eo must be rebuilt," they said "more beautiful than ever." The residents got to work, and were happy to be swiftly recreating their homes. However, this did little to salve their anger at the Serco.<br />
<br />
The Order of Eo had made no statements regarding their response to the Serco attack, and continued to weather the heated discussions within their ranks. Many wished to build a great armada, and attack the Serco, wipe out all their ability to make war, and put a permanent military watch on their nation. While this might have succeeded, it was a tenuous chance at best. The Itani knew nothing of the significant defensive measures the Serco had undertaken since SkyCommand had been obliterated. Such an assault would likely have been long and brutal, and probably achieved little aside from the decimation and demoralization of both cultures.<br />
<br />
As it was, the suggestions of aggression were roundly rejected the monastic leadership. This caused unusually venomous and heated debate within the hierarchy, and placing a great weight and sadness on the countenance of the Abbot of Itan, to whom most of the Order looked for guidance. He agreed that, from what was known, peaceful negotiation with the Serco was unlikely, although it should be explored at every opportunity. He could not bear to consider aggression against the Serco, and in so doing, irreparably violate the Order's deeply held philosophy. He would, however, mandate the construction of a great military fleet, to be staffed and governed from within the Order, and to protect the Itani people from aggression. The posture of this fleet would be strictly defensive. It would be forbidden to travel beyond the systems claimed by the Itani. It would make no assaults on civilian populations or bombardments of planets inhabited by civilians. This military wing of the Order would be known as the Itani Defensive Corps.<br />
<br />
Most of the Order applauded this solution, and immediately set about the organization and construction of this defensive corps. Some were dissatisfied, however, and demanded a more aggressive stance against the Serco. When news of the agreement was broadcast, reaction was similar. On Itan and Divinia, most found the defensive posture acceptable. On Eo, refugees bitterly asked if the Serco will be made to answer at all for their pitiless attack on a peaceable and wholly civilian population. No satisfactory answer was forthcoming.<br />
<br />
About a year after the Battle of Eo, the Order of Akan abruptly passed through the Itani sectors, broadcasting a message. "Join with us, brothers and sisters", their repeating message exclaimed, "We fight to avenge our grievous hurts at the hands of the Serco". The message went on to further debase the Serco as "murderers without conscience" and "corruptors of nature". After several passes through the systems, the propaganda fleet was ordered to leave, and swiftly obeyed. Many had listened, however, and several thousand people, including refugees and disillusioned monks from Eo, followed the ships as they left. No attempts were made to discover their destination, and the Abbot of Itan permitted them to leave without rancor or judgment.<br />
<br />
===AD 3912===<br />
<br />
Many skirmishes have occurred since the battle Eo. All attempts at peaceful resolution with the Serco have been met with rebuke and retaliation. Analysis of the Serco response implies they feel insulted by the offers of terms, despite many of the terms being greatly favorable to their people. They seem to despise everything Itani, no offers of technology or strategic area interest them. Explanations of the different Orders mean little to them, as they espouse a belief that all Itani are a disease in need of cleansing. They will only accept total surrender, and even then they will guarantee nothing.<br />
<br />
The great fleet of the Itani is very successful, defending against incursion after incursion of Serco attackers. The constant skirmishes become nearly a way of life for the two militaries. During this period, the lukewarm war becomes integrated as an accepted part of culture. The altercations are frequent, every few months, but few are injured. Both sides have erected devastating automated defense systems, and neither mount any large assaults. The Itani Defensive Corps are banned from such activity, and the Serco have made no attempts in recent memory.<br />
<br />
The Union of Independent Territories (Neutrals) are peripherally aware of the war, although not entirely certain whom the Serco are fighting. UIT-Serco relations are still quite chilly, and for the most part the UIT avoid the Serco systems entirely. The Serco, for their part, have left the Union alone since their original exodus from Sol II.<br />
<br />
The Order of Akan, despite their claims of a great campaign against the Serco, have not been heard from for some time.<br />
<br />
===AD 3924===<br />
<br />
Exploration of the systems beyond Divinia leads to contact with the UIT. Surprisingly, the wormhole areas form something of a loop, connecting the Itani, UIT, and the Serco together. Itani-UIT relations become friendly, and within a few years the two nations are trading extensively. Historical descriptions of flight of the Union from Serco oppression give the Itani little hope for a peaceful resolution of their war. The UIT are happy to contribute their own technology to the effort, however, providing the Itani with many ingenious but often low-tech, solutions to problems. Among their contributions is their best Xithricite alloy. Light and incredibly strong, it becomes the new metal of choice for spaceship construction.<br />
<br />
The UIT themselves have become even more loosely knit over the years, until the term "Nation" could scarcely be applied. The Senate dwindles in power, while the influence of the corporations only grows. By the time of Itani contact, they're almost completely a corporate-driven culture. Some sections are well guarded and crime free, under the auspices of the controlling corporation. Others are wild zones of rampant crime, where the right price can truly buy anything. All sorts of technology filters into these places, sold by shady merchants of questionable background: Serco biomechanical data, cybernetic implantation, weapons of disturbing and unusual design, all available to the highest bidder.<br />
<br />
The representatives with whom the Itani interact were themselves of questionable origin. A disconnected league of corporations and powerful individuals control most of the UIT, but are often in competition with one another. Thus, the Itani found themselves flooded with requests by one group or another to purchase exclusive information on advanced technology. The Itani were more interested in sharing their knowledge with any who wished to learn, much to the annoyance of the individual UIT corporations. There were rumors even of small conflicts between forces of various groups and companies, vying with one another for Itani technology. The Energy Focus shield system particularly excited the UIT merchants and corporations, until they learned how many years of study and training were required to even begin to use such a device. After a few interactions, the Itani became somewhat wary of the strange Union, maintaining positive relations, but warning their populace about the potential dangers of visiting or trading there.<br />
<br />
===AD 3932===<br />
<br />
Abruptly arriving from an unmapped system, a large fleet from the Order of Akan passes through the Itani systems, headed towards the Serco. Not answering any hails, the armada passes from system to system at high speed. The thirty-odd capital ships are finally halted by the combined might of the Itani Defense Corps, formed in a blockade at the Itani-Serco border (at this time, the last jump to Sol II). The Itani inform the Order of Akan that they will not willingly fire on their estranged family, but they will permit no large-scale aggression against the Serco. Hard words are exchanged, but the Itani remain firm. A tense hour-long standoff follows. Encrypted communications fly back and forth between the remote fleet. Suddenly and without a word, the Akanese fleet turns and return back from whence they came.<br />
<br />
===AD 4012===<br />
<br />
The UIT are contacted by the Order of Akan. Asked to remain discreet in all their dealings, the Union begins much fruitful trade with the sect. All exchanges are made in sectors of nondescript space, the UIT are permitted no information on the Akanese home base. Veiled threats are suggested, should any attempt to discover its location. Despite the cloak-and-dagger, relations become quite friendly, the Akanese choosing to interact mostly with a few corporations and merchants with whom they have built trusting relationships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4063===<br />
<br />
A massive Serco campaign begins, over two hundred capital ships and carriers making the jump across the well-established "border". The full power of the Itani military is brought to bear on the defense of the sector, along with the activation of all twenty asteroid-based defense cannon. Eighty Itani ships regroup near the defensive perimeter before wading into the fray. The Serco have greatly advanced their weapons technology, but are still hard pressed to break through the Itani focus fields or the xi-rite armor plating beneath. For twelve hours the battle rages, the firestorm leaving scars on the nearby planet and asteroid field that can still be seen to this day. After all twenty of the massive defense cannon are knocked out, the Itani clearly begin to lose ground. Rather than risk being completely wiped out, they begin a strategic retreat to the next sector, sending runners back to Eo and Itan for whatever reinforcements are available. Outnumbered nearly three to one by this point, the Itani are hard pressed, but they make the best use of their speed advantage, flying before the Serco, only to rally at the next tactically sound area. After making the jump to the next sector, they again regroup, hitting the Serco as they follow through the wormholes. The Serco take heavy casualties, both sides have lost thousands of people by this point, but they still press on.<br />
<br />
After eighteen hours of strategic retreat and reassembly, the Itani are down to twenty two capital ships of varying types, and a hundred or so fighters. The Serco still wield nearly eighty capital ships, their carriers allowing them to swap out exhausted pilots in the middle of battle. The Itani have never developed carriers, their pilots usually returning to their home planet after a day's work, but no such luxuries can be taken here. Having been pushed back two systems from the border, the Itani are now only a single jump from Eo. Reinforcements have been few and far between, as most of the Itani military has already been expended. Knowing they are not far from the kill, the Serco begin to use their advantage of fighter numbers to harry any reinforcements who arrive. The Itani, battered but not yet beaten, begin the rally they know will be their last. Cap-ship crews prepare to overload their reactors and plunge their ships into the midst of their enemy.<br />
<br />
Behind them, the light of Deneb glints off of a vast field of giant ice chunks. Aeron's Icefield (named for the explorer who found it, hundreds of years earlier) is the last physical obstacle before the wormhole-capable area that gives access to Eo's system. Through the icefield the embattled crews see a great chorus of wormholes begin to open, like a hundred glowing flowers. The Akanese Obsidian Armada, numbering nearly ninety capital ships, emerges to wild cheering from the remaining Itani. In their wake follows over two hundred civilian ships, cannibalized and retrofitted for combat. The Battle of Aeron's Icefield only lasted two hours, but it is warmly remembered in the hearts of the Itani people. The Akanese were the deciding factor in the turning the tide, but the courage of the civilians made up for any lack in their equipment or experience. The light, highly maneuverable Itani ships had an increased advantage once the battle began within the icefield proper. As many Serco fighters were destroyed by the ice as were destroyed by their enemies.<br />
<br />
The Serco chose suddenly to break off their attack, despite having recently been reinforced by an additional forty capital ships. They passed out of the sector, returning to the adjacent system and remaining there en masse. The Itani chose to not pursue, instead focusing on their casualties and very bedraggled defense force. The Akanese remained for a few hours, before leaving as well. When thanked for their invaluable assistance, they responded simply: "Yes."<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and years, the area around Aeron's Icefield was heavily fortified. Large asteroids were brought through the wormhole to act as bases for defensive batteries. A hundred years later, the three Goliath Cannon (Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone) were constructed and lent their considerable presence to the defense of the region. The Itani never reclaimed the two lost systems, which were eventually colonized and fortified by the Serco. These borders remain to this day.<br />
<br />
===AD 4119===<br />
<br />
The Itani make significant improvements to their, weapons technology, yielding more efficient and more damaging fire. Capital ships can now deliver a withering fullisade of high-energy pulse flares. Additionally, a new Cruiser class is introduced, making the Heavy Cruiser the largest of the Itani cap ships at nearly two thousand meters. Both Heavy and Light Cruisers can carry and sustain a number of smaller craft for long-range support purposes.<br />
<br />
Altercations with the Serco have dropped off considerably, since the offensive of 4063. The Itani continue their defensive focus, learning lessons from that greatest of space battles, and further refining and altering their designs and strategies to eliminate perceived flaws.<br />
<br />
===AD 4172===<br />
<br />
After nearly a hundred years of complete silence on the Serco-Itani border, the Serco begin what was apparently a small offensive. Forty capital ships jump into the Itani buffer sector. The three ladies, the Goliath Cannon, roar to life for their first combat use since their construction. Spitting their particular form of death, a fifty meter long condensed cloud of excited antimatter particles surrounding a phased singularity, the passage of their "shells" visibly ripples any light (as well as, arguably, space and time). Massive swathes are cut in the enemy fleet with every shot. Within approximately two minutes, the Serco have been reduced to five ships. Another twenty ships jump in, only to immediately jump back out again, once the state of their comrades becomes apparent. At a total of seven minutes, thirty one seconds from start to finish, the incident is recorded as the Seven Minute Battle.<br />
<br />
===AD 4203, Serco Prime===<br />
<br />
Sporadic clashes between the Serco and Itani continue for the next few years. Using their newfound spacecraft expertise, the Serco expand beyond the boundaries of Serco Prime, terraforming two new worlds in nearby sectors. This conglomeration of planets becomes known as the Serco Dominion. Culturally, the Serco have mellowed to some degree, their trademark arrogance no longer quite so prevalent. Their view of the Itani remains well entrenched. The Itani are seen as their enemy since time immemorial, eternal combatants against whom the success of their own civilization is measured. Each new generation of Triumvirate hopes that they might be the ones remembered as conquerors. The consolidation of the two adjacent systems in 4063 is marked as the greatest achievement of their people since the original ground-war conquest of 2661. The generals and leaders of that era are hailed as heroes of epic proportion. They do not desire peace, war is now so integrated into their bloodline.<br />
<br />
They are bothered, however, by their recent failure to match up against once-comparable Itani forces. The new generation of Itani weaponry is simply too devastating for the Serco ships, despite their best attempts at ingenious design and progressively thicker layers of armor. Without the benefit of Xi-rite alloys or the more efficient Itani reactor designs, their efforts prove futile. This further shames and aggravates their engineers and military, who both lose face with their populace at every loss.<br />
<br />
===AD 4265===<br />
<br />
During recent skirmishes, the Itani are surprised to occasionally be contacted by the Serco. Usually only jeering and challenging banter from the fighter pilots, it is nonetheless the first communication with their enemy in over two hundred years. It may be that this period signaled the change in the Serco cultural perception of the Itani, no longer seen as lesser beings deserving only of extermination, but now honorable adversaries against whom the youthful Serco officers judge their own abilities. The Abbot of Itan orders a heavily-shielded peace emissary to jump across the border and attempt formal contact. The mission has limited success, taking fire from the Serco on many occasions, who often seem unable to comprehend the concept of peace with their Itani neighbors. Some worthwhile discussion does come of it, however, paving the way for additional officious communication.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Oernon.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order,<br>his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.''</small></div><br />
<br />
Subsequent exchanges led both sides to a much better understanding of one another. A temporary cease-fire was ordered to lend some stability to the talks. The Serco are fascinated at what they learn about their enemies, unable to reconcile the apparently pacifistic (and therefore, to them, cowardly) civilization with the staunch foes they have met on the field of battle. The brief reports of the Akanese make far more sense to them, better fitting their mental image of the Itani they know and hate. Despite this extraordinary give and take between the rivals, the Serco laugh at all attempts by the Itani to build a lasting peace. It eventually becomes understood that the Triumvirate could never do such a thing, as it would be seen as a cowardly end to the conflict by their people.<br />
<br />
The monastic order cogitates on this conundrum. After four hundred years of sporadic war, they would delight in some sort of peaceful compromise. The Itani understanding of the Serco need for competition and conquest has been expanded by their recent talks, and leads to an idea. Oernon, Abbot of Itan, now over half a millennia in age, desires peace more than any other. It was at his reluctant order that the Ban of Serco contact was lifted, much as it was his longtime friend, Eilon of Eo, whose death had ushered in the specter of war. For the better part of his time as guiding leader of the Itani people, he has watched them suffer from the bitter plague of conflict. Even the splintering off of the Akanese, whose hatred could not be contained by the peaceable Itani culture, was a blow to his heart. Nearing the end of his span (longest of any Itani to date), he wishes to see closure before he dies. Therefore, he makes a proposal to the Serco.<br />
<br />
Oernon suggests a bout of unarmed single combat between himself and a chosen representative of the Serco. If the outcome of this challenge favored the Itani, the Serco would agree to a one hundred year cease-fire. Should the outcome favor the Serco, the Itani would turn over documentation detailing the construction of high-efficiency reactor cores and advanced armor plating (Xithricite). The Itani were shocked at this proposal, and collectively made every effort to turn their leader from his decision. Even the Order of Akan sent messages of dismay. The Serco at first laughed at the idea, but then after internal discussion and consideration, agreed. The Serco people were excited by notion of such a bout. Similar events took place constantly within the highly competitive, media-driven Serco culture. However, the Serco were, by this point, so genetically and technologically enhanced that they could not conceive of losing a fistfight to a mere unaugmented human. Oernon's age, bearing, and stature among his people did give pause to the wiser Serco, but few counted him as a threat. The populations of both sides awaited the day of the bout, the Serco with eagerness, the Itani with dread.<br />
<br />
The Serco selection of a representative to answer the challenge was complex indeed. They had many heroes of single combat from which to choose, but one would be needed who could match Oernon in stature of character. Therefore, a member of the Triumvirate was eventually selected. Karun stood over seven feet tall. His age extended by genetic resequencing, he claimed a three hundred and fifty year history as a veteran of the Serco-Itani conflict. Muscular, dermal, and neural augmentations gave him unsurpassed strength and stamina. With reactions a hundred times faster than that of a normal human being, he could kill an opponent with a dozen well-placed blows before they even became aware that he had struck. Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring. Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">http://images.vendetta-online.com/story/Karun.small.jpg<br><br />
<small>''Much of his skull, bones and outer skin had been replaced with various lightweight alloys and armoring.<br>Indeed, this competition may have forbidden the use of weapons, but the entire body of the Serco had been crafted for exactly that purpose.''</small></div><br />
<br />
The day of the challenge arrived. It was held onboard a giant Serco container ship (a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Itani), surrounded by both of their fleets. There was no judging, whichever combatant should decline further competition, or lose consciousness (or life) would be the loser. A hundred recording systems from both nations broadcast back to their respective peoples. Hundreds of Serco and Itani military made up the audience, the rowdy Serco cheering wildly as Karun strides onto the mat. A few minutes later, Oernon entered as well, the diminutive Itani leader walking smoothly and purposefully towards the area, belying his five-hundred-odd natural years. The Serco crowd began to jeer at his entrance, but abruptly become quiet and respectful at he passed near, his intense presence and projection of self drawing murmurs of admiration from the Itani. Oernon barely stood four feet tall, barefoot and clad in a simple cotton robe, his head shaved in the manner of his Order, his closely cropped white beard and heavily lined face the only real evidence of his age.<br />
<br />
The combatants greeted one another in the center of the fifty-meter-wide white mat constructed for this duel. The booming voice of Karun floated out across the crowd, announcing the terms of the challenge and the implications of defeat. Then each combatant described themselves and their accomplishments, according to the custom of Serco competition. After the Serco had finished, Oernon said only "I am Oernon, I am Itani". The rivals then bowed, and prepared for battle.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the duel it was apparent that Karun expected no real competition, and desired only to draw out the fight for the enjoyment of the Serco viewers. Oernon made no offensive attempts, only defended himself and lightly avoided the blows of his enemy. After a few minutes of this Karun clearly began to lose patience, and started to unleash more of his potential. The motions of the two became an outright blur, the Serco giant firing off long series of skilled attacks towards his adversary, but making contact only with the air. Frustrated, the massive biomechanical man heightened the pace even more, now forcing the Itani to at least block his attacks. The blocks are no more satisfying, however, as blows with enough power to punch through a reinforced steel wall found themselves nulled by an aged pair of human hands. The minutes go by with little change, Karun now a snarling mass of aggression. After twenty minutes of combat, however, Oernon apparently decides it is time to finish. Following a long series of rapid blocks, he strikes the Serco in the torso with a two-handed blow of incredible speed. From recordings, it is not even clear that physical contact was actually made. It may be that for Oernon, such things were no longer necessary. Karun flew back twenty five feet, sliding across the mat on his back before attempting to rise and collapsing.<br />
<br />
At this point, a series of confusing events occurred in rapid succession. Several Serco ran out to their fallen leader, and proclaimed him deceased. Oernon denied this, claiming the blow had much power, but would not have killed a child. Various members of the Serco audience then cried out that their leader had been murdered by the dishonorable Itani, who had clearly concealed some sort of weapon on their champion. The audience of both the Itani and Serco rushed onto the mat, and confused weapons fire abruptly appeared. As Oernon struggled through the crowd towards his fallen foe, he was shot several times in the head and chest by an unknown assailant, dying instantly.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">'''* * *'''</div><br />
<br />
Needless to say, the Serco-Itani peace process did not survive this incident. The events onboard the Serco ship erupted into a full scale battle among the surrounding fleets. Much about the end of the duel is still unknown. It is believed that Karun did die, but whether as a result of his injuries or due to a simultaneous assassination attempt, no one knows. It is now known that Karun himself had brought about much of the interaction with the Itani, perhaps against the wishes of the other Triumvirate members. At that time, many Serco still viewed any negotiation with the Itani as a cowardly and tasteless act. The possibility of a hundred-year cease fire with the Itani might not have appealed to much of the government. Some have suggested that such an agreement would not have been welcomed by the Akanese, either. The sudden appearance of weapons fire onboard and the sudden outbreak of hostilities in general lend credence to the possibility of an assassination or coup. The truth may never be known.<br />
<br />
===AD 4294===<br />
<br />
The death of the two leaders revitalized the Serco-Itani border war, resulting in major incursions on both sides. The Itani stay true to their fallen leaders defensive wishes, but begin to pursue fleeing Serco fleets through the wormholes. The Order of Akan again attempts to bring their fleet to bear against the Serco worlds, but are again blocked by the Itani.<br />
<br />
===AD 4346===<br />
<br />
To the great surprise of the Union of Independent Territories, the Serco approach and request diplomatic relations. The Serco even go so far as to make symbolic reparations for driving the Union from Terra II. The UIT still look askance at the Serco, but will trade with anyone if it results in their profit. Many Union merchants take great joy in toying with the Serco, negotiating vast sums in exchange for technological documentation, only to turn over flawed or incomplete information. Despite these setbacks, the Serco patiently absorb whatever they can learn from the Union, including (eventually) much of the Itani reactor technology. Now equipped with Xi-rite armored ships and more efficient gravitic pulse engines, the Serco begin to militarily match up with their enemy.<br />
<br />
===AD 4389===<br />
<br />
The Serco begin a large-scale incursion into Itani territory. During combat, Itani pilots hear the Serco screaming epithets and demanding vengeance for various atrocities, unusually emotional battlefield behavior for the Serco. A number of long battles follow, many times during which the Itani are hard pressed to push back the invasion, despite the use of the Goliath Cannon.<br />
<br />
===AD 4390===<br />
<br />
Communication with Union explorers reveals reports of Itani ships, likely Akanese, having crossed through the Independent Territories into Serco systems. Chilly but civil communications with the Serco follow, and establish that one of their planets was heavily bombarded by a hit-and-run fleet of black Itani battlecruisers, who fled the area before defenders arrived. The Itani deny their involvement, and the likely role of the Order of Akan is brought to light. The Serco request passage through Itani territory to search for and destroy the Akanese home. After some heated internal debate, the Itani deny the request. The Serco respond that protection of a murderer is little better than being a murderer, and discontinue diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, the border becomes quiet for the moment. The Itani attempt to locate the Akanese base with no success. Attempts at contacting the Order of Akan fail. The UIT reports the Akanese have not purchased from them in some time, but make no promise of notifying the Itani, should they appear again.<br />
<br />
===AD 4407===<br />
<br />
The UIT brings to the attention of the Itani several attempts by the Serco to bring large fleets through the Independent Territories to Itani space. The UIT politically prevent the Serco from crossing by threatening to relinquish trade agreements, while simultaneously building up their borders with defensive batteries. The Serco back down, for the moment.<br />
<br />
===AD 4422===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report bombardment from unknown vessels, near the UIT border. The Union border is now defended well enough to dismay any Serco wishing to pursue the unknown fleet's theoretical course back to Itani space. For their part, the UIT deny permitting passage to any such fleet, suggesting they would have prevented the passage of such ships, rather than jeopardize their now-valuable trade franchise with the Serco. When data is requested on the attacking fleet, the Serco are vague and report difficulties in identifying the ships.<br />
<br />
===AD 4426===<br />
<br />
The Serco again report civilian bombardment to the UIT and Itani via diplomatic channels. When both groups respond, once again requesting more data on the incursion, the Serco suddenly clam up and break off discussion. Some suggest that new information may have become available to the Serco, mid-negotiation.<br />
<br />
===AD 4431===<br />
<br />
An Itani defensive fleet, undergoing training exercises near the Itani-UIT border, reports contact with multiple Serco fighters of unusual configuration. Attempts at pursuit are thwarted when the enemy vessels seem to "disappear". The Serco government is unresponsive to inquiry. Behavior of the fighters suggests scanning for wormhole areas, perhaps an attempt at locating the Akanese base.<br />
<br />
===AD 4432===<br />
<br />
Present Day.<br />
<br />
==Bibliography==<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><br />
Vendetta Onlineâ„¢ Background Storyline<br><br />
<br />
http://www.vendetta-online.com<br><br />
<br />
Created by Guild Software, Inc.<br><br />
<br />
Storyline written by John Bergman in April of 2002.<br><br />
<br />
Vendetta Online logo by Waylon Brinck.<br><br />
<br />
Character Illustrations by Timmy K Kramp (www.timmykkramp.com)<br><br />
<br />
Landscape Illustrations by Mark Facey.<br><br />
<br />
All content © Copyright 2004 Guild Software, Inc<br><br />
All Rights Reseved.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Background]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/IRC
IRC
2010-04-21T16:56:00Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Commands */ gbc (garbage characters) fyi</p>
<hr />
<div>==IRC Clients==<br />
Below are several of the most popular of the many IRC clients currently available:<br />
*Windows<br />
**[http://www.silverex.info/news/ X-Chat] Free compiled version of X-Chat for Windows.<br />
**[http://www.mirc.com mIRC] The king of windows IRC clients.<br />
**[http://www.icechat.net/site/index.php IceChat] IRC That Cool people use.<br />
*Linux<br />
**[http://www.bitchx.org/ BitchX] Text-based client.<br />
**[http://konversation.kde.org/ Konversation] Powerful Qt IRC client.<br />
*Mac<br />
**[http://xchataqua.sourceforge.net/ X-Chat Aqua] Good IRC client based off of X-Chat but lacks some features.<br />
**[http://www.g1m0.se/macirssi/ MacIrssi] A good IRC client that doesn't have as many features as X-Chat Aqua. Basically a GUI for IRSSI.<br />
** [http://colloquy.info/ Colloquy] A native Aqua IRC client that integrates well into OS X and offers a rich featureset.<br />
**[http://homepage.mac.com/philrobin/conversation/ Conversation]<br />
**[http://www.linkinus.com/ Linkinus] An IRC client with the special option to view more than one channel/conversation in one window. Caution: Shareware, USD 20.00<br />
*Cross-platform<br />
**[http://www.hacksrus.com/~ginda/chatzilla/ ChatZilla] an IRC extension for Firefox.<br />
**[http://www.irssi.org/ Irssi] IRC client that runs in the console.<br />
**[http://pidgin.im/ Pidgin (aka: Gaim)] MSN/AIM/Yahoo/ICQ/.../IRC client that uses GTK, but also has a text-only front end. X-Fire plugin available.<br />
**[http://xchat.org/ X-Chat] Easy to use graphical IRC client.<br />
<br />
<br />
For a more comprehensive and comparative listing of :<br />
**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_IRC_clients IRC Clients]<br />
**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_instant_messaging_clients IM Clients]<br />
<br />
==Where are we?==<br />
The players of vendetta can often be found in IRC, we lurk on the server ''irc.slashnet.org'' and have a couple of main channels.<br />
* '''#vendetta''' is basically talk about anything, sometimes the developers ask for some input here.<br />
* '''#vendetta-inc''' Vendetta Itani Nation Chat - security enabled with the vendetta bot<br />
* '''#vrelay''' is the new home to the IRC to Vendetta bot, it relays chat from ingame to here, and visa versa.<br />
* '''#vendetta-itani''' is for Itani nation people<br />
* '''#vendetta-makchuga''' is the channel that VendettaWiki works out of, and is also the home of the Makchuga Interstellar Bar.<br />
* '''#viper''' an access-restricted channel for the Viper Guild, their friends and allies.<br />
* '''#vendetta-pirates''' is an access-restricted channel for an elite group of pirates. Attempt to join this channel and you WILL be kicked and banned from the channel instantly.<br />
<br />
==In-game Chat Channel==<br />
Through hard work by '''FiReMaGe''', it is possible to chat with people in-game while you yourself are not logged into your game.<br><br />
In order to do this you must first log onto our IRC server (see above) and join the channel '''#vrelay'''. Then you must register with FiReMaGe's bot, which is named '''vo''' in the channel (and '''IRC''' in-game:<br />
#Register your IRC nickname if you have not already using nickserv.<br />
#*Type: '''/msg nickserv register (password) (email)''' Replacing password with the password you'd like and email with your ''valid'' email address.<br />
#*Now activate your account by following the directions in your email (it will send you an activation code).<br />
#*Type: '''/msg nickserv identify (password)'''<br />
# In your IRC client, type '''/msg vo link (game name)''' where (game name) is the name of the character in the game you want to act as<br />
# You need to log in to Vendetta and do what the bot told you to do, which should be to type (in-game): '''/msg IRC link (your IRC nickname)'''<br />
# Congratulations, your IRC nickname will now be able to use the bot! You can send the commands you see in the following section, '''Commands''' to the bot.<br />
<br />
=== Commands ===<br />
The commands you can send to the IRC bot and what they do.<br />
{| border="1" width="700"<br />
|-<br />
! align="center" width="75" | Command<br />
! align="center" | Description<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | /msg vo<br />
| align="left" | Sends the command to the IRC bot allowing you to do the list of commands<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | active<br />
| align="left" | Sends you a couple numbers about who is online. (Serco, Itani, UIT, total) Edit: Does not work for me.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | channel<br />
| align="left" | Sends your message to the channel you are in.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center"| ch<br />
| align="left" | The same as channel.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | join<br />
| align="left" | Changes the channel your messages are sent to.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | list<br />
| align="left" | Gives a list of the muted/ignored players. Edit: Works as explained for the command "active".<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | msg<br />
| align="left" | Sends a private message to a player ingame.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | reply<br />
| align="left" | Sends a message to the last person who messaged you from ingame to irc.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | ignore<br />
| align="left" | Stops the bot from relaying an ingame player's messages for 10 minutes, adds on time if already in effect.<br />
|- <br />
! align="center" | unignore<br />
| align="left" | Removes 20 minutes from an ingame player's ignore time.<br />
|}<br />
Channel chat is limited to the following channels: -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 42, 50, 69, 90, 99, 100, 101, 111, 200, 400, 404, 411, 666, 911, 1000, 1337, 4294967295<br />
<br />
[[category:General Information]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/FAQ
FAQ
2010-04-21T16:52:30Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* How can I Contact The Developers? */ bye bye a1k0n</p>
<hr />
<div>= Moving around the universe =<br />
== How do I Dock? ==<br />
#Look for the S on the [[:HUD]] and fly towards that.<br />
#When you get to the station look for the docking bay indicated by the blue triangles at the entrance. <br />
#Slowly approach the bay and when you are in the opening you will be given the command to dock.<br />
#Press the activate key to dock. (enter/return by default)<br />
The [[docking bay]] with the solid blue force field is '''not''' the [[docking bay]] you enter to get into the station. It is the exit bay you fly out of when leaving the station. Do NOT attempt to enter the exit bay. Other ships may exit and crash into you and you will take damage from the force field and can be destroyed if you attempt it.<br />
<br />
== How do I Jump/Warp? ==<br />
There are 2 different types of jumps, in system jumps and out of system warps<br />
=== In-System Jumps ===<br />
These jumps are made between sectors and require 3000m of distance between your ship and any large gravitational object in the area. At the bottom of your [[:HUD]] you will see a distance readout that will turn blue when you are at a safe jumping distance. Please be aware that other ships in the area won't affect your 3000m requirements.<br />
<br />
#Go to the Navigation map (n by default). <br />
#Click on the sector you wish to jump into <br />
#When you are at 3000m select "Jump". <br />
#If you are not at 3000m close the nav map and fly your ship to a spot that has 3000m of clearance. <br />
#You can then press the activate key to complete the jump<br />
<br />
=== Out of System Warps ===<br />
These warps are made between systems and require a wormhole and a fully charged battery. In the 'sector' section of the navigation screen, find a square with a swirly blue circle. The swirly blue circle is the symbol that indicates there is a wormhole in that sector.<br />
<br />
#Go to the Navigation map (n by default). <br />
#Click on the Universe Map to show the different systems. <br />
#Click on the system you wish to jump into. <br />
#Select "zoom to system."<br />
#Click on the sector you want to go to in the new system. The Navigation computer will automatically enter the wormhole sequence you will have to follow to reach the selected system. This will be marked for you as a moving green line on the map.<br />
#Jump to a sector with the proper wormhole. <br />
#Fly to the wormhole in the sector. The wormhole appears as crosshairs on the [[:HUD]]. Under the crosshairs is a distance indicator that shows how close you are to the wormhole jump area. <br />
#Once you enter the warp area you will be told to press the activate key to complete the warp. You must have a full battery in order to complete the warp. You will be reminded if you try to warp on a discharged battery.<br />
<br />
== What is the blue bar at the bottom of my screen showing? ==<br />
This is the [[HUD]]'s [[HUD/Location|Location]] widget.<br />
<br />
== Help! I can't jump! ==<br />
There are three things to check if you are unable to jump. <br />
#Are you at least 3000m away from any gravitational objects? When you reach 3000m you should have a message near the bottom of your [[:HUD]]. <br />
#Have you selected a location to jump to? Check you navigation map to see if you have a new sector selected. You should see a flashing green line pointing to the sector you want to jump into. If there is not another sector selected check to see if you've already jumped into the desired sector. <br />
#You are in an ion storm and have to reach the storm exit before you can jump out of the sector. If you have reached the Storm Exit and you still can't jump, the Storm is in the sector you want to jump to. You will have to set a new destination and then jump.<br />
<br />
== Why do I have to get to 3000m? ==<br />
According to the Vendetta [http://www.vendetta-online.com/h/storyline.html back story] you need to be at least 3000m away from all large objects. Large objects interfere with the navigational computer and make your jump fail. A special limiter is built into each ship to prevent this from happening. Flying towards a dark area is usually a good idea but sometimes you will need to make several course adjustments. Remember dark asteroids blend into the background of space so what appears to be empty space may actually contain asteroids.<br />
<br />
== Ion (Warp) Storms ==<br />
=== What is an Ion Storm and why do I keep ending up in them? ===<br />
Ion storms, also called warp storms, are a daily hazard for all space pilots. These storms interfere with the normal operation of the engines. To jump out of a storm you must find the "storm exit" Indicated by a green "+" on your [[:HUD]].<br />
<br />
=== How do you know if you are in a storm? ===<br />
Ion storms interfere with the jump computer and you will be notified when your ship is pulled into an ion storm. If no matter how much you fly around the meter thing reads a solid 0m you are either flying in circles around an asteroid, or you're in a storm! There will also be ions everywhere giving a rain-like effect.<br />
<br />
=== How do I avoid storms and stay safe when in a storm? ===<br />
Ion storms usually last for only a few hours but they can be very deadly. These storms are favorite hangouts for pirates and rogue bots. <br />
<br />
Some ways to stay alive when you are caught in a storm <br />
#Learn to bob and weave while flying. <br />
#Use turbo to get out of the storm as quickly as possible. <br />
#When you realize you are entering a storm prepare to orientate yourself to the storm exit (green plus on HUD) in a hurry. <br />
#Use the select nearest target key to alert you to approaching bots<br />
#Keep and eye on your radar for hostiles (red dots)<br />
<br />
While using the Navigation computer to plot out your course is a great convenience, the standard jump path is the shortest distance between the two sectors. The risk of using the standard jump path is that you often jump across and into storms. Pilots may avoid some storms by using the more time consuming method of plotting a course of shorter jumps around active storms and asteroid belts. Your radar can only spot enemies 500m away, so don't think you are out of danger when you see no bots.<br />
<br />
=== Help! I'm unable to jump out of a storm! ===<br />
If you have reached the "storm exit" but are unable to leave the storm, check your navigation map. If the storm is in your final destination sector the navigation computer will not let you jump out of the sector. Selecting a new destination sector should correct this problem.<br />
<br />
== How do I Backup/Fly Backwards? ==<br />
You can actually fight while backing up. You must be in physics mode (use the ' key to toggle modes) and decelerate (the s key on keyboard). This is generally called backpedaling. You can't turbo in reverse. This maneuver is impossible in arcade mode.<br />
<br />
== How do I avoid getting shot? ==<br />
Use the strafe keys and roll keys to avoid getting hit. The default keys are "a&d" for left/right, "r&f" for up/down and "q&e" for left/right rolls.<br />
<br />
= Economy =<br />
== Cargo ==<br />
=== How do I Pick up Cargo? ===<br />
Look for the purple dots on your [[HUD/Radar|radar screen]]. Fly over the green crates to automatically pick up the cargo. If you don't have room in your cargo hold, you will fly right thought the cargo.<br />
<br />
=== How do I Know What the Cargo is? ===<br />
You can check out what is in a cargo crate before you pick it up if you select it using "b" to get more information. A description of the object you've selected should be on the right side of your [[:HUD]]. If you press k (or whatever you have bound to bring up the character information screen) with a cargo crate targeted, you will get even more information. The colour of the crate also gives you a clue as to what it is.<br />
<br />
=== How do I Drop Cargo? ===<br />
Pressing "j" to jettison the cargo works in space. You can select the cargo and how many crates you want to drop.<br />
<br />
== How do I Get/Make Money? ==<br />
The major methods for making money are scavenging, trading, and missions. However, you can also get credits from another player.<br />
<br />
=== Scavenging ===<br />
When a bot is destroyed it usually drops a bit of cargo. This cargo can be picked up by flying over the cargo container (green glowing box). Cargo can then be sold at stations to earn credits.<br />
<br />
=== Trading ===<br />
Vendetta has a dynamic economy that are based on the laws of supply and demand. The various stations have different purposes and as a result they have the ability to provide and produce different goods. If you can deliver goods that the station is unable to produce you can earn a profit on the trade.<br />
Basic trade rules<br />
#Buy low, sell high. Learn what really is a good price for your cargo. Keep track of what you paid for the cargo and how much the station is willing to pay to buy it. <br />
#Know your customers. Mining stations produce plenty of ores but lack creature comforts. Research stations need technology and refined materials for their projects. Military stations use technology to create weapons and ships.<br />
#Don't saturate the market. The rarer the item, the more it is worth. Items that haven't been sold to the station in a long time will have a higher price.<br />
Trading can be considered the best method of making money.<br />
<br />
=== Missions ===<br />
Trading missions give you a task to complete. The tasks range from delivering a single data pad to another station to finding special ore and bringing it back to the station. Successful completion of missions will give you credits and trading experience. It also opens up new types of mission on the mission tree.<br />
When flying trade missions take advantage of extra cargo space to add items to sell for profit along the way.<br />
<br />
=== Transferring credits between players. ===<br />
/givemoney "<playername>" amount<br />
<br />
Both players (giver and receiver) need to be in the same sector<br />
<br />
Beware, pirates, make you use this, so remember it!<br />
<br />
== Where should I set my home station? ==<br />
Your home station determines where you reenter the game if you are killed. The default settings allow you to repurchase your ship and equipment. However, if your home station doesn't sell the equipment you won't get it back! This means choose your home station carefully and make sure it sells the weapons and ships you want to use.<br />
<br />
== What do stations really want to trade? ==<br />
All stations will buy your cargo. However some stations will pay you more for your cargo than others. If the station manufactures the cargo themselves, you will not get trade XP and you may be paid less for your cargo than at a station that doesn't make that cargo. <br />
Here are some generalizations about the needs of stations in Vendetta. Remember that the economy is dynamic so these are just observations not solid rules.<br />
<br />
=== What Stations are Buying <X>? ===<br />
#Mining stations often want creature comforts (textiles, consumer electronics, luxury goods, etc) <br />
#Manufacturing stations often want ores and some products (plastics, steel, wood, chemicals, dyes, etc) <br />
#Research stations often want some products and technology (ion cores, cooling system, microtech replicator, etc) <br />
#Military Barracks stations often want weapons components (targeting systems, cooling systems, etc) and other technology<br />
Also check the News System for "Daily Trade Report" and "Items in Demand" postings.<br />
<br />
=== What Stations are Selling <X>? ===<br />
#Mining stations often sell ores of varying quality.<br />
#Manufacturing stations often sell some products and some technology<br />
#Research stations often sell weapons components and high tech goods.<br />
#Military Barracks stations often sell better weapons and combat ships.<br />
<br />
== How Does the Economy Work? ==<br />
The Vendetta economy is a dynamic economy. This means that as items are sold to a station the demand and price for that item will go down. If an item is constantly sold to a station the price will continue to drop until it is no longer profitable to sell to that station. When it is no longer profitable to sell to a station most players stop selling that item. As time passes without receiving the item, the price will gradually increase. The longer a station goes without an item the higher the price.<br />
It is possible to store cargo in stations and to sell them in lots of 120. Many traders will fill up their station with cargo and then sell it in large lots to maximize profits while minimizing the price depression.<br />
<br />
= Combat =<br />
== Is PVP Allowed? ==<br />
YES!<br />
<br />
However, PvP is supposed to be consensual. Attacking pilots near stations is not allowed and carries severe RP consequences. Strike forces will be deployed to destroy aggressors in station monitored space. Be aware that killing pilots without consent may alter your faction standing. If your faction standing drops too low, you will be labeled KOS (Kill on Sight) and squadrons of bots will be deployed to attack and kill you if you enter that faction's monitored space.<br />
<br />
If a pilot wanders away from monitored space, they are running the risk of being engaged in PvP. These pilots should be prepared to fight or flee any time they leave monitored space. Pilots are encouraged to form convoys or fly in groups for protection when traveling in unmonitored space.<br />
<br />
=== How do I duel a Member of my Own Faction? ===<br />
If you want to practice your PvP without having to find someone of a different faction you can request a duel. To duel you need to use the /duel command.<br />
<br />
=== How do I Shoot Other Ships? ===<br />
Select the ship you want to shoot by pressing "x" to target the closest ship that is considered hostile (red dots), or use "b" to target what your aiming reticule is pointing at (does not matter if it is hostile or friendly). Note that some players may actually be hostile and still show up as green on your radar, and will not be targeted when you press "x".<br />
<br />
== How do I Join/Form a Group? ==<br />
There are advantages to working in a group. First, groups have a special chat box just for the group. Group chat can only be heard by members of the group. Second, group members are able to see the health of other members without having to target them so you can help each other out. Third, groups have special missions available only to groups.<br />
<br />
You can get help on how to create & join groups by typing "/group" by itself (without the quotes).<br />
<br />
== How do I do the Beginner Combat Mission? ==<br />
The beginner combat mission is designed to help you build basic flying and combat skills. In this mission, you are given a choice of bot to hunt down and kill. You will earn bonus XP for killing multiple bots in a row. The more bots you kill in a row, the greater the bonuses. When you earn a new license level, the bots you now have to kill to earn XP will be harder. Pay attention to the names of the bots on the combat list in order to get the most bonus XP.<br />
The mission can be ended at any time by pressing "m" and following the directions from the mission computer. You can repeat the mission as many times as you want until you reach license level 3 in Combat Piloting.<br />
<br />
== How do I do the Advanced Combat Mission? ==<br />
After combat license level 3, pilots are assigned to the advanced combat mission. You are given a list of Assault and Guardian bots to find and destroy. You can kill any bot on the list and as many of each bot as you want. You will earn bonus XP for killing multiple bots (it starts at 4 bots). The size of your bonus is based on the difficulty of the bots you killed.<br />
<br />
There are many different approaches to hunting and destroying the advanced bots. Here are some suggestions from seasoned pilots:<br />
<br />
#Try out different ship/weapon combos.<br />
#Remember, the greater the ship mass, the lower the maneuverability. <br />
#Don't assume Apu-5's are the easiest bots to kill. Try a TyCorp Assault.<br />
#Watch for bots that come in pairs. Make sure you know where each bot is and don't end up in a bot sandwich.<br />
#Don't fight fair. Sneak up on bots and blast them from behind.<br />
#Lure bots out to >3000m and set a destination, allowing you to run if things turn bad.<br />
#Strafe in a random pattern instead of just one direction. Turn off flight assist.<br />
#Match the size of your battery and the energy use of your weapons.<br />
#Practice your skills in a duel.<br />
#<b>Ask for a mentor!</b><br />
<br />
= Equipment and Ships =<br />
== What Nation/Ship/Weapon is The Best? ==<br />
Vendetta is a twitch based game so the best ship is the one flown by the best pilot. Higher levels enable your character to buy better ships and weapons, and also take more interesting missions, but a skilled lower level player could still easily kill a higher level non-skilled player. This is due to the combat system of Vendetta, ie. real-time "twitch" based, rather than a "dice rolling" based combat system. Combat is a large part of the Vendetta universe, but it is still possible to play as a trader, (almost) avoiding combat altogether.<br />
<br />
As you demonstrate your skill as a pilot and trader, you will be granted licenses to more complex and powerful equipment. <br />
<br />
The missions specialize so one type of ship does have an advantage over another. There are small, agile ships that work well in combat and huge, lumbering cargo ships for traders with a wide range in between.<br />
<br />
Pilots have choices: they can choose to specialize in one style of fighting and ship which may limit the missions they can complete or a pilot could own an assortment of ships and try to match the ship to the task at hand. A player may even decide to avoid certain missions all together because they don't match that pilot's flying style or in-game goals.<br />
<br />
== How/When do I Get <X> Weapon/Ship? ==<br />
As an untested pilot you are only eligible for an EC-89 or an EC-98 with a basic energy weapon. Unfortunately, when you start you have no credits and the EC-98 costs credits so the EC-89 is the only choice. <br />
<br />
There is a color-picker that allows you to choose the color of your ship and is located down at your bottom right. Choose the color you want and then click the 'buy' button<br />
<br />
Equipment and ships available to pilots holding the next license level will be shown in the "BUY" menu. Equipment and trade goods are in the main "BUY" menu. Ships are in a secondary menu, "Buy Ship" button on lower right side of the main "BUY" menu.<br />
<br />
You need to earn experience to prove you can handle the more complex and powerful equipment. Different experience is required for different equipment. For example to get a ship with a large cargo hold you need to demonstrate you have experience in trading. To get a stronger battery you need to demonstrate you have combat experience.<br />
<br />
=== How do I Buy New Equipment? ===<br />
You can buy ship equipment anytime you have the required licenses and enough credits (note that not all stations sell all equipment). However, you need to equip the new equipment to use it. If you do not equip something after you buy it, it will remain in the station hold where you bought it. <br />
<br />
=== How do I Equip New Equipment? ===<br />
All ships come with a powercell port but the number of S-ports and L-ports varies. <br />
To check the port availability on your ship: <br />
#Click on the "ship" tab in the station interface. <br />
#Select any weapon you might have equipped that you want to replace. <br />
#Click the "unequip" button below the equipment inventory window. The weapon slot you selected should now read "EMPTY"<br />
#Go to the "buy" tab in the station interface and buy the equipment you want to add. If you have the credits and proper license you will purchase the equipment and it will be automatically installed in your ship.<br />
<br />
=== How do I Swap Equipment? ===<br />
#Select the weapon that you want to replace. <br />
#Select the equipment in the equipment inventory window you want to swap in. <br />
#Click on "equip" <br />
<br />
=== Where do I Get <X> Ship or Equipment? ===<br />
The availability of equipment varies depending on your license levels, faction standing and the station you are docked at. Different stations will stock different types of equipment. <br />
'''Combat ships'''- military bases and barracks tend to carry the best selection of combat ships and weapons.<br />
'''Trade ships'''- manufacturing stations tend to carry the best selection of ships with large cargo holds.<br />
<br />
=== What is The Black Market and Where do I Find it? ===<br />
In certain unaligned systems, the stations there are not as strict about license levels when selling weapons and equipment. It is possible to go to these stations and purchase weapons you are usually ineligible for in your home system. Corvus Prime is known for its Black Market weapons and batteries. However, be prepared to pay a high cost for these items and if you die you may not be able to get the item replaced without a bit of a hassle. Also flying into the unaligned systems can be very dangerous so beware of the pirates!<br />
<br />
== How do I Get More Missiles for my Launcher? ==<br />
To get more missiles you need to dock at a station. Then choose the ammo menu and buy additional missiles.<br />
<br />
== How do I Repair my Ship? ==<br />
Your HUD will display a visual indicator of the status of your ship. When your ship is damaged, you have to return to a station before it can be repaired. When docked at a station, use the "Repair Ship" button in the "Welcome" tab to do so.<br />
<br />
There is a Repair Module that can be equipped in a Large Weapon slot. This attachment fires a cloud of repair nanites that can repair a certain amount of damage to any ship in the cloud. It is common courtesy to offer a payment in thanks to other pilots repairing your ship in this manner.<br />
<br />
== How Does the Mass of my Ship Change How it Flies? ==<br />
The mass of your ship together with the thrust provided by your engines determines your acceleration. Higher thrust and/or lower mass results in greater acceleration, which allows you to increase or decrease your speed, or change the direction you are moving in less time.<br />
<br />
= Licenses and Experience =<br />
<br />
== How Do I Get Experience/Skill Points? ==<br />
"Missions and general combat" is the short answer. The long answer?<br />
<br />
The basic combat mission is good for earning Combat, Light Weapon and Heavy Weapon experience. However, you may want to run the mission for a long time because you need to kill over 50 bots in a row, without dying, to earn the maximum experience bonuses.<br />
<br />
The cargo transport and reconnaissance/spy missions are good for earning Trade experience as well as Combat experience in the later ones. These are on a mission tree so completing different missions will open up different opportunities for future missions.<br />
<br />
The prospecting missions are good for earning Mining experience. These are also on a mission tree. If you complete the tree, you are awarded a special badge.<br />
<br />
Missions are not the only source of skill points. Pilots can also earn Light Weapon or Heavy Weapon experience by killing bots outside of a mission. You can also get Combat experience for killing players with equal or higher level than yourself. You also gain Trading experience by selling a trade good to a station that does not produce that item. Mining various types of ores rewards you with different amounts of Mining experience.<br />
<br />
== Where Can I Get A Mission? ==<br />
#You have to dock at a station and then click on the mission menu.<br />
#Choose the type of mission you are interested in completing.<br />
#Click on the mission title to select it.<br />
#After the mission is selected click on Info to read more information about the requirements of the mission.<br />
#Accept the mission to start it. Decline the mission if you don't want to do it.<br />
#Once you have accepted a mission, only that mission will appear on the missions menu of stations. You will need to complete it or abort it before other missions will become available again. You can only work on one mission at a time. ('''Note''': Aborting a Trade Mission will result in loss of standing with that faction.)<br />
<br />
Different missions will offer different types and amounts of experience. You will have to try out the missions for yourself to see which ones give what types of rewards.<br />
<br />
MIssions may not display for several reasons:<br />
#You are part of a group, which can and will alter the mission's availiability.<br />
#You have just finished another mission. Redocking should fix this up.<br />
#You already have a mission, complete it, or Abort.<br />
<br />
== What Does 0/0/0/0/0 Mean? ==<br />
The notation 0/0/0/0/0 is the shorthand for your current license levels. It is in the form of: Combat / Light Weapons / Heavy Weapons / Trading & Commerce / Mining. For example a 4/3/2/1/0 means you have a level 4 Combat license, level 3 Light Weapon license, level 2 Heavy Weapon license, a level 1 Trade/Commerce license, and a level 0 Mining license.<br />
<br />
== What Does License Requirements Mean? ==<br />
As an example, when you see -/1/-/-/- in the required licenses area it represents the minimum license levels you need in each area to purchase the item. The dash (-) means there's no minimum requirement, or that you already meet the minimum requirement. A number means you need to have at least that level. So in this example (-/1/-/-/-) you only need license level 1 in Light Weapons to purchase the item.<br />
<br />
== How Do I Level Up? ==<br />
Once you have earned enough experience points you automatically receive the next license level. You can check how much experience you have earned by looking at the character info screen (the 'k' key by default while you are in space, or under Character Info in the station interface).<br />
<br />
For example:<br><br />
Combat Piloting License: 0 (240/2000)<br />
<br />
0 = Your current license level<br />
<br>240 = Your current "score" in the Combat Piloting category<br />
<br>2000 = The "score" required to achieve the next highest level<br />
<br />
You will automatically earn the license for the next level when you have enough XP.<br />
<br />
== How Much XP Do I Need? ==<br />
You can check it out in your character info, k for out of station, character info button in the character info tab for in station. There will be some information like this:<br />
<br />
Combat 0 (1234/2000)<br />
<br />
On the left is the skill and current level. The left number of the right part is your current experience, the right number is the experience needed for your next level.<br />
<br />
=== License Requirement Levels ===<br />
<br />
*Level 1: 1000<br />
*Level 2: 3500<br />
*Level 3: 7000<br />
*Level 4: 16520<br />
*Level 5: 26375<br />
*Level 6: 41563<br />
*Level 7: 64345<br />
*Level 8: 98518<br />
*Level 9: 149773<br />
*Level 10: 226660<br />
*Level 11: 341990<br />
*Level 12: 514985<br />
*Level 13: 774478<br />
*Level 14: 1163717<br />
<br />
There is no limit (other than time) to how high a license level can be attained.<br />
<br />
== How Do I Find Out My Character Info? ==<br />
When flying in space, you can use '''k''' to find out information about yourself and other pilots. If you want to see your personal statistics, you have to make sure you have nothing targeted then press '''k'''. If you want to see information about another player, you can target them with '''b''' and then press '''k''' to see their information. <br> <br />
<br />
When in a station, you can check your information by clicking on the character info menu. You will be given a listing of your inventory at the current station and all cargo and ships stored in other stations. On the lower right side is a small button labelled '''Char Info'''. Click on it to see your personal statistics.<br />
<br />
= Chat =<br />
== How do I Chat With People? ==<br />
There are 7 different types of chat available in Vendetta. From the most public to the most private: channel, system, sector, bar, guild, group, and private message. The seventh is chatting with the message bot.<br />
<br />
#To chat to a channel press "t". Note that '''older''' versions of the default configuration used "T". To select a channel you need to use the /join command.<br />
#To chat to the sector press "T". Note that '''older''' versions of the default configuration used "t".<br />
#To chat with the Bar, you need to dock in a station and click on the "Bar" tab.<br />
#To chat to your Guild, press "G". You must be a member of a guild to use this chat.<br />
#To chat with your group, press "g". You must be a member of a group to use this chat.<br />
#To chat with the mission bot, you press "m". You must have an active mission in order for the bot to respond.<br />
#To chat with everyone in the system, while in the menu, click on system chat and type a message.<br />
<br />
The DEFAULT channel is '''100'''<br />
<br />
== How do I Send a Private Message (PM)? ==<br />
To send a private message use /msg "name" with the player's name in quotes. If you press "TAB" in an empty chat line, it will automatically fill in a private message addressed to the last player that sent you a private message.<br />
<br />
== How do I Switch Chat Tabs? ==<br />
You can change chat tabs by going to the navigation menu and clicking on the tab you want. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts "!" (shift + 1) to switch to the General tab and "@" (shift+ 2) to switch to the Mission tab. Pressing "t", "T", and "m" to chat with a channel, the sector, or the mission bot will also switch to the appropriate tab.<br />
<br />
== How do I Hail a Player? ==<br />
You can hail a player by selecting them and pressing "h". Many NPCs will talk back to you when you hail them. You can set a personal hail in the options menu.<br />
<br />
==What Are the Channels?==<br />
<br />
<pre><br />
1 : New Player Help Channel<br />
11 : Nation chat (you can only see the text from members of your nation)<br />
28 : Polish<br />
33 : MMORPG Discussions<br />
69 : Planetside players channel<br />
70 : German chat<br />
96 : Esperanto chat<br />
97 : Windows Users Channel<br />
98 : Linux Users Channel<br />
99 : Apple Macintosh Users Channel<br />
100 : General Chat<br />
101 : French<br />
102 : Russian<br />
103 : Spanish<br />
104 : Dutch chat channel<br />
111 : Help Channel (in case channel 1 is overloaded)<br />
201 : Itani Convoy Transmissions (not for chat)<br />
202 : Serco Convoy Transmissions (not for chat)<br />
411 : EnB Event Channel<br />
444 : TGFT public recruitment channel<br />
700 : Political (US) Discussion<br />
701 : Platform wars!<br />
911 : Emergency Channel<br />
1337 : Off-topic chat channel<br />
4357 : The Viper Hotline / Pirate Report Broadcast System<br />
123567 : SCAR Recruitment Channel. Serco Cadre of Armed Renegades<br />
</pre><br />
<br />
= Miscellaneous =<br />
== Does Pirating Work in This Game? ==<br />
The traditional modes of piracy work like these:<br />
=== Scenario 1 ===<br />
Pirate: YAR!! Drop ye cargo or be destroyed ye lilly livered roid farmer!!<br><br />
Trader: Go screw yourself!<br><br />
Pirate: AVAST!!<br><br />
(Rockets fly, trader blows up, pirate takes cargo.)<br><br />
Trader: Fsck!<br><br />
Pirate: Ye were warned!!<br><br />
<br />
=== Scenario 2 ===<br />
Pirate: YAR!! Drop ye cargo or be destroyed ye lilly livered roid farmer!!<br><br />
Trader: Whatever you say pirate sir.<br><br />
(Jettisons cargo, pirate takes what he can fit. Trader goes on his merry way.)<br><br />
Pirate: Pleasure doin' business with ye.<br><br />
Trader: *mutters*Go screw yourself.*mutters*<br><br />
<br />
=== Scenario 3 ===<br />
Pirate: YAR!! Drop ye cargo or be destroyed ye lilly livered roid farmer!!<br><br />
Trader: Make me.<br><br />
Pirate: Yar!<br><br />
(Rockets fly, pirate ship goes boom.)<br><br />
Trader: Ha ha!<br><br />
<br />
=== Scenario 4 ===<br />
Pirate: <silence><br><br />
(Afterburners engaged, Rockets flying)<br><br />
Trader: WTF is tha.....<br><br />
(trader blows up, pirate takes cargo.)<br><br />
Trader: Fsck, you suck!<br><br />
<br />
=== Scenario 5 ===<br />
Pirate: YAR!! Give me money if ye want to live! <br><br />
Trader: <silence> <keeps flying><br><br />
Pirate: <pursues, fires, lands a few shots><br><br />
Trader: <silence> <warps out of system><br><br />
Pirate: <pirate sulks and struggles with feelings of inadequacy><br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
=== Scenario 6 ===<br />
Pirate: YAR!! DROP YE CARGO IF YE WANT TO LIVE! <br><br />
Trader: <silence> <keeps flying><br><br />
Pirate: <pursues, fires, lands all shots><br><br />
Trader: <silence> <BLOWS UP><br><br />
Pirate: <pirate takes cargo and is on his way><br><br />
Trader: Fsuk!!!<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
----<br />
As far as profit goes, piracy is not very good. It takes a very smart and patient pirate to actually make a profit from it, and even then it pales in comparison to what a good trader can get. You have to choose your targets wisely and pick the fights you know you can win.<br />
<br />
== Why Does The First Ship Look Like a Bus? ==<br />
When you are mass producing an item to be given away to people you often have to sacrifice quality for quantity. For the beginning pilot the EC class ships offer the chance to learn from your mistakes without spending a fortune. If your ship explodes you can get a free replacement. However, as soon as you earn a combat license you will have access to better looking and performing ships.<br />
<br />
== Can You Land on Planets? ==<br />
Not at this time. Also, please note that this topic has been discussed in depth and it is unlikely that this will happen.<br />
<br />
== What Happens When You Reach The Edge of The Sector? ==<br />
You technically cannot reach the edges because the sectors are infinitely large. You could keep on flying forever but there is nothing to see out there. There is no reason to go out that far unless you are a true hermit.<br />
<br />
== Is it possible to achieve Pillar of Society status with the independent factions? == <br />
Yes, it is possible to achieve Pillar of Society status with all 10 of the Independent factions.<br />
<br />
== How can I Contact The Developers? ==<br />
You can easily contact them at their email addresses.<br />
<br />
John "incarnate" Bergman - [mailto:john@guildsoftware.com]<br />
<br />
Ray "Raybondo" Ratelis - [mailto:ray@guildsoftware.com]<br />
<br />
<strike>Andy "a1k0n" Sloane </strike><br />
<br />
<strike>Waylon "El Guapo (or) Vlad" Brinck </strike><br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Binds
Binds
2010-04-21T16:46:38Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* The Alias */</p>
<hr />
<div>==How binds work==<br />
<br />
In Vendetta Online, the player can customize their own '''binds and aliases''' to improve their experience. Binds allow you to automate, or program steps, that can be accomplished on the command line within the game. These can range from a simple bind to toggle the auto-aim mode, to a complicated system of aliases and binds that can be used as an online encyclopedia. <br />
<br />
Binds operate sequentially. What this means is that if you create a bind that charges a charge cannon for 10 seconds, and then fires, that is what it will do. You cannot interrupt the bind. It will wait the full 10 seconds before finishing. If you have done something to discharge the gun before then, the command to release the trigger "+Shoot1 0" will still go off at the appropriate time. Many binds can be operating at the same time, and overlap their effects.<br />
<br />
==How to "Install" Binds==<br />
If you are taking binds from another source, say the [http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/3229 Custom Binds and Aliases Thread], you won't need to type them in manually unless you want to do it the hard way.<br />
<br />
#Find the file named '''[[wgaf.cfg]]''' in your Vendetta folder and open it. For Mac users, you will have to '''Show Package Contents''' of the Vendetta Online package in order to get to it. For Windows users, you can find it in either ''C:\Program Files\Guild Software\Vendetta\wgaf.cfg'' or ''C:\Program Files\Vendetta Online\wgaf.cfg'' depending on when you installed the game. Linux users can find the file in ''~/.vendetta/wgaf.cfg''. You should open it in a simple text editor (not a word processing application), such as Notepad, TextEdit, vim, or possibly emacs.<br />
#Pick the bind or binds that you want.<br />
#Copy and paste.<br />
#Clean up the WGAF file by removing any '/' characters at the beginning of the aliases and/or binds you copied.<br />
<br />
==Deleting a bind while in the game==<br />
<br />
While in the game, on the command line, just bind the key to a non-existent command. Usually this can be accomplished by hitting random keys until satisfied that you have a non-existent command:<br />
<br />
/bind o asdgf8af<br />
<br />
The game will report that command "asdg.." does not exist.<br />
<br />
Further calls to ''/bind o'' will indicate that the key is not bound to anything. When you restart the game and check wgaf.cfg, the bind will be gone.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately aliases cannot be "deleted" in the same way.<br />
<br />
==Loading a Bind (/load filename.cfg)==<br />
When you use the /load filename.cfg command, the binds you have stored in the filename.cfg file will be loaded into the wgaf.cfg file. The filename.cfg file must be loaded from the same directory that wgaf.cfg lives, or you can type the full path to the bind in quotes.<br />
<br />
/load filename.cfg<br />
/load "C:\Program Files\Vendetta Online\binds\filename.cfg"<br />
<br />
The loaded file can be any text file, edited by the editor of your choice, even notepad (yuck) if you are so inclined. If you load a file that contains binds with the same name or alias, then the new ones will overwrite the existing binds. There is no way I know of to erase a bind from the command line in the wgaf.cfg file. If you need to do this you can either edit the wgaf.cfg file directly, or delete the wgaf.cfg file with Vendetta off. It will create a new default wgaf.cfg file, and then you can re-load all your preferred binds and configurations. This may become necessary because when Vendetta re-saves this file after every change, the order of the loaded binds is not preserved, and is stored in a manner that makes it hard to find all the related binds, or follow logical programming paths. <br />
<br />
Using this way to load binds also allows you to test and troubleshoot the binds without having to reload the game every time.<br />
<br />
==The config.ini File==<br />
<br />
Among other things, the [[config.ini]] file stores configuration for input peripherals. For more advanced configuration of these peripherals (particularly joysticks and gamepads), see the [[config.ini]] page.<br />
<br />
==+/-==<br />
By placing a + or a - on the front of an alias, you designate that this is what happens when the key is pressed or released. It is very useful for altering the effects of joystick buttons, as it is the only way that you can designate a counter event when a button is released. <br />
<br />
In the below example I have switched out the standard "+Shoot1" from the config.ini file for my own custom +guns alias.<br />
<br />
==Example== <br />
[config.ini]<br />
JOYBUTTON0=+guns<br />
JOYBUTTON1=+Shoot3<br />
<br />
[fire.cfg]<br />
alias +guns "+Shoot1 1" <br />
alias -guns "+Shoot1 0"<br />
<br />
==Basic Binds== <br />
<br />
A basic bind is written on a single line within the file and looks like this.<br />
bind "q" +RotateCW<br />
In this case I have bound my q key to the Rotate Counter Clockwise command. You can bind any key press, except for joystick buttons, to any command or alias.<br />
<br />
==The Alias==<br />
<br />
An alias is a designation of one or more commands defined in the wgaf.cfg file. What this means is that you can create any alias you like, and assign it specific commands.<br />
alias mt "+turbo 0" <br />
<br />
This assigns the "mt" to the action of "+turbo 0". I personally recommend that you use aliases that have more meaning than the above. I have not found a limit on alias length, and it will make it easier to follow your own binds when you want to change them later. <br />
alias masterturbo "+turbo 0"<br />
<br />
To call an alias you can either bind it directly to a key, or call it directly from within another bind or alias.<br />
<br />
bind "~" masterturbo<br />
alias foo masterturbo<br />
<br />
You can assign multiple commands to an alias, by separating them with a ";". <br />
alias +t "+turbo; alias -t masterturbo"<br />
<br />
As this example demonstrates, you can also within the alias assign new aliases as part of the assigned alias. This nesting can get quite complex, but also gives you a great deal of control.<br />
<br />
==Using Quotes==<br />
Quotes need to be dealt with in a similar manner to other programming languages, with the exception that there is not an escape character. In order to nest a quote within a bind definition, you need to switch from the outside double quotes (“) to an apostrophe or single quote (‘).<br />
<br />
In the below example, the alias example creates a new alias foo, that contains two commands included within the single quotes. It also calls a third alias, foo3.<br />
<br />
alias example "alias foo '+Shoot1; wait 0.015 foo2'; foo3"<br />
<br />
==Sets==<br />
Sets allow you to change on the fly various aspects of the game dynamics. For example you can change your music volume to maximum by using..<br />
set snd_musicvolume '1.000000'<br />
<br />
These can also be added directly to wgaf.cfg or loaded from a text file.<br />
<br />
==The List==<br />
*[[Auto_aim_bind|Auto Aim Toggle]] - Lets you assign a key to toggle the auto-aim feature.<br />
*[[Chainfiring]] - "Cowboy style" shooting<br />
*[[Channel_toggle|Channel Toggle]] - Allows the player to cycle through several channels with the press of a button.<br />
*[[Combat_Flight_Assist|Combat Flight Assist]] - Allows player to control the lateral direction of their ship during combat with FA off.<br />
*[[Controllable_rotation_bind|Controllable Rotation Speed]] - Lets you change your ship's rotation speed (with limits, of course).<br />
*[[Controlled_Burn_bind|Controlled Burn]] - Allows user to boost indefinitely with timed bursts.<br />
*[[Diamond_dodge_bind|Diamond Dodge]] - Automatic diamond-shaped dodge, useful against energy weapons (although it is a cheap tactic).<br />
*[[Dvorak_bind|Dvorak Keyboard]] - for those using the Dvorak keyboard.<br />
*[[Emergency_brakes_bind|Emergency Brakes]] - Adds an "emergency brake" that causes almost instant stopping<br />
*[[Hail_suite_bind|Hail Suite]] - Allows for the addition of up to ten individualized hails that can use either one or two lines.<br />
*[[Hail_suite_bind_mk2|Hail Suite with multicharacter abilities]] - The basic Hail Suite, only with multicharacter capability!<br />
*[[Inertial_dampening_bind|Inertial Dampening Controls]] - Lets you reset the "Inertial Dampeners". Let's you avoid control jitters and overshoots.<br />
*[[Key_ramping_bind|Key Ramping]] - Enables and Disables key ramping. Extremely useful if you fly with a keyboard.<br />
*[[Message_target_bind|Message Target]] - allows you to send a private message to whomever you have targetted.<br />
*[[Playlist_changer_bind|Playlist Changer]] - Allows you to switch through playlists of oggs or even individual oggs.<br />
*[[Scanner_bind|Scanner]] - Automatic enemy scanner<br />
*[[Self_destruct_bind|Self Destruct]] - Timed self destruct.<br />
*[[Turbo_lock_bind|Turbo Lock]] - Lets you change the tab key to toggle turbo, or to act normally.<br />
*[[Variable_zoom_bind|Variable Zoom]] - Allows you to zoom in/out incrementally, using the mouse wheel if you so desire.<br />
<br />
==Command line Binds==<br />
The commands '''/alias''' and '''/bind''' are the only tools used to make your own command-line scripts and shortcuts when Vendetta is loaded, and you have opened a chat prompt.<br />
<br />
==Syntax==<br />
* /alias AliasName "Command text"<br />
* /bind "Key" "AliasName"<br />
<br />
==Use==<br />
<br />
#Decide what you want your bind to do. In this example, we'll make a command that sends a string of text to your currently active channel.<br />
#Choose a name for your command. In this example, we'll pick a name that is simple; '''MyBind''' will do nicely.<br />
#Next we need to decide what to say. '''"This is my first Vendetta Online bind! w00t!"''' will suit this command well, don't you think?<br />
#Now we need to make the command. The syntax of the command we need to print to the channel is "'''/say_channel text'''", so type this into the console: '''/alias MyBind "say_channel This is my first Vendetta Online bind! w00t!"'''<br />
#Last, we need to bind it to a key. This would be typed in as '''/bind "p" "MyBind"'''<br />
#Now all you have to do in order to run this command is to either a) be inflight and hit the assigned key (p) or b) type '''/MyBind''' in the console. The latter works inside stations as well as outside them.<br />
<br />
For a full list of the Vendetta commands click [http://www.vendetta-online.com/manual/app_commands.html here] or for a more detailed explanation of the commands, go [[Command_List|here]].<br />
<br />
[[Category:General Information]]<br />
[[Category:Binds]]<br />
[[Category:Configuration]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/What_can_I_do
What can I do
2010-04-21T16:46:04Z
<p>CrazySpence: Added garbage character correction to What can I do</p>
<hr />
<div>== Garbage characters ==<br />
* Some pages have garbage characters on them where once regular characters lived. This can be quickly cleaned up without knowledge of the game.<br />
== Incomplete Pages ==<br />
Many pages on the wiki are incomplete or missing important information. You might check the following lists if you want to start editing:<br />
* [[:Category:Needsinfo]]<br />
* [[:Category:Stubs]]<br />
<br />
==Outdated Information==<br />
Due to the prolonged amount of time the wiki went without being able to be edited, several releases were made and much information is sure to be outdated. If you can, please check the in-game stats to the stats in the wiki and update them. Most notably:<br />
* [[Equipment]] page<br />
* [[Station_Locations|Station Info.]] for most of the stations.<br />
* [[Options]] page (listing configuration options)<br />
<br />
==Special Pages==<br />
If you're looking for something to work on in the wiki, there's a few Special Pages that can help you find things to work on.<br />
* [[Special:Ancientpages|Old pages]] shows older pages, that could possibly contain out-of-date information. <br />
* [[Special:Wantedpages|Wanted pages]] shows pages that are linked to, but do not yet exist. Create these pages, or else edit the pages that link to them to link somewhere else, if a different, existing page would be more appropriate.<br />
* The wiki has been recategorized according to the spec laid out in [[Sandbox#New_Categories|New Categories]] by [[User:MarkMcDoogle|MarkMcDoogle]] and [[User:Roguelazer|Roguelazer]]. If you see anything that doesn't fit the scheme, fix it. If we don't like what you've done, we'll roll it back. :P<br />
* Feel free to fix the pages referenced by [[Special:whatlinkshere/Template:old|Template:Old]]<br />
* Another good source of stuff to fix is the [[:Category:Stubs|Stubs category]].<br />
<br />
==Images==<br />
There are lots of places in the wiki where there are placeholders for images. If you see one and can take the picture please do. Pictures taken with the "rglow" effect and antialiasing are highly recommended.<br />
<br />
There are also a lot of sub-par images (low-resolution, low in-game texture quality, etc.) on the Wiki. If you come across any of these and have a higher quality version available, please feel free to make the necessary replacement.<br />
<br />
==Requests==<br />
Do you have an awesome idea for the wiki, but you don't have the time, knowledge, or resources to create such a page? Then by all means, please place your idea below so that someone else can work on it!<br />
<br />
* With the additoin of new dropable items, we now have the special drops from the hive, which I've been listing in their individual sections. Should we list all drops, including the station accessable items, or, simply list special drops that can only be aquired though trade or by killing and collection?<br />
* A section listing the available text commands within the game and their uses (e.g. /join, /group, /msg, etc.). I will begin work on this if I have time. --[[User:Jdigital|jdigital]] 19:11, 26 Apr 2005 (CST)jdigital<br />
** That shouldn't be too hard considering [http://www.vendetta-online.com/manual/app_commands.html this]. Remember that it goes in [[Binds]] and should be categorized as such. --[[User:Roguelazer|Roguelazer]]<br />
** I'll get on it tomorrow morning as soon as I get up, which at this point is looking more like early afternoon. :P [[User:Miharu|Miharu]] July 9, 2005 07:10 (CST)<br />
<br />
*A ship's flight mechanics/physics section, with an advanced and detailed description of how each stat affects ship handling, and how other traits (distributed mass and the shape of the ship, and such) might affect how a ship performs, as well. I would do this myself, but I do not yet understand the physics well enough. --[[User:Ion|Ion]] 16:24, October 24th 2005 (GMT)<br />
** Kind of like this page? [[Ship_Stat_Info]] --[[User:MarkMcDoogle|Mark McDoogle]] 25 October 2005 15:32 (CST)<br />
*** No, I was thinking of something far more in-depth, with detailed descriptions of how these stats affect ship handling exactly (currently, the information is too basic), as well as detailed explanations of other things that might affect how you control your ship. Possibly even an explanation of Vendetta's physics, if anyone knows exactly how they function. --[[User:Ion|Ion]] 21:12, October 26th 2005 (GMT)<br />
<br />
*SAMOFLANGE!!! 'Nuff said. -[[User:Person|Calder]]<br />
**Honestly, no that's not "nuff said", what do you want on here about it. Why don't you just do it yourself? Since you seem to be the only one who knows what you want, without any kind of description. --[[User:MarkMcDoogle|Mark McDoogle]] 12:31, 10 February 2006 (EST)<br />
*** From what I have gathered, "samoflange" is an extremely heavy (8000kg) piece of cargo dropped by the [[Leviathan]]. Rumor has it that it will be needed in the construction of capital ships. The origin of the word can be found [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=samophlange&defid=1111418 here]. I'd add this, but I'm not sure where to put it... certainly as a Leviathan "drop" and maybe in the tradegoods list? Also, could someone who actually has one confirm this, and maybe provide an icon? [[User:Swithun|Swithun]] 09:55, 21 April 2006 (EDT)<br />
<br />
*How about a very general ore location chart? No specifics, just general data on what general area you can find certain ores in? It would save new players a lot of time if they could quickly look at the chart and see that "Ah. Lanthanic ore - that can be found in the general area of Bractus System." --[[User:maclypse|maclypse]] 19:05, 4 July 2006 (CET)<br />
<br />
* The keyring stuff is really missing here -- [[User:portishead|portishead]]<br />
[[Category:Editing]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/Border_Combat
Border Combat
2010-04-14T14:40:06Z
<p>CrazySpence: /* Border Skirmish */ mentioned deneb war grey space blockade</p>
<hr />
<div>== Border Skirmish ==<br />
{{needsinfo|date=September 2009}}<br />
<br />
Deneb is the battlefront of the Itani/Serco war and is constantly under siege. You can participate in fighter, small, medium and large skirmishes that range in difficulty in the types of ships you would face and the number of kills that need to be made before the opponent disengages. Large skirmishes require 2000 kills, where as the fighter ones only require 20. In skirmishes where capital ships are present the number of kills is determined by the number of people aboard. A Heavy Assault Cruiser has 800 souls aboard. <br />
<br />
*It is also possible to repair and re-arm for free in some of the capital ships when they are present. <br />
*Uncontested or won sectors contain defense turrets that once destroyed spawn a new skirmish to claim the sector.<br />
*The current nation that holds the sector is displayed on the nav map with either a blue square for Itani or Red square for Serco.<br />
*Once a day the nation holding the most sectors in the Deneb system will launch a [[War_Convoy | blockade]] to the other nations grey facing wormholes. <br />
{{stub}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Missions]]<br />
[[Category:Aggressive Activities]]</div>
CrazySpence
https://vo-wiki.com/wiki/War_Convoy
War Convoy
2010-04-14T14:33:00Z
<p>CrazySpence: Basic war convoy description. Someone more artistic can make it awesome but at least *something* is here now</p>
<hr />
<div>== War Convoy ==<br />
{{needsinfo|date=April 2010}}<br />
As the [[Border_Combat | battle front]] in Deneb rages on between Serco and Itani a daily Convoy will be sent out from either nation depending directly on who controls the most sectors in Deneb. This fleet will travel from the winning nation through grey space and park itself on the wormhole to the enemy system in grey. The Serco war convoy will guard the Jallik-Edras wormhole while the Itani fleet splits off and one guards the Helios-Ukari border with fighters only and the capital ship force guards Intrios - Ukari.</div>
CrazySpence