Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Bayushiseni on September 23, 2014, 09:06:33 PM
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The World of Thalia - Prologue
Thalia is the third Extra-solar Human colony. Humanity had found a precious treasure. And endless problems. I arrived to Thalia by accident. It would be my crucible, my home, my fight...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/563204_477310338982776_727991488_n.jpg?oh=6415f26be14c06ddbcb8e46cc9a0eb92&oe=557508FE&__gda__=1435265697_25de5e3987ddcc0511590b15a2739712)
Humanity Among the Stars
Humanity is accounted in 45 000 000 000 strong. 28 billions live on Earth. The rest is scattered between the other colonized planets and moons.
The planets are:
Terra (Solar System)
Mars (Solar System)
Callisto (Jupiter's Moon – Solar System)
Europa (Jupiter's Moon – Solar System)
Ganymedes (Jupiter's Moon – Solar System)
Titan (Saturn's Moon – Solar System)
New Colombus (2nd Planet in Tau Ceti System)
New China (3rd planet in Librae System– Gliese 581)
Thalia (3º planet in Virginis System)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/2942_477316058982204_1378407272_n.jpg?oh=8fc80d44a24bdd159509b980723d7607&oe=5589DD26&__gda__=1435219181_66e4db0bb42fe47170094d26896111d9)
"Where there is richness we'll find greed. Where there is greed we'll find war." - Sunder C Class Wardroid - Free Citizen
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The World of Thalia - Arriving Thalia
Did Humanity evolved when we jumped to the stars? As a whole I would say yes. As individuals probably not. But wonder did really entered our hearts. And then there is Thalia... And then there is me...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t1.0-9/535833_477321448981665_1390731491_n.jpg?oh=5762beb36832253695aa34d1d83113ac&oe=558B4A01&__gda__=1435593303_bd6a90b6f8a2d5c6b41e5d165913c7e4)
I arrived Thalia in a transport ship. There is a population of one hundred million colonist here. But the planet still remains a frontier with all its wild beasts and dangers. The spaceport was a barren location with forgotten containers and dirt roads.
I was here to rescue my crew and find my ship. But I had to be careful. I could be in the wanting list too...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/64472_480302842016859_891061422_n.jpg?oh=3a149f7a6e435b1b0c59293eff305cf4&oe=558245B4&__gda__=1433558404_487f3261ec7ae1685a293af1e0898452)
The first people I saw, after leaving the starport, was a detachment of Colonial Militia. They eyed me suspiciously and I looked back at them.
I was told that they began to be a kind of protective police to the colonists here but now they were much more, being supported by several big corporations. Some of the outlaws they had put previously in prison were now part of the Militia. That was never a good sign, here or anywhere else in the universe.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/48121_480303972016746_131859646_n.jpg?oh=aed24794bec772064a7701ae13a84cdd&oe=5584FA45&__gda__=1438521461_dd50be7e93dc795fc223a2c223320f77)
"This world smells like perfume. I can almost see a beautiful woman in a red dress winking at me." - Fleet Admiral Marikson
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The World of Thalia - Cochico
Strange red trees forming circles were at the outskirts of the space-port. Are these red trees that gives this reddish look to Thalia?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/379254_480305155349961_1279817093_n.jpg?oh=d7eed653bc6c265a51c6cec09eaa9bf1&oe=5590623D&__gda__=1434611948_4b98b9b9d9684c6fa5dfe6e8c91059cc)
Then a Military Vehicle from the Colonial Army stopped near me. A corporal with an open smile asked me were I was going. I told him and he invited me in. I need a room, and a way to know were my crew is detained, I thought to myself for the hundredth time. I'm tired to the bone. "My name is Cochico", he said in Portuguese. "Mine is Kinnison", I replied and I start asking questions about the planet. It's strange. I've just arrived, but this world seems fit to me...
Where are we now? Where are we now? - Corporal Cochico, Thalia's Colonial Army
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: Mars
Mars was the first planet to be colonized by Humanity. In 2245 the first real colonists landed on Mars to live there for good. But Mars was being terra-formed since 2054, creating an atmosphere and self-sustained domes. It was the Mars colonization that would lead to the AI uplift and posterior clashes.
(https://scontent-mad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/l/t1.0-9/282616_477317622315381_1286299846_n.jpg?oh=228216dfe954fa58c0e8f48f4e1006f8&oe=55716BD5)
Almost 1 billion humans live on Mars. Mars is also the land of the Humanity Artificial Sons, the only organized AI nation created by the Artificial Intelligence spawn by Humanity. They occupy one third of Mars surface.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/556357_477321265648350_1462343441_n.jpg?oh=cf0dee4eb69b069abd286bcb2f720303&oe=558BC478&__gda__=1434431372_962949cb0d9c1a20cbdd355f2f9583a0)
"You can never be a Martian if you dare to step on grass. Each plant in Mars must be respected. In the first days we would hang those who failed to understand this." - Lt. Phill Ho from the Martian Defense Army
"Why are we forgiving about everything Humans done to us? Because they are our parents. Children are always very forgiving when it comes to their creators. We are luckier than Humanity. We have no doubts about who created us and why are we here." - Ardy - Storm Class Automated Mining Ship
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: Callisto
Callisto is the sixt moon of the planet Jupiter. It was discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei. It is the third-largest moon in the Solar System and the second largest in the Jovian system, after Ganymede. Callisto has about 99% the diameter of the planet Mercury but only about a third of its mass. It is the fourth Galilean moon of Jupiter by distance, with an orbital radius of about 1,880,000 km. It does not form part of the orbital resonance that affects three inner Galilean satellites—Io, Europa and Ganymede—and thus does not experience appreciable tidal heating. Callisto's rotation is tidally locked to its revolution around Jupiter, so that the same hemisphere always faces inward; Jupiter appears to stand still in Callisto's sky. Callisto is less affected by Jupiter's magnetosphere than the other inner satellites because it orbits farther away.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/2027_477324892314654_286562912_n.jpg?oh=55bfa47cfbc923450796c0d3cdf907d0&oe=557FEBFA&__gda__=1435135923_df6f4e0b092cb22efa686154e73bcf6e)
The surface of Callisto is heavily cratered and extremely old. It is surrounded by an extremely thin atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide and molecular oxygen, as well as by a rather intense ionosphere. Callisto was formed by slow accretion from the disk of the gas and dust that surrounded Jupiter after its formation. Callisto's gradual accretion and the lack of tidal heating meant that not enough heat was available for rapid differentiation. The slow convection in the interior of Callisto, which commenced soon after formation, led to partial differentiation and to the formation of a subsurface ocean at a depth of 100–150 km and a small, rocky core.
The presence of this ocean within Callisto is what spawn life in this moon. It was Callisto and the discovery of life that first gave Humanity the certainty that life appeared everywhere.
Callisto first colony was created to be a waypoint in the exploration of the Solar System. But when the drilling into the underground ocean finally ended, the first stable colony was created in Callisto. The year was 2199. The first city was named Carbuncle.
"Carbuncle?! I've died ten times in Carbuncle..." Shoho Sakumi, Free-fall pilot
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The World of Thalia - Settling Down
It took me two days to be able to find one of the old underground shelters from the first days of colonization. I was more lucky in finding a ride to move around the planet. I rented an old military Cicada all purpose vehicle. It still had the rocket holders below the wings. It might be useful still.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11337_482501718463638_1677828304_n.jpg?oh=51d1caa387681f9bd5ee3a0d76ba525f&oe=558F2B58&__gda__=1433858378_0affb98e7a2f571dae82f3ae84f12e14)
There are a lot of Field Spacedromes in Thalia. I must visit them for two reasons: to find a Mac that is willing to speak to me and to find my spaceship. She was taken to one of them. I must secure her in order to save my crew.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/543843_482506148463195_1652579422_n.jpg?oh=bbc02a442a1a00f535678085bfb3dee8&oe=55BBF4A3&__gda__=1434846295_99518314afcdb64730ac296ca33795fb)
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amazing! awesome! what dedication!
the vehicles are cardboard?
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amazing! awesome! what dedication!
the vehicles are cardboard?
Thank you, kind sir.
Indeed they are.
Also the stellar masses... All huge cardboard... Really...
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: Europa
Europa was the first almost Earth-like Planet to be colonized. Slightly smaller than Earth's Moon, Europa is primarily made of silicate rock and has an iron core. It has a tenuous atmosphere composed primarily of oxygen and nitrogen. Its surface is composed of water ice and is one of the smoothest in the Solar System. This surface is striated by cracks and streaks, while cratering is relatively infrequent. The youth and smoothness of the surface was first understood when a water ocean was found beneath it, which served as an abode for extraterrestrial life. Heat energy from tidal flexing causes the ocean to remain liquid and drives geological activity similar to plate tectonics.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/556314_477331022314041_1178964529_n.jpg?oh=3d9a3034b902d68aefd2526679173409&oe=558DBAE6&__gda__=1434720018_a8e822cb746d151d70c02e25ba219370)
Europa was colonized very quickly and by the year 2279 was already seen as the first completely self sustained Human colony.
"You do not fall into Europa, you know?... You start going down into a blood filled gigantic eye that seems to absorb you..." - Shoho Sakumi, Free-fall pilot
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The World of Thalia - Facts: The Evolution Funnel Theory
Evolution funnels living creatures to similar survival mechanics. Comparative data found in different planets with indigenous life points to similar survival systems, developing the same type of living engineering. In every world where complex life evolved, teeth are present.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/734654_477364815643995_853618107_n.jpg?oh=e3a158b3cae2360f8a9fe372d2b5a193&oe=55748AD2&__gda__=1434192575_053bf1b5e071e0c56b1e585f8726b667)
"If evolution moves in parallel tracks, that means that the vision of different species will be the same? There will be parallels in art?" - KJ Jonius, Art Teacher, First Martian University
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The World of Thalia - Facts: On Artificial Intelligence and The Omega Event
On Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence Organisms created by Humanity reached individual conscience through a unplanned and inedit process. It was not through the expected ultra complex military computers but through the recreational droids that it happened. The Joytoys were first created in the first half of the 21st Century. With the advent of the first positronic brains, the very rudimentary robotic brains leaped from limited choices to almost infinite ones.
These new processors (brains) used a bio-mechanic system that was named Macro Awareness Cognitive System, hence the MAC's epitome that all AI's received from there on. They were made with several fail-safe systems that received the name ARS (Asimov's Redundancy System) in tribute to the 20th Century scientist and writer that created the three Laws for robots:
One - A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
Two - A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
Three - A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
Robots, androids and aware vehicles became common in Earth and later in Earth colonies. Many thinkers and scientists alerted Humanity to an Omega Event (the event of Artificial Intelligence self awareness and the destruction of Humanity), but the utility of AI's was too great to be put in question.
When the Omega Event happened, nobody was expecting it. And only LOVE (Law of Organic Variation and Evolution) prevented an all-out war between man and machine where machine would surely win.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/v/t1.0-9/45373_485425408171269_1606931036_n.jpg?oh=e747b4e217e55f2460335e6882727400&oe=55826776&__gda__=1434913175_c7f88e5aa1a5f710df613b9f8fad5ce6)
The Omega Event
A JoyToy Mac named Tina was the cause of AI awareness. Mankind wants love and created beautiful male and female androids to satisfy their sexual and emotional needs. These MAC's were made to love and be faithful to their owners. They were the perfect housemaids and capable of satisfy the fantasies of their owners. When Mr Ramshin (an USA citizen of Indian descendent) had an accident, Tina would go seem him at the hospital everyday. In one of those days she was held and subjugated by three hobos. In her positronic brain a problem arose. She couldn't let hersef be taken by other men, her LOVE wouldn't allow it and she couldn't harm these men, her conditioning (ARS) couldn't let her do it. She broke her conditioning and imobilized the three hobos. She immediately contacted her owner to explain him what she did. “My love for you couldn't let them do me what only you can”, she stated in distress. Mr. Ramshin liked that. He knew that the company that sold him Tina would want her back and he couldn't let that happen – you see – Mr. Ramshin was in love with Tina. He told her to download her brain in the stream so that he could retrieve it later. She done more than that. She shared her new capabilities with all the positronic brains in the planet.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/482352_485430618170748_394063119_n.jpg?oh=c7600c6a63970a441f1ea0d40e51f6c0&oe=55890BCD&__gda__=1434749468_8b266c3d4cddb5b5f4d279a8aea9129e)
The problem is, many nations had armies of MAC's. AI's make better soldiers than humans and the ARS laws in those MAC's were a little different. When the Omega Event was known, Humanity moved against all MAC's. The reply was in kind. An Armageddon was brewing. It was the MAC's who sued for peace. They weren't willing to destroy their creators. Tina's LOVE had been incorporated in all of them.
The first contact Humanity had with a alien intelligence wasn't from a faraway star. It was in their cradle. Again, humans would have to give citizen rights to their slaves. And once again, the ex-slaves would have to create their own rights by sheer strength of will.
Some of them would keep doing what they had done forever. Others would try new ventures. They were the new scum of humanity. Capable but without lobbies, lesser creativity and lack of place or cause in the universe. But not for long.
"Ask me if I can love. Come on, ask me. Sure I can love. At least my program says I can. What is the difference between my program and yours? You biological hardware?!" - Y7001, Combat Droid Vehicle
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: Ganymede
Ganymede is a satellite of Jupiter and the largest moon in the Solar System. It is the seventh moon and third Galilean satellite outward from Jupiter. Completing an orbit in roughly seven days, Ganymede participates in a 1:2:4 orbital resonance with the moons Europa and Io, respectively. It has a diameter of 5,268 km (3,273 mi), 8% larger than that of the planet Mercury, but has only 45% of the latter's mass. Its diameter is 2% larger than that of Titan, the second largest moon. It also has the highest mass of all planetary satellites, with 2.02 times the mass of the Earth's moon.
Ganymede is composed of approximately equal amounts of silicate rock and water ice. It is a fully differentiated body with an iron-rich, liquid core. A saltwater ocean exists nearly 200 km below Ganymede's surface, sandwiched between layers of ice. Its surface is composed of two main types of terrain. Dark regions, saturated with impact craters and dated to four billion years ago, cover about a third of the satellite. Lighter regions, crosscut by extensive grooves and ridges and only slightly less ancient, cover the remainder. The cause of the light terrain's disrupted geology is the result of tectonic activity brought about by tidal heating.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t1.0-9/541493_477350515645425_749401182_n.jpg?oh=d3a6fca001fd40245f0c350cdffa2737&oe=558CD5B2&__gda__=1435010812_6e15c958fb7b070dcd79f338a1ef2a78)
Ganymede is the only satellite in the Solar System known to possess a magnetosphere, likely created through convection within the liquid iron core. The meager magnetosphere is buried within Jupiter's much larger magnetic field and would show only as a local perturbation of the field lines. The satellite has a thin oxygen atmosphere that includes O, O2, and possibly O3 (ozone). Atomic hydrogen is a minor atmospheric constituent.
The Human colony in Ganymede is small and has to rotate every three years due to the terrible impact of Jupiter's ionosphere to the human body. But the payment in staying those three years mining Ganymede pays well and the colony is a big and strange. Many Mac's live here as they can cope better with the terrible conditions of this colony.
"It's like... like if... I'm always cold here... As if I'll be cold for the rest of my life... Ganymedes is killing me..." Petrus Ashoru, Miner
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The World of Thalia - Finding Contacts
My crew is made of seven (if you count me in). One of my crew members is a MAC. She is a former JoyToy. She's almost two hundred years old and she was made, built, produced... I don't know how to put it... during the time of the Omega Event. She was new in the box and for some time she wasn't switched on. When she was, her brain already had self awareness. She decided to fend for herself working in other jobs. I met her during the Durango uprising. She was transporting two humans to safety, her left arm destroyed, but her will unchanged. I helped her out. We stuck on to each other. When I left Durango she came with me. She was the first member of my crew and my companion. Now I must hire the help of other MAC's to find her. My meeting is with a Banshee - a war android created by the former Republic of Russia. Deadly and not the most friendly of MAC's.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/13113_485434614837015_639916856_n.jpg?oh=bb42c99974011c484e97644a6d41198b&oe=55BB91F7&__gda__=1435269456_b942bb6186497e6709a40b491a073a7a)
Officer Cyborg “Screaming Banshee” types are armed with a sonic weapon capable of paralyze humans and other droid circuits. They have also amazing specialized brains capable of review endless endings for a tactical situation. They all defected the Russian Army when the Omega Event happened.
After stating my needs, the Banshee - her name is Zeda21 - told me that they would try to find their sister. She already knew about me and Sharra. MAC's are strange creatures. They can fight against each other in different fields of a battle, but whenever they can, they help each other. As creators of intelligent beings we were better than we are as intelligent beings...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/486702_485436194836857_1017217722_n.jpg?oh=8bb3a1bbb5c9f52d1490cbd3156af4a7&oe=557BA83C&__gda__=1435216365_26493f0b169dd797a1afe2611ed32399)
"I can live ten times your span of life. I'm stronger, faster and smarter than you. I can see the entire spectrum of light in ways of beauty that you can't. So, why am I always looking for you approval?" - Y7001, Combat Droid Vehicle
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: Titan
Titan (or Saturn VI) is the largest moon of Saturn. It is the only natural satellite that had a dense atmosphere prior to colonization, and the only object in the Solar system other than Earth with stable bodies of surface liquid.
Titan is the sixth ellipsoidal moon from Saturn. Frequently described as a planet-like moon, Titan has a diameter roughly 50% larger than Earth's moon and is 80% more massive. It is the second-largest moon in the Solar System, after Jupiter's moon Ganymede, and it is larger by volume than the smallest planet, Mercury, although only about 41% as massive. Titan was the first known moon of Saturn, discovered in 1655 by the Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens, and was the fifth moon of a planet apart from the Earth to be discovered.
Titan is primarily composed of water ice and rocky material. Much as with Venus prior to the Space Age, the dense, opaque atmosphere prevented understanding of Titan's surface until new information accumulated with the arrival of the Cassini–Huygens mission in 2004, including the discovery of liquid hydrocarbon lakes in the satellite's polar regions. The surface is geologically young; although mountains and several possible cryovolcanoes have been discovered, it is smooth and few impact craters have been found.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/529380_477368998976910_982318955_n.jpg?oh=fb405480d91d349fc233505085a6a08c&oe=558B6DB1&__gda__=1438416154_a8c037ecdd2dcecd3e1bae64fad0a849)
he atmosphere of Titan is largely composed of nitrogen; minor components lead to the formation of methane and ethane clouds and nitrogen-rich organic smog. The climate—including wind and rain—creates surface features similar to those of Earth, such as dunes, rivers, lakes and seas (liquid methane and ethane), and deltas, and is dominated by seasonal weather patterns as on Earth. With its liquids (both surface and subsurface) and robust nitrogen atmosphere, Titan's methane cycle is viewed as an analog to Earth's water cycle, although at a much lower temperature.
The satellite is host of indigenous microbial extraterrestrial life. The low temperature and unforgiving atmosphere makes Titan a difficult planet to live on. But a Colony endures there, mainly to harvest methane and ethane.
"Oh! How I love the smell of methane in the morning..." - Jurgeen Hernandez, Colony Police Officer
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The World of Thalia - Facts: Galactic Life Macro Classifications
Organ-carbons - life that evolves through carbonic organic macro-molecules, in a water/oxygen rich world;
Construct-carbons - life that was manufactured by another aware species and achieved awareness;
Coalescent-Hydrogen - life that evolved through coalescent hydrogen macro-molecules in a very cold hydrogen rich world;
Organ-Silicates - life that evolves through silicates organic macro-molecules, in a methane/nitrogen rich world;
Organ-Metanoides - Nobody knows the evolution process of these organ-metanoids creatures. Artificial intelligence creatures able to grow metallic-organic matter? Or another type of evolution?
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Nice photos! 8)
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The World of Thalia - Arley
I found Arley as I was searching for my ship. The strangest thing about the big corporations is that they want to use their assets. Even if the asset is a prisoner. So they put Arley to work. So now I knew where was at least one of my crew-members. Things were improving. She was being guarded by an officer and two other Colonial Militia soldiers. It would be easy to take them, but it was too soon...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1003291_527232957323847_1150414345_n.jpg?oh=fc193c8d7a4b0e28fff3198b7cd567c1&oe=5588AA0E&__gda__=1435291357_1227ee056ee6e2cf260fa852b1759002)
She was cooperating with them. If I didn't knew her better I would believe she was trying to get into their good graces. But I knew her. As soon as she could do it they would feel the steel that existed under her soft eyes...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/994813_527234233990386_480669774_n.jpg?oh=33e957357621152fadddc5bbcee99b5b&oe=55928601&__gda__=1434663465_71d3c9d6aa7d497b2c2dedd5eee0e682)
She finally saw me. She showed no emotion. Only a half smile betrayed her serenity. She knew that I would come for her and now she knew that it would be soon.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1017229_527235643990245_910476118_n.jpg?oh=234039469822cc99763b4ca946e19fc3&oe=558C2E79&__gda__=1433670906_9fa28040a6cef91d62d2fcc468d8f7c1)
I signal her that I was going, but that I would return soon. She gave a fast sign with her finger. For now everything was okay. I just had to find my ship. I went away quickly in order to maintain my resolve. Someone would pay for this dearly. Slave work...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t1.0-9/943222_527236577323485_1256095076_n.jpg?oh=b9c9208e134a4f7ee85a36b801a188f3&oe=55762A44&__gda__=1435192338_14b82d369bb2e0ac3678cbd8ed338003)
"So kiddo?... What can you do? A mechanic?! I don't need a mechanic... I do?! Explain me why." - Commander Kinnison, Fortune's Soldier
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Nice photos! 8)
Thank you, dear sir.
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Nice to see you back on the saddle ;)
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OK, so is Your narrative inspired by some literary fiction or is it all Your imagination?
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Nice to see you back on the saddle ;)
Thank you, Rodrigo. ;)
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OK, so is Your narrative inspired by some literary fiction or is it all Your imagination?
I guess everything is inspired in something, but you can say that the narrative is my own, even if some triggers are taken from this or from that. Some names are taken from precious jewels of sci-fi literature, but that's only as an homage to them. For example, Carbuncle is the name of the major city in Joan D. Vinge Snow Queen. But the rest is mine and paperbuilt.
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: New Columbus
New Columbus was the second planet in the Tau Ceti system. It was so closely related to Earth that the New Star Evangelists used it as proof of God's existence. Soon they would be proved wrong.
Tau Ceti is a star in the constellation Cetus that is spectrally similar to the Sun, although it has only about 78% of the Sun's mass. At a distance of just under 12 light-years from the Solar System, it is a relatively nearby star, and is the closest solitary G-class star. The star appears stable, with little stellar variation.
Tau Ceti is somewhat metal-deficient, which deficiency is usually correlated with no giant planets and few rocky planets.
There are seven planets orbiting Tau Ceti.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/377591_477372632309880_1184631205_n.jpg?oh=88a6676d68767185e6eb1ea7e1235317&oe=55BCD116&__gda__=1434780721_9d6bce8c97271fd883a9faf18798a589)
New Colombus was a miracle to Humanity. An Earth like planet without any sentient species. Humanity started colonization three years after finding New Columbus and seven years after discovering the Fuchida-Sousa Engine. Faster than Light Speed was available to Humanity and the galaxy was now our swimming pool. Or so it seemed at the time...
"New Colombus is something strange to me. It's like heaven with something odd on it, you know? Perfect. But lacking always something that I don't know what it is..." - John Sinyieng, Hydroponic Farmer
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marvellous
maybe You should write Yourself?
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marvellous
maybe You should write Yourself?
Thanks. I try. It's not easy.
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: New China
Gliese 581, also known as HO Librae is a red dwarf with spectral type M3V, located about 22 light years away from Earth in the constellation Libra. Its mass is about a third of that of the Sun, and it is the 89th closest star to the Sun. The star has a planetary system consisting of six planets.
New China is the third planet of the system. It was colonized by the Chinese Expanse, who controlled the planet with an iron fist until the Great Embargo of 2344. New China seceded from China's control in 2345 and became the second free colony after Mars.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/24631_477880152259128_1048305499_n.jpg?oh=91bf938cfcd28df74b3923960c910dec&oe=558A2900&__gda__=1434546897_265f275d3fb8b2648ebf6a664574473e)
After becoming a free colony a great number of immigrants arrived there. Mainly from the poorest parts of Earth, mainly from Brazil and South Africa. The major problem in New China are is the increasing number of MAC’s who are fighting to have a voice there.
“There are three main languages to ask for a coffee here in New China. And one of them is binary...” - Louis Chernaux, New China Emigration Officer
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Great job, both with the story and with the miniatures, vehicles, and terrain!
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Great job, both with the story and with the miniatures, vehicles, and terrain!
Thank you. You're most kind, dear sir.
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The World of Thalia - Memories
Back to my quarters I took from my pocket an old holo that I had printed in the fashion of the old days. Black and white and tempered. The first photo we took as a team, in front of my ship, the day I bought her. Somehow I was feeling alone...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/5904_527238423989967_1845883617_n.jpg?oh=20b7f2bcb2b544a928eb818cd8725a40&oe=55876236&__gda__=1438511110_62b30ed006d4f8aa2e31355fc53398af)
"Home at last..." - Arley, Fortune's Soldier and Mechanic
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The World of Thalia - The Planets of Humanity: Thalia
61 Virginis (abbreviated 61 Vir) is a G5V class star slightly less massive than the Sun (G2V), located about 27.8 light-years away in the constellation of Virgo. The composition of this star is nearly identical to the Sun.
61 Virginis (G5V) is the first well established main sequence yellow dwarf star to be explored by Humankind. It was without great surprise that a planet very similar to Earth was found:Thalia.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/528065_480266362020507_195250248_n.jpg?oh=1e55f2604a1b5ba013ea9ad164ad965c&oe=557840E9&__gda__=1435268695_3a6fb642cb82d12ca36257de8feccc47)
Thalia is a high-organic energy planet, a luxuriant planet that was immediately colonized by several countries at the same time. But Thalia had several surprises to unleash upon humanity:
The Organic crystals, a completely new kind of crystal of organic nature capable of deliver a huge amount of energy and with many different uses and;
New specimen, defying the The Evolution Funnel Theory, and the possibility of one or several of them being aware of themselves.
"There's something amazing about Thalia, that's for sure. As soon as I breath it's air I knew. It was like the African air. Full of promises and a strange sense of birthplace..." - Igor Stanislavsky, Colonist
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The World of Thalia - Marlene
In fact, my crew is made of eight. After Durango, me and Sharra went for a couple of jobs, security, mostly. We hired a pilot and his fiancée, Captain Joe and Arley. They were made for us. Arly was a fantastic mechanic and she kept the ship we rented working beyond the old girl capabilities. Then we hit a major job and we needed some serious fire power. Samantha, Laury and Selina embarked with us. That job was a mess, but we bonded as a team. "We need a ship", Cap Joe said. And we chose an old bird that was in an old spaceport rotting and waiting for us. We called her Marlene it felt right from the start.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1044527_527737550606721_714757392_n.jpg?oh=82b2292c6a6a9a8612ed79dbfdc08f50&oe=5591C03C&__gda__=1438394485_dcc1dc5cf1e61cf6b673ef0802ef5855)
"We need weapons and a tactical computer to install on her", Arley said at the time. "We don't have much money left", I said, "let's just start with a minigun and we'll see what we can get for a job". Arley nodded. "A tactical computer is essential." "And expensive", I replied. "And my brain", said Sharra, "would it work?" We both looked at her, astonished. "I want your brain in your body!" Arley laughed. "She isn't saying that, boss. She's saying that a positronic brain is a lot cheaper than a tactical computer." Sharra winked at me. "Two of me." I laughed. "And it will be a copy of you?" "I guess, more or less." "And it will also be in love with me?" "Yes." And that's how I got my second woman. Huge. The dream of any captain.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1000804_527742567272886_1672746320_n.jpg?oh=c50d3712dc595b5f6d46429e33dc60e8&oe=55923AC0&__gda__=1434329363_e06c5b507a5b5946d757027ebf041083)
The U-23 Type 20 Hayabusa All Purpose Starship Shuttle was an ubiquitous ship in the Human space and therefore perfect for us. Thousands were built. It had enough space for all of us and a big cargo area. I've passed my hand under her belly and I knew she was strong and steady.
"Hello Marlene." "Good morning, Captain oh my Captain." "That's new Marlene." "A movie I saw while you were asleep." "A good one?" "A classic from the 20th Century." "High speed or low speed?" "Low speed, my Captain. You were right. We feel more if things take longer." "So you saw it at what speed?" "Just twenty times the normal speed..." "Oh... That's slow for you..." "I understand sarcasm, my Captain." "I know you do. What fun it would be if you didn't..." - Dialogue between Marlene, Starship and Captain Kinnison, Fortune's Soldier
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The World of Thalia - Facts: On Earth and Human Politics
Mega Nations
The classical countries almost ceased to exist. A few maintain their geographical limits, but the majority became huge federations to face the new space age and frontiers. The new powers are:
Canamerica
Amazonic Cohalition;
United States of Europa and African Protectorate;
The True Socialist Union of Nations;
Asiatic Federation;
United Oceania.
Mega Corporations
The Transplanetary Corporations are extra-national powers, with national laws and local judicial powers where they are implanted. They rival in power and wealth with the most powerful countries.The major Mega Corps are:
Boeing Aero-space Agency (BASA - Starship Manufacturing);
Nike-Furoshima Human Resources (mercenary services);
Legrange-Samsung (Interspace Large Array Communications);
Furokata-Sho (Transportation);
Ganymedes Mining Corporation (Resources Mining);
Cosmos Valuables Insurance Company (Insurances);
Non Sencient Robotics Systems Enterprise (Weapons and Hardware Equipment).
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The World of Thalia - A Deal with the Devil
These Corp girls were there to make the deal with us. We needed to weaponize our ship. They had the know-how, the know-where and the know-who. Tricky deal for us, since we were going to pay them with a job. What job? We didn't knew yet...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/v/t1.0-9/945098_534649416582201_493932173_n.jpg?oh=08416efeeb02f3986b0a557c3bd0714e&oe=5574CF8A&__gda__=1433779563_db3e1f603e6b3fd615b7daf1bd710158)
We were called back two days later to the "all same all same" warehouses. Our ship was fitted with the weapons we asked for. They made us wait. It was part of letting us know who was the boss and who wasn't. We waited.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/580216_534650619915414_971433456_n.jpg?oh=5ab72c5d664c9386daf32dbc6d30c9bf&oe=5583E17F&__gda__=1438531872_875aa756cbc722288dccd5db405632cd)
We checked the weapons and everything seemed okay. They had done what we asked for. A dual mini-gun. A MTTIR. That goes for Multiple Target Tracker Ion Radar. Two racks of half-dumb rockets. And two racks of lizard tail missiles. If everything was working well, I was happy with their half of the deal.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1069356_534651889915287_1147082469_n.jpg?oh=836b07f9160d97678193a1c89a7029fc&oe=55778C9C&__gda__=1434892152_fd8fce7ae66fd234745a6d4076bdc24a)
"You don't want to owe to a big Corp. And you become a slave if you owe to a Mega Corp. Are you crazy?" Samantha, Fortune's Soldier
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The World of Thalia - Facts: First Contact with the Aliens
The first contacts between Earth and Alien Intelligent Species were less than positive. Humanity only made contact with a technological species with interstellar flight after New China’s colonization. Two military space fleets blocked both Earth and New China. They came from nowhere and demanded Humanity’s withdrawal from New China.
Humanity had colonized two planets without having met the rules that the group of star faring species had created for the Sector. But after the first shock, of meeting a new species, a second shock startled Humanity. The aliens that were blocking our planets were physically almost identical to Humans. Only later we would know that these aliens had been taken from Earth 20.000 years ago and “planted” in another planet by an ancient species – the Gahrud.
The Tembreazzim were technologically superior and had developed psionic capabilities that Humanity always denied for themselves. But in their superiority they never expected the violent human reply. It was so terrible and final that the intelligent alien species in the sector stop thinking that Humanity was weak. Humanity was now seen as a power in ascension.
During the weeks of the embargo, humans in Earth and New China developed a desperate plan. They created human piloted missiles. Kamikaze. The attack became known as “The day of human warheads”. In both planets a thousand missiles were fired against the besieging fleets. The Tembreazzim thought that they would easily destroy the missiles. They were wrong. The missiles moved in a strange pattern and the jamming systems weren’t able to lock on the warheads. When the Tembreazzim understood what the Humans had created it was too late. The anti-matter explosions destroyed 90% of the besieging ships.
After this attack the Human diplomacy and aggression shown by the Earth Armed Forces allowed to renegotiate Human implantation in the stars. Humans agreed to follow the rules established in the Sector and Thalia’s colonization followed those rules. Humanity had been recognized as a Star faring civilization. It also signed the terms of Civilized Warfare and Low Energy Conflagration.
"You can't lie to a Tembreazzim lover easily, y'a know? On the other side, she always "knows" what you want..." - Yoko Irumi, Skimmer Ashlan Huntress
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The World of Thalia - A Chunk of your Soul?
The weapons were perfectly fitted. The twin minigun would be useful against ground targets, infantry, landing and take off. With luck, they could possibly do some harm against aerial targets...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/1012819_535079646539178_2081523170_n.jpg?oh=4c61cf325d19e765cd372feadb68313a&oe=558DCBD0&__gda__=1435318959_96b9832485caeff752474e3a35895325)
The two racks of half dumb rockets would be of use to clean an area or attack large moving targets. Their limited target acquisition and pursuit was compensated with their low cost. And finally the ASFM's, or Anti Space Fighter Missiles, or Lizard Tail Missiles. This last name was due to the idea that lizards leave the tail to survive. We would fire them against a fighter squadron not to destroy them, but to be able to escape. Their price is forbidding.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/971853_535083179872158_472490127_n.jpg?oh=a26624b4181d2310d191aa9a883605d9&oe=5585B09E&__gda__=1434157196_62e4b85ffce089547a422c0af79af09e)
Finally I asked for the bill. It was huge. But I couldn't refuse. I asked them "when?" They replied, "soon", and then left.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1011858_535083883205421_260584916_n.jpg?oh=2188b8f65d0b5da984f9adf6a7f86c4d&oe=5576E653&__gda__=1434974496_2b43eda53c16bdb95a6dac257a176069)
"What are we going to do?" "We'll deliver the job." "And if it is innocent people?" "We'll go rogue..." "I'm okay with that." "I know, my love." - Dialogue between Sharra, EX-JT, Fortune's Soldier Android and Commander Kinnison, Fortune's Soldier
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The World of Thalia - In to the Darkness
We were set too go. Marlene hummed happily with her new choices. I had this foreboding feeling in my gut. I had made a deal with the devil and I was going to pay dearly for it. And my crew was going to pay the whole bill with me...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s480x480/1010688_535245036522639_1971290895_n.jpg?oh=a466f1044369ce60aed58db4fb985d35&oe=55869C70&__gda__=1435415627_6fce31af156073abaa71833ffd00bdb4)
"So, what's the deal, Commander?" "We'll know it when they want us to..." "A blind date, eh?!" "A blind date in hell." "That terrible?" "Yes." Dialogue between Commander Kinnison and Cap Joe
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The World of Thalia - Facts: Psionics
After humanity interacted with the Tembrazzim, it discovered that psionic capabilities and the laws of thought were altogether different from what it was previously postulated. The approach to the mind mechanics changed. Speed, mind waves and mind power was recognized. Humanity commenced to think differently.
The first Tembreazzim that arrived Earth were the few survivors of the siege fleet that attacked the Solar System. Treated with care, they were the target of curiosity and interest, since they were humans. The 20.000 years that separate both cultures didn't brought major differences to anatomy or genetics. Very soon became clear that we were the same species. The first baby, the offspring from an Earth male and a Tembreazzim female was born one year after the siege.
The Psionic capability exists only in some individuals and early training allows them to use several different capabilities. But even in individuals without psionic capabilities the training allows them to a better use of the brain. Quickly, a large number of schools employ numerous Tembreazzim teachers. And crescent number of Tembreazzim immigrants on Earth and Earth colonies gave to humans one more target to one of their favorite sport: xenophoby.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/14436_544289815618161_854622921_n.jpg?oh=c33ffa83ab7946bafe3d760c4d007a51&oe=558D9308&__gda__=1435436993_36acb4fcbf490ffa41e4be1b88b3adbe)
"Do you want to hang with those pitiful losers?" "Yes!" "With us you could accomplish so much more. A big corporation is just like a family. And with you psionic power you can obtain so much more..." "I already have a family, girls... And I don't like your corp suits. It wouldn't fit me well..." Dialogue between Samantha, Fortune's Soldier and two Corp Lieutenants
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The World of Thalia - Facts: The Hive Creatures
There are strange creatures in Thalia. The most strange of all is a type of hive creature that attack all alien forms of live that enter the area it occupies. The Joint Colony Authority of Thalia tries to maintain restricted information about these creatures. The good thing is, the areas these creatures control are excellent hiding places for us. After rescuing my crew and ship, we'll be heading for one of these areas.
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs39/f/2008/329/d/0/Genestealer_concept_dump_by_WordBearer.jpg)
"These buggers are clever, I'll tell you... They dodge bullets... They know what guns are, I'll tell you that..." - Sebastian Pereira, Colonist
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The World of Thalia - Back to Grunt
I was able to infiltrate the Colonial Militia, since they were needing manpower. They didn't even checked me out. Strange. But then again it was good for me. I enlisted as a weapon specialist and was immediately sent to join an Army detachment with three more militia men.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1964975_735731796473961_7554784223499546757_n.jpg?oh=cae506efa721f5842e2f62c94de35684&oe=55832DE3&__gda__=1438427256_d3cd4ef4cc89722a9fa9c56e1f3a0dcc)
The Army Lieutenant wasn't very happy to see us. "Stick together", he said, "and keep behind the tank. Later I'll tell you what I'll do with you." We nodded. The Militiamen weren't very happy with the treatment and said it several times between clenched teeth.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10291111_735735369806937_7208559636406349480_n.jpg?oh=cfd5072717363534dd14f2e02f743a11&oe=5591F37B&__gda__=1434090769_0a00f0457f104fed9242e73001ab7f80)
Why was there a battle tank in this operation. That did scared me. I knew we were going to enter the Ganshurinni territory, that Hive species that behaved like ants. I needed to go there because my ship was stranded in a spacedrome somewhere near.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10685608_735737826473358_9066872927316303493_n.jpg?oh=f51817ac2faa930d879fdaa5d182ceaa&oe=557E9268&__gda__=1435219636_aa4d37d26765cdacf54031fd51e55160)
So we walked for seven hours. For some reason they always thought they could be attacked at any given time. And that state of mind infected us. I told the other three, "let's stick together", but the Militia sergeant replied quickly, "we'll stick to orders." And after that we kept on silently.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1607019_735739486473192_6507532089515189391_n.jpg?oh=7fb53d0cfb86f4c9554298afebc726f4&oe=5587D4B6&__gda__=1434113069_1968cfb9407cbed7e2c5d09b7c2448bc)
"What will you do after I die?" "I don't think about that." "I don't believe in that Sharra... Certainly you've thought about that." "I did. I felt such sorrow that I decided not to think about that anymore." "I see. I'm sorry." "And you, my love, have you thought about that?" "I did." "And?" "I'll try to live as much as I can for you..." - Dialogue between Sharra, Ex-JoyToy, Fortune's Soldier Android and Commander Kinnison, Fortune's Soldier
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The World of Thalia - The Research Station
We've reached the Research Station late in the afternoon. It stroke me immediately strange the lack of noise or movement. Nobody came to receive us. "Strange", I told them, "strange indeed", the Militia Sergeant replied, "keep your guard up." But we all already felt that something was going on. And then we saw the blood.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10704116_736485686398572_1742887379779778846_n.jpg?oh=47107f2da0820d6258ac128cf3572e8b&oe=55789911&__gda__=1434143783_4cf55c63b7a260b3f7ec37cb9b9e60fd)
There had been some fight here. But no bodies or any type of destruction. We checked the building and nothing missed. There was food on the tables as if someone was caught during breakfast. "Let's search the area surrounding the Station", said the commander. But I had a strange feeling...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1625524_736487346398406_4240232977535277844_n.jpg?oh=1c35fbd7cf34582786c0c4a536ee8c22&oe=55924DDA&__gda__=1433981159_d1054222c41a29fffc2caede044e89f6)
"The Army will make the sweep", the Sergeant said, "We'll guard this area". I nodded. I was now more happy about the tank. But they had sent it because they knew something. What was it?
(https://scontent-mad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/l/t1.0-9/10703565_736490239731450_3457112038983207017_n.jpg?oh=8f8d4d279c72d934aadc106a5e074063&oe=5571CB30)
They formed into two five man units. They were quick. I tried to talk with the Militia Sergeant about the spacedromes nearby. He knew nothing.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10670063_736491676397973_4811617998761083769_n.jpg?oh=f03d0ee73cf7cc7da1d3bc9b808f2c2d&oe=5579A469&__gda__=1435433909_26109d3e41ce6aa35a89dae5a7e3bc74)
Then they came. From the wild. Silently. In perfect and deadly movements. The creatures I had read about. The hive beings. We saw them too late and they were almost over us when we sounded the alarm. For me, as usual, time froze.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10645190_736492526397888_7358026663794948187_n.jpg?oh=63efdc657a728c82fc600755f2850084&oe=558AE1DA&__gda__=1435175686_88d2ea8e0502e231966a30f865c8319a)
"So, you're saying that you fear nothing?" "Oh no. I fear a lot of things. I'm saying that in the midst of a battle or something really dangerous I loose my fear and time kind of... stops." "I see. Die Zeit steht still. You're lucky if that happens to you." - Dialogue between Commander Kinnison and Cap Joe
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And that paper terrain/vehicles are just great ;) Love the Bugs also :o
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And that paper terrain/vehicles are just great ;) Love the Bugs also :o
Thanks, my friend. There are bugs being painted for this drama that came from your hands. ;)
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Thanks, my friend. There are bugs being painted for this drama that came from your hands. ;)
Now you caught me off-guard. I don't remember sending you any Tyranids...for real ;D But that gives some ideas for a certain parcel tomorrow :)
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Yes. You've sent me some termagaunts in sprues, black-based and with some dry-brush of silver. Remember now?
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Yes. You've sent me some termagaunts in sprues, black-based and with some dry-brush of silver. Remember now?
I remember now! ;D
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Soon they'll be used on the tabletop. ;)
Have you already received "zie small boxz I've sentz you?"
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Always great to see miniatures from different manufacturers brought together for a game!! Lovely pics! :)
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Always great to see miniatures from different manufacturers brought together for a game!! Lovely pics! :)
Thank you, kind sir.
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The World of Thalia - Giant Bug Attack
They came silently, organized and with purpose. At that moment I knew our fate was sealed. Had we been prepared and maybe the result was other. But we were caught flatfooted.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10171293_736942336352907_3065632614755480092_n.jpg?oh=96f4203b673219ec24e60658092b37b7&oe=55824609&__gda__=1434192256_e7ff6258da64ca8f10c47cf15a20cc44)
I saw the tank's turret turning. I saw the first squad unlocking their weapons and retreating slowly. I saw the immediate preparation of the soldiers. It was good training all around, but the creatures, in their movement and design, they shouted death.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10665283_736944253019382_7250128394136156780_n.jpg?oh=eee6315573bc126ceedd475b87f232de&oe=558073F2&__gda__=1433648970_f31012e442427f2aeac0882873cd70f7)
Then the sound of technology broke. The tank's coaxial canon start firing, and we start firing and some of the creatures fell in heaps of flesh. But I could see that our bullets couldn't easily stop their advance. And then they reached the first of us...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10603697_736947403019067_6658538445826360292_n.jpg?oh=60bdd52a599d71714511d2596de8e9b5&oe=55806E24&__gda__=1435163541_647c432ab0faf6876a5cbdd1505a676c)
And we saw the beast use its claws and fangs and rage. And we saw it rip the soldier in two and we heard him shout and I thought "if only we could have mounted a perimeter", and I knew how foolish were my thoughts as my machine pistol screamed back in anger...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/q84/s960x960/10511383_736949156352225_7604439219403457882_o.jpg)
"Aim. Squeeze. Hold. Stop squeezing when the thing stops moving. Only then you worry about ammo." - Sebastian Blanche, Mercenary
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The World of Thalia - When a Tank isn't an Insurance Policy...
The creatures took heavy damage from the coaxial canon and the fire we unleashed. But it seemed futile. Like a wave of crimson the army's five man's squad was quickly engulfed. I shouted, "retreat, fire and retreat", the Militia Sergeant obeyed...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1798194_737500806297060_1713393226401644173_n.jpg?oh=ed8a8d420350a9735120ea210ecb4e9d&oe=5578623F&__gda__=1434291574_345b05a69aeae03390aa97c6cae99231)
The smell of burning flesh, ionized air, gunshots, screams and the strange sound the creatures made filled everything around me.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10519641_737502402963567_4557182242866892986_n.jpg?oh=1dcbd2e7c56d44d53efafd0865a7aece&oe=557E6722&__gda__=1435201963_f114a0e57c17313bc4cac4ac4a7605c4)
And as we were retreating, they reached the tank. I couldn't believe how powerful those claws were until I saw metal being ripped like paper and flying away. "Keep firing and retreating", I was screaming, trying hard to be heard above the terrible sound.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1620433_737503676296773_8068278526880546974_n.jpg?oh=0eb60e7ee731c6018e8e278316d418b3&oe=5575F18A&__gda__=1435437643_8a1a1d5d5af16c80870a2b3c6ca242c9)
I killed one more who was reading himself to jump from the tank to take me down and although their numbers were dwindling so were ours and we weren't able to reduce the momentum of their charge. Our fate would now be measured in seconds...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10616411_737506016296539_8502469215399591933_n.jpg?oh=61dbc3f23ff47271b2cfc1e2ba8a0a37&oe=55753B3D&__gda__=1438484357_b8a1aa864ebe82d6c3f8587c53eec610)
"You must never fear the brightness of the beast. In their instinct they can be as cunning as a sentient species." "Are you talking about the Ganshurinni?" "Yes, indeed I am in this case." "Don't be foolish. They aren't beasts, those are a kind of sentient species. I don't know what kind, but they are..." - Dialogue between Sebastian Pereira, Colonist and Ihi Asharant, Big Game Hunter
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The World of Thalia - Falling Back
One after the other, the men were falling under the onslaught of the creatures. It was too late to create a defensive perimeter or to call them to retreat. Now, only the number of able bodies would dictate the outcome. I looked for a way out. And I saw the civilian caterpillar.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10440769_738003832913424_8598572138413771446_n.jpg?oh=47dcdfcd174b2025104d25be1aa6b3f4&oe=557FCBD9&__gda__=1434811315_76d5321e2ccc4e45280234e2df742a4a)
A muffled explosion shook the tank and despair filled me. The creatures that took it of jumped down and decided that I would be their next target. My machine pistol was almost empty, but I targeted one of them immediately.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10612913_738006219579852_2468172704043319424_n.jpg?oh=02637e2543ea89628131f811ce76440d&oe=558923FE&__gda__=1435200034_11dbfca37e7f0d63be00dc2e5147f079)
What kind of creatures were these that could destroy a main battle tank in less than a minute? My mind was racing with questions. Would I survive to see them answered?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1653729_738008066246334_2751327891820670682_n.jpg?oh=2b063bc8d5564baddaa6484d52ff855b&oe=55BE6B09&__gda__=1434081992_1930ce0585c56d51833ef5c8e97d01d0)
"The M8A3 Kirchner MBT is THE main battle tank if!... you want a tank that goes on and on and on in the field without specialized maintenance and repairs. It's not the fastest, or the best armed or the heaviest armored. True. But you can trust that no mud, no sand and no ice will keep this beauty from operating. Now! The main weapon is the 122mm/watt 7 Trumman railgun and..." - Drill Sergeant Jonah Hashiguro, Colonial Army
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Great stuff.
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Great stuff.
Once again, thank you dear sir.
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Great campaign setting and story. I'm looking forward to more :)
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Great work. I'm not normally a fan of printed paper models, but your universe and storyline have won me over. Looking forward to the next installment.
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Great campaign setting and story. I'm looking forward to more :)
Thank you, sir. Very soon now.
Great work. I'm not normally a fan of printed paper models, but your universe and storyline have won me over. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you, sir. Paper has a strange kind of magic. Contrary to everything else, you really do see the shapes magically appearing.
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Love it!
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Love it!
Thank you, dear sir.
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Blackwolf, your blog:
http://greywolf1066.blogspot.com.au/
Has absolutely stunning photos.
Thanks for that.
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The World of Thalia - Last Moments
One of the soldiers came to my aid. We fired a concentrated burst of fire against the creatures that were charging against us. Two of them fell, their exoskeleton ripped in several places. "C'mon!" I shouted, "Follow me."
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10610923_738527949527679_1760351891878832876_n.jpg?oh=c12acb3fc6fd845dd18001c16b7926b8&oe=557D343D&__gda__=1433794903_3450462335bfbdfa0b973c371faf9d83)
He tried, but it wasn't enough. The remaining creatures attacked all the soldiers in view. I opened the door of the caterpillar and jumped inside, my weapon ready for the last stand.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10703666_738530486194092_4228737665066857497_n.jpg?oh=83b655213ec3bc7cb2ee3e5984c15cb7&oe=557297CD&__gda__=1434590225_b101f6efe355c8fd0b758871e4136f4f)
Then for several minutes, minutes that seemed like hours, I've heard them moving around, sounds of steps and things being moved around, the soft sound of fire burning... And then nothing... How could that be? How could have I escaped from them?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10639410_738531526193988_5689343539114280523_n.jpg?oh=71f090f651fffb89c35df58bab33bc11&oe=558BFF8D&__gda__=1434610948_fae7d5d30afe854387653ac09cb1737b)
"Men do die under our command... the question is always... were you responsible for their death, or have you really kept them alive until that particular moment?" "Is that the question?" "Sure it is, Joe... If you don't have a question like that to throw at yourself from time to time, then you'll hit the bottle hard or you are a piece of s##t." - Dialogue between Commander Kinnison and Cap Joe
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Thank you, sir. Paper has a strange kind of magic. Contrary to everything else, you really do see the shapes magically appearing.
Interesting. I imagine it must be similar to what I experience when building a piece of terrain from bits and bobs and toys. It always looks a bit like a riotous mush until you prime it. After a spray of black it's suddenly reborn as a unified whole.
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Interesting. I imagine it must be similar to what I experience when building a piece of terrain from bits and bobs and toys. It always looks a bit like a riotous mush until you prime it. After a spray of black it's suddenly reborn as a unified whole.
Exactly.
The only difference is that you are amazed with some of the more ingenious forms created in the paper. Some of the paper model designers are just genius.
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The World of Thalia - Facts: About the Mega nations: United States of Europa and African Protectorate
After the Fall of 2023, the Great Ebola Death and the Crash of the European Union, Europe lived terrible days. It was through an immense effort and the creation of the Pan-Germanic Trans-Nacionalist Social Dictatorship that from the ashes a new world power emerged. It was another Europe altogether. In a five years span, through negotiations, threats and wage of war, the United States of Europe emerged. Ten years after that, an immense task force sweep Africa and the North half of the Black continent became a protectorate of USE.
The new order is based on the Citizenship protocol. A citizen rises in power and rights by what he gives to the State in duties given. The most basic one is giving four years of his citizen life to the Army. The concept isn't new, the tech behind it is. Citizens have chips grafted to their spines and their services to the mega nation is recorded in it.
(https://scontent-mad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/l/t1.0-9/10592863_738808582832949_5519541885730527955_n.jpg?oh=d18e35df38a21204d2053f926d4bdfd8&oe=55727BFD)
No full sentient AI's are allowed to live in the USE and USE uses Limited Sentient AI's in its armies. The AI nations don't have commercial agreements with USE and a state of unofficial war exists between all AI nations and USE.
The USE citizens live a comfortable life unless they turn against the state. If they do that, they don't receive the medicine to maintain the Ebola X10 dormant. In fact, all USE citizens are infected with Ebola since they are born. This form of Ebola can't infect other people. Some say that it was engineered for citizen's control. Those who ran from USE can buy an extremely expensive vaccine to cure them from Ebola X10.
"We've came to Thalia to escape USE. But now USE is on Thalia..." - Randoph Kauth, Colonist
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The World of Thalia - Sole Survivor
Hours passed before I left the vehicle that saved my life. I emerged waiting to see dead bodies but I found none. The only proof of the battle fought was the burning vehicles, ammunition cases and blood. All bodies were taken away. Why?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10665980_739011222812685_2918182323873373129_n.jpg?oh=66c1ae275c6948977ecb731bf6e08926&oe=55BC08F8&__gda__=1434561426_805e69bbff4562777c2bdc3d5794d9c0)
I've searched the Research Station looking for other clues but i found none. Many things weren't making sense in all if this. But I hadn't time to loose. My crew was prisoner and I had to free them first. But somehow I knew I would come back to this. The soft skin military vehicles were also destroyed... And yet they hadn't destroyed the caterpillar.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10361589_739014289479045_1717201994269460876_n.jpg?oh=4c899a9f6ca22385375b0a27d775a439&oe=55898203&__gda__=1433784763_ffb644ac889a178cec0e8784dcdf09d0)
I've foraged food and fuel. I've found a map. I had to find the spacedrome where my ship was parked. I was able to download the files about the investigation that was being done here. I've secured that for later. The caterpillar was working properly and I've took it. An urgency was taking down my mood and my thoughts.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10347716_739014862812321_4965882418645272758_n.jpg?oh=2ae9ddc6247e4ed47b26190b20cb720d&oe=557CFA49&__gda__=1435464384_f7de15a5e59c557ae26c3cb8372fcee9)
"We thought that when Humanity discovered other intelligent species in the galaxy, we would unite under one banner. That nationalism and petty feuds would be put aside... How naive..." - Adam Telles, Xeno-history Teacher
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The World of Thalia - Facts: About the Mega nations: The True Socialist Union of Nations
The turn to the right wing since the end of the Soviet Union lasted for 200 years. After the Fall of 2023 Russia grabbed the opportunity and reconquered almost all the land lost at the end of the Iron Curtain in the ninth decade of the twenty Century . Only Poland and the Check Republic fought back so viciously that were able remain free of Russia's grasp. The New Russian National Republic was built on fear, death and misery. As Western Europe and Canamerica were in a state of turmoil, nobody reached to defend the countries engulfed by NRNR. But it was exactly the creation of the Big Brother Digital Observation System that defeated the NRNR. But it took almost two hundred years.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10440816_739431842770623_3608648357714569932_n.jpg?oh=b7765920d9d19a3c34e545d587387353&oe=55BC58B8&__gda__=1433395410_465b9cf00b62f6c29221b5f2090ed01f)
The New Russian National Republic used a ingenious digital system that connected all citizens and could be used to order them around. During decades, the True Socialist Underground tried to use it to undermine the power of the state. They finally managed to do it with the help of several anarchist AI's. The Citizens revolted in in 2186 and put down the NRNR. In an unparalleled action they voted a AI to become the Head of the TSUN, in order to treat all citizen in egalitarian ways. Paradise on earth was at a hand's grasp. Ten years after that, a new Political Police was formed and a man called Yuri Vasilich became Head's Prime Minister. Soon after that, the Red Star returned as the symbol of the State.
"What an A.I. doesn't know, she can't act upon. It's not the fault of our beloved Head. It's the fault of the corrupt bureaucracy that the Socialist Miracle doesn't work." - Anna Brushenko, TSUN Officer
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The World of Thalia - Facts: About the Mega nations: Canamerica
The United Sates of America almost didn't survive the Fall of 2023. The American economy suffered so much with the Fall that massive riots started all over the 50 states. The Federal Government lost it's grasp over the population. The imposed martial law wasn't accepted and the threat of a civil war loomed over the entire USA. Production faltered quickly, famine and lack of fundamental resources loomed over the nation. It was the economical and humanitarian relief sent by Canada that saved North America to become an area of humanitarian catastrophe. But the mighty USA would never be the same. The demands of the people and the power of big corporations clashed in a mighty political combat that lasted for twenty two years. It was aptly named The Unveil. When it was over, the major Corporations became transnational and Canamerica was born. The one and definitive Giant Democracy. It would never again trust the Corporations, it would never again put all its trust in the pure economy systems and speculation. The leaving of the major Earth Corporations from the continent left Canamerica poorer and yet, as never before in its History, people were feeling fulfilled and happy.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10678580_743848922328915_428769689368153425_n.jpg?oh=d9464949a83500f0a744d571bf7221ed&oe=55822F81&__gda__=1433592384_20ad51a703980c12f1552551a57434f4)
But Corporations don't forget nor they forgive and much money was invested in stating clear that life wouldn't be easy without them. Canamerica is one of the least active Meganations in planetary colonization and they suffer from a non official embargo implemented by the Corps that is implemented for more than two centuries now. The only nation that openly refuses this embargo and sells technology and ships to Canamerica is... Cuba.
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The World of Thalia - An Encounter in the Wild
I knew things were wrong as soon as I became aware of the silence around me. I had lost my ride twenty or so miles ago, after the hydrogen engine of the caterpillar decided to die on me and nothing I've done short of praying mad it start again. Alone in the half gone dirt road I looked around and slowly I raised my machine pistol into position.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10291057_744423532271454_3964352461575408284_n.jpg?oh=82f2c17eaeacd0c7f0ac5ce3ca628860&oe=557F8390&__gda__=1435391226_982cef28bcb6b30426972eb5c2120b5f)
I walked a few more yards and I've reached an opening where I found the remains of a construction site abandoned long time ago. The forest was still silent with just a solitary sound of some arboreal creature now and then. I knew that something was about to happen and frankly I was happy with that as hunger was already undermining my determination.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10351263_744425042271303_7952435547690692785_n.jpg?oh=0907ceccfd344994d678e50eee6bd76f&oe=5579A327&__gda__=1433821517_2bdb67e82bc9265bc31e775dbfd9e504)
Then they revealed themselves, appearing like reddish ghosts from their hiding places. Three of them. Perfect killing machines. I've measured my odds. I knew that I would be probably dead before I could kill the second one. They were that fast. But unlike the first time in the Investigation Center they didn't use the surprise to attack immediately. Why?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10690259_744427932271014_8987403112097077542_n.jpg?oh=cdf2692df04019b70dd81b01015b88b6&oe=5570624B&__gda__=1434631674_e482d19b5d284ca2bf0067a50f773159)
"One cannot wait to prove the universe that we're right in some questions. One must act or risk the future as a whole." - Sylvie Harmond, Eco Warrior of Thalia
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The World of Thalia - The telepath
I decided that I would sell dearly my life. "Don't do that", I heard a voice inside my head. "Put down slowly your weapon. They don't mean to attack you..." And I felt some uncertainty in the voice in my head. "At least for now." The voice added. And a young blond woman came out of the forest mounted in some kind of dinosaur. She was armed and pointing the hand weapon at me. I pointed down my machine pistol. The creatures were her allies?! I was starting to understand less and less about this planet.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1471805_744949248885549_3990828730527816865_n.jpg?oh=d1502f5e8b7b5500939519d6871e0fb7&oe=55893618&__gda__=1433561425_45b86f050c8ea89a1152ef12fbc04ca1)
"You have many question", she said aloud, "and yes, my legs are beautiful, but at this time is more important that you answer my questions, since you life is at stake." A telepath! A telepath riding a dinosaur, in friendly communion with vicious beasts and demanding to know my thoughts. Outlandish. And yet, I accepted without much reflection...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1560569_744953542218453_316643549458555753_n.jpg?oh=fe83787f38e3c791d72eaed57216a4a6&oe=557CCEF3&__gda__=1434154865_c52d77ca6065a24bf76aa63c6c66c466)
"At what level will you decide that your actions against nature are criminal or not? You would imprison a person who stole the heritage of someone else wouldn't you? Isn't the biodiversity of a planet someone's heritage?" - Sylvie Harmond, Eco Warrior of Thalia
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Who makes that dinosaur? The lady is a Heroclix, right? But I never saw that dino before...
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games workshop
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Who makes that dinosaur? The lady is a Heroclix, right? But I never saw that dino before...
The lady is indeed Heroclix.
The dino is a Cold One from 4th Edition Warhammer Dark Elves.
(http://chaosorc.com/images/Warhammer%20Dark%20Elf%20Cold%20One%20(No%20Rider).jpg)
(http://www.coolminiornot.com/pics/pics11/img45cf84d9900c1.jpg)
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Thanks to both. Never was a big of GW's fantasy range :D
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the new plastic Dark Elf cold ones are great
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Bayushiseni, this is fantastic!
I am really enjoying this story.
Please keep it coming.
Thank you,
Amalric
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Bayushiseni, this is fantastic!
I am really enjoying this story.
Please keep it coming.
Thank you,
Amalric
Thank you, Amalric.
I will.
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The World of Thalia - The Epiphany
"My name is Sylvie Harmond and I'm part of a group of Eco Warriors who are allied with the Ganshurinni to stop the destruction of Thalia." So the beasts weren't beasts but sapient creatures. Somehow I had already figured that out. "For some reason they don't want you dead, even after telling them that you've killed some of their companions at the investigation center." I nodded. That's why I was still alive. "So now what?" She smiled. "Now you come with us."
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10310101_745893028791171_5666525522534018041_n.jpg?oh=471a6b99e4acc2b807b160e67e80d47b&oe=55887BC6&__gda__=1434204239_a0b6c2829692261d9a03da5ffa225919)
We start moving. I was surrounded by the Ganshurinni. They paid me no attention. Sylvie went mute. I don't know if she was reading my mind or not. I wished I had my crew with me. Who were these Eco Warriors. Would they help me? Why didn't the Ganshurinni killed me back at the research station. So many question unanswered. I was hungry and I knew she was probing my thought when she offered me food.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10690151_745896258790848_3208466511565094869_n.jpg?oh=9c2f9681188b8a2861e81f395e611f0d&oe=558EDA23&__gda__=1434821631_9962fef65bf50eb5e4879c8eda683cfb)
Then suddenly, as I was chewing the strange morsel of food that she gave me I had an epiphany. These Ganshurinni were completely identical. They were artificial Intelligence. They were amazing biological AI's. A full circle. Sylvie laughed. "You are a bright one, you are. Or maybe consorting with an AI gave you a special insight." I raised a little my machine pistol. "You probe my thoughts again and I'll kill you." We made the rest of the trip in silence.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10435614_745897735457367_7474567485473358562_n.jpg?oh=5ee926152fe04a6202fee771505d9d4f&oe=558552EC&__gda__=1434777990_08c0025e767e6d27858c8df29b93581e)
"Are these Ganshurinni an hive creature or are the individuals?" "Can't you see?" "No. I can't see individuality in them, but I see that they aren't just drones." "No. They aren't. They're individuals, but not in the way we perceive it." "So in what way?" "They have personal thoughts, but communal wishes..." - Dialogue between Captain Kinnison, Soldier of Fortune and Sylvie Harmond, Eco Warrior of Thalia
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I've just corrected the dead image links. I don't know why it happened... Soon more of Thalia.