Stellaris Ch 6

Chapter 6 - 2273 to 2286:

In the early 2270's, the technology of the Federation has increased to the point of "near immediate" communications. To send a message from Alpha Centauri to Earth, some 4 to 5 light-years apart, now takes about 24 hours. However, this meant that live news exists only in individual systems. This is why some colonies did not receive news of the subterranean discoveries on Europa until after the President's plans are made. Earth is the first to hear of the President's plans for Europa, on April 5th, 2273.

In a widely circulated news article, evidence is given of subterranean life on Europa, as well as that the aliens are tunneling toward the surface. Kelebek is also cited, speaking for the Think Tank, as answering the question of whether to make contact with the foreign species with "we think this is probably a good idea." A majority of the counselors agree that communications should be made before Earth thinks of blowing them to smithereens, and so the endeavor begins. Federation technicians and troops are deployed to Europa to drill into the crust of the moon and prepare to meet the aliens. It is the beginning of Project Depths.

Finally, a year after Project Depths began, contact is made. Communication is difficult to establish, but the foreign language is translated. Apparently, this civilization below the surface has survived off of lichen farms and fish from underground rivers. Upon hearing the sounds of cities on the surface, they came to investigate. They agree to living in peace on the planet, and arrangements are made to trade with them. Still, what the other race looks like or how they behave, or even whether they can be trusted, is unknown.

As trade begins to flow, the military leaders of the subterranean civilization request military technology in exchange. Despite some misgivings, a few slightly outdated weapons systems are given to them.

The Galactic Assembly, headed by the Think Tank, moves locations in early 2275. They relocate to the Cirrulan home world of Cirra. Their motives for moving there are not known. They also put forward the second issue for voting: sanctions on the Lilarobius Triad. "To stop these mindless swallowers of the universe, their access to necessary goods and materials must be hindered."

The GA arrives around Cirra just as the next election for president of the Federation begins. Clark Anguish runs for another term, as does, surprisingly, the 113 year old Kate TBC. Edward Nikolaevich runs independently, Greg Roux runs for the Institute for the Advancement of Science. It looks like it will be an easy victory for President Anguish.

Clark Anguish wins another term as president in August of 2276. A few months later, Kate TBC passes away. A space funeral is hosted, and thousands of private and government ships take part in saying goodbye to the beloved leader.

The vote passes to put sanctions on the Triad. The Federation prays that will lessen their ability to carry out hostile actions against it and its allies.

War in the galaxy gets closer to home in 2280, as the Vissari State invades the Uri Accord. They failed to state a reason for their invasion, but it seems it is territorial-based. To the Uri's defense is the Klaggian Star Dynasty, which promised to protect the tiny empire in case of a Vissari invasion.

Soon after, and right next door to Earth, the Steel Bank goes to war with the Cilxtac Reavers. War is expanding...

Later that year, two previously unknown empires contact Earth. They are old, powerful, hugely technologically superior civilizations. The first is next to the Jibru Cooperative and is called the Kalaxenan Ancients; they are fanatically obsessed with alien life. Right next to the Uri are the Thimoid Watchers; they are fanatically religious.

The Jibru Cooperative joins in on the fun. Although usually very peaceful, the empire declares war on the Nagyari Pious Covenant. Now the Nagyari are at war on two fronts. The galaxy is descending into war, but so far Earth has remained out of it.

The next 2 years are uneventful, other than the Lilarobius' declaration of war on the Kirillian Empire, and the Cartel put forth a vote to ban slavery in the universe. The policy would punish those who continue the act by trade tariffs. Many empires are unhappy with the notion, but it passes a few months later.

The Lilarobius invasion of the Kirillian Empire ends in 2286, and most the Kirillian Empire is swallowed by the Lilarobius. Now, the Triad is more powerful than the Cartel. With that in mind, they declare war...