Bureau Storyline/Main Story

Summary	Preamble	Intro Missions	Main Story	Forced

Escape Velocity Nova Bureau Main Story Transcribed

Bring in Fed Councilor Part 2

Briefing

In a split second you make the decision to stay with the Bureau and you pull out your blaster and start firing into the back of the now smoke-filled room in order to allow the c-int team to get out. From there two members of the team take charge of dragging the now unconscious councilor along while the rest of you lay down fire on anyone emerging from the bar. As soon as you get onto your ship you start to rush through your pre-flight routine as quickly as you possibly can, leaving out every non-essential item you can. As you work the leader of the c-int team comes forward to thank you for your help, "It was pretty hairy out there," she grins. "The intel we got about how popular that guy was with his people was a little inaccurate." That comment makes you wonder if Krane had these guys deliberately duped in order to make you take a hand directly. 'Oh well,' you think, 'that's one way of making someone prove themselves.'

Mission Log Entry
Take the Port Kane councilor back to <RST> for questioning regarding his links with the rebels.

Dropping Cargo

You watch impassively as the unconscious former councilor is carried off your ship. You have made your choice, and your loyalty lies here, with the only organization that has the ability to do what needs to be done to take humanity beyond its current bickering state and on into a glorious future. If there are a few casualties along the way, so what? Without even being politely reminded you head off to Krane's office to find out if she fully trusts you now.

Completion

Surprisingly the room is well lit when you arrive, and inside you see a tall slim attractive woman in her mid-thirties with blue eyes and curly ash-blonde hair. "Commander Krane?" you ask a little tentatively. "Congratulations, Captain <PN>," comes the reply and you recognize that perfect voice instantly, "it seems that I can trust you after all. After the last couple of missions when you came back with doubts all over your face I began to wonder if you were going to make it past this last hurdle, but obviously I was wrong." She sits down in an ancient chair which creaks every time she moves. "It might be a while before I need you for anything worthy of your talents," she muses, "I don't want to start sending you off on stupid little assignments that can be handled by c-int teams, your efforts on the Federation front-line proved that you are worth more than that. In the meantime you are being given the naval rank of commander, which is the rank given to all Bureau field operatives that might have to deal with the Federation military. It means you get a meager salary, you get a discount when purchasing our goods and you don't have to buy licenses to get most things. The only licenses you are still required to purchase are the 'fighter bay license' and the 'capital warships license'. "Add all that to the fat contribution we just made to your bank account, and you should be enjoying a merry time of it until we require your services again!"

Infiltrate the Rebels

Offer

You feel a familiar tap on your shoulder and you turn to see a young soldier who indicates that you should follow him. You are lead to the room which has the single spotlight facing the door. Except that this time the spotlight is off and the normal room lights are on. "There's no longer a need for that level of security," explains the blue-eyed Commander Krane in response to your unspoken question. "And I'm glad you checked in. I believe that I have something that is uniquely suited to your talents." You hear the familiar creaks of her chair as her weight shifts. "How do you feel about going undercover with the Rebels, <PRK>? Interested?"

Briefing

"What I want you to do," Krane continues, "is to head over there, do their bidding for a while and eventually get inside their organization. We'll spread the rumor that you are on the run from us after trying to rescue the councilor. That should be enough to get you started. "If, during your travels," she shifts again, "you see a ship called the 'Prodigal Son', it'll be because we want to contact you. Finish your current mission then come to the bar here and we'll go through the normal procedure. Perhaps it would be best if you continually checked the Earth bar, in case you miss the 'Prodigal Son', or if we can't put it in your path. "Go now to Rebel II in the Koria system," she orders with quiet authority, "and tell the rebels you want to aid them somehow, as the Bureau is not what you thought it was. They will take it from there. "Be careful, <PN>," she warns sincerely. "I only just recently gained your services, I don't want to lose you now."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <RST> in the <RSY> system to begin infiltrating the Rebellion in some way.

Completion

You are met by a slightly suspicious Rebel dockmaster who inquires as to your motives in seeking him out. You explain that you feel obligated to do something for the Rebellion seeing as they are fighting the Bureau. You tell him that what you have learned of the Bureau does not fit with your ideals for the Federation, and you are a {G "man" "woman"} of action and cannot just sit by and let them continue on their merry way. The dockmaster remains suspicious but decides against questioning you further. "We always have a need for freighter captains," he explains, "and you can do that without actually gaining a lot of our secrets. If you were planning on doing something more dangerous, you are going to have to prove yourself first. "Go and see the dockmaster on Merrol in the Aldebaran system while he is off-duty in the bar and give him this," he hands you a data crystal. "He should be able to find something for you."

Merrol Filler Missions

Skip the Filler	View the Filler
Next Main Mission: Scout Moash Space	Merrol Missions: Meet With Merrol DockMaster

Scout Moash Space

Offer

"Good to see you again <PRK>," begins the {G"stunning" "disgustingly attractive"} Krane brusquely. "I have something that I think needs your delicate touch." She indicates that you should sit on the sidewalk bench beside her and you comply. She pulls out her datapad and calls up a display of what appears to be a very detailed map of Auroran space. "We have been working out the details of a long-range plan," she explains, "that involves the Aurorans. Our preparations are nearing completion and we want to confirm that our intel on the political situation amongst our neighbors is correct. Of course, the other reason I want you to go is because I am going to be sending you on a number of missions amongst the Aurorans, and this is an easy way for you to familiarize yourself. "How do you feel about a short jaunt into the Auroran Empire?"

Briefing

"Good," she continues in a business-like tone. "I knew I could count on you. "Obviously," she tells you with a casual wave, "I can't reveal to you any details of the coming operation for reasons of operational security, so you'll be going into this a little blind. I'm sorry, but I'm sure you understand." You nod and indicate that she should continue. "I want you to head down to <DST> in the <DSY> system," she informs you after referring to the map on her datapad. "Have a quick look around, find out what you can about their current status politically, economically and militarily. When you've given the place the once over, head back here and report to me. "Any questions?" she asks. "No? Good. Well, then good luck, Captain <PN>. Have fun!"

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Land on <DST> in the <DSY> system and find out as much about the current situation as possible before returning to <RST> in the <RSY> system.

Loading Cargo

This planet is a little different from the average Auroran planet you hear about in the Federation. Yes it is polluted, and yes there are an enormous number of poor people being oppressed by the warrior class, but the gaudiness, intricacy and sheer amount of adornment of the arcologies on this world surprises you. You guess that the Moash House, who seem to be running this place, are fairly well off financially. You also notice that there are an enormous number of the infamous Auroran warriors, wearing their colorfully savage tattoos, wandering about, many of them giving you menacing looks. In the few hours you spend wandering the arcology, you estimate that you have seen several thousand warriors doing little or nothing. This Moash House must have a fair sized military if it can afford to have so many warriors just sitting around. After several hours of exploring the arcology you decide that it is time to start your journey back to <RST> to make your report to Krane.

Dropping Cargo

Surprisingly you see the blonde hair of Commander Krane waiting for you as you exit your ship. "Things went well?" she asks by way of greeting. You nod, saying that it would probably be best if you and her could talk in private. "{G"I didn't know you felt that way,\" she flutters her eyelashes before laughing. " "Alright then,\" she looks at you slightly quizzically,"} "Follow me." She takes you to the now familiar empty-looking office. "So tell me what you saw," she casually commands. You quickly run over what you saw from beginning to end leaving nothing out. As you finish she looks both impressed and satisfied. "Good work!" she praises you sincerely. "You are more observant than I gave you credit for. From your report we have to make a couple of minor adjustments to our intel picture, but nothing that should put us off our timetable."

Completion

"I have to pass on your intel to the proper people," she tells seriously, "but I don't want you wandering too far. Once I've gotten confirmation on a few things, I will need your services again. Keep an eye out in the bar. "By the way," she continues with a smile, "I have just authorized you access to certain types of Federation technology. It doesn't come cheap I'm afraid, but you will now be able to buy it. "I've been pushing for you to be allowed access to the better stuff," she explains apologetically, "but the military types don't like to give away what they view as their personal technology easily. "However if your work continues as it has," she informs you quietly, "I can guarantee that it won't be long until you will be granted access to everything in the Federation arsenal!"

Distract Moash House

Offer

You see the Federation soldier who is your normal contact to Krane motion you over to his table. He points towards the rear door, telling you to go straight through. Mystified, you comply, and after a long gray corridor you go through a second door and you are greeted by your {G"attractive" "blonde-haired"} supervisor. "Glad you came by," she grins as you walk in. "We need someone to go down to Moash space and cause a bit of a ruckus. You won't be on your own, but seeing as you've been down to the area you are the ideal leader for such a mission. Interested?"

Briefing

"It's fairly simple really," she explains with a casual wave, "all you have to do is lead four ships down to the station '<DST>' in the <DSY> system. While you're there cause as much damage as possible. The ships going with you will be carrying a sizeable force of ground troops who will cause as much havoc as possible onboard the station. "When the land commander, General Sutton, is satisfied that he has completed his mission," she continues cheerfully, "return here and we'll take things from there. If things go as planned, I might need you to head back down there again almost immediately. "Good luck!"

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Escort the Federation warships down to <DST> in the <DSY> system and cause as much damage as possible while you are there. When General Sutton is happy, escort them back to <RST>.

Loading Cargo

From inside your cockpit you get almost continuous readings on the enormous amount of damage being done by the Federation soldiers all over the station. You estimate that in a few hours this station will be virtually depopulated and practically uninhabitable. Despite the enormous number of men committed to this mission, you get the feeling that this mission is more for show than anything else. Your best guess is that this is a diversion for a much larger main push elsewhere. Not that this mission is proceeding all your way; from your comm you keep getting reports of Moash resistance and by the sound of it the disorganized pockets of Moash warriors are acquitting themselves admirably. Despite this, they are overwhelmed by sheer numbers and by the overwhelming levels of firepower brought to bear upon them. A little over four hours after landing you see the short blond hair and tall broad figure of General Sutton coming aboard. "That's it for us," he informs you casually. "We're finished here."

Completion

As soon as you land you head off to find Krane's office, leaving the maintenance crew to give your craft the once over. "Things went well?" asks Krane politely when you enter. You nod with a shrug. "Well, your little diversion worked. The Moash warriors were drawn to the site of your raid which allowed the amassed Federation fleet to launch an attack on the skeletal defenses which broke through their line almost immediately." You nod at her confirmation of your suspicions. "By all accounts," she explains with a smile, "most of the Moash fleet has either been defeated or captured, and we are in possession of their homeworld. More than that, we managed to grab the house elders before they managed to escape. "Now that you're back," she informs you dismissively, "I'll be needing you for a diplomatic mission of sorts. Come to the bar in two hours, I'll have everything ready for you by then."

Talk to Moash Elders

Offer

You walk up to the Federation soldier who is your normal contact to Krane after he motions you over to his table. He points towards the rear door, telling you to go straight through. You nod and head down the long gray corridor to Krane's new office. "Things are moving along nicely," she informs you with her amazing voice when walk in. "The Federation forces are basically in complete control of Moash space. We are ready to begin the next phase of the operation. "You see," she explains quietly, "we want to subvert the entire Auroran Empire so that we can make use of its enormous resources. But we could never do it by force alone. We need help from within the Empire so that we can at least have a little control over the events we want to instigate. And now that we have control of Moash space and have taken the Moash elders prisoner, we are now in a position of power to bargain with the First Family in order to get them onside. "So <PRK>," she grins sweetly, "are you feeling up to being a diplomat?"

Briefing

"Excellent!" she exclaims with a smile that lights up her beautiful face. "The elders are under house arrest on <RST> in the <RSY> system. Go down there and tell them that we are prepared make them an offer. "Firstly," Krane ticks off a finger, "we are prepared to let them return to their former preeminence. Secondly, we are prepared to help them eliminate the four other houses leaving them in complete control of Auroran Space. "However, there is a catch," she continues with a sneaky grin. "In return we ask that they become a vassal nation, not to the Federation, which they will never tolerate, but to the Bureau. Tell them that we are willing to negotiate around the edges of these points, but if they aren't prepared to come to the table, then we are prepared to destroy them utterly and to reveal their severely weakened state to all of their rivals who will pick over them when we are finished. "Any questions?" she asks quietly. "No? Good. When you are finished, return here for further orders."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <RST> in the <RSY> system to present Commander Krane's proposal to the Moash House elders.

Dropping Cargo

As soon as you land you are escorted by Bureau soldiers to meet with the Moash House elders. You find them seated in chairs looking unhappy to be surrounded by heavily armed guards. You sit down at the head of the table and quickly outline the terms of Krane's proposal. When you finish they stir, looking a little excited. You allow them to confer amongst themselves quietly for a few minutes until they turn back to you. "How can we trust you and your masters?" asks the eldest-looking warrior of the group. You smile and say that they can either have faith or be destroyed. But you go on to say that the Bureau will only betray any organization that is no longer useful to them. You go on to explain that the Bureau has no wish to be tied down by the duties of direct rule, it prefers to operate behind the scenes.

Completion

In conclusion, you inform them that if the Moash House decides to accept the Bureau proposal, they will greatly enhance their power within the Auroran Empire, and indeed the galaxy as a whole, and they only have to acknowledge that they must abide by Bureau policy. And in general, you explain, Bureau policy is deliberately designed to keep the status quo by keeping the masses happy and by keeping its own involvement completely secret. The elders confer amongst themselves for some time before your patience runs out. You stand telling them that they have two hours to reach a decision, and that you will await their response in the bar. You walk out with several Bureau negotiators in tow all trying to talk to you at once. You tell them in no uncertain terms to leave you alone and head to the bar to quench your thirst after your long flight here.

Return With Response

Offer

After no more than about ten minutes of savoring the excellent home brew served up by one of the Federation soldiers behind the bar, you see one of the Moash House Elders walk in between two heavily armed and alert soldiers. They spot you quickly and make their way over. "We have talked it over," the old Moash warrior informs you, "and the Moash House has accepted the Bureau's proposal." You nod and thank him for his time, and you tell him that you will relay that information back to your superiors. You tell him that you will return with further instructions. You nod to the soldiers around you and drain your drink before heading back to your beloved <PSN> to head back to <RST>.

Mission Log Entry
Head back to <RST> with the response by the Moash House elders to Krane's proposal.

Completion

You are surprised to see the blonde hair and athletic figure of Krane waiting for you when you step out of your ship. "So what did they say?" she asks quietly as she takes your arm and draws you out of earshot of the dock workers securing your craft. You give her a quick summary of the events of your trip and she looks pleased. "Good work!" her cheeks dimple attractively as she smiles at you. "Our plans are proceeding nicely. I have a few things I have to take care of, so I will probably be a little out of contact for a while, but it shouldn't be too long before I need your services again. Keep an eye out in bars anywhere in the Federation. When I need you again, I'll find you."

Deliver Instructions

Offer

You notice that nearly all the male heads in the spaceport keep turning surreptitiously to watch something just out of sight around your bulkhead. You casually stroll out far enough to find out what they are looking at. You smile and shake your head when you see the {G"stunning" "well-presented"} Commander Krane sitting on one of the many benches that form a significant part of any Federation spaceport. Chuckling to yourself you go over to her. "How are things?" she asks with a radiant smile when you sit down beside her. You shrug your shoulders, nonplussed. "Well, I'm glad I managed to catch up with you, as I have another mission that needs your skills. "I need someone to take an encrypted message pod down to the Moash elders containing instructions on what they should be doing in the coming months," she tells you in a lowered voice as she leans forward, "and that someone needs to be someone I trust implicitly. Are you up for the job?"

Briefing

"Excellent," her dazzling smile lighting up her face. "The message details how we want them to organize several Auroran military expeditions into Federation space. At first this will be to supposedly 'gauge our strength', but following missions will supposedly be diversions to a main attack elsewhere. "In reality," she explains quietly, "these raids will be made up of warriors not of the Moash House, and we will be informed ahead of time of their arrival and will be able to move entire fleets to meet them. The end result will be four severely weakened houses which will be advantageous to both the Moash House and ourselves. "The only reason I am telling you this," she warns meaningfully, "is because the Moash elders might not open the message pod correctly. And if they don't its contents will be vaporized. "Once you've delivered the message," she tells you as she stands, obviously preparing to leave, "return to <RST> and I will make sure that further instructions are left for you there."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Carry a message pod to the Moash House elders on <DST> in the <DSY> system before returning to Bureau HQ on <RST> in the <RSY> system.

Dropping Cargo

As soon as you land you are greeted by a savagely tattooed Moash warrior who leads you to a council chamber where the elders are in a meeting. You are surprised to see very few Federation or Bureau people around. You hand over the message pod to the old warrior at the head of the table and step back. He manages to fumble his way through opening it without making any major mistakes and begins to scan the contents. After a few minutes he looks up at you and nods, thanking you for your delivery. You walk back to your beloved '<PSN>' under the escort of the same warrior who took you to the elders. As soon as you reach your ship he nods in farewell and you start preparing for the journey back to <RST>.

Completion

When you exit your ship you are met by the soldier who is normally your contact in the bar who draws you aside out of the main stream of foot-traffic in the spaceport. "Commander Krane is currently detained doing other things at the moment," he explains seriously, "but she wanted me to pass on her thanks for your efforts so far. She also wanted me to tell you that she will need your talents again in the near future when the plans you just delivered to the Moash start coming to fruition. In the meantime, take care of yourself and don't worry too much about keeping in contact. If we need your help again, we'll find you." The soldier claps his hand on your shoulder, nods and walks away, quickly disappearing into the crowd. You notice after the fact that he seems to have the ability to blend into the crowd and be completely inconspicuous, even though he wears the very distinctive uniform of a Federation naval officer.

Deliver Further Instructions

Offer

As soon as you step off your ship you spot the {G"beautiful" "blue-eyed"} Commander Krane standing not far away trying to fend off an unwanted male suitor. You chuckle and shake your head wondering if the guy knows that she could probably have him killed right where he stands with a small twitch of her fingers. You make your way over. "There you are!" she exclaims smiling before turning back to the man. "I'm sorry, but my business associate has arrived, and we must speak in private. Could you excuse us for a moment?" The man takes one long look at you before nodding slightly sullenly and heading off in the direction of the spaceport bar. "He's lucky you turned up when you did," she informs you icily and you laugh. She shakes off her bad mood. "I have another message that needs to get to the Moash. Interested in playing courier again?"

Briefing

"Good," she continues with a smile. "This message contains details on the next stage of our operation. We want the Moash House to step up the raids into our space and begin amassing an armada of their own. At a preordained time detailed in the message you will be carrying, a Federation force will be attacked by the Moash and destroyed. Public opinion will be inflamed and war will be declared. An enormous Federation fleet will head down into Auroran space in response and will begin running amok, but only selectively so. The end result will be the destruction of the other four major houses. Then the remaining survivor, the Moash House, will sue for peace, and we will grant it. "Again, I am only telling you this," she reminds you seriously, "in case the Moash elders do not open the message pod correctly. "Return to <RST> when you're done," she tells you dismissively. You look over at the would-be suitor who stopped not far away, obviously not ready to give up. "Don't worry about him," she continues quietly. "He will be taken care of."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Carry a message pod to the Moash House elders on <DST> in the <DSY> system before returning to Bureau HQ on <RST> in the <RSY> system.

Dropping Cargo

Upon landing you are escorted by a savagely tattooed Moash warrior to the chambers of the House elders. This time you fail to see even one Federation citizen. Obviously the Bureau feels as though it can completely trust the Moash House. You hand over the message pod to the same old warrior as last time and watch him open it. After taking a few minutes to scan the contents he turns to you and thanks you for your services. You are escorted back to your beloved '<PSN>' by a different young warrior who watches you like he is waiting for you to make some kind of move. You do not give him the satisfaction and when you reach your ship you thank him in as sincere a voice as you can muster. You get no small amount of delight when you see the anger on his face at your condescending tone.

Completion

Upon landing on <RST> you are again met by the soldier who is normally your contact in the bar. He quickly draws you aside. "A new situation has arisen," he explains urgently, "and Commander Krane wants you to head over to the Kane Band and she will meet you there. She stressed to me that this is of the utmost importance, and that you should hurry." The soldier jovially claps his hand on your shoulder and shakes his finger at you with a smile before ruffling your hair and moving away saying that he will see you later tonight. Anyone watching would have thought the exchange was between two old friends meeting for the first time in a long while. You smile at his disappearing back and shake your head in keeping with the charade, and you head back into your ship to begin prepping your ship for another spaceflight.

Re-Infiltrate Rebels

Offer

You spot the blond hair and graceful figure of Commander Krane hurrying towards you only moments after you step off your ship. She waves at you, telling you to wait and she hurries over. She threads her arm through yours and escorts you into the spaceport bar and down a back hallway into an office. "We have something of a situation here," she informs you as soon as you sit down. "Apparently the Rebels have decided that because our current focus is towards the Aurorans, it is a good time for them to make a move. Right now, we cannot afford the distraction, and I want their little attempt snuffed out before it comes to fruition. For that I need someone who has the ability to get back into the rebellion at short notice. "How do you feel about recontacting your old rebel friends?"

Briefing

"I knew I could count on you," she smiles, revealing her perfect white teeth before continuing more seriously. "Okay, here's the deal. You are probably aware that there are elements within the government of the Federation that disagree with our actions and policies. You probably do not know just how far it goes. "A little over two weeks ago," she explains meaningfully, "the Federation President contacted the Rebels asking them to meet with him secretly. I have a problem with this as it is a threat to security at levels that we will have difficulty controlling. "From other sources I know that the Rebellion is very short on ships at the moment," she tells you quietly, "and if they want to move their leaders around in secret, they will need one that is not recognized by Federation security forces in any way. That's where you come in. "I want you to head back to <RST> in the <RSY> system," she informs you dismissively, "and reinfiltrate the Rebels to see if you can get in on these meetings."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <RST> in the <RSY> system and re-infiltrate the rebellion in an effort to find out more about the intentions of the Federation President.

Completion

You are greeted by the muscular-looking Jay when you land. "Glad to see you're back!" he exclaims, clapping you on the shoulder nearly knocking you over. "What happened to you?" As the two of you walk along together you explain that the Federation had begun to recognize your ship and you decided that rather than risk being taken you would head elsewhere for a while. You spin a few false yarns about adventures you had in Auroran Space before going on to tell him that things were starting to get too hot down there when Federation ships started showing up, so you decided to come back here. "Well you've come back at an opportune time," he informs you a little bit mysteriously. "I believe that the Rebellion is in need of a ship that is not on the current Federation list of suspicious ships. Meet me in the bar when my shift finishes, we'll talk more then."

Carry Rebel Message

Offer

You see a waving hand as you step into the bar and you recognize Jay sitting in his normal place enjoying a drink. You sit down and he grins at you. "I made a few calls after I saw you earlier," he says earnestly, "and the head-sheds have decided to take advantage of your reappearance." He gives you a quick wink. "I don't know a lot about the situation," he continues quietly, "but from what I hear there are officials fairly high up in the Federation government who aren't very happy about what the Bureau has been doing. Apparently they made contact somehow and want to pass information along. "Are you interested in being courier?"

Briefing

"I knew you could be counted on!" he exclaims and you smile, glad that he has no inkling about your true loyalties. He continues with a grin. "Basically, we want you to head up to <DST> in the <DSY> system to pick up a message pod. While you're there you will be told where to take it. The head-sheds weren't prepared to send that information to me in case it got intercepted. "It should be a walk in the park for someone of your talents!" he laughs. "Hell, if you can survive inside the Auroran Empire with all those warriors running around trying to kill everybody including each other, this should feel like a holiday!" You laugh appropriately, and the two of you finish your drinks before you take your leave of the muscular Jay and head back towards your beloved '<PSN>'.

Mission Log Entry
Go to <DST> in the <DSY> system and pick up the Rebel message pod. While you are there you will be told of its final destination.

Loading Cargo

You are greeted by two rather famous figures. You recognize the two men as being Mr Donald Chick, the former CEO of Sigma Shipyards, and General Cade 'Sundown' Smart, who was a former Head of the Federation Armed Forces. "We wanted to thank you for your efforts on such short notice," says Mr Chick by way of greeting. "We are a little thin on the ground just at the moment, and your arrival has allowed us to carry out this operation without stretching our resources any further than they already are." "We want you to take the encrypted message pod to <RST> in the <RSY> system," General Smart informs you, indicating the message pod being loaded onto your ship by a Rebel soldier. "You will be met there by a man named Dorraj Rainsford who will take the pod off you and tell you how to get the reply, if any is forthcoming. As soon as you have the reply return here." "And thanks again for your help," says Mr Chick before they both take their leave.

Dropping Cargo

After completing your post-flight routine you head out of your ship wondering how this Dorraj Rainsford will make contact with you. Your questions are soon answered when you hear a discreet cough as you step off your ship. You turn to see a casually dressed man with long black hair, sprinkled with gray, and a moustache. He unsurprisingly introduces himself as Dorraj and asks if you have a package for him. You tell him to follow you and you open your hold revealing the message pod. As he opens it using a complex key-sequence you study him closely. Something strikes you as being slightly out of place, and then you notice that while his hair is shot through with gray, his moustache is not. On further examination, you realize that both his hair and moustache are fake. You are slightly stunned to find out that underneath his wig, moustache and some other subtle touches of makeup you recognize him. He is the President of the Federation, Mr. P. Milamber.

Completion

"Everything seems to be in order," notes 'Dorraj' after making a quick inspection of the contents of the message pod, "but I will require a little time to examine this in greater detail. Meet me in the bar in three hours and I shall have a reply for you." As he walks away you cannot help grinning when you realize that the Bureau is not only going to decisively vanquish the Rebels as a result of this mission, but it will also gain a serious hold over the President of the Federation. With a final chuckle you head off to the bar to await Mr. Milamber's reply to the Rebel message.

Carry Reply

Offer

You see 'Dorraj' walk into the bar as you sit sipping your drink. You observe him for a long moment before waving to attract his attention. You wonder what would drive a Federation President to take the enormous risk of contacting the Rebels. You mentally shrug, thinking that it will prove irrelevant once you make your report to Krane. "Here is the return message," he tells you pulling out a small message pod from under his coat. "I believe that you know where to take it?" You take the pod off him and nod, noticing the quality job done on his disguise. Without the small mistake with the color differences of the wig and the mustache, you probably would not have picked it. He thanks you and walks out of the bar leaving you thinking.

Briefing

On the way back to your beloved '<PSN>' you continue thinking about the situation of the Federation President. You realize that if you were in his situation you would do the same thing. After all, even though he is nominally in charge of the Federation, in reality now that the Bureau has taken over, he is little more than a figurehead for the masses to focus on. You would feel sorry for him, but he is hampering Bureau plans to make all of humanity unite under one government, and so he must be taken care of. You casually go over your pre-flight checklist and prepare for yet another spaceflight and you coldly resolve to get to the bottom of this.

Mission Log Entry
Carry the Federation President's reply message to <RST> in the <RSY> system and await further developments.

Completion

Upon landing you are met by a Rebel officer who introduces himself as Captain Daniels and takes the encrypted message pod off you. "General Smart wanted me to pass on his thanks," he informs you in that slightly official tone used by military personnel the universe over, "and also to inform you that a significant amount of money has been transferred into your account. "There will undoubtedly be a follow-up to this mission," he explains forthrightly, "and we will be wanting your services for it, as we like to keep showing delicate contacts familiar faces. When we have gotten things organized we will look for you in the bar."

Organize Meeting

Offer

You see Captain Daniels waving to attract your attention as soon as you walk in. You make your way over and sit down at his table. "I'm afraid that this will be the last mission we have for you," he begins almost apologetically. "We want you to carry a message to Dorraj Rainsford again. I'm afraid that I cannot reveal any more information about the mission than that until you have agreed to it. "Are you available?"

Briefing

"Thank you," he continues gratefully. "I cannot tell you how important this mission is to us. If this goes right, it may very well spell the end of the Bureau." Your ears pick up a little when you hear that. You decide that this information is something you will have to pass on to Krane at the earliest opportunity. "We want you to meet Dorraj at the same place you met him last time," Daniels explains, "and we want you to tell him the following message: 'Your office, Sol, four weeks'. Did you get that?" You nod and your excitement grows as you realize that the rebels have set a date when they will be meeting with the President. You decide that once you have delivered the message you will report to Krane immediately to pass on the information. It could spell the end of the Rebellion and allow the Bureau to gain control of the President. "Well good luck," Daniels continues, clapping you on the shoulder, "and once again thank you."

Mission Log Entry
Take the Rebel message to the Federation President on <RST> in the <RSY> system.

Completion

You step off your ship and are greeted by 'Dorraj', and you notice with amusement that this time his moustache and hair actually match. You pull him aside and pass on the Rebel message in a terse voice. "Your office, Sol, four weeks." He nods, thanks you and moves off. After he disappears into the crowd you smile nastily and head back on board your ship and begin prepping it for another spaceflight. You cannot wait to get this intelligence to the Bureau offices on New England. With this information the Bureau could clean up the Rebellion in one swoop, and take care of one would-be sneaky president. Things are definitely looking up.

Lead Attack on Rebels

Offer

As soon as you walk in you spot your normal contact sitting in his usual seat. He sees you and nods with his head towards the back door and you nod in thanks before heading into Krane's office. "You're back!" she smiles happily. "You had been out so long that I was starting to get a little worried about you. What news from the Rebels?" You quickly explain the events of your recent journeys concluding with the place and time of the meeting between the President and the Rebels. "Good work!" she exclaims before turning her big blue eyes on you and asking meaningfully: "So you know where at least one of the Rebel bases is?" You nod and she begins typing away at her console. After a few moments she indicates that you should stay put before leaving the room for a few minutes.

Briefing

After leaving you twiddling your thumbs for a while, Commander Krane re-enters and sits back down behind her desk. "I want you to go to the Rebel base in the <DSY> system, land and activate a homing beacon when you get there," she informs you brusquely. "I will have a Carrier Group follow you, and several task forces waiting in nearby systems. I have heard through other sources that the Rebel leaders will be going somewhere in the next few weeks, and I believe that they will be attending this meeting you warned us about. So while the Rebels are without leadership I want to do as much damage as I can to their cause. I want you to completely destroy one of their bases, and I will be trying to capture the Rebel leaders when they land on Earth. While you're there, make sure that you destroy every rebel ship you can. The weaker they are, the better. "When the Federation soldiers have finished smashing the Rebel station," she finishes quietly, "return here for a debrief."

Mission Log Entry
Lead the Carrier Group to <DST> in the <DSY> system, making sure that all rebel ships in the system are destroyed before returning to <RST> in the <RSY> system for a debrief.

Loading Cargo

As soon as you land you see Federation soldiers killing and ransacking everything in sight. They approach their job with an air of savage efficiency that impresses you no end. You begin to see why Federation soldiers are not much liked by the Aurorans. After wandering around observing them at work for little over an hour you are approached by their commander, Captain Allen Wilson. "We have found some intel on the whereabouts of the rebel headquarters," he informs you, wiping the sweat off his brow. "We will be finished here in a few more hours and then we will be passing that information on to the other naval forces in the area while we escort you back. "Here is a data crystal containing the location of the base in question," he explains tiredly. "If you could pass it on to your superior as soon as possible, so that the Bureau gets the information as quickly as possible." You nod, and make your way back to your ship to start your long flight back to <RST>.

Dropping Cargo

Upon landing you are met by the {G"stunning" "disgustingly attractive"} Krane and she takes you into a seemingly deserted office. When you enter you are surprised to see the familiar figure of the rebel Captain Daniels wearing a Bureau uniform. "I've just received a transmission from Federation Command reporting that the Carrier Group has taken heavy casualties but has managed to destroy the rebels' headquarters," she tells you with a small smile. "I believe they gave you information on its whereabouts?" You hand over the data crystal and, somewhat distractedly, give a quick summary of events from your mission. "You will be happy to know that the Rebel leaders have been taken into custody," Daniels informs you quietly. "As of now, the rebellion is destroyed." Krane recognizes the confused expression on your face. "Do you remember that the former head of Federation Intel, a man code-named Frandall, was the head of the rebel intelligence network?" she asks, and you nod. "Well, let me introduce Frandall, the head of the Bureau."

Completion

"I've heard a lot about you," Frandall says as he rises to shake your hand. "I hear you have been invaluable in helping along the Auroran operation. "Don't look so surprised," he continues as you look on stunned. "Early on we knew that we would not be able to keep our activities secret from certain people. So I decided that I would start a rebel movement to root out all the malcontents. The end result was the rebellion, and given their limited resources, they were never going to get very far. So we merely waited for our time to strike. "On another note," he says with a sly grin, "the rebel leaders, other than General Smart, have all been broken and are confessing to whatever we want them to. Unfortunately for us, military training includes torture resistance, so General Smart died before we could get anything out of him." "By the way," Commander Krane informs you, "we authorized access to all but the absolute highest level of Federation technology. What you have access to now is all expensive, but if you have the money, it is all worth it."

Deliver Final Instructions

Offer

You are a little surprised to see the lithe figure and blond hair of Commander Krane sitting near the rear of the bar when you enter this establishment. She waves you over with a smile. "How are things?" she asks sincerely, and you shrug. "You can be a bit hard to track down, Captain <PN>. I've been trying to catch you for a while. "We have decided that everything is ready for the final push in the Auroran operation," she leans forward and tells you in a hushed tone. "Everything is in place, or will be within a few weeks. Trouble is, we need someone to go and tell the Moash elders, so that they can keep up their side of the bargain. "Interested in a bit more courier work?"

Briefing

"Excellent!" Krane exclaims with a {G"stunning" "radiant"} smile before breathing a sigh of relief. "We were getting a little worried when we couldn't catch you anywhere, and we are pushing hard up against the edge of our desired timetable. "Like all the other missions down there," she explains offhandedly, "all we want you to do is take a message pod down to the House Elders. When you're finished, return to <RST> for a debrief. "While you're here," she continues quietly, leaning closer, "try to avoid getting scanned by Heraan ships. From what we hear they are getting a little suspicious, and despite the protestations of our Moash allies, we don't believe that the Heraan warriors are either clumsy or inept. If we can keep them in the dark until we start the operation, things will go a lot smoother. "Good luck," she finishes with a smile. "I'll see you when you get back to <RST>."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Deliver the final instructions concerning the Auroran Operation to the Moash House elders on <DST> in the <DSY> system before returning to <RST> in the <RSY> system for a debrief.

Dropping Cargo

Upon landing you are escorted by two savagely tattooed Moash warriors to the chambers of the House elders. You notice a new air of optimism on the faces of the many warriors you pass on the way. You hand over the message pod to the same old warrior as last time and watch him open it. After taking a few minutes to scan the contents he turns to you and thanks you for your services. You are escorted back to your beloved '<PSN>' by the same two warriors who do not seem to be worried at all about your safety or actions. Obviously the warriors of the Moash House have learned to deal with their new status as vassals of the Bureau, and are confident about their planned takeover of Auroran Space.

Completion

You are met by the {G"beautiful" "blonde haired"} Commander Krane who takes you to see Frandall for your debrief. The two of them grill you for nearly an hour on everything you saw while on Moash, skillfully pulling information out of you, most of which you would not normally remember. You realize that these two are far more competent than you have ever believed. You are glad to be serving on their side. "You have done well," sighs Frandall eventually. "I cannot fault your work or your intuitive conclusions regarding the emotional state of the Moash. It's good to see that everything I've heard about you is true." Commander Krane stands up and moves around the desk to shake your hand, and you realize that the interview is at an end. "Thanks again, Captain <PN>," she congratulates with a smile, "this whole operation would have been nearly impossible without you. Keep an eye out in the bars around the place, we will have another sensitive mission coming up soon, and you are the ideal candidate for it."

Chat With Federation President

Offer

As soon as you walk in you spot the {G"stunning" "disgustingly attractive"} Commander Krane seated near the rear of the bar. You make your way over to her after she waves you over. "I was pretty happy to hear you had just landed here," she tells you with a grin. "I was about to head off-planet to go looking for you. Now all I have to do is come here to have a chat with you." You shrug, telling her sardonically that you are glad to have been of service. "And much appreciated it is too!" she exclaims after a long chuckle. "We should employ more people like you. "Anyway, let's get down to business," she continues more seriously. "Do you remember the recent business we had with the rebels? Well, we want to tie up a few loose ends and bring the Federation President under more direct control. Are you interested in being the messenger?"

Briefing

"Good!" she exclaims gratefully. "The President is about to begin a three week holiday on <DST> in the <DSY> system. We want you to go and have a chat with him. "You see, over the next few days we are going to publicize the confessions of the former rebel leaders," she explains quietly. "We want you to tell him that we have recorded them confessing to receiving contact from him. We will make it look like he was making an attempt to increase his power by using them to weaken the Bureau and the military. Make it clear to him that we are more than prepared to utterly discredit him if he does not do exactly what we tell him to do. "Of course," she grins slyly as she continues, "make him aware that working for us won't be too difficult, as we won't be asking for much, but leave him in no doubt that if he makes any trouble we will put him away. When you're finished, return here for a debrief." You chuckle, realizing that you are looking forward with interest to meeting the President again.

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <DST> in the <DSY> system to have a chat with the Federation President about his new status with the Bureau before returning to <RST> for a debrief.

Loading Cargo

Using the various passes given to you by Krane you easily penetrate the heavy security surrounding the Federation President. In a few short minutes you find yourself entering his room. "You!" he exclaims in surprised recognition. "What are you doing here? And how did you get in?" You smile a small malicious smile, and watch his face go pale. "Y... You're with the Bureau aren't you," he grinds out fearfully and you nod. He suddenly looks very deflated and old. To save him the trouble of asking, you quickly outline what the Bureau wants of him, and inform him of the consequences if he fails in his new duties. "I will do what you ask," he whispers with tears in his eyes when you finish. "What other choice do I have?" You shrug and walk out. You quickly dash through a surveillance barrier and watch on in amusement as the President tries to inform his security chief of your intrusion. You chuckle when he is told that any intrusion is impossible because the system was "designed by the Bureau".

Dropping Cargo

As you often do when you enter a system that you intend landing in, you decide to check out the news band of the system's comm-net. You are a little surprised to hear that the Federation Navy is starting to gain the upper-hand after the terrible strikes made by the Aurorans a few weeks ago. After listening for a while you start to realize that everything seems to have gone according to plan, and that the Federation, with the help of its Moash vassals are systematically destroying 'strategic' targets. You would be willing to bet that these targets are more than likely only strategic to the other four major Auroran houses. You chuckle when you hear some editorial comments saying that the war will have to end soon, as the Federation cannot afford to overextend itself. It seems that the Bureau plan included a mechanism to stop the war at the desired time, after exactly the right amount of damage was inflicted. It makes you glad that you decided to work for the right team.

Completion

Once again you are met by Krane and she escorts you to your debriefing where both she and Frandall grill you for some time. After nearly two hours they sit back, apparently satisfied. "Well, it looks like we have managed to deal with the Rebels, the Aurorans, and now the President," chuckles Frandall. "Within a few days we will basically control most of Known Space." "We still have to think about the Polaris," warns Krane seriously, "and I doubt that they will be so easy." "I'm not so sure," muses Frandall thoughtfully. "I don't think that they will be able to stay out of this situation for long. I believe that it won't be too long before we hear from them. "In the mean time," he continues after turning back to you, "we have managed to get you clearance to purchase the Carrier. I recommend you buy it, because if the Polaris do contact us we'll be sending you to them, and you'll want all the firepower you can get. Keep an eye out in the bar, if we need you that's where we'll look for you."

Polaris Diplomatic Mission

Offer

You are quietly chuckling to yourself as you watch footage of the former rebel leaders admitting to various crimes against the Federation when you receive a tap on the shoulder. Turning around you see the {G"stunning" "disgustingly attractive"} Commander Krane beckoning you towards a secluded table near the rear of the bar. "Frandall was, as usual, right on the money," she begins quietly. "The Polaris have sent out a diplomatic feeler towards the Federation. There is little doubt that they are aware of the fact that the Aurorans now pay tribute to us, and so they want to open diplomatic ties with us because we are probably too much of a threat to ignore any longer. "We need someone to head over there to begin initial talks with the Polaris government," she explains, smiling. "Are you interested in being the first non-Polaran in probably seven centuries to visit the Polaris capital?"

Briefing

"Glad I can count on you," she breathes gratefully. "We need our best operative on this one, it won't be easy. "You will find the outer Polaris systems the toughest," she explains meaningfully, "because they have a warrior caste that seems to be in charge of running them, and they have no qualms whatsoever about shooting first and asking questions later. Our best intelligence says that once you actually penetrate the perimeter of Polaris space, it should actually become easier. "But to help you get past the first hurdle," she continues with a smile, "our technicians will fit a new experimental device to your ship called a 'cloaking device'. It renders you invisible to the sensors of other ships. Be careful using it because its startup sequence requires you to drop your shields and I doubt it will fool the Polaris for long. Hopefully, though, it will be long enough for you to get through their outer defenses. "When you get to their capital 'Kel'ar Iy'," she finishes quietly, "it will be up to you. None of our agents have ever penetrated that far, so you will have to play it by ear. Good luck."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <RST> in the <RSY> system to open negotiations with the Polaris government.

Dropping Cargo

You land carefully, all the time aware that the Polaris war-ships are watching you every second of the way. You take your time over your post-flight routine to steady your nerves before heading out to see what awaits you on this marvel of a world. You are met by two gray-cloaked men who indicate that you should follow them. As you fall in behind one, the other falls in behind you in a classic guarding maneuver. You cannot help but feel his eyes boring into your back. You travel through several corridors and lifts before arriving in what appears to be a simple boardroom with a large central table around which sit twenty-five elderly people. They are all garbed in brown, but you notice that, except for the woman at the head of the table, their collars are of differing colors. Eight of them have white collars, six have green, five blue, four gray and one black. You wonder what the significance is. The woman at the head of the table is the only one whose collar matches the color of her robe.

Completion

The woman at the head of the table stands up and addresses you clearly. "I am Bis Andreya," she begins seriously, "I am the leader of the Polaris. We must warn you that we are sickened by the actions of yourself and your 'Bureau', and, if it were at all possible, we would want to have nothing to do with you. Unfortunately, now that you have maneuvered your way into the ownership of the Aurorans, we have no choice but to deal with you. For with the resources now at your disposal, you pose too serious a security risk to ignore. "This council is yet to come to a decision on what our offer to your government will be," she slightly emphasizes the word 'government', obviously trying to get a rise out of you, "but by the end of this session, a decision will be reached. If you would be so kind as to await the outcome of our deliberations in the bar, within a few hours you can be on your way back to your masters with our opening position."

Return With Polaris Proposal

Offer

As you sit, you notice that all the people in this bar either wear brown with color coded collars or that they wear clothes of overall hue similar to the collars of those garbed in brown, the other colors being white, green, blue, gray and black. Again you wonder what the significance is. Your thoughts are interrupted when everybody in the bar stands as the elderly figure of Bis Andreya enters. She waves them all down with a smile and a whisper of thanks before heading over to your table. "The Polaris Ruling Council has reached a decision regarding our offer to the Federation," she intones formally. "Are your prepared to act as a courier between our peoples, and carry our proposal back to your superiors?"

Briefing

"We are prepared to enter into an alliance with the Federation," she continues officially after receiving your nod of acquiescence. "Our conditions would be that only one Federation diplomat be allowed into our space until the offer is accepted, with that number being increased to a maximum of five Federation diplomatic personnel once an agreement is reached. In return, we ask that we be allowed to have full diplomatic compound on Earth staffed by personnel of our choosing. "And finally, as a sign of good faith," she emphasizes meaningfully, "we are prepared, if the Federation agrees to our proposal, to allow a gradually increasing number of your young scientists to come to our training centers so that they can be taught the principles of our more advanced technology. The timetable will be such that within one century, the technologies of the Polaris will be completely shared with the Federation. "That is our offer," she finishes quietly. "I ask that you present it to your superiors."

Mission Log Entry
Return to <RST> in the <RSY> system to present Frandall and Krane with the Polaris Proposal.

Completion

As usual you are met by Commander Krane who takes you to a debrief with Frandall. The two of them work you over for nearly six hours until they both seem satisfied that every little drop of intelligence has been gleaned from your memory. At the end of the session you all sit back feeling exhausted. "This is certainly an interesting development," muses Frandall thoughtfully. "I wasn't expecting the Polaris to be so direct as to make an offer of alliance so soon. Nor did I expect them to make such a tempting offer. I wonder what their angle is?" "Perhaps we should make use of the 'one diplomat' condition of the proposal," Krane comments tiredly. "We could send someone in to have a look around." Frandall nods, looking at you shrewdly. "Meet us in the bar in two hours, Captain <PN>," he says quietly. "I will see about getting you clearance to be our lone diplomat so that I can send you over there to have a look around."

Scout Polaris Space

Offer

You are sitting by yourself, quietly enjoying your drink when you observe Krane and Frandall enter the bar. They both soon spot you and make their way over. "It looks as though the Federation is going to agree with the Polaris proposal," Frandall begins without preamble. "The Federation Council views it as a way of slowly getting out of our influence by sending our best and brightest off to learn the truth about the Bureau. I've been able to stall them until I can get a preliminary analysis of what the average Polaris thinks of the proposal." "Of course," Krane winks, "that's only what we've told the politicians to allow us to get a few defense mechanisms in place while we figure out the lay of the land. Are you interested in being the first Federation diplomat to ever enter Polaris space?"

Briefing

"In that case," smiles Frandall slightly sardonically, "you are hereby given the diplomatic rank of '<PRK128>', with all the privileges and responsibilities inherent in that position. You get a bigger salary and a bigger discount at Federation ports. You will not be required to purchase any licenses any more either. Enjoy it while it's yours... "But getting back to business," Frandall shakes his head in mild amusement, "although you will be technically a diplomat, we are more interested in the Polaris warrior caste, and especially with their Southern border. "We want you to do two things," he continues with a sly grin. "Firstly, we want you to confirm the location of the headquarters of the warrior caste. We believe it is located to the galactic south-east of Kel'ariy. "Secondly, we want you to have a look around the Polaris Southern border, the one they share with the Aurorans," Frandall tells you meaningfully. "Land everywhere you can to get as much intelligence as possible. Once you think that you have something that could be useful to us, return here for a debrief. "Good luck '<SRK128>'."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Confirm the location of headquarters of the warrior caste then and scout around Southern Polaris Space before returning to New England for a debrief.

Completion

As soon as you land you hear your hatch opening without you giving your computer the code to do so, and suddenly two gray men enter your cockpit. Before you are aware of it you are face-down on the floor. You are quickly and thoroughly searched by the men as another gray-cloaked woman searches your ship. You are picked up like you weigh nothing and are carried outside and dumped at the feet of an attractive woman who also wears the same gray clothes, the only difference being her brown collar. "I am Iuso," she introduces herself calmly. "You have absolutely no business landing on this station. Why are you here?" You stammer that you are a Federation diplomat, wandering through Polaris Space in an attempt to gauge the reaction of the Polaris people to the proposal sent to your government. "I see," she comments nonplussed. "I will check this with the council. If you could give me a few moments, I will clear this all up." She nods to your captors and you know that although that was phrased as a request, it was nothing of the sort.

Scout Polaris Space

Offer

As you sit surrounded by your three captors feeling a little bruised, you realize that gray must denote being a member of the warrior caste. You would hazard a guess that Brown would then denote leadership amongst the Polaris. Your deductions are cut short when you see the lithe athletic figure of Iuso walk into the room. "The Council acknowledges your story but agrees with me that you have no business on this station," she informs you almost casually. "You are hereby told that this station is off-limits, and you are to leave and not return. Are there any questions <SRK>?" Without waiting for your response, the three warriors guarding you pick you up and begin taking you back to your ship. Everything you do to resist somehow gets twisted by some trick of mechanical advantage into moving you along faster. You realize that it is pointless to resist, and that you should simply get on with the rest of your mission and begin scouting around Southern Polaris Space.

Mission Log Entry
Confirm the location of headquarters of the warrior caste then and scout around Southern Polaris Space before returning to New England for a debrief.

Dropping Cargo

After having a quick look around you realize that this is the 'home-world' of the warrior caste. While the Nil'a Ca station is their battle headquarters, this planet is their 'spiritual' home. After a few hours of fruitless wandering, you learn that it is useless to try to draw any of these warriors into conversation, as they only seem to be prepared to give you monosyllable answers. You reckon that this is something Krane and Frandall would want to know about, so you decide to head back to <RST> to make your report.

Completion

Following the usual protocols, Krane takes you to your debrief where both she and Frandall question you at length regarding your trip. After they squeeze from you every possible detail, they sit back looking tired. "It looks like we may have a small problem," Frandall comments quietly. "There is no doubt that the Federation will accept this proposal as it stands, and then we will be fighting something of a rearguard action to retain our influence from thereon in. We may have to figure out ways of reindoctrinating people once they come back from the Polaris." "You did well on your last mission," says Krane, shaking her head at Frandall. "Keep an eye out because we will be in contact soon as we will undoubtedly need you for another mission soon into Polaris space. We have transferred a sizeable sum of money into your account, so go out there and enjoy yourself while you can."

Fetch Polaris Leader

Offer

You are a little surprised to see the blond hair and athletic figure of Krane apparently just taking a rest on one of the many sidewalk benches in the spaceport. She looks up, spots you and waves you over. "It will be hitting the news in a little over a week," she informs you quietly, "that the Federation has agreed to the Polaris proposal. The Polaris leader will be travelling to Earth to sign the documents sealing the alliance. In something of a sign of good faith, the leader of the Polaris has asked to be brought here (with her personal bodyguards), by Federation transport. Rather than leave it to just anybody, we want you to be the one to pick her up. "Are you interested in becoming a chauffeur, <SRK>?"

Briefing

"This mission should be fairly easy," Krane continues after you agree to take the mission. "All you have to do is head back over to <DST> in the <DSY> system, pick up Bis Andreya and head back to <RST> in the <RSY> system. "Try to keep her alive," says Krane meaningfully. "The Bureau is at something of a disadvantage in this particular exchange, as it is one of the few times where we have relatively little control over events concerning the formation of Federation policy. So if she dies while under the protection of a Bureau operative, we would struggle to contain the resulting media circus. "Good luck."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <DST> in the <DSY> system to pick up Bis Andreya, the Polaris leader, to take her to <RST> in the <RSY> system so that she can sign the treaty allying the Polaris with the Federation.

Loading Cargo

Given the efficient manner of the Polaris, you are not terribly surprised when Bis Andreya, along with her eight bodyguards, greets you when you open your hatch. After exchanging a few courtesies, you formally ask her to come aboard, and she does so. Her bodyguards take charge and whisk her onto your ship and they inform you that they will make sure that she is taken care of. You shrug your shoulders and head back up to your cockpit to begin going through your pre-flight checklist.

Dropping Cargo

Bis Andreya is met by an official party headed by the Vice-President of the Federation, and after they move you see Commander Krane who indicates that you should follow her. She takes you through a series of corridors before you enter a room with a large screen at one end. After a few moments Frandall enters and he greets you jovially. "Good work '<SRK>'," he tells you cheerfully. "Keep an eye on the screen. The vision is supplied courtesy of a shielded camera in the council-room that they will be using to sign all the official documents." You are a little mystified, but keep an eye on the monitor as Krane and Frandall make small talk. Soon enough you see the media file in, and before long the official party, including the Federation Vice President and Bis Andreya who take center stage. The Vice-President makes a brief statement to the media, and ends by looking straight at the camera to this viewscreen and saying that he hopes this alliance will allow both cultures to move forward.

Completion

Suddenly the screen becomes unbearably bright, and you hear the sound of a loud explosion. When the screen clears you can clearly see the charred remains of the official party lying dead. You continue watching, stunned, and you see a couple of Bis Andreya's bodyguards, somehow reaching their feet despite their horrific burns, make their way offscreen. "Pretty tough buggers to survive a thermite blast," comments Frandall thoughtfully. "Oh well, we need a few of them to make it back to Polaris space anyway." You turn around, looking confused. "This was the plan all along," explains Frandall. "We couldn't allow this alliance to come to fruition, it would mean the gradual erosion of our control, and the very act of bringing in an outside factor was an act of rebellion by the Federation Council that we couldn't let go unpunished. "We're heading back to New England," he continues thoughtfully. "Meet us there in a few weeks and we will have something for you."

Meet Auroran Forces

Offer

Both Krane and Frandall are waiting for you when you walk in, and they take you down the corridor at the rear of the bar into the Bureau office there. "As we told you on Earth," begins Krane as you sit down, "this has been the plan for some time. We knew that the Polaris would have to react to our sudden takeover of the Auroran Empire, and that they would be somehow trying to reeducate us. We infected the President with a non-lethal virus to keep him from the signing because, as you know, we have him in our pocket, and so the Vice-President, on whom we have nothing, was forced to take his place in the official party." "The Polaris will now declare war against the Federation," Frandall continues, taking over, "leaving their Southern flank wide open. A weakness our Moash allies will make gleeful use of. "We couldn't tell you this before now," explains Frandall, "because we suspect that the Polaris have a number of telepaths amongst them, and we couldn't risk information reaching them of our plans."

Briefing

"It will take the Polaris at least another week to receive the message about the death of their leader," Krane murmurs quietly, "and at least another week to marshal their forces for a major attack. We need that time to begin marshalling our own forces to defend against them. In that time we want you to head down to <RST> in the <RSY> system to meet up with the Auroran forces there. "When you get there we want you to talk to Elder Kerachk," she continues explaining. "He is the commander of the Auroran forces there that they have been building up for the last several months in preparation for the assault." "In essence," Frandall informs you succinctly, "we want you to lead the Auroran forces firstly to the home-world of the warrior caste and then on to their battle HQ. Once you have done that, return here as quickly as possible, for undoubtedly we will need your skills to help us emerge triumphant in the coming conflict. "Good luck," Frandall finishes formally, "all our plans rely solely on you."

Mission Log Entry
Go to <RST> in the <RSY> system to meet up with the gathered Auroran forces there.

Completion

As soon as you dock on this station you are greeted by a party of five heavily tattooed warriors. They tell you that Elder Kerachk is currently out on exercises with some of his warriors, but that a message informing him of your arrival has been sent and that he will be not more than a few hours away. You bow low and thank them for their courtesy and tell them that you will await for his return in the bar. They bow low in return agreeing to pass on your message as soon as he arrives back on the station.

Lead Auroran Forces

Offer

As you sit, quietly attempting to down the horrendous concoction that the locals drink, you see an elderly Auroran warrior walk into the bar. As he makes his way over you observe that his body is covered by countless 'battle' tattoos, and, despite his age, he still carries himself as if ready to ward off any attack. "I am Elder Kerachk," he informs you as he sits down opposite you, with a sly smile on his face, "and you, a Federation '<SRK>' have been sent here by Krane to show us the way into the Polaris defenses?" You tell him that the plan is for the Auroran forces to launch against the home-world of the Polaris warrior caste, and then against their battle headquarters. You explain that the Polaris have been provoked into launching a full-scale attack on the Federation, and that they will have left their Southern border relatively unguarded.

Briefing

You watch Kerachk's face for some hint of how he is taking your news with increasing apprehension until he laughs a sudden brutal laugh and slaps the table. "We will launch against the physical and spiritual hearts of the Polaris defenses?" he asks and you nod in confirmation. "This will be a worthy battle! I will send ten of my best ships with you to learn the route, and once we know the way, we will launch ourselves upon these mysterious Polaris, and we shall see if we are ready to measure ourselves against them! And to think, we will be led into battle against the Polaris by the '<PRK>'. Who would have thought it? Surely this is an omen that the time to strike is NOW!" The warriors in the bar all raise their drinks at this last shout and salute the coming battle, with many of them uttering battle cries. You tell Kerachk that you will be prepping your ship for flight as soon as possible. "My men will be ready when you are!" he tells you gleefully. "You will be the first Federation '<SRK>' to have ever had the honor of leading the Auroran Empire into battle!"

Mission Log Entry
Land on <DST> in the <DSY> system and then on the '<RST>' station in the <RSY> system so that your Auroran escorts can drop beacons to guide in the remainder of the Auroran fleet.

Loading Cargo

When you land you see four of the Auroran Cruisers deploying ground troops to protect a fifth Cruiser which is deploying a bulky piece of equipment, which you assume will be the beacon which the rest of the Auroran fleet will home-in upon. You can see that the Auroran warriors on the ground immediately start taking casualties from the Polaris warriors, while the remaining Cruisers try to keep the air above the deploying beacon clear of Polaris ships. Of course, the Polaris will destroy the beacon as soon as you leave, but it only has to send out a single pulse to allow the Auroran fleet to pinpoint its exact location. Soon enough, the beacon is fully deployed, and the Aurorans begin falling back to their ships. As they begin retreating you can see that several groups hold themselves as a suicide rearguard so that their colleagues can escape. To a man they are killed, but their sacrifice allows the Aurorans to get away cleanly.

Dropping Cargo

When you dock you see a similar tactic used by the Aurorans of four Cruisers deploying ground troops to protect a fifth which is deploying the beacon. Once again the Auroran warriors on the ground immediately start taking casualties from the Polaris warriors, while the remaining Cruisers try to keep the space around the station now holding the beacon clear of Polaris ships. The beacon is quickly deployed, and the Auroran warriors begin withdrawing back to their ships leaving behind several small rearguard groups so that they can get away cleanly. With an almost clockwork precision that you would not have expected from the Aurorans, the Cruisers lift off and begin heading out far enough to make the jump to hyperspace. Your comm beeps, indicating an incoming hail. "Thank you for your help <SRK>," says the veteran warrior leading the Auroran task force, "we have been honored to share of your knowledge. If songs are made about this battle, I will make sure that your part will be remembered."

Completion
After watching the Aurorans depart the system back towards their awaiting fleet you decide that it is time to head back to New England to find out if Krane or Frandall need any help with anything. You wonder how the Polaris/Federation war is coming; for all you know, it might be over and the Federation lost. With that thought you launch yourself back towards Earth.

Report Back to Krane

Offer
No desc reqd

Mission Log Entry
Head back to <RST> to report in, and to find out what is going on with the war.

Destroy Polaris Raven

Offer

You see a tired looking Krane standing only a few meters away after you exit your ship. Worry at her obvious exhaustion gnaws at you as you make your way over. "So how are the Aurorans going?" she asks casually after you sit down. You give her a quick summary of the events of your mission, and she nods thoughtfully when you finish. "The battle is virtually at a standstill," she informs you quietly. "Both fleets have been virtually wiped out, and we have been forced to utilize the prototypes of an experimental ship, the RAGE Gunboat, to mop up what is left of the Polaris forces. "Unfortunately," she continues wearily, "the Polaris also had a couple of ships up their sleeves, and the remaining ships are super-powerful Cruisers called Ravens. So far they have been virtually unstoppable, and although we have had some success against them by overwhelming them with numbers, we believe that at least one has managed to slip past us and will reach the Tichel system in the next few days. "We need every available ship to help out," she tells you as she runs her tired eyes, "can you lend a hand?"

Briefing

"Thank you," she smiles gratefully. "Like I said, they will be in the Tichel system soon, so meet them there. They have to be destroyed before they can go any further. "If you make it through," she finishes dismissively, "you will find me on <RST>, and, if you make it, we will finally be able to give you a full debrief on your last few missions. "Good luck <PN>," Krane shakes your hand, "come back alive."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to the Tichel system and stop the Polaris Raven from penetrating any further into Federation space before returning to <RST>.

Completion

As soon as you land your battered ship is surrounded by a swarm of technicians. In the tumult you spot Krane and she takes you to a debrief where she and Frandall get you to go over the events of your Auroran mission, and the battle with the Polaris Raven. After questioning you for several hours they relax, apparently satisfied. "It seems that we have managed to pull it all together," remarks Frandall in his underhanded way. "You won't yet know this, but the Polaris have sent a diplomatic envoy directly to me surrendering unconditionally to the Bureau. And while they will be doing their best to subvert us to their way of thinking through education, we have a firm grip on the situation, and we are now in a position to deal with any threat that they will come to pose." "And much of this is thanks to you, <PN>," congratulates Krane {G"prettily" "warmly"}. "Without you, this could well have turned into a shambles. Meet me in the bar in two hours, as it appears we have one last loose end to tie up."

Destroy Polaris Cruiser

Offer

You see a tired looking Krane standing only a few meters away after you exit your ship. Worry at her obvious exhaustion gnaws at you as you make your way over. "So how are the Aurorans going?" she asks casually after you sit down. You give her a quick summary of the events of your mission, and she nods thoughtfully when you finish. "The battle is virtually at a standstill," she informs you quietly. "Both fleets have been virtually wiped out, and we have been forced to ramp up production for the RAGE Gunboat, so that we could rush some of them to the front lines to help mop up what is left of the Polaris forces. "Unfortunately," she continues wearily, "the Polaris also had a couple of ships up their sleeves, and the remaining ships are super-powerful Cruisers called Ravens. So far they have been virtually unstoppable, and although we have had some success through sheer weight of numbers, at least one of them has slipped past us and will reach the Tichel system in a few days. "We need every available ship to help out," she tells you as she rubs her tired eyes, "can you lend a hand?"

Briefing

"Thank you," she smiles gratefully. "Like I said, they will be in the Tichel system soon, so meet them there. They have to be destroyed before they can go any further. "If you make it through," she finishes dismissively, "you will find me on <RST>, and, if you make it, we will finally be able to give you a full debrief on your last few missions. "Good luck <PN>," Krane shakes your hand, "come back alive."

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Mission Log Entry
Go to the Tichel system and stop the Polaris Raven from penetrating any further into Federation space before returning to <RST>.

Completion

As soon as you land your battered ship is surrounded by a swarm of technicians. In the tumult you spot Krane and she takes you to a debrief where she and Frandall get you to go over the events of your Auroran mission, and the battle with the Polaris Raven. After questioning you for several hours they relax, apparently satisfied. "It seems that we have managed to pull it all together," remarks Frandall in his underhanded way. "You won't yet know this, but the Polaris have sent a diplomatic envoy directly to me surrendering unconditionally to the Bureau. And while they will be doing their best to subvert us to their way of thinking through education, we have a firm grip on the situation, and we are now in a position to deal with any threat that they will come to pose." "And much of this is thanks to you, <PN>," congratulates Krane {G"prettily" "warmly"}. "Without you, this could well have turned into a shambles. Meet me in the bar in two hours, as it appears we have one last loose end to tie up."

Take Krane to Earth

Offer

Almost exactly two hours later, you see the {G"stunning" "disgustingly attractive"} Krane walk in to the admiring gazes of every man in the room. She quickly spots you and comes over. "It appears that the President is making one final attempt to grow a spine," she tells you quietly after you exchange greetings. "He wants to announce to the media that he is going to cut Bureau spending by as much as half, which would effectively stop us from operating as an effective force unless we were to hand over the reins of governing our newly acquired territories to the Council. He has called me to a meeting to 'inform' me of his intentions, but I will have a few things to say about it all." You shrug your shoulders, indicating that you do not feel that the matter concerns you. "Oh, but I want you to be the one to take me there," she tells you gleefully. "Seeing your face should unsettle him, and that will give me an advantage in our exchange. "Are you interested in bullying the President of the Federation?" she asks with a sly grin.

Briefing

"I knew that would appeal to your sense of natural justice," she continues ironically. "Well, when you are ready, if we could get to the President's offices on Earth, we can get this circus started. "Just keep an eye out for Federation ships in the Sol system," Krane warns you quietly. "We believe that he has been trying to gather around him troops loyal to him directly, so we cannot trust the commanders of any Federation Naval ships around Earth at this time." After hearing all this you quickly down your drink and the two of you head back to your beloved '<PSN>' to begin your quick journey to Sol.

Refusal
"Oh well," sighs Krane quietly. "I'm not going to say I'm not a little disappointed in you, but I'm sure you have your reasons. I guess we'll have to find someone else instead. "Keep an eye out for me," she finishes, as she turns away, "I may need your services for something else soon..."

Loading Cargo
Take Krane to <RST> in the <RSY> system to confront the Federation President over his planned Bureau budget cuts.

Dropping Cargo

As soon as you land Krane leads you to the President's offices where he is sweating, surrounded with four bodyguards. "Glad you could make it, Miss Krane," he welcomes you a little too enthusiastically, "I have a matter that I wanted to discuss with you before I go public with it." "Would this be your planned Bureau budget cut?" she asks casually. "Why, ah, yes," he answers, clearly surprised. "How were you aware of it?" "We are aware of many things Mr. President," she informs him in a low tone, "but perhaps you are not. You do realize that both the Polaris and the Aurorans obey orders directly from the Bureau, and not from the Federation government, don't you? If these cuts were to go ahead, it would be somewhat catastrophic to your presidency if they were to both attack the Federation simultaneously. Especially when both governments would, in no uncertain terms, be told by me to assassinate you specifically, Mr. President."

Completion

"Are you threatening me?" asks the President, suddenly smug. "Did you know that I am allowed to order any action to protect myself against any and all threats during a state of emergency? I'm sure you agree that I cannot allow myself to be threatened by people who should be working for me," he turns to his bodyguards. "Shoot her, will you." The bodyguard draws his weapon and smashes it against the President's temple, hard. "Thank you for pointing that out, Mr. President," Krane continues unruffled. "As you can see, we still have the upper-hand. You WILL do what we want, or you will be killed. Now, about your speech this evening..." It takes you another twenty years, but you eventually rid yourself of both Krane and Frandall to become the unassailable ruler of all humanity. Upon taking up the mantle of leadership you gently rub your hands together before executing a plan to begin molding humanity into your own image. After all, what is absolute power good for, other than to challenge God?

Nova Federation

Sub-factions: Bureau • Roughnecks • Wild Geese Federation Ships: Viper (v) (i) 100k, Anaconda (v) (i) 150k, Scout Ship (v) (i) 400k, Patrol Boat (v) (i) 500k, Destroyer (v) (i) 2M, RAGE Gunboat (v) (i) 2.5M, Carrier (v) (i) 12M Bureau Storyline (Preamble • Intro Missions • Main Story • Forced • Merrol Missions) Federation Outfits • Federation Weapons • Federation Licenses Federation fauna: Knup-Knup • Monkdillo