posted 12-22-98 12:24 AM ET        

In the time after the first settlers arrived, and before the second wave showed up, the world of Chiron was at relative peace. The settlers became used to living under the stronger gravity. They grew plants that fit the planets biosphere, and they finally began to continue their research, far beyond the confines of Earth. Unfortunately, this peaceful and co-opertive time was about to come to an end.

All of the worlds leaders knoew that they were coming. The messages from Earth began six Alpha Centaurian years ago. Since then, the seven countries of Chiron have been building there defences. They will need them.

You see, in the years after the arrival of the Unity, the pioneer colonists began to detect faint radio signals. These signals, most likely from Earth, were weak. All the colonists knew for sure was that the Terrains never replyed to there messages. It seemed as if the Terrains just didnt care about what they had to say.

Then, one day, a message came. It was from the Coalition of Earth States, or as they liked to be called, the CES. Apparently, they had managed to emerge victorious from the nuclear war that the Unity left behind. They were now in control of a broken and charred world. What worried the Centaurians was that they were interested in expanding there power into the stars.

From the arrival of the first message, the CES seemed to be a very hostile and aggressive organization. From what they told the Centaurians, they had won the war through the usage of a massive nuumber of nuclear weapons. The entire Asian Coalition had been incinerated by there advanced Nukes. Billions of people were controlled by there massive empire.

This is what scared Privan Lal. Since his arrival on Chiron 47 years ago, he had watched as the seven initial factions slowly came together until five years ago when the Great Union was announced. Today the entire Centaurian population, over two million people, lived in harmony. Peace, long in coming, had finally binded a small part of the human species.

Now, Lals peaceful world was being threatened by this CES. He would not let them destroy what he ahd worked so hard to achieve. He would not let Zhakarov's death be in vain. The research generated by the now dead scientist might be the only chance Lal has.

posted 12-22-98 03:56 PM ET            

As Skye approached Santiago's position above the new barracks, she noticed the look of disapproval on her face. She knew that the rate of building was frustrating to her. "They are trying their best, maybe you should try to cut them some slack?"

"They do not deserve slack. These people have no knowledge of the ways of war!"

"Which is why Privan has made his decision. From this point forward, the defence of the colony is in your hand. Lal has put you and your Spartan militia in complete military control. We're in youyr hands now, Commander Santiago."

"Very well, then. If we are planning on surviving this second coming, then we had best call a meeting. Who is Lal's new Science Minister?"

"We don't know yet. The death of Zhakarov hit him hard, Santiago. Maybe you should choose a new Minister for him?"

"I will consult him. Diedre, one more thing. I am glad that you have grown to trust me over these years. Especially after the incident at the High Garden."

"Dont worry, I know the High Garden changed your outlook on war. You have finally seen some of the more destructive aspects of bloodshed. I should go organize the meeting. See you later."

posted 12-22-98 04:30 PM ET            

Skye walked off, busy beyond measure. As acting minister of science, she was not only adminstering her usual biology and ecology project but all of the "hard" science that Zakharov had controlled, too. So even though she had less and less time these days, she had to sign off on all the projects and messages from that department as well. She got to her desk over in headquarters to find a whole sheaf of paperwork to go through and sign on, while staying within a budget. Oh joy.

posted 12-23-98 06:16 PM ET            

"And you are a coward!" replied Santiago.

"If we divert our manufacturing into large scale 'shielding generation' then our entire economy will be shattered!"

"If we dont divert your precious manufacturing, then we will all be dead!". Santiago was growing tired of Morgan. She had been arguing with him for over an hour. She looked at Privan Lal across the table.

"Sorry Morgan, I think shes right on this one. We will be able to rebuild our indstries. For now, let us concentrate on our defences."

Yang strode in from the opposite side of the room. "She has gotten to you in your old age, Lal".

Privan was amazed at the man. He was well into his second century, yet, even Chirons harsh gravity could not slow the man down. He was the oldest colonist on the planet. "Dr Yang. Thank you for joining us. Do tell us, what kept you?"

"I was giving my men authorization to begin production on Zhakarov's fusion bomb".

"That research was highly unstable. What makes you think that you can control it?"

"I guess we will see just how unstable it is, won't we dear leader"

"Wait just a second, Yang, this isnt like back on the Unity so long ago. Now, you have to follow MY orders."

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. Lal and Yang stared at each other from across the table. Yang knew that Lal wasn't going to back off this time. "Very well, then. What would you like me do, Prime Minister?"

"First of all, tell your men that they can proceed with thier bomb. We need something that can be launched from orbit. Deidre I want you to make sure Station 6 can handle warhead launch".

"Yes sir". As everyone began to clear the room, Yang gave a small nod of approval to Privan. This was going to be a long six weeks.