Part 161: Episode XV: 2450
Episode XV: 2450 -
Could be worse. We could always be the Mrrshan.
Cheaper factories that we don't need to build because all of our developing worlds have been taken. Followed by faster engines for the ships we don't have and can't afford to build. Yep, that's what's coming up next.
** Silicoids(13, +2)
** Klackons(11, +1)
** Alkari(8, +3)
** Psilon(6, -1)
** Bulrathi(3, -2)
** Mrrshan(2)
A lot more bad news there than good. We need the Psilons, and now we're totally cut off from them.
Unless our fortune changes, you can pretty much mark us down for 'cheapest available' almost every time. Zortrium Armor is the only thing that moves this forward though. We can only hope we'll have the luxury of coming back for the others later.
You do that.
Apparently this is like a Skittles convention or something. Eventually the Mrrshan ended up with it. Which means we might have gotten it, had they not decided to be tools. 2455, the next year, brings peace with the Alkari. And the Silicoids laying waste to most of Ryoun.
Gotta hand it to the rocks, they are steadily and methodically removing us from the galaxy. Very un-MOO-like AI, but they do get around to it every once in a while.
All of a sudden they were interested in some of our goodies. There isn't much left of Ryoun, but this at least keeps it in our hands ... for now. We have peace with everyone. that's been a rare thing. Remarkably, it isn't long before we have a NAP.
Round and round the mulberry bush ... but Psilon transports arrive the same turn. So no. We don't get it. Mrrshans chase us off from Ajax the next year. They were really jerks to break that NAP.
My sarcasm notwithstanding, speed is one of the few things that actually does matter at the moment. Accordingly, we go for the next step, Fusion Drives, with our next choice.
Next version has faster engines ... and longer range, to help us reach more. This is sort of like the old line about not getting paid anything, but getting a raise to double that. Still, it could help. Maybe.
2463. Somebody destroyed it as soon as the Mrrshans claimed it. Devastated by Silicoid bioweapons, so we can't even move a sizable population in. But its ours, doggone it. Our extended range got us to Spica, but Klackon transports the same turn once again. The Age of Chaos is here, but so far we've been unable to capitalize. Mrrshan transports take Ajax the following year, and we're right back where we were. Three systems.
I do finally get Sharpclaw to see reason. We now have trade with everyone. NAPs with all but the predators(Mrrshan/Alkari). That's diplomatic progress for sure. Which way will the galaxy turn next though ... It's back to everyone hating the Klackons(except us). Which is basically the optimal diplomatic scenario.
The conflict intensifies. For a while Ursa pumps out a new ship every 1-2 years, and it's barely enough if that. We flit around everywhere, hoping to have a foothold long enough somewhere ... anywhere ... to get that slightest bit of territorial increase.
Planetary shields are here, and our good friend the Repulsor Beam could possibly be useful.
SO WHY IN THE NAME OF WINGED FLIGHT DID YOU REFUSE OVER AND OVER AGAIN TO SIGN THE BLOODY DEAL, YOU INSULT TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM!!??!!??
The accidental irony of this game seriously slays me sometimes.
Been a while since we visited here ... and it looks like we may have a chance of holding this and Ajax. Fingers crossed.
Flying finger of friendship right back at ya, pal.
Picard DoubleFacepalm just isn't enough for this. The 'interference' that you praised in glowing terms like a whole five cycles ago? THAT interference?!?
While all of this is at a fever pitch, let's pause 10 seconds for station identification. GNN also wants us to know that it's time to vote pointlessly again.
** Psilons(4) - Sedimin
** Silicoids(11)
** Alkari(4) - Sedimin
** Klackons(6)
** Mrrshan(1) - Sedimin
20 votes for the Silicoids. Out of 30. Well that's a wrap. Two defeats in a row for the first time. If everyone didn't hate the bloody Klackons so much ... or if they didn't go aggressive two decades early ... or if about 15 other close calls didn't go against us, particularly early on ... I think I was close to starting a comeback here that could well have succeeded. The share of the galaxy occupied by us and the Klackons just wasn't QUITE enough. If it had been, I think this was a solid candidate for another epic comeback.
Ah well.
That's because they are a bunch on tinpot wannabes. Gotta work on my insult game.