4.10 Historical Articles

HISTORICAL ARTICLES KASHI NS NEWSSHOWA STATION MISSING WIRE – 08 AUGUST 2053 U

Kashishowa Station, Luna’s premier warp drive research facility, has literally vanished from the surface of the moon. Only an 18- meter diameter, perfectly hemispherical crater remains where the station once stood. All of its personnel are feared dead and fforts are being made to contact their families and next-of-kin. e

Kashishowa Station was established by a grant from Brack Interplanetary in 2043 as a place for advanced space science research. It began studies in Zefram Cochrane’s warp drive theory in 2050 with assistance from the nearby Farside Moonbase. Its latest project involved research into CDP generators, a type of technology that would allow a starship to travel at faster-than-light speed for a short time using existing ce. UNS space expert Ramsey sion reactors as a power sour fu Allen believes the cause of the station’s disappearance might be linked to the catastrophic failure of a CDP test.

You’re trying to generate a subspace warp field around a starship so that it can move faster than light. That works like the outer hull on a submarine, enclosing the actual “boat” inside so it can withstand the pressure the ocean when it dives. What probably happened is that the energy converter assembly failed during a live test. That would have cause the field to suddenly expand and then contract to nothing in a split second, taking everything inside with it. There’s nothing there because there’s nothing left to be there. It’s just gone, and we’ll never see it again.

Both UESPA and the UESF have refused to comment on the disappearance of Kashishowa Station so far. A full press briefing is promised shortly. BRYNNER CITY DESTROYED BY KZINTI EXCERPTED FROM THE ABS EVENING NEWS WITH MITCH McCONNELL – 4 JULY 2054

ood evening. Wha G t you are about to see is not very pretty. If yo u nt to take have small children in the room, you might wa em away or cover their eyes. th

Thes e are some of final images from the L-5 Brynner City space colo . ny after it fell victim to the Kzinti attack mere hours ago This a sequence lasts only 20 seconds and was recorded from stati e. onary ABS camera that happened to be filming at the tim Our is own cameraman, Doug Riddick, was present when th sequ ence took place.

RIDDICK : The station is taking a tremendous pounding, Mitch. All the civilians are leaving for the shelters. We were caught completely off—oh, my GOOO----

flying (wind howling … dust, debris and bodies s everywhere, mainly upward right … millions of piece on screen … camera takes a hit, goes to static)

Dou s of g Riddick, along with over 6000 of the inhabitant Brynner Cit econds. Our condolences to y, died in those 20 s Doug’s family and the familes of those who were living in Brynner City. Onl y 158 people, mostly city staff and service personnel in the cont y sections, are known to have survived. rol and utilit

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ALPHA CENTAURI BELONGS TO KZIN OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION – 6 JULY 2054

ATTENTION HUMANS OF ALPHA CENTAURI

You belong to us now. We took your world. We broke your ships. We slaughtered your warriors by the score until no more were left to fight. Have no hope in the few that escaped. We will find them and feast on them at our dinner tables. You too we will feast on if you do not cooperate. Those who serve us will live. Those who do not will die. Those are your only choices. Resistance is useless. All praise to the Great-Fanged-One and the mighty Claw-Swipe of Kzin.

Zrath-General Military Governor Alpha Centauri COCHRANE AND ENTERPRISE M.I.A. UNS NEWSWIRE – 7 JULY 2054

In a related story, no word has been heard from the starliner Enterprise since its flight from Alpha Centauri three days ago. The veteran starliner, one of the first Earth ships to visit Alpha Centauri managed to escape the Kzinti fleet blockading the system and escape into deep space. It last message was relayed via microburst through the Proxima geon hole as it passed by at top speed. It reported that it was being pursued y Kzinti cruisers and would attempt to evade them for as long b as it could. It also reported that it was carrying the major leaders of the Centaurean government and its top scientists, including warp drive pioneer Zefram Cochrane. The UESF has rise its highest priority due to iven the seach for the Enterp g Cochrane’s presence on board. The Enterprise had only recently been refitted with new engines and weaponry due to the first Kzinti attack on Alpha Centauri, making it the fastest ringship in known space. It is hoped that the ship’s new systems plus ample provisions will help it to hold out until a UESF fleet can come to its rescue.

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ALPHA CENTAURI LIBERATED UNS NEWSWIRE – 21 AUGUST 2059

Today, in an official ceremony presided over by Combined Forces General Hans Dietrich, victory was proclaimed in the fight to liberate Alpha Centauri. The campaign was the longest to date in the history of the UESF, lasting 459 days. Sporadic fighting is still going on in remote areas of the planet; however, all major sectors have been secured from Kzinti occupation. General Dietrich th valor, and anked his troops for their dedication and then handed out numerous awards for valor in combat.

Among those receiving the Solar Medal from General Dietrich at today’s ceremonies was Major Susan Hardigan, commander of the famed “Hardigan’s Rangers” covert operations unit which has earned quite a reputation during the Earth-Kzin Wars. It was Hardigan’s unit that drove former Kzinti occupation governor Zrath-General to ground and prevented his escape then offered Zrath-General the from Alpha Centauri. Hardigan choices of surrender or certain ath. Zrath-General chose “the de lesser of two evils” and team, killing or attacked Hardigan’s critically injuring every was in turn killed by one but her. He Major Hardigan in sing r duel with the Kzinti le combat. He arrior, who was four times her size and by far the stronger of w the two, is sure to go down in the legends of the Star Fleet Marines. Hardigan was injured during the fight; however, she managed to get back on her feet in time for the awards ceremony. She is expected to make a full recovery.

The casualty figures from the fight to liberate Alpha Centauri are staggering. Some 310,000 members of the Combined Forces were killed and over 720,000 were wounded. When asked to comment, General Dietrich curtly replied that it was a small price to pay for the freedom of humanity. When pressed if he would do it again, he replied, “Why, of course. Wouldn’t you? What kind of a stupid question is that?” Dietrich then barred the press from any more “badgering” of UESF personnel. STAR FLEET OFFENSIVE STALLS ER 2059 MBS NEWS MINUTE – 16 DECEMB

Mahan class cruiser stalking its prey (2064)

In the latest news from the war front, Star Fleet’s offensive against the Kzintu appears to have stalled halfway to its goal. Kzinti forces are putting up a tremendous fight along a line that appears to be halfway to the border of their Empire. Eight Star Fleet destroyers and six cruisers were damaged or destroyed in engagements with the Kzinti within the past five days. Star Fleet forces are holding their own, however, and reinforcements are on the way.

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THE ROCK IS DROPPED VEL THE PATH TO KZIN EXCERPTED FROM THE HISTORICAL NO BY BERNARD BRAGEN (TERRA: COKESBURY PRESS LTD, 2275)

This is how the Kzinti historian Teller-of-Tales described Operation Rock Drop:

Kzinti records speak of the day when the GreatFanged-One grew angry with them and unleashed the Deathbringer onto our world. He roared and a hole opened in the sky above Homeworld. From it the Deathbringer fell, striking the edge of the NorthernWater with the force of a thousand Bright-Lights, with screaming-air and fire-winds that devoured millions of kzin and their prides in its way. The land was turned to ash, the waters boiled away, and the sun was darkened for almost two spans of the seasons. They had not done enough, they told themselves. They had not upheld the pride of Kzin and fought as warriors should. So they made their sacrifices to the GreatFanged-One and he told them what to do. Human blood WOULD spill for this; however, Homeworld had to be saved first. After that … yes … after that, it would be the human’s turn. HALLEY’S COMET BREAKS UP UNS NEWSWIRE – 6 AUGUST 2061

Halley’s Comet (archive photo )

Say goodbye to Halley’s Comet. This longtime familiar visitor to the Solar System broke into seven pieces after making its pass around the Sun. The spectacular sight was witnessed by the passengers and crew of the spaceliners Magellan and John Cabot, which had been chartered to follow Halley’s Comet as it made its regular 76-year swing through the Solar System. Scientists as yet have no answer as to why the comet broke up; however, instabilities within its ever-shrinking icy rock core as it he Sun are the most probable cause. was warmed by t

Halley’s Comet was named for English astronomer Sir Edmund Halley. It was he who first reasoned that comet sightings made in 1531, 1607, and 1682 all belonged to the same comet, and he accurately predicted its return in 1757. It most spectacular appearance was its 1911 flyby, when it was brighter than any other object in the night sky. At that time it caused panic in many parts of the world and people feared that they they would be killed by poison gas coming from its oversized tail. Halley’s Comet last returned in 1986, its trip shortened a bit when it passed by both Jupiter and Saturn. It was not as bright at that time and could barely be seen, but it was visited by no less than four different space probes during that visit. To date Halley’s Comet remains the most studied of all Solar System comets.

A motion has already been filed with the International Astronomical Union to rename Halley’s Comet in light of its breakup. The favored name for the new phenomena is the Halley Swarm. And, while Halley’s Comet won’t be gracing Earth’s skies again, count on your children seeing the Halley meteor shower once the next 76 years rolls around.

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MARS DECLARES INDEPENDENCE MBS EVENING NEWS – 13 MAY 2062

Today, in a special proclamation by Martian governor John Hammerlich, the rights of all inhabitants in the Martian Colonie s nd any other residents of Mars to be independent of any a political or governmental interference from Earth were assured. as issued the Fundamental Declaration of The governor’s office h e Martian Colonies, declaring independence from Terran th cont and rol and asserting that the Martian Colonies are a free sove and reign body in their own right, with the same rights powe nor rs as the New United Nations of Terra. While Gover Ham an merlich has made no direct moves against the Terr pres mer ence on Mars, his Martian Militia along with for Cons of ortium forces have stationed themselves within range the U ral ESF base at Sidonia. A message has been sent to Gene “Ham inti merin’ Harry” Williamson, the base commander and a Kz war om veteran, politely asking that his troops withdraw fr Mars ers . General Williamson has thus far refused pending ord from his superiors back on Terra.

It sh ons ould be noted that cooler heads at the New United Nati man ary aged to prevail over the war hawks demanding a milit crac ent kdown of the “Martian Revolt.” In a public statem issu N Secretary General N’dengi ed two days later, New U Sulimari formally recognized the independence of Mars and ordered General Williamson to start preparing a withdrawal. He then successfully negotiated a treaty with the newly independent Mars allowing UESF forces to remain, helping to provide protection against a potential Kzinti sneak attack while training and building the new Martian Army. New trade and exchange agreements with Mars negotiated in parallel helped to alleviate many of the problems that had caused the “Martian Revolt” in the first place. The quick thinking of Sulimari help nip this crisis in the bud and allowed the Sol System to remain united against the threat of the Kzinti. As for Mars, it gained its independence, became the first former Terran space colony to be recognized as an independent political entity in its own right. Y WARP DRIVE BECOMES REALIT ST 2060 cCONNELL – 1 AUGU ABS EVENING NEWS WITH MITCH M

What you are about to see, folks, is only going to last for a split second. (video rolls) Did you spot it? Let’s play that again but slow it down this time so you can se it.

(video rolls, frame by frame, stops on a blurred image)

That is the UES Bonaventure passing the UESF cruiser Timonshenko as she builds up speed for her first warp drive run, which was a complete success. Today the Bonaventure became the first starship to ever maintain a speed faster than the speed of light for practically an entire long range journey. Reporter Lindsay Fuller was on sight at the Pluto Test Range for this historic occasion.

FULLER: Thank you, Mitch. With me is warp drive inventor Zefram Cochrane of Alpha Centauri, the man responsible for this remarkable achievement. Mr. Cochrane, how do you feel right now?

COCHRANE: Kinda giddy. Excited, happy – you name it.

FULLER: You’ve waited a long time for this, haven’t you

COCHRANE: All my life.

FULLER: It’s going to make a big difference in the war, isn’t it?

COCHRANE: Well, I’m not a military man. I try to stay out of their business and they mine.

FULLER: But this is going to make their jump drives obsolete, isn’t it?

omething they had COCHRANE: That was an inferior kludge, s to have because I wasn’t here to do it right. This (points to the ship behind him) is the way it should be … it will be. You just wait and see.

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THE WAR IS OVER! ONNELL ABS EVENING NEWS WITH MITCH McC 23 DECEMBER 2064

Good evening. As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, from far beyond the stars comes news that will make this year’s ristmas even more bright. The war is over. The Kzinti have Ch surrendered.

(cut to UESF press briefing room, General Dietrich smiling, surrounded by reporters, mikes waving, cameras flashing, etc.)

Yesterday we received communications from Kzinti forces that their ruler, whose title translates as Patriarch, had ordered them to stand down. Today the Patriarch’s ship approached our fleet and asked permission for him to come aboard. He came alone – a very proud being, very imposing. He asked for me, and once I arrived, he bowed and asked for terms of surrender.

The Patriarch stated that the Kzinti no longer had the strength to fight the war and continuing to do so would be a foolish and honor” in his own words. The seless gesture, a “death without u rms were simple enough: all Kzinti ships would stand down te and return to their homeworld, and Star Fleet forces would be a llowed unhindered access to Kzinti space so long as they did n ot land on Kzin. General Dietrich asked and was granted p ermission for his fleet to accompany the Patriarch’s ship back t o Kzin and remain in orbit to enforce the surrender. The Patriarch agreed. Finally, per th e last term of the surrender, h uman and Kziniti delegates will be meeting shortly at the n eutral planet of Sirius IX to formalize a treaty ending Kzinti d ominion of known space.

F olks, I don’t know about you, but this is the best Christmas p resent I could possibly think of this year. It’s over. It’s finally o ver. No more people are going to die in this bloody and s enseless war. It’s over. We’ve won. The Kzinti Empire is no m ore. Merry Christmas, and God bless you, everyone. Thank y ou, General Dietrich and the Star Fleet. Thank you, Zefram C ochrane. Thank you, Centaurean Defense Force. Thank you, S tar Fleet Marines, Hardigan’s Rangers, Skull Squadron, the Flying Vikings, the Legion of Apollos and many, many more. It’s over, thank God. It’s really, finally over. Proxima Centarui

Farside Moonbase (c.2050)

Marine night landing on Alpha Centauri (2058)

nes in combat – Operation Heavy Hammer (2059) UESF Mari

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