The last word on Beyond Protocol

by: Nathan - posted: 11/18/2008 3:48:00 PM

This is the last installment of Beyond Protocol stories on the site. What's next? Screen shots, user guides, and a game trailer! WooHoo! This time its Brandon Bachner telling the story from the front lines of the galactic campaign for president. Intrigued dear reader? You should be! Head on over to the next page and read how Democracy finally comes to the galaxy.

Creepy, isn’t it? The Four Horsemen, or the Apocalypse Imperium, or whatever they’re callin themselves now, just up and left, like Stark said, with no signs or traces of why. They haven’t been back in a few generations, so most are hopin they’re gone for good, but there are still some that talk about em like they were gods or saviors of man… I guess we’ll always have a few nuts wanderin around. Alright, so this is your final required read before takin the seat of power. I’m sure you’ve already worked out a few strategies for dealing with the Galactic Senate; hopefully this’ll give you some perspective on its origin.

Two selections from the journal of Galaxy Daily new reporter, Brandon Bachner

December 15th, 3659 TE
I don’t believe it! This is my big break. With the establishment of the Galactic Senate and unveiling of the Galactic Wars memorial in less than four months, I finally got hired at the Daily Galaxy paper. It’s not quite the Galactic News, but it’s a start! They also told me that if my first couple of stories go well, I’ll be part of the team covering the Senate’s inauguration! With all the fighting in the past few centuries, including galactic wars one and two (GWI and GWII), this is an incredible step to prosperity. Finally there will be a forum where the powers of space can talk about their opinions and concerns rather than just going to war.

I did some research and it seems that the method they chose for deciding on legislature will be similar to the method they used on Earth to elect leaders, almost four millennia ago. Apparently, some of our ancestors divided their land into states, the states would vote. Based on the population and size of the state, the winner would get a certain number of “electoral votes” and whoever got the most of those votes was elected. The new system is going to replace states with star systems. Each planet will be like a vote, decided by the inhabitants and their governments. Those votes will determine the winner of that star system. The winner of that star system gets a number of votes equal to the number of planets in the system, like electoral votes. I’m told that in the end it’s simpler to understand. I think it’s more fun to think about, but simpler isn’t the word I’d use.

I still need to impress them if they’re going to let me go, so I’ll have to work really hard for the next few months!

March 30th, 3660 TE
The Senate is finally a reality, and I was there to record it! It has been ten years exactly since the departure of the mysterious Apocalypse Imperium. “Civilized humanity is once more united with the intent of never again allowing such tyranny and oppression to trouble the people.” I’ve interviewed several of the new Senators, and most of them stated that line nearly verbatim. Then I got a chance to talk with one of the delegates from what was Rutal at the time of the Imperium’s disappearance, Jason Spinowski, was his name. He said that he would be using the position he was appointed to, on behalf of all those wishing to follow the teachings of “The 4”. He would not state any further what 4 he was referring to, but most of the time when that comes up in political speak, it means they are remnants, or new followers of, the Apocalypse Imperium. Additionally, I, along with a mob of other reporters covered the arrival of the delegates from: Traders Consortium, The Black Hand, and the Qua’Sha Conclave, as well as Jeffery Gordon, the private owner of over 30 space stations. The word is that he doesn’t actually qualify to be a delegate, but that he already has a few in his pocket…

After giving each press member a thorough scan and search, as well as a tamper proof tracking chip, they brought us inside the enormous Senate building, intended to house hundreds of thousands of representatives from all over the galaxy. This building also contains one of the largest and most complete libraries in existence, as well as an entertainment and culinary wing. It’s completely amazing! It is essentially an entire city under one roof. Then, of course there are the Senate Floor and the Emperor’s Chambers, each much larger than any arena I’ve ever been to.

After the tour, the guide told us to sample their restaurants. I was astounded at the selections, there were three dinners that I saw from systems I wasn’t even aware existed before today, and even a local chain from my home planet! I grabbed my usual, a four cheese pizza with avoid anchovies. That turned out to be not such a good idea when I was sitting in the Senate Floor for the next 5 hours…

The inauguration ceremony was inspiring, and it seemed almost as if there was a delegate or two from each planet within 100 light years! The available data on each delegate was impressive, and entirely optional, as some had no public information available at all. After the ceremony, there was a mock debate about the color of Earth’s sky, demonstrating to the public the process that the senate would take. The original proposals took place in the Emperor’s chambers, and were grey, green, purple and red. They announced that it was in fact blue for historic purposes, but encouraged the delegates to play along with one of the four. Only the most powerful of delegates were permitted to engage publicly in this discussion. The final proposal ended up being red. The discussion then moved to the Senate Floor. The transition and intermission were made fairly quickly, due to the multilevel rapid transit system between the two debate centers. Once on the Senate Floor the general discussion took place, it was half hearted at best, but served its purpose. The voting ensued and the proposal was rejected, although it was only rejected by a 50/20 ratio. I’m guessing not all of the delegates were amused.

Tomorrow, after some much needed sleep, I’m off to see the memorial and comment on that.

What a day!

-Brandon Bachner, 3637 - 3744 TE


Well, there you have it. The history of space travel as we know it from the perspective of six of the poor fools that lived through it. I’ll take their versions over the text books any day! If I had any better advice, I’d give it to you now, but I don’t so, I’ll just say this. It’s your turn to be writin the history. Remember those that got you here and that we’re all countin on you. Now, get out there and make somethin of this ragged bunch!