This story will be posted in (probably) five parts (three of which I have already written as I type this post). It is, I think, a fairly original piece and one that I hope will be enjoyable. I have been influenced in more ways than one by Isaac Asimov's Foundation universe. I sincerely urge any and all people who might read this to seek out Asimov's legendary series. It is one of the best ever written.
A few points in the story might be out of place with the established backstory behind Sins of a Solar Empire. If you notice these, by all means point them out, but as you read, try to accept it as done with artistic license. This story is only based upon the game and does not necessarily follow it precisely to the letter.
So then, without further ado, here is the first part. I can only hope you find it enjoyable:
The two individuals in the room looked to a normal outsider as though they were merely staring at one another. Another member of the Unity might perhaps have inferred from their behaviour that they were in communication, but only a powerful Scryer would have been capable of understanding the stream of thoughts and subtle adjustments of the mind to externally decipher the meaning that was conveyed. Each was opening her mind only to the other, and so only each could understand the other.
To call the exchange and merging of thoughts a conversation would be a gross oversimplification, for minds and thoughts do not read like words. Nevertheless, its portrayal as such is necessary.
“I have been reading the information obtained following the reclamation of the Homeworld,” said Santannathellorsa, Prime Protector of the Third Unity Fleet.
“Indeed? As it so happens, I have myself been doing the same,” replied Teelohansarri, Overmind of the Progenitor-Class Flagship Omnipotent. “I have found it most enlightening and indeed heartening that the elders of ten centuries past were able to prophesise so accurately our current position, whilst still prophesising such a favourable position for us in the future.”
“Absolutely. There can be little doubt, based on those prophecies, that we will continue to grow and spread the Unity to the rest of humanity, putting our species in a supreme position over all others. However,” –and a more clouded texture wrapped Santannathellorsa’s mind- “there is an interesting reference in the texts that may need following up.”
“Oh yes?”
“I refer to a passage that speaks of an original home world for all Humanity. A world far older and far richer than the Unity Homeworld. It strikes me as disturbing that the Unity might not truly represent the ideal, original state of Humanity.”
“You ought not to feel such things.”
“Yet I find it impossible not to do so. Might it not be beneficial, in any case, for the Unity to learn more of our history?”
“Perhaps, but how much detail does the reference go into? I cannot remember all the wording.”
“Enough detail. The star is described as being 10.5 light years from the Eridani system and possessing four gas giants, one of which has extraordinary rings. ‘Earth’, as the planet is known, is the third world from the star.”
“But what tangible benefit could we hope to gain from visiting this ‘Earth?’”
“Do not be ridiculous. You are surely aware of artefacts that have been discovered on other worlds. Many of those artefacts were human relics from the days long before the founding of the Trade Order, before even the Unity was established. There were human civilisations more advanced than any currently in existence that collapsed amidst the Great Wars. If Earth was perhaps the capital world of one of those civilisations, might there not be artefacts there in abundance?”
Santannathellorsa opened her mind to Teelohansarri, letting more arguments pour out until Teelohansarri was completely convinced.
“Very well,” said Teelohansarri, here eyes misting over as she continued to process the information. “Do you wish to go yourself?”
“Yes, but it would be difficult. The Prime Protector of a fleet cannot simply leave on an expedition. However, there is the possibility of sending a reconnaissance mission to the star. I should have let you know that the system is well within Vasari territory. For all we know, it could well be an inhabited system, so could be valuable to intelligence even were it not the location of the original Homeworld.”
“The Vasari will destroy any of our ships on sight. They do not concern themselves with differences between humans.”
“The dangers in a reconnaissance mission could mean the loss of one ship, and that can be crewed primarily by anima if necessary. If there is a military target there, then I will accompany a larger contingent and occupy the system.”
“No Advent fleets have ever attacked Vasari territory before now except to reclaim lost ground. An assault such as you discuss would mark an escalation in the conflict and divert resources away from the Trader front.”
“Not at all. Eridani is a contested system between the Unity and the Traders. Possession of Earth’s system would be a strategic victory for us and allow us to strike Eridani more effectively. It is worth colonising in any case, regardless of a Vasari military presence there.”
“You will send a scout mission, then?”
“Indeed I shall.”
The whole exchange was over in under ten seconds.
