Terran AAR: Beta Quadrant

I’ve played a few games with ToA with 1.96 so I’m ready to do a play-by-play AAR. I’m styling my Terrans as a Star Trek-style Federation who are cut off in a far-flung quadrant of the galaxy when Earth is isolated behind its barrier during the Korath-Drengin war of aggression. This outpost in lonely Beta Quadrant fights for survival with other refugees, who continue the in their quest for supremacy in their small portion of the galaxy.

Most of my previous AARs have been a description of play (exception – my old Thalians AAR). I’ll make this one a narrative.

Setup:

-         Huge galaxy with 6 opposing races – Drengin, Yor, Altarians, Iconians, Arceans, and Korx

-         Settings – all occasional (habitable planets) to common, scattered

-         Victory – all

-         Difficulty – painful

*~*~*~*~

Communiqué from President William Bradley, Starfleet Command

To: Admiral Augustus Chin, Beta Quadrant

The ‘Tal-nar Precursor device was successfully activated on Earth in December, 2226. The device has protected Earth from the massed Drengin and Korath fleets that threaten our homeworld. Many of our colonies and those of our allies have fallen.

While the ‘Tal-nar protects us, it also limits our ability to protect our remaining colonies, including the colony of New Earth in the Beta Quadrant. Starfleet has no choice but to allocate our limited resources to finding a way of eliminating the Korath and Drengin threats in Alpha Quadrant. 

Therefore, Starfleet Command appoints you as Beta Quadrant Commander. You will have full authority to use available resources to expand your material base, and the previous prohibition on establishing new colonies is hereby rescinded. Your command also has full authority to act on behalf of Starfleet Command for all diplomatic action.

Starfleet Command will contact you when possible, but getting a secure courier out of Earth Space has been increasingly difficult due to the Drengin and Korath blockade. You can expect no significant material support from Earth.

Good luck, Admiral.

*~*~*~*

January 1, 2227

Admiral Chin and his staff read the communiqué again. As with all Bradley communiqués it was short and to the point. Considering the situation on Earth and the demands on his time that was not a surprise.

The admiral saw his command staff finish and look to him for comment. The Admiral was of slight frame, balding, and salt-and-pepper short-cropped hair. His wife told him he had a weak chin, and he did. But few noticed that after they’d been subject to his penetrating brown eyes or his sharp tongue. He had not risen to the rank of Admiral due to his good looks, as a family legacy, or due to a patron. Although he could play the political games of Command very well he did so only out of necessity. Admiral Chin had received his command by making hard decisions, and by being right much more often then not. And his entire command staff knew it.

He began without preamble.

“You are all familiar with the strategic conditions at Earth, which has become more precarious with each passing month. Reports we have received here in Beta Quadrant – far from the fighting in Alpha Quadrant – have been more and more alarming. The vast Torian Empire had been steadily pushed back by the rampaging Korath, who have used wholesale extermination as their means of aggression. By contrast, the Drengin have pressed the once mighty Altarian and our own Terran Starfleet to the point of annihilation. Even the ancient and noble warrior race the Arceans are fighting for their lives. Although this has been kept from the general populous, only isolated Alliance task groups remain operational.”

The five men and women that were seated around the table frowned or were impassive. Rumors abounded in Starfleet, but it was distressing to find that the wild rumors were largely true.  

The admiral continued. “The question was always been – how? How have the Korath and Drengin gotten the technology and resources to press their wars of aggression? They seemed to know where enemy fleets were assembling, and then arrive just in time to take them out piecemeal. Worlds that had recently been stripped of defenders for the war effort have then found Drengin or Korx transports arriving within weeks, and either billions perished or entire populations were enslaved. Or a single Korath spoor ship arrives in orbit and billions die a horrible death.

“What is even more perplexing is that the Korath and Dengin have been able to press their wars against the other races while engaging in a fratricidal war against each other. Our few remaining outposts report raging battles between the Korath and Drenin. Some are for obvious strategic and tactical gains, but others seem to have no reason other then sheer bloody mindedness. The situation makes very little sense.

“Starfleet Command has no answers, ladies and gentlemen. Bradley has made it clear we are on our own and have great latitude – a free reign, actually.

He turned to a middle aged woman seated to his left. “Rear Admiral Sanchez, what is our strategic situation?”

The dark haired woman activated an image of Beta Quadrant, which hung over the conference table.

“Our quadrant is expansive, but almost entirely unexplored. New Earth is our only colony. Per orders from Starfleet, we have made no effort to establish additional colonies since we had no way to defend them. The best information we have is that colonies have been established in Beta Quadrant by the Drengin, Yor, Korx, Arceans, Altarians, and Iconians.” Pointing to the Terran portion of the map – highlighted in a blue-green color - she continued, “We have a considerable distance between New Earth and our neighbors.”

Image 1: New Earth

Rear Admiral Roman Peregrine interjected, “The other races are evenly split between enemies and allies.”

Sanchez replied, “I don’t think we should assume any race is an enemy or ally. All the races are a long way from home, and none are likely to have any significant support due to troubles in Alpha Quadrant. Local conditions may mean we can build new relationships. We should consider all opportunities, and above all be wary.”

“Point taken,” Peregrine said.

“Thank you, Admiral,” Chin stated, ending the discussion. “Rear Admiral Warrens, what is our economic situation?”

The young-looking man stood and quickly surveyed the room. “Simply put, we have great potential but no development. Our population is 8 billion citizens, but we have no infrastructure. Even the most minor development will be a severe strain on our modest economic ability, so we will have to husband the reserve provided by Starfleet carefully. Of note is the quadrant in our northern hemisphere that has an abundance of minerals and the famed Progenitor Library. I recommend we construct three factories, then three basic laboratories.

“We were fortunate to have the designs for the Innovation Complex, which we should build as soon as reasonably possible due to improved research and propulsion it will give New Earth. After that we need to build economic infrastructure – markets.

“As for policy, we need to do everything we can to encourage growth. That means a low tax rate, a VERY low tax rate. We will run a deficit for a long time, but if we are fortunate we will be able to economically grow our way out of the deficit. That decision is in the future, however.”

“Rear Admiral Peregrine?” Chin asked. “What is our technological setting?”
 

The man who had interrupted Nora Sanchez stated, “Our colony was never intended to be independent. As such we do not have more than a minimal industrial or research capability. We can construct basic support and colonization ships, but we have no weapons technology.  I recommend we focus on Artificial Gravity and economic and research related technologies. We also need to prioritize exploration and in particular survey technology.”

Admiral Chin nodded. “That leaves diplomacy. Those decisions are mine. “

*~*~*~*

July 2227

Admiral Chin pondered the last six months. There was still no word from Earth, which was disturbing but not entirely unexpected. With a blockade by the Drengin and the looming threat of the Korath he was quite sure they had their hands full. The fate of a small colony in the far off Beta Quadrant would surely not be at the top of their list of priorities.

On New Earth their situation was improving. The infrastructure at their capital was complete with three factory complexes, an amazing laboratory that was poring over the insights of the Progenitor Library, a number of markets, and the ever-so-useful Innovation Complex. The resources that had gone to the internal development were now allocated to ship production and research, which was quite welcome.

Three colonies had been established on modest worlds near New Earth. None were nearly as good as their new home world with their PQ ratings of 8 to 10, but they were certainly a good start. Most had factories established and their populations were growing quite well due to tax policy that kept their morale at 100 percent. Now that Space Militarization was complete they were building Recruiting Centers, which would boost growth and economic development considerably. As he considered he decided that perhaps one of the markets on Earth should be converted to a recruitment center. Yes – that would be fine idea since the economic bonus was about the same and the Recruitment Center had a growth benefit as well.

[url=http://imageshack.us][img=http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2458/image22227julareaoc2.jpg][/url]

Image 2: Colonization and Exploration

A quick review showed there were two colony ships searching nearby stars for habitable planets. There were a few planets that had been identified but not colonized, but most were barely better than Mars and not worth colonizing. A PQ 8 colony had been found to the south near the Altarians, but it was not prudent to send a colony ship that far without exploring nearby stars. Chin noted in irritation that their survey ship’s route was erratic to say the least. They were following an optimal strategy to harvest anomalies so they could be forgiven.

What had been most surprising during the last six months was the number of technological breakthroughs they had had. The first was during the first weeks of January with when a researcher had a creative breakthrough to complete Artificial Gravity two months ahead of schedule. The very next month their intrepid survey ship the Galileo found an alien artifact that boosted their progress on Interstellar Warfare by 25 percent. Another creative breakthrough in April helped them finish Space Militarization four weeks ahead of schedule. The rest of their considerable advancement was due to the prestigious scientific output of their Progenitor Library, with completion of Planetary Improvement and Xeno Entertainment. The last was critical to boost morale and allow the central government to boost morale to 28 percent, lowering their chronic deficit to 84 bc a week.

Of the issues that vexed Chin the deficit was the most troublesome. They only had 768 bc in reserve, and that would be gone very quickly – especially if they were fortunate enough to get more colonies established. The Galileo had found a trove of spare parts that netted 250 bc, and that was helpful. If thay failed to find more valuable caches such at that then there would be no option but to raise taxes or cut production.

But maybe there was another way. If they could build more survey ships they could perhaps – just perhaps – increase the odds of getting more credits from the anomalies. That could be critical to keeping production at full capacity without increasing taxes, and thereby ensuring a healthy long term growth outlook.

The admiral considered for a few more minutes then made the executive decision: set the research priority to Interstellar Construction and then sensors. A few inexpensive survey ships would be completed as soon as possible at New Earth and perhaps at new colonies as they were able.

Would that be enough? There was no way to know.

*~*~*~

January 2228

Admiral Chin sat quietly and thought, ‘Damn it!’

A Beta Quadrant Galactic Council had been called and some idiot – he didn’t know who – had proposed that anomalies be the exclusive property of whatever race had them within their zone of control. A bare majority had voted ‘yes’, so now anomalies within the territory of another races were PERMINANTLY off limits!

Chin clenched his jaw in frustration. His survey ships were the key to keeping their economic house in order, and now the other races had realized this and voted in their own interests. He couldn’t fault their logic, however. If they didn’t do this then there is every chance that his fast survey ships would get far more then their share.

Image 3: The New Survey Ship

That, he supposed, was the point. His three new survey cruisers constructed on inexpensive cargo hulls and their flagship the Galileo had done an absolutely wonderful job in finding resources in the last six months. There had been three lodes worth 1,000 bc, several worth 250 bc, and a handful worth 100 bc. This had filled out their treasury quite nicely to almost 3000 bc, and with that their deficit of 105 bc per week was very manageable. The operational deficit would decrease as populations increased and as more markets were upgraded to advanced markets.

Another benefit was that the survey ships were doing a good job scanning the area for planets – which were quite rare, which was distressing. Chin was pleased that they had colonized seven fairly good colonies, but the Korx, Iconians, and Altarians were ahead in the colony count. What was perplexing was that Altarians had colonized three low PQ planets near Terran space. Why? They’d bypassed planets closer to their home territory that had a higher PQ. That made no sense at all. Did they have designs on the fledgling Terran colonies? Were these far-flung Altarian outposts forward staging areas? That was a disturbing thought. In the home galaxy the Altarians were good if somewhat mysterious allies. Perhaps they were playing a different game? Chin made a note to have one of his rear admirals look into this. Sanchez would be good at this, he thought.

Image 4: Surveyed Area and Colonization

But there were other considerations. There were galactic resources in this quadrant just like there were in the home galaxy. Production of colony ships would have to be diverted so that the Terran Alliance could claim them. Especially prized were the research and morale resources near New Earth.

Well, enough mulling. The Admiral sent orders to Hoth III and Quatrale IV to switch military production to constructors. The other two planets with shipyards would continue with survey ships for now. Earth would continue constructing colony ships since it was the only planet with a high population and an industrial base.

Chin knew there was a race to colonize as many planets as possible and he was determined to ensure that at a minimum that his Terrans got their share. They had the production to do so, and could keep up their economy to keep their factories at full capacity. It seemed the treasuries of the other races except the Drengin had been depleted, so perhaps their production would slow down – and then his Terrans could catch up and even surpass them.

The Beta Quadrant was huge so the contest was not a sprint but an endurance race, and the key to keep up was a good economy. Baring disaster Chin knew the Terrans were now on a good footing.

*~*~*~*

August 2228

“We’re colonizing low PQ planets, and to what end?” Rear Admiral Peregrine asked. “It will take months to years to make them productive, and their potential is limited. They will also draw on our treasury, potentially causing a long-term budgetary shortfall. I suggest that we cease colonization of any planet with a PQ less than 5.”

Admiral Chin nodded and looked around the table for other opinions.

“There is also the concept of denial,” Admiral Raymond Jeffs said. “If we don’t colonize them then others will, meaning they will have greater territory and, long term, a greater economic and productive potential. I recommend we colonize all planets. Further, we have a net deficit of 95 bc per week but a treasury of 6497 bc. We can easily fund our deficit, even with the costs of new planets. Additionally, with natural growth and investment the colonies will pay for themselves.”

Nora Sanchez motioned to be recognized. “I am concerned about the strategic implications of having other races, even those nominally friendly to us, having bases and planets within our sphere of influence. In the event of hostilities we would be at a significant disadvantage with hostile forces that are literally in our back yard. Moreover, even the smallest planet can be improved, and each will be a production center. We should colonize all planets.”

Admiral Chin looked around and there was no more comment. “Very well. We currently have 13 colonies and our policy will be to colonize all available planets. At this time we have four planets producing colony ships and others are producing constructors. This will continue. Ships will be staged to colonize all planets, including the high-PQ aquatic worlds near Altarian space. Other colony ships will be sent into and around the territory of other races to colonize any planets they may have overlooked. We will be finishing Aquatic Colonization within the week and ships have already been dispatched.

“Another issue is the militarization of space,” he continued. “Other races – and in particular the Iconians and Drengin- have started building a space-based military and we cannot be left in a weak position. Therefore, we will redirect research toward beam weapons immediately. Garrisons will be placed near perimeter planets, where possible. My objective is to achieve at least military parity with the largest military power, which is the Drengin. We are all quite aware of their proclivities, and it will not serve our interests to appear weak.”

Chin stood up and his advisors followed suite. “Thank you all for your time.”

Image 5: August 2228 Exploration and Colonization

*~*~*~*

January 2229

Admiral Chin, his command staff, and vast number of dignitaries at Dester I were socializing at the planetary spaceyard. The Starfleet officials were resplendent in their full dress blues that were complete with regalia. It looked like a sea of blue mixed with a polygot of colors. A stiff wind did not seem to stir the erect posture and crisp hierarchy of the men and women of the admiral’s command. The civilians were decked out in formal business attire and were considerably more animated then their military counterparts. Several of the civilian industrial and political titans within the by-invitation-only crowd held side conversations.

Another cluster of three men and women and six Starfleet officers had turned around to admire the new starship that was on the space port launch pad. The ship had a broad saucer with a trapezoidal aft hull and two prominent impulse nacelles. It sported two prominent nodes for the laser arrays. On Earth laser weapons of this power were nothing more than navigational lasers used to blast space dust or even debris, but here in Beta Quadrant they were the apex of Terran weapons engineering.

Image 6: New Destroyer Class Warship

Admiral Chin was glad the dedication of their third destroyer class warship Hermes was complete. It was a fine ship, to be sure, with weapons that were near a match for any in Beta Quadrant. Intelligence reports on their main Iconian and Drengin rivals showed that they were little more advanced. That was reassuring, but surely it would not last. Both races - all races, really – were ambitious and a military was merely a means to an end. For those who plan poorly or who fortune does not favor the end would be stark and bloody. The fate of countless planets in Alpha Quadrant had proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Planetary Governor Helen Warden was making his way to him, undoubtedly to discuss an important but ultimately irrelevant political matter. He held his best politician smile as the woman approached. She was well into middle aged but had a steely gaze, Chin immediately noted. She held herself erect and walked with purpose. Good. That meant she was less likely to indulge in the petty local politics or burden him with requests for political favors.

“Madam Governor,” he said, bowing slightly.

“Admiral,” she replied in a brusque manner. “Thank you for attending the dedication. I can’t tell you how important this is for us. We are at the front line with the Drengin and Korx. Our garrison of two destroyers will help prevent…misunderstandings. I hope we your office will see fit to Dester I continue constructing the Farragut class destroyers, Sir.”

“Absolutely,” Chin said. “The Drengin have the second largest military in Beta Quadrant after the Iconians…”

“Iconians?” Helen exclaimed.

Chin ignored the interruption. “Indeed. The militarization of the galaxy was proceeding at a very rapid pace, with the Iconians in the clear lead. Starfleet Command is unsure if this is due to advanced weapons technology or massive ship construction. Our intelligence is not advanced enough for that level of infiltration. But the fact remains. It is Starfleet’s intention to construct destroyers until we have at least parity with the Drengin. It is not in our interest to give any race the impression we are weak in economic, research, or military terms.”

Governor Warden frowned and nodded. “Quite right. Having a potent military means we will have the means to decide the terms of engagement, or punish those that mistake our hand of friendship as a weakness.”

Chin raised an eyebrow. “Madam, are you military?”

She graced him with a lopsided smile. “Does it show? Enlisted marines, 10 years on Earth. I saw combat at De-Sar’k against the Korx and was in a member of Assault Command during the punitive strikes against the Yor. I’m only a politician now but sometimes the marine in mea shows through. Even in politics a rip-their-heart-out mentality comes in handy on occasion.

“Let me say that you have my full support, Admiral. Our development is mostly market based and our industrial base is modest but we will do what we can. Just ask. Now, I don’t want to take any more of your time. I’m sure you’ll want to on with all the scintillating conversations with the other politicos.” With that she gave him a shallow bow, made a motion, and a discrete security detail melted out of the crowd to her side. She turned and left.

Chin was pleasantly bemused. What a refreshing conversation. Instead of inane chatter he was pretty sure he’d made an ally. No, it more than that. Command level talent was hard to find and perhaps Ms. Warden would make a good addition to his staff.

Interesting. Taking Ms. Warden’s example he caught the eye of Vice Admiral Sanchez and headed toward the destroyer Hermes. He knew he could have a private discussion within the confines of the warship.

*~*~*~*

The Admiral paced into the small conference room on Hermes. His three core command staff – Sanchez, Jeffs, and Peregrine – were waiting for him. “We are in a race with the Altarians, Korx, and Iconians to colonize the extreme environment worlds in our area,” the admiral stated without preamble. “We’ve managed to colonize one aquatic planet but he Korx beat us to the other we had on track for colonization. We had better luck with heavy gravity, with colonization of the PQ21 planet Lasius I this previous week. It is deep in Korx space and the planet is quite a prize. We’ll have to invest heavily ensure we can keep it.”

Image 7: PQ21 Planet Laitus I

“Here is a summary of the galactic rankings,” he said.

Terrans: 21 planets, 102  B population, 317 research

Drengin: 5 planets, 43 B population, 68 research

Altarian: 15 planets, 51B population, 88 research

Arcean: 9 planets, 38 B population, 73 research

Iconians: 13 planets, 53 B population, 222 research

Yor: 3 planets, 23 B population, 35 research

Korx: 12 planets, 51 B population, 71 research

Morale 90%, tax rate 39 percent, revenue +126 bc/week, 7595bc in reserve.

“We have a considerable lead in both colonization and population, and we hope to cement this when we finish barren world colonization in the next month. A barren world and a PQ4 world are the only un-colonized worlds we are aware of. As you are aware, we are devoting 80 percent of our resources to research to ensure we can colonize the barren world and shipbuilding has ground temporarily to a halt. Comments?”

Sanchez spoke up. “What has been the impact of the Quadrant Council edit on tourism? I’d imagine it increased revenues since we have a considerable influence in Beta Quadrant.”

“Yes. We gained tens of BC per week. The effects of the Council edits will be for three years, so when we can we may want to invest in technologies that increase our influence. We have three galactic resources under our control, and all three are at or near maximum utilization, one of which is an influence resource. As we increase our farming technology and terraforming we’ll be able to further increase our population, which increases both tax income and influence. Most planets are working on terraforming technology now, and will build farms when they the quadrants are ready. Further, we are working to complete the Restaurant of Eternity, which should further increase our influence. With some luck and an allocation from our treasury we should be able to finish it before other powers.”

Sanchez nodded, satisfied.

Rear Admiral Raymond Jeffs motioned. “We finished the Diplomatic Translators a month ago. Have any of our interactions with the other races shown any us benefit?”

“No, that bears more discussion. I have tried to get an economic or research treaty with our galactic friends the Iconians and Altarians and they are not interested. At some point I may try the Arceans or even the Korx. The Drengin and Yor are too small and likely hostile to our long range objectives to be considered. Another consideration is selling or exchanging technology with the minor races and even major races. This could be lucrative but has not yet been attempted. As a general rule, we do appear to have gained some positive benefits in overall diplomacy, which helps. If the other races are friendly to us they are less likely to declare war, which is to our advantage. ”

Nora Sanchez asked, “What of exploration? I hear that most of the anomalies in our territory or in neutral territory are gone.”

“That is true. We’ve tried to harvest anomalies in another races territory and have been rebuffed. Exploration ships in those areas have been relegated to exploration instead. It is always helpful to know the lay of the galaxy. That is how we found Lasius I, I’ll remind you. At this time we have 5 colony ships in other race’s territory on the off chance we may find a planet that others are unable to colonize due to extreme environments or since they are out of range of those that do have the technology. Two colony ships are shuttling population between developed planets and newly colonized planets. Here is a map showing explored territory.”

Image 8: Explored Territory January 2229

“Our research priorities will be to finish diplomatic technologies we’ve neglected, and then improve our weapons technology. The Iconians are worrisome with a high military rating and reports of extortion and intimidation of the minor races. They may start pursuing aggressive action against their neighbors, and I am determined that we give them no cause to think we are an easy mark or in the advent of hostilities that we can aggressively defend our selves.

“That is all. We will convene another Command Review in six months time.”

*~*~*~*

July 2229

Rear Admiral Nora Sanchez and her attaché Helen Warrens (formerly Planetary Governor of Dester I) pored over the economic, research, and military status to prepare for the upcoming Command Review. Although Admiral Chin led the review he relied on his subordinates to provide accurate and appropriate information. The task was laborious and tedious, but frequently enlightening. More than once a key element of their strategy had been derived from the Situation Analysis, such as the race to extreme colonization by the other races and the growing military might of the Iconians. Both had resulted in policy shifts.

“Helen,” Sanchez said. “Can you verify that we’ve pulled ahead of the Drengin for total military might? And if so, is it due to the four or so military resource starbases?”

Helen cycled through her data for a moment. “Confirmed. We just beat them out, but we have no way of knowing if their military standing is due to their possession of the four military resource starbases or not. I suspect that it is, however. Make a note that the Iconians are building faster than we are and are accelerating their military lead.”

Nora stopped and looked over to Helen. “Even though we’ve finished particle beams? That doubled the attack factor of our ships and reduced the cost considerably.”

“Yes. We have no idea how they are doing it, however. They are keeping a very high military production and research rate while having half the number of colonies that we do.”

“I’ll make a note of that for the Admiral,” Nora said. “They’ve colonized their planets earlier than we have, all totaled. It’s likely they are more developed and have higher output. Also, their capital is unhappy – that is a bad sign and a symptom they’re pushing their economy too hard. Something will give eventually. Any word on the high level situation summary?”

“A summary is coming. Take a look.” Helen gave her a datapad:

Terran: 24 colonies, 168 B population, 281 research

Drengin: 5 colonies, 46B population, 66 research

Altrarian: 15 colonies, 72 B population, 254 research

Arceans: 9 colonies, 48 B population, 125 research

Iconians: 13 colonies, 73 B population, 251 research

Yor: 3 colonies, 25 B population, 8 research

Korx: 11 colonies, 63 B population, 178 research

Image 9: Colonization in July 2229

“Hmmm. Looks like our major competitors are the Altarians, Iconians, and Korx with the Arceans being major players. Why are the Drengin and Yor so small? With the limited resource base they’ll be eaten alive by their neighbors.”

Helen smiled. “Including us? That would be a just response to what they’re doing to Earth, I think.”

Nora shifted uncomfortably since she was thinking exactly the same thing. “Perhaps. That is counter to the Admiral’s policy, which is to keep our options open.”

Helen pushed further. “I would like to see us crush Drengin and Yor here in Beta Quadrant and then go back home to Earth to crush the Drengin and Korath there, too – blast them into little tiny pieces. And while we’re at it, we can crush the back stabbing Korx and their allies, or give them a choice – submit or be eradicated.”

“I don’t know the Admiral’s mind, Helen. All we do is give him the data…”

“The data has a message, Vice Admiral,” Helen stated. “Admiral Chin is a brilliant man, but we can use our analysis to tell a story – a narrative, if you will. We won’t twist or warp the data, but rather make sure he clearly sees elements that demand his attention.”

Sanchez looked over at Helen. She knew she was a forceful woman or Chin would never have chosen her to be part of the Command Staff. Obviously she had her opinions and was not afraid to express them. “OK. What do you think are the key elements we need to consider?”

“First, we can see that the Admiral is gunning for the Bad Guys by looking at his diplomacy. He gave our Economic Treaty to the Altarians in exchange for their Economic and Research Treaty. Then he gave our Research Treaty to the Arceans for their Economic and Research Treaties plus a few technologies. Both were a wonderful exchange for us, courtesy of the insights of the Diplomatic Translator. Note that he did not treaty with the Iconians. There is no point in giving the Big Dog any more bones.

“Second, he has sent our freighters to the Korx and Iconians, but most have gone to the Altarians and Arceans. This builds our relationship with them and also builds them up economically. He hasn’t bothered with sending freighters to the Drengin or Yor. They are small and insignificant in the long run. The Admiral is hedging his bets, getting diplomacy chits and building up those he is likely to support.”

Helen looked over at Sanchez to see if there was any reaction. There was none so she continued. “We are also prospering economically. We are running a 557 bc per week surplus. We’ve purchased Recruitment Centers at our newer colonies, factories at our PQ21 high grav planet at Lasitus I, and finished the Restaurant of Eternity and we still have a bankroll of over 8,000 bc. And we’re doing this with a morale of 88 percent and a tax rate of 39 percent. Economically we are very strong, and we’ll only get stronger as our farms kick in and new planets have their population expand.

“And just think - what technology are we researching?” Helen asked rhetorically. “Planetary Invasion. What does that mean? We’ll, I’ll tell you – we’re going to go on a massive building spree to construct as many transports and warships as we can. I expect that the nearby minor races will be the test beds for our military. They may join us, but if not we’ll invade – for ‘ensure their safety’ or some other excuse. The Snathi and Paulos in our territory will go first, of course. By then we’ll have such a lead that our next victim – the Drengin – won’t stand a chance. We’ll simply walk in, stomp them, and that will be the end of the problem.

Image 10: Grand Strategy, July 2229

“Now,” Helen continued, “you may think we’ll take out the Drengin for their planets, and that would be wrong. The Drengin invested huge amounts of construction resources in securing the eight galactic resources – at least 3 military, 2 economic, 1 research, 1 morale, and one we don’t know for sure yet. Securing those resources for the Terran Alliance is much more important then their planets. We have plenty of planets, all things considered. If we keep the Korx and Iconians friendly or even pay them to declare war on the Drengin we can get the resources and the Drengin planets, and a long term huge advantage. With our size we can research, produce warships, AND build our infrastructure. None of the other races can come close.”

Helen leaned back and glanced over at Nora, almost daring her to respond – in a good natured way.

Finally Nora said, “Remind me never to cross you, Helen.”

In return, Helen just smiled.

*~*~*~*

January 2230

“Lord Emperor Snarki, of the Grand Snathi Empire,” Admiral Chin said with a slight bow. “I am pleased you have taken time out of your busy schedule to speak with me.”

The brown-haired squirrel-like image shook its head quickly and its hair seemed to stand slightly on end. “Terran-based monkey, you may speak with me, but be brief. The Lord Emperor has no time to waste.”

Image 11 – Snathi Lord Emperor Snarki

“I quite agree, Lord Emperor,” the admiral said with a second slight bow. “The Terran Alliance would like to discuss an exchange of technology with the Grand Snathi Empire. We have made some modest advances, some of which may be of interest.”

Lord Emperor Snarki’s beady eyes narrowed shrewdly. Oh yes, he would trade technology with the foolish monkeys. He would trade it all away, and any technology he acquired would be immediately sold to all other races at an extraordinary profit, of course. This would increase the prosperity of the Snathi Empire, increase the abilities of the Terran Alliance’s enemies, and hobble them in the end. The Terran Monkey Empire would collapse and the mighty Snathi would pick up the pieces. Emperor Snarki resisted the urge to chitter with glee.

“The Lord Emperor is interested. We are aware of some of your advances, pitiful though they may be. We are willing to trade our Advanced Trade for your Advanced Colonization technology.”

The admiral shook his head. “That is a bit too harsh, I’m afraid. Although Advanced Trade is tempting, we spent months of resource to gain Advanced Colonization. Perhaps you could include your technology for Stinger I and II?”

“Absolutely not!” the Emperor stated. “That is our offer.”

“Well, I’m afraid we will have to decline then. I am sorry we could not reach an agreement.”

Emperor Snarki’s furry tail trembled a little. “In the interests of good relations, perhaps we can consider your offer. We have always had good relations with the Terran Alliance. We accept.”

Admiral Chin nodded, remembering the last time he had spoken with the Emperor. At that time Snarki had stated that the Terran Alliance was weak and would be absorbed into the Grand Snathi Empire. “Then it is done,” he said. “What technology would you demand in exchange for your Stinger III technology?”

The emperor’s tail trembled again. “We demand Miniaturization, Beam Technology, and Barren World colonization technology.”

“Done,” the admiral replied. “An excellent bargain. You have no additional technology to barter. Would the Grand Snathi Empire consider purchasing some Terran technology?”

Now the admiral saw that the Lord Emperor’s tail was trembling all the time. There were a few bluffs, all of which were called. The Terran Alliance sold seven technologies, some of which were quite advanced, for the entire Snathi treasury of over 1,200 bc.

“It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Lord Emperor,” Admiral Chin said.

“Very well. This meeting is concluded,” the Emperor said grandly, and the line went dead.

Admiral Chin’s aide Gregory Phillips walked into the viewing area once the communication was complete. “Sir, may I make a comment?”

The admiral was taking off the holo emitters and said, “Yes.”

“Are you sure that was wise? You know the Snathi will sell all of that technology as soon as they have the chance.”

“No, son, they won’t. Please get me an open line to Captain Griffiths of Task Group Theta. I need to speak with her immediately.”

*~*~*~*

“Yes, Admiral,” the dark haired woman said. “Your orders are understood and will be executed immediately. Griffiths out.” The line went dead.

The ready room of the destroyer Churchill was small and almost brand new. The table at the center could seat six in a pinch but now sat two people. A no-nonsense dark skinned woman with a pinched face and a crisp blue uniform closed the communication terminal. Captain Sarah Griffiths turned to her first officer Warren Clarkson, a young man in his late twenties.

“Put me through to Captain Hamilton of the destroyer Vulcan and transport task group Captain Cram,” she said. “We just got a green light to attack the Snathi homeworld.”

*~*~*~*

The destroyers Vulcan and Churchill activated their ion drives and formed a line two abreast. It had taken them a few days to move from their station keeping in the adjacent sector and they were now clearly within Snathi controlled space.

Image 12 – Destroyer Fleet

“We just got a challenge from Snathi command. It is just like before. They are demanding to know why we have violated their space and are quite agitated,” Clarkston said. He doubled as communication officer on the destroyer. Space was short on the small spaceships, which were little more than flying guns.

“They should be. Their entire space fleet except for one defender left a few weeks ago. Ignore it. What is the status of Vulcan?”

“Weapons hot, all systems ready,” he replied after glancing at his status screen.

“And the transports?”

“Both transports report ready and are in position one sector behind us,” he said.

“Status of the Snathi destroyer?” the captain asked.

“Still in high orbit around the planet to maximize their defense,” Mr. Clarkston stated.

“As expected. Signal Vulcan. We’ll be in weapons range in less than two minutes.”

*~*~*~*~*

The lone gull-winged Snathi destroyer was fitted with stinger missiles and had prominent weapons ports on the underside of the ship. An impressive array of high-orbit defensive satellites glinted in the reflected sunlight. The destroyer deployed itself between a cluster of what were undoubtedly offensive satellites. Others were sending the defender data to improve resolution, weapons fire, and defensive reaction against Terran firepower.

Each of the Terran destroyers had a saucer with a small aft hull section and twin warp nacelles. The destroyers came in adjacent to each other, optimizing the firepower of their squadron against the entrenched defender. Beam arrays on the underside of each saucer glowed slightly as they achieved full power.

The Snathi fired as soon as the Terrans entered weapons range. Missiles streaked from the underbelly of the destroyer, and the blazing light of the exhaust lit up the dark Snathi hull that was decorated with the image of a fearsome squirrel with bared teeth and improbably long claws. The ship immediately banked to maneuver behind an orbital, which fired a smaller pair of missiles at the oncoming Terran ships. Moments after the missiles were fired each Terran destroyer fired, with blue beams lancing toward the Snathi ship. After firing the Terran squadron pulled out of the gravity well slightly, keeping their noses pointed straight at the evading Snathi ship.

The beams burned through the orbital, reducing it to slag, and then two of the beams hulled the Snathi ship. Energy ripped through the starboard wing, which crumpled and flew apart with a small explosion. The Snathi destroyer tumbled momentarily, compensated, and then pulled around to face the Terrans.

Both Snathi missiles impacted on Vulcan. There was no point defense, and the missiles ripped into the forward saucer. A white explosion sent a shudder through the small ship. Hull plates melted and fused, and then sloughed off as debris from the front third of the saucer ripped loose. Support struts and beams were dragged aft. The small missiles from the orbital impacted. Vulcan staggered with secondary explosions. A quarter of its saucer was gone and open to space. Churchill frantically maneuvered away from the erratic Vulcan.

The Snathi destroyer and its remaining orbital fired its second volley. Arcs of electricity from damage caused by the particle beams played across its hull and its impulse engines. There was no delicate maneuvering of hide and seek. The orbital fired its positioning thrusters to place itself in front of the stricken ship, and it also fired its much smaller missiles.

Vulcan pulled its nose up and, along with Churchill, sent another quad of beams at the Snathi. As before, the beams burned through the sacrificial orbital and then lanced the Snathi destroyer. Two beams hit the primary hull of the Snathi. Another arc of energy flashed across the ship, which seemed to expand as a series of internal explosions caused it to canter to its left. The port side of the hull erupted with white light, and a third of its mass was blasted into space.

Three more missiles exploded on the hapless Vulcan. Two were glancing shots and struck the now dead starboard side of the ship, blasting the mass of the hull into even smaller pieces. The third struck in the small aft hull section, which erupted violently as the impulse engines flared and died. With that explosion the port nacelle lost its mooring, twisted violently, and ripped free of the ship.

Both Terran ships fired their beams at the moribund Snathi, which put up no resistance. Once beam from Vulcan was a clean miss, but the other three from the squadron hit, striking the remaining wing and center hull. The ship lost all integrity and disintegrated with a spectacular explosion. 

As Vulcan limped into a higher orbit the Churchill methodically eliminated all remaining defensive and offensive orbitals.

Messages of support and greeting were beamed at the surface along every communication band, exhorting the population to welcome the Terrans as liberators:  We are your friends; We come in peace; Your Snathi rules are tyrants; We come in peace.

Within two days the two lumbering transports parked by the reformed Terran destroyer squadron. The lead transport accelerated toward lower orbit. As it neared the equator its lower hull cracked open at dozens of locations. Ten meter pods emerged. Thruster engines ignited as the pods arced into the atmosphere of the Snathi home world. Within a half hour fighting began in earnest across the world, with entrenched positions on both sides. Within a few days it would be clear if more troops would be needed.

*~*~*~*

Situation Report: Liberation of the Snathi Homewold

Captain Sarah Griffiths, TDF Churchill

Task Force Theta, composed of the destroyers Churchill under the command of Captain Griffiths and Vulcan under the command of Captain Hamilton, engaged the single defending Snathi destroyer on January 14^th, 2230. The combined firepower was sufficient to destroy the Snathi defender. Vulcan sustained damaged to 80 percent of her hull and is currently being repaired.

The ground assault by 1 billion Terran troops lead by Captain Cram began within days of the elimination of orbital opposition. Information warfare was instituted before the assault, which resulted in 1.8 billion Snathi fighting for the Terrans. The combination of advanced training and the Tir Quan training and the friendly Snathi resulted in no additional troops being needed to secure the planet. The remaining transport was landed and the soldiers along with remaining Snathi will repopulate the planet. Once the soldiers were disembarked the transport launched to take excess population from nearby planets to the Snathi world.

The infrastructure of the Snathi home world was secured intact and is evenly divided into manufacturing and research. An economic capital was constructed on the northern continent. The technological level of the Snathi is not up to Terran standards and the factories and laboratories are upgrading. Priority is being given to the infrastructure upgrade, per standing order. 

Vulcan has taken up defensive duty in high orbit.

Signed – Captain Sarah Griffiths

*~*~*~*

July 2230

“We have observed the prosperity of the Terran Empire,” Governor T’Krin stated. “Korx-controlled territory is far away and can offer us no support, nor any material wealth. We therefore petition to join the Terran Empire.”

Admiral Chin regarded the Korx representative of Shugar II. He was an intimidating Korx with a prominent brow and jaw line. The offer to defect to the Terran Alliance was a real one, to be sure. Shugar II was deep within Terran territory and influence for well over a year.

He nodded, giving him a small hand flourish commonly used by the Korx to indicate assent and respect. “The Terran Alliance will be pleased to accept Shugar II into our sphere of influence, and we will do everything in our power to ensure your protection and prosperity.” He put special emphasis on the last word. The Korx valued material gain, and if that is what they wanted then that would be what they would get.

Governor T’Krin gave him a hand flourish in return. “Then it is agreed. We request that certain…elements…that have not agreed with this decision be sent back to the Korx home territory. The numbers who object is relatively small, mere millions.”

“That is a reasonable request, Governor. It will be done. Are you at all worried about the repercussions of this action by the Korx government?” the admiral asked.

T’Krin gave him a staccato hiss, his equivalent of a laugh. “No, Admiral Chin. The Terran Starfleet is much larger than the Korx space fleet. You have four times the planets, population, and a vast economic surplus. We feel quite safe with the Terran Empire and the protection of your Starfleet. Indeed, in the event of hostilities between the Korx and Terrans our colony of Shugar II that is so far from the Korx home territory would be at an extreme disadvantage. We are quite certain this is the correct decision.”

“Very well. Please identify your operational leaders, Governor,” the Admiral said. “We can work out remaining details at a liaison level. Admiral Chin, out.”

The Korx nodded once, and then cut the link.

Admiral Chin leaned back in his chair. This was the fifth alien colony that had defected to the Terran Alliance in the last five months. Two had been Altarian and three had been Korx. All the colonies were small, ranging from PQ 6 to 8, but they were bases of operation and would generate considerable resources. Moreover, they had potential for development and, most importantly, their control by the Terran Alliance would eliminate bases of operation. It was much cleaner to have contiguous territory.

There was one cryptic comment. The Governor had hinted at hostilities between the Terrans and Korx. Granted, relations had soured significantly in the recent past, but then having three colonies defect would be quite a blow. Relations with the Drengin were verging on hostile, too.

He sighed. Already war was pulsing across the galaxy. The Drengin had declared war against the Arceans, and it was a matter of time before other powers got into the act. Perhaps it was time to start forming alliances? The Arceans, Altarians and Yor had close relations with the Terrans and if an alliance was offered they would certainly accept. Of these the Arceans and Altarians were likely partners. The Yor were small and isolated. No doubt their long-time enemies the Iconians would deal with them.

Chin pulled up a summary of the strategic status:

Terrans: 32 colonies, 282 B population, 484 research, military rating 176, 86% approval

Drengin: 5 colonies, 46B population, 49 research, 184 military, 60% approval

Altarians: 14 colonies, 102B population, 221 research, 80 military, 56% approval

Arceans: 9 planets, 63B population, 162 research, 104 military, 62% approval

Iconians: 13 colonies, 103B population, 325 research, 120 military, 57% approval

Yor: 3 colonies, 25B population, 20 research, 8 military, 59% approval

Korx: 8 colonies, 68B population, 158 research, 48 military, 66% approval

Image 13: Strategic Position July 2230

No, it was clear that the Yor were doomed and that greater diplomatic resources would go toward the Altarians and Arceans. The Iconians were friendly, but they had always been somewhat standoffish. No matter.

Two more minor races – the Paulos and Carinoids – had been integrated (forcibly) into the Terran Alliance. As before they had been stripped of all technology and money and then summarily invaded. Yes, it was ruthless, but then the galaxy was a ruthless place. The other powers had started declaring war on the minor races, and from a practical point of view it was much better for the Terran Alliance to have them then the Drengin, Yor or Korx. Using Information Warfare meant that some of their population was preserved, and in many ways that was the key to victory. After the destruction of the Paulos and Carinoids a morale and influence galactic resource had been secured. A military resource had been secured after the Arceans destroyed the Drengin starbase. That starbase would have to be reinforced now that they had advanced starbase fortification technologies. 

And so the military buildup continues. Already there are almost a dozen heavy transports with 2 billion troops each near Dester I proximate to the Drengin border. Medium hull cruisers with plasma beams were being constructed, although not fast enough for his liking. The galaxy was too big for the small but effective destroyers to be very effective. Ships that will be used to take on a hostile power such as the Drengin needed space legs – warp engines – and optimal firepower.

The latest upgrades to factories and research centers were making its way through the system. Now research was focused on military infrastructure, which would be sorely needed against the Drengin or any other power that opposed the Terran Alliance.

*~*~*~*~*

October 2230

A claxon pierced the quiet of the stateroom of the Terran cruiser TDF Ironside. Captain Sarah Griffiths was instantly awake and out of bed. She threw on robe and padded to the communication panel. “Status,” she barked.

“Captain, we have a Drengin fleet…no wait, FLEETS, just outside of Mars!”

“Show me,” she demanded. In a moment an image formed. It showed at least six Drengin fleets just outside of Mars. One was, in fact, immediately adjacent to Mars space. She toggled the stats on the Drengin fleets and her heart sank. These were masses of their Dominator class ships. Individually they were weak, but massed they were a swarm of death.

Image 14: Drengin Fleets Near New Earth

Moments later she was on the bridge, which was much more expansive than her old command – the Farragut class destroyer Churchill. Each station had its own officer instead of one officer taking many positions. All the officers in Navy blue were very busy and on full alert.

“Break orbit and form with destroyers Winkler and Bradley. Hail the Drengin.”

The view screen in front of the captain showed the huge ship pulling out of orbit, with the view shifting from the pale blue of the upper atmosphere filling half the screen to a field of stars. For a moment she could see what was probably Bradley, which was also breaking orbit. Her command ship showed no sign of strain at the sudden maneuver. It seemed almost leisurely.

An image of an ape-like face with a reddish background appeared on the screen. Its top lip curled into a snarl. “I am Sub-lord Drema, and you are Captain Griffiths. Or so your underline said. I am waiting for you. Are you coming to play, little monkey?” The Drengin finished with a hissing laugh.

“State your intentions,” Sarah demanded. “You are well within Terran space and you are not welcome.”

“No, I don’t imagine we are,” he replied. “But then, the Drengin go where we want, and now we will pass through the space you currently occupy on other more important business. Specifically, we have business with the weak Arceans and those insignificant little monkey toys, the Yor. But perhaps we could be persuaded to play with you monkeys. That is your capital, isn’t it? It does look like a fine planet.”

Sarah filed a few pieces of information. First, it did seem that the Drengin were on their way toward Arcean space. Their vector was correct, and their ships were so slow that if they took anything other than the most direct route they would take a quarter of a year to arrive at the Arceans’ territory. Second, this Drengin commander obviously knew of the Terran-Yor friendship and likely also of the Terran-Arcean alliance. Third and most important, he was spoiling for a fight.

Oh, she would love to blast the Drengin. They had caused so much pain and death back in Alpha Quadrant. Their fleets threatened Earth, and although no one said as much, Earth might now be destroyed or occupied. That thought sent a cold chill through Captain Griffiths.

But the thought of combat was out of the question. They had their single squadron of a cruiser and two destroyers, which was more than a match for three of any Drengin squadrons. But they had at least six fleets. She knew she had no hope of destroying them all, and more could be outside of their sensors. Leaving New Earth and New Mars undefended was not an option.

“I am not authorized to ‘play’, Sub-lord Drema. My orders are to escort you out of Terran space.”

Drema’s upper lip curled in distain. “Pity. The monkeys back in Alpha Quadrant didn’t fight either.”

Then Sarah was looking at a blank screen. He’d cut the connection.

“Put me through to Admiral Chin. We have a problem.”

*~*~*~*~*

January 2231

Admiral Chin felt his heart skip a beat. The Beta Quadrant Terran Alliance’s newest ship, the cruiser New Earth, was finishing its trials and had performed admirably. The plasma beams mounted on the forward saucer were as lethal and numerous as those on their destroyer class, but there were 60 percent more of them. This class was truly massive, with almost four times the hull durability as the destroyers. The Enterprise-class cruiser was superior to the Farragut-class destroyer in every way. The cruiser was designed to lead fleets, planetary assaults, and as a fast reaction defensive force. By comparison, the destroyer was primarily a defender that was pressed into fleet service when needed.

Image 15: Enterprise Class Cruiser

The admiral turned from the observation room window and returned to his work. Already four of the planets with the highest industrial production were manufacturing cruisers, all of which would be sent to the Drengin front. The primary problem, as always, was that few Terran planets had much industrial production. Most had an abundance of markets, which generated an impressive economic output. They had a respectable 450 bc per week in trade income, yielding an economic surplus of almost 900 bc per week. The Terran Alliance was rich by any measure, having finished or purchased outright aphrodisiac, diplomatic translators, harmony crystals, micro repair bots, Xinathium hull plating, and the Xir Quan ground combat training center.

He reflected that the Terran Alliance needed a few more specialized manufacturing worlds. And they needed them now. The Drengin were out there, waiting.

*~*~*~*

The mechanical visage of the Yor leader N-1 bobbed in front of the Admiral.

“Terran friends,” it said. “We ask that you assist as against the Korx, Altarians, Iconians, and Drengin. All of these races have declared war against us and we are pressed.”

Admiral Chin put on what he hoped the Yor would interpret as an expression of concern. Privately he was amused. This was the only time in his entire life he had heard anything like the word ‘friends’ or a request for assistance from any Yor. Back in the Alpha Quadrant they were known as the Creeping Crud, since once they expanded they were almost impossible to remove. And unfortunately they expanded quickly and aggressively.

That made their lack of expansion in Beta Quadrant puzzling. They had barely expanded beyond their initial colonization territory, and even the Altarian had colonized barren worlds near them. The Yor should have colonized that barren world within the first month of the colonization race in Beta Quadrant. What was their game? What could possibly be their strategy and motivation?

Regardless, they were asking for assistance. “Yor leader N-1, we truly understand your concern. We are prepared to off you a pair of our destroyers. They are modest, but surely they will assist you in your efforts to defend yourself.”

N-1 cocked its head slightly to the left. “Such is appreciated. When may we take possession?”

“As soon as your crews arrive at these coordinates,” he replied, sending the location for Dester I. It had a few of the oldest and now thoroughly obsolete destroyers in the fleet.

“Acknowledged, Terran Admiral,” N-1 said.

A notion struck the admiral. “N-1, I have a proposition. As you have no technology of interest we are prepared to off you as a gift our technological advances in Alliance. This will allow us a more harmonious interaction, and perhaps a greater understanding.”

“The Yor accept. No other race in Beta Quadrant has shown us such generosity. Even our allies from Alpha Quadrant have declared war against us. It is…strange…to have the Terrans as our…friends.”

Ah, there it is. The Admiral smiled. “Then perhaps the Yor would consider an alliance with the Terrans?”

“We accept,” the Yor said without a second of hesitation. “May your biological propagation events be fruitful and frequent.”

It was a strange compliment but Admiral Chin took it for what it was. “And may your regeneration stalks be ever charged. Admiral Chin, out.”

The line went dead and he paused to consider. He had just allied the Terrans with the weakest and most hated race in Beta Quadrant. Yet he knew this was the correct thing to do, even if there were risks. All of their neighbors were already at war with the Yor except the Arceans, who were fully engaged in a life and death struggle with the Drengin. Both the Altarians and Iconians would press the Yor mercilessly. There was little possibility of being called on to honor the alliance and declare war on the Iconians or Altarians – they were already at war.

And what was the benefit? That was easy – all the Yor planets. Eventually the combined weight of the rest of the galaxy would be too much. The Yor would fold, and when they did they would surrender to their true friends, their only friends – the Terrans.

The Yor holdings were small, but they were undoubtedly rich. And they would one day belong to the Terran Alliance - all they had to do was wait.

*~*~*~*

“We have two task forces and 12 heavy transports stationed just outside of Drengin space,” Rear Admiral Nora Sanchez said. “A third task force will form within two weeks. At that time we will have the minimal strength to advance toward the Drengin home system.” She called up a schematic to illustrate the position of the fleet.

Image 16: Terran Fleet outside of Drengin Space

“The Drengin fleets have moved toward Arcean space, but we have spotted occasional fleets moving in that direction. This raises the disturbing prospect that there are an unknown number of Drengin fleets scattered around Terran space. In the event of hostilities at the least our resource starbases would be vulnerable, even those with upgraded weapons and defense suites. Lone or small squadrons of old destroyers would not be able to put up much of a fight. Isolated planets would be open to invasion, which we should be able to resist with our superior ground combat ability. Even so, there will be losses and economic setback. Simply put, our holdings are far too large to defend against random Drengin Dominator squadrons.”

Admiral Chin looked at his other advisors, and particularly at Helen Warden. She simply raised an eyebrow to say ‘I told you so.’

“Very well. We will finish most of our next rounds of factory and laboratory upgrades, most of which will be complete within a month. Our resource allocation is currently biased toward research. After the social improvements are complete at least 40 percent of our resources will go toward production of war material. Even though we have the larges military in Beta Quadrant it is clearly insufficient to defend our planets. That is not acceptable.”

He stood up and paced for a moment. “Further, we will continue weapons and miniaturization research. Our cruises must be fitted with at least impulse engines. Currently we have sacrificed speed for firepower. That is no longer a viable option.”

Then he stopped. “What is the status of the operations against the Dark Yor and Jessians?”

Raymond Jeffs responded. “Both were conquered and the assimilation is going well. Both minor races were in the same system, and the combined influence of those planets now has that entire area of Iconian space within our sphere of influence. Two Iconian planets may revolt.”

Image 17: Conquered Dark Yor and Jessian Minor Races, Revolting Iconian Planets

“When will we conquer the last minor race, the Scottlingas?” Chin asked.

Jeff said, “It will take a month to get our destroyers and transports into position. With that planet secured even more Iconian territory will come under our control.”

“Very good. We will not be ready to take offensive action against the Drengin until we can defend key resource starbases and create a few defensive squadrons that can destroy the Drengin fleets near Arcean territory. I anticipate that preparations will take six months. Dismissed.”