STGOD 4 Game Thread

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 07:26pm

even as arcane troops struggled to make a strategic retreat from the lower levels, the countermeasure was already being put into effect. Trops succumbed to poisons and subsonics, but son the tide of battle would turn.

EMP bombs, constructed by gnomish inventors, were placed by those coming down the corridor, protected by the spells they had in place(an emp burst is a one-time effect)

When they exploded, technological weapons in the area of effect were rendered less than moot.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2004-05-17 07:43pm

Much as the Monacorans had learned the dangers of over-zealous use of EMP weapons against the Overseer, so too did the Arcanists. As the delicate electronics that held air in the thirtieth level were disabled, the pressures fought to equalize. The tiny Gnomes and others were ripped violently up into the vacuum, left the die if their comrades couldn't restore their life support magics.

The dragons, of course, were larger and harder to yank through small openings. Without oxygen, they would drop eventually. The Programmer began sealing doors to prevent the huge beasts from escaping. It had plans for them.

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 07:51pm

Gnomes and other humanoids went into the vacuum, but they were prepared for the eventuality. Some died yes, but gnomes were in the military for a reason. They were crafty little buggers, and even without spells, could restore their ability to breath. They pulled out wands and otehr items, that were shielded against anti-magic, and activated them, restoring their life supprt, and those of others. Many died, but still, many lived to get back to the surface, or to the lower levels

Then, all hell broke loose.

As the fields began to ose their effect, the spells that the troops were capable of casting began to reassert themselves..

The dragons and combat mages were the first to be able to cast spells again, and they apliedtheir massive powers to foce the doors to stay open, walls of force and stone being used to block the doors sealng. Disintegrate spells being used to blast through the doors.

Darksider · Post by **Darksider** » 2004-05-17 07:52pm

:::::::Carulan, Aries Briefing:::::::

The emperor returned to the conference table

"We've been informed that open fighting has broken out between the Arcanists and the Silliconoids in the Toril system. I need this command center to conduct a strategic briefing. I'm going to have to request that you move this meeting into one of the secondary meeting rooms until we complete the briefing."

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 08:12pm

"Ok, this is not going to work" Said Admiral Sarak.

"send the retreat, recall our troops"

With that, the troops on world, roughtly 13 legions teleported back to their respective ships. It would take time, but then again, the base was obviously to well defended to be taken by this few troops

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2004-05-17 08:25pm

The Arcane Forces were in full retreat, but on the upper levels, there were some things they could grab. Like data-disks. Stacked high in one of the airless rooms.

What they contained would rock the star nations. In them, full holographic recordings showed Raistlin Majere consulting with the Secondary Programmer over how best to arrange the Rape Of Terra, an attack to bring down the Monacorans.

Shark Bait · Post by **Shark Bait** » 2004-05-17 08:28pm

For just over an hour the build team studied the proposed sights, one after another they were rejected, until at last one which mached all needed traits was founed. A small shelf not too far from land, and just over three atmosphears deep. Best of all it was near a hydrothermal vent, to the cheif engeneer who was from River's Flood this was a gift of the order. Hydrothermal vents could provide everything from food for oxygen producing bacteria to warm water for some very enjoyable baths, to power. This would allow them to be almost compleatly self sufficent without damageing the local environment.

He hurried to the Ambasador who was waiting near the comm station prepaired to send the corrdinants of a proposed site to the planitary authorities.
"Thank you" Hectori and his mate said in unison "Go prep the lander and we will make the final arrangements with the locals"

"Hello once more" Hectori began in his transmission to the surface "we have found a location which would be more than suitable for the purposes of scientific study, we are sending our data on the location and will begin landing and construction as soon as we have your final approval."

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 08:28pm

"Sweet Mystra" Said everyone present when analyzing the disks.

"We need to consult our allies with this, and get logs of all of raistlins engagements from the time we made contact to the time he was killed, we need to prove this didnt happen"

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2004-05-17 08:32pm

Sol system

<<Admiral, this should be interesting,>> her Chief of Staff sent her a link.
Admiral Tjoerhom scanned through the linked report of the spotting of silicoid activities in Arcane space, and sent a digital chuckle. <<This should get really interesting. I doubt the Arcanists have anything to do with them, but all this seems awfully convenient. And it just smacks of destroying evidence...>>
The next ten seconds were spent in high-speed discussion with the Admiralty and the Imperial Court and a decision was made.
The whole enlarged Battle Group left the orbit around Terra and suddenly vanished into their wormholes, making their way to the Arcane Capital system.

<<This better be good,>> Tjoerhom 'vised. <<There is this nice party scheduled for next week in Lyrium City. I would hate to miss it...>>

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 08:37pm

From: Artimus
To: Monocoran Political Prince
RE: Rape of Terra

We apologize for not taking out the Siliconoid embassy before now, but we lost almost 1/4th of our fleet fighting the Goa'Uld, and we couldnt spare the ships until now.

Now that we have attacked, our troops have discovered somethng... terrible. They used computer technology to fabricate video of the late Raistlin Majere helping to plan the Rape of Terra. You must understand that these WERE fabricated. We have nothing but love for the people of earth, and will make every effort to help you in your time of need. We will of course release the disks to your government for analysis once we have looked at them all.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-05-17 08:40pm

<< The Hajr demands an explanation. Why were all powers not notified of your extensive and deep-rooted siliconoid presence in your territory? Why did you not inform the Mechanoid hunting fleets about this pustule of infection in Known Space? Moreover, we demand to know why you only destroyed the infection when public news sources began running stories on the topic. The Hajr fears wool is being pulled over our eyes, and we demand explanations and proof that you have no complications with the Machines. >>

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 08:50pm

"Firstly, our military has been overburdened by the loss of ships. We dont trust the Krell, the Monocorans could not spare the ships, and our allies have not been in regular communication with us for some time. We dont know why. We have just now been able to spare the ships.

To prove that we have had no dealins with these horrible creatures... what would our motive be? And when woud we have made these plans. We can tell you exactly where every one of our diplomats and eagents have been at all times. And independant private analysis has shown that the video has been computer generated. Contact PVA Corp for the details of that.

Secndly, f we wanted to hide involvement, we would have. The fact that we went in, destoryed them, and released the disks, would mean that we did not participate in such horrible acts.

Pablo Sanchez · Post by **Pablo Sanchez** » 2004-05-17 09:27pm

Temesvar
Estate of the Grand Prince

"The powers you possess are very simple. Unlike those of mages, or even the skills that you learned in your previous life," Basil explained, "they are a part of you in the same way as your arm is your appendage to control. You have only to will the action and it is so. But practice makes perfect. The easiest for you, I suspect, will be flight."

Elanie thought, her mouth becoming a thin, hard line, "How do I do that?"

"As I said. You will your body to obey your command. Perhaps I should start by building a foundation, even if it is a more complex problem. Think of it this way. You, Elanie su Madrighala, are a many-faceted presence. Your manifestation is not only in your body, with which you are familiar, but also in your soul, which exists on a plane separate from but contiguous with the physical. By becoming one of us, you have changed your body, but also you have changed something that will become more important as you grow older," Basil said.

"Which is?" Elanie said, near exasperation. Metaphysics was never her speed, even after she and her comrades had been trained to fight magic-users.

The Prince held one hand up, "When a person dies, their presence changes. The veil is drawn away and they can percieve much more of the universe than ever before; yet they are now dead and their existence and power to act diminishes, or even disappears. But you have died without dying, and you are more. Your new mind can not only see, but also percieve and process the additional dimensions. You can use what you percieve to your advantage."

"What do I now percieve?" Elanie asked vaguely.

"This body and its limitations are nothing. You are more than them, so let them fade away. First, look at that wall, but make yourself see everything," Basil commanded.

Elanie did it, turning her gaze to the wall and thinking beyond it. To her surprise, she simultaneously saw its surface in the same way as always, but she also saw what was beyond it and within it. With effort, she could percieve every facet of it--she could even read the tapestries on the other side of it, as if it the world had become some sort of neo-cubist painting and she had experienced total perspective failure. Then she saw a human servant in the next room, cleaning tables. She saw him, his soul, the blood coursing through his veins. The vital nerve clusters and artery junctions she had long been trained to strike stood out brightly.

"Now. It seems easy to rise up off the floor, doesn't it? Do it," he ordered her again.

Elanie effortlessly rose a few inches off the ground. She knew that she could just as easily swoop like an eagle.

"Good," he approved.

She turned to look at Basil... but he wasn't just himself, he was a black hole that dominated the room on several planes of existence. She blinked hard, and when her eyes opened again, a thousand eyes also opened in the inky infinity and stared back at her. She reflexively blocked the sight out and her vision became normal again. Her power of flight wavered momentarily, but she recovered. Elanie stared at him with her normal, human senses.

"Enough for today," Basil said, "though you understand the principles now, and you can work further independently. Also consider that it will soon be time for you to feed. If you so choose, you may take synthetic medical blood or blood from domesticated animals... or whatever you desire."

He stood and exited the room, leaving her to wonder quietly at what she had seen. For his part, Basil had to deal with diplomatic reports. Ordinarily this would not be his duty in particular, but as this particular embassy was involved in somewhat more clandestine affairs, it fell into his sphere of influence.

Report 22A
Basil the Red-Handed
His Eyes Only

Initial difficulties with Ouster training continue. Trainees appear to have a fundamental non-physical difficulty performing spells, possibly due to deformation of the body-to-soul link resulting from genetic engineering. Experiments with boosting potions thus far inconclusive. Will to learn and determination excellent.

Assistant Ambassador DeLarge: "I suspect that it may be impossible to train the current crop to a satisfactory level, as all trainees forwarded to me appear to be personnel originally selected for their martial and physical characteristics. I'm currently in negotiations with the Ouster officers to change their recruiting strategy to suit our needs, i.e. an increased number of average applicants to establish a control group, as well as the scholar-types which tend to make the most effective magic-users. Updates as the situation develops, naturally."

Straha · Post by **Straha** » 2004-05-17 09:49pm

Over the planet that once housed the overseer's embassy roughly two dozen Monacoran Marine transports pulled into rough orbit, escorted by minor Arcane patrol ships. There were roughly three regiments of Marines in the transports, plus a minor amount of Army specialists and observers.

"Arcane Forces, this is Brigadier General John DeRiggs, Monacoran Marine Corps. We have arrive to help secure the embassy remains, give us a stat report."

Straha · Post by **Straha** » 2004-05-17 09:51pm

Alyrium Denryle wrote:From: Artimus
To: Monocoran Political Prince
RE: Rape of Terra

We apologize for not taking out the Siliconoid embassy before now, but we lost almost 1/4th of our fleet fighting the Goa'Uld, and we couldnt spare the ships until now.

Now that we have attacked, our troops have discovered somethng... terrible. They used computer technology to fabricate video of the late Raistlin Majere helping to plan the Rape of Terra. You must understand that these WERE fabricated. We have nothing but love for the people of earth, and will make every effort to help you in your time of need. We will of course release the disks to your government for analysis once we have looked at them all.

From: Monacoran State Department
To: Arcane Empire.

The tapes, bring them to Far Point, we want to see them, now.

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 10:20pm

From: Monacoran State Department
To: Arcane Empire.

The tapes, bring them to Far Point, we want to see them, now.

"It shall be done, we have sent them to an independant contractor, and they are being analyzed, they are concluding preliminarily that they are faked. They are en route to farpoint"

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 10:26pm

"we will also send via courier, the schedules and logs of every diplomat councilman and head of state since first contact was made. Noone has so much as spoken to the siliconoids. We didnt even have an ambassador on that world"

Captain tycho · Post by **Captain tycho** » 2004-05-17 10:34pm

Halo
The fleet was on edge ever since war was declared against the Overseers, the only thing that had to be done to get the fleet moving was a single, cryptic message beamed to the various command ships. Which had just happened. A mere minute after the message had been recieved, the R'hlloran ships were calculating final warp vectors towards Toril. After everything was complete, the fleet awaited only the command of Thauglor. Engage was the only command he sent, and then the fleet accelerated to lightspeed, and beyond.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2004-05-17 10:46pm

To all star nations..

Transmission Begins.

"I speak for the Overseer. Following the betrayal of the Arcane Empire, those who conspire to slay the Overseer may think you have won! Just as we rooted out the conspirators upon the world they call 'Terra' and struck them down before they could destroy our God, you too will be slain! All of the conspirators will be destroyed!"

Transmission repeats..

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-17 10:55pm

Official Reponse

"Who are you going to trust, the machinations of the overseer, who attacked earth without warning, or us? we may not be the best people in the galaxy, we are the first to say it. We are rash, and probably a bit harsh on occasion. But never would we conspire in order to destroy the people of earth. We may be harsh when our people are harmed or threatened, but we have no reason to harm Terra. They have commited no agressive acts against us, and we worked together to destroy our hated enemy the Goa'Uld.

We never allied with them in the first place, wecoud not have, as every official in our government has been busy from the time of the first contact with them, to the rape of terra. Raistlin, who was accused of such a conspiracy, was on the world of Krynn instructing a class on Counter-terrorism, and attending council meetings during that entire time. This is confirmed by literally thousands of witnesses."

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2004-05-17 11:25pm

+++GCN: Galactic Consortium News+++
+++GCN is a wholly owned subsidiary of RCN+++

-=ARCANE AMBASSADOR SHOT, KILLED=-

In a tragic sequence of events, an Arcane ambassador was shot and killed by Monacoran guards today after an ill-timed sequence of events. The following footage is graphic, and is not intended for all viewers.

As this security recording shows, the Arcane ambassador was in a heated discussion with a Monacoran general over plans to help repair the damage done to Earth by the Siliconoid invaders. After the verbal conflict escalates, the Arcane ambassador berates the General and Monacora in general, after which point, he disappears from sight. Given the Arcanist affinity for teleportation, or even complex holographic “illusions”, this does not seem to be a general cause for alarm, and the General returns to his duties. Several minutes later, the Arcane Ambassador re-appears, clearly agitated. The Monacoran guards, faced with this new, unknown threat to a high-ranking military official in a secure military facility, respond quickly and violently, killing the Arcanist ambassador as the General himself reaches for an alarm panel.

Monacora has officially apologized for their end of the misunderstanding, as have the Arcanists, though the Arcane Empire’s apology was decidedly defensive. While the security recording itself is hardly damning evidence, sources from the Arcane Empire have issued a “Thought Transcript”, a written document made by a telepath supposedly in full contact with the ambassador during the unfortunate affair. The transcript verifies everything on the Monacoran security recording, but then goes on to include unverifiable hearsay of which the deceased was supposedly thinking at the time.

-=ASSASSINATION ON TERRA, ARCANE LEADER AND GCN REPORTER SLAIN=-

Raistlin Majere, a major official of the Arcane Empire, was shot and killed today outside of the Tiki Masala restaurant on Earth by a sniper who apparently has strong ties to the “Free Ix’agal” movement, which protests the Arcanist occupation of the Covenant of God world Ix’agal. Reports from the scene indicate that some sort of anti-magic field negated the extensive magical defenses long enough for a single bullet to strike and kill Raistlin. In the immediate aftermath, the sniper was killed by Raistlin’s apprentice, Dalamar, a Dark Elf, who then went on to kill GCN Reporter Miguel Rodriguez, who was apparently mistaken by Dalamar as a second assassin. Reports are still sketchy, but it appears that both Raistlin and his apprentice were both highly paranoid individuals, and thus prone to reacting irrationally in normal situations. Dalamar is currently being held by Monacoran authorities on a charge of murder.

Arcane news organizations have claimed that the murder of Miguel Rodriguez was justified, and that he was breaking the laws of both the Arcane Empire and the Principality of Monacora. However, Monacoran authorities have issued a statement that at no point was Miguel Rodriguez violating any laws, and that he was fully within his rights at the time of the assassination.

Consortium officials offered condolences for the loss of Raistlin Majere to the Arcane Empire, but requested a formal apology for the murder of Miguel Rodriguez. As of the time of this report, no such apologies have been forthcoming.

The final photographs of Miguel Rodriguez may be seen here. Warning, the preceding link contains images of a graphical violent nature. Viewer discretion is advised.

-=NEWS FLASH: ARCANE EMPIRE IMPLICATED IN SILICONOID MENACE=-

An anonymous tip floating around the hypernets late today revealed information that implicated the Arcane Empire in providing the Siliconoids a base of operations inside of their space prior to the Rape of Terra. While numerous nations began a desperate search to find and eliminate the Siliconoids, the Arcane Empire apparently ignored the threat sitting in its own backyard. While this information could be written off as unsubstantiated rumor until verified, the Arcane Empire has responded by attacking the planet mentioned in the anonymous tip and raiding the Siliconoid facilities on the surface.

In light of recent events, one question must be asked. What role did the Arcane Empire play in the Rape of Terra, if any? The Arcane ambassador that was shot and killed on Earth listed a string of numerous grievances against the Monacoran government, including the Floater incident which resulting in the Arcane Empire breaking the Peace of Terra. The aforementioned incident was one that almost led to an interstellar war over a set of “Magic Books”, which supposedly contain the frameworks to learning Arcane “Magic”. Shortly thereafter, the Arcane Empire changed its stance and offered instead to teach others how to harness “Magic”, under the strict guidance of Arcane Empire officials.

The Arcanist response has been one of denial, claiming that it would never do such a thing. However, in light of the blatantly genocidal actions taken against the Krynor Goa’uld and the brutal occupation of Ix’agal, many now feel such claims of a pattern of innocent behavior ring hollow. While it is entirely possible that the Siliconoids are attempting to sow seeds of mistrust, it is wondered if the Mechanoids are capable of that level of intelligence or deception.

As of this moment, the Office of the Director have declared that no Arcane Empire ships, citizens, or dignitaries are welcome inside of Consortium space, and all attempts to enter will be met with force. Alpha Fleet, led by Admiral A.J. Radim, is on high alert, and may be reassigned from Terra to face other threats.

More on this story as it develops.

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-05-18 01:05am

<< The Arcanist claims are ridiculous. They never informed ANY of us of their problems with Infestation. They claim their allies could not be reached, for mysterious circumstances, and they say they didn't trust anyone else with this VITAL information- not even the Monacorans, to whom they are sending massive amounts of aid. The Hajr finds this incredible. Are we really so credulous as to believe this poorly thought-out tripe?

Now, with the appearance of evidence against Raistlin Majere, he conveniently dies, after being afflicted with some sort of "anti-magic" effect. This stinks like poorly filtered air. Their claims that he was monitored at all times lose much of their effect when we consider the extensive use by Arcanists of simulacrums, illusions, and mind-affecting spells- especially considering that with their teleportation, they can be on one world one minute, then another only a minute later.

The Hajr demands truth, which the Arcane Empire is clearly not speaking now. We will not be played for fools, left in the dark as enemies of all life lurk in the shadows, making covert moves against not just the Diaspora, but all life.>>

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-05-18 01:10am

Now, with the appearance of evidence against Raistlin Majere, he conveniently dies, after being afflicted with some sort of "anti-magic" effect. This stinks like poorly filtered air. Their claims that he was monitored at all times lose much of their effect when we consider the extensive use by Arcanists of simulacrums, illusions, and mind-affecting spells- especially considering that with their teleportation, they can be on one world one minute, then another only a minute later.

Basically sir, you are demanding that we go about the impossible task of proving our inncence. You cannot prove a negative, only a positive. Our allies have not bee able to be reached(neither frigidmagi, nor rogue have posted much in the last weeks) and frankly, we have suffered documented magic failures in the Covenant homeworld. Those are ammatter of public record.

Frankly, if we wanted to hurt the monocorans, we would have declared war, and sent our own fleet. never in our entire histroy have we ever not declared war on a power before a planetary bombardment. Never in our history have we participated in a secret plot against another government. We may do some things of questionable moral content, but when we do them, we do them openly.

Further more, the Mechanoids hated all life, why would they work with us?

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-05-18 01:16am

Frankly, if we wanted to hurt the monocorans, we would have declared war, and sent our own fleet. never in our entire histroy have we ever not declared war on a power before a planetary bombardment. Never in our history have we participated in a secret plot against another government. We may do some things of questionable moral content, but when we do them, we do them openly.

<< Convenient Words- and just that, empty of meaning. Analysis of your conquest of Bearth suggests that you presaged your physical invasion with wide-scale espionage and propoganda, an underhanded trick which won you an easy victory.

As for our demands, you still refuse to meet them. We require an explanation of your allowing a Machine base to survive for so long in your territory while maintaining it's secrecy. We require full access to all evidence, and the opening of your borders for investigation into your government's dealings and your entire history of contact with the Machines. This threat is too great to ignore, even if your nation proves to be innocent of the charges, we must investigate fully. Anyone who is serious about defeating the Machine threat will agree. This is a vital lead which must be followed. We pray to your gods that you are merely horribly incompotent, and not actually implicite in the machine's plots.>>

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-05-18 02:11am

Veithan Space
Veitha III

The shuttle which was presumed to carry the crown prince was noted as it launched from the hangar of the grand empire’s lead ship. The squadron of fighters which accompanied it considered a bit over the top by some members of the Veithan delegation. Veitha was the heart of the empire and was as safe as any other protected place in space could be. Nonetheless, traditions were something that was taken into consideration and the fighter screen did not offer insult. The shuttle was given an approach vector, its appealing qualities appreciated as it touched down upon Veithan soil.

The hatch opened and the dozen honor guards which presented themselves all looked flawless from their heads right down to their apparently polished armor. The movements of the honor guard were fluid, the lane formed moments before the crown prince was revealed. The title of the crown prince was long, but each word held meaning. He was a stunning figure, unsurprisingly mirroring a Greek god of old. It was obvious that the genetic engineering abilities of the grand empire were significant and advanced. It seemed as if they had simply purged any and all imperfections in their genes. It was strange to stand next to such idealism, considering that the Veithan people themselves had not gone though such drastic changes. There were imperfections in the Veithan delegates and by and large, the Veithan people as a whole. The greatest modifications laid beneath the surface, concentrating primarily on the mind.

As the crown prince approached the president moved to greet him halfway. The fact that the president himself was there spoke volumes as to the significance the Veithan government placed at the visit. It also hinted at the widening ties between both nations. Although the crown prince looked impossibly young, the Veithan president was not as fortunate. Veithan prolong treatments and rejuvenations technologies were as advanced as any others found in most nations within known space. The Veithan lifespan had increased to close to two hundred years for most individuals. Nonetheless, the president seemed to be somewhere in his late thirties or early forties physically. The president’s lips curled upwards in a smile as the crown prince approached his head bowing before the crown prince a moment before he spoke.

As the crown prince spoke, the president listened accepting the gift without complaint. It was bold of the crown prince to offer such a thing in public, and some could have perhaps considered it to have been a veiled insult but the president was not one of those people. The data which had been offered to his people would be analyzed, and if the crown prince was correct the proposed changes would be implemented. The Empire had little use for pointless pride. “I hope your trip was pleasant crown prince. I am honored by your visit and hope that you will find your time here both productive and entertaining.” He paused for a moment, shaking his head. “Your gift is well received and appreciated. Now please, follow me. I am sure that we have a lot to discuss.” The president waited for the crown prince to accept his offer before walking side by side with him towards their destination. He had a tour planned for the prince as well as other arrangements. He believed he saw a bit of his mother in his eyes and nose, but his thoughts remained his own. Ideally, before the day was out they could hold a press conference together here in Veitha III. It would be an auspicious way to announce the alliance of their nations.

International Space

The Veithan ships had arrived at the chosen location with little warning. Vessels immediately preparing themselves to fulfill their task; the final modifications for the sensor drones had been completed. The range and speed of the drones had been modified, the power source altered and communication systems hardened. The drones should be more than adequate for their task, to hunt down the siliconoid threat and discover them where they lay. Nonetheless, space was vast and the probabilities of finding the elusive enemy were less than ideal. It was not zero however, and with any luck the drones would prove that.

It took five minutes for the small task force to empty its internal drone bays. Over two thousand automated scouts lost to the void before they activated their hyper drives and vanished into its embrace. The Empire had taken the opportunity that this operation had afforded by launching drones in a great deal of directions. The vast majority of the drones were launched towards unknown space, but others had been tasked with trying to ascertain more detailed information on the new powers emerging into the scenes. It had been decided that the Veithan intelligence dossiers on various powers was not up to the task, chief among them being the ousters. The Empire wanted to ascertain the location of their origins, and had tasked a significant fraction of the sensor drones with their general area of space and that which lay beyond. The Ousters by now were more than likely of the territories and boundaries of the Empire. It was only fair that the Empire knew the same.

Each sensor drone was powered by a small but powerful anti-matter core. The reason for this being obvious, as the drone could immolate itself by preventing the active containment field of the anti-matter should the need arise. If the drones were disabled via an EMP device, the drones would self-destruct. The sensor package on the drones was powerful but limited. It would be capable of finding the siliconoid threat with a reasonable degree of confidence. If the siliconoids were buried beneath a planet however, the drones would be incapable of discovering their presence. There was only so much that could be done with a sensor package the size of the drones. And so the drones sped towards their target systems and coordinates in space, each bearing the promise of discovery.