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"...and the Revolution will be brought to you by Octan and with brief Commercial Interruptions." The Invasive Species: Part 7. Finale. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Military Land Vehicle, Civil Structures Meanwhile, in the Gongen Empire's capital. This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "They are at the gates, my Queen. Duchess Qui Zil 'Ing gave them the keys. It is over, and they have won... But you must live on. The hope of our people rests in you. Take the concubine's tunnels below the castle. Escape to the East River Tribe. They will harbour you." "But what of you, Bishop. Will you not go with me?" "I cannot. I must stay behind and misdirect them if I can. Vile though they may be, I don't think they'll hurt an old woman like myself too badly. Flee, my Queen." In the Streets.... Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Broadcast in Oni-Ren Language: "Citizens. Rejoice. We come not as conquerors, but as liberators. The Queen has the cure to the Black-eye and she wants to watch us suffer. Join the resistance! Let us put an end to her tyranny!.... Citizens. Rejoice!...." Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr later, Within the Palace... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr General: "Lord President, We have captured the bishop. There is no sign of the Queen, but the bishop has been... very talkative." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "And what has she said?" General: "She told us everything. The Queen left for the West Lava Canyon Tribe days ago." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Good. If she's told us everything she knows, then there's no reason to keep her alive. Now, let's get this place in order for when Octan comes. They informed me they'll be here at week's end to ensure a peaceful transition of power." Later that week.... Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "We need to inform Ba'al Ba'al to invest in paved roads." Jebediah: "Maybe we shouldn't have walked." Meanwhile... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "My Friends, today is a glorious day! We have successfully liberated the Gongen Empire from the oppression of Queen Bowa San! We stand now at the window of opportunity. I look out that window and I see a brighter future for all of us. No longer shall we be restrained in darkness to serve the Queen and her lackeys. Now we walk freely together into the future. Under Queen Bowa San, Onix was made a laughingstock. The Aliens from other planets looked down at us and they chuckled, for they saw a sad backward little people. The Queens refused to let us interact with the aliens, share their secrets. Instead she forced us to suffer illness and famine... War, and bloodshed. But that ends today. Today we have removed our shackles, and we may enter the galaxy at large. Now is our time to step forward together into the glow of not one, but one thousand suns! Together, we will make this planet great again! Once the votes are cast, I will be your new president, Ba'al Ba'al Jinks, and no longer will we be the Gongen empire, no. I am pleased to declare that starting today, we are now the Liberated Democratic Republic of Unified Onix! Together, we shall work together, in the name of peace and progress, and we will earn our brighter future!" *Crowd cheers* Later.... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Youssa remember dat youssa say the Copper youssa need be under dah "Hunting Grounds" right?" Dr. Long: "That is correct." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Well, Messa be havin' a present for you. This golden tooth comes from there. See, themsa biggun bigguns with the big moneys, they was hunting for the Steam swamp dragons there. The Steam Swamp dragon is a fiercish predator. Always eating. Theyssa say that the dragon is the smartest of all the animals on our world... but not smarter than wessa Oni-Ren. The way themsa be huntin' the dragon is they get a captive Oni-ren, and dey make the Dragon go huntin' dissun. The Dragon will stop at nothing to capture itssa prey. There is a legend. This legend say that the reason the dragon hunt us Oni-Ren so hard is that theysa be jealous of our smarts... that theyssa thinksin' theyssa can be stealing ourssa smarts from us if theyssa catches us. But youssa and messa... Wessa smart'uns. Wessa know that legends are all fake fake. She's just a predator, and all shessa be wantin' is to consume." Dr. Long: "How fascinating. What a barbaric practice." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Thissun' is the last golden toothwe'll be huntin' for. Now on the huntin' Grounds is the Minin' Grounds. " Dr. Long: "Excellent. That is our prefered method for you to pay off your debt to us for the army and equipment." This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah: "Dr. Long. I'm getting intell that there's a gathering of protesters in the streets. They are armed. We may need to form a defensive perimeter to ensure the safety of our Octan personnel." Dr. Long: "Damnit Jinks, I thought you said you had the capital under control." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Messa do.... wait just a moment." *discusses with general* Okeyday! Problem solved! Now is bein' a time of celebration!" This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Peace!" After the ceremony, and discussing finance, The Octan officials pile out of the Presidential Palace, and begin making their way back through the war torn streets to find an unpleasant surprise. Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "So this is what she meant when she said everything was under control. I'm beginning to have my doubts as to whether or not Ba'al Ba'al Jinks is a fit ruler of this planet. We'll have to ensure strict civil rights policy adherence... By the stars..." Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Help... messa." Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Hey. It'll come out. I always use Octan's 'Out Damned Spot' brand laundry detergent. It does the trick every time." Later..... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "PR called. They said we should have the employees here take some footage. They're going to cobble together some kind of Public Relations video to ease this all over." "Great." This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr PR Video (and reason why I place the build on Illustria) In spoiler! ****************************************************** There you have it, the exciting conclusion of "The Invasive Species" ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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"What is a God to a nonbeliever?" The Invasive Species: Part 6. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Alien Planet: Onix What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on FlickrWhat is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Queen: "But the scripture states that the gods returned from the heavens when the Zoid slavers did descend upon our people. The Gods... They showed us that by eating the Zoid we could be free of their shackles. Will not the gods return to us now, in our time of great need?" Bishop: "The Gods work in mysterious ways, my Queen... And our enemy is not from without... but from within. I fear that the Gods may... require us to resolve this ourselves." Queen: "Ba'al Ba'al is no true Oni-Ren*. She might as well be a mere extension of the arm of Octan. Do you think her army of Mecha-nicks was herself created? Do you think the Nan-Nan tribe built for themselves their armor of black?... Ba'al Ba'al and her army are merely puppets to the true enemy... Will our gods not return and teach us how to beat them back?" Bishop: "My Queen... I must confess that I do not believe that the gods will return again.... It has been so.. so very long since they did before." Queen: "But are we not faithful? Have we not upheld their ways? Why would the Gods have abandoned us to our doom?" Bishop: "The Gods abandoned us long, long ago." *The word for Oni-Ren in Oni-Ren is not Oni-Ren, but rather a word more like the common word "Person" What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later, In Cerebus Station. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Translator: "Wessa be wanting to discuss... peace." Dr. Long: "I'm listening." Translator: "Oursa Queen be wanting youssa to be... calling off youssa dog, Ba'al Ba'al Jinks." Dr. Long: "Octan claims no affiliation with Ba'al Ba'al Jinks. She may have been our guest at one point, however, Octan has yet to recognize her freedom fighters as a legitimate organization." Translator: "Oursa Queen be beggin the question of howsa Ba'al Ba'al be having offworlder technology?" Dr. Long: "That would be a question to ask a representative of Ba'al Ba'al Jink's freedom fighters." Translator: "Theysa no talk. Only kill." Dr. Long: "Perhaps there would be a way to... circumvent any further losses. I'm sure Ba'al Ba'al could be reasoned with... But for Octan to become a partisan in your civil war... That would certainly come with a price." Translator: "Does youssa mean the old agreement?" Dr. Long: "More than that. We discussed that arrangement during times of peace. Now you come to us in a time of war and ask for our direct interference with your internal matters? We would have to assemble a taskforce to assess civil liberties in your nation, and draw up actionable plans to bring your empire closer in line to Octan's corporate policies before even considering intervention on your behalf. Octan follows strict moral and legal guidelines in circumstances such as this to ensure mutual benefit of all parties involved." Translator: "Wessa no think wessa can be working with youssa." Dr. Long: "Very well. My people will be in contact with your people, should you change your mind." Later that week, after a battle, by the Statue of the Fallen Goddess. What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: "Is that azure liquid... Water?" Dr. Long: "Yes. Poisoned by Copper." Dr. Edris: "Do the natives drink it?" Dr. Long: "The natives have a greater capacity for copper intake than we do. Nonetheless, the copper in the water will need to be filtered out and converted to a usable form." What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "It's wasteful. Don't you think? All this usable copper oxidizing away in a great heap." Dr. Edris: "This is an item of great cultural significance, from what I can tell. It's one of the statues to their gods. I'd say the religious significance of this item alone makes it almost just as valuable as the copper put into making it." Dr. Long: "Well, we'll need to dismantle it, so take your pictures now." Dr. Edris: "This is a priceless artifact we're talking about, Danielle. This needs to be preserved." Dr. Long: "They've done a fine job preserving it themselves. It looks like it more than half melted into the lava ages ago. Appraise the item in reference to its cultural value. We'll write Ba'al Ba'al a check. We can construct a new one out of Steel." Dr. Edris: "For the record, I don't approve." Dr. Long: "Noted." What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr __________________________ Kudos to those who have been following my larger story and get the implications of this being a statue to the Oni-Ren Gods. Also, the build is kind of a reference to Planet of the Apes. unintentionally, at first, I might add. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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"... are harbingers of the storm" The Invasive Species: Part 5. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Military vehicle, spaceship/flying vehicle, land vehicle (Cart) Planet: Fractor V (In Orbit), also Onix, but you know. Alien fleet. The O.C.S. Axle by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr The O.C.S Axle, In Orbit Fractor V Dr. Long: "What do you mean they're not going to allow us to return!?" Odus Dillberg: "A.L.I.E.N. has moved a portion of its fleet into Sector G10. They've placed a several defensive craft in orbit Onix and will refuse the Axle's reentry into Onix orbit until they have 'ascertained the validity of rumours that Octan is developing a bioweapon'! They claim to believe that we're weaponizing the black-eye in our labs in Cerebus Station!" Dr. Long: "This is absolutely preposterous. A bioweapon as they're describing would be in direct violation of the Kuiper Pact. They should know that Octan would never condone such flagrant disregard for regulations as that. No... This is something else...A.L.I.E.N. is a Kawashita affiliate. Clearly Kawashita is attempting to assert themselves in the sector, and they are using their proxies in A.L.I.E.N. as pawns to prevent our good work from getting done. Hmm. I will not have it." Odus: "So... What are we going to do?" Dr. Long: "I will be returning to Onix to provide our allies there with the shipment they so desperately need." Odus: "But.. But the blockade." Dr. Long: "Reply to A.L.I.E.N. Inform them of the following; Octan refutes the existence of a bioweapon, and would be more than willing to internally investigate this matter, and we would be willing to cooperate with any A.L.I.E.N. run investigations into the violation of the Kuiper Pact they have described. This said, Octan does not recognize the authority of A.L.I.E.N. to prevent Octan's entry into a sector, nor to present Octan with ultimatums of this nature. The O.C.S. Axle will be returning to Onix, and it will continue to remain in orbit as we see fit. We would remind A.L.I.E.N. that the O.C.S. Axle is a registered Civil Structure, and that any use of force against the Axle is a declaration of war, and Octan's reprisal shall be swift and thorough." Odus: "Ok." Dr. Long: "Inform them that their blockade has failed. They will not prevent us from providing the people of Onix their emergency relief." Later, in Orbit of Onix.... Dr. Long: "Prepare my ship to launch with the others. We're making planet-fall within the hour." ( )Clouds of White by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later, on an underused trail in the steambog, a family of Oni-Ren travel with their wares to market. And Clouds of White by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Father Oni-Ren (In the Oni-Ren's language): "Don't dawdle, my daughter, we must get to market." Daughter Oni-Ren: "Daddy. why isn't mommy coming with us?" Father Oni-Ren: "Your mother is sick, my sweet. We must sell these greeblefruit in the market, so that we can pay for the shaman to look at her eye." Daughter: "And why do I have to come along?" Father Oni-Ren: "You'll be the woman of the house soon. you must learn to sell produce at the market. The Gods know I can't do it myself." Daughter: "Daddy... Look at the sky... Look at those weird clouds, daddy!" Father Oni-Ren: "Those are not clouds, my daughter. Those are the sky-ships of the off-worlders. I've never seen so many before all at once..." Daughter: "What does it mean, daddy?" Father Oni-Ren: "I... I do not know." Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Danielle! Do you know where Ba'al Ba'al has gotten to? She vanished around the same time as you left for Fractor V!" Dr. Long: "I am aware. She is back in the Gongen empire, attempting to enact peaceful regime change. How goes the vaccine production?" Dr. Martenz: "We're operating at peak productivity. We're filling crate after crate, but Danielle, should I be concerned about that alien fleet? I heard that they wanted to investigate for bioweapons? What the Yetornius is going on?" Dr. Long: "Do not worry about the fleet. They will not harm us." Dr. Martenz: "And those ships you brought in from Fractor V. Those are Nimbus Eagle troop carriers... Not scientific vessels." Dr. Long: "yes." Dr. Martenz: "I gotta ask... are we at war?" Dr. Long: "Octan is not at war. The people of Onix are in turmoil, Dr. Martenz. They are dying of the blackeye, and they languish under a tyrannical despot. Octan is invested in restoring order, and ensuring the wellbeing of all of our clients, current, and potential. We are providing relief and support during their time of crisis." Dr. Martenz: "Oh... I see... And... Which side do we support?" "The side that wins." __________________________________________ Better pictures updated, as well as a photo-shopped picture Note to Judges: New pictures will display the Flickr link and say "And Clouds of White" All otehr images should not be judged. Unless you want to judge my super micro "O.C.S. Axle" Which is, in-fact, new for this week. C&C appreciated! ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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"Casts a dark shadow..." The Invasive Species: Part 4 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Civil Building Planet: Farmolis Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah O'Reilly: "It's all here." Dr. Long: "Excellent. How, might I ask, did you acquire this information?" Jebediah O'Reilly: "That's a story for another time. Maybe I'll tell you next week." Dr. Long: "And... the contents of this disk?" Jebediah: "Well, our one-eyed buddy Ba'al Ba'al Jinks has done some pretty serious stuff. Not the bumbling fool I initially took her for. She's been charged with organizing riots and fomenting rebellion. She even flew a stolen pirate speeder into the Queen's palace! She claimed it was an accident, but if you look at the evidence they've collected on her... Well... Let's just say she's a little bit zealous when it comes to instigating 'social and technological progress'." Dr. Long: "Interesting... And the status of social issues under the Queen's rule?" Jebediah: "I think it's more than enough to make the Board of Ethics place economic sanctions on Onix... Or at least it would be if they had imports." Dr. Long: "Sanctions weren't what I had in mind... Why don't you... walk me through this." Jebediah: "Alright." Later Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Kevin." Meanwhile.... In Farmolis, Headquarters City.... The Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr .... In the Primary HR building, among the clouds... The Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Kevin: "Well good morning to you, Danny! How's business?" Dr. Long: "Just greeeat." Kevin: "Don't be such a Grumpy-Guss, Danny. As a Certified Human Resources Professional, I can tell when I hear dissatisfaction. I'm very empathetic, you know. Now, what seems to be the problem?" Dr. Long: "This task you asked me to do. It's getting a bit... messy." Kevin: "Oh my, Danny, I've never known you to be the messy type!" Dr. Long: "It doesn't suit me... but I need your advice... or... at least... your approval. For what I'm about to do." Kevin: "And what is it that you're about to do..." Dr. Long: "The Oni-Ren Queen will not listen to reason. We've offered her the galaxy on a silver plate. Technology. A cure to illness... And yet, she will not allow us to mine the richest Copper deposits in all Andromeda. Her people are dying, and she chooses to spite us rather than simply acquiescing." Kevin: "Well she sounds like a real Mean-Mandy!" Dr. Long: "You could certainly say that." Kevin: "We could?" Dr. Long: "Yes." Kevin: "Well in that case, I think you and I both know what has to be done." Dr. Long: "And that is?..." Kevin: "I think I said once, that running a business is a lot like running a dairy farm. Did I ever tell you that?" Dr. Long: "If you did, I don't recall. Sounds euphemistic." Kevin: "Oh Danny, don't be silly. You know I'd never use euphemism with you. That's just malarkey." Dr. Long: "Carry on." Kevin: "See, The point of a dairy farm is to get milk for our valued and beloved customers. When the milk cows produce milk, everyone is happy! The cows are happy! The farmers are happy! The cherished customers are happy! The world is perfect and everything is awesome. But what's slightly less awesome is when one of those poor milk cows doesn't make milk any more. That's not good. But fortunately there's more that can be done with a cow than simply milking! A good dairy farm never lets its customers down." Dr. Long. "..." Kevin: "So. Still down in the dumps? Did my little pep-talk help?" Dr. Long: "I think I know what needs to be done..." Kevin: "Oh that's wonderful. See. That's why I trusted you with this task, Danny. You're a smart cookie. A keen intellect. We both work for the same folks, you and I..." The Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "The customers, of course! And our benevolent corporate overseers, who are always trying their darndest to best-serve our cherished consumers. It's our duty to provide the paying people of the galaxies with the best service, and best products we can market them, and quality employees such as yourself are key to our grand purpose." Dr. Long: "The Oni-Ren need our vaccine, and we need copper. It doesn't have to be complicated." Kevin: "But if it does get complicated, remember. Octan has the best PR department in the galaxies!" Dr. Long: "Very well. I guess it's time to pull up my gloves and get back to work." Kevin: "That's the spirit! Go out there and spread some happiness, and peace, and light." Dr. Long: "Good bye, Kevin." Kevin: "See you soon, Danny." Dr. Long: "I hope not." The Bright Light of Civilization HR Edit by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later.... Dialogue by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log date 697, This is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from Cerebus Station, Onix. Mass-production of Black-Eye vaccine has begun. We will have to work very efficiently if we're to make enough to serve the entire population of Onix... I've gone over the logistics of the distribution plan with Special Forces operative Jebediah O'Reilly. He had quite a wealth of insight regarding the vaccine distribution plan. I have to go over the preparations with the Axle staff as well. We will need ships, and supplies, and many drones, so this will have to occur in person, I'm afraid. I've informed Dr. Martenz of my brief leave. He said he'd make sure that the vaccine production continues without a hitch. Alright. Dr. Long signing off." Later... Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Youssa was wanting to a-speak with me?" Dr. Long: "I do. My colleague informs me you've quite the reputation as a political extremist in the Gongen empire." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Umm.. Well, Messa and theresa Queen are no-gettin' along. Shessa be thinkin' that wessa people no be havin' to advance... no be havin' to interact with the offworlders. But wessa the laughing stock of the galaxy. Wessa dying down here." Dr. Long: "I see...." Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Could I ask you a question?" "Yessa!" Dr. Long: "How would you like to be... President Ba'al Ba'al Jinks?" ________________________ While I'm still proud of the build, it didn't turn out exactly as I'd hoped. Two things I'm not so pleased out are first, the sun on the building... It looks like a cross, and that's not at all what I was aiming for. I wanted some spikes pointing out of it to really pull-off the sun-like appearance. Instead it looks like a gravestone or a cross, which leads to undesired implications. I throw a lot of symbolism into my builds, especially during this arc... and that was not intentional. Second thing is I was hoping to add more buildings in the background. That was just a time thing. Didn't want to lose the light! Hope you liked this week's installment. As always, comments, criticisms, and concerns are welcome! ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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"And a Meeting with Dr. Long." The Invasive Species: Part 3 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Vehicle (Micro Chauve-Souris Blanche), Civil Building, Science Planet: Onix, G10 This is a long one. Sorry in advance. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log Date 686, This is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from my Touch-Down Office in the Virology department of Cerebus Station, Onix. Thanks to the added help from the Axle's forces (and a galaxy-renowned geneticist recruited by our CEO) Dr. Martenz's efforts manufacturing a vaccine for the Oni-Ren disease Black-Eye have been accelerated exponentially. We've worked days and night on this project... figuratively and literally. The planet's rotation around its sun is quick compared to Earth's or Farmolis's.... We have arrived at a final product that is 99.8% successful in producing near-immediate positive immune response in Oni-Shu test subjects. Today, we inoculate our first Oni-Ren test subject. Ba'al Ba'al Jinks has volunteered for the honour. I expect results by the end of the day." Later An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Danielle, we've done it." Dr. Long: "Has our specimen already begun to demonstrate immunity?" Dr. Martenz: "Yes. Yes it has... I mean, she has. Ba'al Ba'al has." Dr. Long: "Go on?" Dr. Martenz: "Well, thanks to the miraculously quick immune responses demonstrated by much of this planet's multi-cellular life, we can confirm that Ba'al Ba'al is immune to the Black-Eye virus." Dr. Long: "Excellent." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "I present to you... the future." Dr. Long: "No need to be dramatic, Dr. Martenz, it's a vaccine, not the Fountain of Youth. Ba'al Ba'al. how do you feel?" Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Messa be thinkin' youssa hoomans be havin' a sayin' for dis. Oh, yeah! 'ain't no fleas on messa!" Dr. Long: "How apropos. Well done. Dr. Martenz. how long before we can conduct a larger operation? Are there any other natives willing to work with us? To prove to the Queen of the Gongen Empire that the Vaccine works?" Dr. Martenz: "As a matter of fact, there is a tribe of Oni-Ren willing to deal with us. The Nan-Nan tribe just south of the empire, on who's land we currently reside, have been eagerly awaiting the vaccine. They are a small band of people, who's population has been devastated by the plague. They are a mercantile people, and more likely than not introduced the infection to the Empire themselves, but that's neither here nor there. We will begin the outreach stage of the Vaccine productions later this week." Dr. Long: "You will start now. Take as many men as you need. I want results, not more delays." Dr. Martenz: "Um... OK, yes. We will begin today. I'll send a representative to the Chieftan post-haste." Dr. Long: "Excellent. There is much work to be done yet, but we've made great progress. I have arranged a meeting with Queen Bawa San. I need all the pieces in place before then to ensure her compliance. I have other business to attend now. Good work. Touch back with me later when the process is in motion." Later. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah O'Reilly: "Dr. Long." Dr. Long: "Mr. O'Reilly." Jebediah: "You rang?" An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "I did. I called for your assistance because we're facing a recalcitrant and dogmatic adversary. We have developed a functional vaccine for the Oni-Ren's Black-Eye plague, but yet I cannot be sure that the Oni-Ren Queen will acquiesce to our attempts to aid them. She is letting her people die by not allowing us to assist, and I have reason to believe her ignorant belief system will persist even when I present her with hard evidence of our vaccine's efficacy." Jebediah: "And what can I do about that? Do you want me to kill her?" Dr. Long: "No. Lord Business no... Think about PR! No... But I want you to do a little digging. Dig up some dirt on the empire if you can. I want to know about anything from minority oppression, to technological suppression. I want to know how the people are treated, both within and without the empire. I want to know who supports the Queen and why... And I would like to know as soon as possible." Jebediah: "That sounds doable. And what do you expect to accomplish with this information?" Dr. Long: "Knowledge is power, Mr. O'Reilly. And another issue as well. Dr. Martenz has taken a local under his wing. Ba'al Ba'al Jinks. I'd like to know more about her. She was an exiled political dissident. I want to know her ideals and methods... and her ambitions." Jebediah: "I think I understand. Sounds like a plan." Dr. Long: "And be careful. I hear the Oni-Ren are occasional sentient-eaters." Jebediah: "I'm a trained professional. I think I can handle a few cannibals." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Several Days Later... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Lawyers: "Waxler and McGrill, Lawyers at law." Mrs. McGrill: "If the shoe don't fit..." Mr. Waxler: "...You must acquit!" Lawyers: "We're your legal council!" Dr. Long: "Ok, fine." Lawyers: "Legal Council: Because sometimes people say things that Octan doesn't want them to say!" Mrs. McGrill: "And that's where we come in!" Mr. Waxler: "No comment is a good comment!" Dr. Long: "I get the picture. Let's get prepared to meet Queen Bowa San." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "This is our Translator, Ba'al Ba'al jinks. She's an Oni-Ren, as you can tell." Mrs. McGrill: "Hey cutie." Ba'a' Ba'al Jinks: "Hewo, Messa Ba'al Ba'al Jinks." Dr. Long: "Alright, then, if everything is in order, then we can get started." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later, in Queen Bowa San's Palace, in the Gongen Empire's capital.... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Bishop: [in her own language. Old.] You now stand before the Queen, divine regent of our people, and actor of our Gods' will. Ba'al Ba'al: "Customary Greeting." Queen Bowa San: [in her own language] "You offworlders have brought Ba'al Ba'al Jinks into my palace? This is an insult." Ba'al Ba'al: "Shessa be sayin' wessa not being welcome." Dr. Long: "As expected. Inform her that we come in peace." Ba'al Ba'al: [in Oni-Ren common] "We come in peace." Queen Bowa San: [in Oni-Ren] "Did you come in peace when you flew an offworlder vessel into my summer palace's tower? I think not. But speak. I will hear your demands since you came so far to my abode... But do not assume that I will sign any treaties with those creatures." Ba'al Ba'al: "Shessa gonna hear us out." Dr. Long: "Good. Inform her that we have developed a medicine that will render its recipient immune to the Black Eye Plague. Tell her that we will provide all Oni-Ren with this 'vaccine' if she lets us work with them. We can help her people. Improve their way of life and living conditions... And we ask very little in return." Ba'al Ba'al: [in Oni-Ren] "My friends can cure the plague. They can help our people. Our old way of life is inferior to theirs. They will bring us into the light of a thousand suns, and all they ask is our cooperation. Please, your highness, our people are dying and suffering." Queen Bowa San: "How do I know you are telling the truth." Ba'al ba'al: "I have received it, as has the Nan-Nan tribe." Queen Bowa San: "The Nan-Nan tribe is our enemy! They are untrustworthy barbarians." Ba'al Ba'al: "We can give the cure to the Empire too. You just need to cooperate with us!" Queen Bowa San: "What does cooperation entail?" Ba'al Ba'al: "Shessa wanna know what we want." Dr. Long: Excellent. Ba'al Ba'al, tell her what I'm saying." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "This is a holographic representation of your planet, Queen Bowa San." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "And this is where your empire lies. On the North Pole of the planet our people refer to as Onix." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Let me zoom in on that. There we go." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "I have magnified the location on this holographic map of the richest copper veins not only on your world, but in the entire galaxy. Copper is not a common commodity in this galaxy. It has long since been removed from most planets in the galaxy... long before we humans arrived here. But your planet has a vast reserve of Copper, and our corporation desperately requires this mineral. In exchange for our technological assistance, and freely distributed vaccine, we would humbly request to share a portion of this land that we may mine for copper here. Our sources indicate that the land is undeveloped 'hunting land.' We would be able to work here without disturbing the wildlife or whatever hunting expeditions are conducted here. We could have a beneficial relationship." Ba'al Ba'al: Translates. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Queen Bowa-San: "No." Dr. Long: "What?!" Queen Bowa San: "No. [in her Language] You plague-walkers have brought death to my people through your insidious disease, and now expect to rob my domain of our land and treasures in exchange for the cure?" Ba'al Ba'al: Translates. Lawyers: "Octan denies any responsibility for spreading the illness. There is inadequate evidence to suggest any culpability on our behalf." Ba'al Ba'al: Translates. Queen Bowa San: "Insult after insult. The OId ways are tried and true. Tradition has defined our culture and saved us from the occupation of the Zoid. Our ways are the ways of the gods. You and your human masters will destroy our people and destroy our culture more assuredly than a plague might. Tell these demonic creatures that I will not kowtow to their wishes, and I will not abide by their presence on my planet. You will leave at once." Ba'al Ba'al: "Thissa not good. She 'a sayin' wessa gotta go." Dr. Long. "Damnation. Tell the Queen that we offer her a bounty. Peace, Prosperity, and Plenty. An end to illness, and an end to war if she desires. Octan can be a powerful ally, but an even more powerful enemy. Tell her she's making a mistake." Lawyers: "Don't translate that powerful enemy part." Ba'al Ba'al: "messa no be thinkin' wessa have time to translate any of that." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Queen Bowa-San: "Go." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log date 690, this is Dr. Danielle Long recording from Cerebus station, Onix. Negotiations with Queen Bowa San went horribly. I hate dealing with Ignorant, uncooperative creatures..." _________________________________________ Earlier... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "I'm sorry about the accommodations. We don't have many Touch-Down offices in the station. It's Mostly labs." Dr. Long: "I've had worse. At least this hallway is not directly under an Air-Ventilation unit." Dr. Martenz: "And, I'm sorry too about the view. There's not much to look at. Just rocks and ash clouds. Octan could make this planet great." Dr. Long: "We will. When the Oni-ren learn to move past their archaic xenophobia and isolationism, then they may share in our wealth and advanced technology and benefit from our generosity. We can help them... they just have to let us... " ______________________________________________ Comments and critiques are, as always, more than welcome. Any hints on photographing black? ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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"...With produce ripe to be plucked." The Invasive Species: Part 2 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Science, Civil Building Planet: Onix (The Axle, in Orbit) Not new build Dr. Martenz: "Progress on the vaccines goes slowly. We are in our trial stages now, but the alien species most like the Oni-Ren in regards to immune system is the Oni-Shu, but the creatures are... uncooperative. They keep escaping their crates and destroying lab equipment. Simply put, Danielle, I need more people. Not new build Dr. Long: "And the Oni-Ren are still unwilling to open a dialogue regarding their epidemic?" Dr. Martenz: "No. The Queen is sticking to her state's Isolationist, Nationalist ways. They refused to join A.L.I.E.N. or cooperate with Kawashita, and they are unwilling to negotiate with us now. Dr. Long: "This is unacceptable. Their people are dying but yet they are too proud to work with us? Well they rebuke us at their own peril. The Oni-Ren should be grateful that our benevolent and powerful corporation is even so generous as to consider the mutually beneficial arrangement we've offered. Vaccines for the Black-Eye, beneficial trade deals, access to our advanced technology, agricultural practices, and health-care, and a steppingstone for interplanetary recognition, all in exchange for copper mining rights in land they don't even use to its fullest potential! Their resistance is illogical. Dr. Martenz: "I concur." Dr. Long: "Once we have a cure to their ailment, then we can make our move. Their Queen cannot say no when she sees with her own eye the true power of Octan. We will show her the light even if we have to hold her eye open to it. Dr. Martenz: "Well... I could have the vaccine finished in two weeks time if you simply sent me some more workers..." Dr. Long: "You didn't get the memo?" Dr. Martenz: "What memo?" Dr. Long: "I've made this endeavor one of the Axle's top priorities. You have the full force of the Axle at your disposal, and I shall make landfall with a force of peacekeepers and my finest scientists in one standard business week." Dr. Martenz: ".. Oh... Wow. I'm honoured." Dr. Long: "Check your holo-mail." Dr. Martenz: Yes, Dr. Long." Dr. Long: "See you in a week. Dr. Long out." Dr. Long: "Thank you for the files on Kawashita, Mr. Dillberg. It's a shame about their CEO. Killed by a reactor leak? I thought Kawashita was better than to let something like that happen. from what I heard, Raven was an effective leader and an analytical mind. I suppose I should be glad that her passing weakens our rival corporation... but a human is a human, and I take no joy from senseless loss. And then there's the matter of their new Master Mechanic that they brought in from the Milkyway. I wonder if it's... No.. couldn't be. Anyways, Odus, you've done well. I've finished reviewing the files from my Sabbatical... care to join me on the Forward Observation deck of the Axle?" Odus: "Sure!" Dr. Long: "I want to see this planet of ours." Later, on the Forward Observation Deck of the Axle, in orbit of Onix: Dr. Edris: "There's Onix." Shorty: "And its moons; There's Kwartz, the ice moon of the lava planet; and there's Garnit, the rock moon that shines red; and where's Paerl, the glimmering jewel of Onix?" Dr. Edris: "It has a wide elliptical orbit. We've actually already passed it." Shorty: "Pity. I hear it's the most beautiful one." Like a Fecund Fruit Tree by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah O'Reilly: "What a view." Kodan Black: "Spectacular." Dr. Long: "Mmmm." Jebediah O'Reilly: "Glad you brought us here, Dr. Long. It's quite the pretty sight." Dr. Long: "Pretty?" Jebediah O'Reilly: "Yeah." (incase you want background music to accompany the following monolog, click now.) Dr. Long: "Look at them." Jebediah: "The Planet and its moons?" Dr. Long: "Yes. The celestial bodies... As a child, I marveled at their greatness. I would gaze out my window vainly hoping to catch a glimpse of just a single star or planet through the smog and the light pollution... But to no avail. The first time I saw one outside of a holo-screen or class simulator was my first time leaving earth. I was lucky enough to have a window seat on the shuttle, and my life's trajectory was forever changed by the gravity of what I saw. The void was full of light. I looked back on Earth, and it was small. So small, it looked as though you could hold it in your hand like a bruised green apple. And to think... that green apple was our home... this astronomically small blue-green orb was the birthplace and the graveyard of almost all of humankind. One day Earth will breath its last breath, I thought to myself there in that shuttle... But humanity will not. No... We are no longer tethered to that green orb. No longer are we worms in the core of a rotting fruit. We have metamorphosed, and now we have wings. Dr. Black, Look at them all. Gaze upon our fecund intergalactic fruit tree! All these worlds are ours... So full of invaluable resources, Copper, biomass, water, Awesomnium. Any one of them could be a new home for our species, but we have access to all of them, Mr. O'Reilly. They're so beautiful. So inescapably tempting... It's as if I could merely extend my arm and grasp one in my hands... "They're like plump, ripe fruits, and they are in season to be plucked." Messenger: "Oh, there you are Dr. Long. I have something for you." Jebediah O'Reilly: I found it floating in space, aged pretty badly... for whatever reason. Messanger: "It's your logbook. We consolodated your temporary logbook with your old one and put it all in on sleek new device!" Dr. Long: "Excellent. Thank you." Like a Fecund Fruit Tree by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log Date 683, This is Dr. Danielle Long.... ... It's good to be back." __________________________ Everyone needs a good monolog now and then, wouldn't you agree? This was originally going to be my entry for challenge 2, but the build din't work then. I have since gotten more pieces and figured out a better way to pull the structure off. So, Here is "The Invasive Species" Part 2. I'm proud to say that the titular invasive species has appeared in every one of my builds since I returned. It's hard to see in some of them though, but I think most of them have been pointed out. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
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"...Walk all over their hosts" The Invasive Species: Part 1 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Science, Civil Buildings, Planet: Farmolis (The Axle, in Orbit) First time Readers of my story, check the bellow Spoilers section for some relevant info/links. Aboard the Axle, in Orbit of Farmolis (not a new build) Dr. Long: "This is Dr. Danielle Long, please respond, Mr. Dillberg. Odus Dillberg: "Danielle!? Is that you!? How've you been!?" Dr. Long: "I'm on my way. I'll be on the Axle within 8 standard business hours. Please prepare for my arrival." Odus: "With pleasure!" An hour or so later... Secretaries by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Ding dong the Long is back! The Doctor Long is back! Odus: "Alright, Alexis, forward the return message to all Axle employees. Bubba-Jack, you coordinate with the discovery division so that we can get all those old reports on her desk. I will go tidy up my office. Many hours later.... Secretaries by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Odus." Odus: "Danielle! Oh, you're back! thank gods! I've been so overburdened by work! I had to hire ten new secretaries to help me, and of course, I used your automated Dr. Holo-Long AI for morale and to lighten the load, but... wow... it's not easy, what you do." Dr. Long: "No. It's not easy, but someone has to make sure the spaceships run on time. Now... ten new secretaries did you say? You'll have to fire them... Well... Fire 9 of them. A transitional second secretary could be useful." Odus: "O-oh. Ok. I... I guess I could do that." Dr. Long: "Good. I take it relevant discovery files and status updates have been forwarded to my office?" Odus: "Your secondary office... The Primary office is still under... renovations." Dr. Long: "I see. Excellent. It's good to be back. I'll speak with you later, more, after I get caught up. Thank you for taking care of things while I was away." Odus: "You're... you're welcome." ............ Later, In a pathology lab on Onix: Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Krasnoyarsk: "The Date is Junalli 6, 3816. This is Dr. Perry Krasnoyarsk, conducting dissection of suspected disease Vector of the Oni-Ren plague, "Black Eye." "The Foveanus torpeonus, or Xerillian Ant-scorpion, has been cited as a non-native species on Onix, likely carried here by one of Octan's Biomass harvesting vessels transferred from Xerillian. The ant-scorpion is known to overpower and outcompete local omnivores and scavengers, as they lack native predators, are well protected with an array of natural defenses, such as a numbing sting a viscous bite, and tough, heat resistant hide. Their presence has been determined to correlate with outbreaks of the native Oni-Ren illness "Black Eye." The "Black Eye" illness is caused by a virus native to the southern regions of this planet, but which has lately spread to the largest organized group of Oni-Ren, who dwell on the North Pole's Rocky Plains region. The objective of my research today is to dissect the Foveanus torponus to observe on a macroscopic scale what, if any, physical indications of Black Eye may be present, or if the xenoarthropod is carrying a parasite that may instead be the disease vector." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Specimen sample acquired. I will start with the dorsal carapace of the Foveanus torponus. I have selected a sample of back tissue, and will now observe under the microscope." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Hmm.... There are several lumps present... bite-marks... it appears..." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Fascinating.... I may have just discovered our culprit." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "There is a parasite on the back of the Ant-scorpion. This appears to be a Yetornius lava-mite... known vectors of several diseases on their homeworlds, although, fortunately harmless to humans, as they refuse to colonize our soft skin, as they find it unsuitable. A hard skinned being such as an Oni-Ren may be a suitable host... Hmm... This requires further investigation. I'll need to show this to my superior, Dr. Martenz." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Dr. Martenz; I've found something." Dr. Martenz: "Excellent. What have you found?" Dr. Krasnoyarsk: "The Foveanus torponus specimen is infested by Acarus morbus, from Yetornius; a well-documented disease vector." Dr. Martenz: "Great work. Send me a selection of cells sample from the mite. I'll look it over downstairs." Much Later, after cell culturing, and a lot of leg work: Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Hmm... Yes... Mmmhmm. Ooh. Fascinating. Yes, I believe we've found the virus. Running report... and done. Turn off the electron microscope, Ba'al-Ba'al. Oni-Ren: "Yessa." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Matrenz: "I hear Dr. Long has returned to the Axle... Time to report our findings to her, I think." Later.... Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Yes, the office of Dr. Long, please." Meanwhile, aboard the Axle, in orbit Farmolis... Dr. Long: "Yes, Odus, put him on. I'll take the call here." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Dr. Long?" Dr. Long: "Speaking." Dr. Martenz: "I believe we've discovered the disease vector. Of Black-Eye. It's a mite that's infested the invasive species, Xerillian ant-scorpion." Dr. Long: "Good work. And how goes progress on the vaccine?" Dr. Martenz: "Vaccines don't happen overnight. This isn't some sci-fi space Opera, Dr. Long. It takes at least a month to develop a vaccine." Dr. Long: "I want it yesterday. This is a very important bargaining chip in our ongoing negotiations with the Oni-Ren. And what of the monarch? Is she still unwilling to hear our requests for cooperation regarding mining rights? I see you have an Oni-Ren in there with you. Has progress been made?" Dr. Martenz: "No. This is Ba'al-Ba'al Jinks; a political dissident, banished from the Oni-Ren Queen's domain who has since sworn loyalty to Octan. I literally ran into her in the fire swamps. She's been functioning as a lab assistant, cultural informant, and translator. " Ba'al-Ba'al Jinks: "Messa Ba'al Ba'al Jinks! Messa your humble servant!" Dr. Long: "Why do I sense we've picked up another pathetic lifeform?" Dr. Martenz: "What?" Dr. Long: "Nothing. Good work. Tell me when you have the vaccine, or if the Queen changes her mind about allowing us access to the copper fields... I mean... Their hunting grounds... Dr. Long out." Dr. Martenz: "Wait! I forgot to ask for more people to help me in my work!" ________________ Slow and full of exposition, but there we have it. Episode 1 of "The Invasive Species" ~Insectoid Aristocrat
